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Each Tuesday we will feature new music that should (or whatever) be on your radar.
Standouts:
1. Plumb - Blink: Plumb, on her website, defines her inspiration for her latest album thusly: "I have tried to make albums that reflect where I am at the time and right now my cup overflows with the inspiration of [my] two little boys...so they are evident in this project." Clearly. From the waltz-lullaby in "God Will Take Care of You," to "In My Arms" it is very evident that this album is dedicated to her children. Though this is incredibly cute and sometimes touching, it tends to be a little more personal than personable. She continues, "however it's an album ANYONE can enjoy. I promise." Enjoyable, yes but there are only so many songs that we can listen to that tell us to "Sleep, so soundly" or "You are my child," - it tends to be a bit much. Like Plumb goes onto say, "If you have a wife and you have children...um...buy it." We definitely agree with that sentiment.
Download: "In My Arms" and "Always"
2. The Kin - Rise and Fall: The Kin, comprised of Australian brothers Issac and Thorry Koren, delivers a solid rock sound with the added Australian flair that includes digerradoos and rhythmic percussionist "Shakerleg" who plays just with his hands. We were instantly impressed when we, on the spur of the moment, saw these guys play at World Cafe Live this past summer. Their strong blended vocals, emotionally charged lyrics, and memorable melodies are the reasons why these brothers are selling out shows in NYC. They'll be in SF on October 15th at the Independent.
Download: "Rise & Fall" and "Nowhere to Now-where"
For more info on other CD releases, take the jump...
Please Let Us Know What You Think About:
1. Band of Horses - Cease to Begin: Rolling Stones gave Cease to Begin a 4 out of 5 stars - not bad for a sophomore record. Band of Horses continue to create powerful ballads like "The General Specific" and "Window Blues."
2. Beirut - The Flying Club Cub: Tonight, Beirut will be playing their Eastern European flavored carnival indie-rock music at Herbst Theatre. The album was leaked back in August.
3. Sunset Rubdown - Random Spirit Lover: A lot is going on in Sunset Rubdown. The orchestration includes an accordion, glockenspiel, keyboards, guitar and drums. It's Spencer Krug's voice that is a bit much for us.
Upcoming Holiday Music:
1. Mindy Smith - My Holiday: Last year we had Sarah McLachlan's Wintersong to keep us in the holiday cheer. It seems that this year, it will be Mindy Smith. The instant you hear Smith's gorgeous lyrical voice singing on the title track, "My Holiday" you know the holidays are here, she sings: "Some will say that it's not about how many gifts are given out - it just makes the holiday feel like Christmas, when Christmas time is here." With six original songs and five classics such as "Away In A Manger" and "Silver Bells," it's not too hard to fall in love with soon-to-be-classic holiday album.
Download: "My Holiday" and "Follow the Shepard Home"
2. Josh Groban - Noel: It's Josh Groban; you either love him or hate him. We're sure that this album (though we haven't heard it yet) will be perfectly Grobanized - gorgeous string accompaniments, long high notes, huge endings, orchestral arrangements, different languages and of course several collaborations (the angelic Mormon Tabernacle Choir is one of them). We have a feeling you won't be disappointed.
Past Hits You Should Know About:
1. These Electric Lives - These Electric Lives EP: Earlier this summer an EP was released by an Canadian indie-rock band that blew us away with their strong vocals, catchy melodies and danceable beats. We're looking forward to the 2008 record that no doubt will be on our Top 10 list. Too bad they've only played the U.S. once (back in August) - they are planning a Northeast tour later this year.
Download: "Teach me to Focus" and "We Should Be Believing"
Guilty Pleasure for the Week:
1. Jennifer Lopez - Brave: We do dig her newest song but what's up with her newest video? (see below) Really, though. Kicking guys down the stairs, big fat girls, S&M, nasty club - we don't get it. What was with the kid at the end? Seems like the standard J.Lo album, something that will be popular for awhile but soon outplayed and hopefully forgotten.
Photos courtesy of:
Plumb: Press Photo
Mindy Smith: Press Photo
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What is this? "Either you love him or you hate him" in reference to Josh Groban and his new Christmas album NOEL. What is to hate about the greatest voice of this century? Spencer must only listen to Goth.
This is the finest album and Josh Groban's voice is to be admired and he deserves to be respected for the amazing voice with which he has been blessed.
What? Goth? No. (If I don't like quasi-classical/pop music I love goth music??)
Most Groban fans are SUPER fans, meaning they usually are in LOVE with him. And yes, I do know people who do not like him.
He has a wonderful voice and I'm sure I will listen to his new Christmas album, probably a lot.
The problem lends to the fact that each of his CD's follow a particular mold (as mentioned above) and they aren't changing it. It seems to be a little old (still enjoyable) - but that's just my gothic opinion. ;)
As far as his voice needs to be respected...that's a bit much, there are thousands of classically-trained singers that sing just as well or better than Groban, he's just the only one that has crossed over into the popular realm (and has thousands of twenty-something single woman fans). That is why he should be respected; he actually made an incredibly outdated genre popular again.
Spencer, didn't mean to offend you. And YES, I am a huge fan of Josh Groban.
The problem you describe regarding the formula of his sucessful albums is the exact reason he has an enormous fan base. So why mess with success? Why is it people in the review business are looking to change the very thing that has made the singer stand out in an industry where lip syncing and screaming is now called "music".
I don't think the word respect in a bit much at all. If those cross-over artists are so good, why aren't they on the top of the charts and selling out tours in minutes? And obviously "outdated" would be an incorrect adjective to describe this music because when the quality is high, it never goes out of popularity.
No offense.
First I'm not sure why lip syncing and screaming is called "music" - I think we agree in that regard.
Quality and popularity don't together in music as well. I sang Josh Groban's music in front of my classically-trained vocal teachers in college (as a part of my curriculum) and they hated it. Quality does not equal popular.
Why is "outdated" the incorrect adjective? I was talking about classical music - Who listens to classical music, goes to the symphony, the opera, ventures to study Bach, Beethoven, Verdi etc...? It's very few and far between (especially 20 somethings). Josh Groban was able to bridge the gap between classical (with his use of Italian arias and other art songs) and popular music to create his own genre. So yes, he did bring back "classical" in his own unique way - and again, that's why I respect his efforts and continue to listen to his music.
Hi again!
I am glad we agree, even if it is in different verbage.
What generated my reply was the Love or hate him comment. I have never heard anyone use that wording to describe the likability of his style before. Call me old fashioned. I just don't see what there is to hate about it. People not care for classical, as you call Josh's music, but "hate" is a very strong word. That was my point.
You may have only been discussing classical, I was talking about quality music in general. Seems today that music is becoming farther and farther from quality listening. Or at least what is popularized. I am constantly amazed at what gets nominated for Grammy's today.
I noticed your mention also of the 20 something fans that Josh has. It was actually the "older" ladies that supported Josh in the beginning. Now, and we are happy to report, there are more and more young women and men...that love and enjoy Josh at his concerts. It is also nice to see younger people benefiting from Josh's charitable contributions to the arts through his Foundation which is support through his fans charity, Grobanites for Charity. His foundation supports children's causes mostly and the arts programs. Did you read of his contributions in North Carolina after he had to postpone his concert there because illness? How many artists do that today?
This is not a bashing of you personally Spencer. It is just commenting on your style of reviewing, that is all. It is something you have to put up with if you are going to be reviewing others, right? LOL
By the way, have you listened to the Album you reviewed yet? If not, you should, it is most beautiful!!! I know you are going to love it.
I think the "love and hate" comment came from that I know several people who are in love with him (seriously in love) and several who can't stand him... that's all! :)
I think a lot of what's happening on the radio is definitely not "quality" though I do think that a lot of the artists that I cover on the New Tunes Tuesday are quality artists in their own right. Several emerging indie-rock artists that have substance and are doing something new and edgy.
That's awesome about the charities. Very cool.
I haven't listened to the album yet - will do as soon as Halloween is over. I hate listening to Christmas music before! ;) I have heard clips though...
It's good to get comments! ;) Thanks!