When I hear a song that I really enjoy, I can’t help but sing along. It doesn’t exactly matter if I don’t know the words because, let’s face it, half of the people that sing along don’t know the words, either. Generally speaking, I only do this with songs that I have heard at least once or twice. That was not the case with Love and Theft’s “World Wide Open.” Before the first song was even halfway through, I was attempting to belt it out as if I’d heard it countless times. Thankfully I was in the comfort of my own car and not in a public place when I started listening to “World Wide Open,” because I’m not sure that I could’ve kept my mouth shut in even the busiest of department stores.
Love and Theft’s blend of pop and country is different than what most country-pop fusion groups have to offer. Not one song is “too country” or “too pop.” Their tight harmonies, reminiscent of those created by Crosby, Stills and Nash, are adorned with a country twang. Sounds simple enough, right? Not exactly. Oftentimes, groups that attempt to fuse the two together have difficulty finding a happy medium. This is not the case with Love and Theft. They found a balanced center by tossing in a bit of Emerson Drive with Crosby, Stills and Nash. I think my iTunes may have found a new most played artist. Not bad for a debut full length album.
These three musical men sang their way into the heart of the one and only Taylor Swift, snagging the spot to open for her 2008 headlining tour. Stephen Barker Liles, Brian Bandas and Eric Gunderson each take turns singing lead throughout the course of the 11 track album. This gives “World Wide Open” an interesting sound throughout and keeps it from getting monotonous.
Although there isn’t a single song on the disc that I dislike, four songs certainly jump out to me. ”World Wide Open,” the first song on the CD, showcases the group’s ability to produce appealing harmonies, a solid country/pop/rock blend and dynamics. ”Runaway,” the second track, is the one that would’ve caused some embarrassment had I heard it for the first time in a public place. It makes me dance in my seat and belt out the words regardless of where I am. (Apologies to my roommates.) Every individual has had a bad enough day, month or week and wanted to run away for a bit to escape reality. As if the musicality of the song wasn’t enough, the lyrics allow everyone to find a common ground and relate to the song’s subject matter.
The last two songs on the CD are just as great as the first. ”Me Without You” possesses more of a country vibe and makes me feel the same way I do when I hear the Rascal Flatts song, “Melt.” Simply put, it is heartwrenchingly romantic.
Baby, tonight I’m gonna light your favorite candles,
I’m gonna open a bottle of our favorite Spanish wine.
I’m gonna listen to the song that we mad love to the first time.
It’s all that I can do…I can try to be, but I’m not me without you.
The same can be said for “Drowning,” the final song on the CD. It has more of a country twang, but it also is full of harmonies. The chorus certainly could have been found on a Crosby, Stills and Nash album. The harmonies are just as tight and full as those that brought CSN to fame in the past.
To learn more, head to the group’s Myspace page. Whether you’re a die hard country fan, a pop enthusiast or a rocker, you just might find something you enjoy.
World Wide Open:
Runaway Music Video:
Me Without You:
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Tags: Brian Bandas, Country Music, Eric Gunderson, Love and Theft, Music, Pop Music, rock music, Stephen Barker Liles, Taylor Swift, World Wide Open
Forming a band from a group of individuals that have been trained in genres ranging from classical music to rock music to electronic is a difficult feat. Each style has its own strengths and complications, and attempting to fuse them together could easily turn out to be a jumbled mess. California Wives, a four piece band from Chicago, has found a way to do so seamlessly.
In playing up to the strengths of what each genre has to offer, California Wives deliver a full sound, rather than the hollow sound too many songs possess today. The result is their own unique style, different from most of what we hear attacking the radio waves. Their decision to combine vocals, guitar, bass, keyboard and synthesizers create a strong enough sound that can fill the largest of rooms, not simply because of large speakers, but because nothing is missing. The listener is able to walk away without feeling cheated or wondering what could’ve changed to make the sound better. It’s just…full.
Somehow, the group has found a way to make these instruments come together to form a classic rock style with a distortion effect. Crazy, I know. Rather than making the group’s sound too electronic, the distortion effect helps to keep a style that we’ve all grown accustomed to very current and very now. A perfect example of this can be heard in “French Words,” the second song on their most current EP. The alternative, classic rock foundation is heightened by sound distortions but still delivers a genuine sound through embracing the musicality of the other instruments.
This genuineness that can be heard in the group’s music is also evident in the way the group performs. Granted, I saw them play at a house party in Urbana, Illinois, but it has been so long since I’ve seen a group that was strictly performing to perform. There wasn’t an extravagant backdrop or flashing lights. Pyrotechnics only would’ve burned the sound absorbent mattresses lined up against the woodwork adorned walls. Rather than costume changes in between songs, they’d take a swig of their drinks and get going again.
THANK YOU. Thank you for being real and doing what you were there to do. The group was there to entertain and entertain they did. California Wives didn’t need anything but themselves, their instruments and their equipment to do so.
California Wives has successfully found a way to master a sound where old meets new. The group’s talent becomes apparent after listening to just one song. It’s musicality and production aspects (all of which were done within the group) keep things real, and are sure to leave listeners with a more than positive experience.
[Update: Head to the group's MySpace page to hear Twenty Three, their latest release!]
Filed under: Featured Artist, Music, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment
Tags: Alternative, California Wives, Chicago, chicago music, Classical music, Dan Zima, electronic, Hans Michel, Jayson Kramer, Joe O'Connor, Music, Old meets new, rock music, synthesizer
Sister Hazel “Release”
Some CDs are extremely easy to listen to. They don’t require too much thought and can be tossed into the CD player regardless of your mood. Sister Hazel’s latest release, “Release,” happens to be one of those CDs. I have listened to this while working on the most boring homework assignment, while I was extremely upset and during a drive on one of the sunniest days of the semester.
It is music like this that I respect quite a bit. I can’t deny that I like a challenge when I listen to certain music. I love to analyze the lyrics and try and figure out what the artist/songwriter is trying to say. However, there are definitely times where I would rather just sit…and listen. With “Release,” I can do just that. This rock CD is the group’s 7th release. Each member contributed at least two songs to the 12 track album, creating track list with a whole slew of full sounding songs.
[Random sidenote: If you can't think of why you know the name "Sister Hazel," look up the song All for You on Google, and relive the memories you created in 1996. Otherwise, it could be because the band has sold over 2 million records and is on Twitter's "Recommended User's list. Then again...it could be the mere fact that they have had 7 top 3o singles. No big deal.]
The “chill” vibe heard on “Release” is addicting. It relaxes me almost immediately and let’s me truly enjoy what I’m listening to. Yes, it is possible for music to have a relaxing effect. Once you sort through all of the computerized music that is attacking radio stations everywhere and take a second to appreciate the full sound a band like Sister Hazel can create, you may take a trip back to the days where instruments created music. Trust me, it’s better there.
Lead singer Ken Block uses the same conversational tone he used on his solo album. Just as it did on his own album, his voice makes the CD comfortable to listen to, as if the band happened to be hanging out in your living room with you, performing nonchalantly.
Choosing standout songs made me realize something else about this album. After looking at my “final list,” I went through and listened to the songs again. None of them sound the same! Sure, all of them are the same genre, but the general feel emanating from each song is different. This truly makes me appreciate the talent the group has in the songwriting department. They have an understanding of what it takes to make a well rounded album and used each bandmate’s strong points to create one great sounding CD.
The songs that best showcase this diversity are Take a Bow (a song driven by a rock vibe, more reminiscent of their previous work), Run for the Hills (a catchy, upbeat song that will be stuck in your head for days–not to worry, this is a good thing), Better Way (a slower, soft rock piece with strong lyrics and a string section ranging from violins to electric guitars), and Vacation Rain (a buoyant song that makes me want to skip down the street with the shoelaces of my bright pink Converse untied…listen and you will understand).
One song served as a pleasant surprise to me, too, and I feel as though I can’t finish this review without commenting on it. One Life, an “almost ballad,” flew out of my computer speakers with an unexpected smoothness. A song that deals with an individual looking back on a past relationship and longing to be with that person once again, One Life made me stop working on outside things for the entirety of the song. It made me curious, and made me listen to it again…and again. The vocals and softer instrumentals come together to create a sound representative of the vulnerability the aforementioned individual is feeling. When the lyrics and instrumentals form a relationship like that, the song leaves me in awe.
If you’re in the mood for an upbeat song, grab “Release.” If you’d rather take a 5 minute break and listen to a slow song, scroll to “Release” on your iPod and veg out. If you feel like joining me in running around like a little kid with your shoelaces untied to escape reality for a bit, blast “Release” from a CD player on your front porch and go for it. The diversity offered on this CD is amazing, and is sure to speak to you, regardless of your mood.
Take a Bow:
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Tags: Better Way, Ken Block, One Life, Release, Rock Ridge Music, Run For the Hills, Sister Hazel, Take A bow, Vacation Rain
So I’m sitting here working on my homework and watching the VMAs. I generally don’t watch these unless I’m doing something mindless, but this year, 2 crazy things happened within the first 10 minutes and I haaad to keep it on after that.
The Michael Jackson tribute was amazing. Having it end with Janet dancing along with a video of their hit song “Scream” was a perfect way for things to end. I was actually excited to watch the show.
And then Kanye dropped the ball. Why am I surprised?
Watch the AP video here first: (There is a short ad at the beginning.)
Isn’t that absurd? I’m sorry you didn’t win anything, Kanye. Maybe people would like you if you weren’t such a tool.
Ah, I jumped the gun when I said only 2 things happened…. I forgot that Lady GaGa was performing. She chose to perform “Paparazzi” and drenched her white leotard in a red liquid to simulate blood. Really? I get that you don’t like the paparazzi, but are they actually killing you? Personally, if you die from something anytime soon, I think it’ll be suffocation from one of your ridiculous headpieces. It’ll probably be the one you wore tonight. What a joke.
Luckily, two occurrences (aside from the MJ tribute) saved the absurdity of the evening. Pink’s performance was absolutely amazing. She sang “Sober” while hanging from the ceiling and performing acrobatics as if she were a part of a circus. Crazy, insane and awesome. Thank you for making the VMAs worth watching. The second solid moment was when Beyonce let Taylor Swift have her time to shine. Rather than giving her own acceptance speech, she invited Taylor Swift onstage to have her own moment. Thanks to you, too.
Overall, I wish I had only seen the MJ tribute, Pink, Beyonce and the awkwardness that ensued when Lil’ Mama hopped on stage during the Jay-Z/Alicia Keys performance. Your lip gloss is not poppin’, nor was it ever cool. End of story.
Filed under: Music, Uncategorized | 2 Comments
Tags: Kanye, Kanye West, MTV, MTV Video Music Awards, Pink, Taylor Swift, Video Music Awards, VMAS
"Art is so arbitrary to the viewer that great art can come from the most unexpected places." - Leah Roszkowski
I really need to start surrounding myself with less talented people. Some sing, some dance, some are great writers and some, like Leah, are amazing artists. Despite how great my stick figures may appear, they are nothing compared to the intricate details Leah Roszkowski includes in her art…and she’s extremely modest about it.
Regardless of how large a part of her life art has become, it began as a hobby for Roszkowski. In middle school, she started to allow art to fit into her schedule by drawing portraits of her friends. It wasn’t until her senior year in high school that she truly began to consider art for a career. Her art teacher, Mr. Volker, became very interested in her work and encouraged her to pursue art. Graduation would test whether or not her knack for art would follow her into her college years.
Although she continued to keep art in her life, Roszkowski chose to enter college as a nursing major. Halfway through her freshman year, she switched out of the major because, as thrilling as all of the chemistry classes probably were (…..), she simply did not enjoy it. The second semester of her freshman year served as a time for her to explore other majors before settling into one yet again. After looking into architecture, history and civil engineering, Roszkowski knew that she could no longer deny her love for drawing and chose to stick with it.
Since the major switch, Roszkowski has dabbled in a multitude of styles and media. This has allowed her to realize her personal style…and she doesn’t have one. As an individual who thrives on change, being able to jump around and experiment with various styles and media is the perfect solution for Roszkowski.
Despite her clear talent for art and her passion for drawing, Roszkowski still experiences doubts here in there in regards to sticking to art. (She’s human. She questions things just like the rest of us.) As much as I would love to describe these feelings for you myself, the best way to do it would be to allow you to hear Roszkowski’s thoughts on the subject:
It can be so frustrating at times when I start working on a piece and I hit a dead end. The best comparison that I can think of to explain it is writer’s block. Most of the time though, I push through it and get the drawing finished. It’s the best feeling in the world when you transform something that looks terrible into something that you are proud of. I think it’s that challenge that makes me love it so much.
Told you so.
Aside from her passion, the support of her family, particularly her mom, helps to keep her involved in art. (Insert Leah’s voice, again):
My mom has always been very supportive of my artwork. She is the one that totally convinced me to be an art major. Unlike most parents who would consider art “unpractical,” my mom has always believed that if you do what you love, it will work itself out.
Clearly, her mom was right in encouraging her daughter to pursue art. Roszkowski has excelled in photography, drawing, graphic design, painting and being an all around extremely creative person. In fact, her ideal career would not be sitting around in a gallery all day, debating the deeper meaning of the works created by art “geniuses.” Instead, she would much rather diving into something that allows her to utilize her creativity. Judging by just how creative and talented she is, Roszkowski should have no trouble in finding a job that suits her many creative talents.
To learn more about Leah Roszkowski and her work, please visit her website.
Pictured below is the work Roszkowski is most proud of–a series of one tree throughout the four seasons. The tree figure is drawn on a surface collaged with old receipts to keep the work environmentally friendly.
Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall
Filed under: Featured Artist, Random, Uncategorized | 1 Comment
Tags: Art, Creative, Drawing, hobby, Leah Roszkowski, Painting, talent
There are very few CDs that I can listen to over and over again. ”Chances, Stances & Romances” has found a way to join this extremely exclusive, members-only club. Andrew Hoover’s fusion of acoustic soul, R&B, Latino flair and blues creates a musical taste-treat that is sure to entertain all ears for hours on end. This 21-year-old musician began in the entertainment industry as a caterer and apprentice for top chefs in Connecticut but soon realized that his knack for music was one that far outweighed even the most delicious creme brulee.
After spending all of his free time in the music practice rooms during college (after his homework was done, of course), Hoover decided to dream big and pursue music as a career. He recorded his first EP in his garage in 2007 and planned out a tour for himself. Thank God he did. Without his dedication, we all may have been deprived of ”Chances, Stances & Romances.” That just wouldn’t be right.
Hoover’s upbeat music makes me want to go outside and enjoy the summer. It makes me want to run around and dance anywhere and everywhere. The rhythmic pulse from Hoover’s slap-guitar technique plays perfectly off of his playful lyrics and makes for a witty 14-track album. A perfect example of the game between the lyrics and the rhythm is Back at One. Driven by a Latino sounding guitar part and the never late slap of the instrument, Back at One is an extremly flirty song that still holds on to a mature level of musicality. This is something most mainstream artists seem to have trouble with. Perhaps Hoover should start giving lessons to the musicians that plaster their overly flirty, hardly musical pieces all over the radio…
20 minutes later: I’ve been clicking around listening to the songs on “Chances, Stances & Romances” and cannot pick out a normal amount of standout songs. I have no favorites! I have nothing to tear apart! How are they all so good? What is the world coming to? Andrew Hoover, you have made me nervous. I fear that you will have a very difficult time trumping this album when you start working on your second, third, fourth, twelfth…. This is not to say that I don’t have faith in your ability. I have tons of faith. I’m just not sure how you’ll be able to come up with another album that flows so well and fuses such an ecclectic collection of genres together.
“Chances, Stances & Romances” is making me excited for the 8-hour road trip I have ahead of me. Choosing out CDs for a roadtrip is always quite the process for me, but this time, I have no question as to which one I will grab first.
Fans of the playful music of Jason Mraz or Marc Broussard, add money to your iTunes account now, and set an alarm on your phones for September 22nd. Ya’ll have an amazing CD to add to your collection.
…Seriously, though. Set an alarm. And head to his website to learn more and to hear more of his music!
Back at One:
Save Me:
Lie to Me:
Filed under: Music, Sneak Peek | Leave a Comment
Idol Judge Resigns
It’s official. Paula Abdul will not be returning for the next season of American Idol. Apparently, she and the producers could not come to a financial agreement about her return. Interesting…rumor has it that Simon “No Shame” Cowell got a raise for the upcoming season.
This is not a happy day! First, Britney Spears is nominated for far too many VMAs, and now American Idol will not have a single emotionally driven woman on the judges panel. What’s an idol fan to do?
Although Paula’s comments were often regarded as fluff, she certainly brought a quality to the show that will not be replicated by Kara Dioguardi in any way, shape or form. Her playful nature with Simon always resulted in laughter from the audience and witty comments from Ryan Seacrest. Now the studio will be filled with “I don’t know mans” and “that was horrid.” Let us not forget the borderline inappropriate comments Kara Dioguardi threw out to Adam Lambert a particular male contestant.
Let’s face it. Here and there, America needed to be reminded that the contestants looked beautiful. We could always count on Paula for that. Well, that and her sideways clap. You will be missed, Paula! Fluff, crazy glam jewelry, indecipherable comments and all.
Abdul, out.
Filed under: American Idol, Music, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment
Tags: Adam Lambert, American Idol, Britney Spears, Kara Dioguardi, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, Ryan Seacrest, Simon Cowell, VMA
Oh, the humanity!
The craziness that is B-Spears.
Yes, it has finally happened. Britney Spears is being commended for all of her recent…accomplishments. “Musically,” that is. This morning, E! Online reported that the one and only B-Spears has been nominated for 7, yes-count them, 7, MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs).
*Madness ensues.
What does this mean? This means people will walk the streets thinking that her music is good, that she has talent, that…that…that it is okay to sing “Mmm Papi” as a 10-year-old.
The music B-Spears performs (not sings–she’s far too computer enhanced to call it singing) definitely gets 10 out of 10 stars in the “fun” category. It makes people dance, laugh and have an overall good time. Trying to deny that would be ridiculous. However, is it good music? No! Aside from the “Best Dance Album” award, does Circus deserve anything? Let’s say it together now…no.
Thank God this isn’t the nomination list for the Grammys. If that were the case, I would feel awful for all of the great musicians that were if-you-seeked-over. Still, I would like to think that a television channel titled “Music Television” might have an understanding of what good music is. This is the channel that was all about Michael Jackson in the ’80s. What happened?! Now MTV tosses out 7 nominations to performers that have taken the VMA stage like this in the past:
2007 VMA “Gimme More” Performance:
Evidently, MTV does not learn from experience. Instead, it has decided to commend that artist 7 times over.
Top nominees for the 2009 VMA awards are Lady GaGa and Beyonce, who both snagged 9 nominations. Totally understand Beyonce, but Lady Gaga? Not so much.
To read the full article on the B-Spears nominations from E! Online, click here.
Filed under: Music | Leave a Comment
Tags: 2009 VMAs, B-Spears, Beyonce, Britney Spears, E!, E! Online, hot mess, If You Seek Amy, Lady Gaga, MTV, Music, Video Music Awards, VMAS
Police report: Fashion crimes have taken a severe turn for the worse. Individuals are wearing leggings with crop tops. Red and hot pink closet vomit has been spotted on individuals roaming the streets of Chicago. What’s ok to do and what isn’t? With as crazy as some of the items labeled as “couture” in our favorite magazines have been, it’s often difficult to tell what is trendy and what is destined for failure. (After all, if it was worn by a celebrity it should be ok, right? Right?…WRONG.)
Once again, Katie has given us some long-lasting tips for what we should be thinking (or not thinking) when we open our closet doors.
Filed under: Fashion | Leave a Comment
Tags: black eyeliner, Chicago, clothes, couture, eyeliner, Fashion, Fashion tips, Fashionista, High waisted skirts, Leggings, Make-up, Style, stylish, Yay or Nay
Benjy Davis Project “Dust”
Music [myoo-zik] noun: An art form created to evoke some form of emotion with the use of instrumentation, voice and the dance between rhythm, melody and harmony.
No, I’m not a dictionary, but I believe I have a solid understanding of what music is and what elements have the ability to draw people in. ”Dust,” the latest release from the Benjy Davis Project, a group out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, showcases that the members of the Benjy Davis Project also have a distinct understanding of what music is and how to create a successful sound.
The way the Benjy Davis Project goes about this is not exactly the same way the musicians riding the radio waves attract listeners. Yes, certain songs on “Dust” made me dance in my chair (particularly Still Sweet) and many of them reminded me of certain things many of us have overcome throughout the course of our lives. However, I believed that the five members of the Benjy Davis Project have experienced these emotions, as well. Truthful artists?! Do those exist?
YES, yes they do, without the sex drenched lyrics and car door rattling bass sounds.
By the time Sweet Southern Moon, the third song on “Dust,” began dancing out of my computer speakers, I realized that even though the only relationship I have with these musicians is between the physical CD and me, I trusted them. Much like I mentioned about Ken Block, the lyrics written by the Benjy Davis Project are conversational. Nothing is far fetched and I do not doubt that the band members have experienced the emotions they write about.
Benjy Davis’ (lead vocals, acoustic and electric guitar) raspy yet pure voice delivers the honest lyrics perfectly with a jazzy, blues tapped, country-pop vibe, reminiscent of an early Ben Folds. The harmony parts and instrumentals delivered by Mic Capdevielle (drums, percussion, vocals), Jonathan Lawhun (electric lead guitar, banjo), Matt Rusnak (bass guitar), Michael Galasso (piano, B3 organ, Wurlitizer, harmonica, vocals) help to give each song a full sound, leaving the listener feeling completely engaged throughout the course of “Dust.”
The variety of instruments used on this album cannot be overlooked. From B3 organ to banjo to electric guitar, the five members of the Benjy Davis Project have certainly proven themselves as musicians. The guitar solo in Good Enough speaks for itself but the song’s title does not do it justice.
Aside from dancing in my chair, the emotions evoked from listening to “Dust” are all extremely positive ones. Anyone watching me write this review right now is probably wondering what I’m smiling about. To those of you that may have asked yourself that question: I am not smug nor am I watching some ridiculous YouTube video. I’m not stalking someone on Facebook or catching up on my celebrity crush’s Tweets. I’m listening to the Benjy Davis Project’s latest album, “Dust,” and I find it much more fun and fulfilling than all of the above activities combined.
To learn more about the Benjy Davis Project, head to their website.
Standouts from “Dust” include:
I Love You:
Sweet Southern Moon:
Good Enough:
Filed under: Music | Leave a Comment
Tags: Album Review, Baton Rouge, Ben Folds, Benjy Davis, Benjy Davis Project, Blues, Country-Pop, Dust, Good Enough, I Love You, Jazz, Jonathan Lawhun, Louisiana, Matt Rusnak, Mic Cpdevielle, Michael Galasso, Music, Rock Ridge Music, Still Sweet, Sweet Southern Moon
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Recent Entries
- Love and Theft’s “World Wide Open” had me singing along before I knew the words
- Featured Artist: California Wives
- Sister Hazel “Release”
- MTV Video Music Awards and Why Kanye West is a TOOL
- A New Kind of Featured Artist: Leah Roszkowski
- Sneak Peek: Andrew Hoover “Chances, Stances & Romances” due out 9/22/2009
- Idol Judge Resigns
- Oh, the humanity!
- Yay or Nay: Just because you’ve seen it, doesn’t make it right.
- Benjy Davis Project “Dust”
- Featured Artist: Placebo releases “Battle for the Sun”
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