What Are You Listening To?

[Music Head]

listened online



Tennessee band formed in 2005, with their second album. Once again band was discovered by posting their work on the Myspace page, which was heard by former Creed bassist Breet Hestla, who set them up. The band consists of Kenneth Nixon: Vocals, Piano, Guitar, Ryan Belcher: Guitar, Piano, Backing Vocals, Brandon Wootten: Guitar, Backing Vocals, Luke McDuffee: Bass, Backing Vocals and Chris Vest: Drums. The band is most noted for a cover of Lil Waynes Lollipop which was released after their first album. The first album was then re-released in hopes of capitalizing on that, but it fell as flat as the first time. So this is attempt #2, which fell just short of flat for me, with over half the tunes less than the like mark. You Stupid Girl was released as a single in the U.S. and Back To Go Again in the U.K.

I DO NOT LIKE THIS ALBUM

Worst Track - Livin' So Divine

Best Track - You

If you're still up for chasing dreams
I've got a bottle, two glasses and a backseat.
And a lot of things to resolve
If you've got the time at all

I'm not one to be much different
Than who I really am
I lived my life for way too long
Trying to please everyone else.
Sometimes I should probably
Just bite my goddamn tongue
Will I've said too much a few times
But how much is enough

For you
'Cause I don't want to lose you

I was thinking about telling you
I was in love
I was in love with you

No palace of words will make this better
If there's deceit in every letter
You came to me with hope for a future
And I came to you with a waiting line

For you
'Cause I don't want to lose you

I was thinking about telling you
I was in love
I was in love with you
With you
With you
I'm in love with you

1) Intro - 1.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CJ7xQ2V-Q0
2) The Promise - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQYaCh3Uxqw
3) Wake Up - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpW-NXkKrrA
4) Bittersweet Sundown - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAjC6EbvYdE
5) War Zone - 2.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ss0j6e5TAA
6) You Stupid Girl - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFneKfm1otA
7) Weight Of The World - 2.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1usd8biuNMw
8) Fool With Dreams - 2.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rk8DSp5hDVw
9) Back To Go Again - 2.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edVcFbmJFJg
10) Livin' So Divine - 1.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=964V6nLD49g
11) You - 2.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVVQpvMwY5M
12) Photographs & Gasoline - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMrW-MzPZM4
13) The Burn - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=La9trK9TxUU

Average Rating - 1.6

[ConMan]

Sham 69 - Angles (oops) -Angels With Dirty Faces
An oldie but a goodie!

[Music Head]

Sham 69 - Angles With Dirty Faces
An oldie but a goodie!

.lol. he said Angles
Never called anybody angle face.
That is pretty cool.

"hey, angle face, bring me a beer.................uh, please."

[Music Head]

listened online



Marina Lambrini Diamandis is her actual name, but she goes by Marina & The Diamonds. She hails from Wales. I guess there is no group, The Diamonds. Whatever. Being compared to a variety of singers, none of which I hear, but she does ring a bell. Unfortunately, not very loud. Ferris, anyone? I'm hearing some Kate Bush. A few good tracks and some borderline great tracks here. Mostly great lyrics. Real cool video on track 3, and excellent live clips on #6 and #12. From those and other live clips, this girl's got something!

I LIKE THIS ALBUM

Worst Track - Hermit The Frog

Best Track - Seventeen

1) Are You Satisfied? - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oS2vMUIPeT4
2) Shampain - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICzVlNrkFDE
3) I Am Not A Robot - 2.0 - video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_oMD6-6q5Y
4) Girls - 2.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3O2W18RE6nI
5) Mowglis Road - 1.5 - video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwfCjYv7gVQ
6) Obsessions - 2.5 - live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxw0g2tl_Jg
7) Hollywood - 2.0 - video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1VTcJfL7RE
8) The Outsider - 2.0 - live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Lz4eyirCIE
9) Guilty - 1.5 - live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySQ1i5mwvEg
10) Hermit The Frog - 1.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgiAribnCAM
11) Oh No! - 2.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1t77mkzVko
12) Seventeen - 2.5 - live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WiUOxoGfbc
13) Numb - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IutcPpb73zA

[Music Head]

listened online



Minneapolis duo of Peter Pisano and Brian Moen with their debut album. Nothing on here for me. Didn't like totally suck or anything. In fact, with more listens, I'm sure some of this would improve a notch to a like. Not many tracks too show.

I DO NOT LIKE THIS ALBUM

Worst Track - For Now

Best Track - In Response

1) Crutch & Cane - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wA_erXmMGk4
2) Hard As Nails - 1.5
3) Down Down Down - 1.5
4) Untitled 101 - 1.5 - live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKYLDedIxAg
5) For Now - 1.0
6) You're So High - 1.5 - live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J23DxMIzkeo
7) Demo 01 - 1.5
8) Lion - 1.0
9) Playwright - 1.0
10) Saturday Night - 1.5
11) In Response - 1.5

Average Rating - 1.4

[Music Head]

listened online



Canadian band formed in 2004 with their second album. Have toured with Franz Ferdinand, Peter Bjorn and Hot Chip. This album was recorded in 2 weeks. Usually all for that kind of output, but in this case, maybe not so much. Nothing on here I liked. Lead single is Sole Brother. I can hear some Surfer Blood and Vampire Weekend everywhere.

I DO NOT LIKE THIS ALBUM

Worst Track - Blood, The Sun & Water

Best Track - What To Say

1) Oh Man - 1.5 - live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3NuEi2354M
2) Retard Canard - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYeyqPq__Ts
3) Sole Brother - 1.5 - live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmElbXNsJk4
4) What To Say - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkdP5FltXm0
5) The Ballad Of Moose Bruce - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8_vLlvhRnk
6) Higher And Higher - 1.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gf8zPby5i6c
7) Come Back - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7p9z3oBd_xw
8) Nova-Leigh - 1.5 - live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8o_U84wWPI
9) Blood, The Sun & Water - 1.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aqSkbQc_xY
10) At Home Now - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r88jlmOHhtE

Average Rating - 1.4

[Music Head]

listened online



Sixth album for Mr. Johnson, but the first for me. I've previously only heard songs on the UK radio station. So I knew of his style. Always get him and John Mayer mixed up. Both superb at what they do. Didn't know he was Hawaiin. Pro surfer turned musician. Interesting that each of the five previous albums have gone platinum. And a soundtrack for Curious George took him to the top. This one was recorded in three weeks. The way to do it, I say. Pretty good stuff, with 2 near excellent tracks for me, and only 1 that fell short.

I LIKE THIS ALBUM

Worst Track - When I Look Up

Best Track - Only The Ocean

After all this time after all these seasons
After your one decision to go to the water for reason
Now it’s only the ocean and you
After all these lines will all be erased soon
They go out with the tide
Then come back with the waves
It’s only the ocean and you
You don’t want you don’t wait
You don’t love but you don’t hate
You just roll over me and you pull me in
When this work is done and this coat is dry
When this world is too much, it will be
Only the ocean and me anekatips
When these sails go up, mountains fade away
Stars come out, I’m finally free
Now it’s only the ocean and me
You don’t want, you don’t wait
You don’t love, but you don’t hate
You just roll over me and you pull me in
And you pull me in
You don’t want, you don’t wait
You don’t love, but you don’t hate
You just roll over me and you pull me in
And you pull me in
You just roll over me and you pull me in!

1) You And Your Heart - 2.0 - live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3_1fiKu9iQ
2) To The Sea - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23iQIe1SsQQ
3) No Good With Faces - live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ROAE9tPPro
4) At Or With Me - 2.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zT0Uhyllqx8
5) When I Look Up - 1.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWKZTeYjwrk
6) From The Clouds - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsQrAzH0dU0
7) My Little Girl - 1.5 - live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNUa5ByQMug
8) Turn Your Love - 2.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaLZAAyDUqg
9) The Upsetter - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwppDhkQnp4
10) Red Wine, Mistakes, Mythology - 2.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PD5R5K3aMGU
11) Pictures Of People Taking Pictures - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wi718Bb2_Is
12) Anything But The Truth - 2.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jo5cDUfX3ig
13) Only The Ocean - 2.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-l0UdsIPsJ4

Average Rating - 1.8

[Music Head]

listened online



Ohio band formed in 2001, consisting of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist JT Woodruff, bassist and backing vocalist Matt Ridenour, and drummer Eron Bucciarelli. This is their fourth album. A label jump for this one (Wind-Up), after suing the old one (Victory), for who knows what. Just barely makes a passing grade for me. Nervous Breakdown is the first single. Hearing some Story Of The Year and MCR.

I LIKE THIS ALBUM

Worst Track - Hollywood & Vine

Best Track - Boy

One sad and lonely boy
Who could not fill the void
In his hollow and empty chest
His head is such a mess
She can never find the time
To try and clear his mind
It's as cloudy as the sky
Without a ray of light
He never thought she said
I love you like a son
I know your fathers gone
And the damage has been done
Tonight never let me hold you tight
Never got to say goodbye
Out of one and only
One and only night
Everytime he cried
He held it deep inside
So no one would ever know
The boy felt so alone
It could never find the time
To untie all the lies
She's worried about herself
He's crying out for help
He never thought she said
I love you like a son
I know your fathers gone
And the damage has been done
Tonight never let me hold you tight
Never got to say goodbye
Out of one and only
One and only night
Never let me hold you tight
Never got to say goodbye
Out of one and only
One and only night
Heart of gold with a soul to match
I never thought anything could hold me back
I'm waitin
I'm always waitin
I pack my bags and never look back
I didn't know this would be the last
I saw you
I never call you
I pack my bags and never look back
I didn't know this would be the last
I saw you
I never called you
Tonight never let me hold you tight
Never got to say goodbye
Out of one and only
One and only night
Never let me hold you tight
Never got to say goodbye
Out of one and only
One and only night

1) Bring You Back - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZttez0y4x4
2) Nervous Breakdown - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLIyJnV_wbw
3) End Of The Underground - 2.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYAPqTSpM-U
4) Drive - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOMWFOLN_JQ
5) Gravestones - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_iwHzW-ScE
6) Broken Man - 2.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Mfj8TFcLPM
7) Last Few Words - 1.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hKRmG_azXM
8) Abandoned Driveways - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAriCaMMmXw
9) Picket Fences - 2.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tgVji-DYM8
10) Here I Am - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LaebqaAERI
11) Hollywood & Vine - 1.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiS9kzNde0c
12) Unforgivable - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqGJR7LKElk
13) Boy - 2.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACpuCSyVCnQ

[Music Head]

from my library (cd)



Fourth album from the California pop/punkers. The album debuted at #1 in the U.S. with no single to push it. A rare feat. The singles were to come later with The Rock Show, First Date and Stay Together For The Kids, which I think is an awesome song. Also, Everytime I Look For You was the opening song for the film American Pie 2. The teen angst/party atmosphere was starting to wear thin for me by this time, although I still hung around for the last.

I LIKE THIS ALBUM

Worst Track - Happy Holidays, You Bastard

Best Track - Stay Together For The Kids

It's hard to wake up
When the shades have been pulled shut
This house is haunted
It's so pathetic
It makes no sense at all.
I'm ripe with things to say
The words rot and fall away.
If a stupid poem could fix this home
I'd read it every day.

So here's your holiday
Hope you enjoy it this time
You gave it all away
It was mine
So when you're dead and gone
Will you remember this night, twenty years now lost.
It's not right

Their anger hurts my ears
Been running strong for seven years
Rather than fix the problems, they never solve them
It makes no sense at all
I see them every day
We get along so why can't they?
If this is what he wants and this is what
she wants
Then why is there so much pain?

So here's your holiday
Hope you enjoy it this time
You gave it all away
It was mine
So when you're dead and gone
Will you remember this night, twenty years now lost
It's not right

So here's your holiday
Hope you enjoy it this time
You gave it all away
It was mine
So when you're dead and gone
Will you remember this night, twenty years now lost
It's not right x4

1) Anthem Part Two - ** - live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRIY5J6cwOE&feature=fvst
2) Online Songs - * - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syeR_QdoCTg
3) First Date - *** - video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVy9Lgpg1m8
4) Happy Holidays, You Bastard - * - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-N-BDswO58
5) Story Of A Lonely Guy - ** - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWNtFF07Nj8
6) The Rock Show - ** - video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7hhDINyBP0
7) Stay Together For The Kids - *** - video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1BFHYtZlAU
8) Roller Coaster - * - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49L9y1m2FKs
9) Reckless Abandon - ** - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FP-60rv80GE
10) Everytime I Look For You - * - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXjIzDUV3Ig
11) Give Me One Good Reason - ** - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4G9sidyG9E
12) Shut Up - ** - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTeBqXHwZYQ
13) Please Take Me Home - ** - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7eFKw4Y94E

Rating - 1.8

[JonG]

Blitzen Trapper - Destroyer of the Void from Destroyer of the Void [Sub Pop, 2010]

"Destroyer of the Void" ambitiously steamrolls over decades of canonical popular music, squishing it into an epic suite that gathers Beatles harmonies, sci-fi synths, classic rock guitars, country-rock twang, and AOR sentimentality into one big, ballsy package.

- pitchfork