Review: The Flaming Lips, "At War With The Mystics"

Artist: The Flaming Lips
Album: At War With The Mystics
Year Released: 2006 - Warner Brothers Records
Genre: Indie, Electronic, Rock
Rating: (4/4) Awesome

The first thing about this album that caught my attention is the cover art. It was beautiful. I was standing in Urban Outfitters, in the men’s department where they keep the covers of the records they are spinning, and I was intrigued by the artful explosion of color and the guy on the front in obvious disbelief at the light emanating from the bright orange and blue blob. It was truly surreal. And I hadn't even heard the album yet.

"At War With the Mystics", is the 11th release for the Flaming Lips, spanning over a twenty years of intrigue, and a blatant disregard for the normality of the music industry. And the album continues the tradition with utter excellence from start to finish. With an analog feel, and a cacophony of sounds ranging from synth driven organ sounds, to clapping of human hands, the album does a great job of standing out from the standard radio played songs put out today.

One of my favorite tracks, "The Wizard Turns On... The Giant Silver Flashlight and Puts on His Werewolf Moccasins", is a grand instrumental track that moves up and down, telling a story with textural sounds rather than lyrics, and inviting the listener into an imaginative state of being. Another great, "Vein of Stars", provides an almost ballad like beginning to an intriguing, psychologically driven song hinting at the state of life today.

You will not be disappointed with the outcome of this album, no matter where your tastes in music lie. Pick up a copy of this heroic album today.

The Flaming Lips Are: Wayne Coyne, Steven Drozd, Michael Ivins.
Album Produced By: The Flaming Lips, Dave Fridmann, Scott Booker

New Music Tuesday

Artist: The Papercuts
Album: Can't Go Back
Year Released: 2007 - Gnomonsong
Genre: Rock
Rating: (4/4) Awesome

No one ever likes to get a papercut, in fact I would say it is probably one of the worst things in the world. But upon finding some cuts from this album, I would say everyone loves to listen to the Papercuts. This is one of the most acoustic, analog, marvels I have heard in a long time.

I must admit right off the bat that I have not heard the entire album, only those cuts and samples that I could dig up from my search on the entire-world-wide-net. But I immediately fell in love with the emotionally driven, laid back, analog sounds that eminated from my computers speakers.

According to their mySpace page, the Papercuts is the music of Jason Robert Quever accompanied by David Enos, Matt Stromberg, and Trevor Montgomery. They are based out of the San Fransisco area, and are signed with the label Gnomonsong.

The songs upon this album are an amazing display of talent, with just the right amount of edgy raw sounds that make them stand out from rest of the music world. The track "John Brown" has a light airy feeling, coupled with the somber melodic genius of the lyrics. It is the type of song that brings one's own emotions to the feelings, causing a reflective mood within your soul. Then the song changes movements entirely with a folky / gospel feeling that sways back and forth in your ears like musical candy.

I highly recommend checking out the Papercuts on your trip through the music industry. It is well worth it.

The Grammy Award's Show

The Dixie Chicks won it big las night at the Grammy's takin home both the coveted Album of the year, and Record of the year award's for their heated music of 2006. It looks as if they may have been forgiven for a year of controversy after their comments against the President. I myself do not believe that they deserved all of the hype, particularly in the album of the year category. Although the Chicks show a great amount of talent, and natural abilities, the other contenders especially John Mayer had much better albums last year (not to mention a little less hate).

And the award for Best new artist was stolen from the young and talented Imogen Heap, and given to Carrie Underwood, the American Idol Country Sensation. Although Underwood has great vocal talent and did win the American Idol Championship, there is no one as unique as Imogen in the industry today with the cutting edge music that haunts us all.

On upset that had me cringing just a little, was the award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals. The award went to Mr. Tony Bennett, and Mr. Ray Charles for their duet entitled "For Once in My Life". Also up for the award were the nonsensical combination of U2, and Mary J. Blige for their song "One". I would never in a million years have put that combination together, but the outcome was an amazing song with vocals to die for.

Lastly, at least for now, I can't believe that the award for Best Rock Performance went to The Red Hot Chilli Peppers over both Coldplay, and the Fray. Didn't the RHCP break up in like 98? No matter how great the Chilli's were, they could not have matched the epic show that Coldplay puts on. Nor could they have matched the talent that is the Fray.

But all in all, it's just my humble opinon - right.

Live Review: the Police, at the Grammy's

Yes, it's true, the Police, the formative rock band that dominated the 80's performed together for the first time in 23 years. And it looks as if they still got it. With a name like Sting, you know that you can do anything you want. And with his rugged good looks...

For those of you who may not know, or may not remember, the Police was grouped together in England in 1977 by drummer Stewart Copeland. He met up with Gordon Matthew Sumner (aka Sting), and Henry Padovani and they recroded their first cut, "Fall/Out"/"Nothing Achieving" and from there just kept on rockin. Riding on Sting's clear as a bell vocals, Copeland's innovative but solid rock and roll drumming, and the memorable licks of guitarist Padovani, the group became the biggest band to hit the music industry in the 80’s. Their music extended to every corner of the Globe, and if you haven’t heard at least their name, then you are most likely a cave dweller.

To mark their 30^th anniversary, the Police banded back together after a 23 year hiatus to open up the Grammy’s performing their hit song – “Roxane”. And a grand reunion it was. It was really as if they had never left, with the energy of youthful 20 year olds, the bands members rocked the house to a standing ovation.

Sting, who has had the most memorable solo career, led the enthusiastic diddy with great fervor and his vocals were as grand as they ever have been. It was a great display of talent. Stewart Copeland brought back his amazing skills as a drummer with an ease that made pounding the skins even look easy. And the guitarist Padovani rocked the house with the tell tale riff that makes the song what it is.

It was a grand entrance back after so many years; one can only hope that they may have some new music in the works to keep it going.

News: The 49th Grammy Awards Show

This Sunday, February 11, the 49th Grammy awards show will be held to honor the musicians, songwriters, and producers that have displayed outstanding talent in 2006. There will be much to do, silly jokes, long speeches, and giant performances at the awards show. One such performance by Sting and his trio of musical Police will lead off the telecast. It will be the first time that trio has performed together since they went their separate ways in the 80's. John Mayer, that hunk of musical talent will also be performing during the awards show.

And then there is that whole contest to see who will perform with Justin Timberlake. Whom ever it ends up being will probably surpass the blond teen idol in talent 10 fold.

As always, I pay attention to who was nominated in each of the categories though I hardly ever agree completely. It seems that the Grammy foundation, and I have dissimilar tastes in music. I do however want to note a few of the nominees that deserve the ever coveted golden phonograph.

For Album of the Year, I would have to say John Mayer, Continuum. If you read my post yesterday, you would know that I have a soft spot in my heart for John Mayer and his work. He is a brilliant artist, and I believe he should be recognized.

For Best New Artist, I would like to recognize Imogen Heap. That eclectic mix of sounds gets me every time, as I peruse through my collection. She has so much creativity mixed in with talent to do what no one has done before.

For Best Female Pop Vocal Performance the award should go to KT Tunstall over any of the other nominees. To be able to think about doing all those things at once! If any one has not checked out her music, they definitely should. She is like the one woman band of rock/country. So much Talent!

For Best Male Pop Vocal Performance I would of course go with John Mayer for "Waiting on the World to Change". All though interestingly enough, that was not my favorite song off that album.

For Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal Keane surely takes the cake. The band from across the sea has a great sound going for them, and that album is one of those albums that I can listen to over and over again without ever getting tired of it. It is always a pleasure to listen too. But - I do also enjoy The Fray now and again with their emotionally driven song, "How to Save a Life". It is a beautiful thing. (Choices, choices.)
While we are on the specific category - what's with the Pussy Cat dolls nomination? I don't get that at all.

For the Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals category I would pick Mary J. Blige and U2 with their compilation "One". Not just because it is U2 and they are the epic rockers of the century. It is because that song was done very well, and Mary's voice adds just that bit of velvet soul to the already classic song... Mmm mmm good.

For Best Pop Vocal Album. Do I even have to say. Man John Mayer has a lot of nominations. Perhaps it's because he rocks.

For Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal the award in my head goes to Coldplay for their song "Talk". That song haunts me every time I hear it. The X&Y album was in my book one of the greatest albums of all time, though it was not that well received. And te song "Talk" is just one of those songs that shows the talent and passion that Coldplay has for their craft.
Another artist to mention in that category is the Raconteurs. I first heard these guys off of the old iTunes machine and was duly impressed by their talented songwriting abilities.

When it comes to Best Alternative Music Album my hear really gets pumping. First of all becuase of Gnarls Barkley. I don't like that guy, he sounds like a girl, and his music is forced. Moving on... There is just a lot of great music in this category it is hard to pick just one. First off it the Flaming Lips with "At War With The Mystics". This is a great album. Enough said.
Then there is Thom Yorke, with his album of doomsday prophecy put to music "The Eraser". I have always been a fan of York as he has led Radio head to infamous heights with the epic "Ok Computer". And his work with "The Eraser" brings back a darker version of the tales he told during the computer monologue. An excellent pick for everyone's listening pleasure.

For the remaining 70 something categories, I really could care less. Perhaps it is just that I need to expand my musical horizons, or perhaps the other music just doesn't suit my tastes. Whatever the case, we will have to see what happens.

Review: John Mayer, the Village Sessions

Artist: John Mayer
Album: The Village Sessions
Year Released: 2007 - Aware / Columbia.
Genre: Rock / Blues
Rating: (4/4) Awesome

Ahhhh, John Mayer. I must preface this review by stating that I love John Mayer, and his work. He is a talented and dynamic artist, despite his broody demeanor. I only wish that my own talents equaled half of his.

That being said, I recently picked up this little compilation (it is technically speaking an EP) of acoustic beauty from my local independent music store. It appears that the music industry, is trying to give support to the people that really make up their listening base (independent record store patrons / owners) through a movement they call Think Indie. They have come up with a series of limited release albums that are only available at "select retailers". This album is just such an album, so - you won't find it at Best Buy, or iTunes.

However, this means the songs on this album - 6 in all, have all been previously released on other albums. No "new" material here. But you have never heard these songs like this before. All of them are low-key, intimate, acoustic versions that shine brightly with quality workmanship. The album was recorded at Village Studios in Los Angeles, which can only be described as infamous. The project list on their website reads like a guest list to the Grammy Awards show. And it truly shows that they know what they are doing on this album.

I have always been a believer that acoustic albums are much more difficult to produce than standard feature albums. The solo instrumentation, and limited accompaniment makes all your mistakes that much more prevalent. On this album, John and the other musicians are right on the target every time. The guitar work, is beautifully arranged, and right on the money. The vocals, and harmony’s are tried and true, and come across with perfect sustain (a credit to the recording engineer). Even the “clapping” in “Waiting on the World to Change” holds the beat with perfect timing. It feels as if you have been invited to a coffee house to watch the performance of one of the greatest musicians of his day.

There are a few moments where I thought that an acoustic version didn’t hold the full muster of the originally produced version. For example, the introduction piece on “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room” didn’t quite have the fullness, and effect as the clean electric on “Continuum”. The song continued however, to be a great success straight through the slide guitar solo towards the finale. Another example was the song “Belief” where the acoustic version lacked the driving energy that the drums beat gave the original.

All together, I would definitely recommend this album, especially to the John Mayer enthusiast. Rock on John, Rock on…

Album Produced by: John Mayer and Chad Franscoviak.

News to Use: Steve Jobs, Apple speaks out against DRM

DRM. Digital Rights Management. That Pesky little thing that plagues the Digital Music Consumer world-wide. It is the thing that prevents a user from purchasing music from a store such as iTunes, and transferring it to another computer, or putting it on another music player such as the Zune. Heard of it?

In a bold statement yesterday, placed upon the main page of the Apple computer website, Steve Jobs, CEO spoke out against DRM as it pertained to the digital music store iTunes. "Imagine a world where every online store sells DRM-free music encoded in open licensable formats. In such a world, any player can play music purchased from any store, and any store can sell music which is playable on all players. This is clearly the best alternative for consumers." Steve said in his statement. He later quotes statistics that show the Big 4 record companies selling 10 times as much music DRM free through standard issue CD's than through digital outlets such as iTunes.

According to Steve, the record Companies should stop requiring the sale of DRM music at all. "Why would the big four music companies agree to let Apple and others distribute their music without using DRM systems to protect it? The simplest answer is because DRMs haven’t worked, and may never work, to halt music piracy." he says.

To read the entire article, click here.

All quotes copyright Steve Jobs, Apple Computer. All rights reserved.

New Music Tuesday: Bloc Party, A Weekend in the City

Artist: Bloc Party
Album: A Weekend in the City
Year Released: 2007 - Wichita / Vice.
Genre: Indie Rock / Pop
Rating: (3/4) Awesome

Long live the Bloc Party. Today is Tuesday, and for reasons unbeknowst to most typical consumers, the music industry has decided that Tuesday is an excellent day to feed the consumer their new music. Whatever the reason, for all music lovers, tuesday is the day of choice of our weeks.

Today, a new album is released from the United Kingdom by Bloc Party, a energetic passionate group of young brit's on the cutting edge of the world's music scene. The album is called a Weekend in the City, and touts compositions such as Song for Clay (Disappear Here), On, Hunting for Witches, and my personal favorite, Uniform.

The album on the whole has a definite pop influence, with a sound that ranges from punk to California Surfer Emo, and many in-betweens. The talent portrayed by this young group is immense and welcome, with crystal clear vocal's, well written lyrics, excellent guitar riffs, and solid beats throughout. They have also done a great job at adding a dynamic quality to the album, allowing the searing rock to shine with moments of quiet introspection in between.

I definitely recommend taking a look at this album. It will be a welcome addition to your Tuesday, and give you a release from the monotony of the week.

Bloc Party is: Kele Okereke,Russell Lissack, Gordon Moakes, Matt Tong
Album Produced by: Jacknife Lee.

Other Albums out today: "Yes I'm a Witch, Yoko Ono"
Other Albums I'm excited about: "Village Sessions, John Mayer"

Show Review": Purple Rain in Florida during Halftime.

Ahh the Super Bowl, the epitome of television entertainment. Where else can you find it, drama, comedy, action, and a plethora of men running about in tight white pants in the pouring rain for 4 hours? What a thrill. I must admit the game was not half bad, with Peyton Manning leading his Colts to a glorious victory over "da Bears", but that's not why we're here.

No, we are here to take a closer look at what was probably one of the weirdest halftime shows in the history of the game. This year the entertainer of choice was none other than prince, the stick tall skinny rocker with the purple guitar. It was the talk of our party this year that ever since the debacle with the boob that the networks were trying to play it safe with their mid game entertainment. They seem to continually bring in the “older generation” of stars to perform for the rowdy and over charged football fans. But is it safe with Prince? The man who a few years back renamed himself to the “Artist Formerly Known as”?

I will be the first to admit that I am not a fan of Prince. He is not on my playlist I any of the genres of music I listen too. I do not even really know any of his music, nor would I be able to pick him out of a music lineup on the radio. And from what I could tell during his performance, I was right. His vocals were a bit to off for me, his lyrics were strange, he kept breaking into this odd sound that resembled a bird dying while calling out whoo hooo-ooo-oo’s or something like that. No, prince is not my cup of tea. Not to mention his outfit was outrageous, his hair was odd, and his doo-rag made him look a bit like an overworked Aunt Jemima.

I was amazed at his perseverance however, and I must admit that he is does have some skills. It takes a real artist, who is committed to his craft to play through the pouring rain with football fans watching in awe of you. (As a side note, I wonder if Prince is a fan of the game?) Never having heard him play I was impressed by his skills on the guitar while he was shredding it up on the giant oddly shaped stage. And the music was well played, on the beat, on key for the most part, and entertaining to watch for a little while.

But the crowning moment, which ruined it all for me, was the medley of songs he mashed together towards the end of his performance, at least one of which had previously been performed by the Foo-Fighters. It was definately hard to hear or understand, but I'm sure I heard a bit of "All along the watchtower" through the pouring purple rain. There is also no way in this universe was he going to pull off a song better than Dave and the Boys. In my opinion Prince should stick to what he does best, what ever that is.

To sum it up, no I am not a converted fan of the man in purple. While he had some skills on the guitar, I can not overcome his gaudy appearance and over the top vocals. He did a good job, and that's that.

Review: War, Platinum Jazz

Artist: War
Album: Platinum Jazz
Year Released: 1977 - Blue Note.
Genre: Jazz / Funk
Rating: (3/4) Awesome

Ahh, the Smooth Sounds of funky jazz. "It's my hometown - it's a Funky-town". From the minute I pull that vinyl out of its shimmering platinum cardboard casing it is all the straight down, funky-town jazz that my high-fi speakers can handle. I sit back, and relax to the straight down sounds that can soothe even the savage beast’s soul.

I must be the first to admit, that the band War is not high on my list of all time favorites (more on that soon), but my hairstylist / funky town DJ recommended if I ever happened across it, I should pick it up and have a listen. Not two weeks later, during a trip down the coast, I happened into a little record store that had promise and began pursuing their stacks of vinyl. And there it was calling out to me with it's platinum colored cover, with the bold statement - Platinum Jazz written across the top. I promptly bought it, and was along my way.

The real treat came the very first time I laid in on the turn-table and let the beats spin on. From the very first song - "War is Coming", which is a soulful ditty chock full of a fusion of Latin beats, and beautiful improvisational jazz skills, all held together by a bass beat that I will be humming in my head for years. I could feel myself dancing in that funky style as the guys sang out loud with all their might “War is coming”. I did feel that it was a bit strange that they kept singing about such an awful topic. It wasn’t until near the end that I figured the band’s name is War as well, and that was what they were referring to. The song with its soulful groove keeps building and building straight to the end, until there is more energy than my white little shoes could handle. Could I take much more than this?

The crowning moment of the entire compilation was a song entitled “City, Country, City”, or so I had been told. As the song began to play, I took heart, for the light ballad that ensued was just as refreshing as a country breeze is to one’s face. I could actually imagine the wind blowing through my hair as I took an imaginary stroll through the musically painted countryside. Oh what a beautiful sight it was. And then, just as suddenly, there was that fast paced city beat, and there went my feet. It was such a grand transition of improve skills it was if one had walked through a door way, leaving the country side behind in favor of the more exciting life of the urban city. One can not help walk with a smile through the city streets while imagining the hustle and bustle of your busy day tuned to the sounds of the jazz masters themselves. This transition happens upon a few more occasions back and forth between the city, and the country as if there were no difference at all.

The album in its entirety is a great treasure, and a valued addition to any collection. There are a few moments where it appears the band is having way more fun playing than I am listening, not being an active participant in the fusion jazz creation. But I find my self over and over pulling it out, and letting my feet groove to funky-town.

War is: Lee Oskar, Harold Brown, Dee Allen, Howard Scott, B.B. Dickerson, Charles Miller, and Lonnie Jordan.
Album Produced by: Jerry Goldstein.

What the heck is Poly-Phony?

I heart polyphony - what a load... or so you might think. The truth is, unless you live with the caveman, and eat bison raw because you don't have fire yet, you too heart polyphony. Poly - being the prefix for many. Phony - as applied meaning sound. Polyphony = music. I love music. I love to hear the guitars wail, the voices sing the blues, to rejoice, to show a grand passion. I love the strings, the drums, the bass, and all things music. And I'm here to share that love with everyone else who loves polyphony. So unless you've got some bison to catch stick around a while, and see what music can do for you.

If you have any suggestions for material to cover - leave a comment. That would be awesome.