I'm busting out some foreign languages for this one as I wanted to give a shout out to my 2nd favorite band I saw at Lollapalooza this year, Booka Shade. As I have stated on numerous occasions before, I used to be a club going man. However, with age and balding my clubbing days are behind me and I am confined to my home for my personal dance parties.

Booka Shade present one of those electronica groups that cross over between two genres. They can be both electronica dance with some of their more upbeat and crazy remixes (that they do live and that you can hear on their myspace page live at Glastonbury festival) or chill. The best thing about their disc MOVEMENTS is that it can be both. If you want to crank it up and get the old fist pumping in the air, you can blast some tracks like IN WHITE ROOMS to get your groove on, Napoleon Dynamite-style. On the other hand, you can just throw the disc in your player and use it as background music while you Autocad all day.

My interest in dance/electronic/club music has waned over the past few years as I don't really keep up with the big "up and coming" names like I used to back in my younger years. Just like any music, there is an "underground" scene that has many great dj's that are putting out stellar remixes and original tracks.

If you are looking for some quality creative music that can keep you going on a slow day, you can do a lot worse than Booka Shade's MOVEMENTS. And if you get the chance, throw in some earplugs and catch them live some time. You will not be disappointed by their energy or the tunes.

Stand out tracks: In White Rooms, The Birds and the Beats/At the Window, Mandarine Girl, Around You (Quiet)

http://www.myspace.com/getbookashade

Even though Tom Chaplin might be a little crazy looking, I feel that he has some of the strongest male vocals in any band making music today. His voice is pure and his pitch, consistent. Plus, he is British (which scores big points in my book as the majority of my favorite bands are from across the pond).

I had VERY high expectations for Keane's new album, PERFECT SYMMETRY, because I think I was one of about 5 people who really enjoyed their 2nd album. I love bands that grow and progress and decide to try new things as they develop (see Radiohead; Sigur Ros). That is exactly what Keane has done over the course of their first two discs and they continue it with their 3rd.

I was laughing when I heard the cd the first time because it is very "throwback" sounding in how they use a lot of synthesizer and programming that reminds you of the whole 80's sound. The thing that makes it progressive is that they blend it smoothly into their established piano rock sound. It is toe tapping good and just infectious from the get-go (A perfect example is the track "Better than This." Just try and not shake your moneymaker).

Additionally, the boys in Keane don't let down their diehard "traditional" fans with some great quality ballads towards the back end of the album. The first half is a dance party and the 2nd half is for you to make out after you got your groove on.

I think that a lot of old fans will come back to Keane with this album and they might just add a few new fans while they are at it. I also have complete confidence that this album won't be a short rotation on my IPOD. It is a keeper.

Stand out tracks are: "Perfect Symmetry" "Black Burning Heart" "You Don't See Me"

http://www.myspace.com/keane

Yeah, that is how Mates of State were introduced this year at Lollapalooza. I thought that was a pretty bold statement at the time but now I might just be buying into the hype. As you may remember, one of the top bands of my first Lollapalooza experience were Mates of State (along with Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Booka Shade and the Ting Tings...more on them in just a little bit). I finally got off my behind and downloaded their 2008 album THE RE-ARRANGER and I have to say, it is one of the shortest pieces of rock bliss that I have found in quite some time.

Mates of State are definitely not doing anything new. They are a male/female duo with piano and drums that just happen to be together, in a band and in a relationship. The catch of why they are so good is what they are doing that no one is doing today. The male/female harmonies on RE-ARRANGE US are so...well perfect that you can't help but tap your foot or in my case, jump around the room and attempt to dance like the white boy that I am.

The entire album is solid and just like most recordings today, the weaker songs are towards the end. That doesn't take away much from the album as the songs all blend together into one short lived dance revolution (yep, I went there). Since it clocks in just under 40 minutes, some people were a bit disappointed with the release. However, since this was my first experience with them, it was a great introduction. Long enough to get me hooked but not too long where I get bored or it becomes overkill.

If you like catchy melodies, crisp harmonies and just solid rock/pop, you could do far worse than the Mates of State. My personal standouts on the disc would be: The Re-Arranger, My Only Offer, Blue and Gold Print and You Are Free.

http://www.myspace.com/matesofstate

And also, since I have finally bought some new music recently, look for some more reviews this week of Booka Shade, Sharon Jones and possibly Keane.

I have been severely neglecting the new music scene as of late. I think I might have OD'd on music after my first Lollapalooza but I have been listening to some new things here and there. One of those things is Crystal Castles.

I was first interested in this duo when Kyle had invited me to a free show of theirs at the Double Door on a weeknight and I completely wussed out and didn't go (because I'm an old man). However, from the videos I have seen on You Tube, I'm not sure if I would survive one of their shows as they seem like they get kind of crazy (my body can't take abuse of mosh pits anymore).

The group's sound is all electronica but it isn't typical "Moby-like" electronica full of samples and snippets of old songs. It is more of the "casio-programmed" sound which gives it this heightened video game soundtrack feel. I love it. It makes me feel like I am listening to a soundtrack an old Nintendo role playing game but with harder tempos and crazier vocals.

Don't get me wrong, Crystal Castles brings a lot to the table. Their songs have VERY catchy hooks and make you want to get up and dance every time you hear them. As a whole, the entire album is not one hit after the other. However, if you are faced with the decision of downloading 3 or 4 of their songs for .99 cents vs. buying the entire album for $7 or $8, the album is a much better investment. There are some definite hidden gems on the full length that grow on you after a few listens (COURTSHIP DATING and MAGIC SPELLS are two that come immediately to mind). Be sure to listen to their "bigger" hits of UNTRUST US and CRIMEWAVE as well.

If you want some new dance tunes, check out Crystal Castles. They are a nice below the radar pick in my mind.

http://www.myspace.com/crystalcastles

There has been a recent uptick in the motown sound since the broad appeal of Amy Winehouse has brought it back to the forefront in music. Due to this fact, there have been more and more artists being signed that have a distinctive sound that can trace its root back to the "heyday" of motown. The most recent artist that I can think of that is getting a lot of buzz is Duffy. Another British import that I think has an edge on Duffy is Adele.

Adele's LP debut 19 was available to me for free on a streaming site a few weeks ago and I listened to it daily for about a week. I had initially written her off as I had read a few reviews stating that she is basically just a rehash of the "Winehouse sound" and she really didn't have the stand out pipes or production to warrant checking out. However, after a few listens, I found a lot more soul in her voice than I had expected. She doesn't have the raspiness to her voice that Winehouse has but she presents a warmer sound that wraps itself around you on her slow songs (DAYDREAMER, FIRST LOVE) and is not drowned out on her more uptempo songs (BEST FOR LAST).

You get a pretty good bang for your buck with Adele as 19, as a whole, is not a bad album. There are some weaker songs on it but for the most part, 9 of the 12 songs are worthy of IPOD space. I would recommend checking her out and you may be pleasantly surprised as well.

Stand outs: Tired, Cold Shoulder, Hometown Glory, Bob Dylan cover of Make You Feel My Love

http://www.myspace.com/adelelondon

So I joined the millions this past week that purchased Chris Martin and Co's new album VIVA LA VIDA and after a few listens, I am pleasantly surprised with Coldplay's step forward.

Something that I picked up right away on the disc was the absence of Martin's famous falsetto voice. In its place, is a much lower range and an edgier feel to the majority of the tunes (especially songs like YES! and VIOLET HILL). It is reminiscent of TIL KINGDOM COME off of X&Y, which I felt was one of the strongest tunes on the album (and also not written for Coldplay or so MTV told me at the time).

Another prominent sound throughout the album was the influence of their new producer, Brian Eno. Eno is known for "sonic landscapes" on U2 albums (he was a big mastermind of their signature sound on JOSHUA TREE). Because of Eno's touch, I felt like this album was kind of a Coldplay/U2 hybrid as it had a lot of the positives that both bands bring to the table. It also makes sense as one of Coldplay's biggest influences is U2.

VIVA LA VIDA isn't really as listener friendly as previous Coldplay releases, which is a good thing. It is a sign that they are doing something different and aren't adhering to the "one plus one = overkill on the radio" formula. They are trying new things regarding tempos, strings (definitely evident in the disc's title track) and it is nice to see Will Champion not go crazy on the crash symbal on every song.

It is difficult to objectly rate this disc as I have been a fan of Coldplay since I saw the YELLOW video early one morning after class in college but it is palpable that they are the "heirs apparent" to U2. They produce solid rock/pop tunes and VIVA LA VIDA doesn't disappoint. For fans and newbies alike, Coldplay still are a quality place to invest your $9.99.

Every once in a while I come across an artist that I enjoy but most of my friends despise. Jill Barber would most likely fall into this category. She surprised me as I typically don't like a typical "folk" sound and her sound really has a lot of country influences in it. There really isn't a single song on her debut FOR ALL TIME that could not be used as a slow dance a high school prom either. Despite all of this, I still like her and I can see why she has been such a huge hit in Canada.

I would compare her voice to a younger version of Stevie Nicks. Now that is why my wife says I like her because I have an unhealthy obsession with Stevie Nicks' Fleetwood Mac songs. However, Jill's voice has something else to it that makes it a bit warmer. It is almost like she wraps her voice around you like a blanket and you are enveloped in her musical goodness.

Most of Jill's songs on her debut would not be labeled "uplifting" by any means. But in her defense, I couldn't picture myself slitting my wrists to her music like I would with maybe an album of Lucinda Williams songs (Lucinda is a GREAT songwriter but she doesn't write HAPPY songs by any means). Miss Barber has some quality harmonies provided by her back-up singers on most of the songs ("Don't Go Easy and "Just for now") and she offers a variety of folk styles ("When I'm Making Love to you").

The standouts that you should check out to get a good feel of what Jill Barber has to offer are 'Hard Line" and "Legacy." I believe that she will be writing some quality albums in the future as well.

http://www.jillbarber.com

Kyle touched on a number of new releases a couple of days ago but he didn’t touch on the new releases of some of my favorite artists. Moby, R.E.M. and Counting Crows all recently put out new albums and I have to say that all three of them are a nice reminder of how great these artists are when they put out the music they are famous for making.

I was able to hear Moby’s new album via streaming audio a few weeks ago and it was a nice return to his EVERYTHING IS WRONG and PLAY sound of solid, danceable tunes. I haven’t heard R.E.M’s ACCELERATE yet but all of the reviews and feedback has been very positive. I hope to be reviewing both of those in upcoming entries…but not this one.

This entry is focused on my long list friend. That friend that you thought you would never re-connect with but somehow, your paths crossed again. This is that artist that you fell in love way back when your musical tastes were being developed and they opened your eyes to what a great live act and what a great songwriter might look like. This band, for me, was Counting Crows, and they have released SATURDAY NIGHTS AND SUNDAY MORNINGS (SNASM). I can say without any hesitation that it is their best album since RECOVERING THE SATELLITES.

It is difficult to be objective when you review or listen to an album by one of your oldest and favorite artists. You already have so many expectations and they are typically quite lofty. The Counting Crows always have had a distinctive sound that bordered between a fusion of folk rock ( Bob Dylan plugged in) and pop rock (see SHREK soundtrack). My dad always felt that Adam Duritz, the lead singer and songwriter, sounded like Travis Tritt (one of his favorite country singers). I never could figure out this comparison but it allowed me to listen to Counting Crows at obscenely loud levels when I was growing up. You have to take what you can get sometimes.

Now let me get into the actual new album’s songs. SNASM is a concept album that is to have two parts. The first part is hard-driving, gritty rock to insinuate a Saturday Night out amongst the parties and craziness. There are some definite songs of merit in the first 6 songs on this portion of the album. They have a very similar rough sound to them that the Crows had on their hard rock songs on the first two albums. The highlights of the first part would be “Hanging Tree,” “Los Angeles” and “Cowboys.” Most of Adam Duritz’s songs are about how he has a difficult time connecting with the general public. “Tree” is definitely about this concept and “Cowboys” is about his fascination with the two different types of people in the world (Cowboys and Clowns). "Los Angeles" is just a fun, hard rock song about going out and living life. These are some of the best hard rock songs that Duritz has written in a LONG time.

The other side of the disc, Sunday Mornings, is the type of Counting Crows that I fell in love with and still hold close to my heart. These are much slower, piano driven ballads about self-discovery, love, love lost and everything in between. They are the songs that are meant to have you reflect on what you did the night before (Sunday Mornings). As the disc has 14 songs, the majority of the focus is on Duritz’s forte. The songs that I fell in love right away were “Washington Square” (a song about how you need to keep psyching yourself up to keep on living your life no matter how bad things get), “On Almost Sunday Morning” (the best song on the disc about finding the right woman/person to spend your life with) and “Le Ballet D’Or (A song about getting over yourself and to just go out and live your life). The final song on the album, “Come Around,” reminded me of the final song on Counting Crows’ debut “Murder of One” as it is a very hopeful song that finishes everything on a positive note.

All in all, Counting Crows really made a fine album that is a vast improvement on their past two efforts. They are worth a reconnection or if you have never given them a try, a listen.

Aural Cleansings fashionably late to the 2007 party

With the coming of age comes a bit of a delayed reaction to many things. I know that I am a little bit slower now when I run, I have sluggish reflexes when it comes to sports and I buy into the “next big thing” a little bit more hesitantly. The decision needs to be made by me to find out how good something actually is and if it is really all that it is hyped up to be. I can say that for two female releases of 2007, they do live up to the hype (although one was EXTREMELY more hyped than the other). These albums were Feists’ “The Reminder” and Jesca Hoops’ “Kismet.”

Feist was on every top 10 listing of 2007 that I came across but I could not figure out why. I did enjoy her IPOD commercial featuring the “1234” video but it wasn’t the best song I have ever heard. I can say that this album is one of the best start to finish albums that I have heard in my recent memory. There is a wide plethora of musical variation displayed on the album ranging from acoustic songs (So Sorry), heartfelt lyrics (Honey Honey) and lots of diverse instruments and guests (A little known fact is that the “1234” video features many of the artists that Feist has collaborated with in the past).

Feists’ voice is very unique in that it is not overpowering nor is it quiet. It holds a lot of emotion but not to the point where you want to slap her being too pouty or too excited about something. She has found that equilibrium that many female artists can not seem to find and has a wonderful sound. Her voice is just another instrument in a spectrum of sound. A nice example of her voice’s ability to work in cohesion with instruments is the final song on the disc “How My Heart Behaves.” It is an exquisite duet and an exquisite ending to an superb sophomore release.

A bit on the opposite end of the hype spectrum is Jesca Hoop. I saw her open for one of my favorite bands this past year at the Double Door. She had a very eccentric performance but it left me wanting more so I finally bit the bullet and picked up “Kismet.” I can say that the release had the exact opposite effect that Feist’s did. It was not very accessible initially but I kept listening because I was intrigued by her arrangements, key changes (most of her songs seem to be written in a minor key) and interesting time signatures that sometimes would alter mid-way through her songs.

As I said, this disc is not very listener friendly for the first 10 to 15 listens but there were a few songs that stood out after just one or two listens (Summertime, Dreams in the Hollow, Intelligentactile 101). Hoops’ voice is bit more whispery and softer than Feist but it also has a sarcastic overtone to it. In other words, it is right up alley.

“Kismet” has many stand out songs on it but as an album, I wouldn’t say it was as strong as “The Reminder.” I do think that as a song writer, Hoop should be listed along with the top song writers today just after this release. I believe that Sufjan Stevens could learn a thing or two from her arrangements even.

Please don’t hold it against me for not acknowledging these fine efforts until now. They deserve a second look, if you can spare one.

Arctic Monkeys “Favourite Worst Nightmare”
An Aural Cleansing with Kramer

The 2nd Arctic Monkeys disc provides more of the same hard-driving, clever indie from some of the best rockers currently producing music. I have to admit I was a late arrival to the Arctic Monkey’s band wagon. I had read multiple reviews of their initial effort before I finally gave it a listen. Even after I listened to their first album a couple of times, I still did not understand what all of the fuss was about.

However, the A. Monkeys are a “grower” band. One of those bands that require 10-15 listens to their discs before you start to appreciate what the kids are doing. Then you realize that the majority of groups are NOT able to do what they are doing.

Alex Turner’s lead vocals fit their sound so perfectly and his Yorkshire accent adds an entirely individual sound. His voice and slang add a whole new element to the music.

There are a number of standout tunes on the album namely the fifth track, FLOURESCENT ADOLESCENT. This song has very catchy melody and guitar riff that even after one listen; you find yourself repeating the song a 2nd and 3rd time to enjoy it some more.

Other stand-outs on the album consist of: THIS HOUSE IS A CIRCUS (note the clever tempo changes), BALACLAVA (any song that adds clavinets, I’m a sucker for), D IS FOR DANGEROUS (just hard rock in its finest, most raw form) and 505 (Arctic Monkeys, like the Shins, always end their albums with a very high quality track).

Overall, “Favourite Worst Nightmare” is a definite progression of the Arctic Monkey sound. The group has made some major steps in terms of song structure, arrangements, tempo changes and you can hear it. I enjoy their first effort a little more still but that is most likely just because I have listened to it more. I believe that in time that “Nightmare” will take its place since it has grown on me already.

I leave for SXSW today. While I am gone, enjoy this CD review by guest reviewer Aaron Kramer.

Music Bath Review #1---The Shins WINCING THE NIGHT AWAY

Brief Overview of me, “Kramer the Guest CD Reviewer”: I am self-confessed “music snob” but only because mass media has forced it upon me. I still listen to some music that receives radio play (Coldplay, Red Hot Chili Peppers, U2) but the majority of the music that is being promoted (either via radio, MTV and the like) today is that which isn’t being recognized by 95% of the listening public. I pride myself on trying to give every artist their fair shot at gaining my respect (because we all know that EVERY ARTIST wants to receive the Kramer seal of approval).

I was really psyched for the Shins’ new album primarily because I had a friend turn me onto them prior to the big GARDEN STATE blow-up. They are one of the best Indie-rock bands writing songs today and their newest effort was a wonderfully surprising step WAY forward. A band that came to mind with their progression was The Strokes. Their first two albums were parallel efforts with really no musical and lyrical maturity between the two. However, the third album shows huge improvements in regards to song structure, lyrics (some of the most witty around) and overall accessibility to their sound.

1. Sleeping Lessons
1. A great opener for the album; Perfect mood setting especially with the development towards the end
2. Australia
1. This is the Shins with the sound that they created in their first two albums; Very catchy pop with clever lyrics that make me smile
3. Pam Berry
1. I’m not a big fan of filler songs that last less than a minute so this my least favorite song on the album
4. Phantom Limb
1. The first single is a perfect initial taste of the maturity of the Shins; A more complex song structure with some layered effects
5. Sea Legs
1. Sea Legs is a prime example of a Shins step forward. It uses some great sampling and an interesting tempo to play on the ears.
6. Red Rabbits
1. At the moment this is my favorite song on the album; I love string sections in songs, especially when they are used correctly; Finally, the crowd cheer at the end is the icing on the cake; I think I have repeated this song about 25 times on my IPOD already
7. Turn On Me
1. Turn on Me and Australia remind me the most of the “old” Shins sound; They are probably the two least impressive songs but they are still solid
8. Black Wave
1. This is my least favorite song on the album; It just seems like the lyrics are contrived and I don’t really like the melody
9. Spilt Needles
1. Another interesting tempo with LOTS of sampling and effects within the song; Tracks 8 and 9 are the two weakest on the album
10. Girl Sailor
1. Girl Sailor is a nice change of pace for a love song; You can hear a lot of the influences for the album on this song (especially the influence of Brian Wilson)
11. A Comet Appears
1. Every Shins album so far closes with a lovely acoustic piece at the end that is one of the highlights of the album; A Comet Appears does not disappoint;