The Black Keys - El Camino (2011)

I was just about to start writing my Black Keys "El Camino" review, when I read a couple other professional reviews. SPIN magazine said everything I wanted to say, and they said it perfectly. I didn't even realize it. This is my reason from refraining from writing that particular review. Instead I want to share with you the link to SPIN's review of it.

My own comments on this album are pretty basic. It's a phenomenal album, just not an A+ for casual listening. It's an album I would like to experience with friends, at a party, or live. Without a doubt those guitar grooves would get me dancing like a mad man. Alright! Now I have plans for this weekend!

The Fray - "Scars & Stories" (2012)

The Fray have slipped into a hole.

By this, I mean they have truly discovered their "sound" on the third album; a mistake that select bands make by being too consistent. The artist(s) loses much originality by doing this. Producer Brendan O'Brien (Incubus, Stone Temple Pilots) seems to have an influence over the band though, steering the group away from Coldplay comparisons, and instead into a more guitar-based direction; something that fans could be disappointed about. With lead single Heartbeat, we hear Issac Slade's signature cry over a band playing their parts a bit too enthusiastically. There is simply too much commotion. To say that the Fray are still making effortless and timeless hits like 'How to Save a Life' would be a very, very long stretch of the truth.

As the Fray decide to attempt to wiggle in the small space they've created for themselves, the danceable track, Turn Me On proves awkward for anyone familiar with Issac and his piano, as the band has nixed it completely at this point. The lyrics don't seem to line up either; something about running away from family into the arms of a lover. Even more unorthodox, the post-punk Hear We Are gives off a provocative vibe that no one is quite ready for.

With inspiration coming from vacations to third-world countries, the stories still roll out with every tune, but even the most keen listener would not be able to read between the lines of Slade's clichés . What the Fray lacks on Scars & Stories is something that they used to be very good at, and that was giving us songs to sing along to. With less anticipation than it's predecessor, it is difficult to decide if our boys tried too hard this time around, or didn't try enough.

RATING: 5/10

Ingrid Michaelson - "Human Again" (2012)

You can usually tell when a musician grew up with both parents being artistic as well. The child grows up writing in a diary and someday turns those poems into songs. This is the case for our lovely Ingrid Michaelson, as she continues through the music world as another "indie pop girl-who-escaped-to-New York-to-make-it-big".

Her latest effort showcases the singer/songwriter's rawest emotion yet, especially with the somber whimper of I'm Through. Within the ballad, Michaelson tells us of a lost love, but with no remorse. I'll always know you were the one/ To rip me from the ground/ It's all because of you that I'm through, she cries with the assorted orchestra backing her. And with no sort of transition, the next story off the album, Blood Brothers, preaches that we're all the same. The uplifting feel the progression of this song has, makes this one stand out as a casual "go-to" track for those looking for that anti-world-depression drug.

The lead single, Ghost, has Michaelson desperately wanting to express that she is a lost soul, and may not be able to find herself again. With fancy vocal embellishments and innocent attitude, there isn't a whole lot else that makes the music very interesting to listen to. Perhaps the sweetest track off Human Again could be Keep Warm. This track could be the staple for any Hollywood romantic cult-classic movie. Here we have a soothing melody that actually warms your heart, as well as enchanting additions from the backing orchestra, much like what Ray Charles' "Georgia on my Mind" did for our hearts. However, Michaelson has a long way to go before we can consider her as soulful as she has the potential to be.

Without any sort of consistency, the album as a whole lacks a certain flow. Going from a reluctant heartbreak to a cherished one so quickly can be hard on our conscious; as humans, we need time to heal. Keep in mind that although the songs are well constructed, Ms. Michaelson may have to work a bit harder to differentiate her vocal demeaner. We want her to really show us that at the end of the world, we can still find someone to leave this place together.

RATING: 5/10

Blink 182 - "Flyswatter" Demo (1992)

You probably have a favorite band, who you know the lyrics to every song and even b-sides or unreleased tracks. Perhaps you've backtracked your favorite band all the way to their very first recordings and fell in love with every sounds that emitted through your speakers. However, there are certain recordings that stayed unreleased and unprofessionally recorded because they are, for better or for worse, irrelevant.

At some point in your life, you've probably heard a Blink 182 song, whether you realize who the band is or not. If you listen chronologically to the band's music, there is a definite maturity time-line that is follows. At the beginning, Blink were not a whole lot different from other bands at the time, such as NOFX, Screeching Weasel, or even Green Day. Really, what made this band stand out and what eventually got them signed was their work-ethic and potty-humor filled stage shows.

What Flyswatter provides for any Blink fan brave enough to survive it's less-than-mediocre sound quality, (the lyrics are unpronounceable), are decent attempts of a band trying out songs that would impress few. Mark Hoppus on bass demonstrates that he is a natural at finding harmonies in the right places, and Tom Delonge consistently plays riffs that subtly differentiate from each other. Ex-drummer, Scott Raynor's job, was simply to keep up and play fast.

Honestly, the only difference between this demo tape and your buddy's from down the street, is that Blink knew what they wanted to sound like; a lyrically-ridiculous punk band who wanted to play loud, fast, and get people to notice them. But hey, it worked, didn't it? If you for some reason feel like digging this forgotten demo-tape from the vast internet, don't judge them based off being immature... (Wait... Oh yeah.)

RATING: 3/10

The Dead Weather - "Sea of Cowards" (2010)

When you think of the term super-group, who comes to mind? Technically, the term is defined by several members who have already gained fame from previous bands, collaborating into a new band. The Dead Weather is nothing short of super, and their sound combines the most excellent elements from each members background. Within the sophomore efforts opening two tracks, the White-Stripes-esq stomping drums can be still recognized, as well as Jack White's screeching guitars playing hooks so unique, that every track is as interesting as the next. The track I'm Mad showcases the group's freaky streak, not just portraying anger, but mental instability as the fuzzy bass and electronics come howling out. To slow the train down a bit, I Can't Hear You grooves the listeners body just subtly enough to create and anxious and uncomfortable atmosphere; as if you're walking alone through an alley and you don't know who (or what) is around the corner. To add to the insanity of the instrumentation on Sea of Cowards, front-woman Alison Mosshart's vocals from the viewpoint of certain characters who are assertive, but simultaneously apprehensive. This is illustrated in the song Looking at the Invisible Man with the lyrics "You're lookin' at me like you know what you're talking about/Ain't nothing to see here, you can't hit me". This seems to be a theme throughout the album, as Mosshart stands up at the mic, yelling things at you like a bully...A very sexy, dangerous bully.

RATING: 7/10

Ray LaMontagne - "Gossip in the Grain" (2008)

Album Review

If you have ever wanted to experience a perfect day no matter what the weather, opening track "You Are the Best Thing" will make you smile with it's subdued stomp groove and rounded horn section. He continues his honest lyrics that reach out past his romantic melodies and instrumentation in the tunes that follow. "Sarah", a tune that seems to frolic between your ears, takes the listener on a journey into the innocent past of LaMontagne, and then poses the question, "is it ever going to be the same?" There is no doubt that LaMontagne is a skilled musician, as he maintains our attention and our interest with several contrasting tunes, utilizing different techniques ranging from a simple banjo riff for an old-time country feel, to creating a semi-manic narration with impatient drums and screaming harmonicas. Such a song would be the hectic romp "Henry Nearly Killed Me (It's a Shame)". What this album contains are modern day pop songs with an extra helping of raw emotion; something this generation seems to be in low supply of. A master at creating unique harmonies crossing over all instruments, LaMontagne has no trouble creating not just a scene, but a whole story for the listener to fall into and reminisce on lost loves and lost passions.

Conniption - The Rave, Milwaukee

1/29/11

Conniption is local music at its best. Whether or not your fan of the hard-rocking and the loud, accelerated thrashing, every music listener is able to discover something of interest from these guys.

Before the main set, the opening bands did a great job of setting the mood for the evening. The two groups that I had the treat of listening to were Spider xXx, whose hard rockin' tunes had fists pumping in the air from the beginning, and The Heroes Lie. Appearing as a knock-off Avenge Sevenfold act (obviously a strong influence, though), the boys in the Heroes Lie proved that metal music still has class, and as the surprisingly great tracks came from the speakers, the highlight of the set had to be a phenomenal Dio cover entitled Rainbow in the Dark. The entire band was ace in recreating a classic. All originals, including a new track Dirty Girl, were enjoyable. This band definitely has something going for them, and the singer has some real talent. A minute of Slayer's Angel of Death was also demanded, as the mosh pit grew into catastrophe. Let's put it this way, the guitarist of The Heroes Lie doesn't f**k around.

Conniption walked onstage soon enough and lights out. Starting off with The Road Less Traveled, it was clear that the next hour and a half was to be epic; simple as that.

It almost seemed like the first track was just to get themselves situated, and to really kick things off, the band rolled into perhaps the most popular track, Light the Stage, calling for an immediate mosh pit to accompany the thrashing music. Now with the audience in the palm of their hands, Conniption was ready to melt some faces, and I want to say literally speaking.

The set-list included songs off of the band's first release (Method to Madness) and their upcoming and highly anticipated second release (Kamikaze), which is due out this Spring 2011. Every song was performed flawlessly and with ease. Each track included a top-notch guitar solo from Bill House, and several more from lead vocalist, Michael Brigham. A few special notes could be The Witches Hammer, Quietus, Fear Itself, and The Torrent. To further spice things up, Metallica's The Four Horsemen was thrown in to much enjoyment.

Perhaps the most beautiful song of the evening, And the Sun Ran Away with the Moon involved an obviously intense and full-hearted guitar solo from House. Melodies and harmonies were floating everywhere in the room and between peoples ears as Conniption continued to put the audience into a trance. Soon to be broken with yet another mosh pit, the fast paced, shout-along Metal Mayhem was the closer the first set.

The encore of Conniption's set once again proved that these fans were not about to let up the excitement, as the moshing continued and the band agreed. Performing the wicked title track, Kamikaze, the music wasn't about to stop. Jokingly asking if the audience were fans of Rage Against The Machine and hearing excitment build, the band then stated "Cool! So here's another original!" After four strong chords and the recognizable bass solo from Cody Dziuk, it seemed every person in the room was jumping and well... yelling along to Killing in the Name Of. A very special treat for all, and played just because "they could". To close the night, another smashing track entitled Bringer of War jammed everyone out, and as the last note rang in our eardrums, we couldn't feel our bodies.

These dudes from Conniption know exactly what they are doing: guitar harmonies, vocal harmonies, "in your face" stage presence, and of course, the signature long hair... With all of their knowledge and skills put together, they make for a damn good rock show. Hey guys, when you get famous, we'll be here in our bedrooms with every album feeling proud of you.

Conniption's full set:

1. The Road Less Traveled
2. Light the Stage
3. Highway Star (Deep Purple cover)
   
4. Quietus
5. Reunion/ Fear Itself/ The Scorpion Tale
6. The Torrent/ Bill Guitar Solo
7. The Four Horsemen (Metallica cover)
8. The Witches Hammer
9. What Will Be
10. And the Sun Ran Away with the Moon
11. Take on the World/ Eye for an Eye
12. Metal Mayhem

ENCORE
13. Kamikaze
14. Killing in the Name Of (Rage Against the Machine cover)
15. Bringer of War