Kings Of Leon - Come Around Sundown

One of my best friends came to visit for a couple of days and i forgot how fun it was to have someone around that summed up my university career.  Since he left to go back home for school out East a few years ago, i've never really had that someone i could turn to who knew exactly what i needed to hear.  We were only roommates for a year, but we acted like we knew each other for decades.  It's good to know that recent roommates can still act like brothers, even if they live in two different time zones; thats university for you. 

#9

Kings of Leon - Come Around Sundown

I've been waiting for this album for some time.  Like many other KOL fans, i fell in love with the band listening to their recent album Only By The Night which exploded on the commercial scene.  Since the release of their latest Come Around Sundown, i've been extremely excited not only to listen to it, but to write about it and share what i thought would be the next album of the year.  Well after a few listens, i don't think it's worth a grammy, though i do believe that i fell on a gem.  "Pickup Truck" (don't mind the pink, just press play) is without a doubt my favourite song of the year thus far.  Jared's six note bass line packs the perfect amount of punch in a emotional song, the piano (which hasn't been used in the past) accents Matthew's guitar beautifully,  the drums are not only being played by Nathan, he gives a voice to his instrument, and the emotion Caleb evokes in this song is so strong, his lyrics grab hold of you as a listener.  I have a great connection with this song that many people may not understand, though i do believe everyone has a certain song they feel strongly for, this one is mine. 

"Pyro" is another song that i took interest in as well.  Not only does it have a drum beat that i cannot figure out even till this day, but i feel like it will blow my mind if i ever watched it live.  I had the pleasure of watching the Followill brothers back in 2008, and have no doubt i will watch them again. 

We did not use this album as our anthem for his visit here, though i chose to connect the two since they both speak of brotherhood.  I understand that i don't have a say on where he should go to school, or where he should live after, though i do know i have a choice to stay friends with him regardless of his location.  So i know we're not roommates any more, but we'll always be biggest bois! (slang for brother lol) 

Kings of Leon - Come Around Sundown

3.5/5

recommended songs

Pickup Truck

Pyro

Radioactive

Back Down South
The Immortals

Joshua Radin - Simple Times

I admit...I miss it...lets be honest, who doesn't miss it.  I miss always having someone there for you when ever you need it...knowing that your not alone no matter what.  It's always hard not to think back at what you could of done, or what you shouldn't have...but if you really had the chance would you do anything different?...I would like to think not...but knowing me...i think waaaay to much into certain situations...so i tend to just not think about it at all.  Is it hard?...hell yea its hard...but its also working.  Fighting with someone else is always shitty....but fighting against yourself is the hardest....

#8

Joshua Radin - Simple Times

This album is great...start to finish, but the emotional ride that it brings you is exhausting...one song your down...next song your picking yourself up...next song your bobbing your head and singing the lyrics...next song your back down....i feel like i'm in a soap opera staring me and my ipod.  I couldn't choose which song i wanted you to hear first...so instead ill let you decide.  "No Envy, No Fear" is an emotional song with soft spoken lyrics, a warm cello bass line, gorgeous ukulele background, and a guitar riff that will leave you speechless.  On the other hand, "Brand New Day" is certainly a more uplifting song, even though it is not as technical as the other, a three chord progression in the chorus will still have you smiling near the 1:30 mark.  I would also like to stress Joshua's song writing ability.  Quoting from another review "Joshua doesn't write to impress, he writes to convey emotion".  Emotion is definitely an understatement with regards to Simple Times.  I believe in order to become a true song writer, or a true 'anything' for that matter, you have to leave all your emotions, give all your heart, and show commitment to become who you want to be.  Joshua proves he has what it takes with his work on Simple Times. 

There are two ways to look at this situation.  Easy way out: you allow yourself to feel alone, you find ways to distract yourself from what your really thinking of, and you listen to Joshua Radin.  

Better way out: you think of that feeling you had when you found someone new, and you look forward to that day, you look out for yourself first...and you listen on Joshua Radin. 

It's never easy to push people away who have made such an impact in your life....but people come and go...it's the people who stay that should be most important to you. 

Joshua Radin - Simple Times

4/5

recommended songs:

No Envy, No Fear

Brand New Day

Friend Like You

I'd Rather Be With You

Passion Pit - Manners

I have a million things going on in my head...just a brief summary..i worked my first raptors game..IT WAS AWESOME...i'm on reading week...which is also awesome...i have a lot of work to do before my friend comes to visit from New Brunswick, which is kind of awesome i guess, i'm also losing sleep..which is not so awesome....and me losing sleep brings me back to the fact that i have a lot of things going on in my head.  Its a constant circle and i'm having a hard time trying to find things that inspire me to continue....but then again, maybe i'm just looking to hard.  So what inspires you?...A certain song? An old teacher? Or maybe a friend?.....What inspires me?.....my dad.
So heres #7

Passion Pit - Manners 

I wasn't a fan of Passion Pit until I heard the song "Moth's Wing".  If i were to write a blog themed after my sisters "100 songs that saved my life", this song would without a doubt be one of my top 10.  The piano melody is gorgeous, the drummer only uses the ride and toms (he doesn't touch the snare once), the vocalist sings in a perfect falsetto, and the ambient sounds produced by the synths and electric pianos are genius.  This song inspires me to learn every instrument played during this track, and reproduce it as if my own.  It's hard not to single out this song from the rest of the album...not to say that Manners is not worth a full listen, "Moth's Wing" is just one of those songs....it's...inspirational.
The best description i can give for this band is a collaboration of different sounds.  Christmas chimes used in "Sleepyhead", or a children's choir sung during "Let your love grow tall".  Passion Pit definitely made a fan out of me with their work off Manners.  It's an album worth a listen, even though you aren't a fan of the lead singers extremely high voice not fit for a grown man...

I have to admit, I am a little frightened about what i'm supposed to do after I graduate.  I say that i have a plan, but what if the plan falls threw, what then?  Either way, my dad always told me to be proud of who I am and not to look to far into the future, focus on right now first.  Well I am extremely proud of who I am, and proud of who i will become....cause hopefully ill be more like him.

Passion Pit - Manners
4.5/5
Must listen:
Moth's Wing
Let Your Love Grow Tall
The Reeling
Sleepyhead

Ok Go - Of The Blue Colour Of The Sky

Do you remember these guys?....k flash back...remember that video with the four guys on the treadmills singing and choreographed dancing to an extremely catchy song.  Yup..they have a new album, and its freakin catchy.  I did not like their old albums, in fact i found them kind of annoying, but with Of The Blue Colour Of The Sky, i cant stop singing, swaying, hand drumming, what ever you like to do when you listen to wicked awesome music.
Ok to be honest, i really should be working on an essay; but i realized that if you just take the time and stand up from you extremely grooved desk chair, and start 'two stepping', the essay all of a sudden doesn't seem so threatening.  You just need a break, whither you are in school, or if your working seven to eight jobs at a time, you just need time to do you....sooo...heres #6, and my latest ear candy.

Ok Go - Of The Blue Colour Of The Sky

I recommend you to watch every music video these guys have made.  Each one is a single shot, meaning they don't stop, cut and match frames, its just a single three to four minute shot on what ever theme they chose.  Not only does Ok Go put out some of the most innovative music videos, they also produce some of the most catchiest tunes.  Maybe not "shit i'd sleep to material", but then again, this album has made me think of another playlist....entitled the "two step"...genius!...I also have a secret love affair with Ok Go's bassist Tim Nordwind, not because he's a balding mid age musician, but because his bass playing is astounding. Groovy bass licks, slaps, and slides, that you can't help but just dance too.  Soo...my treat to you for today, is to listen to "I want you so bad i can't breath".  This song wasn't the first song i heard off this record, in fact that song was called "this too shall pass", which is another catchy tune, but "I want you so bad i can't breath" allowed me to just close my eyes and feel the music.....and trust...i haven't felt that for a while!

I would like to point out that, while writing this blog on the subway to work...i felt great about what i've just written, in turn, forgetting to save it, and deleting everything half way through.  So, ill end off with a good note instead....
The Raptors season is about to start meaning i'm employed once again in a couple of weeks. As i mention this during dinner with my parents, my mom rants off about focusing more on school and not to concentrate to much on this job...let alone having two....then my dad turns to me and says.."but its a pretty cool job eh?!'...and i respond..."yeah it is!!".....hahahaha awesome

Ok Go - Of The Blue Colour Of The Sky
4/5
Recommended songs to "two step"
I want you so bad i can't breath
This too shall pass
All is not lost
White Knuckles

Land of Talk - Some Are Lakes

School has officially started...its my last year...where i'm going after?...well lets just hope i make it through first!...So while stumbling upon this next album (and without the help of a thesaurus) stumbling into my last year of university, i realized that there are two types of people in this world: people who care..and people who just don't give a shit.  I guess there are a couple of exceptions, but majority would be at either poles.  It's difficult to determine who's who at first, but when your at the forefront of your university career, you tend to realize who's gonna stick by you, and who's just a bump on the road.  This brings me to #5...and my next album:

Land of Talk - Some Are Lakes

Land of Talk became the main focal point because of two factors:
1: the main guitarist and main singer is female
2: the melody at which she is singing, and the rhythm of the music are completely different...but when put together...its freaking genius.
So lets just point out that the main guitarist/Singer is female...yes there is Metric, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Paramore; counting a few, with lead female singers, but Elizabeth Powell never puts down the strings while delivering her unique voice accompanied by bass and percussions.  Not taking anything away from the bass guitarist and drummer, but if you listened to Powell's voice separately, it's a completely different picture.  She has the ability to sing A capella and still bring out the message she intended with or without her band. 
The song "it's ok" best describes the difference between the music and voice.  The haunting, yet gritty tone of her voice meshes perfectly with her off tuned guitar and back up band.  It's hard not to listen to this song once or twice more just to get the full effect of its perfect imperfection.

So maybe we are supposed to be challenged by people we don't particularly like.  It's possible that others who care make up for the ones who don't care at all and vice versa.  Two is better then one, and once you put them together, it's up to you to see fit.

Land of talk - Some are lakes: 3.5/5
recommended songs:
It's Ok
Some are Lakes
Yuppy Flu
Trouble

Ray LaMontagne - Gossip In The Grain

It's funny how things begin to change.  Sometimes for the worst, sometimes for the best; either way things change.  For example, i got the job that i was denying i would get...Im doing pretty well in school (trust me its a first), and i have a general idea of what i want to do in my life...which includes ALOT of travelling.  Where im going with this....i don't really know, i just know i haven't felt this sort of freedom for quite some time.  I also realized that optimism is the best medicine to anything...that and sleep!!!  Which brings me to my next album, and blog #4....

Ray LaMontagne - Gossip In the Grain

So if I haven't shown you yet, i have this playlist entitled "Shit i'd sleep to", which includes all types of artist and songs that i would generally pass out too.  I used to sleep with heavy metal playing in the background...but damn...those dreams were messed up! So instead, these artist include, coldplay, fleet foxes, matthew good, broken social scene, massive attack, Jon hopkins ...yea u get the picture...im already getting sleepy while talking about them.  Ray LaMontagne has now been inducted into the "shit i'd sleep to" playlist!!!

I know I know...music that makes you fall asleep is a waste of time, cause...c'mon, music is ment to be listened too.  But the way i look at it, is if it's soothing enough to let you fall asleep, then its something worth listening too.  Gossip In The Grain incorporates optimism, up-tempo and slow-tempo melodies, and a wicked gospel voice that makes me wish i could grow a beard and drink enough whiskey that my voice would eventually sound like that.  Put that all together, you get Ray Lamontagne.  The first song i listened to was "You are the best thing"...and honestly, I dare you NOT to smile when you listen to this song (specially the back up singers....SO BOMB)...

I can't say this song helped me through a lot, cause i mean, it's only been a week...but i can say that it helped me lift a heavy weight off my shoulder which i hope it does the same, or more for you!

I know my blogs are a little long, so im gonna try to keep them short...this album is good...not the best...but screw it...it helps me sleep at the end of the day!  I give this album 3.5/5, mainly because it is kind of boring, but that voice...god damn that voice...if jesus sung..that would be it..I swear!!!


ooh and also...check out the cd release dates on the right hand side.  let me know of others...those are just a few that i felt were important!!!!...


Recommended tracks:
You are the best thing
Let It Be Me
Sarah 
I Still Care For You

Coldplay - Parachutes

it's been a long week...and i mean..a LONG week.  I just finished up my first week of frosh bossing, and i dont remember being so tired since my last time i participated in my frosh week.  The 3 am partying, the 8 am wake ups...i can't keep up with these eighteen year olds ne more!.. But with that said, i totally missed last weeks blog, mainly because i didnt listen to another album, and yes i did go crazy.  The only thing that was playing during frosh week was the constint euro beats, the "uns uns uns", and a devotion to lady gaga.  
Not only have i been trying to be awesome all the time (and yes that was part of our contract), ive been living at my best friend(s) place for the last week.  I love these guys for lending me their hospitality but i do admit that i missed my bed, to the fullist.  After a long night of fist pumping, i go back home, put on my wicked ass bose headphones (sry for the advertisement) and put on the only thing that reminds me of home......Coldplay!

For people who know me well enough, they know that the band Coldplay has been part of my life for as long as i can remember.  When i decided to write these blogs, i used it as an excuse to write a review on Coldplay, and in particular this album.  And with everything that has been going on in my life, the friends, the family, the school, the age of 21, and the constint decision making....this album has been playing in the background, and even if i dont truely listen to it, its comforting to know that something so close to me will always be there as long as i press play. 
soooo...i finally get to do a coldplay album....lets make this epic!!!
 
Coldplay - Parachutes

What more can I say about this album.  The song writing techniques, the true sounds of melody, and the feeling of a cohesive band all jammed packed into a 42 minute LP.  It's hard to find an album where you don't mind...no no, you don't want to change any track and listen to every single song.  Each track has its own characteristic, but none other then the song "Don't Panic" best describes the album.  "Don't Panic" gave me shivers the first time i heard it, and that feeling has never changed.  I can't remember how many times ive relied on this song to give me that extra push, or to give me the encouragement to continue on.  Even if things didn't work out as planned, i stayed true to myself, and i stayed true to the title.  Everything will eventually work out for the better, you just gotta give it time.

Another song i truly recommend would be "Everything's not lost".  This song incorporates all aspect of great music, a slow build up, a dramatic chorus, and a climatic ending; as if this song was meant to be told as a story.  

I can continue on about how much this album means to me, but it wont mean a thing if it doesn't persuade you to actually listen to it.  This is an album that will always be close to my heart, and i hope it changes your mind on a couple of things too.

I give this album a 5/5, i would go over the 5 limit, but i don't want to over exaggerate and give you high expectations.

To wrap this up....and im sorry, i know this blog is pretty long, id just like to say, frosh week was wickedly awesome, it was awesome to be awesome for 21 hours of the day, it was awesome to meet so many awesome people, and it was awesome to always smell like awesome!!!!....i had a great week, and since school is about to start, i have to start making even bigger decisions in my life.  I hope the friends i've made, and the friends im going to make in my last year of university will be as amazing as these albums i have been listening too.....ok...so thanks for reading blog #3, now carry on with your life!!

Songs i recommend off Parachutes:

don't panic

everything's not lost

yellow (obv)

sparks

shiver