Vega4 - You And Others

I've made mistakes in my life....who hasn't...like any other human being, I feel sorry for my mistakes and I have a conscience thats eating away at me, but sorry doesn't usually cut it.   I've tried to make everyone around me happy, but thats the catch, you can't make everyone happy all at once...someone is going to dislike you, someone is going to disagree with you whither you like it or not.  Then there are times where you have to man up and admit your mistakes, admit you've been a jerk at times, but instead of faltering in self pity, you take it as a learning experience for the long run.  My closest friends are usually the victims to my impulsive reactions to certain situations and if anyone is going to tell me the truth, it would be them.  I rely on two or three of them to tell me exactly what I need to hear, even if its going to hurt me even more...but i wouldn't take a verbal punch from any one else but them....you just have to learn to listen.

#16

Vega4 - You And Others

One of my friends asked me where I find my music and all I told him was that I try to listen to every suggestion possible.  I listen to clips of songs used during commercial breaks, during movie trailers, or television programs..(never the radio, radio destroys the fun out of finding new and impressive music), and I take the time to listen to what other people enjoy.  There must be a reason why people choose the music they listen to, a feeling that is unexplainable and only attainable if you give it a chance.  I found Vega4 during a movie trailer and I knew right off that bat that I had to find their music; the feeling was there, I could hear it, I just had to find it.  "A Billion Tons of Lights" uses the ambient sounds of the Tone-pad instrument which suits the title of the track perfectly.  You can tell by the lyrics and the continues 16 bar loop that this song was directly influenced by the Tone-pad instrument and I've been waiting for an alternative rock band to do just that.  "Tearing Me Apart" is another song influenced by the Tone-pad instrument, though Vega4 definitely leans towards the rock approach with this track.  I have yet to hear another alternative rock band gutsy enough to use an instrument that only requires the tapping of your fingers, but regardless of the fact, Vega4 has created a new and exciting way to combine music with technology.  It doesn't take much effort to produce an irreplaceable loop from the Tone-pad, but combining with a full four piece band requires a great amount of skill...

It's hard to keep track of what I'm doing right and what I'm doing wrong, the only way to know is if my friends are still there by my side.  I do apologize for my misjudgments I embarked on these past few months, but if I had the chance to go back and change my decisions, I don't think I would.  I do believe in second chances, and I do believe that there is no weakness in forgiveness, you just have to make sure it's deserving.

Vega4 - You And Others
3.5/5
Recommended
Tearing Me Apart
A Billion Tons of Lights
Life is Beautiful
Traffic Jam

The Most Serene Republic - ...And The Ever Expanding Universe

Funny story...I went to go watch Ra Ra Riot perform at the Mod Club this past Wednesday and I saw a class mate walk by while heading to the washroom.  I thought nothing of it since we don't really speak to one another in class, though I knew it was him from his distinct characteristics.  While walking back to the concert floor, I see him once again fixing up the guitars, and helping the opening band prepare for their performance.  I turn to my friend and say..."hey look, the guitar tech..he's in my class", she replies with a raised eyebrow "dude, that's the lead singer".  Astonished, I watched his band perform in front of hundreds of people and to my surprise...they were really good!  At that moment, I knew I had to purchase their album, write a review, and someway somehow become his friend....man i feel like a groupie!

#15

The Most Serene Republic - ...And The Ever Expanding Universe

Little did i know that MSR had more then one album out in stores, so it was definitely difficult for me to choose which one to listen too, then I began to remember the performance and pinpointed the song that caught my attention.  "Heavens to Purgatory" (and yes, thats the guy in my class) fulfilled my needs for weird and uncanny musical genres.  The combination of The Shins and The Strokes, mixed with a trans back beat, a banjo outline, and a verse melody that ranges from high to low much like a seismic monitor, is by far the weirdest and most interesting thing i've heard this past year.  Whats most enticing to me is how MSR is not looking for that commercial sound, they find pleasure in producing their own music that fit their needs, and the ones of their avid fans.  "Phi" is another track that provides that indie style, out of the ordinary feeling that i find appealing.  MSR produces an array of musical sounds that fit together like a puzzle, in which one sound may feel naked on its own, but when put together, its simply euphoric.  

It's crazy to think that a classmate of mine, who sits right across from me in tutorial, is performing on the same stage as Ra Ra Riot, it just makes you think of all the talent thats around you.  You just never know who's next in line to stardom, who's the next richest man or women, or who's the next greatest inventor.  The talent amongst your friends, family, and or classmates is incredible, in fact, the talent you bestow amongst yourselves is incredible, we just need that time in the spotlight to share our talents that may potentially change the world.  I might be going overboard with my optimist, but at the same time....you never know....

The Most Serene Republic - ...And The Ever Expanding Universe

3/5

recommended:

Heavens to Purgatory

Phi

No One Likes a Nihilist

All of One is the Other

Mt. Desolation - Mt. Desolation

Sometimes you need a change, a change from your regular routine, a change from what's comfortable to what's exciting.  Admittedly, i've been letting my last year of university slip right through my fingers, by the end of next week ill only have one more semester left...then its off to the world.  The problem is...thats where the regular routine kicks in.  The dreadful 9-5, make dinner from 6-7, eat dinner and watch some glee from 7-8..make plans for the weekend from 9-10, get ready for bed and do it all over again.  I don't know if i can handle it, though i know its looming around the corner, waiting for me, lusting at its inevitability.  I'm not saying its a terrible life style, but i can't say it was something i was looking forward to....I wanted to look outside the box, and i think i found something.
#14

Mt. Desolation - Mt. Desolation

 I found this band while searching through another one of my favourite bands named Keane.  Their pianist Tim Rice-Oxley took time off from his original quartet  and focused on a side project entitled Mt. Desolation.  I wasn't sure how to make out the album, the Keane factor was quite apparent, though the country/up-tempo concept took me by surprise.  It's not something i normally listen to, but when you branch off to something unusual, it's kind of exciting. "State of our Affairs" was the first song i listened too off the album, and this two verse, no chorus, heavy violin and piano piece stood out from the rest.  It might be a bad example when trying to explain the rest of the album, but its not a song i could leave out.  The 2:03 mark was something unexplainable and definitely something i had to share.  By using their own instruments, the band strung together a plethora of notes to create a chaotic sound that oddly fit together with the rest of the song; they invented an acoustic distortion.  "Coming Home" is a much more formal, yet equally emotional piece by Mt. Desolation.  This Keane influence song reminded me much of "Somewhere only we know" by the same band, which you may remember its fifteen minutes of fame from the movie "He's just not that into you".....which i watched...and yes..enjoyed.

I also might have found something that may be a potential of something greater.  I am aware of my youth slowly but surely coming to an end..and yes i am only 21, but living through this generation, you tend to notice that everyone is fighting for the final piece of the puzzle, and age is definitely not a restraint anymore.  It's troubling for a york student at his final year to realize that its your turn, but you have nothing to prepare for when you step up to the podium.  Is it just me, or am I the first to say that i'm not ready yet.  I almost lost something that could potentially be something great, but i was so sure of throwing it away because I just wasn't ready.  This box we put on ourselves, this restraint that we trap ourselves with is self-destructive, it's unhealthy sometimes, and I can't say that school has helped me prepare for any of it.  So I taught myself to look outside the box, and I encourage you to do the same, because you might be surprised of what you may find.

Mt. Desolation - Mt. Desolation
3/5
recommended songs:
State of our Affairs
Coming Home
Bridal Gown
Bitter Pill

J. Cole - Friday Night Lights

Man its tough to make money.  Last summer i worked extremely hard and made a good amount of cash, later realizing that spending it is a lot easier then making it.  I have this crazy ambition that one day i'll move to Vancouver, go to school, get a tattoo, and eventually learn how to ride a motorcycle...but what do they all have in common...they all cost a Frick loud of money!  Talk is cheap, time is money, and admitting the road ahead is tough but pursuing it anyway is a good start.  When we were young...(ok younger)...my sister and I were extremely fortunate to have parents who love us, and supported us on what ever we did regardless of the cost.  They put us in dance classes, music classes, math classes, anything that would better our future...but money isn't what paid for our classes, it was hard work.  My parents...and your parents as well...work their asses off just to put food on the table.  Money is hard to come by, and after working countless hours just to afford subway tokens so i can do the whole routine again...i realize that money doesn't buy you happiness, but you can't deny it brings you some form of freedom...

#13

So instead of choosing any of the albums from my previous blog, i decided to write about an artist who solely works hard for what he earns.  Jermaine Lamarr Cole (stage name J. Cole) is the epitome of what you should do if you want to make it big....work your ass off.  With his most recent mix-tape entitled "Friday Night Lights", J.Cole produces his own music, and writes his own lyrics which landed him a spot on Roc-a-Fella Records (Roc-a-Fella Records is founded by Jay-z).  His lyrical range alludes from a variety of topics, from his college days, to his sleepless nights scrapping for change.  The song "Home for the Holidays" gave out such an original modern rhythm with an old school flow. It spoke about a kid wanting to find himself away from home, but he gets a little home sick, later realizing that home is not the same. 

"one year cost about the same as a Mercedes 

four years cost wife crib and a baby
ay maybe this aint for me
only if i could be Lebron and go straight to league
the worst part 'bout growing up man shit just aint for free
but maybe i can be somebody people pay to see
and maybe i should move up outta here to the place to be
to get from a to z ay what you think im crazy
if i told you one day that Imma sign with jay-z
and will i make it i guess we gotta wait and see"

The rest of the album speaks much of J.Cole's character, an aspiring artist aware of his surrounding, yet not afraid to exploit its faults...its just refreshing not to hear another artist rapping about the glitz and glamor that comes with stardom.  The road is tough, but eventually hard work does pay off. 

There are so many things in life that distract you, and discourage you from what and who you want to become...you have to realize that, how ever loved or spoiled you were before, no one is gonna hold your hand when shit gets rough....be tough...be you...and don't look back until you're sure you have a trail that you're proud of. 

J. Cole - Friday Night Lights

3.5/5

recommended songs:

Home for the Holiday

Blow Up

The Autograph

Higher

In the Morning (feat. drake)

Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Yup, i got this album 3 weeks in advanced.  Not the most legal way, but lets be honest, Kanye makes enough money for himself plus 3 starving countries, so he doesn't need any of mine.  Besides, my music library is growing everyday, and I believe I have purchased as much music as I have downloaded, and trust me its a lot.  "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" is my first hip-hop review and I wouldn't choose any other artist to use as my first...ok maybe jay-z, but BP3 wasn't that good.  Kanye is a visionary artist, what other artist can you think of that is able to release a minute and a half music video with half naked women in the background, abstract dancing and pounding out the beat, while the artist just stands there without even performing the song...and STILL have people buzzing over it.  Kanye just knows how to create buzz...he's a trend in itself.
#12

The video i am referring is of course "Power", which was the first snippet of what would become "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy".  But enough about the video, this song has so many layers that the naked ear couldn't comprehend.  Kanye is known for his sampling....
(sampling (noun) - the process of taking brief segments of sound (from a song, movie or elsewhere) and using that sound to form another sound or musical piece)...where he proves that he is the best in the game.  Im gonna take this opportunity to dissect and break down the DNA of "Power": he takes three main samples...


Afromerica - Continent #6 - this is the "Oho..AAAAh aaah"
21st century Schiziod Man - King Crimson -this one is a little more obvious
It's your thing - Cold Gritts - this is the backbeat of the entire song
Now you put all these three together, speed it up a couple of clicks, put a little distorted bass and guitar in the background, have Kanye write a verse and a chorus...and boom!..you have a Kanye classic.  I absolutely love finding off timing beats and sounds, and sampling tracks that just don't belong in the song, but without it, it would be nothing.  I try to think how Kanye, and other artist that do the same, how do they come up with these samples, where do they find them, and how on earth do they put them together and make a track like "Power".  It's a talent that i hope one day I can learn...and produce for my own. 
I'm sorry I only gave you one track to listen to, and one that you most likely already heard, but if I dissected every Kanye track off this album, I would be writing him a novel.....hmmm thats a good idea...."The Science behind Kanye".  Maybe another time, but I do hope you take the time to look at the samples, then maybe you can have another outlook on "power", and listen to it again, not just for the song itself.  Also, I would love if you could help me choose which album to review next. I have decided among three, coincidently all hip-hop...
Jay-z - Black album (i recently bought "decoded", and it's jaw dropping)
Nicki Minaj - pink friday
Lloyd Banks - Hunger for more 2


Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
4/5
listen to:
Power
All of the Lights
Devil in a New Dress
Monster
So Appalled 

Eliza Doolittle - Eliza Doolittle

Life is good, life is also very fun.  We take advantage of how lucky we are and we don't take notice of the little things that make us happy.  I feel like negativity is contagious and too many times have i've been in a bad mood because of someone else; and vice versa.  Then i thought about it....positivity is contagious too.  So it was great to know that i was gonna share this album with you, it might not be on the top of your playlists, but i do hope it makes your day a little brighter.  I also have a wicked crush on this artist...she writes her own music, she plays the guitar, she has an adorable British accent, she covered a rendition of Coldplay's "Yellow", and she's my age....total heart throb!!!
any ways...heres #11

Eliza Doolittle - Eliza Doolittle

I just want to point out that I found Eliza Doolittle after searching for a cover of Cee Lo Green's "F*ck You".  Can you imagine someone like Eliza doing a cover of "F*ck You"?...Neither did I!  Either way, I found it hilarious so I decided to look up her music.  Fact is, her mother was the star of the musical "Les Miserable", and her grandmother was the founder of the london Stage School.  At age 12 Eliza started writing her own music and at age 16 she signed up with Universal Music.  Now, at the age of 22, with the release of her self titled debut album, her colourful poppy/jazzy style is drawing comparisons to London pop-star Lily Allen.  Eliza's approach to pop music is extremely unique and not like anything i've heard before.  "Skinny Genes" was the first track i heard from her and i was hooked from the start; she uses a whistle melody during the chorus that i find ingenious.  I also fell in love with her choice of instruments (which could be the effects of a good producer as well, but i'll give her the benefit of the doubt).  She uses strictly acoustic instruments such as the Cello, Ukulele, three piece drum kit, mini piano, back up harmony, and not once did i hear a distortion.  "Pack Up" was another track that caught my attention, mainly because it sounded like the 21st century pop version of Bobby McFerrin's "Don't worry, be happy".  The combination of pop and jazz speaks such a colourful picture that you can't help but smile and do the twist.  Eliza's music is pure...and that accent of hers doesn't hurt either.

Pop music is not one of my favourite genres, though I do admit it makes me kind of happy.  The Biebs and the Swifts may take a little longer to cope with, but I do understand how it plays as ear candy.  It's never a bad thing to share a good feeling, and if it feels good...just go for it and stop caring about what other people think.  If you want to stay home on a friday night while all your other friends are spending money for no reason, go for it.  If you want to eat that whole carton of Ben and Jerry's cookie dough ice cream while watching Lost or One Tree Hill, go for it.  If you want to spend 800$ on an iphone....ok don't go for that..but you know what i mean.

Eliza Doolittle - Eliza Doolittle
3/5
Recommended:
Skinny Genes
Pack Up
Rollerblades
Police Car

Wicked (musical soundtrack) - Stephen Schwartz

I realized that most of my music i've blogged about has been kind of similar, which makes me assume that you have a general idea of what i like to listen to.  This is both a positive and negative thing: Positive - if you enjoy my taste in music...chances are we can be best friends =)....negative - i hope you don't think i listen to one type of genre...so here is something out of the ordinary....way out of the ordinary.  Recently i went to go watch the musical Wicked...and not to be cheesy..but my god it was wicked.  The theatrical...the lighting..the costumes...the characters...and especially the music.  So don't hate me if you think this is too weird of me to write a review about...but to be honest..i was so stuck on what to listen to for this week...it was either this or taylor swift....really.......c'mon

so here's #10

Wicked (Musical soundtrack) 

To write music for a singer to convey a story is one thing...to compose the music for an already told story is another.  Composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz has produced some of the finest music for stage and film: Pocahontas, Hunchback of Notre Dame (stage version), Prince of Egypt, just to name a few.  Schwartz has the ability to portray so many different emotions through his compositions and Wicked is no different.  I was first introduced to Wicked by a friend with the song "defying gravity"....so i'm gonna do the same for you....and man is this song epic!!!...One thing I admire the most about Schwartz is that he composes melodies that stay true to the story, and ones that stay in your head even after the play has concluded.  It was a treat to watch the rehearsal, and making of the song "for good", cause not only do you get a chance to see how Schwartz composes this piece, but you also see how he breaks down every aspect of the song, the way the singer breaths, the fills that should be used, which note should be placed where, which harmonies should be used and when..and so on.  As a musician, its extremely inspiring to see how much work and effort they have to put into in order to produce such a strong emotional song.  "Through music, one finds theres no filter, music seeps inside you, and pierces you in a way, in a deeper way then words alone do". 

At first i was skeptical on writing a review on a musical soundtrack, though, after consideration, and a choice between Wicked or taylor swift, i'm really glad i chose to do so.  Nothing against "Speak Now", cause i did give it a listen (everything kind of just sounded the same), but Wicked was something i had to share, a soundtrack i can't wait to learn, and a talent i wish i could duplicate.  If you do get a chance, i advice you to watch this musical, and it doesn't matter where you sit, trust me, my sister and I were sitting in an area i call "ventilation area 1 obstructed view"...next musical soundtrack review.."The Lion King"!!!

Wicked (musical soundtrack) - Stephen Schwartz 

4/5

Recommended pieces:

Defying Gravity

For Good

Popular

Dancing Through Life

Thank Goodness

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

Ra Ra Riot - The Orchad

blog number 2....i know im supposed to write one for every tuesday, and im already failing, but forgive me...i've been sick the last couple of days.  Fortunately i do feel better, although i told myself to get better by thursday - yes i had a chat with my body and i gave it a timeline  (i even searched through google - "quick tips to get back to healthy")...i guess sickness and a cure cant be rushed.  I have had a good dosage of boiling water and tylenol, but nothing eases my stomach more then some anti-biotics...=)....
Ne ways, during my time of recovery, it was extremely hard to go outdoors, or even into my basement where the air is too cold for my throat.  So instead, i stayed in and listened to music; with a side of applying for jobs and reviewing school books i need to buy, but those aren't important...
On my last blog, i talked about a band that i recently discovered.  After nagging my friends and family to read my blog, i also asked them if they heard of such a band.  Surprisingly, only a handful of them have, so i thought i landed on a gem.  Since that time i've had two opportunities to watch this band live...(I KNOW...IN A WEEK)....but with the combination of my sickness...and helping a number of people move from A to B (do people stay in one place ne more?)...i was unable to watch them in any occasion.  So instead, i decided to listen to their most recent album "The Orchard".... which is the topic of blog #2.

This album is completely different from their debut album; which is both a positive and a negative.  Negative - i REALLY like their debut album, positive - you can tell that they are always trying to do something different.  If you know me well enough, you know that im a huge Coldplay fan, and one of the main reasons for my obsessiveness (is that a word?)....is that they continue to do and create new things, each album has a different feel, but the true meaning of their music is still there.  In this case, the catchy - poppy texture in Ra Ra Riots last album has shifted to a more mature, full listen.  Now i can't say that i dislike their choice of direction (note - they did help me through 6 days of sickness), but i did miss the fun, up-tempo sound found in The Rhumb Line.  Don't get me wrong, there are a couple of great songs off this album, one sure listen would be...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZSivEDSHFI; but sometimes, change is not always the answer.  But then it got me thinking, even if you don't want things to change, things are going to change regardless.
For one:

• I'm feeling much better then before (well anything feels better then breathing in toronto air, lugging a coach across the hallway with an extremely soar throat...sickness is just a nicer word for phlegm, mucus and sweat....SOO ATTRACTIVE), 
• i got an interview for a job i really want 
• and i also received my first reference letter from an old friend...it was awesome

So change can be good, but lets not speak to soon...schools about to start!...bring it on!!....
ooooh and my verdict for Ra Ra Riot "The Orchard" - 3/5
....."the Rhumb line" - 4/5.......man i should make this a profession.


recommend ear candy off "the orchard"
 - Do you remember
 - you and i know
 - Shadowcasting
 - Kansai

ra ra riot - the rhumb line

alright guys...this is my first blog..so here we goo

first off i wanna say wats up, my name is Jason, also known as jay, sonson, jaysonson, or simply "the asian"; and i go to york university finishing up my english degree.  Having to study english, all i ever do is write essays or formal papers, so getting the chance to free write about something i'm passionate about is a great opportunity and i dunno why i haven't thought of it before.

any who; I wanted to start a blog about albums that i have recently listened to, or just began listening to and already getting sick of because it's on repeat in my car or on my laptop. Either way, my friends and family know that i have an odd selection of musical genres.  I sometimes wonder if my family thinks i'm a little strange if i put on a bubbly alternative rock song (i.e. coldplay - strawberry swing) in the morning to wake me up, then blast a serious bass bumper hip hop track (i.e. nicki minaj - i get crazy) in the afternoon, continue on with a metal head banging track (i.e. lamb of god - set to fail) at night, and then finish off with a calming easy on the ears track (i.e. ra ra riot - oh, la) so i can reminisce about recent events.  Either way, i think they love me for who i am, and i love them back for that.

So any ways, without trying to bore you with thoughts and reasons why i decided to begin a blog, im just gonna up and start with my first album:

ra ra riots - the rhumb line

released - august 19th, 2008

genre - alternative, indie rock/pop

producer - Ryan Hadlock

To be honest, i accidentally stumbled upon this album.  I was being my jaysonson self and was searching through itunes at 3 am cause i was bored.  Besides the point, itunes usually updates their music every Tuesday since Tuesdays are the days when new albums are released; much like how movies are released on fridays.  This is not always the case for some albums of course, some are released thursdays or mondays depending on the band, much like how some movies are released on wednesday depending on the movie. Any ways, back to my point, i decided not to listen to their recent album because i believe that any band plays their greatest stuff in and around the time they were signed: in other words, their debut or sophomore album (again, this is not always the case, but its just my opinion).

The first song i listened to was "can you tell".  First impression:........meh!  But again, don't judge a book by its cover, or in this case, don't judge a song by its 30 second preview (thats for all you itune lovers lol)

I continued to listen to the song, and i was impressed of how well they incorporated the violin and cello to their style of music.  It's almost like the violin accents the guitar perfectly, and the cello does the same for the violin, the bass does for the cello and so on.

The best way to describe something like this is if you take a listen to the next song i listened to: "oh, la"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaXLirWrG-8 (skip to 0:45)

This song blew me away, it was beautiful, it was how music should sound to my ears. It made me want to relearn violin........but lets be honest.

I've been drumming for the last 6 years, i'm noooo where near professional, but i think i have an ear for certain rhythms and off beats.  This album does not have an assortment of beats, or any complex rhythms for the matter, but the drummer definitely utilizes his style to its fullest.  The constant kick drum on beats one through four helps the audience take in everything in an easy pattern to follow.

What i'm trying to say is, these guys, and girls, know exactly what they are doing. They are playing music from the heart, their playing music knowing that people are going to love it.  They are playing music with confidence and without cockiness.  They don't care if others don't enjoy it, as long as they enjoy it, then they'll play it.  Thats something i look for in people, not saying that i judge (ok we all judge, but still), I make friends with people who live life with confidence but aren't afraid to admit that they f*ck up once or twice.  It's ok to make mistakes, but you learn from it.

Its refreshing to hear genuine music now a days.  I just had a couple of friends come back from vacation/work/school, I also have a sister who's about to move out of her new apartment; odd i know, but i'm by her side what ever decision she makes.  These events help me realize that things are happening, their changing and time is flying by.  By the time i find my way, move into my first appartment, my sister may have a child and ill be known as uncle sonson.........gross....lol...but who knows.  So to have one or two songs or a whole album that helps you reflect, and get excited for the future; i think its ok to have it on repeat for one more day.

songs i recommend off the album:

oh, la

each year
suspended in gaffa
too too too fast