Mumford and Sons - Babel

I've been entranced with the boys from Mumford and Sons since their inauguration to the indie music scene with "Sigh No More".  Many were weary at first with their folk like sound and melodramatic melodies, but with Marcus Mumford's charming personality, backed with a group of multi-talented musicians, Mumford and Sons took the hearts of millions around the world in the span of one year.

My girlfriend and I had the privilege to watch these four fellows take the stage at a sold out Air Canada Centre. I couldn't help but be proud of a band who exemplified the prowess of hard work and determination.  I also couldn't help but be proud of my city whom excepted and acknowledged the music these men have created.  Sigh No More was a classic, how they faired on their sophomore album is about to be determined.
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To my surprise, every critic review I read upon the release of Babel were all negative.  They ranked the album subpar or merely decent compared to their predecessor.  But here's the thing, none of these reviews took into consideration when, where, and why this album was created.  

Mumford and sons were a traveling folk band playing in venues such as The Horseshoe Tavern, now they have the #1 album in the world...in the WORLD!  Sticking together as a band and keeping a humble heart with so much success in such a short period of time is quite impressive in itself.  Now keep that in mind and realize that they recorded the entire album while on tour.  If that's not enough, you don't think Mumford understands the pressure they are under after Sigh No More?  They put this upon themselves, but as an aspiring artist, it's a problem I would love to have.

Ok, enough of my two cents, here is a review of a few tracks from Babel

"I Will Wait" - Their first single, and by far their best song on the album.  With its thumping bass drum and banjo plucking we've all come to love, "I Will Wait" grasps you with its first strum till its final kick drum.  Its first chorus slows down the melody dramatically, but it mimics the lyrics of having to wait for whats yet to come, and believe me it's worth the wait. 

"Lovers of the Lights" - Lucky for me they played this track during their performance at the ACC back in October.  Listen to the melody when Marcus Mumford sings "watch me stumble, over and over".  This little melody comes up periodically and I can't help but think of Dave Matthews Band when I hear it.  It must be the drum kit in the background that allude to Carter Beauford.

"Below My Feet" -  The lyrics "keep my eyes to serve, my hands to learn" still haunt me today.  A play on words that Marcus Mumford is quite known for, his lyrical talent has driven and will continue to drive this band to even greater heights.  This song is the one I am most excited and looking forward to witnessing live.  Might I remind you that Marcus sings, plays guitar, kicks the bass drum and tambourine all at once?  I Know....Mind Blown!

Rating: 4 / 5

Recommended songs:

I Will Wait

Lovers of the Light

Below My feet

Lover's eyes

Broken Crown

Stars - The North

I love Canadian music, there is so much emotion and talent that others take for granted. That being said, I do admit there is a lot of Canadian music that may sound the same and have the same themes and rhythms, but to me, I couldn't ask for anything less.  Each time I listen to a Canadian artist, whither it be the Arkells, Feist, Brocken Social Scene, Toyko Police Club, Arcade Fire, Rush, or even Shad, each one of these artist mimic what it means to be Canadian through their music.  What it means to be Canadian can be debated, but all I know when I think canadian music: euphoric.
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I get such a rush every time I listen to Stars.  Every album they release, there are at least 4-5 different tracks that give me goosebumps; it's like they have a nack of sharing...freedom.  Their latest instalment "The North", i'm proud to say, never let up with those goosebumps.  The entire album hits a different spot with the same feeling; such a rush.
Their first single off the record, "Hold On When you Get Love and Let Go When You Give It", is not generic by any means.  For one, the title is ridiculous and their lyrics are all around the map.  But for front man Torquil Campbell, and front lady Amy Millan, ridiculous is usually whats hit's the spot.  I couldn't agree more.  I couldn't help but sing "take the weakest thing in you, and beat the bastards with it", in the car, at the gym, in my sleep.
"The North" was the next song that caught my attention.  Listen to the chorus during a long walk and don't tell me you didn't fall into deep thought.  Such a subtle, yet strong chorus, definitely worth the same title as the album.
Finally, "Through the Mines" has Arcade Fire written all over it.  Amy Millan and Régine Chassagne of Arcade Fire, are two of the most talented, Canadian, and under rated female singers in Canadian music today.  So poise yet so strong, "Through the Mines" simply brings you to another world.

I did not grow up listening to Canadian music when I was younger.  My sister was the one who usually chose the music in the house, in which I learned the acronym for R&B at a very young age.  But I haven't been more proud to say that the music that my country produces can easily contend with the best.  Rock on Canada!

Rating: 4.5/5
Recommended Songs:
Hold On When You Get Love and Let Go When You Give It
The North
Through The Mines
Backlines
A Song Is a Weapon