Mystery Jets - Radlands

There are a few things I've learnt in my post grad era.  One, you have to learn how to take advice.  Two, patience is nothing short then a gift.  And three, ambition should never be feared from, but admired.  To many times have I been afraid to do what I want because I thought my dreams were too big.  Then I realized that dreaming small is the largest step to falling short.  I've always admired people who have large admiration, that believing you are the best at what you do is never by chance.

I recently watched a show at the Sound Academy in Toronto, excited to be part of a three thousand plus crowd singing and dancing uniformly.  But before the headline band could blow us all away with their strobe lights and dashing good looks, the opening band was well prepared to set us up for a knock out show. So much so that their music was stuck in my head the whole night, even throughout the headline's setlist (the headliner being Keane; and I love Keane).  On the off chance of shuffling through their music once or twice, Mystery Jets was just another band on my playlist that I had no real diligence to listen too; but I think that was the beauty of it.  It was the first time I payed close attention to their music, how they constructed their songs, how united they were as a band, and how determined they were to give the best show they could possibly give.
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Mystery Jets - Radlands

 

Their first song "Someone Purer" taught me a valuable lesson, if you are not aiming to grab their attention at first strike, good luck trying the rest of the night.  Lucky for me, this song grabbed my attention and latched on until I started to sing those oh's in ah's in the chorus; mind you this was the first time hearing it.  This is everything you would want in an opener, catchy, melodic, enthusiastic, and that guitar riff just sneaks up on you at the right moment........perfect!
"The Ballad of Emmerson Lonestar" was another track that stood out to me, but in a different way.  Since meeting my girlfriend, I've taught her how to listen to the different instruments individually.  In turn, she taught me how to listen to the lyrics as an instrument.
"Just a lone star in the sky/treading the night/cutting loose the mess you left/taking flight/from coast to coast you move like a ghost/trying to break the past/so follow the rope to wherever it goes/and strike up another chance".  I also couldn't forget "The Hale Bop".  This one's like a 21st century Ghostbusters!

Mystery Jets understanding for music was what excited me the most while watching them live.  Their camaraderie on stage, their attention to detail, their unity as a band, you could just tell that they didn't get here by chance.  Believing in what you do already sets yourself a part from the rest.  Funny what music can teach you some times.

Mystery Jets - Radlands
3/5
Recommended Songs:
Someone Purer
The Ballad of Emmerson Lonestar
The Hale Bop
Sister Evert
Radlands

@jayleung20

Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto

The waiting wasn't the hard part; it was knowing that the waiting would soon come to an end that hurt the most.  I have been a Coldplay fan since their first EP's "Brothers & Sisters" and "Castles", but like any other music enthusiast, no one could have imagined their forthcoming popularity; though it's no surprise that their popularity continues to grow.  No other band has the ability to cross genres from Alternative Rock - Hip-Hop - Heavy Rock - Country - Synth/Pop, and still keep it relatively Coldplay.  Their music is never about how catchy, how danceable, or how many "oohs" & "ahhs" you can sing along to. It's always about how effective it is in the end.  If a million people hated their music, but one person loved every minute, then it was worthwhile.  Their music is genuine, it's uplifting, and most importantly...it's powerful.
All of you know how excited I was about this album; so i'm going to take this opportunity to give an in-depth, track by track review of Coldplay's fifth studio album Mylo Xyloto:
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Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto

Mylo Xyloto  - Chris Martin on Piano & Johnny Buckland on Guitar, what more can you ask for?  I can't wait to wake up in the morning with this playing in the background and the sun hitting my face; it's gonna' be a great day.

Hurts Like Heaven - I'm gonna' jump the boat right now and say this is my favourite song off the album.  Chris's ability to find rhythms and rhymes that fit perfectly to certain tempos is unparalleled.  This introductory track gives all four members a chance to reintroduce themselves to the world.  The lyrics, the beat, the chords - I just can't get enough.  Plus, the first time I heard this song was live. That never hurts. 

Paradise - Synth based melody, heavily distorted bass guitar and a hip-hop infused back beat does not spell out Coldplay; but because of their innovation and charisma as a band, they pull off one hell of a song and the second single off Mylo. 

Charlie Brown - Without a doubt, my second favourite song off the album.  What impressed me the most was their production and how well they incorporated every single sound.  Every instrument has a chance to stand out and have it's own spotlight.  Pay attention to the extra background voice at 1:10, subtle yet extremely effective.  If you asked me to give you just one song off the album to listen to, it would be this one.  (Hurt's Like Heaven is for me =)

Us Against The World - This song builds and builds, then softly sets you back down to reality.  It is a beautiful song with Will Champion backing up his partner in a melodic harmony.  "Through chaos as it swirls, it's us against the world". I think I found my new favourite lyric. 

M.M.I.X - Roman numeral for 2009, a synth, spacey based introduction to Coldplay's first single:

Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall (ETIAW) - This song totally grew on me.  I was skeptical at first because I couldn't shake the fact that it was so different, not just compared to past Coldplay songs, but to music in general.  Essentially, ETIAW is made up of three parts: Verse/Breakdown/Chorus.  It's one enormous build up, which is probably the reason why they use it as their last song in their live setlist. 

Major Minus - Other reviews have pinned this as the evil cousin of the album and I couldn't agree more.   What stands out the most to me is the bass riff that Guy Berryman performs on this song.  High to low, dragging notes makes him the focal point of the track. 

U.F.O - This was the one that reminded me the most of their older songs.  Chris Martin is a phenomenal songwriter with an even better voice.  

Princess Of China Feat. Rihanna - This was the song that shook Coldplay fans.  It's fine if Coldplay featured in Hip-Hop music, but not the other way around.  Though I have to say, as skeptical as I was, this song couldn't work without Rihanna; the chorus was meant for her.  Worth a listen. 

Up In Flames - This one was oddly one of my favourites as well.  Purely Chris Martin, he produces certain melodies that only a certain few can imagine.  Call me crazy, but I can't scratch the feeling that this should be used in a Disney film...no?  Give it another go. 

A Hopefully Transmission - The third and final intermission to the album.  I love the use of shakers and cowbells...

Don't Let It Break Your Heart - The pick-me-upper if you will. Can be compared to Coldplay's Politik. A booming, fast paced, instrument driven song, where Chris's voice is mostly used as back-up to the guitars and drums. 

Up With The Birds - A fitting ending to another epic tale of Coldplay.  Almost like a goodbye and hope to see you soon rendition.  Johnny breaks through half way into the song and Coldplay is at it again; this time with a more country feel.  A Great ending to another great album.

Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto

5/5

Recommended:

Hurt's Like Heaven

Charlie Brown

Up In Flames

Princess of China

Us Against the World

Arkells - Michigan Left

Nothing is ever good enough for the people you care about, so why is it so hard to believe that nothing is good enough for you?  Self deprecation happens to everyone whether you like it our not, and everyone has their own way of dealing with such torment.  For me, I have my friends, my family and my music.  No not my own, just yet, but music that I believe was written specifically for me, right for this moment. Albums that should just be named "Jason's album".  Motivation is always hard to find, but when it comes by, its easy to let go of, that's why we always search for it.  I haven't been finding too much music lately, what with all the post grad business, but that doesn't mean i've stop listening; luckily I found an album that catered to what I was feeling at the time.  The Arkells is a Canadian band from Hamilton Ontario and their sophomore album Michigan Left doesn't shy too far away from their first album, Jackson Square.  You can hear the influence of other great Canadian bands such as Toyko Police club and The Trews in their music.  Possible contender for album of the year at the Juno's.....nothing like an Arcade Fire Grammy, but never a bad thing to support a fellow Canadian band.
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Arkells - Michigan left

The Arkells is a true Rock & Roll band, no need for showmanship, no gimmicks or crazy light shows, they speak through their music, their instrument and their charisma.  Every time I listen to their music, I try to picture them writing it, then performing it and having the time of their lives.  I remember playing with my first band back in high school, and even when it wasn't music any of us really truly loved, we made it from scratch. Our identity was entirely in this music and it was overwhelming.  There was a video of them recording "On Paper"and it just reminded me of that moment where the four of us finished writing a song, and on that final note we all stopped and looked at each other and said...."yea!" Great moment, better feeling.  During "Michigan Left", right away you can pick out the Tokyo Police Club in every strum.  The fun, funky rhythm, with a little mix of reggae, really uplifts anyones sub-par feelings towards life.

I always tell people when i'm teaching them an instrument, even before I teach them anything, is to just play.  Play whatever you can or whatever you know, because more times then not, you hear something no one else can when you're just having fun.  Music usually starts off not what it is intended to sound like, much like life itself.  If you wish for life to turn out the way you intend it to be, you're straight out of luck buddy, 'cause that doesn't even make sense.

Arkells - Michigan Left
3.5/5
Recommended songs:
On Paper
Michigan left
Book Club
Kiss Cam
Whistleblower

Freedom Or Death - Ego

It's really great to be back writing and having the motivation to share music with you again. I've been excited for a while to share my life story and what i've been listening to along the way.  It was important to choose something special to share with you after such a long absence, though honestly I haven't found anything that truly stands out to me...'til now.  But first lets get a run down of what's been going on.  I finished school - thats right, I graduated people!  I finished a summer job and i'm just about to begin a new one with my parents.  I've started to record again and I've also started giving drum lessons to beginner drummers (if you're interested, let me know).  My sister is back from her stay in New York and it's always nice to have her back; and i'm happily in a relatively new relationship in which I don't see the end coming anytime soon (thats a good thing right??) All in all, i'm still living life and i'm still listening to music, and I have a little story that goes along with this artist.
I found this artist a while back, loved the song but could never find the album.  I went to HMV and unfortunately they told me they wouldn't be shipping in any new music in since they were closing down.  I went back a month or two after to see their closing sale, and there it was, sitting there, alone with all the discount stickers.  I felt like they ordered just one for me, and I never came to pick it up until now...It was meant to be.  So here you go....Freedom Or Death
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Freedom or Death - Ego

I'm sorry for such a long (re)intro to this blog, but I was just so excited to be back; and to be honest there are only two songs I really want you to listen to anyway.  One of them is the first song that attracted me the most to this band: "This Crowded Room".  If you listen closely, front man Sway hardly sings without a harmonization.  Every section, whether it be the verse, chorus or breakdown, someone in the background is singing or humming in a different timing or a different tone; its simply genius.  Their cross between electronic, hip/hop infused alternative style makes them unique in so many ways.  If I could make a comparison, (without getting any hatred from it) I would say they sound much like the Toronto sensation "The Weekend".....but better.  Just take a listen to my second request: "Virginia Woolf".  The voice is such an important instrument in which they use to their advantage.  Listen to the slight vibrato during the second verse at 1:10; I mean really, who thinks of this stuff?

This is truly a great piece of work which should make its way to the mainstream; though i'm quite glad, and proud that I found it before the radio destroyed it.  None the less, it was something to share, and something i've wanted to share for a while.  It's never too late to share a good thing. If you keep it amongst yourself, it slowly becomes stale.  So share everything you got...before it starts to turn on you!

Freedom Or Death - Ego
4/5
recommended songs:
This Crowded Room
Virginia Woolf
Human
Nobody Listens

Stornoway - Beachcombers Windowsill

I know it's been a while since i've written anything lately but to my defence, there has been a million things unfolding in the last month or so and I tried to find the perfect album to see fit.  First off, let me begin with my status as a university student............I'M DONE!  I know right, I finally finished my twenty one years of schooling and to be honest, it's a little surreal, though when it does hit me, I don't doubt that it'll hit me like a bag of bricks.  Second, I found two other jobs that will eventually help me with my future plans, although one of these occupations diverts me back into the kitchen where the smell of fried foods, a number of different sauces and sweat all mixed into one is so potent that not even the strongest of colognes can hide it....just think of the money.  And third, I believe I have finally found someone that can bare/withstand my randomness, who I can say is a really good friend to me as well; but that's a whole other story.  Either way, epic right?...So I knew I had to take the time and find the right album to share my story, and here it is...

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A pair of brothers playing up-beat and folky tracks while using an assortment of different instruments make up the core of Stornoway.  With comparison to the very talented Mumford & Sons, who's influential music exploded onto the indie music scene, Stornoway's sound is fresh, unique, and a perfect soundtrack for a road trip in the summer.  "Zorbing" is by far the most unique song i've heard in years.  Listen to the low harmony in the pre-chorus beginning at 0:36, and the eccentric bass line beginning at 1:20.  Their arrangement of sound is quite reassuring, simply because it proves how talented people can be without having to mimic others.  "Fuel up"...do you remember that feeling you get when you hear a certain song, or remember a certain memory and you get this sudden, yet comforting chill that is simply unexplainable?...well take a moment and listen to this song.  That exact moment happened to me at the 1:32 mark when the bassist drops an unbelievable rift that just sends chills down my spin.  If I could define that feeling with one word, I think I would call it 'Swoon'!

I enjoyed this album very much. One, because its simply brilliant; two, because their song writing ability is very influential; and three...they reassure me that in fact, what i'm doing in my life is the right choice.  It may not be the best, but it's the one I want to take - which is the only choice for me.  If I could give anyone advice, (since i've been getting the best as of late) I would say to just take a new look at your goals and accomplishments. You'd be surprised at what you may find by simply keeping the same path with a different approach.  At the end of it all, you are what you love, not what loves you...

Stornoway - Beachcombers Windowsill
4.5/5
Recommended songs:
Zorbing
Fuel Up
Watching Birds
I Saw You Blink
Here Comes The Blackout

The Weekend - House of Balloons

Respect is extremely difficult to come by. It's not just something you can slap a label on and move on, it's something you have to earn and prove you deserve.  I have great respect for people, much like my parents, who came to a foreign country not knowing the language, who fought their way against all odds, and earned their respect.  Our generation is so blinded by the things we are supposed to earn with the things we are given. It's hard to understand what respect is supposed to stand for.  So I decided to write a review on an artist who I believe has given great dividends to a genre in which has lost its respect throughout the years.  Coming from a generation where auto-tune, dub-step and mediocre lyrics have somehow taken top reign in the music industry, true R&B has fallen off the map and I for one missed out on the chance to succumb to artist such as Boyz II Men, Aaliyah, Mary J. Blidge, Erykah Badu, Marvin Gaye, all of which have been forgotten to some extent.  But we can't dwell on what we've missed, instead we should appreciate what R&B has become and use these artists as inspiration. Give them our respect.

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The Weekend - House of Balloons

To set the record straight, no I don't think this mix-tape has saved or somehow reincarnated the R&B genre. Instead, I think it has done a great job producing its own rendition; creating a certain sub-genre that pays dividends to its origins, while staying modern. Abel Tesfaye, stage name The Weeknd, is a Toronto based artist who draws his listeners in with his slow, seductive and melancholic voice, backed up by a dark and eerie production that mirrors the late hours of a very....very long night out.  "The Party & The After Party" is a perfect example of what you may listen to while fixing yourself up, or slowing yourself down from the extremities of a long night.  There are a few things that kept me interested while listening to this track.  1) the sample that is used during the chorus is equally haunting and beautiful, which fits perfectly to its theme... and 2) I can't help but recognize the similarities between this song and Beach House's "Take Care".  Then again, there are two parts to this seven minute track, so I'll leave it to you to describe what you feel while listening.  If you haven't realized already, Tesfaye uses themes such as sex, drugs and money in most of his music, which is basically the exact same concept for modern day rappers; Tesfaye just makes it more appealing.  "The Morning" is another great example of Tesfaye's rendition of sub-genre R&B (comparable to Drake's: Houstalantavegas).  The mixture between Hip-Hop, alternative rock and R&B are all evident in Tesfaye's music, which I believe is a step in the right direction for this coming of age sub-genre.

Respect, again, is only earned when it is equally received.  You cannot go out of your away and just expect others to respect you for what you've done, you have to earn it.  It may takes months, or years, or even decades to earn the respect of others, but when you believe in yourself, it may take mere seconds. After that, everyone else's opinion just doesn't seem to matter.

The Weekend - House of Balloons
4/5
recommended:
The Party & The After Party
The Morning
Loft Music
High For This
What You Need

Lupe Fiasco - Lasers

Simply put, this review is all about having to do shit you just don't want to do.  Accomplishments are one thing, where you want to finish what you've started for your own benefit, but having to do something because of a deadline, more often then not, you tend to finish with something mediocre.  Now i'm not saying that Lupe's "Lasers" is a terrible album, i'm just saying that i've been waiting for this album for quite some time, and it didn't really deliver.  Then after a couple clicks of the mouse, I notice that Lupe himself bashes on his own album.  "When I think about what it took to actually get the record together and everything that I went through on this record—which is something I can’t separate—I hate this album".  This of course has much do with his record label wanting something more commercial so they can sell more albums, but when you have no motivations and a deadline heading your way, you better be ready for some criticism.  
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Lupe has delivered some memorable tracks, such as the infamous "kick kick push", and "hip-hop saved my life", so there was no doubt I was going to be excited for this album to release.  His first single "The Show Goes On" emphasized my excitement for two main reasons: 1) the track samples one of my all time favourite songs in "Float On" by Modest Mouse, and 2) he speaks about the struggles of fame but no matter the circumstance, the show must go on, making the theme ambiguous.  I have a new found respect for Lupe because of his taste in music, but after listening to his whole album, trying to find a glimpse of what may resemble his old style and flow...it just wasn't there.  Tracks like "State Run Radio" (hip-hop rock with repeating chorus line?), "I don't Wanna Care Right Now" (his rendition of Enrique Iglesias "Tonight") and "Break The Chain" (Lupe going DubStep)...you can just tell that Lupe isn't comfortable for the direction he is heading towards, no thanks to his commercial based record label.  Without bashing his album to hard, Lupe does produce a few tracks that do deserve to be notified.  "Letting Go" is surprisingly rhythmic, and the hook is quite catchy.  I won't be surprised if this was his next hit single".  "All Black Everything" is another track I caught myself bobbing my head to, and I realize that it's true; if you have a title that catches your eye, you tend to pay a little bit more attention to it.


I guess this criticism may be coming from the extra negativity of me having to do three 2500 word essays in a span of two weeks, and i've only finished one.  Though it all comes down to the feeling of accomplishments.  I know that if I finish these three, and if I just bite the bullet and not loose control, I will finish what I started and I wont have to face all these critics telling me I have to do it a certain way in order to be successful.  Sooner or later I will be able to do shit my way and I wont have to speak for anybody, people will have to speak for me.  Someone commented on my post, telling me that finishing an essay during St.patty's day isn't cool at all, but it does sound like a coming of age CEO.....yea damn straight!


Lupe Fiasco - Lasers
2/5
Recommended:
The Show Goes On
Letting Go
All Black Everything
Till I Get There
Coming Up