So after years of listening to music, reading reviews, and forming my own opinions, I have decided to give my own shot at being the critic that everyone comes to (or some people at least!). I also think there is a big problem with music listeners today; too many people are giving in to commercial music (the so-called tin pan alley hits of the past). Hopefully, you music heads reading my blogs will find my blog a good place to give opinions, hear new music, and discuss whatever you may choose (that is on the topic of music, of course).
How it all works: So I am just a beginner at this critiquing style, but for now I will be simply giving my review on the album, some highlights of the album, and some extra bits of info as well. I am trying to hone my skill, and hopefully it will show in the reviews to come.
Peace, musicheads
Monday, April 4, 2011
Iron & Wine- Kiss Each Other Clean (4 of 10)
Ok, ok. I love Sam Beam and the rest of I & W, however this album is nothing compared to their previous releases. Somewhere along the line they dropped the ball. The best part of the album: Beam's artwork. Their electric, edited studio sound is something way different than that of their previous raw sounding cuts. Mark Wheat, DJ at the Current, had it right for this album. However, I am not as adamant about my decision, it just isn't Iron & Wine quality.
One suggestion for this album is to check out NPR.org's music selections. They happened to have a live concert of this album that will allow you to make your own assessment, plus it's free and downloadable (in my opinion, it is much better than the studio versions of the songs). All the extra editing time and additional tones did not pay off, at all.
Some highlights of the album are as follows.
-Tree by the River: A simple romance song that may be one of my favorites on the album. It gives a feeling to the listener that the previous releases do. Simple guitar, drum, bass, and some harmony vocals.
-Your Fake Name is Good Enough for Me: The longest song on the album demonstrates the horn playing in Iron & Wine and also just the ability of the band itself. The song also has a change in attitude, which adds to the overall quality of the tune. The first half or so is more upbeat, while the last half is more stripped down and lyrical; some good vocal harmonies and song-writing.
My recommendation for this is simply to burn it (legally of course!). Also, check out that NPR live show. Although some may have some disliking towards NPR's news coverage, you all will find their music selection is vast and, thank God, free!
One suggestion for this album is to check out NPR.org's music selections. They happened to have a live concert of this album that will allow you to make your own assessment, plus it's free and downloadable (in my opinion, it is much better than the studio versions of the songs). All the extra editing time and additional tones did not pay off, at all.
Some highlights of the album are as follows.
-Tree by the River: A simple romance song that may be one of my favorites on the album. It gives a feeling to the listener that the previous releases do. Simple guitar, drum, bass, and some harmony vocals.
-Your Fake Name is Good Enough for Me: The longest song on the album demonstrates the horn playing in Iron & Wine and also just the ability of the band itself. The song also has a change in attitude, which adds to the overall quality of the tune. The first half or so is more upbeat, while the last half is more stripped down and lyrical; some good vocal harmonies and song-writing.
My recommendation for this is simply to burn it (legally of course!). Also, check out that NPR live show. Although some may have some disliking towards NPR's news coverage, you all will find their music selection is vast and, thank God, free!
G. Love- Fixin' to Die (7 of 10)
After multiple albums of G. Love's signature blues-hip hop style, he has finally created the album of his career. Let's just say he has come a long way since his street playing days in his hometown of Philadelphia. Teaming up with the Avett Brothers, G. Love couldn't go wrong this time. The title track of this album, an old traditional blues tune by Bukka White, starts of the album with energy and a dirty, down-to-business feeling. Along with the title track, the album cuts four different songs, which is in my opinion a very humble act. The best cover has to be 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover. A song that starts out seemingly normal, but then G. Love and the Avett Brothers really jam out and show their passion for music.
Although sweet and simple, this album does not bring anything extraordinary to the table. The album is purely meant for a quiet listening that doesn't take too much comprehension to understand what he is conveying. Most songs speak of the same topic, love. Now married, Garret Dutton spends much of his song writing time writing about his love for his wife, Katie. However, I don't think this detracts from the overall quality of the album.
My recommendation is to buy this album, for all you country/blues lovers out there (as well as true G. Love fans). However if you're only looking to hear bits of his new cuts, stick to youtube.
Although sweet and simple, this album does not bring anything extraordinary to the table. The album is purely meant for a quiet listening that doesn't take too much comprehension to understand what he is conveying. Most songs speak of the same topic, love. Now married, Garret Dutton spends much of his song writing time writing about his love for his wife, Katie. However, I don't think this detracts from the overall quality of the album.
My recommendation is to buy this album, for all you country/blues lovers out there (as well as true G. Love fans). However if you're only looking to hear bits of his new cuts, stick to youtube.
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