Captain Melody's Music Reviews

Recommended Artist: Explosions in the Sky

2008-12-14T18:58:00.000-08:00

I listened to All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone this evening. Time and time again I am reminded of what makes Explosions in the Sky so great. They have a unique and electrifying sound that only they can capture. For those that have seen Friday Night Lights it is hard not to hear Explosions in the Sky without seeing particular scenes from the movie. That movie was MADE by the music from Explosions in the Sky.

If you are looking for some good music to meditate to check out All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone.

Sweet Post Alert!

2008-11-25T19:43:00.000-08:00

Chewing Gum has a pretty awesome post on Filter's Top 10 Albums of 2008. There are a few beauties on their that I am glad will get more exposure.

Click Here For Sweet Post

Album Review: Port O'Brien - All We Could Do Was Sing

2008-11-25T19:04:00.000-08:00

Port O'Brien is an folk indie rock band from California. I first heard of them during my interview with Kelly Winrich of Delta Spirit. Their album All We Could Do Was Sing was originally released May 13th, 2008 according to their website (Wikipedia reports 2007 with no source) and distribution on Amazon began today. The album caught my eye when I remembered Winrich's recommendation.

Side Note: Interestingly enough I first listened to this album on the road to Austin, TX to see Delta Spirit at Emos in Texas' great capital city. Their bassist had been arrested for having his mom's prescription drugs on him on the way to their show in the Dallas/Fort Worth area (my fine home). They had to cancel their show. I couldn't miss them, so the Captain had no choice but to set sail.

My first instinct when listening to this album was that you have to be in the right mood. If you are looking for energetic uplifting music you are not in the mood. If you are looking for chill music you can sit back and smoke (candy cigarettes of course!) to then you are in the right mood.

The album begins with a happy anthem "I Woke Up Today" that features a chorus of the band's voices. It follows that with a much more subtle and passive song "Stuck On A Boat" with a rich folk flavor. The next song "Fisherman's Son" takes off where the first track ended with a chorus of voices. The sound of the chorus is comparable to The Polyphonic Spree (without the orchestra of ROCK!). Song #6 "Alive For Nothing" has a very sweet acoustic groove to it. If you aren't catching on, this album offers a lot of variety. It gets and keeps your attention.

I like Kelly Winrich's taste in music.

Vocals - 100%

They may not sound like Pavarotti or Mannilow but this band's vocals are perfecto for the music. It is a passive, almost lazy but fun sound.

Instrumentation - 80%

The instrumentation is good, it just isn't great. There isn't enough variation in the instrumentation to match the ever changing music styles.

Creativity - 90%

The creativity in the album in oozing out at the seams.

Melody - 90%

The melodies are superb. Each song has a chorus you can sing along to.

Production - 85%

This is a hard thing to grade. The production is purposely rough to match the music. For the most part it does, but a few tracks I think go too far. "Valdez" is an example.

Overall - 89%

Album Review: The Killers - Day & Age

2008-11-24T08:50:00.000-08:00

Do you remember when The Killers self-debut album Hot Fuss was released? The band caught on like wildfire, becoming one of the most popular bands of 2004. I loved this album and was addicted to it. The first 9 tracks were brilliant and the cd was hardly ever taken out of my car stereo.

Because of my addiction to Hot Fuss I was very excited when Sam's Town was released in 2006. While there were great songs on this album I was disappointed that they moved away from their "dirty" sound; with less keyboards, electronic music, guitar, and replaced with a more generic sound.

The Killers became an anomaly to me. While most bands become more complex the longer they play together Sam's Town and the B-Side album Sawdust indicated that the band's sound was becoming simpler. Some may appreciate this, but I missed the days of Hot Fuss.

While listening to their new release Day & Age I was even more perplexed. The album was even simpler than Sam's Town. There is a lot of keyboard on the album, but very little bass and guitar. The sweet beats that I loved on Hot Fuss are completely gone.

Maybe it is a good album, and my longing for their original sound prevents me from truly appreciating it.

Vocals - 80%

Brandon Flowers is a good singer. There is no doubt about this. However, his voice is the main contributor to The Killers evolution to a simpler sound. On Hot Fuss Flowers talked, sang, screamed, etc. But on Day & Age his voice is very straightforward and unchanging.

Instrumentation - 70%

I like keyboards. I don't like songs in which simple keyboard is the main instrument. What happened to the guitar, bass and drums of The Killers?

Creativity - 70%

Again, maybe I'm just not appreciating it because I want something else. But the songs are too simple to score them high on creativity.

Melody - 80%

While simple, there are still some really great melodies on this album.

Production - 90%

The production of the album is extremely clean.

Overall - 78%

Other Reviews:

Chewing Gum

Album Review: Scott Weiland - Happy in Galoshes

2008-11-22T10:30:00.000-08:00

I have to admit it - I'm a Scott Weiland homer. Growing up in the 80s and 90s I was a huge STP fan. I enjoyed his 1998 solo album 12 Bar Blues. Instead of making music similar to the alternative rock sound of STP the album offered a variety of tempo, sound and instrumentation. Much of this can be attributed to the producer Blair Lamb, but as co-producer and artist I admired Weiland's work.

STP went on hiatus and Weiland joined Velvet Revolver. I will be blunt - I hated their music. Stripped creativity and testosterone rock is how I would describe their music. I believe that Velvet Revolver was more of a project to assemble rock legends for money than to create true music.

With this in mind I was cautious but hopeful when I learned that Weiland would be releasing another solo album. I couldn't help but get excited when I received my copy. I was longing for a trip down memory lane enjoying what made 12 Bar Blues so good.

Disappointment. Happy in Galoshes simply sucks. While listening to the album I couldn't help but feel sorry for Weiland. Had the years of hard drugs and Velvet Revolver stripped Weiland of talent?

Vocals - 60%

If there was one thing Weiland could contribute to his solo project it would be his vocals. Unfortunately, this is the worst part of the album. Known for the raw energy and emotion in his voice, Weiland sounds like a washed-up Brian Wilson.

Instrumentation - 70%

I hate the music. I only give it 70% because I assume there are some that like a harder beat and heavy guitars.

Creativity - 40%

I have no idea what the inspiration was behind Happy in Galoshes. Was Weiland trying to make a Velvet Revolver album without the band? I'm sad to say that as bad as Velvet Revolver was, the creativity on Weiland's solo album is worse.

Melody - 80%

There are some catchy melodies in this album. But when the music is crappy do you really wont those melodies in your head?

Overall - 62.5%

I can sum up this album by recommending that Scott Weiland focus on STP's music for the rest of his career. That is, if he is still even good enough for them.

Great Blogs

2008-11-20T22:15:00.000-08:00

Check out these blogs I found!

Whatever Takes Your Fancy

Clap Trapped Music

First Order Historians

Album Review: Anathallo - Canopy Glow

2008-11-19T12:58:00.000-08:00

If you like Stereolab but wish their music had a little more structure than Anathallo's new release Canopy Glow is for you.

Just as Stereolab features a large lineup of multi-instrumentalists Anathallo consists of musicians playing guitars, non-traditional percussion, flugelhorn, autoharp, trombone and much more.

The vocal combination of Matt Joynt and Erica Froman gives the music a nice indie taste. The instrumentation is creative but still structured enough to sing to. If your impression is similar to mine listening to Canopy Glow is equivalent to finding a diamond in the rough. With a week that included Nickelback and Wu Tang Clan, Anathallo is our saving grace.

Vocals: 85%

Instrumentation: 95%

Creativity: 95%

Melody: 85%

Overall: 90%

Around The Blogosphere

2008-11-18T13:14:00.001-08:00

My apologies for not posting the past couple months. At the very least I want to direct you to the latest and greatest posts.

This Week's Reviews

Nickelback - Dark Horse by Chewing Gum
Anya Marina - Slow & Steady Seduction, Phase II by Chewing Gum
Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan - Sunday At Devil Dirt by Snob
Deerhunter – Weird Era by Allan's Music

Album Review: Longwave - Secrets are Sinister

2008-11-11T09:26:00.000-08:00

American indie rock bank Longwave released their fourth studio album Secrets are Sinister today. I was excited to give my copy a spin. This is my first experience with Longwave so my familiarity with their previous releases is nil.

Wikipedia reports that the band has been compared to Radiohead and The Strokes. If this comparison holds any water then Secrets are Sinister diverts sharply. But when a comparison with Radiohead is made I find you can never take it too seriously.

The album begins with "Sirens In The Deep Sea," a rock anthem heavy on the guitars. The variation between the beefy guitar licks and calm vocals is enjoyable.

Track 2 is "No Direction" which begins with guitar feedback that is sustained throughout the verse. I started to form the opinion that the album might be a little too heavy on guitar. At least for the first two tracks the guitars seemed to get more focus than the vocals.

Track 3, same thing.

I have now written guitar in this review 6 times and we haven't gotten past track 3. This is fitting for an album with so much guitar (7 times)!

Personally, I love this album. I admire the different sounds Longwave gets from their guitar setup. But I wonder if those who don't dig guitar in extreme doses will feel the same. If you love crazy sounds that catch and keep your attention you should definitely give this album a try.

Update (11/13/08) - I am raising my grade to B+. The more I listen to this album the more I love it.

Update

2008-10-17T06:39:00.000-07:00

I apologize for not posting this week. My Uncle passed away and it has been hectic because of that and many other reasons. I will get back on track next week.

Live Review: Ra Ra Riot at The Loft

2008-10-10T14:34:00.000-07:00

As promised, I wanted to post my review of the Ra Ra Riot show featuring opening bands The Morning Benders and Walter Meego last Thursday.

The Loft is a club located upstairs and connected to The Palladium Ballroom. It is semi-large and very clean with a huge patio overlooking downtown Dallas. They don't allow smoking inside and don't have anything on the concert floor to distract from the main stage. A little humor in the night was the sign outside the Loft that read "Ra Ra Riots." I guess one riot was not enough.

I was extremely disappointed by the turn out for The Morning Benders. My conclusion is that Dallas goes to sleep early during the week. The Benders put on a great show for a small audience. They all appear to be extremely young, but dedicated to their music in mature fashion. Chris Chu, lead singer and guitarist, had an excellent voice. The feedback and poor sound quality made the guitar parts hard to distinguish and painfully treble at times. But these lads from Berkley, California worked through it and gained at least one fan (probably many more), The Captain.

Walter Meego was next. The audience was still small but people were beginning to trickle in. They were a fresh and pleasant surprise. The band consisted of Colin Yarck (playing so many different beat machines, keyboards and synths I couldn't begin to name them), Justin Sconza (vocals, guitar and keyboard) and Andrew Bernhardt (listed as live performer on guitar and keyboard). I am at a loss for words in describing the band. At times I felt like I was at a rave and at other times I felt like I was watching a 70's rock group.

Their myspace page has some music so you can listen for yourself, but honestly none of these songs do the band justice. I would not be exaggerating in saying that the band performed 10 times better than they sound on their recorded music. It was fun to watch Yarck get into the music and groove around as he worked on the different beat machines and keyboards. Just when you thought the band was centered around the beats of Yarck, Sconza and Bernhardt went into a shredding competition with quick guitar licks almost Vai-esque. Members of Ra Ra Riot joined the audience and moving to the beat was contagious for all.

Shortly after Meego's set Ra Ra Riot took the stage. By this time they had a decent audience, but I still questioned why there weren't more people at The Loft. I stood directly in front of the beautifil violinist Rebecca Zeller. I watched with great admiration as she laid down her violin licks and appeared completely taken away by the music.

The chemistry on stage was remarkable. You felt that you were watching a group of friends enjoying each other's company not just another band performing. Wes Miles' vocals were very tight, although a little quiet for me since I was right in front of Zeller's monitor. He was a true front man keeping the pace of the set on track and interacting with the audience.

Milo Bonnaci and Mathieu Santos, easily mistaken as brothers (Santos even mentioned this before the interview) were very tight on stage. This kept the music fun and exciting.

Drummer Gabriel Duquette was solid on the drums and able to endure a little criticism for his Janet Jackson t-shirt. I found the comments launched by the audience a little rude, considering he was probably just trying to raise awareness about this recently hospitalized singer.

On Cello, Alexandra Lawn was incredible. While being near perfect on her parts, she also sang back-up vocals and played the keyboard. Her performance on stage is very energetic and for someone playing a stationary instrument she gets around the stage.

There was a lot of energy felt by the audience. It was hard to find one person standing still. No mosh pits, but a lot of bouncing. My favorite song of the night was "Dying is Fine." Wes stood up on the drum set and got everyone in the crowd clapping the rhythm. If I had any complaint it would be that he didn't do things like that more giving me an opportunity to show my obsession with Ra Ra Riot.

Overall, a great show and the best $10 (plus all the Ticketmaster BS) I've ever spent.

Photo from andrewmaury.blogspot.com

You can check out a video showing parts of the show at the end at:

http://andrewmaury.blogspot.com/2008/10/southwest-from-hollywood-to-deserts.html

Album Review: Oasis - Dig Out Your Soul

2008-10-10T09:15:00.000-07:00

I admit it. I am bias. Ever since Oasis' drunken antics and egotistical interviews in the 1990s I have distanced myself from their music. Remember this -

"We're not arrogant, we just believe we're the best band in the world." -Noel Gallagher

Or this beauty -

"With every song that I write, I compare it to the Beatles. The thing is, they only got there before me. If I'd been born at the same time as John Lennon, I'd have been up there." -Noel Gallagher

Personality conflicts have reared their ugly heads oft in Oasis' career. Experiencing multiple line-up changes over the years one has to ask if Oasis would still be together if the Gallaghers weren't brothers. Probably not.

That all said, Oasis has put out some pretty good music over the years. Definitely Maybe and Morning Glory will always be seen as masterpieces. There are also a few gems in the rest of their catalog including "All Around The World" and "Go Let It Out."

How does Dig Out Your Soul compare? A balanced "good" in my opinion.

Oasis has beefed up their sound and the new edge is refreshing. The album begins with a catchy number "Bag It Up." It's heavy on guitar and tips the listener off to this being a rougher ride. On this song, and others Oasis does a nice job of balancing the guitars with strong choruses and good harmonies. Absent from this album is the over production so common in rock records today, and in some of Oasis' albums in the past. It is a very raw glimpse of the band.

Tracks such as "To Be Where There's Life" and "The Shock Of The Lightning" sound almost Foo Fighter and STP-esque.

As expected, the lyrics stretch for the creativity of The Beatles. Phrases such as "Gonna take a walk with a Monkey Man" and "She put an apple in my eye" call upon the ghosts of John Lennon but aren't enough to wake him.

Even with my bias, I still think this album is good. Not great. Not one of the best Oasis' albums ever. Not one of the best of the year. But good.

Other Reviews:

Snob's Music

Chewing Gum For The Ears

The Beat Review

The Panic Manual

Interview with Ra Ra Riot's Mathieu Santos

2008-10-07T09:38:00.000-07:00

The Loft is a club located in the heart of Dallas, Texas. It is connected to The Palladium Ballroom and is literally a loft upstairs with a great view of the metroplex. I arrived at 8pm for my interview and called the very gracious Elise Markell (road manager for Ra Ra Riot). She directed me to the bar area to have an interview with Ra Ra Riot's bass player Mathieu Santos. As I entered, most of the band had stools pulled up to the bar and were scarfing down dinner while watching the Vice Presidential Debate. Music and politics - my two favorite subjects.

Mathieu immediately greeted me and in accomodating fashion asked where I wanted to conduct the interview. After thinking about it, he decided it would be best for us to sit at a table overshadowed by a large poster of U2. After a brief discussion of U2's greatness I started the interview. As the interview progressed it became more of a conversation, and a very enjoyable one.

Captain Melody (Drew Emmick): How long have you have played bass?
Mathieu Santos: Probably about 7 years, I think.

CM: And how old are you again?
MS: 23

CM: This is strictly a musician question, but what type of bass do you play?
MS: For a long time I played the Sting Model of the Fender Precision Bass – a 53’ reissue, which I love. But just a few weeks ago I got a brand new 57’ American Vintage Reissue Precision Bass which is awesome. It’s a bass I’ve wanted for a few years, and I finally got it.

CM: Another musician question; do you like to play with your fingers or with a pick? What is your preference? I used to play guitar but am transitioning to bass and playing with a pick is a lot easier.
MS: I never played any instrument before bass so I started playing with my fingers. Now I pretty much play with a pick all the time. It helps get more of a cutting tone. Especially with so many instruments in our band it helps to cut through all of the music.

CM: You all have been on a lot of tours this year. In fact, if my calculations are correct you’ve been on tour the majority of 2008.
MS: Definitely, and even the off time is misleading because even when we weren’t touring we were writing or doing promotional press stuff in New York.

CM: Do you continue to do house parties when you’re not on tour, or have you gotten away from that?
MS: We really don’t do anything like that. I guess it’s not really related, but we went back to Syracuse and we recorded for a couple days in an attic there - sort of reminiscent of house party days. But that’s as close as we got.

CM: Did you start your latest tour before or after the release of your album?
MS: The day the album came out we did an in-store performance at Virgin Music in New York City. Right after that, we went abroad for a week and came back to do Conan O’Brien.

CM: That was a great performance.
MS: Thank you. It was actually terrifying. I’m a huge Conan fan, which I think is why it was a particulary scary experience. Normally I don’t get too nervous before playing anywhere. I wasn’t nervous about being on TV but by the fact it was on Conan. In my mind I assumed we would meet him ahead of time. But we didn’t meet him at all. We kept seeing him getting ready and it was intimidating. We got onstage and all of a sudden we were on the air and he introduced us. He came over to us afterwards and talked for a little bit. We just shot the shit; it was cool.

CM: Starting your current tour shortly after the release of “The Rhumb Line” have you had time to enjoy the album's success? It peaked at #17 in independent albums and broke Billboard’s top 200 at #109. The album has been very successful. Have you been able to enjoy that?
MS: Well, we’ve been getting updates on sales every week while we’ve been on the road. But I think the biggest indicator that we’ve seen is we’ve toured the States extensively the last couple years and we’ve done pretty well. We were starting to get fans in all different kinds of markets. But since the album has been out it’s made a huge difference in turn-out. We’ve had really good crowds at every show. People sing along to all of the songs on the album, which is really great to see. People are more familiar with us, and just having a reason to tour aside from having people learn about the band- actually having an album to promote makes a huge difference. It’s been great so far. It’s been overwhelmingly positive.

CM: When recording the album did you have a set number of songs, or did you record more material and narrow it down? Are there any B-sides?
MS: The way the album was done was on a minute basis – we had to have X number of minutes. It ended up coming down to the wire where we almost didn’t have enough material. We had 10 songs at first and then one of them we weren’t able to use so we had to scramble, which is why the Kate Bush cover is on the album. That was originally going to be a B-side but we ended up having to put it on. All we have for B-sides are like demos. Pretty much we play every song we know every night. And it’s happened before where we played all of the songs, so when we came out for an encore and played our 1 extra song - I guess that would be our 1 B-side that we never recorded, another Kate Bush cover, Hounds of Love.

CM: I take it you are Kate Bush fans?
MS: Huge. Wes, our singer got us into her. We came out and played that for the encore. Then we were asked to do a second encore and we had no more songs to play, so we had to play a song twice. Hopefully soon we will begin working on new material to have some more songs to play.

CM: Do you have an estimation on when you will have enough time away from touring to begin writing new material?
MS: We just started discussing it realistically the other day. And we took a couple of weeks a month ago to start working on new ideas. And then we might have a week or two in January. It’s kind of a bad time to tour. We’re going to be touring a lot next year supporting the album so I don’t know. We would like to get a second album out as soon as possible because we are really excited about that.

CM: Your album was released internationally this week. When you go over to the UK do you expect bigger turn-outs because of the album?
MS: Hopefully. None of us have heard how it’s doing. The album being released in the States was such a big deal for us and we’ve been so busy lately. It was almost like, “Oh, our album came out today in Europe and the UK.” We haven’t really been following it closely. I know a bunch of magazines are reviewing it, and the last time we were in London we had really good turn-outs to all of the shows. A lot of it will be the same type of thing where people are more aware and familiar with the songs.

CM: How about Canada? You recently toured there.
MS: We just had a great show in Vancouver – that was presently surprising since we’ve only played there once before. That was great. We played Toronto a few times. Toronto is great. It’s always a great music city. Tons of people come out and they really support the bands and not just the headliners. We played Montreal a couple times. We’ve had a hard time getting a reaction there. Not to make any generalizations but every time we go to Canada we have terrible luck with having our van broken into. 3 times now – 2 successful and 1 attempted robbery.

CM: Did they take your gear?
MS: No, never our gear. The first time was bad. They broke a window and stole all of our laptops, digital cameras and cell phones. This last time we were being super vigilant and they somehow stole our navigation system while we were loading. That’s bold. When we were in Toronto we were in a venue for 10 minutes and someone had pried off the lock of our door with a screwdriver but nothing was taken. That was in the middle of the day – really bizarre. Other than that, Canada is good.

CM: I’ve noticed while maintaining my blog that many Canadians follow independent music. In fact, I learned of Ra Ra Riot through a Canadian blog.
MS: They are really into music. The first time we played Toronto there were 300 people. And that was without the label promoting us.

CM: What are your influences? I am sure it varies throughout the band.
MS: It does vary from person to person. The common ground of the band is U2, Police, DEVO, Beatles and classic stuff like that. We are all big Beatles fans. I’m reading the Bob Spitz biography right now. I read it every time we are on tour, because its so fascinating. Pretty much the common ground is classic music like that. The Talking Heads is another one.

CM: I wanted to ask you about the drummer you are touring with – what is his name?
MS: His name is Gabriel Duquette. He was playing drums in another band Sam Buck Rosen from New York who is amazing. If you don’t know them already you should look them up. We played a few shows with them. Actually, Wes lived with Sam, Ezra from Vampire Weekend and also Dave from Dirty Projectors. So we knew Sam and played a few shows. They were incredible. Gabe was an amazing drummer and we took note right away. The drummer we had at the time decided to go to college because he was only 18 or 19. Once he left we asked Gabe if he was interested.

CM: Was this right before the release of the album?
MS: Yeah, this was the middle of July because we had to make the decision quickly. He came to Wes’s house for a few weeks and we rehearsed together. And then we went right into it.

CM: Do you consider him a permanent member of the band?
MS: Not yet. We haven’t made that decision or even had that discussion yet. He’s between a live musician and a regular member. I think the way we left it is we would tour a few months together and see how everyone felt. So far it’s been going very well and we will probably have a better idea once we start working on new material.

CM: I’ve read a lot of interviews and it seems like people want to ask questions about John Pike and what happened to him. Personally, I think it’s rude because I its something you’ve gone through that is special to you all. I did want to ask though, when I was researching for the interview I went through a lot of the information on his memorial fund and the ideas for it and felt they were great ideas – a great cause. Is the foundation still planning to move forward?
MS: First of all, thank you for your respect of the matter. It’s something that does inevitably come up in all the interviews. And while it is mostly handled tastefully by people, it is something big to deal with.

CM: When you do research on what happened and the impact on the band you see how important he was to the band – not just as a musician but as a friend and inspiration. It’s clearly evident that you didn’t just lose a band member, but a friend that has inspired many, many people.
MS: That’s 100 percent true. Thank you also for doing research because a lot of times people ask really strange, very weird questions about him. You are totally right about him, and how important he was and still is. The foundation is still going strong. We had a big benefit for it last Christmas. We played with Vampire Weekend and Tokyo Police Club – two bands that we were friends with when John was still in the band. We raised a lot of money then. We still raise money on the road, donating some of our merchandise money to it.

CM: Was the library ever set up?
MS: I’m not really sure if that has been completely setup yet. I’ve been to the website a few times and it hasn’t been updated recently. But I know that they are still raising money and working through the emotion to make it a reality.

CM: What keeps you together and strong on the road? I know that it can be a trying time for some bands as personality conflicts rise to the surface.
MS: Do you mean touring in regards to John’s passing?
CM: No, just in general.
MS: Actually, it’s a pretty nice group to deal with. One thing that surprised me in the beginning is a lot of bands form out of people that are friends. But in our case it was mostly - I didn’t know anyone in the band. We were pretty much all strangers when the band started so I assumed at the time – with 6 or 7 people – it would be difficult for everyone to get a long without having known each other. But that has actually helped us because we got to learn about each other at the same time. It has been fun. We have a really complex and delicate dynamic but its been a lot of fun. It’s more like a family. It’s very family-like. Obviously, not to bring it back up, but losing John – he was such a big part of the group dynamic. That was the hardest part of the whole thing. We know we needed to continue. That was the right thing. It was hard doing all of those things without him. It’s been a year now and it has just started to feel like things are getting back to normal. But when you are stuck with the same people and you know everything about them, you learn how to appreciate them.

CM: In doing my research I learned that Aly and Rebecca previously played classical music and had to transition to being in a rock band. Was it interesting seeing them go from that style to playing rock music and touring?
MS: Totally. They have been great and they love it. They made the transition pretty aimlessly. It seemed like something everyone individually wanted to do for whatever reason. I can imagine for them, playing classical music for years and years, getting to do something like this was probably really exciting and refreshing. I’m not sure either of them had aspirations to be classical musicians their whole lives and this was a nice way for them to get back to playing music – trying new things. I remember the first practice we had. We were working on Dying is Fine and playing it over and over. They came up with great parts. You could tell they wanted to play and were excited and curious about it. I think they are doing very well.

CM: Comparing being on V2 and now being signed to Barsuk do you notice a difference in tour support?
MS: We are still on V2. We signed with V2 first which still supports us worldwide excluding North America. We signed to Barsuk here.

CM: So Barsuk handles North American and V2 handles everywhere else?
MS: Right. Shortly after we signed to V2 they were bought by Universal and it hasn’t really gotten back on track for them yet. We haven’t really gotten full support. But I think the biggest change we’ve noticed is touring the States, and like I said before, this goes a long way with having the album to support. By having the label behind us, with their name behind us and the marketing and the press - they have a team working to help us - we are so happy with Barsuk. We know everyone that works there on a first name basis. It is really nice to know we have that support.

CM: My last question – You all were watching the VP debate when I arrived. Are you interested in that, in politics?
MS: Yeah, I’ve never been really into politics myself, even though my dad is a politician.

CM: In New York?
MS: In Massachusetts actually. He is the clerk magistrate. But aside from that, I’ve always stayed away from politics. Now that I’m getting older it’s playing a bigger role in my life. Wes is the most political person in the band. He is always updating us with news reports and what is going on. Although, I have taken an interest in this current election, because how important it is and how huge of a difference there is because of the candidates. I think we were really into this debate because we were waiting for Sarah Palin to say something insane.

CM: You don’t have to put it on the record, but which candidate do you support?
MS: Yeah, I’m with Obama. We usually don’t discuss politics within the context of the band.

CM: Do you want me to not talk about it, or include it?
MS: No, you can say I am voting for Barack Obama. I am an Obama-weight.

Stay tuned for my review of the Ra Ra Riot show with The Morning Benders and Walter Meego.

Desperate Musicians?

2008-10-07T07:10:00.000-07:00

Tokyo Police Club will make an appearance on ABC's Desperate Housewives. The men on the show form a band to compete in a battle of the bands that will include TPC. Nice.

Source: Pitchfork
http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/news/146253-tokyo-police-club-to-guest-on-desperate-housewives

Who is The Featured Artists' Coalition?

2008-10-06T12:38:00.000-07:00

British musicians have joined together to fight for musicians keeping rights to songs, and not the record labels. Because of the Internet and other music outlets musicians are often "left out" when their songs are distributed.

Most notable members of the coalition are Radiohead, Robbie Williams and Kaiser Chiefs.

Source: MSN
http://music.msn.com/music/article.aspx/?news=333536

Butch Vig rears his ugly head again

2008-10-06T12:31:00.000-07:00

Fresh off producing The Subways latest release All or Nothing it has been reported that Butch Vig will produce Green Day's next album. In other news... WHO CARES?

Source: Punknews.org

http://www.punknews.org/article/30725

The Hold Steady cancelling shows due to illness

2008-10-06T12:25:00.000-07:00

Due to Tad Kubler's bout with pancreatitis the band has been forced to reschedule or cancel upcoming shows.

10-04 Bristol, England - Anson Rooms
10-05 Nottingham, England - Rock City
10-06 Portsmouth, England - Pyramids
10-08 London, England - Roundhouse
10-09 Paris, France - Nouveau Casino
10-11 Hamburg, Germany - Knust
10-12 Cologne, Germany - Luxor
10-13 Amsterdam, Netherlands - Melkweg
10-15 Oslo, Norway - Rockerfeller
10-16 Stockholm, Sweden - Debaser Slussen
10-17 Goteborg, Sweden - Sticky Fingers
10-19 Copenhagen, Denmark - Vega
10-20 Berlin, Germany - Columbia Club
10-21 Vienna, Austria - WUK
10-22 Munich, Germany - Ampere

Many of these shows have been rescheduled for December.

Source: Pitchfork
http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/news/146201-the-hold-steady-cancel-even-more-shows

Album Review: Mercury Rev - Snowflake Midnight

2008-10-06T09:44:00.000-07:00

I regretably admit (risking that my indie music lover card may be pulled) this is the first Mercury Rev album I have listened to. They have simply gone under my radar. I have seen the name, thinking it was pretty cool, but I was never motivated to actually check them out.

Mercury Rev combines peppy yet ambient music with spacey samples in their latest release Snowflake Midnight. The voice of Jonathan Donahue is very similar to Tim DeLaughter of Tripping Daisy and Polyphonic Spree. Some may disagree with that comparison but I seriously had flash backs to the many Daisy shows I went to. This voice combined with the trance-like music makes a good match (in my opinion of course).

Overall this album was enjoyable. It is music that you can lose yourself in. It can become a muse for deep thinking. It is experimental and from the other reviews I have read it is a new frontier for the band. Some have found this unpleasing when comparing this album to their body of work -

Mercury Rev has officially lost me. I found no enjoyment in listening to Snowflake Midnight and couldn't help but feel that the band has been transformed from cutting edge Alternative Rock into a New Age enigmas. -Dennis Scanland on Music Emmisions

For me, Snowflake Midnight has peaked my curiosity in Mercury Rev, even if it isn't a good representation of their other albums.

Other Reviews:

Snob's Music

If you have a review of this album please let me know at captainmelody@gmail.com

Myspace Mondays - Young and Brave

2008-10-06T06:48:00.000-07:00

This week's featured band hails from Dallas, Texas. Young and Brave, self proclaimed Indie Americana, features two vocalists - Jon McKnight and Sarah Lynn Fisher. The band works together to provide a great balance of sound and tempo.

Songs Arms and Giant feature McKnight singing to upbeat instrumentation. His voice gives both songs an indie rock flavor. On You'll Never Get Out and No Sympathy the band brings down the tempo and is led by the beautiful voice of Fisher. Throughout, multi-instrumentalist Matt Shasteen adds depth and variation to the band's overall sound playing lead guitar, various synth instruments and a xylophone.

Their myspace page features 4 studio recorded songs and 2 live performances. Heavy in talent and potential I recommend you check Young and Brave out!

http://www.myspace.com/youngandbravetx

Album Review: Jack's Mannequin - The Glass Passenger

2008-10-02T12:17:00.000-07:00

Andrew McMahon, front man of Jack's Mannequin, embodies determination. It is not a secret that McMahon has had his fair share of adversity. While enjoying success with piano rock band Something Corporate and additional praise for his side project Jack's Mannequin, his world was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with Leukemia. After 6 months of treatment, that prevented him from performing live, he played for the first time post-diagnosis on December 2nd, 2005.

Not only did McMahon recover from cancer but he became a strong voice for cancer research. He has played several benefits for cancer foundations and even started his own, The Dear Jack Foundation.

Jack's Mannequin was formed in 2004 to be an outlet for music McMahon didn't feel belonged in the Something Corporate cannon. With the release of The Glass Passenger it appears to have become a release for McMahon's experiences and hardships. It is an open and intimate record. Though McMahon wanted to avoid a "cancer record" as he stated in an interview last year, the album provides glimpses into his life.

Songs such as "Caves" paint a portrait of his pain and peace. And the song titled "Hammer and Strings" is a tale of being on the road communicating with a friend. The lyrics are beautiful -

These hammers and strings
Been following me around
Behind passenger vans
Through the snow, dirt, and sands
Of 1000 American towns
And my friend calls me up
With her heart heavy still
She says,
"Andy, the doctors
Prescribed me the pills.
But I know I'm not crazy.
I just lost my will.
So why am I, why am I
Taking them still?"

McMahon's vocals are spectacular. They remind me of Death Cab with more "umph." The instrumentation is incredible. It is very balanced, sometimes soft and sometimes rough in the right places. The sound of the album is not revolutionary. It is alternative music that is very radio friendly.

The greatest strength of this record is how easily the listener can connect with the lyrics and melodies. I found myself reflecting on my own life while listening to this album, and I walked away feeling a connection with McMahon.

This might just be my favorite album of the year.

Other Reviews:

Alan's World

If you have a review you would like me to link up to please email me at captainmelody@gmail.com

2,000 Visitors

2008-10-01T12:34:00.000-07:00

Captainmelody.com had it's 2,000th visitor today. I think this calls for a celebration. I wanted to extend my thanks to the many friends I have made and the music I have experienced while maintaining this blog. Since starting it on August 5th of this year it has been awesome.

Countries that have visited Captainmelody.com -

United States

Canada

Germany

Australia

South Africa

Italy

Norway

France

Mexico

Sweden

United Kingdom

Czech Republic

Vietnam

Brazil

Netherlands

Argentina

Malaysia

New Zealand

Venezuela

China

Denmark

Japan

Chile

Belgium

Singapore

Philippines

Album Review: Ani DiFranco - Red Letter Year

2008-10-01T10:09:00.000-07:00

It is said that becoming a parent often changes and matures you. This holds true for Ani DiFranco. When being interviewed about the release of her latest album Red Letter Year DiFranco stated,"I think I sorely needed to be slowed down and finally a little person came along powerful enough to do it."

DiFranco's daughter, Petah Lucia DiFranco Napolitano, was born January 20th, 2007 and has had a calming effect on the popular musician whose albums have often included intense rants and screams. Red Letter Year is void of this, and shows a different, more relaxed side of DiFranco.

"When I listen to my new record, I hear a very relaxed me, which I think has been absent in a lot of my recorded cannon. Now I feel like I'm in a really good place. My partner Mike Napolitano co-produced this record - my guitar and voice have never sounded better, and that's because of him. I've got this great band and crew. Any my baby, she teaches me how to just be in my skin, to do less and be more."

What is not absent from this album is the themes of politics, war, and social pressures; common themes in all of DiFranco's music. Lyrics such as "I can't pray to a male god because that would be insane" or "I can't support the troops cuz every last one of them is being duped" from the song "Alla This" will surely have familiarity with longtime fans.

But intimate songs such as "Present/Infant" which describes DiFranco's struggles as a mother are sure to connect with new listeners that may not fully ascribe to DiFranco's political and social views.

Of worthy note, DiFranco recorded the album in New Orleans and it features Louisiana artists The Rebirth Brass Band on "Red Letter Reprise," Richard Comeaux and CC Adcock.

Not being a strong fan of DiFranco I had to approach Red Letter Year with an open mind. In doing so, I was very pleased. The production of the album is top quality. DiFranco's lyrics are true poetry, and her voice soothes the soul. The different combinations of styles of music, and the changing tempo throughout keep this album alive and entertaining. The passion behind the music makes it magic.

Favorite Tracks: Present/Infant, Emancipated Minor, The Atom

Metacritic Score: 76

The Wednesday Roundup

2008-10-01T09:03:00.000-07:00

Original Glazed has a new blog - The Beat Review. Check out this post on the video for Keane's new single "Spiralling."

Both Chewing Gum For Ears and Snob's Music sound off on Ben Folds' new release Way To Normal.

Test Pilots has a post on poet/musician George Pringle. She is very interesting and I have spent the last day learning all I can about her.

Album Review: Ben Folds - Way To Normal

2008-09-30T14:33:00.001-07:00

I was going to post a review on this album, but I just read Chewing Gum For Ears' review and it captured my thoughts completely.

Click here for review of Ben Folds - Way To Normal

On my scale I give it a B-.

The Dears - New LP and Tour

2008-09-30T09:18:00.001-07:00

It's probably old news by now, but The Dears will release their LP Missiles on October 21st and will be on tour. Part of the tour will be with Secret Machines.

09-30 Waterloo, Ontario - Starlight Room

10-01 Hamilton, Ontario - The Casbah

10-02 Montreal, Quebec - Masonic Temple (Pop Montréal)

10-09 Toronto, Ontario - Music Gallery

10-10 Toronto, Ontario - Music Gallery

10-16 London, England - Portchester Hall

10-21 Boston, MA - Great Scott

10-22 Hoboken, NJ - Maxwell's

10-23 New York, NY - Hiro Ballroom (CMJ)

10-24 Chicago, IL - Metro *

10-25 Madison, WI - Majestic Theatre *

10-27 Denver, CO - Bluebird Theater *

10-28 Aspen, CO - Belly Up *

10-30 West Hollywood, CA - Keyclub *

11-01 Solana Beach, CA - Belly Up *

11-03 San Francisco, CA - The Independent *

11-05 Portland, OR - Berbati's *

11-06 Seattle, WA - Neumos *

11-07 Vancouver, British Columbia - Richard's on Richards *

11-21 The Hague, Netherlands - Koninklijk Theater (Crossing Border Festival)

11-24 Milan, Italy - La Casa

11-27 Paris, France - La Flèche d'Or

* with Secret Machines

Other Albums...

2008-09-29T09:01:00.001-07:00

I had a chance to listen to the albums below. Check out their score.

Kings of Leon: Only By The Night - F

I am not a fan of Kings of Leon and definitely not a fan of this album. On the scale of mediocrity this scores pretty low.

For a better and more in-depth review visit:
http://chewinggumfortheears.blogspot.com/2008/09/review-kings-of-leon-only-by-night.html

TV On The Radio: Dear Science - C

Boring. Boring. Boring.

For a better and more in-depth review visit:
http://chewinggumfortheears.blogspot.com/2008/09/review-tv-on-radio-dear-science.html

Brightblack Morning Light: Motion to Rejoin - B-

Dim the lights, get comfortable and enjoy a pleasurable ride. Just like Stereolab it's not great, but I can't deny I enjoy it.

Album Review: Jenny Lewis - Acid Tounge

2008-09-25T13:16:00.000-07:00

Acid Tongue is actor/musician Jenny Lewis's second solo album. Lewis, member of the successful Rilo Kiley, has an extensive music resume. In addition to be being the main voice of Rilo Kiley she also contributed to the legendary collaborative effort of Ben Gibbard and Dntel known as The Postal Service. She also sang on indie band Cursive's 2004 release The Ugly Organ, and on her first solo album Rabbit Fur Coat, released in 2006, she worked with Conor Oberst, M. Ward, James Valentine (of Maroon 5), and once again Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie. If this wasn't enough in her youth Lewis also had a decent acting career and appeared in several TV series.

Lewis returned to Rilo Kiley's country roots when recording Rabbit Fur Coat. While definitely indie rock, the chord progressions and slide guitars give the album a heavy dose of western flavor. It is an intimate and incredible journey. I recommend it to anyone that is a fan of Rilo Kiley or edgy indie folk music (did I just create a genre?) with great lyrics.

Acid Tongue employs more of an indie pop feel. Her overall sound is roughed up throughout the album. Dirty is the word that comes to mind when comparing solo albums. Rabbit Fur Coat was a very balanced approach, while Acid Tongue is more gritty.

Overall, I enjoyed this album. I did not feel the same intimate connection I had with Rabbit Fur Coat. The feeling of sitting on the front porch with Lewis telling stories just doesn't exist like it did on her previous release.

But Lewis has a way to brighten songs (and your day) with her voice, and for that this album is worth checking out.

Album Review: Cold War Kids - Loyalty to Loyalty

2008-09-24T14:37:00.000-07:00

I am a newcomer to Cold War Kids. I first heard about them while doing research for my interview with Delta Spirit. It was indeed Cold War Kids that gave Delta Spirit their first tour spot. After listening to their new album Loyalty to Loyalty (thanks Chris) I was hooked.

Loyalty to Loyalty is Cold War Kids' 2nd full album release. They released several EPs in 2006 and 2007 following their debut Robbers and Cowards. The band formed in 2004 in Fullerton, California and consists of Nathan Willett (lead vocals, piano, guitar), Jonnie Russell (guitar, vocals, percussion), Matt Maust (bass guitar), and Matt Aveiro (drums).

This album begins with the powerful "Against Privacy." Nathan Willett's vocals are reminiscent of Jeff Buckley. The song has a blues feel to it with dirty guitar solos.

The Jeff Buckley comparison can only take me so far, but I had some of the same feelings while listening to this album that I did when I first heard Buckley's Grace. The vocals are full of raw energy. The lyrics are deep. And the music creates a bluesy yet energetic atmosphere. The combination of rock and blues elements creates an awesome sound that is very enjoyable.

I must admit, there isn't a lot of variation of sound on this album. As a result, it can become boring after the 5th or 6th track.

Favorite Songs: Against Privacy, Golden Gate Jumpers

On Tour:

09 24 08/ Henry Fonda / Los Angeles, CA
09 25 08/ Great American Music Hall / San Francisco, CA
09 26 08/ Great American Music Hall / San Francisco, CA
09 27 08/ Wonder Ballroom / Portland Oregon
09 28 08/ Richards On Richards / Vancouver, B.C., Canada
09 29 08/ The Showbox at the Market / Seattle, Washington
10 01 08/ The Neurolux / Boise, Idaho
10 02 08/ In The Venue / Salt Lake City, Utah
10 03 08/ Boulder Theatre / Boulder, Colorado
10 10 08/ Fine Line Music Cafe / Minneapolis, Minnesota
10 11 08 Vic Theare / Chicago, Illinois
10 14 08/ Paradise Rock Club / Boston, Massachusetts
10 15 08/ Webster Hall / New York, New York
10 16 08/ Williamsburg Music Hall / Brooklyn, New York
10 17 08/ Theatre of Living Arts / Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
10 18 08/ Nightclub 9:30 / Washington, D.C.
10 20 08/ Cat’s Cradle / Carrabo, North Carolina
10 21 08/ Mercy Lounge / Nashville, Tennessee
10 23 08/ Lola’s / Ft. Worth, Texas
10 24 08/ Emo’s Alt Lounge-Outside / Austin, Texas
10 25 08/ Warehouse Live / Houston, Texas
10 26 08/ Voodoo Music Experience / New Orleans, Louisiana

Anberlin's album "New Surrender" streaming on myspace

2008-09-24T11:45:00.000-07:00

I am not a fan of Anberlin, but for those that are they are streaming their new album "New Surrender" on their myspace page.

http://www.myspace.com/anberlin

Marnie Stern going on tour with Gang Gang Dance

2008-09-24T11:42:00.001-07:00

I discovered this talent on test pilots. Now some of you see her live.

11-03 Chicago, IL - Empty Bottle
11-04 Minneapolis, MN - Entry
11-05 Milwaukee, WI - Turner Hall
11-07 Denver, CO - Larimer Lounge
11-08 Salt Lake City, UT - Kilby Court
11-10 Seattle, WA - Triple Door
11-11 Vancouver, British Columbia - Biltmore Theater
11-12 Portland, OR - Berbati's Pan
11-14 San Francisco, CA - Bimbo's
11-15 Los Angeles, CA - El Rey Theatre

Musicians Play For Obama

2008-09-24T11:35:00.000-07:00

On October 8th, 2008 Jim James of My Morning Jacket will be playing an acoustic set at Schubas Tavern in Chicago, Illinois. Tickets will be sold at $100 each and proceeds will benefit Obama's campaign.

On October 16th The Breeders and The National will be holding an Obama Ralley in Cincinnati at the Fountain Square. Busses will then take registered voters to the Hamilton County Election Headquarters to cast an early ballot.

Source: Pitchfork

http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/news/145883-national-breeders-play-free-obama-rally-in-cincinnati
http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/news/145874-my-morning-jackets-jim-james-to-play-obama-benefit

The Wednesday Roundup

2008-09-24T08:36:00.000-07:00

My favorite post of the week belongs to The Tape. Gabriel recalls when he first heard The Postal Service and provides similar artists to check out.

I was turned onto Miniature Tigers after checking out the Cannibel Queen mp3 link posted at Snob's Music.

Over at The Panic Manual is a good concert review of James and Phoenix Theatre with accompanying James mp3 to listen to while reading.

Weheartmusic has a good article on Mason Proper.

Happy Reading.

The Rosebuds announce tour

2008-09-22T14:20:00.000-07:00

The Rosebuds, from Raleigh, North Carolina (gotta show love to the place I lived for a couple years!) have announced a tour in support of their album "Life Like" due out October 7th. You can stream the entire album here - http://www.mergerecords.com/store/store_detail.php?catalog_id=551#

Mark your calendars

Sep 25 2008
8:00P
Ivan solo show at The Love House-UNC Campus
Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Oct 23 2008
8:00P
Black Cat / WASHINGTON DC
DC, Washington DC

Oct 24 2008
8:00P
THE BELL HOUSE / BROOKLYN NY
Brooklyn, New York

Oct 25 2008
8:00P
Mercury Lounge! Merge Records CMJ Showcase!
Lower East Side, Manhattan, New York

Nov 7 2008
8:00P
CAROLINA THEATER!! (TROIKA FESTIVAL)
Durham, North Carolina

Nov 11 2008
8:00P
Mercy Lounge / NASHVILLE
Nashville, Tennessee

Nov 12 2008
8:00P
My Old Kentucky Blog Concert Series (Radio Radio)
Indianapolis, Indiana

Nov 13 2008
8:00P
Bottom Lounge / CHICAGO
Chicago, Illinois

Nov 14 2008
8:00P
High Noon Saloon / MADISON
Madison, Wisconsin

Nov 15 2008
8:00P
The Picador / IOWA CITY IA
Iowa City, Iowa

Nov 16 2008
8:00P
Turf Club / ST. PAUL MN
St. Paul, Minnesota

Nov 19 2008
8:00P
Media Club / VANCOUVER BC
Vancouver, British Columbia

Nov 20 2008
8:00P
Tractor Tavern / SEATTLE WA
Seattle, Washington

Nov 21 2008
8:00P
Department of Safety / ANACORTEZ WA
Anacortez, Washington

Nov 22 2008
8:00P
Doug Fir Lounge / PORTLAND OR
Portland, Oregon

Nov 24 2008
8:00P
The Independent / SAN FRANCISCO CA
San Francisco, California

Nov 25 2008
8:00P
The Echo / LOS ANGELES CA
Los Angeles, California

Nov 26 2008
8:00P
Club Congress / TUCSON AZ
Tucson, Arizona

Nov 28 2008
8:00P
Hailey’s / DENTON TX
Denton, Texas

Nov 29 2008
8:00P
Mohawk / AUSTIN TX
Austin, Texas

Dec 1 2008
8:00P
The Earl / ATLANTA GA
Atlanta, Georgia

Mogwai cancels US/Canada dates

2008-09-22T14:08:00.000-07:00

Mogwai has cancelled US/Canada tour dates due to drummer Martin Bulloch being taken to the emergency room due to an ongoing heart condition. The drummer has been released but doctors recommend additional treatment which the drummer will undergo in his native Scotland.

The band has released the following statement:

We are sad to announce that we have had to cancel our remaining American and Canadian shows due to ill health. Our other dates in Europe and Japan will be going ahead as planned. We will re-schedule the shows in 2009.
Martin explains what happened
I was taken into hospital last night almost immediately after the show at ATP. I've been having some problems with my pacemaker for the duration of the tour and it unfortunately culminated in me being sent to the emergency room. The doctors there initially thought i would have to have corrective surgery at a larger hospital nearer NYC but i have been given the all clear to travel home on the understanding that i go straight to my cardiologist on arrival back in Scotland.Tbh, i'm really bummed about having to go home and feel for the folk who had bought tickets for our upcoming shows but i can honestly say it would be almost impossible for me to carry on at this point as my pacemaker has broken skin and the surrounding area has become infected.

-Mogwai

Source: Pitchfork

http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/news/145818-mogwais-bulloch-hospitalized-after-atp-dates-nixed

Recommended Artist: Johnny Foreigner

2008-09-22T11:42:00.000-07:00

I was linked to this band from Chewing Gum For Ears review of their debut album.

http://chewinggumfortheears.blogspot.com/2008/09/review-johnny-foreigner-waited-up-til.html

Bio from their myspace page -

hello this is the ongoing interactive story of johnny foreigner. there are 3 of us, we come from birmingham, we dont go out too much and we have a tendency to overcompensate. we write noisy pop songs for people what like the same bands as we do. last year we put out two 7" records on Laundrette Records. they both sold out and got played on the rah-dio and stuffs. we were pretty fucking proud. last summer we signed a proper record deal, with cone-tracts and everything, for Best Before Records. we recorded an eepee called arcs across the city at southern studios, it got mega good reviews from magazines we'd almost stopped buying and a lot more people started listening to us. we went to new york to make a proper album at the end of last year, you get to hear it in summer. so far this year we've mostly been living in a van with lea playing 5 shows a week and failing to eat healthily. we just got back from amsterdamn, there was multiple crowdsurfers but we lost our passports. we do what we can

They sound like Bloc Party in their Silent Alarm Days - a little more timid. Good stuff. Thanks Chris.

Myspace Mondays: White Rabbits

2008-09-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

While sailing the indie seas of myspace I stumbled onto White Rabbits, an indie rock group from New York. This band has received recognition being featured on NPR, playing on Letterman (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0V-Xn5s6LVw), and playing with signed acts such as Spoon, The Walkmen and Richard Swift.

They are multi-instrumentalists and are known to switch instruments frequently during shows.

Their sound is bumping rock with cool vocals. There is a lot to love here. Check them out. My favorite song is "The Plot."

http://www.myspace.com/whiterabbits

Recommended Artist: Marching Band

2008-09-19T11:23:00.000-07:00

Marching Band is an indie pop group from Sweden consisting of Erik Sunbring and Jacob Lind. The following bio is on their website at http://www.marchingband.se/ -

Marching Band (formerly known as Second Language) is Erik Sunbring and Jacob Lind. We live together and make life hard for our other flatmates by creating music at inappropriate hours. Two bikes, one laptop, three microphones and a shameless use of other peoples instruments is the recipe for a Marching Band recording. We've have been writing songs together for 1.5 years now, and it is getting better and better. Our music is (hopefully) dynamic, hum-worthy and witty. Lately the songs tend to go in unexpected directions. If our songs puts a smile on your face and makes your life a little less dull Marching Band has completed its mission. When not recording Jacob is bidding on glockenspiels on internet auctions and Erik is trying to get some reading done without falling asleep.

The band has received several great reviews from indie publications and online blogs. You can check out their music at www.myspace.com/marchingband

Their music can be described as laid back smart pop. It's genuinely good music without the flash of overproduction.

The Wednesday Roundup on Thursday (stay with me people)

2008-09-18T09:21:00.001-07:00

My sincere apologies to those who have joined me on my voyage into the deep waters of indie music. I recently started going back to school and it has required more time than I would like.

This week we have a great review on Mother Mother's release "O My Heart" at Chewing Gum For The Ears. The review and the few tracks on their myspace page have peaked my curiosity.

Snob's music has the link to listen to the streaming of The Cold War Kids newest album "Loyalty to Loyalty" due out Sept. 23rd.

Test Pilots has a good review on the new release by Marnie Stern. Nice music. We are blessed to live in a day and age with so many badass female musicians.

Butch Walker is back. The Dead Hub reports "BUTCH WALKER TO RELEASE SYCAMORE MEADOWS IN NOVEMBER"

There are so many great posts this week. Take some time to peruse my blogroll

Captain Melody Exclusive: Interview with Kelly Winrich of Delta Spirit

2008-09-16T13:22:00.000-07:00

On Friday, September 12th I had the privilege to meet up with Kelly Winrich of Delta Spirit before they performed at Lola's Saloon in Fort Worth, TX. I was led to a side room in the club where Kelly was chilling with his Apple laptop. He was gracious to give me a lot of his time and share tons of information on their album "Ode to the Sunsine."
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Captain Melody: Overall, how is the tour going? You all have been on the road quite a few days now.

Kelly Winrich: Yeah, once the shows start kicking in that’s when it becomes fun. We drove out to Conan. We actually did a few 17 hour drives - one 17 hour, one 14 hour and one 15 hour drive. That takes it out of you.

CM: And that was all by van?

KW: Yeah, once we got with the Dog (Dr. Dog) things started kicking in. We play a show every night, and it’s a lot more fun that way.

CM: You all have toured with Dr. Dog before, right?

KW: Right, twice so far.

CM: Do you all play tricks on each other?

KW: Dr. Dog stopped off at a fireworks depot and got little mini-popping sticks that you put in the end of cigarettes. They gave us pack, and the guitar player and I were the only ones that knew about it. Most everyone in the band smokes. Right when they lit it, it exploded in their face. That was the extent of it.

CM: I am not familiar with Dr. Dog. I saw them perform on Letterman recently.

KW: All of their performances are pretty tight.

CM: I’ve seen a lot of bands perform on Conan and other late night talk shows. I was very impressed with your performance. Some bands sound different on camera from their album or live shows, but you sounded true to your album, if not better. Vasquez’s vocals were incredible – a lot rougher live.

KW: I think we were fully prepared. During the first verse when Matt was singing his stool dropped 4 inches when he was playing. If you watch it you will hear a stutter in the vocals during the first verse. But once we got past that it was good. We had a lot of fun. Conan loved it. He had nothing but good things to say about it.

CM: I wanted to ask you about Conan. He always has awesome indie bands perform on his show. Do you know if he is involved in choosing musical guests?

KW: I don’t think so. I think he has a music director that does that. At sound check we played the song twice, I think it was right after he did his rehearsal. I guess he was having a shitty day. When we started playing he came out on the sound stage and started dancing around. It was sweet. I had never met Conan before and it looked like he enjoyed our music. After we got done playing the show and he came over to shake our hands, he gave us a spiel on how many bands come through, and that he was having a horrible day, and said, “You guys turned it around for me.” That was sweet.

CM: I believe he plays guitar. I’ve seen him in a few skits playing.

KW: While we were there, at one point he was backstage with a Japanese guitar company. He was endorsing their guitar and he was totally shredding.

CM: You all released “Ode to Sunshine” recently. Have you noticed a growing fan base coming out to the shows with the release of the album?

KW: I think so. It’s hard to tell at this point since we are touring with the dog and most of the shows are sold out. It’s hard to tell whether all of it is for dog, or it’s half and half. We did a show on the way up to Conan in Chicago. Last year in Chicago we drew about 50 people, and this show we drew over 150. So I feel like radio play and publicity, whatever the label is doing we don’t know about, is helping. We sold out in Chicago and we were really excited about that.

CM: Do you have any plans to headline your own tour?

KW: Yeah, once we finish out this tour we have a small tour lined up with Nada Surf. We are actually coming back here for that.

CM: Is that next year?

KW: No, that’s in November of this year. After the beginning of the year we will consider headlining or co-headlining a tour. That is definitely the next step.

CM: Are you interested in signing to a major label or are you comfortable with where the band is at?

KW: I don’t think so. It’s not like we are a crazy indie band that says fuck labels. Certain labels just don’t make sense for our type of music. Rounder made a lot of sense because they are music dorks. They aren’t very flashy; it’s just a normal conversation with normal people. They said they liked the record; they understood it and wanted to help us. As opposed to a label that says “We want you to sound like this” or “You guys need to go back to your first EP to be more successful.” Rounder wanted to help us instead of make us something we are not. As it stands right now we have a couple records left with Rounder and I think so far they’re doing a great job. There are no plans of jumping to another label.

CM: By the way, I’ve noticed your site is down.

KW: For a while we had a splash page that led to our Myspace. We had a simple website before but realized everything on Myspace is the same thing on the website so we didn’t need two.

CM: I’ve noticed a lot of bands just using Myspace.

KW: We can update everything on Myspace so easily. It’s a lot easier for us. We want a website but we want to find the right person to do it. We haven’t found that person yet.

CM: Back to the record, is it true that you recorded it at a remote location?

KW: We went to a cabin in Julian, in the San Diego Mountains. We had a cabin lined up with another friend but that one fell through. We were scrambling because we had already planned the whole week to go up and record some songs. At the last minute a friend said he had a cabin in Julian and was writing a book. It was just him and his dog and he said if we wanted to come up there to record we were more than welcome to. He had piano up there, already tuned up. The cabin had half carpet and half wood floors, vaulted ceilings, and a bunch of rooms you could record in. It was completely unfurnished so we could setup everywhere, it didn’t matter which room we were in. We’d record and crash on the floor. It took about a week – finished most of the songs and went back up there to cap everything off. It was out in the middle of nowhere. We could concentrate. There wasn’t a flat screen TV we could dive into. There weren’t any bars we could go to. We brought a little whisky and made it happen.

CM: Did you have a set number of songs or did you record a lot of material and narrow it down?

KW: Originally we went up there to record an EP – about 7 songs. And once we got half-way through we realized we should record a album. Once of our biggest – I don’t want to say fears – is putting something out and sitting on it. I think we just wanted to get all of the songs out and move forward, instead of sit on a bunch of songs for a couple of years. We wanted to keep moving forward and progressing; and felt it would be better that way. Originally we went to do the EP - decided to do the record. We finished it, pressed it ourselves, and released it in October of last year (2007). We decided to sign with Rounder. We thought it would be released earlier than it was, at the beginning of the year, but it ended up being August 26th. We were happy with it – new artwork, it was re-mastered and we added a song.

CM: Is the artwork really a picture of a band member's relative?

KW: It’s my uncle actually. He’s the Dean of Agriculture at Mizzou. He and his wife live in Columbus, Missouri and every time we go through we stay at their house. They have a full bar, pool table and we all get beds. He was happy to let us use the picture. He saw the Conan performance with his picture right their.

CM: You all are known for using unconventional instruments onstage. What unconventional instruments did you use on the album?

KW: On the Trashcan song we used the obvious. That song; we never really thought about a title and with using the trashcan we thought “Let’s play the trashcan song” and that’s what we called it. There is a track called “House Built for two” and we had; I don’t know why we did this - this was actually Sean’s idea; we had some wine bottles and different glass bottles in the room. He was in the bathroom and Brandon was in a little corridor with a tile floor right next to the bathroom with drums. I was in another room playing piano and Matt was in another room playing guitar and vocals. On the song you hear a lot a clash and scraping and breaking around. I don’t know how that pertains to the song. I think we were just kind of flowing with it and didn’t have anything else to do. It created kind of a honky-tonk atmosphere.

CM: What kind of music did you listen to in between recording sessions?

KW: We all had our laptops so I’m sure we listened to some music. I don’t remember what I was listening to at that point.

CM: What are some of your influences or music you are listening to right now?

KW: Normally, I get most excited about friends’ bands.

CM: In the San Diego area, or all over?

KW: All over. We’re friends with a band called, actually a guy called AA Bondy - sort of a folk guitarist. He actually inspired me how to finger pick and how to go about it. Of course, the Cold War Kids; they took us on our first tour which was very important to us. It’s not really writing music but the way their band works; the way they do things. We Barbarians are a good band. And Port O’Brien. There is a band called Doz, they’re from LA.; kind of like Credence Clear Water meets The Band; a lot of 3 part harmonies and they are really solid musicians. It’s a lot of stuff not a lot of people know about it, but we get excited about. We inspire each other to do certain things.

CM: What’s your favorite city you’ve played in?

KW: I think it’s unanimous that St. Augustine, Florida is the best stop. There is a place called Café 11, right on the beach. That with white sand, sweet people and a tight knit community; they are really nice to us. We can relax out there. It’s more like a vacation.

CM: Do you find touring easy or grueling?

KW: It depends on your mental state. If every one is getting a long in the band it’s real smooth. I feel like it has a lot to do with your mood. Since signing to Rounder we now get tour support. They budget a hotel for us. Now that we have a hotel to stay at we don’t have to worry about finding a floor to sleep on. When we were in Canada we didn’t know anybody. We had to finagle for space to crash on. We didn’t know anybody so we were asking people. We had a sign on the merch table saying “Can you take us home tonight?” Now that we have a hotel it’s a little more stress-free work.

CM: If you had a motto or mantra on tour what would that be? What keeps you tight and together on the road?

KW: We started doing pre-show powwows. For a long time we would go through the motions and we’d notice certain shows were great and some were not. We didn’t really know what was making the difference. We played the same songs so that wasn’t it. Every single night we tried to think of ways to make it fresh and new. So we started getting together; making eye contact and saying let’s have a good show. The key thing is us playing together. If everyone is making a conscious effort to play together, looking at each other, finding their groove it makes a difference. That’s what it is – playing together. It sounds pretty simple but makes a difference.

CM: Thanks for your time, and have a great show.

Album Review: Wovenhand - Ten Stones

2008-09-15T13:49:00.000-07:00

When I began listening to track 1 "The Beautiful Axe" my anticipation grew. I am a fan of UK's Editors, and Wovenhand lead singer David Eugene Edwards voice was comparable to Editors' front man Tom Smith. But the comparison becomes a stretch after track 1. So why would I even bring the comparison up? I don't really know.

Wovenhand is the once solo project now actual band of Edwards, also guitarist and singer of 16 Horsepower. The music could be classified as dark folk, anything but contemporary Christian music. Edwards voice is rough and masculine with a slight country twang as he rattles of his voice of warning. He is backed by mellow music with a lot of reverb.

Overall, I did not enjoy the album. It is not bad, but it doesn't register with my music taste buds. A few songs that stood out for their creativity and weirdness were "The Beautiful Axe" and "White Knuckle Grip." A side from these two I found the album dull and boring. Maybe my spiritual senses are weak and hell awaits me.

Maybe I am not in harmony with Edwards' style. If this is the case, please let me know.

Recommended Reviews

2008-09-15T07:12:00.000-07:00

With the wealth of music that was released last Tuesday I have not had the opportunity to post reviews on every album I desired to. Sorry kids, school is starting back up and the Captain has been getting an ejumicashun. Check out these reviews on other blogs that I concur with -

Okkervil River - The Stand Ins

Allan's World gives a great review on the latest Okkervil River's release. He is familiar with the band's previous work which makes this review much more constructive than the Captain could produce.

Calexico - Carried To Dust
Horse Feathers - House With No Home

Chris over at Chewing Gum For The Ears is one of my favorite reviewers. Last week he featured a great review on Calexico's new release "Carried To Dust" and Horse Feathers' "House With No Home."

I am going to post another review or two before tomorrow. Also, stay tuned for a concert review of Delta Spirit with an accompanying interview!

Album Review: The Subways - All Or Nothing

2008-09-13T21:25:00.000-07:00

England continues to pump out quality alternative music while Americans are busy listening to the Jonas Brothers. The Subways, from Hertfordshire, released their 2nd full-length album titled "All Or Nothing" this week.

In some respects it is a miracle that this band is still together performing. Lead singer and guitarist Billy Lunn had to undergo surgery to remove nodules formed from long touring, which could have resulted in him not being able to sing or talk. Lunn was able to make a full recovery and the band pressed on.

A familiar name was involved in the production of the album - Butch Vig, who has worked with Nirvana, Sonic Youth and Smashing Pumpkins.

Currently, the band is touring heavy to support this album, but unfortunately for us Yankees they are making infrequent stops in the US.

An element that separates this trio from other alternative bands are the frequent duets of Lunn and bassist Charlotte Cooper. Their harmonies on "All Or Nothing" give their sound a comfortable uniqueness.

The first track "Girls and Boys" begins with a heavy guitar riff and drum line that almost convinces the listener that this is going to be a heavy metal record. After a few measures warming up the mosh pit the song switches to a more comfortable alternative sound. The vocals of Lunn fit great with the music, and Cooper's back-up vocals during the verse and chorus send chills up the spine.

The record continues its hard alternative approach with "Kalifornia" beginning with a hard drum roll. Lunn's vocals are full of angst and only relax on the chorus while he and Cooper chant "Do you feel the paranoia? You will know it's been waiting for you. If you see Kalifornia. You will know its been waiting for you."

The album does have some songs that it could do without. "Move To Newlyn" sounds too much like Third Eye Blind. The title track "All Or Nothing" is boring.

Overall, this is a great album for fans that like harder alternative music.

Now captainmelody.com

2008-09-13T21:23:00.000-07:00

I had to rob 10 bums and kill a man to make it happen. Bookmark us, mate!

Album Review: Emilíana Torrini - Me and Armini

2008-09-12T12:17:00.000-07:00

Emiliana Torrini has just dethroned Lykke Li for indie female vocalist of 2008 (in the Captain's mind anyway). This Icelandic gem released her 7th album this week titled "Me and Armini," an absolute masterpiece.

This is not the ideal music for long trips going 20 miles over the speed limit sucking on a Red Bull to keep your eyes open (not that I've done this). This is, however, the perfect album to listen to in deep thought and meditation.

Torrini's voice is smooth and cool; a folk feel with a sensual touch. Her melodies feel like lullaby's hypnotizing the listener. Her lyrics are powerful, each describing an experience and bringing it to life.

The music changes throughout the album - the bluesy "Fireheads," the psychedelic "Jungle Drums," and the dirty "Gun" work together to form a collage of sound. Within many of the songs are powerful bridges that mesmerize. The song "Birds" with Torrini humming a beautiful melody with a pinch of chorus behind her. "Hear It All Before" features oohs and aahs to the hard beat of a trap set.

Do yourself a favor and listen to this album.

Delta Spirit on Conan

2008-09-11T14:27:00.000-07:00

As I announced on my blog Delta Spirit performed on Conan O'Brien. Due to other commitments I was unable to watch it when it initially air. I just checked it out on youtube and I must say - these dudes rock! Check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYUSWieaV0s

The Wednesday Roundup

2008-09-10T06:18:00.000-07:00

As a side note, I have been spending hours listening to music released this week and I have been impressed. Look forward to several reviews coming up.

For you Ra Ra Riot Canadian fans check out Andrew Maury's account of the kickoff of their Canadian tour.

Chewing gum for the ears has an extensive review on Calexico's release "Carried To Dust." This is one of the albums out this week that I have enjoyed.

TO Snob reports that Travis will be releasing their latest album "An Ode To J. Smith" on September 29th in the UK. They have already released a new video for one of its tracks.

Weheatmusic has a good podcast on music news, band interview and book reviews,

The Weekly Fizz is an interesting blog I stumbled onto that covers all things soda. As an avid soda drinker I am grateful for their contributions.

Myspace Mondays

2008-09-08T00:01:00.000-07:00

It is with great pleasure that I introduce a new feature to "Captain Melody's Music Reviews." While sailing the seas of myspace music the Captain comes across great music from up and coming bands. Each Monday I will begin featuring these bands to help get the word out on great music. These bands will not be major-label acts but those still in the grind of making it in the music business.

This week's band is "The Cheat" from Los Angeles, California. Labled as indie alternative rock their music is rough with unique qualities of blues guitar riffs that really zing. The lead singer has a really cool and calm voice that fits well with the music - almost like Coldplay in a bad mood. Forgive the pun, but The Cheat does not leave you feeling cheated.

They feature 5 songs off of their EP Tombstone. Check them out!

http://www.myspace.com/thecheatband

On The Road With Ra Ra Riot

2008-09-07T21:57:00.000-07:00

Andrew Maury, member of the sound crew for Ra Ra Riot, has started a blog to share experiences on tour. He has posted a cool behind the scenes look at the band's appearance on Conan O'Brien.

Check out the video and the blog!

http://andrewmaury.blogspot.com/

New Music Poll

2008-09-07T17:49:00.001-07:00

It could be worse! You could be scrubbin' the deck, mate.

Take the poll

Free Poll by Blog Flux

Album Review: Brian Wilson - That Lucky Old Sun

2008-09-07T15:50:00.000-07:00

When reviewing artists of the caliber of Brian Wilson I am walking on sacred ground. Few musicians have had more commercial success and reached the icon status that Wilson now enjoys. Since being the backbone of The Beach Boys Wilson has recorded and released enough music to fill up its own record store. Some of it good, some of it bad, and some of it legendary that our children's children will no doubt be exposed to.

The question is - how does "That Lucky Old Sun" stack up to Wilson's catalog?

If the scale was a 10 being "Pet Sounds" and a 1 being his 2004 flop "Gettin' In Over My Head" I would rate his latest release a 5.

"That Lucky Old Sun" includes masterful melodies found on tracks such as "Forever She Will Be My Surfer Girl" and "Going Home" But it also includes forgettable tracks including the first three songs "That Lucky Old Sun" "Morning Beat" and "Good Kind of Love."

An interesting element to the album is Wilson's narrative tracks that contain some clever and some really bad rhymes.

This album shows Wilson's genius and his struggles.

Politics can be funny

2008-09-05T13:58:00.001-07:00

I do not mean to mix politics and music, but this is hillarious.

Friday Rumor Mill

2008-09-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

Scott Weiland to release 2nd solo album in November

The new album titled "Happy" is due out November 18th. Currently Weiland is touring heavily with Stone Temple Pilots preparing to record a new album as well.

Aerosmith soon to record new album

According to an Aerosmith fansite Steven Tyler has said the band will head to the studio at the end of the month to begin recording a new album.

Former Korn guitarist prepares for tour, release of new album

Brian “Head” Welch formerly of Korn is preparing for a support tour of his solo release Save Me From Myself due out September 9th.

Attention All Canadians!

2008-09-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

Allan's World has finally shown its true colors of national pride and hatred for Americans with a pretty awesome contact for a sweet prize - CANADIANS ONLY. It is last minute so there will not be many entries. Try your luck, eh!

I am not Canadian, otherwise I would enter :(

http://music.allansworld.info/2008/09/03/quick-contest-virgin-festival-packages-giveaway/

Did you see that?

2008-09-04T06:26:00.000-07:00

Last night Brian Wilson performed on The Tonight Show in support of his latest release "That Lucky Old Sun." I have much respect for Wilson and have been an avid Beach Boys fan during certain times in my life, but who was that? He sat in front of a keyboard that he never played, and during parts of the song he simply stopped singing. His voice was rough and contrasted greatly with what I hear on the album. Has he always performed like this, or is this a recent development?

New Release Poll

2008-09-03T11:40:00.000-07:00

Be a good sailor and take this poll!

Take the poll

Free Poll by Blog Flux

If you select "Other" please include what that is in comments.

The Wednesday Roundup (formerly known as the incorrectly punctuated Wednesday Round-Up)

2008-09-03T08:01:00.000-07:00

I must preface this by saying I do not have a crush on Allan's world and there is no sex scandal. They just post really great stuff. Yesterday included a review of Death Cab for Cutie guitarist and producer Chris Walla's album Field Manual released this February. While it didn't get the best rating I love all things DCFC. Check out Walla's voice and see if it sounds like anyone you know.

Over at Chewing Gum for the Ears is a great review on Bloc Party's new album. I know that I already wrote my own, but this review makes me envious. I wish The Captain had some of the writing talent displayed on this blog.

The Vault had a post covering the arrest of a blogger for steaming the Guns N' Roses album. This makes the Roundup with the line -

"Of more immediate concern to GNR fans -- who, amazingly enough, still exist -- is the loss of access to the only new music the band has produced in the past 15 years."

If you are interested in linking up please drop me a line at captainmelody@gmail.com

Ra Ra Riot on Conan O'Brien

2008-09-03T07:45:00.000-07:00

Road warriors Ra Ra Riot appeared on Conan O'Brien last night fresh off their European tour.

Tonight musical guests are none other then Delta Spirit. I think Conan and The Captain are connected on some crazy intergalactic brain strings.

McCain/Van Halen Ticket Not Likely

2008-09-02T08:52:00.000-07:00

Add Van Halen to this list of musicians angry with their music being used by the Grand Ol' Party. According to Metal Underground who says according to Blabbermouth (and so on, and son on) -

TMZ.com reports that John McCain used a VAN HALEN song during his big speech earlier today and the band wants to make to make one thing clear — they're not running with McCain.
VAN HALEN management told TMZ.com that the band had no idea McCain was planning on using "Right Now" during his big entrance in Ohio. "Permission was not sought or granted nor would it have been given," the management said.

Lykke Li on Conan O'Brien/Ra Ra Riot performing tonight

2008-09-02T08:07:00.000-07:00

Conan O'Brien continues to impress me with his choices for musical guests. Does he personally pick them?

Last Thursday Lykke Li performed "Breaking it Up." I fell in love all over again - I have a thing for chicks with megaphones.

Tonight's musical guest will be none other than Ra Ra Riot. Either Conan O'Brien or someone on his staff has the some music love affairs I do.

Recommended Artist: Phantom Planet

2008-09-02T06:57:00.000-07:00

After reading the review on the Paramore show over at Allan's World I became interested in Phantom Planet. I was a fan of the band until their release of "The Guest" which took the band from indie to a teen show novelty. Joe indicated that the band had a "revamped sound" and curiosity got the best of this cat.

I obtained a copy of their fourth release "Raise the Dead" and was surprised. Deliciously raw is the best way to describe this album. The record starts of with the title track "Raise the Dead" with front man Alex Greenwald slurring "Wave your hands and and summon the spirits up, Tonight, Tonight, Tonight, We raise the dead."

Greenwald's sloppy and unprocessed voice is what sticks out most on this album and I love it. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Track from the band's website (100% legal to play)

Raise The Dead

New Music

2008-08-29T07:58:00.000-07:00

Snob's Music posted three bands to explore this weekend. Check it out, and post your thoughts at http://www.snobsmusic.net/2008/08/3-more-to-explore-weepies-howlies-dodos.html

Per Snob this is a feature he runs every Friday and he takes suggestions.

Friday Rumor Mill

2008-08-29T00:05:00.000-07:00

The Pixies may reunite for new album

In an interview with NME Black Franices said -

It's just a waiting game right now....Whatever we do in the future is gonna have to be fresh. I have to see if the band as a whole wants to go into the recording studio for a new record...That makes sense on some level. For us, there's gotta be an angle. It can't be just playing our old songs over and over."

Muse working on new album

In an interview with BBC radio6 Muse drummer Dominic Howard said -

"We're working on new stuff and we're gonna have a couple of weeks off and then in about two weeks time we're back out to Italy to start writing again...We've already done a few tracks and it sounds great, so we're just working towards the future."

Release for new album from The Cure

According to Punknews.org The Cure will release their long-awaited new studio album, entitled "4:13 Dream", on October 13, 2008.

Coldplay already making plans for new album in 2009

According to Telegraph.co.uk Coldplay is already planning to release their latest album in 2009.

Sonic Youth back in studio

In a lengthy article Rolling Stone reports that the band is back together recording. The band will be parting ways with Geffen Records and once again going indie for more freedom.

Recommended Artist: Delta Spirit

2008-08-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

I was just turned on to the band Delta Spirit. I discovered them on this post about the group on "Dont Tell Your Friends" blog. They just released their latest album "Ode To Sunshine" on 08/26. Check out the post with links to their myspace page and a download of a track off the new record.

They have also just begun a US tour and could be coming to a city near you!

Album Review: Bloc Party - Intimacy

2008-08-28T06:43:00.000-07:00

I can still remember when I first listened to Bloc Party's major release "Silent Arm." The first track "Like Eating Glass" with it's indie guitar sound and hard drum lines blew me away. I was an instant fan.

Their second release "A Weekend in the City" did not have the same immediate effect but I grew to love tracks "Hunting For Witches" "The Prayer" and "Where is Home?" I noticed that the band was leaning to a more electronic sound. The release of "Flux" which consists of the title track "Flux" and several electronic remixes confirmed to me that Bloc Party was heading in this direction.

It came as no surprise during my first listen of "Intimacy" that the album was chalk full of experimental electronic and big beat music. It is almost entirely absent of the indie guitars and hard drum lines that initially won me over on "Silent Alarm."

While I was not surprised I was certainly disappointed. It is not that I prefer the indie sound of "Silent Alarm" over electronic music. My disappointment is that I just don't feel that Bloc Party is in their true element with the big beat sound. Kele Okereke's vocals that sound similar to "The Talking Heads" does not fit with the music. And I have to ask what the other three members of the band are doing when the music behind the vocals is almost entirely electronic and absent of guitar, drums (that aren't synth) and bass.

A review by musicomh.com captures my feelings on the album -

"Elsewhere, the electronic stylings that have been unveiled in singles Flux and Mercury fail to disguise poor lyrics and limited themes, such as the unartful dissection of a failing relationship of Trojan Horse ("you used to take your watch off before we made love"), the literally hackneyed dissection of a failing relationship of One Month Off ("when we started this it was paradise, not Bethnal Green"), or the pretentious attempts at obscure depth of Mercury or Zephyrus."

And another review at Pitchfork.com also questions where the rhythm section is at -

"Where "Like Eating Glass" and "Pioneers" steadily built towards barely controlled chaos with unpredictability and positive tension, "Ares" engages in all-out sonic warfare: Russell Lissack's guitar blares like a air raid siren, Okereke's vocals gets processed into Cheez Whiz, and if the rhythm section was in the studio at any point during the recording, you'd need surveillance videos to prove it. The same goes for the garish lead single "Mercury", which at least sticks due to the nagging repetition of its pie-eyed hook."

Bloc Party has not lost my admiration and I still consider myself a fan but I hope that they can find a way to return to their roots.

The Wednesday Round-Up

2008-08-27T08:34:00.000-07:00

Over at Allan's World, Joe gives a in-depth review of a Paramore show that included Paper Route, Phantom Planet, and Jack’s Mannequin. The post includes many insights into these bands including a critique of Phantom Planet's revamped sound.

The Music Guru continues to give a comprehensive list of album releases each week. He does a lot of leg work and has become my resource for lesser-known releases.

Original Glazed is a good source for a summary of the UK and US charts. Pardon me for being sickened that the UK has bands like The Script, Coldplay and Noah and the Whale in their top ten albums while in the US we have The Jonas Brothers (two albums even!), Miley Cyrus and Sugarland.

Over at The Cheap Pop we have a review snippet for Lykke Li (my new music crush along with Ra Ra Riot).

If you are interested in linking up please drop me a line at captainmelody@gmail.com

Album Review: Ra Ra Riot - The Rhumb Line

2008-08-23T21:49:00.000-07:00

Ra Ra Riot is an indie rock group hailing from Syracuse, New York. One of it's most distinguishing features are its use of string instruments by cellist Alexandra Lawn and violinist Rebecca Zeller. The stringed instruments help the band create a unique orchestral sound that is mixed with a dash of guitar, a sometimes quiet and sometimes thumping bass, quick drums and relaxed vocals.

The band has faced it fair share of challenges. Shortly after releasing their self-titled EP drummer John Ryan Pike passed away. The band committed to continue and on August 19th they released their first LP. Much of the album was co-written by Pike, with 4 of the songs on the LP being from the EP completed during his lifetime. Band members and family members have teamed together to honor Pike's memory by setting up a memorial fund and playing benefit shows to raise money with other musicians such as Vampire Weekend. Aside from the music I was very touched by reading the experiences and descriptions of Pike from band members and friends. It is very evident that he impacted many lives.

The mission of the John Ryan Pike Memorial Fund is also noteworthy. The objectives are very comprehensive but the overall goal is to provide young musicians (especially those who go to schools that have cut music programs due to downsizing) the opportunity to explore their music talents as well receive information and experience if necessary on other music professions. One goal is to setup the John Ryan Pike Lending Library of Musical Instruments that will allow youth access to instruments they normally would not for financial reasons.

http://www.sticksman.org/

The opening track "Ghost Under Rocks" captures the attention of the listener with a thumping bass, followed by a very sweet drumline (almost trip hop in nature) and a haunting chorus of vocals. This setup is then interrupted by the lead singer Wesley Miles, whose raspy almost reggae-like voice contrasts greatly with the stringed instruments.

The next track "Each Year" has an introduction that sounds like a song from The Cure's "Disintegration" and Miles adds to the late 80s/early 90s feel with his vocals. "Winter '05" sounds like a B-side to The Beatles "Magical Mystery Tour."

Each song has a different flavor and is worthy of its own analysis. Suffice it to say, Ra Ra Riot makes the most out of the 10 tracks showing many sides of the band's creative genius.

I really dig this album. For the instrumentation they get an A+. Musically you could make comparisons to Vampire Weekend but Ra Ra Riot is much better and their sound is more mature. Overall Miles' vocals sound similar to Jim James of My Morning Jacket and his performance is by far greater than that of James on Jacket's latest release "Evil Urges."

They are coming to my town in October and I will be there!

New Bloc Party album "Intimacy" available to download now!

2008-08-21T22:33:00.000-07:00

I just learned through www.snobmusic.net that Bloc Party released the digital download of their third album "Intimacy" on 08/21. You can purchase a physical copy and get the download for $20 or just buy the download for $10 at http://www.blocparty.com/preorder/

I have not yet listened to this album but for a great review visit http://www.snobsmusic.net/2008/08/album-review-bloc-party-intimacy.html

Album Review: Stereolab - Chemical Chords

2008-08-21T21:57:00.000-07:00

Stereolab baffles me. When I first listen to their albums I am turned off. I am comfortable to banish their music to the category of bad elevator music and move on. But then I listen to it a second time, a third time and I find myself oddly hooked.

"Chemical Chords" is no different. As I listen to this album I find a little musical magic on every track. The music is unlike any other indie or rock artists I have listened to. It consists of some of the weirdest synth sounds and bass lines to old seventies like melodies. The vocals are never strong and at times I find this annoying. But then I realize that it wouldn't sound like Stereolab if the vocals were strong and more prominently mixed.

This is by no means a great album, but if you are looking for something different to listen to on long road trips or when you are alone it may be worth checking out.

Album Review: Toadies - No Deliverance

2008-08-21T21:32:00.000-07:00

The release of the Toadies new album "No Deliverance" came as a shock to many. The band hit rock bottom after their major release "Rubberneck" due to label disputes with their second album and eventually disbanded after a dismal reception to their 2001 album "Hell Below/Stars Above." The primary reason for the breakup according to front man Todd Lewis was Lisa Umbarger, the Toadies bass player, no longer wanting to play.

After several reunion tours without Umbarger the Toadies headed back to the studio and released "No Deliverance" on Kirtland Records on August 19th, 2008. Texas faithful have raved about this record saying it is a return to the roots that made "Rubberneck" such a success. Since I am a Texas native, I felt I needed to speak up.

This album sucks!

While the production of the album sounds very similar, the album is void of any hit song. Subtract all of the successful melodies from Rubberneck's hits "Possum Kingdom" "Away" and "Tyler" and you have "No Deliverance." Basically, this is a collection of rough songs with no substance.

It may be hard for some to admit but the Toadies simply have been unable to overcome the sophomore hump. They could not come close to duplicating the sound of their first major release "Rubberneck" that made them so successful.

Politics and Music

2008-08-19T10:55:00.001-07:00

Why are so many artists telling John McCain he cannot use their music in his campaign ads? Jackson Browne is the latest, suing McCain and the RNC for using his song "Running on Empty" without his permission. Do artists have a right to choose who uses their music based on not wanting to politically endorse a candidate?

Read more on Jackson Browne's lawsuit...

Album Review: The Academy Is... - Fast Times at Barrington High

2008-08-19T07:24:00.000-07:00

"Fast Times at Barrington High" is the third album released by the Chicago-based band The Academy Is..., just a little over a year after their sophomore record "Santi." Like "Santi" it is being released by record label Fueled by Ramen. The name of the album comes from the 1982 film "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" with Barrington High being the high school lead singer William Beckett and bass player Adam Siska attended.

The album begins with the first single "About a Girl," probably the most catchy song on the record. The chorus is extremely well-written and catchy. After one listen it was stuck in my head for days.

The overall production of this album is spectacular. Produced and co-written by Sam Hollander and Dave Katz (who also worked together on Gym Class Heroes, Boys Like Girls, Coheed and Cambria and many other projects) it is chalk-full of lush guitars, heavy drums, and cleverly mixed vocals.

The entire album is solid. Unlike many of the recent albums I've reviewed, it is very difficult to find songs that are boring or don't have their own distinctive quality. While some of the verses are slow and uninteresting ("After The Last Midtown Show" and "Beware! Cougar!") each redeem themselves with a great chorus.

The best comparison I can pull out on this one is the music leans more to the feel of Cartel. William Beckett's voice is very similar to Ryan Miller of Guster with more angst.

I found this album extremely enjoyable and it will definitely be staying in my iPod.

Album Review: The Script - The Script

2008-08-16T23:25:00.000-07:00

The Script is an Irish trio consisting of Danny O’Donoghue (Vocals), Mark Sheehan (Guitar), and Glen Power (Drums). The group signed to the label Phonogenic in 2007 releasing an EP, but O'Donoghue and Sheehan (friends since teenagers) have been writing music together professionaly for several years.

The two came to the US and worked as a team making demos for other groups, and eventually became members of MyTown, an Irish "boy band." A search on the internet does not provide a very concrete history or biography of MyTown, just teenage girl websites talking about their crushes on members of the group. Ultimately, this project was suspended.

Danny and Mark met and played with drummer Glen Power and became "The Script."

After releasing the singles "We Cry" and "The Man That Can't Be Moved" The Script released it's first full-length album on August 11th, 2008 in the UK.

The first thing that stands out on this album is O'Donoghue's vocals. Imagine Adam Levine from Maroon 5 with a deeper and more versatile tone. O'Donoghue's voice is so strong you can see how he could contribute to a boy band (not that this is a good thing :p).

The production is solid. There is a great quality to the overall sound and mix. I believe a good comparison would be U2 with more toughness.

The music is very well-written with entertaining lyrics and melodies. There is a deepness and introspective feel to most of the songs that breaks the fear of The Script slipping into a boy band as you listen to the album.

My favorite tracks are "Rusty Halo" that feels like an 80's hit on crack, and "Breakeven" in which O'Donoghue's sounds like a male version of Natasha Bedingfield.

For us yankees, the album has not yet been released in the US. The import price is outrageous but amazon currently has new copies on sell by a Hong Kong merchant for $16.10.

Brief Vacation

2008-08-16T07:43:00.000-07:00

I will be taking a brief vacation from posting as my wife has had our third child, a beautiful healthy baby girl!

Deep Thoughts by The Captain: Is the album extinct?

2008-08-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

An interesting post over at The Vault got my mind juices flowing. The discussion was about albums and how there are some artists playing full album sets live to preserve the album as on art form. In today's iTunes enviroment albums have been replaced with single song downloads and playlists thus making the concept of a collection of connected songs become increasingly endangered.

As I considered this I not only agreed with the writer but wondered if the album as an art form has already become extinct. While artists are still releasing material in the form of an album, rarely are the songs connected in content or theme. Because the length of time between releases has greatly increased over time for most artists the songs aren't even linked in regards to when they were recorded.

What would be the impact if in the future music was not released through an album but only through singles? Instead of going to the studio to crank out a full album, musicians would go to the studio to lay down one song at a time. Taking this a step further - is there any chance that with the convenience of iTunes and other music download providers that record lables may decide the cost for materials is not worth the expense for a single and then physical hard copies of music become extinct as well?

This further supports my theory that the human race will one day end up as nothing but mindless drones sitting on cushy seats living life through an online sim.

Album Review: My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges

2008-08-12T17:06:00.001-07:00

I became a fan of My Morning Jacket after listening to "Z" on a long car ride. There were so many different layers of sounds and catchy melodies on the album. It kept me thoroughly entertained the whole 45+ minutes.

With great expectations I looked forward to their release of "Evil Urges" in June. To sum it up I was disappointed. After the first listen I hoped that I had missed something. I listened to it several times but always with the same result - a desire to go back to "Z."

It's not a bad album. But it simply isn't up to par with previous albums. The band continues to be skilled at layering ambient/spacey effects with a rock/country sound. But where are the catchy melodies? Where is the emotion?

With the exception of the opening to the title track "Evil Urges" I was never hooked. That is not to say there is just something there I'm missing that longtime fans of the band get.

Trivia (from the Music Guru)

2008-08-11T16:01:00.000-07:00

What do Jim Morrison, Jimmy Hendrix, Kurt Cobain and the number 27 have in common?

Click here for the answer

A Rock Famine?

2008-08-11T11:23:00.000-07:00

The Script's debut album "Script" was released in the US today. I have not been fortunate enough to have it in my possesion to listen to or review it. Hopefully I will get a copy soon. There are three track samples and the full version of "We Cry" available for your listening pleasure at lastfm.com.

http://www.last.fm/music/The+Script/The+Script+-+Album+Sampler

"Songs for Tibet - The Art of Peace" came out today. This compilation features Imogen Heap, John Mayer, Mobey, Damien Rice, Ben Harper and many more artists. It is definately a compilation worthy of attention. Proceeds go to support Peace related projects.

Other than that I don't know if there is anything noteworthy to be released this week. This music famine is so bad I found myself considering doing an album review on The Jonas Brothers' new release. But even I have standards.

If you are aware of any releases this week that are worthy of attention please let me know.

Recommended Artist: Lykke Li

2008-08-09T11:48:00.000-07:00

Right now I am listening to Lykke Li's 2008 release "Youth Novel." This album is great. This swedish artist mixes multiple sounds and beats to her poetic voice. Each track has a different and unique flavor. In the opening track "Melodies and Desires" Li mixes spoken word with ambient tones. In "Let It Fall" she sings catchy phrases to a simple drum beat and quiet bass line.

You can listen to "Dance, Dance, Dance" at lastfm.com -

http://www.last.fm/music/Lykke+Li/_/Dance+Dance+Dance?autostart

Check it out and tell me what you think.

The Friday Rumor Mill

2008-08-08T18:23:00.000-07:00

New Releases In The Making -

Static-X to release live DVD on October 7th

Does anyone still even listen to these guys?

The Secret Machines to release album October 14th, announce tracklist

Atomic Heels
Last Believer, Drop Dead
Have I Run Out
Underneath The Concrete
Now You’re Gone
'The Walls are Starting To Crack
I Never Thought To Ask
The Fire Is Waiting

I am very much looking forward to this. They have added guitarist Phil Karnats. For those non-Dallas fans, Phil was with Ben formerly in Tripping Daisy. Both are some of the most incredible musicians on the planet.

U2 album scheduled tentatively for November

Rumor has it the album will be titled "No Line On The Horizon" which has been partially confirmed with the record label buying the domain name. This album is also rumored to launch a massive world-wide tour.

The Killers to release third album in November

This is according to insiders at their record label Island.

Album Review: The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound

2008-08-08T10:19:00.000-07:00

The Gaslight Anthem is a punk alternative band from New Jersey. On August 19th they will release their second album "The '59 Sound." The Captain was privileged to get a sneak peak at this gem.

On the album, lead singer Brian Fallon has a voice that is reminiscent of Springsteen. His voice is straightforward and neat with a dash of reverb and delay. While this may have punk fans throwing up on themselves his voice also reminds me of Brandon Flowers in The Killers second album "Sam's Town."

The guitar, bass and drums are kept simple. The tempo and beat are catchy. Overall, this is just a nice album.

My favorite track is the title track "The '59 Sound." The opening guitar riff is very sweet and the pre-chorus as Fallon sings "The chains I've been hearing now for most of my life" as it bursts into a gritty melody is awesome. Track 3 "Old White Lincoln" is also a beauty and words to the chorus "You wear high top sneakers and your seven tattoos" are still ringing in my mind.

I highly recommend this album. You do not have to be a high top wearing tattood punk lover to enjoy it.

Album Review: Hawthorne Heights - Fragile Future

2008-08-07T06:22:00.000-07:00

Hawthorne Heights had to overcome tremendous amounts of adversity to release this album. It's hard not to tip your hat to them. After spending months in legal battles with their record label, Victory Records, the band was devastated by the death of guitarist Casey Calvert. While there is some controversy surrounding his death, the band insists that the death resulted from a combination of legally prescribed medications, including Vicodin given for a recent root canal.

In spite of all this they were able to resolve their differences with Victory Records and move past Calvert's death with the decision of not replacing him - a symbolic gesture that he will always be with the group in spirit. Despite my admiration when hearing the opening track "The Business of Paper Stars" I was very disappointed. I prepared myself for the very boring, overdone sound of punk guitars with a whiny voice.

This track was followed up by their first single "Rescue Me" and I was hooked. The first verse with catchy guitar stops as JT Woodruff's firmly sings "You're hollow, You're shallow, All the Cowards sat in silence" won me over. This beauty was followed up by "Until Judgement Day" a great song with a superb pre-chorus "I just fell in love for the first time." I may have fell in love with Hawthorne Heights for the first time.

Well...let's not get too carried away. The album has its boring moments. I could easily skip over "Sugar in the Engine" and "Desperation." And while the album has a pinch of ingenuity its overtones are that of your typical punk/alternative band that has been done, redone and done again. And I'm the only one that thinks that "Disaster" sounds like a complete rip-off of Jimmy Eat World's "Get It Faster"???

I do recommend this album.

Album Review: One Day as a Lion by One Day as a Lion

2008-08-04T12:15:00.000-07:00

Regurgitated crap. Save yourself the money and go buy Rage Against The Machine's "The Battle of Los Angeles." My sentiment while listening to this album was "been there, done that and shouldn't have to pay for it again."

One Day As A Lion is a duo consisting of the infamous lead singer Zack de la Rocha from Rage Against The Machine and drummer Jon Theodore formerly of The Mars Volta. Imagine Rage Against The Machine stripped of its deep bass lines and signature Tom Morello guitar rifts and you have ODAAL. What's left you ask? Just de la Rocha's angst filled voice screaming his political views to drum beats and keyboard/synth sounds.

This album does prove (to The Captaion anyway) that de la Rocha is a major part of Rage Against The Machine's sound. So much that you could fool most people into thinking this was a new album from Rage and not just a side project.

There are a few positives to this album, namely the song "Ocean View" in which de la Rocha actually sings. The other - it's only 5 tracks long and you can get it for $5.99 at most record stores!

Album Review: The Slip by Nine Inch Nails

2008-07-31T13:36:00.001-07:00

Don't we all love free stuff? For this reason alone "The Slip" by Nine Inch Nails gets five stars. The album was available for digital download on Nine Inch Nail's official website in early May.

“This one’s on me,” Nine Inch Nails guru Trent Reznor stated on the site.

Recently, (July 22, 2008 to be exact) the physical album was released accomodating anti-ipod fans who like to sit and stare at album covers for hours.

After escaping "The Man" (aka Interscope Records) frontman Trent Reznor has been busy releasing 2 albums in 2008. His album "Ghosts I–IV" was released just 2 months prior to "The Slip" in March. According to Reznor "The Slip" was recorded in only three weeks.

Reviews of the album have ranged from pure genius to a bore. My first listen had me leaning more towards boredom. We've all heard Reznor's "sound" before, typically consisting of a dark bass, light drum machine and quirky sounds. Could you even tell the difference if someone switched out "The Slip" with another one of his latest albums (especially Ghosts I-IV)?

But after a few listens I found a special creativity and dark beauty hiding beneath that familiar sound. There are a few catchy songs that are constructed more solid than some of Reznor's latest creations, specifically "Discipline" and "Echoplex." My favorite are the haunting instrumentals "Corona Radiata" and "The Four of Us are Dying."

I imagine this ablum will do little for Reznor's commercial appeal. It is not radio friendly. But I never sensed that Nine Inch Nails strove for commerical appeal. Reznor is a true artist and the Captain looks forward to his creations free from the limits of a record label.

HELP ME!

2007-12-01T12:00:00.000-08:00

Hello. I love music and everything about it. You could call me an audiophile - always searching for new music to listen to and share with others.

I started this blog to make my experiences with music available to friends and family, and more importantly to share ideas and information on music with other audiophiles sailing the internet sea.

There are many ways you can help me make this blog worth its time and efforts -

1. Send me a link to your music blog. This will help you get some traffic, if not anyone else but me. You can send that to captainmelody@gmail.com or just comment on a post and I'm sure I will check out your blog.

2. Send me some bands that you recommend I check out to captainmelody@gmail.com or comment on a post. Chances are if you are talking about it on your blog I will have already started my exploration. Typically I check all blogs I recommend once a day.

3. If you have a band and would like me to check out your music and possibly post something please email me at captainmelody@gmail.com. Please stick to email on this one, as I don't want this blog to become a billboard.