Going Mainstream...if they like it or not

A great friend gave me the new Kings of Leon Album for the weekend “Only By The Night”, and I cant stop playing it. I am not a huge Kings of Leon fan but this album has converted me in a hard way. It might seem to some as more mainstream then their past recordings; well I don’t know if they were trying for that but what ever juice they were drinking gave them one hell of an Album. Each track is great; it might be the best album I have heard this year. (i know bold statement)

So this is short but sweet…BUY THIS ALBUM NOW

Track 4, Use Somebody travels perfectly into Track 5 Manhattan. The placing of songs can be very important when making an album and they seem to have gotten it right.

Also if you are in the Chicago area for Halloween they have a gig that night!

Tickle Me Pink & pray for the people inside your head

Johnny Flynn and his band The Sussex Wit attempt to bring music back to the basics of English Folk, he reaches a modern spin on a classic form. The young lad from South London has put a great backing band to reach this musicale goal. Horns & stings through out the album complement the voice and the use of other instruments that are not in use as often today…

His first album has the basic recording quality that so many second, third and so on albums loose. It is one reason so many debut albums have this raw blood to them.

This music is what one would want to hear in a pub over some good pints, a steady constant beat from the drums, and good old plucking guitar…with a voice that has an eerie Nick Drake quality (his upbeat songs at least I think Nick had a couple). He has a maturity behind his voice that doesn’t seem to stream from a 25 year old but from an older countryside gentleman who plays music because that’s what one does, not for any fame or money.

Key Tracks: The Box, Tickle Me Pink, and The Wrote & the Writ….however the whole album is worth a listen.

Dancing at Work

With the ability to have music on at work, it is common for a random dance party at your desk. (Which I highly encourage) Music moves the soul in ways only it can; so feel free to crank up what ever your playing & dance dance dance! I think it makes the day go by faster, and if your boss does not allow music while you work, then its time for a new job.

I am currently dancing to Some old school Blond on Blond, by Mr. Dylan

Buying a Shitty CD

I have recently started buying actual CD’s from a record store and not getting everything online. There are many advantages to this at this point in my life, none of which really matter to you.

However, I have been thinking about their return policy (or lack there of) with any Media Purchase. What if I buy a cd I am not sure will be good…

SIDE NOTE: I like to buy or obtain Albums with out really knowing what it might be. I take suggestions from people, or go off one song I have heard. Most times this has turned out to be a very positive method of buying

…and the album turns out to not be any good, I mean just awful! Then I would like to return it to the Record Shop, itunes, etc and get not even a full refund but maybe a partial or a credit towards a new one.

I understand that I could buy a cd upload to my itunes it asap and take it back saying it sucks. But hey I am an honest guy and don’t steal.

NEW RAY (lamontagne)

Last week the new single to Ray Lamontagne album “Gossip in the Grain” was released on his web-site & Itunes. The album isn’t coming out until Oct 14th, and Ray will be hitting the road starting off his Fall Tour here in Indy on Sept 30th (already have my ticket!)

Ray captured my ear with his first every single Trouble in 2004, every since then his voice, and emotionally filled songs have moved me. His songs are full of soul, while staying true to his folk roots. While his first album got me off more then his second…he is an artiest not afraid to expand and look out side his personal experience and I am expecting that with his new album.

With more of a band backing then his previous albums I feel this album could really capture audiences that haven’t paid much respect to this wonderful singer song writer. His first single You Are The Best Thing could have came out of Motown in its peak…the horns are a perfect match for his soaring voice.

Recommendation: Full Album “Trouble”…each track will move you in a different direction bringing you right back home where we all feel safe!