I love Cake!

Ok, my friends have been hearing me repeatedly mention this band. I love Cake. Not the dessert, but the band. Really I do. You can thank my brother and mother for picking up the CD, Fashion Nugget at record store. I picked up two used Mercury Program CDs. I'll write on them later.

But seriously, this band is awesome. I've been listening to this and metal, and Mercury Program for a weeks-- with some folk thrown in for good measure. Yeah, I like many musicial styles. :)

Now, let me try to describe their music. Their vocalist sounds like Elvis Costello, John Lennon, and various other bands. Then you hear lyrics that make you laugh, and make you think. Which I happen to love. Some examples, "sheep go to heaven, goats go to hell" with a delightful tune in the background, then "I had a match, she had a ligght-er" talking about Mexico. This band is great. I listen to "The Distance" in the morning when getting ready, and then my day goes a little bit better with that smile and laugh at the beginning of my day. They are hard to describe, so listen to "Friend is a Four Letter Word," "Satan is my Motor," "Stickshifts and Safteybelts," "Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps" and various others. I have a long list of great songs by them. Funny how they all make me laugh, but yet they are all so true, wit, gotta love it.

Most of the songs are on that album right here-->

But this band took me by surprise when I realized I was, well... addicted. Happily addicted. They bring some humor back into music, even though this album was produced a while back, it still remains new in music today. Pretty awesome. They do this indie rock hip-hop, with sarcasm and randomness. Which is great.

They most definitely have their own style, and have that alternative rock feel that the ninties were so famous for, and that is part of what makes them so great-- seeing that style of music is what I grew up listening to, along with large variety of stuff.

So check them out, you won't regret it, and you will probably get a laugh out of it.

http://www.myspace.com/cake

http://www.cakemusic.com

Unplugged @ Howell Nature Center

I went to this show, seeing that recently I've been supporting the Howell and Livingston County scene. It was super cool, driving down in the woods to this little cabin where when you step in, there's a fire and everything. It's in a lodge, everyone sitting on the floor, the room all dark with a scoop light on the artists with just some chairs. So beautifully simple. I felt like I was a Beat or something, with a post-concert sledding on a "b-wording" hill. haha

All the acts, which were like around 10 played, mainly just guitars and harmonicas. Such a cool environment and atmosphere. Acoustic shows are going to have a major competition to compete with this one. Here is a picture I took on my phone because I didn't want to record this show-- you had to be there.

And it was all for Habitat for Humanity. How sweet is that? Four hours of great music, played acoustic of all these local artists. It was nothing more than inspiring, all this talent in one room, where literally you are chilling with the artists right next to you. Probably one of the coolest shows I've been to. I almost felt like I was in Hunter Thompson's barn, but without the drunk and guns part. haha
But seriously, this show is hard to top. With the free pop and snacks, atmosphere that was strictly amazing. I still can't quite put it into words. It was so casual, I was wanting to grab a pillow and lay down-- and I probably could have during that show. Where else can that happen? Everyone was just super comfortable, like hanging out in the basement jamming-- except it was acoustic. Like an open mic night but there was an order of sets. Everyone sang along, clapped along, swayed along to the beats and songs played... And probably around 8-10 acts played, for $5. All that talent in one room.
Here's the list that I remember:
Jeff Pianki (pic above): http://www.myspace.com/jeffpiankimusic
Steven Schlaack: http://www.myspace.com/schlaakmusic
Carter Moulton: http://www.myspace.com/cartermoulton
Tiger! Tiger!: http://www.myspace.com/tigertiger
Versus the Ocean: http://www.myspace.com/vsocean
Apathetic Critic: http://www.myspace.com/apatheticcritic
Good Weather for Airstrikes (members played throughout the night): http://www.myspace.com/gwfaband
Audrey: http://www.myspace.com/audreymichigan
Roll Over Radio: http://www.myspace.com/rolloverradio
Enjoy all the music! :)
Probably one of the coolest, casual, amazing shows I have been to yet...
and all for charity. :)

Good Weather for Airstrike's Yearning EP

About a week ago, I went to a local show, where a local band-- Good Weather for Airstrikes were releasing their EP, Yearning. The venue (Howell's Opera House) reminded me of The Factory (mentioned in previous post) but in a different format, but it still held the similar atmosphere. So I'm going to write about the EP...

This band's influences are a wide variety, whether it be Death Cab for Cutie to Explosions in the Sky and tons inbetween. Their EP starts with the song "And All Seems Lost" filled with quieter melodies, and also has many hooks. It also seems to be more of a single on this EP. The song has emotion from James (lead singer) and sings of either potential or lost love, which is a very common subject matter and in all the ways I've heard it, this one remains to make itself different. The next song, "After Another Night Alone" sounds like the title, and is heartbreaking-ly honest. The truth in this song, getting the guy's perspective is great. "With the Noises Off" is probably my most favorite song, why? because of it's timid introduction where all you hear is the lyrics and even though for this band it is not the norm, it shows their taste in music and it was a pleasure to film this song. This song is relaxing and powerful in it's melodramatic qualities. But don't let that stop you, "I Wait on the Eve of Forever" rapidly brings up the tempo with drums and guitars amping up the sound where your head is nodding to the beat before the singing even begins. I have to say, reading the lyrics in the liner notes-- they are really well-written and beautiful. Just sitting here listening to the CD, enjoying the music and the words. :) I like that combination. As the final song, "But Hope is Not Lost" plays, it keeps the authentic "GWFA" sound, with the rhythmic bass and drums, and edgy guitar playing with frank lyrics. Good Weather for Airstrikes is an up-and-coming band from Howell area, working hard to let their own sound come through.
Check out their sites:
Myspace-- http://www.myspace.com/gwfaband
Twitter-- http://www.twitter.com/gwfa
Tumblr-- http://www.gwfa.tumblr.com/

"Music is what feelings sound like."

I just went to an EP release show this Saturday, and it was so much fun. Live, local music. There's nothing like it, really there isn't. It was at a new venue to me, and went to hear a band. It was a blast, standing next to the amp, recording the concert on my handheld camera. Putting it up on YouTube currently... it's taking forever, so I'm writing this.

I don't where I was reading it, but someone was talking about how at these live, local shows the atmosphere is quite addicting. When being feet in front of the local musicians, which at larger shows those are to-die-for spots, and how the intimacy and feeling of the words and music are so much clearer, and that personal connection to the artist and the audience is stronger. It's great. I love it... it. It. If you've never gone to a concert like that, I suggest going to one so you can feel that feeling. Hearing the background of the songs before they are played, meeting the young talented artists on their way in the music industry. The performance that leaves you thinking, and the EP only costs $5. I also love seeing that true passion out of the musicians playing, when they say "Thank you soo much for coming!" you know they really mean it. The guitars being played, hearing the influences, the drummer getting into the rhythm and the singer passionately crooning or just getting into it. Whether it is a mellow show at a coffee shop, or a Battle of the Bands metal show, or you are squeezing on a couch at a hole-in-the-wall venue, or standing for hours on end-- it's all worth it, it's for music. I guess this idea goes for local music because it goes hand in hand, but going to these shows has reminded me of that more and more and thought it needed to be said. :)

By the way, both pictures are taken from the same venue, The Factory in Rochester. I've been there once and fell in love. Best place to see indie music, with getting lost trying to find it and then the atmosphere of it-- and the band I went to see. Fantastic. First picture is of the stage, second is the outside.

I have 2 EP reviews coming!

Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist

So, I've seen this movie before, again because I was bored. Well, a day off school and waking up earlier than planned means a movie day for me. I plan on watching Diving Bell and The Butterfly today, who knows maybe Requiem for a Dream or Pi. I remember really enjoying the movie, that I always am surprised by the off-beat teen comedies that seem to just make me happy.

This movie is pretty awesome, the music is great-- all the indie hits all in one movie, with teenagers. Like Devendra Benhart, The Cure, Vampire Weekend, and tons of other bands. I really like how mix CDs are a vital part of this movie, because as you've probably guessed-- I'm a sucker for them. I was going to make one today after seeing this, just because I can. Probably will. Also it takes place in New York, going around to the small clubs and bars for music-- all night. With an infinite playlist playing...and debating music, now that's the life. But it's more than just the music theme running through it, it also has sarcasm, and wit that if you pay attention, the subtleties are hilarious. I'm not a fan of most teen comedies, but ever since the whole Juno cult hit started I like that kind of teen comedies (Charlie Bartlett) the rest seem stupid in comparison. It's a great movie to watch with friends hanging out, and I guess that's why it's good. Just a short post...more movies later! :)

The Godfather.

So today was a snowday here in the Midwest, so what's a girl to do. I was sick last night, fell asleep to Imagine: John Lennon, and woke up the time school starts. I've been wanting to watch my Coppola Restoration The Godfather for a while now, and I recommended it to a friend of mine (hopefully he's seen it before, if not I'm sorry) and I had the time to watch this truly amazing 3 hour masterpiece by "the" Francis Ford Coppola. This movie is amazing, filled with mafia bosses, and delegations and dealing with competing families in the "family business." A crime dynasty of the Italian hertiage, filled with killings and lies and deciet, makes all the more true and awesome. The 40's wardrobe, and all the Italian names where you have to have a Godfather expert there when you watch it for the first time, so you can understand what is going on just makes it all the more better. I don't know, this is not a girl movie by any means, but for film addicts this is normally a top pick. I am a major fan of Francis Ford Coppola and just about everyone(there are a few exceptions) in their gene pool, to Sofia who directed The Virgin Suicides to Nicholas Cage's directoral debut Sonny. They all are amazing, but yet hard to describe why they are so good, but to all my guy friends-- you must see this movie, if not I will easily call you a sinner. Or give you a shocked look. It is also filled with amazing actors: Marlon Brando (need I say more), James Caan, Al Pacino, and countless others and even a small sighting of Bela Lagosi. I've watched it many times, and noticied he was in it, he is in Ed Wood.
If you ever or never thought you'd be interested in mafia dealings, or just want to see the movie all the references are based on, then I suggest seeing this. Best 3 hours of my snow day! :)

Erin McKeown's Hundreds of Lions CD

This CD is awesome, I love it. This mixture of music styles reminds me of my childhood, filled with adult jokes, and an upbeat witty style that is purely awesome. :)

Erin is an acclaimed musician, writer, and music producer.

It starts out with "To A Hammer," a song that just makes me smile, nodding your head to the beat happily, you know like in "Blitzkrieg Bob" by The Ramones, but it's not punk. The lyrics stick in your brain, with simple music, which I'd bet isn't simple. This song also reminds me of the French songs you'd learn when you are little. Just listen, you may realize it too. "Santa Cruz" comes next, filled with catchy hooks from the guitars, and it reminds me of Norah Jones, Thao Regina Spektor, Florence & The Machine and Neko Case with a more pop influence-- and I love that amazing combination. In the next song, starts off on a softer note, "To A Sailor" with a darker, deeper tone, and with rhythms that touch your soul, and lyrics as "Oh I might studder, I might falter/ sail uncharter waters...you, sailor, on the lonely sea/will you turn to promise me/you always be alive." It feels like a salior's wife lasting words before heading out to sea-- and your next to the crashing waves, yet still having a troubadour quality. But this feeling doesn't last, with the next track "the foxes" is a delightful love song, with piano sequences and reminds me an old fable being told, with simple adages like "Love can be fun, if you don't put in the work/ stick with the honey, stay as long as it's worth" that remind us of our daily lives. "(Put the fun back in the) funeral" proceeds, and I really like this song, it reminds me of one of my favorite artists, Tom Waits in how it talks about a dark subject with a mash-up of traditional instruments with unconventional, that creates a truly unique sound and has a general sense of humor about it. Her music is also frequently placed on some of my mix CDs, because of it's general appeal to a lot of people's music tastes. Whistling is then heard, and "the lions" begins, with piano, her voice, and it has barely anything to do with lions-- at least, I didn't notice, or it's just the opposite. I'm not quite sure. It does have something to do with a circus; I love that, it's like a singing mistral in La Strada. The lyrics "There's a risk/there's a twist/in anything worth doing/if you're caught doing what's proper/you better stop before you ruin it"-- happens to be one of the best choruses I've heard in a while..."all that time you missed" is an amazing break-up song, but it carries the theme of still wanting that person back with all honesty that I love in music and the combinations of instruments that create the perfect atmosphere for this song. "the boats" is all about the boat, and seeing how she is from the Eastern part of the country, it makes sense. The rhythm is so happy, and repetitive, it just makes the dopamine or serotonin in your brain smile. If a brain chemical can smile. Erin's words also remind me of Bjork, and that only makes me enjoy the music more. The electric guitar starts, and "the rascal" sounds like a childhood story that I imagine little kids dancing to in their music class, with clapping and hand motions be performed simultaneously as the music plays, except it's for a more mature audience. After "the rascal", "28" follows and the subject seems to be about a young girl that seems to be turning 28, and the feelings of that birthday. About halfway through, it changes into a blissful existence. "Seamless" is the last song, and as this CD is ending, all the hooks come together in your mind, with birds chirping in the background in the humble barn that she recorded this album in, it quiets her audience down, about the human nature we are all wired with, and it is just her guitar and her...it's a beautiful song filled with beautiful lyrics. Amazing.

This CD talks about many things: love, animals, the circus, foxes, lions, and whatever pops up in Erin's head. Lyrics are sweet and sincere, and this CD is a tribute to all the hard work she has done.

Here are some of her sites:
http://www.myspace.com/erinmckeown

http://www.erinmckeown.com/

Enjoy! I know I did. :)