Thursday, October 31, 2013

The Sounds - Weekend



Here is what I thought about The Sounds' new album, “Weekend.” Remember – all scores are out of a possible 10 points.

Shake Shake Shake” - Nice beat. I like the singer's voice. But here's the deal – I don't like when the lyrics are this repetitive. It comes off as if they don't have much to say. Score: 6

Take It The Wrong Way” - Once again, I am digging the beat and the voice. Nothing outstanding on this track, but it makes for nice background music. Score: 7

Hurt The Ones I Love” - This! I love this song. I love the music, the tone, and most of all the lyrics. Emotional realness. This will get some replays. Score: 9

Weekend” - I like the sad tone of this track. You know what I said earlier about repetitive lyrics and my dislike for them? On this track they totally work. Score: 8

Great Day” - The majority of this track comes off as filler. I did like the banjos – or the effect of banjos – and the quirky synthesizer tones at the end. But not much to make me want to listen to this track again. Score: 6

Outlaw” - I love a rock song that makes me want to dance. I love the happy beat and the fun vocals on this track. Score: 9

Too Young To Die” - A decent enough upbeat track. I liked this song for the most part, but there really wasn't anything that excited me. Score: 7

Panic” - Despite the fact this track doesn’t really take off I found it intriguing. The singer's voice comes off as real and not bored as it does on other tracks. There is a depth to her voice that makes me take notice. I don't care if every track rocks, but when you can engage my mind I give high points for that.
Score: 8

Animal” - One of the better track on the album. Another upbeat repetitive song – I see a pattern here – it just got stuck in my head. I liked it, but I don't see me going back to listen to it again. Score: 7

Emperor” - For real? Is this song about how the emperor has no clothes? I feel stupider for listening to this track. The sad fact is that I liked the beat and the guitars, but the lyrics pissed me off. Score: 0

Young And Wild” - Points for the fun vocals and the overall joyful music. Points taken away for the annoying high pitched “popcorn” synthesizer sounds.
Score: 7

All Your Life” - And they finish off the album strong. I wish they would do more songs in this style. Engaging vocals, memorable pop/rock melodies and a sense of excitement. One of my favorite tracks on the entire album. Score: 9

Average Track Score: 6.9 Would I recommend this to my friends? Probably not. While there are some enjoyable tracks on this album, overall I feel there is nothing completely outstanding.

Escalader,
Jim



Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Bad Religion - Christmas Songs



Here is what I thought of Bad Religion's album, “Christmas Songs.” Remember – all scores are out of a possible 10 points.

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” - A nice a cappella version kicks off the track, but then the guitars kick in and it is all Bad Religion. Nicely done boys – you put some holiday cheer in my cold, black heart. Score: 8

O Come All Ye Faithful” - Pretty straightforward – pretty kick ass. I never thought a Christmas song would make me want to mosh, but here it is.
Score: 10

O Come, O Come Emmanuel” - I love how they are playing each of these tracks straightforward but also give each one a rock edge. The guitars and the vocals are quite outstanding on this one. Score: 9

White Christmas” - I liked the guitars in the beginning – a la Ramones. The middle was a bit rough, but the ending brought it all together. Score: 6

Little Drummer Boy” - This one came off a bit cheesy. I was bored by the drumming and the vocals seemed a bit forced. Score: 4

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” - Ok, now we are back on track. Great energy, interesting guitars – I like it. I am now back in the holiday mood – thanks boys! Score: 9

What Child Is This?” - Love it. They took what is normally a ballad and kicked it in its ass. Nothing about this track that I don't love. Score: 10

Angels We Have Heard On High” - Another balls to the wall rock track. I liked pretty much everything on this one as well. These boys are in a groove. Score: 9

American Jesus – Andy Wallace Mix” - A Bad Religion classic. I wasn't sure if this was going to work on a Christmas album, but it is all about Jesus so what they hell. I love love love this song. It gets my blood pumping and makes want to run around in circles and slam into people. Score: 10

Average Track Score: 8.3 Would I recommend this to my friends? You bet your sweet ass I would. Great energy, awesome vocals, and it is fun!

Escalader,
Jim



Ed Kowalczyk - The Flood And The Mercy



Here is what I thought of Ed Kowalczyk's new album, “The Flood And The Mercy.” Remember – all scores are out of a possible 10 points.

The One” - Now this is how I like my rock – unpretentious and kick ass. Well, the beginning may have been a bit pretentious, but I can forgive that. Ed's voice strikes a chord in me. I love the tone and texture of his vocals. Just a top notch rock track. Score: 9

Seven” - Epic – this track has an epic feel. I loved the vibe, the vocals were haunting, and the music made me interpretive dance all over the place.
Score: 10

Angels On A Razor” - This one was a bit hard for me to latch onto. The changing rhythms and odd vibe was just a bit too much for me. Score: 5

Parasite” - My ass. Paging my ass. Has anyone seen my ass? This track just kicked it and I can't find it anywhere. What a scorching rock track! Excellent vocals, brilliant lyrics, and fabulous hard rock rhythms. I could listen to this all day. Score: 10

All That I Wanted” - A nice enough ballad. It felt like a Staind ballad, but it was fun to listen to and I love the sound of Ed's voice. Score: 6

Take Me Back” - This is the tale of two songs. One part of this song is an upbeat kind of rock track and the other part is this face shredding frantic rocker. Did the two parts work well together? Unfortunately, no. I don't think I would listen to this song again. Score: 4

Holy Water Tears” - Let me say this – there is nothing wrong with this track. But there is also noting compelling about it either. It is just there for me. Kind of filler, but a touch better than most filler. Score: 6

Supernatural Fire” - Just a fun, ballsy rocker. I like the energy, the driving rhythm, and once again Ed's vocals. Score: 9

Bottle Of Anything” - This song fires on all cylinders. Emotions run high and then Ed hits you with some pared down emotional realness vocals. Its a one-two punch that works very well together. Outstanding – that is what I would call this track. Score: 10

The Watchman's Lament” - I don't know where Ed keeps gets his inspiration from, but this is a fantastic song. Blazing guitars, a deep groove, and those spectacular vocals. Score: 9

Cornerstone” - I thought I would love the ballads on this album, but I really haven't. This one comes off preachy which turned me off completely. Ed's voice is pure and the music is lovely, but the lyrics made me roll my eyes. Score: 5

There is a hidden track at the end which is some sitar like instruments over distorted vocals. I have no idea what Ed was saying and I don't care. Now THAT comes off as pretentious.

Average Track Score: 7.6 Would I recommend this to my friends? Duh. Of course! This album is chock full of great tracks.


Escalader,
Jim 

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Kelly Clarkson - Wrapped Up In Red



Here is what I thought about Kelly Clarkson's new album, “Wrapped In Red.” Remember – all scores are out of a possible 10 points.

Wrapped In Red” - Girl. I just got slayed by Kelly's vocals. This is why I love Kelly – her voice is fantastically amazing. While the lyrics were a bit all over the place, Kelly sings the hell of it and made me happy at the same time. This song is totally DQW. (Drag Queen Worthy) Score: 9

Underneath The Tree” - Um, no. I did not like this track at all. Kelly's vocals came off screechy, the arrangement seems slapped together, and the I did not get filled with holiday cheer. Score: 0

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” - For the most part, Kelly sings this standard straightforward. She does however take one note to the heavens which works nicely. I like when she keeps it simple. Score: 8

Run Run Rudolph” - Hmmm. Kelly's vocals on this song are pretty fabulous, but the arrangement feels cheap. It doesn't come off as polished or full sounding – how disappointing. Score: 7

Please Come Home For Christmas (Bells Will Be Ringing)” - Sigh. This is one my ALL TIME favorite Christmas songs and this arrangement just made me sad. It felt like it was a beat too fast and while Kelly ran up and down the vocal roller coaster, I just didn't connect with this song. So sad. Score: 4

Every Christmas” - Oh sweet Jesus. Move along. Nothing to listen to here – except for Kelly's fabulous vocals. Other than that I hated the lyrics, the music, and the whole vibe. What a waste of a track. Score: 0

Blue Christmas” - At least this track didn't piss me off. Kelly's vocals are fine and all, but this track was missing an emotional connection. Score: 5

Baby It's Cold Outside” - This is my least favorite Christmas song of all time. If a girl say she gotta go – she gotta go. Don't hold her against her will. That said, Kelly and Ronnie Dunn did nothing to make me like this song any better. Both of their vocals bored me as they rushed to the end of this song. The piano playing was nice. Score: 2

Winter Dreams (Brandon's Song)” - Now this feels like a Kelly Clarkson track. Nice arrangement, great vocals, and it made me happy. Score: 7

White Christmas” - Kelly does a pretty good job on this one. I just would have like it better had her voice been a bit more emotionally real. Score: 8

My Favorite Things” - At first I was all like, “Yea! A jazzy version of this song!” It started off well, but then just jumped the rails and never got back on track. Kelly's vocals come off crazy and the arrangement annoyed me. I actually cringed at the end – not a good sign for a holiday song. Score: 0

4 Carats” -  Sad. This is how this song made me feel. Not only did it not put me in the holiday mood, it made me feel stupider for listening to the whole thing. Horrible lyrics make me hate this song. It felt like a song that belongs in Legally Blonde – The Musical. I know Christmas has become all about material things, but for real – the lyrics in this song take it to the bottom level. Score: 0

Just For Now” - WTF? No idea what this song is about. The lyrics are disjointed and the music is referencing Carol of the Bells. This song depressed me and I need something to clear my music palate. Score: 0

Silent Night” - Once again, the first part of this song was growing on me and then the last part pissed me off. They had Kelly harmonizing with some other women which was unnecessary. Kelly doesn’t need back up singers – they just screwed up her tone. I was hoping this was going to be amazing, but all I got was annoyance. Score: 3

Average Track Score: 3.8. Would I recommend this my friends? Hell no. Not only would I not recommend this album, I would probably use the CD as a yule log. I am going to put this in the darkest recesses of my mind where I also put her movie, “From Justin to Kelly.”

Escalader,
Jim




Toby Keith - Drinks After Work



Here is what I thought of Toby Keith's new album, “Drinks After Work.” Remember – all scores are out of a possible 10 points.

Shut Up And Hold On” - Ooh! Mr. Keith is a bossy one – I like that. Just a fun song with decent enough lyrics. The only thing I didn't like about this song is that it just doesn't go anywhere. It just kind of marinates in its own melody. Score: 7

Drinks After Work” - I did not expect this kind of music on a Toby Keith track. It is kind of odd synthesizer sounds and it does not work. The lyrics felt pedestrian and Toby seemed bored with his vocals. Score: 3

Before We Knew They Were Good” - Ok, I can get on board with this one. Better vocals and better vibe all the way around. But still not great. Score: 7

Little Miss Tear Stain” - An adequate track. I like the theme of this song – it is a let's get back together track. The vocals were OK and the lyrics were above average. I can hear this on country radio. Score: 7

The Other Side Of Him” - Now this is what I am talking about. Toby's voice is designed for the ballads. His rich, deep tone shines when he can slow things down and give songs like this a kick in the ass. Emotional realness – that was what I was waiting for and I got it on this track. Score: 9

Last Living Cowboy” - A fun track. I liked the playful melody and the clever lyrics. But I don't think I would seek this out to listen to it again. Score: 6

Show Me What You're Workin' With” - I am pretty sure Toby recorded this song just to have women shake their titties at him – not that there is anything wrong with that. I went back and forth on this one. I liked parts and hated other parts. Overall, it felt a bit juvenile. Score: 5

Whole Lot More Than That” - These lyrics annoy me. Its like Toby got a rhyming dictionary and just wrapped lyrics around words that sound alike. Boring and forgettable – that is how I would describe this track. Score: 0

I'll Probably Be Out Fishin'” - The lyrics on this track are ironic. I like ironic lyrics, but sorry Toby, Alanis Morissette did lyrics like these much better. The overall vibe of the song is enjoyable, but once again, forgettable. Score: 7

Hard Way To Make An Easy Living” - One of the better tracks on the album. This could easily be a country radio hit for Toby. Nothing on this track blew my socks off, but it is a cut above the rest. Score: 8

Call A Marine” - Let me say this first – being a veteran myself, I know firsthand how fabulous Marines are – they are truly inspiring. But the lyrics on this track are laughable and the whole tone made me roll my eyes up to the heavens. I do appreciate the use of the word “jerkoff” in a song, but this whole track is just a fail. Score: 0

Chuckie's Gone” - A touching tribute to one of Toby's bandmates and friends. I love when singers get real and you cannot get more emotionally real than Toby does on this track. Score: 10

There is a cover version of Margaritaville on this album, but my music service did not allow it to be listened to, so I am not going to score the song. But I will say this – I probably would have score it low as I loathe the original song and I don't give a fuck about margaritas or anywhere called Margaritaville.

Average Track Score: 5.8. Would I recommend this album to my friends? No. There is not enough good material that would make me ever say, “That Toby Keith album is awesome.”

Escalader,
Jim


Monday, October 28, 2013

The Saturdays - Living For The Weekend



Here is what I thought of The Saturday's new album, “Living For The Weekend.” Remember – all scores are out of a possible 10 points.

What About Us” - I am loving the accents of the singers! The dance beat is good, but the male rapping in the middle annoyed me. But a nice introduction to The Saturdays. Score: 8

Disco Love” - A nice enough pop dance song. The chorus of “Baby Baby Baby” grated on my nerves. Don't think I would listen to this again. Score: 4

Gentleman” - Alright, this track got my butt shaking. The lyrics are fun and the music is danceable. But the rapping – please girls – stop the rapping. Score: 7

Leave A Light On” - My favorite track of the album so far. Any song that can get me lip syncing and imagining what I would look like on stage performing is the mark of a good song. I will alert the drag queen corps of this song. Score: 9

Not Giving Up” - A super fun dance track. I will alert the queens about this one as well. I can see Mariah Candy or Jade Sinclair rocking this onstage. I am not sure what the lyrics are about, but this beat is hot! Score: 9

Lease My Love” - No. No. No. I did not like this track – at all. The vocals were sloppy and the chorus was beyond annoying. Score: 0

30 Days” - Filler track. Nice beat and the lyrics were OK, but my booty did not shake once. Score: 5

Anywhere With You” - At first I thought this track to be DQW (Drag Queen Worthy) but the male vocals in the middle took it out of that category. Fun song thought, booty shaking was going on and I loved the beat. Score: 8

Problem With Love” - A slamming dance track. Love it – loved everything about it. This track is totally DQW! I am going to tell my friends, Adria Andrews and Diva Coppafeel that they must do this at Hamburger Mary's! Score: 10

You Don't Have The Right” - Ooh! This track is such a hot mess. They tried for emotional realness and failed. I don't think I ever want to listen to this track again. Score: 0

Don't Let Me Dance Alone” - I deem this track DQW. A fierce dance track - I liked the beat and the vocals. This made me think of one of my favorite queens – Krista Versace. I think I will drop her a line about his gem. Score: 9

Somebody Else's Life” - Nothing but filler on this track. The beat was OK, but the lyrics didn't grab my attention. Score: 4

Wildfire” - Not a bad track, but nothing really outstanding either. I liked it more than I didn't, but this so not DQW. Score: 7

There are a few more remixes on this album, but I feel I don't need to review them.

Average Track Score: 6.2 Would I recommend this album to my friends? Probably. The highs of the album are high enough to ignore the lows.


Escalader,
Jim

Dead Gaze - Brain Holiday



Here is what I thought of Dead Gaze's new album, “Brain Holiday.” Remember – all scores are out of a possible 10 points.

Yuppies Are Flowers” - Fun! I adore so much about this song. The vocals are intriguing, the guitars are inviting, and most of all this excited me about what this band has to offer. For some reason, I fell they are serving 80's with a hint of Weezer, but we shall see. Score: 8

Rowdy Jungle” - Um, no. This track is annoying. Lazy, incomprehensible vocals and boring music. No no no no no. Score: 0

Stay, Don't Say” - On this track, I liked the incomprehensible lyrics. The clean acoustic guitar mixed well with the ethereal vocals. Did I hear someone playing the claves on this track? If so, I highly approve. Score: 7

Runnin' On The Moon” - I like the attitude of this track and the rock beat. I was grooving to most of it, but then a few musical miscues turned me off.
Score: 5

You'll Carry On Real Nice” - I am giving high marks for the music – except for the ending – and low marks for the vocals. I can't really get into a song if I can't understand what you are saying. While there are a few exceptions, this isn't one of them. Score: 4

A Different Way” - A ballsy rocker with a deep groove. It was easy to get into the music on this track – very Jesus and the Mary Chain. I can even forgive the vocals somewhat. Decent enough track. Score: 7

Breathing Creatures” - Boring. This track is so boring. I didn't like anything about this song. Well, that not entirely true, I did like the trumpet. But that is about all I liked. Score: 1

Possible Embrace” - An upbeat happy song. This song didn't annoy me, but it didn't excite me either. Kind of right in the middle. Score: 5

Brain Holiday” - This track felt a bit short, but I got into the groove. The overall tone felt very vintage – which makes me happy. Score: 7

Average Track Score: 4.9. Would I recommend this to my friends? No. There was not much for me to sink my musical teeth into on this album. I was bored most of the time.

Escalader,
Jim


Saturday, October 26, 2013

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy - It Feels Like Christmas Time



Here's what I thought of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy's new album, “It Feels Like Christmas Time.” Remember – all scores are out of a possible 10 points.

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” - I think this is going to be a fun album. BBVD's sound really lends itself to Christmas music very well. This track had all the right pops at the right time. Sure to be a Christmas hit. Score: 10

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” - I was bored with this arrangement. I didn't like the vocals at all. I did like the music, but I thought they tried to do too much. Score: 3

All I Want For Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth)” - A very clever interpretation of this holiday classic. The vocals were top notch and the music was full of wonderful swing melodies. Score: 8

Jingle Bells” - Another wonderful interpretation of a standard. I like the fresh spin and the vocals put me in a cheery mood. Score: 8

It Feels Like Christmas Time” - Oh God I'm bored. This track can go to the island of Lost Toys and stay there. Next. Score: 0

Frosty The Snowman” - I enjoyed the New Orleans flavor of music on this track – but that was about all I enjoyed. The vocals were just average. Score: 5

Run, Rudolph, Run” - Again, I really enjoyed the musicianship of this track, but the vocals seemed understated. You can't really enjoy a track unless both are outstanding. Score: 5

You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” - The vocals were much better on this track. The music was its usual outstanding work. I can see me putting this one on my Holiday Jams 2013 playlist. Score: 9

Christmas Is Starting Now” - I am glad that Christmas is starting now, but I was wishing this song would end now. Nothing about this song put me in the holiday mood. Score: 0

We Three Kings” - Under normal circumstances, I adore instrumental tracks. But in this instance it was all too depressing. The trumpets were sad, the piano was not uninspiring, and the whole tone was just blah. Score: 3

Walking In A Winter Wonderland” - The music was fun to listen to as were the female backing vocals, but the main vocals just left me bored. Score: 6

Average Track Score: 5.2 Would I recommend this to my friends? No. There are too many outstanding Christmas albums out there for this to take up any space in my CD collection.

Escalader,
Jim

Friday, October 25, 2013

Motörhead - Aftershock



Here is what I thought of Motörhead's new album, “Aftershock.” Remember – all scores are out of a possible 10 points.

Special note: I am not going to pretend I have the slightest idea of what Lemmy is saying, but I will score these songs on energy, overall appeal, and musicianship.

Heartbreaker” - An ass kicking opening track. Great energy – this track will create instant mosh pits wherever it is played. Score: 8

Coup de Grace” - Nice sinister guitar work on this track. The energy is great as it kept my head bobbing the whole track. I wish I had long hair, my headbanging would look so cool with long hair. Score: 8

Lost Woman Blues” - I call the style of this song, “Blues with balls.” I actually did understand most of what Lemmy was singing and I loved the lyrics. The music is outstanding and the whole track just kicks ass. Score: 10

End Of Time” - I think this song would be excellent for a bar fight. When the chairs and punches start flying, this song in the background would take it to the next level. Score: 7

Do You Believe” - Nothing but filler on this track. Didn't really care for the groove of this track, but the guitars were fun. Score: 5

Death Machine” - Any song that is called Death Machine gets my seal of approval. The guitars alone get high marks from me. I like the sinister sounds they make and the groove they produce. Score: 8

Dust And Glass” - Another blues track. I have to say – Lemmy's vocals are outstanding. I love the hard edges blues feel of this song – I wish they would do more like this. Score: 9

Going To Mexico” - I would have my hotdog moment – where I don't really care about the song, so I go get a hotdog – if they played this at a Motörhead concert. Score: 4

Silence When You Speak To Me” - A nice ballsy groove on this track. The lyrics were OK but the music was heavy. Score: 7

Crying Shame” - Nothing to listen to here folks. Just filler rock. Score: 3

Queen Of The Damned” - My ass has been sufficiently kicked by this track. You should turn this one up to 11. Score: 9

Knife” -The guitar work on this one is pretty intriguing. I also like the groove on this track as well. Score: 7

Keep Your Powder Dry” - I am not exactly sure what the title of this song means. Is it just a general make-up tip? Does it have to do with guns? Or is this a euphemism for a vagina? Nevertheless, the music on this track is enjoyable enough. Score: 6

Paralyzed” - Motörhead leaves the album the same way it came in – with a balls to the walls rocker. Just run around and bang your head while this one shreds your face. Score: 7

Average Track Score: 7.0 - not too shabby. Would I recommend this to my friends? Yes for the ones who enjoy this genre.

Escalader,

Jim

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Brandy Clark - 12 Stories



Here is what I thought about Brandy Clark's album, “12 Stories.” Remember – all scores are out of a possible 10 points.

Pray To Jesus” - A slower type of country song. I like the tone of Brandy's voice. The lyrics were enjoyable, but the pace almost put me to sleep. 
Score: 7

Crazy Women” - This track's lyrics and tone reminded me of Miranda Lambert – whom I adore. I love female empowerment songs. I also love how Brandy lets her voice do the talking and does not have to have a gigantic arrangement. Plus, any song that uses a harmonica get high marks from me. Score: 9

What'll Keep Me Out Of Heaven” - A beautiful song about cheating. The lyrics are what really shine on this track – they are fantastic. Once again, Brandy's voice comes off as honest and vulnerable – two qualities that speak to me. Score: 9

Get High” - A very fun light hearted track. The lyrics are super strong as is the subject of the song. I never thought I would enjoy a track about rolling a “fat one” but this track kept me entertained the whole time. Score: 9

Hold My Hand” - A ballad that just cut me right to the heart. Brandy is a word weaver. She knows just how to pull on your heart without coming of schlocky. Good lyrics will always make me a fan. Score: 9

Stripes” - Another well written song that had me laughing – not LOL laughing, but mentally laughing. “The only thing savin' your life / Is that I don't look good in orange and I hate stripes.” I love that she is not afraid to go dark with her lyrics. I also love that she has a fashion conscience – nobody looks good in stripes. Score: 10

In Some Corner” - A nice enough ballad, but it just didn't command my attention. The music was beautiful and Brandy's voice was delightful, but the lyrics failed me on this one. Score: 7

Take A Little Pill” - I don't think I have ever heard a song about how America is an over medicated nation. I applaud Brandy for her fearlessness in her songwriting. Captivating is the word I would use for this track. I think we all need to listen to this song and take heed. Score: 9

Hungover” - A cautionary tale about the repercussions of living in the bottom of a bottle. Being a child of an alcoholic, this track's brilliant lyrics cut me to the bone. I may need to call my therapist today for an emergency session. Score: 10

Illegitimate Children” - Wow. Another intelligently written track. This song is about how people go to bars and then go home to hook up – hence the title of the track. But the devil is in the details and you must listen to these lyrics – they are top notch. Score: 10

The Day She Got Divorced” - This track took me on a journey of what a woman did on the day she got divorced. I liked the guitars on this track. I liked the vocal delivery, but the overall song was perhaps too depressing for me to get fully on board. Score: 6

Just Like Him” - I have often heard that women marry men who remind them of their daddies. Brandy sings about why she won't do that in this fabulous ballad. Full of excellent lyrics – which I now expect from her – this track is another standout on a album full of hits. Score: 10

Average Track Score: 8.8. Would I recommend this albums to my friends? If I didn't they would lynch me. This is an excellent album chock full of many stellar tracks.

Escalader,
Jim

Best Coast - Fade Away



Here's what I thought about Best Coast's new album, “Fade Away.” Remember – all scores are out of a possible 10 points.

This Lonely Morning” - Is that a female lead singer I hear? I have a special place in my musical heart for female singers. Nice jangly guitars and a melodic chorus make this track a nice jumping off point. Score: 8

I Wanna Know” - The music this band plays is just feel good music. I love the singer's voice and I love the peppy music. It kind of has a throwback feel like The Go-Go's or a 50's girl group who played electric guitars. Score: 8

Who Have I Become?” - What a fun pop song! I was totally dancing like one of those Peanuts characters with my head shaking from side to side horizontally. I think I may have found my antidote for when I am being to negative – I will just listen to Best Coast. Score: 9

Fear Of My Identity” - Wow – this album gets better and better with each track. Fabulous lyrics and out of this world vocals makes this one my favorite track – this far. Score: 10

Fade Away” - Another superior track. It had me swaying and swooning. It took me back to the early 90's and reminded me of my love for The Sundays. I could get lost in this music and the vocals are glorious. Score: 10

Baby I'm Crying” - I am going to run out of good adjectives to describe this band. I just love the lazy melody and the outstanding vocals. Just an all around top notch track. Score: 9

I Don't Know How” - Wow. Just wow. I loved the beginning, the middle, and the end of this song. Thank you for putting out great music Best Coast. This is proof positive that you don't have to have 16 tracks on an album to make it great. Quality over quantity. Score: 10

Average Track Score: 9.1. Would I recommended this album to my friends? Not only will I tell them how awesome it is, I will be buying it for them as Christmas presents.

Escalader,

Jim

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

AFI - Burials



Here is what I thought of AFI's album, “Burials.” Remember – all scores are out of a possible 10 points.

The Sinking Night” - This track has balls. It's dark tone allowed me to once again tap into my inner alterna boy who only wears black and combat boots persona. This track has a Pink Floyd feel to it and I liked it as an opening track. Score: 10

I Hope You Suffer” - Another powerful, dark rocker. I liked most of the vocals – when they were screaming, but the other vocals I thought brought the track down. I really liked the lyrics as well – good lyrics will always bend my ear. Score: 8

A Deep Slow Panic” - At first I was like, “Are they serving country on this track?” But then the pop parts kicked in and I was all like, “Whew.” Not that I don't like country, but this band should do what they do best and rock out. Not much here that I loved – it just kind of bored me. Score: 5

No Resurrection” - An ass-kicking rock track. I loved the vocals, I loved the pounding rhythms, and I loved the chorus. Nice jobs boys – do more of this. Score: 10

17 Crimes” - I don't how much more of this ass kicking I can handle. A high energy rocking track. Don't get mad at me if you see me driving around South County blaring this out of my windows. Just a fun song that get me all excited. Score: 9

The Conductor” - I have no idea what they were singing about but I did respond to the groove and the energy. I just love powerful songs that get my mind moving and make me want to run around and slam into people. Score: 8

Heart Stops” -What the buggery bollocks is this track? It feels like they wrote this for the ladies. No balls, no power, just lyrics about a heart. BORING.
Score: 2

Rewind” - I like the energy and musicianship of this track, but that's about all. The lyrics are just blah and it really didn't go anywhere. Kind of filler. Score: 6

The Embrace” - I really got into this track. The bass playing really impressed me. Great energy, interesting turns in the music, and an ass kicking attitude. Score: 8

Wild” - How is it that this band can rock so hard? From the first drum beat I was hooked. My blood was pumping, my head was banging, and I just wanted to get into a pit. This song should be renamed, “You Will Mosh!.” Brilliant.
Score: 10
Greater Than 84” - I don't know how AFI does it, but while this song seems similar to several other tracks on this album, it comes of fresh, different, and fun. I responded to so many of the elements on this track. I love the energy and the kick ass vocals. Score: 9

Anxious” - The rock train keep barreling down the tracks with another lively, compelling track. I particularly got into the chorus, but the overall lyrics left me nonplussed. Score: 7

The Face Beneath The Waves” - This album leaves the same way it came in – with a dark, foreboding track that made me delve into the dark recesses of my brain. I liked the opening track a bit more but this track does not disappoint. Well played boys. Score: 8

Average Track Score: 7.7 Would I recommend this to my friends? Absolutely. So many kick ass tracks makes this one of my favorite albums of the year.

Escalader,
Jim







Katy Perry - PRISM



Here is what I thought of Katy Perry's album, “PRISM.” Remember – all scores are out of a possible 10 points.

Roar” - This single has been out for awhile and burning up the charts. A really fun track, I have been tapping my inner drag queen as I belt out the chorus. Score: 9

Legendary Lovers” - A high energy track with lots of Indian music throughout. I love the Indian rhythms, but I am not a fan of the “rapping” in the beginning. Score: 7

Birthday” - I can appreciate the disco vibe of this track, but the lyrics are just a bit juvenile – and overly sexy. I hate it when Katy goes sexual in her lyrics – it just seems cheap. I also really don't like when she whispers “Happy Birthday.”
Score: 4

Walking On Air” - This track gives me life! High energy dance rhythms and a kick ass vocal performance make this my favorite track thus far. Score: 10

Unconditionally” - I find this song to be emotionally therapeutic. The lyrics and the vocals are blew me away. I wished my mother had sang me this song. In fact, I wish all parents would sing this song to their children. I wish I could sing this song to myself. Damn you Katy, why did go and have to sing a song that makes me blubber like the stereotypical gay man that I am? Score: 10

Dark Horse” - I like when Katy's vocals mix with hip hop beats – it gives her an edge. Katy's vocals are dark, deep, and hypnotic. What I didn't like was the rap section – by Juicy J -left me bored. But the song did make me feel like sexy dancing, so that is something. Score: 5

This Is How We Do” - Um, no. I don't like this track. I don't like the lyrics, the vocals or the general vibe. It has a Ke$ha feel that annoyed me. You are better than this Katy. Score: 0

International Smile” - A fun dance track. I had mixed feeling about the lyrics, but I love something I can shake my groove thing to and this track got me dancing. Score: 7

Ghost” - A solid upbeat dance-like track. It really didn't get me moving, but it held my attention. I am not sure how I feel about the lyrics, but the beat is good as are Katy's vocals. Score: 8

Love Me” - When Katy serves up positivity in her lyrics I eat it up with a spoon. A self-empowerment type of song, I can see this being a hit with the younger generation. Great music and yet another great vocal delivery. Score: 9

This Moment” - Another positive feel good track. I could listen to Katy's voice all day as she gives this track a sense of freshness, light, and love. I can hear this being played at graduations, proms, and gay weddings. Score: 8

Double Rainbow” - Meh. This is a 50/50 track for me. Nothing I hated – except for the number of times she says, “Double Rainbow”, but nothing I loved. Feels like filler. Score: 5

By The Grace Of God” - A rather non-inspiring ballad. For the record I was all set to like this song from the beginning, but I just couldn't grab on to it at any point. Score: 4

Spiritual” - I got into the rhythms of this track. They moved quickly and had interesting turns. Katy does a good job with the vocals, but I keep going back to the music. It had a Seal, “Crazy” type of vibe – I like it! Score: 7

It Takes Two” - Wow – the lyrics on this track are pretty amazeballs. They spoke to me and made me want to grow up. I love when Katy speaks the truth without being all preach. Every human being in a relationship needs to listen to this song. Score: 9

Choose Your Battles” - The drums on this track remind me of the drums on “Unconditionally.” They add some texture to the track, but the arrangement bored me. Parts of this song held my attention, but other parts seemed uninspired. Score: 5

Average Track Score: 6.7. Would I recommend this album to my friends? Of course - but I would warn them about the pitfalls.

Escalader,
Jim



Monday, October 21, 2013

Will Hoge - Never Give In



Here's what I thought of Will Hoge's album, “Never Give In.” Remember – all scores are out of a possible 10 points.

A Different Man” - Ballsy. Rocky. I like it. I love his voice and I love the female back up singers. Score: 9

Goodbye Ain't Always Gone” - A peppy kind of rock track. I liked it but I don't think it is very memorable. Score: 6

Never Give In” - I liked the music on this track and the guitar work. The lyrics left something to be desired, but Will's vocals made me a believer. Score: 7

This Time Around” - I am a sucker for a well written ballad and this is one of the best I have heard in awhile. Will has this wiggle in his voice that intrigues me. I would say it reminds me of Randy Newman, but cleaner – I dig it. Score: 10

Still Got You On My Mind” - A country flavored track. I can't really fault the lyrics, but there was something about this song that I just didn't like. Not really sure what it is, but something turned me off. Score: 4

Home Is Where The Heart Breaks” - Another rocker – which I kind of liked. This one had a Tom Petty/John Mellencamp kind of rock vibe. I like the chorus and I loved the female backup singers again. The ladies just take me back to the '70's and I am loving it! Score: 7

Daddy Was A Gambling Man” - Another country track. This one I liked very much. The story told in the song is what sold me. A great story and Will's vocals are pretty outstanding. Score: 10

Pale September” - This mid tempo track feels like filler. It didn't go anywhere but the chorus is nice. Overall I was rather bored. Score: 5

Bad Ol' Days” - This rocker has such a retro feel. I could not stop comparing this song to Tom Petty's “The Waiting.” Very similar hooks and vocals. I enjoyed this track, but doubt I would seek it out again. Score: 7

Damn Spotlight (Julia's Song)” - A ballad chock full of emotional realness. Nothing I didn't like about this track. Will's voice and the guitar work well together. He should do more songs like this one. Score: 10

Strong” - A beautiful love song -which I suppose – was written for his father. Or I guess any good father. It made me loathe my own father a bit less. Excellent lyrics and another flawless vocal delivery. Score: 10

Average Track Score: 7.7 Would I recommend this album to my friends? You bet your ass I would. This is a very well done album with several jems. I am now a Will Hoge fan!

Escalader,

Jim

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Willie Nelson - To All The Girls...



Here is what I thought of Willie Nelson's album, “To All The Girls...” Remember all scores are out of a possible 10 points.

From Here To The Moon And Back” - What a great way to kick off this album. Two icons, Dolly Parton and Willie one on track. A beautifully written love song, I would hope that this is the song my grandparents would have sung in their later years – no offense Willie and Dolly. I love when Dolly whispers her lyrics – pure magic. Score: 9

She Was No Good For Me” - The tempo of this ballad – featuring Miranda Lambert – was just no good for me. Sluggish and depressing, I didn't really care for this track. Score: 4

It Won't Be Very Long” - Willie invited The Clark Sisters for this track and their flawless harmonies made me really happy. Upbeat and cheery, I really liked this song overall. I just wish it had been longer – it felt too short. Score: 8

Please Don't Tell Me How The Story Ends” - Where I took off points before for a slow as molasses track, I have to reward it on this track. Rosanne Cash's voice give me life. The sound of her voice almost brought a tear to me eye. Her vocals blended with Willie's perfectly. I wish this story had never ended.
Score: 10

Far Away Places” - I loved two of three elements of this song – Willie's voice and the music arrangement. What I didn't love was the tone of Sheryl Crow's voice – I didn't even recognize her signature voice. Score: 7

Bloody Mary Morning” - Let me be frank – I am a huge fan of Wynonna Judd. But on this track I felt like her and Willie's voice were as oil and vinegar – they just didn't mix. Again, I barely recognized Wynonna's signature voice – a huge letdown. Score: 3

Always On My Mind” - A legendary track – I remember listening to the LP to this song on my mother's hi-fi stereo back in the day. But here's the deal – Willie's phrasing seemed to be off. Carrie Underwood saved this track with her top notch vocals. Her voice kind of gives me life as well. Her pure vocals saved this track from my scorn. Score: 7

Somewhere Between” - Loretta Lynn and Willie Nelson. What can I say about these two mythical performers? Its almost as if their voices are yin and yang. I was hooked from the first verse and I adored every moment of this track – a highlight of the album. Score: 10

No Mas Amor” - Willie's vocals came off a bit dry on this saucy track. Conversly, Alison Krauss' vocals gave this track a light airy quality. Willie got out sang by Alison on this somewhat memorable track. Score: 6

Back To Earth” - This is what I call a 50/50 track. Nothing bad, but nothing outstanding. Melonie Cannon vocals was pleasant, but not very memorable. Score: 5

Grandma's Hands” - What I love about this track is the texture of Mavis' Staples' voice. I could listen to her read me government regulations and still enjoy the experience. Willie's own texture works nicely with Mavis' creating a very enjoyable song. Score: 9

Walkin'” - Well hello Norah Jones – how I have missed your voice. Another standout track with excellent vocals from both performers. There is just something about Norah's voice that makes my soul come alive. Her breathless vocals compliments Willie's flawlessly on this track. Score: 10

Till The End Of The World” - A fun and playful track. Shelby Lynne's vocals are stand out as are Willie's. I love Willie's voice on upbeat tracks – it just works. Score: 8

Will You Remember Me” - A somewhat boring track saved only by Lily Meola's fresh vocals. This track is forgettable and feels like filler. Score: 6

Dry Lightning” - A completely forgettable track. Nothing here to make pique my interest or make me want to listen to it again. I was even bored with Emmylou Harris' vocals. Score: 3

Making Believe” - Willie invited Brandi Carlile to perform on this track. Nicely done, but a bit safe for my taste. Another 50/50 track. Score: 5

Have You Ever Seen The Rain” - Normally, I get annoyed when someone puts a spin on a classic track. But in this instance I was totally hooked. Paula Nelson and Willie's vocals gave new life to this track. I loved the phrasing and the arrangement. Score: 9

After The Fire Is Gone” - Tina Rose kind of impressed me with her vocals. The lyrics are fairly catchy but overall I was not really impressed with this track. Score: 5

Average Track Score: 6.8 Would I recommend this to my friends? Probably not. I have mad respect for Willie and his legacy, but the hits were too few to make me want to go out and buy this album.

Escalader,
Jim