MIKE POSNER - 31 Minutes To Takeoff

I like how it's called 31 Minutes To Takeoff when the album is actually around 37 minutes long. Perhaps Mike is referencing something else with the title? Who knows.

This is his debut album. His popularity has been buoyed by singles like "Cooler Than Me", "Please Don't Go", and, most recently, "Bow Chicka Wow Wow". Though the radio version of "Bow Chicka Wow Wow" features a guest spot by Lil Wayne, the album version doesn't. Sadness.

Anyway, Mike Posner has never (at least to the best of my knowledge) professed to be a maker of "deep" or "intellectual" music. If he did, then he's a liar. He makes pop music: fluffy, candy-coated pop music. It's sexy pop music though; it grooves, thanks no doubt to his hip-hop influences. This album would be best listened to by people who won't be offended by the dropping of the word "shit" in several of the songs, or the fact that Posner often is either singing about being ignored by girls, picking up girls, having sex with girls, being cheated on by girls, or cheating on girls. We get it, Mike, you like girls. Despite the fact that most of the lyrics are throwaway and even cheesy at times, I like this guy's stuff. Mike's got a unique voice that isn't great but he uses it the best he can. He's got a smooth delivery and exudes charm. I love the horns on "Do You Wanna" which really add some soul to his sound. "Gone in September" is such a sweet little song (it even has finger snaps!), that you almost want to side with this guy who's cheating on his girlfriend. Almost: Mike hits the nail on the head when he sings, "I thought I wasn't like the others...Guess I'm an asshole after all." At least he knows it. We do have "Delta 1406" on here which seems to be about the unintended consequences and worries of becoming famous very quickly.

Overall, I do like this album a lot. I think it will make for good summer jam music: not too deep but it's catchy and polished to a shine.

WIZ KHALIFA - Rolling Papers

I don't know too much about Wiz Khalifa. In the few things I have read about him online, I know that a lot of his "fans" consider him a "sell-out" because he's on a major label now (Atlantic) and this album was a "let-down" based on the strength of his previous mixtapes. Well, I never listened to those mixtapes, and I'm one of the people that first heard Wiz when "Black and Yellow" came on my radio's speakers. So maybe I'm not qualified to talk about this album, but I was hooked on that single the first time I heard it. Every time it came on, the volume went up and I was singing along to the chorus. Eventually, I said to myself, "Self, you should get his album and listen to it."

I'm definitely not any sort of expert on the hip-hop/rap genre, but I will tell you that I enjoy this album the whole way through. Not all of the songs are 100% awesome, but a song like "Roll Up", with its synth backing, is fantastic. Sure, the song material is kinda fluffy (being there and wanting to be with a girl who apparently is with some sort of loser boyfriend but is cheating on him), but who cares. It's nice to see a rapper who isn't afraid to show a heart once in a while. It's probably my favorite track on the disc. And don't worry, we still get plenty of references to "hoes" and "bitches" on other songs so Wiz isn't a total softie! Haters gon' hate on this record for sure, but I'm digging it, so there.

R.I.P. Speed Bump

Today I lost one of my best animal friends, Speed Bump. He wasn't technically "my" dog but he might as well have been. I know he is in doggy heaven, eating dog bones, raiding kitty litter boxes, playing rope tug-of-war, and impressing all the lady dogs with that ridiculous grin he always had. Speedbump, Bump, Bumble, Bumpzilla, Bumplestiltskin, The Bumpinator, The Abumpinable Monster, and all the other crazy names I made up for you -- I miss you.


Just look at that grin.


Plotting a sneak attack on the litter box, I'm sure.

AUDITORIUM - Be Brave

Be Brave's official release date is January 18, 2011, and all I can say about that is, thank goodness for advance copies.

This album was recorded over a three-year span by Spencer Berger, who did all of the performing, recording, and mixing (later "finishing touches" were added by Pete Lyman). He's now joined by a full band on live performances. Berger is already an accomplished performer, having performed at the Metropolitan Opera from the time he was 9 years old through 12 years old and graduating with a music degree from Vassar College. His talents also go beyond the musical world, as he wrote the screenplay for "Skills Like This", which won the 2007 SXSW Film Festival's Audience Award for Best Narrative Film and garnered many fine critical reviews. But, I digress.

Back to Be Brave, which features 14 songs and clocks in at just over 31 minutes. Upon first hearing the album, it seems warm and friendly. It's that person you meet at a party and you know you've met them before but you can't place where, and they don't seem to recognize you so you don't know if you're mistaken but ultimately it doesn't matter because you are enjoying their company nonetheless. The album's minimalist approach of just guitars, electric bass, and vocals doesn't compromise the full sound of the songs. Berger's voice reminds me of Elliott Smith without the weight of the world bringing him down. Plenty of gorgeous layered vocals on here as well. I guess if I had to label this with a genre I'd say it's singer-songwriter indie folk. Right now, if I had to pick, I'd say my favorite song is "I'm The Enforcer". This is an album for sitting by the fire, drinking hot cocoa, and making out. Fantastic music for fantastic things.

www.myspace.com/auditoriumband
fieldfm.wordpress.com

JASON ANDERSON - Tonight

This came out in 2007. I won't cover up the fact that I absolutely adore Jason Anderson. Once you see this man perform live, you would probably feel the same. Tonight attempts to capture the magic of his live performances. The best parts on the album are when the crowd sings back to Jason. The album does a pretty good job of showing you the energy and audience participation that Jason has when he plays live, but they still can't hold a candle to actually being there in the circle around Jason and having him sing to you while he plays his acoustic guitar. The songs on this album also feature more instrumentation than just Jason and his guitar. Still, I love this album. Jason has a special way of capturing the moments in life that make your heart happy (or sad, in some songs) and putting them into song. He likes to write a lot about living life to the fullest every day and also just about love in general. Here's some lyrics off of "So Long": "All I want, at least right now, is to be close to you, the smell of your hair is literally amazing, honestly" and "The best thing in the world is to love someone and they love you back." So simple, yet so true; I'm sure everyone's felt this way at some point. The most amazing part, though, is if you were with all of your friends chanting out the "The best thing in the world..." lyrics; you would feel all warm and fuzzy inside. That is the appeal of Jason Anderson.

www.jasonandersonswebsite.com

THE FUTUREHEADS - "Christmas Was Better In The 80's" (Single)

A holiday-themed song from The Futureheads. The song starts off slow, with a single piano and lyrics that reminisce about the singer's youth and how, as the title suggests, "Christmas was better in the eighties". The song then kicks into the tight post-punk/new-wave you know these guys for, with harmony vocals, chimes, and a propelling drum rhythm. The chimes really give the song a Christmas feel. After the band kicks out the jams, they return to the solitary piano and vocal at the end, which neatly wraps up the song. This is a solid single, props to the band for this one.

www.thefutureheads.com
www.myspace.com/thefutureheads

EDITORS - In This Light And On This Evening

This is the third full-length album from the band that originally formed in Birmingham, England. Half of the band, bassist Russell Leech and guitarist Chris Urbanowicz, now live in New York while singer Tom Smith lives in London (I don't know where drummer Edward Lay resides). In This Light And On This Evening was recorded in London and produced by Flood. This album came out in October 2009, and I've been sitting on it for over a year. Why? I've always liked the singles this band put out but could never get into listening to a whole album. Truth be told, I think this is the first time I've ever listened to an entire Editors album so I can't really say how this album holds up to their first two. The Joy Division comparisons are still present, but the machine-like, synth-heavy backing music really pushes the band's sound in a great direction. Lots of lyrical references to London, God, death, and love. I think Smith's voice is creepy at times (I've always felt the same about Ian Curtis, too). Still, I'm liking this album and I think maybe it's time I gave their previous albums their overdue playthroughs.

www.myspace.com/editorsmusic
www.editorsofficial.com

RADIO SILENCE NYC - Renegade (Single)

Here's a group of four 16-year old boys who came together from different parts of New York City. According to their website bio, they first started playing together a year ago. Their first single is called "Renegade". The group has partnered with the not-for-profit organization DoSomething.org to use the song, which features lyrics like "Hatred is the enemy!", as an anti-bullying anthem. The song itself is slickly-produced pop rock that owes a big debt to the genre commonly known as pop-punk. Considering they're 16, the song is decent and it seems like they're acting their ages which is good. The guitar solo is the best part, the guitarist reminds me of the lead guitarist from the movie School of Rock.

Watch the "Renegade" video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=qon7zy2Qotk

Radio Silence NYC: radiosilencenyc.com
DoSomething.org: www.DoSomething.org.

ANAMANAGUCHI - Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World: The Game (Original Videogame Soundtrack)

I've never sat down to listen to "video game" music before, but I've seen the name Anamanaguchi referenced a few times as being at the top of this genre of music and it's the soundtrack to the Scott Pilgrim movie video game, so I decided to give it a shot. I guess this is what they call "8bit" or "chiptunes" music nowadays. It's uptempo with lots of blips and bleeps. Nintendo sounds. This has a ton of energy and is very well put-together. I can understand why so many people are into this; it's just catchy electronic music with a nerdy side to it. I think I'll go play some Super Mario Bros. now!

www.myspace.com/anamanaguchi
www.anamanaguchi.com

KIMBERLEY REW - Bible Of Bop

Kimberley Rew was the guitarist for both The Soft Boys and Katrina and the Waves. Although many don't recognize his name, most are familiar with the big hit song he wrote while with Katrina and the Waves: "Walking On Sunshine". Bible of Bop was released in 1982, a year after the Soft Boys broke up and a year before Katrina and the Waves would release their first album. The album was composed of eight songs; three of these songs were recorded with the Soft Boys serving as the backing band: "Stomping All Over the World," "Nothing's Going to Change," and "Fighting Someone's War". Another three songs put the dB's to work as the backing band: "My Baby Does Her Hairdo Long," "Walking in the Dew," and "Fishing". The remaining two songs, "Nightmare" and "Hey, War Pig!" were recorded with the Waves. Through this set of songs, we see just how good a songwriter Rew was. He was well at home with the post-punk/new-wave crowd; at times, his songs are reminiscent of the work of Television or The Cure. I've listened to this album a bunch of times and I think I like it more each time. Great stuff.

www.kimberleyrew.com

REIGNING SOUND - Time Bomb High School

I recently found out about this band because their frontman, Greg Cartwright, is involved in another project, The Parting Gifts, which also features Patrick Keeler of The Greenhornes/The Raconteurs. Actually, I'm certain I'd heard their band name before but I didn't check them out at the time. As it turns out, Cartwright appears to be somewhat of an underground legend in the garage rock/punk/blues scene, having been the leader of The Compulsive Gamblers and The Oblivians prior to the Reigning Sound. Formed in Memphis, Tennessee in 2001, Cartwright and the band are now based out of Asheville, North Carolina. Time Bomb High School is their sophomore album and it came out in 2002. I wish I'd listened to this album sooner than the 8-year timespan it took me to. This is an awesome album. It combines rock, garage, punk, blues, and it has a very 50s/60s feel to it. Really cool stuff! I'll be looking into their other stuff as well now that I know about these guys.

www.myspace.com/reigningsoundfans
www.intheredrecords.com/pages/ReigningSound.html

LUCERO - Tennessee

These guys are from Memphis, and the suitably-titled Tennessee was their sophomore album. It came out in 2002. I've been meaning to listen to Lucero for a few years now, ever since I heard their name being tossed around with bands you might like if you like The Hold Steady. While I can see why the comparison was made, Lucero has much more of a country influence. Their singer has a raspy voice that makes you think he might have smoked one too many cigarettes. The album has a warm feeling to it; it's straight-up roots rock. While I think the album could use a bit more variety throughout, I'll definitely be checking into Lucero's other stuff based on the sound of Tennessee.

www.myspace.com/lucero
www.luceromusic.com

CALVIN HARRIS - Ready For The Weekend

Ready For The Weekend is Calvin Harris' second album. It came out in August of 2009. He continues to make music of the same style as his debut album, I Created Disco: electro pop/dance/rock. While I like songs like "The Rain" and "Flashback" quite a bit, there are a lot of other ones that I'm just not feeling. I find the album to be rather inconsistent as a whole product. I also found the rapping on the album to be out of place. I definitely like his debut album better. Sorry, Calvin.

www.myspace.com/calvinharristv
www.calvinharris.co.uk

CATTLE DRUMS - The Boy Kisser Sessions EP

These guys are from Oneonta, NY. This is their latest EP; it came out in March 2010. Five songs, just over 14 minutes. Yep, this is a punk band. A lot of the guitar lines remind me of math rock guitar lines. The singer either talks or screams a lot of his lyrics but he's a really good frontman. They sound like they'd be fun live.

www.myspace.com/cattledrums
cattledrums.tumblr.com

Happy Thanksgiving!

Here is a turkey I colored for you. Regular updates will resume tomorrow.

DAFT PUNK - Tron: Legacy (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

Finally, new music from Daft Punk! It's been a while. 2007 saw the release of their live album, Alive 2007, but their last studio album, Human After All, came out way back in 2005, so this new soundtrack is sure to be snapped up and listened to quickly by their many fans. The thing is, though, that this is very much a soundtrack to Tron: Legacy. It is more orchestral than electronic. The closest thing on here to Daft Punk's electronic house music is the song "Derezzed" (which, interestingly enough, seems to be the song that is being used to promote the fact that Daft Punk was involved with the movie). They worked with a 90-member orchestra for this, so it makes sense that the sound would be different. That certainly does not make this a bad soundtrack. It's pretty cool as far as soundtracks go. But for those thinking it is the follow-up to Human After All, you may be disappointed.

www.myspace.com/daftpunk
www.daftpunk.com

3OH3 - Streets Of Gold

One of my favorite albums of 2010. I listen to this when I'm at the gym because it really gets me pumped up. I listen to it when I'm just hanging out at home. I listen to it when I'm thinking about partying that night. I listen to it after a night of partying. I listen to it when I'm doing homework. To be honest, it's scary how many times I've played this album. They've definitely gotten better since 2008's Want. Most of the songs are still about girls, sex, and partying, but we also get some "heavier" material (well, heavy by 3OH!3 standards) like the breakup song "R.I.P.". Obviously this album isn't a "huge artistic achievement" but you better believe that it's fun and it's stocked with catchy songs. And isn't that the point of pop music?

www.myspace.com/3oh3
www.3oh3music.com

GIRLS - Broken Dreams Club EP

My first impression of this is that it just sounds depressing. It really could be music for you to listen to as you think about your broken dreams. We get lyrics like "Who wants something real, you could have nothing. Why not just give up, who wants to try?" on the song "Substance" and this offering from the song "Heartbreaker": "There's a voice in the back of my head that says you're always going to be alone". I just can't really get into music with such obviously sad and lonely lyrics. If I'm down in the dumps, I want music that is going to make me happy, not remind me of how crappy I feel. And if I'm already happy, I certainly don't want to be brought down. So this stuff isn't my cup of tea, but maybe it could be yours if you like downer indie-hipster music. Or whatever. I do like the horns on the opening track. I just wish people wouldn't call Girls a "rock and roll band", I mean, seriously, if this is a rock and roll band then I have no idea what the world is coming to.

www.myspace.com/girlssanfran
www.truepanther.com/#/artists/girls

EXPATRIATE - In The Midst Of This

This album was first released in 2007 but is just now seeing its full US release. Expatriate are from Sydney, Australia, but they now live in Berlin. Remember a few years ago when there was a big explosion of bands influenced by Joy Division and the darker sounds of post-punk? Surely you remember Interpol, Editors, and their less-famous counterparts. Well, Expatriate's album falls into the same genre as those bands. So if you like that kind of music, this will suit you quite nicely. If you don't like that kind of music, I can't help you here. "Crazy" is a pretty catchy song. The album cover reminds me of Wire's Pink Flag.

www.myspace.com/expatriateband
www.expatriateband.com

WILDLIFE - Strike Hard, Young Diamond

They're from Toronto and this is their debut album. I like it. They sound like a band I already know and love. Put this on and tell your friends it is the new Wolf Parade, they won't bat an eyelash.

www.myspace.com/wildlifemusic1

THE LONELY FOREST - The Lonely Forest EP

The Lonely Forest is a quartet from Anacortes, Washington. They've been making music for several years; their first EP was released in 2006. Their self-titled EP, however, marks their first release for Death Cab For Cutie member Chris Walla's Trans record label. Apparently, The Lonely Forest were the first band to be signed to Trans. I'm not surprised because their music is really good and it bears a likeness to DCFC's sound: driving indie rock. The two bands could tour together and they would work perfectly with each other. The Lonely Forest's vocalist, John Van Deusen, sounds like Michael Stipe at times (except you can understand what Van Deusen is saying). The music has great dynamics with soaring, full-on choruses and laid-back verses. Recommended.

www.myspace.com/thelonelyforest
www.thelonelyforest.com

DVAS - Society

I think their logo is really cool. They are a Canadian electro group. They're playing upbeat, danceable electro pop. Some tracks have vocals, others are entirely instrumental. It's not going to be the first thing I recommend to others, but it's okay. It's not the most memorable stuff. I imagine it sounds better live and better when played loud. "Questions" is a really cool jam. "Giving It All Away" inexplicably reminds me of Genesis' "Invisible Touch". Actually, the whole record has a definite 80s influence to it. I think I'd play this record at a party where people were encouraged to dance but dancing wasn't the focus of the evening's activities, if that makes any sense at all to people that are not me.

www.myspace.com/dvasmusique
dvasmusique.com

SOMEONE STILL LOVES YOU BORIS YELTSIN - Let It Sway

The third album for the group from Springfield, Missouri. Let It Sway was produced by Death Cab For Cutie's Chris Walla. I've never listened to them before this album because somehow I thought they were wimpy twee pop (OK, so I know why I thought that but I'm not revealing it on here). As it turns out, they play something closer to fun indie pop. I suppose it is kind of wimpy, but it's not any wimpier than Death Cab (probably why Chris Walla was a good choice to work on this album). So it's not bad, really. I'm glad I gave it a chance, it's pretty alright. Makes me wish I was out in the sun somewhere soaking up the rays.

www.myspace.com/boris
www.sslyby.com

AGAINST ME - White Crosses

The fifth proper studio album for Gainesville, Florida's Against Me!. I would classify their sound on this album as punk arena rock. They sound big, like Bruce Springsteen, but they've also got their punk rock roots. My favorite Against Me! songs are the ones that tell stories about their main characters, like "Thrash Unreal" off of New Wave and now, from this album, "Because of the Shame". I don't think White Crosses is the best album of 2010, but it's a pretty good listen nonetheless.

www.myspace.com/againstme
www.againstme.net

THE WHITE STRIPES - Under Great White Northern Lights

Released in March of 2010, Under Great White Northern Lights is both a White Stripes live CD and the name of a documentary film about them. The material was recorded during their tour of Canada in the summer of 2007. We hear many of their hit songs on this album, including "Fell In Love With A Girl", "Blue Orchid", and "Icky Thump". We get to hear the minimalism the two-piece employs (employed?) in their live shows as well as Jack White's unrestrained, raggedy live vocals (though, at times, he is a bit much because while the man's got heart, he doesn't exactly have the pipes). We also see how much energy the band generates during their performances, which is probably the highlight of this recording. The White Stripes aren't playing note-for-note renditions of their studio recordings; these are raw, garage-worthy performances, yet the crowd goes nuts over them. A true testament to the power of a great rock 'n' roll band.

www.myspace.com/thewhitestripes
www.whitestripes.com