TODOR KOBAKOV - Pop Music

While you may not recognize the name, if you're familiar with the bands on CMJ's charts, there's a good chance you've heard the work of Todor Kobakov already. Born in Bulgaria, Kobakov emigrated to Canada when he was sixteen with many of his family members (his mother stayed in Bulgaria). Currently based out of Toronto, Kobakov has had his string arrangements featured on the second album by Stars, Set Yourself On Fire, and has played keys for Luke Doucet, Emily Haines and the Soft Skeleton, Small Sins, and many others. Pop Music is his solo debut and showcases his chillingly beautiful classical piano compositions. The album is instrumental save for two songs, "Carpe Diem," which features the vocals of Emily Haines, and "Loving Hands," on which Tunde Adebimpe of TV on the Radio provides vocals. If you enjoy piano, there's a very good chance you will enjoy this album. Kobakov is a very talented musician and this release definitely demonstrates that.

www.myspace.com/todorkobakov
http://todor.ca

Keane - Perfect Symmetry

The third album from the English trio. Though still a piano-rock band, their sound is a lot more muscular than on their good, albeit very wimpy, debut. Very slickly produced, the album reminds me of the U2 song 'City Of Blinding Lights,' one of the songs I still take the time to listen to off of How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb. Very poppy, heavy on the piano, a sprinkling of rock, and an end result of a HUGE sound that will fill up an arena (but, does Keane have enough fans to fill up an arena?!).

www.myspace.com/keane
www.keanemusic.com

Jack's Mannequin - The Glass Passenger

The main man behind this band is Something Corporate's Andrew McMahon. According to a friend who saw him play with Something Corporate about five years ago, he is amazing live; he treats his piano in much the same way Ben Folds does - believing that the keys aren't the only part of the instrument that should be played. McMahon was diagnosed with leukemia a few years ago, but has undergone treatment and is now in recovery. This is the second album for Jack's Mannequin. It is very polished piano-pop with 'emo' leanings. I really enjoyed the song "Caves," which tops the seven-minute mark. Recommended if you like Jimmy Eat World's newer stuff, Dashboard Confessional, The Fray, and bands of a similar nature.


www.myspace.com/jacksmannequin
www.jacksmannequin.com

Ben Folds - Way To Normal

Way To Normal is the third proper album from everyone's favorite piano rocker. In the nineties, Ben was the leader of Ben Folds Five, who gave Weezer a run for their money as the coolest power-pop band that your nerdy friend liked. Today, Ben is now 42 years old, yet he still appeals widely to the college-aged demographic. His songs continue in his melodic poppy piano rock tradition. His first solo album, Rocking The Suburbs, was fun and had songs that were about characters you could actually care about and relate to, with witty lyrics. But something is missing on this new album. The jokes aren't that funny, the music is mostly just okay, and when Ben swears, it's no longer exuberant and much-needed, like it was on the "Fuuuuuuuuuuuck!" that was on the song "Rocking The Suburbs". Despite its setbacks, however, the album does open with "Hiroshima (B B B Benny Hit His Head)", a catchy song that offers a nod to Elton John. And even if you don't like Ben Folds, you can listen to the lyrics and picture him falling off a stage in Japan, which is sure to bring a smile to your face.

www.myspace.com/benfolds
www.benfolds.com