Mandy Moore: new album fail

So I decided to check out Mandy Moore's new album, Amanda Leigh (released yesterday). I will start by admitting that I have never really been a fan of Ms. Moore. Her voice has always had this airy tone to it that kind of makes me want to gag. BUT, I did try to give the record a fair listen. Being that she is married to Ryan Adams and all, I thought for sure this could actually turn out to be decent. However, I was wrong, and it was worse than "not decent." Ironically, it sounds to me almost like a Ryan Adams album gone terribly wrong. In her attempts to be folksy and (maybe??) alt-rock, she came out with a record full of songs that very much fall into my category of "cheesy, not quite pop, just kind of weird." My mother is an elementary school music teacher, and the best comparison that comes to mind is one of the cd's that would go along with her K-5 music books. I'm not really sure where she was going with song titles like "Merrimack River" and "Fern Dell." Again, I'm just having to guess it was a failed attempt at being folksy. The sound is way too clean, which to me is almost the opposite of what gritty, folksy, alt-rock is supposed to be. And there you have it, Mandy Moore dishes out a less-than-satisfying album once again.* I really think I would rather her just stick to pop music, and maybe come out with a good surface level love song every now and then to go along with some sappy movie. I could appreciate that.

*I do give her some props for Coverage. It was decent...perhaps because she didn't write any of the songs.

I feel like that was harsh. But honesty is harsh sometimes. Happy Wednesday!

A side note: One review I read of MM's album actually called it "classic rock." That boggles my mind.

weekend in [music] review

I have been listening to the new Tori album all weekend! It's available for streaming (in full) on her myspace before it's released this Tuesday. So far, I'm loving it. Well, I can pretty much guarantee I will always love anything she comes out with. BUT, in all honesty, I'm not quite getting the entire album. I've only listened to bits and pieces of some of the songs, but a few of them are even too lyrically obscure for my taste...and just kind of made me go "ehh- not so much." My absolute favorite so far is "Curtain Call." If you want a very detailed review of the album, I recommend you check out this one. Overall, I think it's another great delivery from Tori- but a few songs could've been left out.

Moving on. I spent some time just letting my itunes actually go through shuffle (you know, without skipping to the next song I know I actually want to listen to) and rediscovered a few great songs. Here's the list:

1. Dogs -Damien Rice ...I am loving this one. I think I probably didn't ever devote enough time to listening to the 9 album, and I have plans of doing so. 

2. Paper Aeroplane -KT Tunstall ...ditto, but replace 9 with Drastic Fantastic.

3. Waking Up in Vegas -Katy Perry ...guilty pop music pleasure. I've had the whole album since it came out, but hadn't given this song a second listen until it started coming on the radio a week ago. and it is now my ringtone. I'm kind of embarrassed to say that.

Short list, I know. But it's one I am loving right now! (#3 will be short-lived, especially after the 4.3 millionth time I've heard it on the radio/my phone). 

Goodbye weekend. :(

Blue October show + other stuff

SO in recent news, I saw Blue October a couple weekends ago in Charlotte at Amos' Southend...awesome show. I have been a big fan of Blue October for quite a while, so I was happy that I could finally catch them in CLT. They mostly played songs off their new album entitled Approaching Normal, which I hadn't really listened to. One of my favorite new ones was "My Never," and I also didn't realize it was connected to Breaking Dawn (Twilight series). Of course they still played a few older ones like "Congratulations" (one of my absolute favorites). You can never fully appreciate the sound and energy of a band until you hear them live, and Blue October is definitely worth seeing. Justin is awesome, as is the rest of the band. Amos' Southend is also a great venue if you live in the Charlotte area. I loved the atmosphere AND they have decently priced drinks...I definitely plan on going back. I should have bought the new album before the concert, but I didn't. I do have it now though, and I can't stop listening. "Dirt Room," and "Picking Up the Pieces" are two favorites right now.

I finally bought the new Yeah Yeah Yeahs album, and I'm still getting used to it. It's almost dance party-ish. Not sure how I feel about that, which is exactly what I said when I first heard "Zero." I'm still in that same place. But I'm glad the itunes version includes acoustic versions of several of the songs- adds a little bit of variation to the mix. I can say that I always admire bands for going where they haven't been before in terms of sound. I think it's a mark of a real artist (or in the YYYs case, artists). 

Kings of Leon was in Charlotte recently as well and I could kick myself for not going. Saw an interesting fact pop up on twitter from John Acuff (Stuff Christians Like) - Kings of Leon's new album actually sold more copies in the UK than Coldplay's newest album. I knew Kings of Leon was huge in the UK, but that's pretty darn impressive. Ahh well, I'm sure they'll roll into this area sometime again in the near future. 

I suppose I'll leave you with my spin list for the week!

1. Dirt Room -Blue October

2. Picking Up the Pieces -Blue October

3. Hysteric -Yeah Yeah Yeahs

4. Cherry-Coloured Funk -Charlotte Martin

5. Keep Me In Your Pocket -Charlotte Martin

6. Ickis Wish -I Nine

7. Come Around -M.I.A. (feat. Timbaland)

8. Stoned -Dido

9. Anne -Santigold

10. Oh My God, Whatever, Etc. -Ryan Adams

I know, quite the range of genres there. Keeps my iPod interesting. ;)

giveaways! yay

I am a HUGE fan of etsy...and also of contests where you can win free things. So if you want to win a really awesome handmade journal, you can visit http://somewhatvoluble.com/2009/04/07/blogoversary-giveaway/ and enter to win one.

The journals can be found at Kreativlink's etsy shop.

:) Happy Wednesday!

I usually like the original, but...

Just discovered a wonderful rendition of a song called "Hand on Your Heart," originally performed by Kylie Minogue. Can't say I'm a big fan of Kylie's. I heard José González's version first, and then had a brief moment of confusion/shock after hearing what the original sounded like. It was definitely more cheezy, pop-tastic 80's-ness than I could handle. But González turned it into a simple, heartfelt love song marked by his simple acoustic sound that I love. As a general rule I usually like original versions best, simply because, well, they are the original. But definitely not this time. Also, I found the song on youtube- it was one of their "recommendations" for me. Who knew those might actually turn out to be good? Anyway, I feel like it would be comparable to Simon & Garfunkel covering Britney Spears in terms of the genre comparison. Yeah. Crazy. But I think it takes talent to find great lyrics hidden in a song like this one. I mean, Kylie Minogue, who knew? Not that she wrote it or anything.

Of course, this isn't the first time I've been more than impressed with one of his covers. He also does a fantastic version of The Knife's "Heartbeats." I'm going to go out on a limb and assume most people have never heard of The Knife (or José González, for that matter)...they are both worth checking out. 

Also, in reference to the "Hand On Your Heart," I love José González's video for the song. It's kind of strange, which is probably partly why I like it. You can find the video here. 

He's also covered a couple Bruce Springsteen songs that I haven't listened to yet- but they're next on my list. 

Tori and the church

Loved this quote from Tori Amos regarding her upcoming album, Abnormally Attracted to Sin:

“I’m a minister’s daughter. The power of the church is insidious, and it permeates everything,” Amos explained. “A lot of what the Church discusses is not about the compassionate path of Christ, it’s about what kind of lifestyle is acceptable and approved of by the Church when god knows what they’re doing behind closed doors. You have a lot of people waking up every morning who feel paralyzed to act because of these judgments. All around us people are not only experiencing physical bondage but emotional and mental bondage behind perfectly groomed lawns."

Can't WAIT to hear the whole record!!!!

read the full interview here.

out of the depths

Recently discovered a song...and I have to share the lyrics. I've been a fan of Sinead O'Connor since the day (probably circa 6th grade) I first saw "Nothing Compares 2 U" on VH1. And of course she's an artist far beyond that, other songs like "Heroine" and "Hold Back the Night" being two of my favorites. But the song I recently found thanks to Chad Reed is called "Out of the Depths" and is on her Theology album. I had no idea she had a side like this, but maybe I should've taken a hint from her Pope antics. Anyway. The lyrics are amazing and I love the song.

Out of the depths I cry to you oh Lord

Don't let my cries for mercy be ignored

If you keep account of sins, oh who would stand

but you have forgiveness in your hands

And I've heard religion say you're to be feared

but I don't buy into everything I hear

And it seems to me you're hostage to those rules

that were made by religion, and not by you

And I'm wondering will you ever get yourself free

Is it bad to think you might like help from me

Is there anything my little heart can do

to help religion share us with you

For oh you're like a ghost in your own home

Nobody hears you crying all alone

Oh you are the one true really voiceless one

They have their backs turned to you for worship of gold and stone

And to see you prisoner oh makes me weep

Nobody hears you screaming in the streets

And it's sad but true how the old saying goes

If God lived on earth, people would break his windows

I long for you as watchmen long for the end of the night

I like techno music, but...

I'm currently listening to the new single entitled "Zero" from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs upcoming album...not really sure how I feel about it. Well, I think I like the single. I think. It's all techno-ish. I'm a fan of electronic/techno stuff usually, but the Yeah Yeah Yeahs? Maybe it will turn out to be a great album, I'm not too sure though. David Sitek (TV On the Radio) did production work on the album, which I'd think would mean good things. I'd say the band has the talent to branch out into whatever they want. We shall see.

In other exciting news, I am typing this on my new macbook! woo! I love it so far. It's taking a little getting used to, but that was expected. I'd love to play around more with GarageBand but I don't really know anything about it nor have I had time to learn. Hopefully soon.

Piano lessons are coming along nicely. However I still don't feel like there's been a "clicking point" between what I've learned and everything I already knew. Kind of frustrating, but patience is a virtue I guess.

I've been on a big pop music kick lately. Kind of embarassing, but I look at it more as my ability to like any genre of music (even the kind that doesn't actually require a lot of talent). I bought Lady GaGa's cd a couple weeks ago - like, physically purchased the album. Very rare for me, much less for it to be an artist like that. I'm liking it though, there are some catchy songs in addition to her radio hit "Just Dance." I also can't stop listening to "Circus" by Britney Spears or "Sucka for Love" by Danity Kane. What is wrong with me?! This phase will pass soon though. I semi-retract my earlier statement, actually. Pop music doesn't always equate to a lack of talent. Just more often than not.

Speaking of radio hits- I really can't get enough of Kanye's 808s & Hearbreak. I thought for sure "Heartless" would be getting old at this point, but I still like it even the eleventy billionth time I hear it in my car. but "RoboCop" is still my favorite track off the album. I couldn't agree more with Carey's synopsis of the record, so just go read that.

I'm excited about a lot of upcoming albums this spring...TORI AMOS, among others. Of course I am excited about that. The album is titled Abnormally Attracted to Sin if you are interested. 

Well, it's time to stare out the window for a bit and admire the snow. Maybe progress on to syncing my ipod up to the new mac, which I haven't done yet. Sledding would be GREAT, but I may or may not be the only in Shelby who realizes that going out in less than an inch of snow will most likely not kill you. ooh! "Bruised" by The Bens just popped up on my party shuffle. Good song. :) I'll stop rambling now.

random dose of Regina

Since I've been taking piano, I've been listening to a lot of Regina Spektor lately- she is one of my favorite artists, and her songs aren't that insanely difficult (on the piano) so I like to read over them and try to play them. Anyway, one of my favorites from her is a song called "Buildings." Her best songs are, of course, not the ones that have been on the radio. Sidenote: I've been reduced to listening to music on imeem or pandora all the time because my laptop isn't properly functioning as far as itunes is concerned (among other issues). My laptop AND six disc cd changer in my car are both in the process of dying this week. Boo. At least I still have my ipod. *knocks on wood*

Anyway, I'm going to try this...sorry if no link appears but right below this sentence you should be able to listen to the song.

Buildings - Regina Spektor

Here are the lyrics for "Buildings." The song itself is sad, but in some kind of twisted way I think it's a really sweet illustration of a husband who takes care of his wife under the given circumstances that aren't so good.

he was a husband who drove his wife home drunk from the parties
he was a husband who drove his wife home
and in the car he would lean her head gently against the side door window
and in the bathroom he would hold her hair back and hope, saying;

oh they build buildings oh they build buildings oh they build buildings
so tall these days

and in the morning she'd wake up and crouch recollections all day
but she would always always wake up the next morning
he'd take one look at her and say oh, oh it's ok
and her conscience would issue yet another last warning, saying;

oh they build buildings oh they build buildings oh they build buildings
so tall these days

and then she would ask for time and she'd ask for time and she'd ask for time and she'd ask for time,
and she would beg for time, and she'd beg for time and call it a gift
and he would give her time and he'd give her time and he'd give her time and he'd give her time-
but time is not given and time is not taken
it just sifts through its sift

it would be coffee and coffee and coffee and coffee and coffee and coffee some more
and he'd go to work and she'd take a sick day and rot at the core
and by the time he came back she'd scrubbed the bathrooms and made them smell like pine
it would be almost as if nothing had happened and he'd give her time, oh, oh and he'd giver her time, saying;

oh they build buildings, oh they build buildings, oh they build buildings, oh don't they build buildings, oh they build buildings, oh they build buildings, oh they build buildings so tall these days
and she would ask for time and she'd ask for time and she'd ask for time and she'd beg for time, and she would beg for time and she'd beg for time and call it a gift
and he would give her time and he'd give her time and he'd give her time and he'd give her time-
but time is not given and time is not taken
it just sifts through its sift

he was a husband drove time home time car whole core core sick day core coffee core warning last warning

he was a husband time pine scrub scrub bathroom lean hair back car window hope time give don't they build buildings tall these days...

'08 favorites.

As a spin off of Carey's upcoming top albums of 2008 list, I'm going to muster together a list of my own. Maybe not necessarily a top albums list, but a list of albums I have really enjoyed this past year (in no particular order).

1. Only By the Night -Kings of Leon.
This one had to make the list. Fantastic band, great alt-southern-rock sound. My favorite songs from the album would have to be "Sex On Fire," and "Cold Desert." But I would definitely say that every song is worth listening to.

2. Re-Arrange Us -Mates of State.
If you read this blog at all, you already know I'm a huge MOS fan. I guess they are considered to be in the indie-genre. Sometimes it seems like a lot of indie music sounds the same as other indie music and it just kind of gets old. But with the genius combination of an organ and drums, along with unique vocal harmonies that fit together perfectly, this band never disappoints. If you're into Jackson Browne at all, I highly recommend the MOS cover of "These Days." (You can find it on the soundtrack for the movie Wicker Park.)

3. Three Flights from Alto Nido -Greg Laswell.
Greg Laswell has to be one of my favorite new-ish artists. I mean he certainly isn't brand new, but fairly new. New to me at least. Moving on. I was hooked from the first line of his piano cover of "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun." Another one of those I-love-every-song albums.

4. Day & Age -The Killers.
Can't go wrong with this band. This album is equally as awesome as Sam's Town, but equally just as distinct. I'm always a big fan of their lyrics/songwriting. A sample from the song "A Dustland Fairytale":
and the decades disappear like sinking ships but we persever
God gives us hope
but we still fear what we don't know
the mind is poison

5. One of the Boys -Katy Perry
Not sure this qualifies as a top-favorite album overall, but if I was doing a "top pop albums of 2008" list, this would be on it. She's one of my fave new pop artists. "Ur so gay and you don't even like boys" has to qualify as lyrical genius. In all seriousness, I really do like her voice and I think she kind of spiced things up in the pop world for 2008.

I think this list is to be continued. It's late, and I'm running out of steam. In a short update as to what I'm currently spinning...that would be Kanye's 808's & Heartbreak. "RoboCop" is pretty much my favorite song so that's really all I'm listening to, but I expect I'll grow to like the rest of the album too. When he comes back to Charlotte, I'm buying tickets for sure.

Happy 2009! :)