Album of the Week: Eisley – “Room Noises” (2005)

Track 11: Plenty of Paper:

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Last week on October 28th, G and I drove hours to see Eisley in Toronto for a meer half hour or so in concert. Where we live is not a good location for touring bands to come to, so we are frequently required to drive a distance to see most bands we wish to see, including Eisley from Texas. It did seem like a lot of effort to see Eisley, who was not the headliner, but it was worth it.

Eisley is not one of the most well known bands. Chauntelle, Sherri, Stacy, and Weston DuPree are all siblings and relatively recent addition to the band, Garron DuPree, is their cousin. They have toured under bands such as Brand New, Snow Patrol and Coldplay, thus adding to their credibility in the industry. I think they are a treasure in the musical world. Their songs contain elements from another world, light and solemn, but not without frolic. It was good to be able to see them perform and get a glimpse of their dynamic and personality. It was a pity they did not have more time, though they were indeed performing while quite ill. One of the sisters on guitar (Chauntelle I think) was unable to sing one of the songs and stopped it within the first measure or two, and was practically hunched over during the last couple songs, closing with “Invasion” from their 2007 album “Combinations”.

They started out in the coffee shop run by their parents, and I am sad to say it would probably have been a better venue accoustically. The Phoenix Theatre in Toronto, though a very cool space for a club/music hall, had attrocious accoustics. The sound was flat and at times I’d swear the band was being drowned out by the talking and ambient sound. Aside from the venue, I also blame the guy on the mixing board who seemed almost lost during the sound check (never promising for the band). They would be much more suited to a venue intended for an orchestra or live theatre.

Regardless I hope Eisley comes to the area again sometime as the headliner. G and I did not stay for Sherri’s husband’s band, “Say Anything”, the headliner (sorry Sherri… they’re just not as good as you guys are). We did however do our regular trip to the Canadian grocery store to pick up the goodies we are unable to purchase in the USA like Ketchup Potato Chips (think Salt & Vingear Potato Chips with a little sweetness and a little tomato flavor… so good!), Coffee Crisp chocolate candy bars, and Kinder Eggs among others. Now that Mexican Coca-Cola is available in the USA, we passed on the Canadian Coca-Cola (both made with real sugar, unlike the high-fructose crap they sell in the USA… Why do we have to go to other countries to buy better Coke when it was invented here? I don’t know.) Oh and of course we stopped at Tim Hortons, not the one in the grocery store we went to or the one in the gas station across the road, no the one on the corner between the two. (Yes, 3 Tim Hortons in sight of each other. Canadian’s love their Tim Hortons!)

I think all you Death Cab For Cutie, The Decemberists, Dixie Chicks, Imogen Heap, and Regina Spektor fans should check out Eisley if you haven’t already. For those of you who like what you hear but do not know whether to start with the first or second album, I am suggesting you start with the first “Room Noises”. It is a little more unique than “Combinations”, and perhaps a little more solid in terms of a musical theme, though I love them both, so feel to get both.

Here are my 5 favorites from the album, with “Plenty of Paper” being my favorite. It was difficult to choose the 5 because there is not a song I do not like…

Track 1: Memories
http://www.rhapsody.com/eisley/room-noises–reprise

Track 2: Telescope Eyes
http://www.rhapsody.com/eisley/room-noises–reprise

Track 4: Golly Sandra
http://www.rhapsody.com/eisley/room-noises–reprise

Track 11: Plenty of Paper
http://www.rhapsody.com/eisley/room-noises–reprise

Track 12: Trolley Wood
http://www.rhapsody.com/eisley/room-noises–reprise

Unfortunately I could not find the songs anywhere online except rhapsody.com without any video, but at least you get 25 free listens! Enjoy!

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Click here for other album suggestions!

Click here for more info on Eisley – “Room Noises”.

The MP3 album may be purchased here:

Eisley - Room Noises

Album of the Week: Rufus Wainwright – “Poses” (2001)

Track 3: Poses: Click here to listen!

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I would have to say I was obsessed with this album when it first came out. (I believe G was equally obsessed too.) I have listened to this album start to finish possibly more than any other album in my collection. It is just so good. He’s funny, honest, real… refreshing. He is the voice I hear telling me to discard all the crap society is pushing on me, all the expectations of others, and just live. I should just be who I am and live the life I wish to lead. He is an inspiration. I find the roughness of his voice beautiful and the perfect compliment to his piano.

G and I had the opportunity to see him in concert a few years ago and to meet him (in a ‘meet and greet’ line afterwards) and we found ourselves to be dumbfounded fans, totally speechless, though he has truly touched our hearts. I recall his live rendition of “The Consort” was particularly good.

…enough with the love letters to Rufus, and on to the songs…

I am currently reviewing the list of songs on the album, and I usually pick a favorite 5, but in this case of the 12 distinct songs (the 13th track is a reprise of “Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk”, so it does not count), I cannot bring myself to cut the list any shorter than 8. Even then I am tempted to just list all the songs. The album is THAT GOOD. More than any other album, I was obsessed first with one song, then another, then another, then another, and it went on for months and months. I can honestly say that between 2001 and 2003 I was obsessed with each one of these songs at one point. G and I had to have our own CDs so we didn’t have to share.

Did I mention it is good yet? Great? Excellent? Remarkable? Am I beating a dead horse? Oh but don’t take my word for it. Listen to the following songs and you decide!

Here are my 8 favorites from the album, with “Thriller” being my favorite.

Track 1: Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk
http://www.imeem.com/artists/rufus_wainwright/music/0HRr-Lov/rufus-wainwright-cigarettes-and-chocolate-milk/

Track 2: Greek Song
http://www.imeem.com/rockmusic10/music/KQa6icMK/rufus-wainwright-greek-song/

Track 3: Poses
http://www.imeem.com/artists/rufus_wainwright/music/7_CQgXus/rufus-wainwright-poses/

Track 4: Shadows
http://www.imeem.com/rockmusic10/music/5DCCRu8f/rufus-wainwright-shadows/

Track 5: California
hhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCel8QqcoXU

Track 6: The Tower of Learning
http://www.imeem.com/people/ByX9wW/music/HfnZd2c9/rufus-wainwright-the-tower-of-learning/

Track 8: The Consort
http://www.imeem.com/rockmusic10/music/Q5qJYKFp/rufus-wainwright-the-consort/

Track 10: Evil Angel
http://www.imeem.com/rockmusic10/music/vbizT-Lp/rufus-wainwright-evil-angel/

PS: As I said previously when “Shadows” was my song of the day, I need to thank NPR for pointing out Rufus to me!

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Click here for other album suggestions!

Click here for more info on Rufus Wainwright – “Poses”.

The MP3 album may be purchased here:

Rufus Wainwright - Poses

Death Cab for Cutie – “Soul Meets Body” (2005)

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And I do believe it’s true
That there are roads left in both of our shoes
But if the silence takes you
Then I hope it takes me too
So brown eyes I hold you near
Cause you’re the only song I want to hear
A melody softly soaring through my atmosphere

Makes me think of G everytime with her brown (and green) eyes, who incidentally bought me this album, “Plans”.

I kinda liked Death Cab for Cutie until I heard this song. Now I say I love them. This song is my favorite by them. I got to meet them briefly at a concert in 2006 and I actually have a picture of my friend, Ben Gibbard, Chris Walla, Nick Harmer, Jason McGerr and me before the show. I’d post it, but I kind of like being all anonymous, so you’ll just have to picture six hot guys in your mind. The show was awesome too. They played much longer than a lot of bands do, covering every single they’ve had and then some. If I recall they basically played everything off of “Plans” too. Ben is truly a great singer and an entertainer and I was impressed with Jason McGerr’s drumming style. It was the kind of show you wished would just go on and on and on too.

There was a great bit in one of the songs where Ben pulled out a mini drum set, and he and Jason had a bit of a drumming battle going on. It was awesome. I think back to that concert when I now practice my drums. I need to practice more. This day job thing really gets in the way! Paying the bills is optional, right?

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Song Recommendations

If you like this song, I also suggest:

• The Decemberists
• Metric
• The Shins

I also suggest the music genre:

• Indie Pop

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Click here for more info on Death Cab for Cutie – Plans – “Soul Meets Body.

The MP3 may be purchased here:

Death Cab for Cutie - Plans

The Decemberists – “Yankee Bayonet (I Will Be Home Then)” (2006)

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I was thinking of posting this song, but then I thought no wait, I must have already posted a song by The Decemberists!

But OMG! No! I just realized I’ve been posting songs all this time, but not a single one by The Decemberists! They are one of the few I have actually seen in concert (with G and G’s sister), and recently too! I saw them around the end of 2008 and they were fantastic! Very entertaining. They played so many of songs, it must’ve been like half their material. They played all my favorites. Colin Meloy is passionate when performing too. We was like climbing out onto flimsy spotlight ladders and speakers to be closer to the crowd. It was just great.

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Song Recommendations

If you like this song, I also suggest:

• Arcade Fire
• Death Cab For Cutie
• The Shins

I also suggest the music genre:

• Baroque Pop

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Click here for more info on The Decemberists – The Crane Wife – “Yankee Bayonet (I Will Be Home Then)”.

The MP3 may be purchased here:

The Decemberists - The Crane Wife

Album of the Week: The Killers – “Day & Age” (2008)

Track 3: Spaceman:

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Originally I had planned to post “Sam’s Town” this week, but this album is too solid. When I first heard the album it seemed weaker than Sam’s Town, but now I disagree with that. After repeated listens, I think The Killers have an awesome trifecta of albums with Hot Fuss, Sam’s Town, and now Day & Age. (Oh but don’t skip over their “b-sides/extras” album “Sawdust”. Lots of good stuff on there too!)

I was tempted to not just post my favorite 5 songs below but to post the whole album, because after my very favorite song, “Spaceman”, it gets very difficult to choose. Possibly seeing them twice in concert on their current tour, where they play most if not all of the songs on this album, has helped to endear them all to me. (Well… except maybe the last one “Goodnight, Travel Well”. That might be my least favorite.)

Seriously though, of all of the music from 2008, this is the album to buy in my opinion. Each song is different, good lyrics, energetic in their own ways, and well sung & played. It is a Post-Punk Revival masterpiece.

In concert they are truly entertainers. Both shows had the theatres packed, the energy high, and even some effects and theatrics. Brandon Flowers in particular was totally pumped each time! I was also impressed with just how many songs they played. Given the opportunity, I would highly suggest seeing them in concert!

Here are my 5 favorites from the album, with “Spaceman” being my favorite.

Track 1: Losing Touch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rIzP4Pf2Kw

Track 2: Human
http://www.dailymotion.com/relevance/search/the+killers+human/video/x73mvj

Track 3: Spaceman
http://www.dailymotion.com/relevance/search/the+killers+spaceman/video/x86jl8

Track 4: Joyride
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3s8Aympo-4

Track 7: I Can’t Stay
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aY09tzokeUM

Anyone reading this blog for a while now, should have suspected an album by The Killers would be on the “must own” list!

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Click here for other album suggestions!

Click here for more info on The Killers – “Day & Age”.

The MP3 album may be purchased here:

The Killers - Day & Age

Chairlift – “Bruises” (2008)

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I got to see Chairlift a few weeks ago open for The Killers in Cleveland. I was impressed with how each of them played multiple instruments and there was no distinct “lead”, though I really think the energy of Caroline Polachek outpaced both Aaron Pfenning and Patrick Wimberly. Also without her voice I don’t know if they would be distinctive enough to have made it as far as they have. I liked several of their songs, today’s song being their prize jewel. Most of you have probably heard it a gazillion times already on iPod commercials.

G made an interesting observation about the “ooo”-ing of Caroline, which occurs in several songs. G thought she must have grown up listening to a lot of Björk. It does make for a distinctive sound, but hopefully they won’t over do it and make it their shtick. I did love the use of the cowbells. “I got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell!” (Click for SNL video of Christopher Walken and the cowbell skit.) Given how passionate Caroline seemed, I think we can expect a lot more out of her, Chairlift, and definitely her cowbell.

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Click here for more info on Chairlift – Does You Inspire You – “Bruises”.

The MP3 may be purchased here:

Chairlift - Does You Inspire You

The Sounds – “No One Sleeps When I’m Awake” (2009)

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I saw “The Sounds” at The Grog Shop, a week and a half ago now, as I previously mentioned. I must say I was taken aback by just how rough they sounded live, in a more traditional punk fashion. High energy and fast at the expense of polish. I think the nature of The Grog Shop, with that dark hole in the wall kind of feel, contributed to it. They were not quite what I had expected after listening to their albums and watching their videos, but I am still awaiting the release of their new album, “Crossing the Rubicon” on June 2nd with baited breath. Today’s song, “No One Sleeps When I’m Awake”, is the first single off the album which I got to hear live too!

The concert was a bit rough for me because after traveling all day to get to Cleveland and then standing in line for a couple hours to get into the venue, and then watching the opening band, “Hey Champ” (who impressed me), I was beat. I should’ve had coffee instead of beers because I just could not match the energy of the 19 year-olds around me at half past midnight when they started playing. Half the women in the audience seemed to have bleach blond hair to match Maja Ivarsson’s and half the guys had on super tight jeans, a fashion trend that I had not really noticed until that night. I like my loose grunge-like “I just rolled out of bed” clothing, so I think I’m going to skip on the tight pants. I did have on my black converse though, straight laced of course (click for instructive image). Black converse are always cool.

My Straight Laces Black Converse Low Tops - Always Cool

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Click here for more info on The Sounds – Crossing the Rubicon – “No One Sleeps When I’m Awake”.

The MP3 for the single may be purchased before June 2nd here:

The Sounds - No One Sleeps When I'm Awake (Single)

Hey Champ – “Cold Dust Girl” (2008)

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As part of our “Rock and Roll Vacation” to Cleveland, G and I saw “The Sounds” with opening band “Hey Champ” at The Grog Shop. We were over by the drummer (to my delight because I’ve taken up the drums) and I was blown away. I’m still a beginner and easily impressed, but of all the drummers I’ve seen live since I started, Jon Marks has impressed me the most. Today’s song of the day really does not do his ability justice either. Watch this clip on YouTube and judge for yourself (note I think some of the better stuff in the clip starts near the middle):

He reminds me the drums are an instrument and not just there to keep the beat. I’ve never seen a drummer with so much presence as Jon had. The three of them really have something unique because of it too. I’ll be waiting and watching for an LP from these guys (they don’t have one yet)!

PS: From what I can tell the only way to get your hands on an EP is to go to a show and buy it from them (which I stupidly did not do when I saw them). You might be able to find random songs here and there on the internet. Or just listen to what they have available on their “Hey Champ” MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/heychamp

Of all all their recorded work I’ve listened to over the past couple days, I think today’s song of the day is the best. No wonder it was stuck in my head as I awoke.

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Click here for more info on Hey Champ – “Cold Dust Girl”.

The MP3 may be listened to here:

Hey Champ - Cold Dust Girl

The Sounds – “Painted By Numbers” (2006)

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This bonus song today was my song of the day on 3/6, and totally deserved it! Now you have to understand I had only heard of “The Sounds” in February 2009. I am now obsessed. As a sweet bonus for me personally, I am going to get to see them in concert in the near future because they are going to be within a day’s drive. (Review of the concert to come after the show for sure, assuming I don’t explode from experience!)

AND as a double bonus they have a new album, “Crossing the Rubicon” coming June 2nd 2009!!! (You can sign up to be notified by Amazon when it is available here. I did.) You can hear one of The Sounds’ new singles, “No One Sleeps When I’m Awake”, ahead of time here: http://www.myspace.com/thesounds

I am questioning how I did not hear of them until this year. I think I know the answer though. I got stuck in a musical rut the past couple years. Listening to new music by the 500+ artists I already knew, and nothing else. But that is over now. I am getting back in touch thanks to sites like NPR’s All Songs Considered, Pandora Radio, and my eMusic subscription & recommendations. I’m also starting to ask everyone I know what they’re listening to all the time. I don’t want to miss out anymore!

So if you are not familiar with “The Sounds”, watch the video above. Then go to their site and listen to everything there. Then go buy all their albums and enjoy!

Why am I obsessed? They have that post-punk revival sound. Edgy yet honest lyrics, a driving danceable beat, a touch of the 70s/80s pop & punk, and a “don’t mess with me or I will kill you and throw a party like its 1999 on your skull” kind of attitude …AND they are Swedish. How could you not love that!? Also, do you not love the video? Oh I can’t wait to see them!

PS: Maja Ivarsson is also totally channeling Deborah Harry, lead singer of “Blondie”. Observe and you decide:

Deborah Harry: http://www.mary-kateandashley.com/upload_images/cms/deborahharry.jpg

Maja Ivarsson: http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l84/pikku_sari/top%20ten/majaivarsson.jpg

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Click here for more info on The Sounds – Dying To Say This To You – “Painted By Numbers”.

The MP3 may be purchased here:

The Sounds - Dying To Say This To You