Music Review: The Pre-Amps - Covers

I discovered The Pre-Amps quite by accident, doing a search for Nowhere Man, actually wanting to find the video clip from Yellow Submarine, because I was having a Jeremy moment.

I quickly fell in love with the two songs that are actually from Covers 2, Nowhere Man and Sloop John B, but lets get back to the first album of covers.

These lads, I'll call them lads, because they are British and well..it seems fitting. Their thing is retro pop. The first album is full of Beatles covers that are done so well that sometimes you aren't really sure you aren't listening to an alternate take of one of the Fab Four's hits.

The album opens with Paperback Writer and they go on to cover Help!, You Can't Do That and...be still my heart Something.  The Pre-amps version of George Harrison's iconic tune is nothing less than swoon-worthy, trust this Harrison fan on this one.

There are some really shining moments on non-Fab tracks too. The best being Mr. Blue Sky which keeps all the soaring orchestrations of ELO's original. I'm pretty sure Baby Groot would get up and dance along too.

Their nod to The Hollie's Carrie Anne is nothing short of perfection, as well.

Why so good?

These guys are more than just a covers band or a tribute band, though their sound definitely is spot on with The Beatles and The Beach Boys. These guys have the knack with harmonies, and I think guitarist Kelvin Banks has the same lovely cheekbones George Harrison had. (He's also just as easy on the eyes)

So you might call these covers a taste of nostalgia, but The Pre-Amps give the songs some freshness that might give younger listeners a pause, because these songs were originally written and recorded when making music involved more talent and less production skills.

One listen to Covers and you will know The Pre-Amps have talent in spades.

Musical Mondays: Ashton Sheperd - Where Country Grows

Ashton Sheperd's latest offering Where Country Grows is a "real" country album. Country has been flooded with more pop sounding music lately and Ms. Sheperd doesn't really play that way.

Her songs have that ole "My dog died, my car broke down, and my guy is cheatin' on me." She also sings it with a twang.

The lead single is "Look It Up" a cover, originally done by Jasmine Rae.  Ashton gives some hell to a cheater. The follow up single is the title track. It's a bit slower, but it is a true country anthem, that is great for blasting on sunny days.

Where Country Grows is infused with some humor too. "More Cows Then People," is one of those songs. It has a great fiddle and an infectious melody. How can lyrics like

"Ain't no noise, no red lights

Ain't no buildings messin' up my moonlight
Ain't no doubt, why I live out where there's more cows than people"

not bring a smile to your face?

The token sappy ballad is "I'm Just A Woman." It isn't the best ballad, and it is a trifle depressing, but it does show that Ashton can sing a sad sad song with the best of them. It also makes listeners glad for songs like "Beer On A Boat," which leave you smiling.

Ashton's music is all about fun. This album is 10 songs of good country. It is definitely worth a listen or two.

Musical Mondays: Erasure - Tomorrow's World

There are very few constants in this world. Good Erasure CDs were one of them, until now.

I'm not sure when things started to change for this band, but Erasure were one of those artists that put out quality music even when they were recording potboilers (ie: Erasure)

Maybe it is because 2007's Light At The End Of The World was so good, a return to form, that Tomorrow's World feels like a bit of a let down. I'm not saying that the album is bad, Erasure is really not capable of putting out an album that is unlistenable, but they have put out an album that is totally uninspired.
Every Erasure album has one song that is super catchy and fun. The Erasure ear worm is something that fans look forward to...nay yearn for witch each new CD. The closest we come to that is "Then I Go Twisting."

It is hard to pinpoint what is lacking in this album. Andy is in fine voice, as always. Vince delivers fun bleeps, bloops and other assorted fun sounds that make you want to get up and move. It all feels a bit forced though.

What is notably absent in Tomorrow's World is fun.  Erasure have recorded breakup songs before, but this CD feels SERIOUS, and Erasure isn't a band that does serious.

The album's lead single "When I Start To (Break It All Down)" sounds like a throw back from their self titled CD from 1995. "You've Got To Save Me Right Now," is Erasure doing something close to Motown. It proves that Andy Bell can sing anything that he puts his mind to, but the song just doesn't feel like Erasure. Maybe this is something he couldn't fit on his last solo album?

This album feels totally off. The only song close to feeling like the happy bouncy Erasure that we know and love is the album's opener, "Be With You." If only the rest of the album could have been as fun as that one.

Get back in the studio guys, we know you can do better than this, a whole lot better.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Album Review: Road Trip Relief Squad - Happy Butt

Album Title: Happy Butt
Artist: Road Trip Relief Squad
Rating: (3 stars)
Review: The idea for Road Trip Relief Squad came while band members Carol Heywood and Tina Albrecht made the long drive from a weekend conference at 100 Mile House, Canada, back home to Seattle, Washington. Anyone who has gone on a road trip knows that after a few hours of sitting in the car, certain parts of the body go numb. But when some dance music came on the radio and butts began moving, a workout idea was born!


The resulting album, Happy Butt, is a fun and often-hilarious 33 minutes of exercises drivers can do to make road trips less painful on the butt. The seven songs that make up Happy Butt guide the listener/exerciser through a mini-workout of the butt and abs.
The music is really nondescript, but the banter between Carol and Tina will bring about a lot of laughter, especially if the listener is a fan of the Delicious Dish sketches on Saturday Night Live. The two women have a delivery that can only be described as monotone.
The opening remarks on “Beach Bum” are a little unnecessary and might have been left to liner notes or an insert.
It is hard to imagine actually doing the exercises while driving without ending up in a tree. What the CD does manage to accomplish is making the listener laugh—and that keeps the listener, whether driver or passenger, awake and alert. That’s a good thing. It is hard not to laugh during songs like “Cowabunga Crunch” when Eric calls out “I gotta have more cowbell!”
“Cheeks and Salsa” works out the butt and the Road Trip Relief Squad introduces us to a new word for butt: your gluteus maximush. This is one of the more lively exercise tracks. It definitely will create a few Happy Butts bouncing around.

If the banter between the members of Road Trip Relief Squad doesn’t bring a smile to your face, the titles of the tracks just might. Besides “Cowabunga Crunch” there’s “Cheeks and Salsa,” “Lose The Fat Blues” and “Beach Bum!” The titles are more than a bit punny, but they are lighthearted, just like the banter. During “Beach Bums” Carol quips that Doctor Andrew Wild says that the exercises are “utterly simple” which gets followed up with the remark, “that means even cows can do it.” Cow sound effects follow, and then maybe a groan or two from the listeners.

“Chillin” is a jazzy tune that has Carol and Tina helping their listeners to relax and get rid of stress. The Road Trippers help to take listeners to their happy places when other drivers on the road are being annoying.

The album ends appropriately with a sing-along of Dale Evans’ classic “Happy Trails.” Dale Evans is the patron saint of the Happy Butt project. After that song ends, every part of your body should be awake and maybe the long drive will seem a little easier on mind and body.

+It is hard to imagine seasoned travelers getting their Happy Butt on, but the humor and music are definitely suitable for families making long trips, especially families that are looking to keep the kids away from DVD players and other gadgets, and coax them into doing something more interactive. Happy Butt is cheesy fun!


Road Trip Relief Squad may not give you a gym workout, but what they do give you is a break from the monotony of a long drive, and they put a smile on your face as well. After listening to Happy Butt, your butt should be happy and so should you.

It is hard to tell how much healthier you might be after doing the Happy Butt workout, but if you are feeling happier at the end, the CD has definitely done some good.

Album Review: Pamela Sunshine - Growing Up Green

Pamela Sunshine has created a fun album of environmentally-conscious songs for children of all ages. Growing Up Green was born in 1992, when the first Earth Summit was held. Pamela was invited to perform at an environmental assembly at a school in Norfolk. When she was there she noticed that many of the children were wearing badges that read “Growing Up Green.” The rest, as they say, is history.

The album’s subject matter is serious, but Pamela tackles the recycling and conservation, among many other issues, in a way that isn’t condescending or childish. All of the songs on Growing Up Green are easy to listen to, as well as infectious, thanks to Pamela’s perky singing and Gordon Maxwell’s excellent harmony vocals. This is an album that can appeal to the child in everybody.

Pamela’s musical style is very folksy, much like Peter, Paul and Mary with the childlike innocence of Shari Lewis. From the opening bars of the song “Growing Up Green,” you know that you are in for a enjoyable listen; toes will be tapping, heads will be bobbing and there will be a lot of singing along. There’s an extra bonus to giving this album a listen. You and your children might learn something.

“Garbage Free Sea” will strike a chord with most listeners. It reminds us of how important it is for the waters to remain free of garbage and other things. It’s not just the sea that she’s worried about. She tackles recycling and litter in the song “Litter Matters.” Once the song ends, you’ll think twice before tossing a candy wrapper carelessly to the ground. She also reminds us to conserve water on “Turn Off The Tap.”

Pamela delivers her message sweetly in each song no matter what style she sings it in, from a fun reggae tune, to an upbeat country sounding tune, to a fun spoken-word song. That spoken-word track is “Ten Empty Bottle Cans,” which has a double message. It reminds us that littering is bad and recycling is good, and this message comes via a fun little rhyme that the kiddies will be reciting for hours after listening to it.

The album closes with the frolicking “Very Green Song.” It really doesn’t get much greener than this tune, as she sings “Green, green green green. Green green green green. This is a very green song.” Now that’s a lot of green! Its message is simple, “We can make a change, if we’re all green.”

It is wonderful when children’s music can accomplish more than just the basic entertainment purpose, and Pamela Sunshine’s Growing Up Green serves two purposes: to entertain and to educate. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the whole world could listen to these sweet and simple tunes, take the message that each song contains, and put that message to use in their lives? It would make the world a better place.

Pamela makes being green fun, with her songs that teach why we need to be good to our planet. Now who was it that said, “It isn’t easy being green”?

Album Review: Earl J. Rivard - Underground Railroad

If you break out of your comfort zone once this year to listen to a new artist, let that new artist be Earl. J. Rivard. It will only take one track for him to grab you and pull you into his world. His voice is full of passion. This is a man who could sing the phone book and people would stop and listen.

When you listen to Underground Railroad, you get to experience the full range of his vocal talents. Earl sings songs from many genres—folk, blues, and pop, to name but a few. It is impossible to pick a standout track on Underground Railroad, as each track is so impressive that comparing them somehow seems wrong.

“Lady Sweet Lady” shows Earl singing a Celtic-sounding folk song. The acoustic guitar and flute arrangements on this song are particularly beautiful. When you listen to this song, you’ll feel like you’re listening to a ballad from days of old, when actually the song is one of Earl’s original compositions. In fact, all the songs on Underground Railroad are written by Earl, his father Earl Jr. or the two of them. It doesn’t take long to realize that these two men are excellent songwriters. But songs are nothing without a voice to sing them—and with Earl J. doing the honors, these songs are taken to a whole new level of beauty.

Earl’s voice is so deep and soulful that it is hard not to be moved by it, especially when he’s singing songs of love. “Yours Eternally” has a vocal that is reminiscent of Josh Groban. Earl’s voice soars as he conveys the song’s romantic message.

Turning the tables is “Sometimes Love,” a song that deals with the cooling embers of love that once burned brightly. The lyrics are a haunting reflection of how delicate love is, and how easily it can be shattered and broken if not tended to properly. When Earl sings, “Lovers need to understand, that to keep the love they’ve planned, they must learn the raging blaze to tame. For a fire can cool within the hearth or blow up in a burst of sparks,” that delicacy becomes apparent.

One of the strongest songs on the album is the title track, “Underground Railroad.” Written by Earl Jr and Earl J. Rivard III, the song is about laws that separate a child from their mother because if born in the United States, they are citizens but their mothers are not and are often sent back to their native lands, while their children can remain. The song manages to convey all the right emotions: anger, disgust, sadness. It starts with a preface that may offend some listeners, but the truth really shouldn’t offend.

The bluesy rocker “This Time Around” shows a more playful side to Earl’s music. This song has an infectious beat that calls out to everyone to get up and move. It is the least serious of the thirteen tracks that make up Underground Railroad, and it really showcases Earl’s versatility as a songwriter as well as a performer.

When you listen to “Unfinished Songs,” you instantly feel like you’re listening to a lighthearted pop tune, but give it another listen, and really listen. When you do, you’ll hear a song about the struggles of having something to say, but not being able to find the voice or words to complete the thought. The song is made even more poignant when you reach the abrupt ending.

With Underground Railroad, the world can see the many facets of Earl’s talent. You will hear the voice that will instantly capture your heart with its power and emotion. You’ll discover the songwriting ability that will impress even the harshest critics. This is one voice and one album that must be heard!

Visit Earl's website here to learn more and to watch for information on the release of Underground Railroad.

CD Review: Robin & The Giant - Winds Of Change

Robin And The Giant are the perfect band for the family. Their album, Winds Of Change, is a compilation of songs from their past recordings and is a great introduction to the band. After hearing these twenty-one songs, it’s easy to believe that they have an appeal that stretches across all ages.

The duo of Robin MacBlane (Robin) and Larry Whitler (The Giant) have been performing together since 1987, amassing a string of albums together prior to this compilation’s release. Larry has released several albums as a solo artist, as well as those with Robin.

The songs are very reminiscent of Peter, Paul and Mary. They have a very folksy feel and a certain childlike innocence, which is why these songs can really cross the ages. Robin and the Giant don’t sing down at children. They just sing simple, pretty, and often funny folk songs that both young and old can enjoy.

The lightly-reggae-tinged “In The Caribbean” tells a story of falling in love in Jamaica. The song has a slow beat and vocals that conjure up images of white-sand beaches and crystal-clear water. It also has a little bit of light humor that keeps the song from crossing over into a more grown-up sound.

If it’s smiles you are looking for, Robin And The Giant will deliver those to your ears with songs like “A Hamster Poops” and “Doggy Dog World.” Little ones will particularly love “A Hamster Poops.” What child would not break into a grin when someone sings about poop?

There’s a lot of hope to be found in “Aim High, Sweetie Pie.” This is a song that reminds us that our dreams are always within our reach, as Larry eloquently sings -- “And every day they could see those dreams grow. With a vow they would never let go. It’s a great big world, and an even bigger sky, so aim high sweetie pie.” The heroine in this song never forgets that, and she helps those around her achieve their dreams, too. Would that all people could be that way.

The songs aren’t all light fare, though. The song “Mr. Freeman’s Roses” is just a bit on the sad side. The song is about an elderly woman who is living in an assisted living facility, with, as the song says, “lots of grandmas doing lots of grandma things.” Perhaps a child won’t pick up as quickly on the melancholy subject matter of the song, but all the grown-up listeners will. The song is particularly bittersweet for anyone that knows someone who has had to move from their home for health reasons. The song paints a lovely picture of an older woman who loved her garden and loved her husband who passed away.

“Heloise O’Lantern” is another tune that isn’t all too happy. Heloise is Jack O’Lantern’s sister, whom nobody knows because she sits in the middle of the cornucopia on Thanksgiving. But, on a happier note, she’s content to let her brother Jack shine. This is probably the most memorable holiday tune that most people will be fortunate enough to hear.

Robin And The Giant create beautiful folk music for the family. Winds Of Change is a wonderful compilation to introduce you to their music. No matter what your age, one of these songs will touch your heart and possibly even open your mind.

Love Never Dies

I can't seem to stop talking about the music for this show. For those of you that don't know, Love Never Dies is the sequel to the "musical" The Phantom Of The Opera, something that should not ever have been allowed in my eyes, but I really wanted to give the music from the show a chance, as Andrew Lloyd Webber usually does deliver.

However, that's really not the case here and its a shame because the two leads have beautiful voices, but sadly the lack of a cohesive and interesting storyline seem to weigh down the positives. Most of ALW's shows have several songs that stand out and that goes from Joseph through Aspects Of Love. This show only has two; Til I Hear You Sing and Love Never Dies.

To even try to appreciate this show you should try to ignore the book written by Gaston Leroux many many years ago, because Sir Andrew tramps all over that and tosses the scraps into the fire.

The show takes place around 1907 in Coney Island. That is the first WTF! The Phantom relocated there as part of a freak show, but his brilliant mind allows him to obtain a position of power and he invites Christine to sing @ the park. She is unaware of who has invited her so she arrives with husband Raoul and son Gustav.

Ramin Karimloo is wonderful as the Phantom. His voice is just as stunning as Michael Crawford's was back in the 80s. Sierra Bogguss is also marvelous in the role of Christien Daae. The problem isn't the singers. Its the songs and the fact the story goes where it shouldn't have gone, and that's the events that happen after the curtain fell on The Phantom Of The Opera.

Still, the show has its moments. One is the Phantom's Til I Hear You Sing.




I imagine if the show comes through Pittsburgh at some time, I'd go to see it, but I feel I'd be disappointed. The thing is, it seems like such a train wreck that I'd have to watch in total disbelief.

The only good thing is that the world will come to know Ramin's voice a bit better, and that's not a bad thing at all.

A Band You've Got To Love

A Band You've Got To Love

Earlier this year I stumbled upon a band called Making April. Their debut album was called The Egg Hunt and it was one of those albums that you listen to and then gush to everyone and their grandmother about. (Kinda like Mika's The Boy Who Knew Too Much)

Well the band is kind of in between things right now and they are recording a bunch of covers which you can buy on iTunes. So far they've covered Lady Gaga's Paparazzi, Beyonce's Sweet Dreams, Imogene Heap's Hide and Seek and Kings Of Leon's Use Somebody. Whether they've done justice to the originals remains to be seen. You have to actually like the artists they've covered, and I'm iffy on all but one of the artist's they've chosen to cover, but I do love Making April, so they've made most these songs, especially the Gaga one more listenable for me.

If you want to listen to the covers go here. You really should give them a listen...they are a damn good band.

I Love The New Moon Soundtrack

I Love The New Moon Soundtrack

Let me say first, that I hate the Twilight books and I have no desire whatsoever to see any of the films.

That said, the soundtrack for New Moon is probably one of the best soundtracks out there.

I just heard it for the first time today, because my best friend, is a Twilight junkie. There's no saving her, she's too far gone.

I wasn't all that keen on the first films soundtrack, but this one is really great, especially the Death Cab For Cutie song, Meet Me On The Equinox. I have a love/hate relationship with Death Cab, but this song is more the sound that I like. (Kind of a a post modern Pet Shop Boys sound) I can listen to this song over and over.

I also really love the Bon Iver/St Vincent song, Roslyn. Its just so pretty.

There's really not a bad song on the album and the flow of the tracks is perfect. Its not a mish mash of songs tossed on a record to score a hit. These songs belong together. I don't think I can come up with another soundtrack as well put together as this one.

In fact, it's opened my eyes to some bands I probably would never have listened to if not for the fact that I had no choice but to listen to this album today. So yeah, I think I like OK Go now, I think I may also like Muse and a few of the female singers that I've never heard of, that appear on this album.

So, even if you don't like the books and movies, you might want to check out this soundtrack, because it really is full of awesomesauce!

Album Review: Hafdis Huld - Dirty Paper Cup

Hafdis Huld - Dirty Paper Cup
Album Review by: Andrea Guy


Apparently there are a lot of good bands in Iceland and since there aren’t a lot of bands crossing over into the mainstream of US music these days, its hard to know that, but thanks to a recommendation I found Hafdis Huld.

Hafdis has a teeny tiny little voice but not in that baby way that can grate on your nerves after one or two listens. In fact her accent is so cute I found myself listening to Dirty Paper Cup for the better part of the day.
Its more than her accent that made me stick this CD on repeat though. She manages to write songs that are both pretty and witty, something that’s a little hard to find when it comes to female songwriters in this genre. Usually its all about love and lost love. Sure this subject is there, but not in the same way. There’s Happy Ever After that has a spoken word part that is adorable, especially when she talks about the guy that smells like honey and she really likes honey.

One of my favorite tracks on this CD is Plastic Halo. When I first heard it, I thought of the band Garfunkel and Oates, because they sing with the little sweet voices but sing songs that are just hilarious and pretty. How can you not giggle when this adorable little blonde girl is singing “I hope you choke on your plastic halo, cos it’s the right way for you to go?” It’s certainly a lyric that makes you stop and rewind to listen again.

That’s not the end of the unique and often funny lyrics. There’s also Ski Jumper. I’m sure that’s one of the only songs about that profession out there. Then there’s Fucked Up Mind. I’m partial to songs with Fuck in the title, so this one wins points with me, but its one of those songs that’s so pretty that you almost miss the f-bomb when she sings “I did the only thing that felt right to a fucked up mind.”

If one could actually decide which song was the best on Dirty Paper Cup, and with the Hafdis’ quirky and fun lyrics and her pretty baby doll voice, that’s a damn hard thing to do, but if you could it would have to be Tomoko. Why? Because Tomoko is the song about that perfect friend that you love and you love to hate. Plus the lyrics “You get loads of boys and toys when you want, if you want.”

Hafdis has created an album that is surprisingly refreshing. Give it a try and see what quirky brilliance really sounds like when hidden in the guise of a cute little girl from Iceland.


Watch: Tomoko

Genre: Folk, Acoustic
Sounds Like: Garfunkel & Oates
Website: HafdisHuld.com
Buy: Amazon
Released: Oct 1, 2006
Rating: 9.5/10

Album Review: Ist - Toothpick Bridge

Ist - Toothpick Bridge
Album Review by: Andrea Guy

Ist is one of those bands that sound like an amalgamation of different bands so that when you are listening to them you keep thinking you are listening to someone else. When I first played I thought they sounded a bit like The Clash and then I thought, well maybe they sound a bit like The Pogues. Not that it matters who they sound like, what’s important is that you listen because Ist’s Toothpick Bridge is an album you have to hear.

Why you may ask, when there are so many new bands out there to try? Because this stuff is good, damn good. Its definitely worth a few listens and probably a few more after that. The songs on Toothpick Bridge will put a spring to your step and a couple of songs will stay in your head. OK, a lot of songs will stay in your head. I dare you not to find yourself singing Pep Talk Or Scotsman In A Church while you’re walking down the street.

But not all of the songs are faced paced, but even the slower tracks like Would You Buy A Bible From This Man, which is quite possibly the longest song title I’ve seen in a long time, will captivate you. I also give the guys props for an awesome rhyme. I know I would be hard pressed to try to find a good rhyme for Aurora Borealis. But they did and the rhyme even makes sense. I think there should be an award for doing that. If there isn’t. I say there should be. Cookies for the band!

Its that sort of thing that makes Ist stand out from other bands. The lyrics to their songs have the same feel as many of the old school angry young punks that graced the music scene in the late scene Lines like “When you think with your dick And she thinks with her purse,” are classic. (along with the aurora borealis line which always makes me smile). The musicianship isn’t bad either! I have to admit I have a partiality for horns, being a lover of Oingo Boingo for the last 20 years. This is the first band that used a horn section that made me miss the days of Boingo.

Ist prove with Toothpick Bridge that Ist are on the same level any band in the mainstream. In fact, they are probably better. Toothpick Bridge is a well rounded album, with fast paced tracks and slower tunes performed perfectly.

I have to admit I liked this album from the fist track I listened to, which was The Boy’s Not Right. Every song after just got better. Its got anything you could possibly want in an album; catchy lyrics, great melodies and a pretty awesome vocalist. So what are you waiting for? Go check out Ist!

Listen @ Last.fm
Genre: Indie, Pop, Punk
Sounds Like: The Clash
Label: Monkey Basket Records
Buy: CD Universe
Released: August 17 2009
Rating: 9/10

Albums From 2009 That You Must Own

Albums From 2009 That You Must Own

This past year has seen quite a few albums from just about every genre that rank as great or must haves for your music collection. Here are some of the albums I think everyone should own from 2009

Elvis Costello - Secret Profane & Sugarcane

Any year with a new Elvis Costello album is a good year. Of course, this guy doesn't often go that long without a new release so that means happy times. For some his voice is a trial, but not for me.

With Secret, Elvis goes back down a slightly countrified road, but for him this is a genre that strangely enough, works well. He's collaborated with some country superstars too, like Loretta Lynn. Together they penned I Felt The Chill Before The Winter Came, which is one of the high points of the album.

There's a reworking of Complicated Shadows as well as I Dreamed Of My Old Lover, which is something Elvis concert goers will be familiar with, especially if they saw him in the late 90s touring with just Steve Nieve.


Gloriana - Gloriana

This is probably the best country debut album of the year. The songs tend to go more along the pop lines, but it really doesn't matter. From the first single, Wild At Heart, this band is going to capture your heart.

The songs are catchy and the harmonies superb. Even people that profess not to like country will have a hard time dismissing Gloriana, because their music is pretty universal. You're head will bop along to How Far Do You Want To Go and The Way It Goes. Oh and you'll be singing along too.

Their out for exposure too, they are opening for Taylor Swift. That tour and this album will make them a household name fast and with good reason, they have talent.

Mika - The Boy Who Knew Too Much

Everyone on the planet needs this album. It superclafradgalisticexpaliawesome.

There are 12 songs on this album and every one of them is strong and fun and just about everything that anyone could want in a pop album.

Mika, as I'm telling everyone is a the bastard love child of Freddie Mercury and Andy Bell (Erasure). Had those two reproduced together this curly haired sweetie pie would have been their baby.

I could go on and on for hours about how great this album is. The songwriting, the arranging, and the vocals, everything is superb. There's nothing weak about this album, and in a world of potboiler music this is a rare find.

Buy this album and come with me to worship in the church of Mika.

Diana Krall - Quiet Nights

Much like her husband, Elvis Costello, Diana makes quality albums and any year with a release by her is also a good one. When that year has a record by her husband too, well it can't get much better.

Diana woos us with some old standards like The Boy From Ipanema and the beautiful Every Time We Say Goodbye and the gorgeous title track, Quiet Nights which has a beautiful video that you can watch here.

Diana's voice is what sets her apart from all the rest. She's not a squeaky sounding soprano, in fact, she's just the opposite. Her voice is deep and rich and resonates romance.

This is an album to pull out when you are curling up on the couch with a book and a steaming cuppa.

These are my four favorites so far from this year. I tried to pick one from each genre of music that is popular right now, rock, country, pop and jazz. I hope you might enjoy these albums as much as I do.

Album Review: AFI - Crash Love

Album Review: AFI - Crash Love

When you spend years in love with a band, the release of a new album is a whole experience. I was introduced to AFI when I was 13. I'm 20 now. A lot happens in seven years, and that much time devoted to a band leads to expectations and even apprehension with each new album release. You have what you fell in love with in the first place, and what comes after. It might not be the same band. There's a lot riding on new releases, especially with a fan base as intense as AFI's.

When "Medicate", the first single off of Crash Love was released, I wasn't impressed. When the 30-second clips of each song off of Crash Love were released, I wasn't impressed. Still, 30 seconds can't accurately convey the power of nearly a four-minute song, as I found when AFI streamed the entire album over their MySpace starting Tuesday.

I was wrong to be so near disappointment. Crash Love is a thing of beauty. And if it had been the opposite, I wouldn't have been afraid to admit it.

For their past few albums, AFI's been known for short but strong introductory songs. Crash Love kicks off with "Torch Song" which sets the pace, as the album opener should, but isn't the usual 1-2 minute intro. It's nearly four minutes long, and when you hear it, you know what you're in for. While their last album, Decemberunderground, took a turn for the more pop-electric, Crash Love from the start almost takes a step back, returning to more solid rock but also keeping with the melodies the band has became great at constructing, which they prove with "Beautiful Thieves." The guitars on "End Transmission" have almost a Cure feel to them, and Jade Puget shows, once again, just what he's capable of doing. Same with singer Davey Havok - he might not be able to scream like he used to and like the older fans with hardcore roots want, but his voice is still arguably the most identifiable in rock music, and it's fantastic. "Too Shy to Scream" has a stellar beat and chorus that will undoubtedly end up stuck in my head. It might be my favorite song on the album, and Davey keeps it up with his signature "Oh!"'s in "Veronice Sawyer Smokes", which just continues the fantastic melodies. The pacing slows with "Okay, I Feel Better Now", but picks right up again with the aforementioned "Medicate" which - for my previous criticisms of it - does have a brilliant riff. A few of the songs, such as "I Am Trying Very Hard to Be Here", have that distinct, signature AFI sound without feeling old, overdone, or like we've heard them before. "Sacrilege" is a common fan favorite already. The toned-down vocals on "Darling, I Want to Destroy You" are almost haunting. The song has some truly beautiful quality to it, complete with a guitar crescendo. Things fit together so well and drive forward so excellently that "Cold Hands", the second to last song on the album,

doesn't feel like it's leading to the end, or that it should end so soon. But at the same time, "It Was Mine" has the slowed down feel that a solid closing song should.

Crash Love does have its flaws, though. It sounds a little bit over-produced, but I'll blame the MySpace stream for any issues regarding sound. Furthermore, a complaint from a lot of fans is the lyrics. This album is more Hollywood-geared as opposed to the dark, meaningful lyrics AFI has become known for, but the song construction is so great that it's forgivable. And it doesn't mean that Havok isn't still the supreme lyricist he's become over the years, because he's definitely still delivering fantastic lines. And all things considered, I don't think there's a single song I dislike.

Even with its flaws, Crash Love is a masterpiece, no matter how I felt even 24 hours ago. It might be AFI's best yet - I hesitate to say for sure just because it's still a little too early. Not all fans will like it, as inevitably with every AFI release there's a handful of naysayers who abandon ship, but if you're willing to let it, Crash Love delivers.

You can pick it up in stores, various places online, or stream it for free through Wednesday on AFI's MySpace. Beware the obnoxious Avril Lavigne ads the often interrupt the otherwise awesome listening experience.

Album Review: Bryant Oden - Songdrops: 30 Songs for Kids

Album Review: Bryant Oden - Songdrops: 30 Songs For Kids



Songdrops is an unusual batch of tunes for the tinier listeners. The vocals are definitely suited to kids from Pre-school to maybe 1st grade. The subject matter goes from cute stories (The Duck Song, I’ve Got A Pea) to the more outrageous (This Song Is Stuck Inside My Head, The Ukulele Song). The styles used for each range from electronic synth pop beats, to folk songs a’la Peter, Paul & Mary, to power pop.

The album is all over the place, with short little ditties designed to capture the attention of the younger crowd and when they aren’t doing that they are soothing them so they can drift off to the land of nod. On lullaby-like track, Sing You A Rainbow is very much like Peter, Paul & Mary. In fact the vocals sound quite a bit like Paul Stookey.

The songs that really will stick with you are the ones that have you and the kids in stitches, like I Got A Pea which sings like “I gotta pee” and I Don’t Like Tomatoes because they make the singer “Far To Unhappy.” Yes, sing that last line at just the right speed and you’ll know everyone is going to be giggling up a storm. If those don’t tickle your fancy, maybe Honey Bear who is sitting there in its underwear will bring a smile to you face. Then there’s Before I Knew How To Rhyme, which is just hilarious, simply because of the phrases that replace rather obvious words that would rhyme in the tune.

The tracks on the album fit nicely in four categories, “funny songs,” “happy songs,” “tongue twisters,” and “relaxing songs/bedtime songs.” So there’s a song for just about every time that you’re little one will be in need of music. Maybe that’s a bit much in the grand scheme of thing, after all Songdrops and Sundrops are the same song with different lyrics, and the first time you play the CD through you may wonder why the song appears twice, that is until you check the liner notes, but its still a pretty song, whichever set of lyrics you choose.

This is definite an album the kids will go wild for and to make it better, it’s an album that won’t drive their parents to distraction when the songs are played on repeat. In fact, I’d hazard a guess that a parent or two out there might find themselves singing along, especially to some of the sillier tunes that worm their way right into your head. Parents don’t worry, they aren’t songs you’ll be too embarrassed to be caught singing. Ok, maybe when you’re singing the “I Got A Pea” you may get some funny looks, but it could be worse.

Bryant has crafted an album chock full of good tunes that will amuse and delight the little ones in your life. Grab a copy and get to singing. This album is sure to bring some smiles to all the young kids and its bound to be an album you’ll want to share with the rest of the family too.

Buy: CD Baby
Watch: The Duck Song

Album Review: Leeny and Tamara - Sharing The Same Stars

Album Review: Leeny and Tamara - Sharing The Stars

It's hard to find music for those kiddies that aren’t quite ready for Hannah Montana and The Jonas Brothers but have outgrown the more childlike melodies. Well, that’s where Leeny and Tamara and Sharing The Same Stars come in. These ladies are bringing this fun rock and pop album to the little ones and they are bringing along a good message or learning experience for the ride, and the best part is that the kids won’t even notice the educational bits as they listen to the catchy tunes.

Take the song Your Epidermis Is Showing, for instance. Not only are your kids going to be able to sing out E-P-I-D-E-R-M-I-S, they are even going to know what it is before they get to health class! It's Cool To Be You reminds us all that it's good and cool to be unique. Ladybug, Ladybug Ladybu-u-ug has a fun 60s pop feel to it that will have everyone singing and clapping along and don’t think you won’t come away from that song not knowing a little big more about those cute little insects, because you will! Were there any sore losers in your play group? Dinah Sore Loser will make you giggle, and not just at the clever pun.

Sharing The Same Stars is an album of 14 songs and every one of them will bring a smile to little faces. What makes the album so good? It's really a combination of things. At the top of the list is the fact that all the songs have a sound that isn’t like your run of the mill children’s record. The songs are truly pop songs for kids and kids' issues. Little Sister is one that any big sister can relate to, and with the 50’s girl group vibe it will have mom’s and grandmom’s singing along to. But the best track is for the “potty training” crew. You can’t listen to Hold It without cracking a smile, especially as you envision a child wishing they were a bird just so they could…well, go. Another thing that sets Leeny and Tamara apart from so many other children’s artists is that they don’t sing in that happy-go-lucky sing-song style that makes moms and dads run from the music. These two ladies have killer voices that are truly a pleasure to listen to no matter what your age. They sing in every style imaginable on this album so you’re bound to find at least one song to suit you fancy on Sharing The Same Stars.

So if you have some little ones that are longing for some new music, look to Leeny and Tamara and start Sharing The Same Stars with them. The music will brighten your day and help the little ones learn a few things while they sing and dance to the music and have a rocking good time. We even promise not to tell the adults that they will be having the same rocking good time as the kids. This CD should be in the collections of any parent with young kids.

Website: Leeny & Tamara.com
Rating: (9.5/10)
Buy: CD Baby
Listen: Leeny & Tamara's Music Page