Alexander Ebert (Alexander)

Alexander Ebert - Alexander
Released: March 1, 2011

I will go ahead and assume that most of you have heard of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes. If not, I'm sure you have heard of the song Home. It really is a great song, by a phenomenal group of musicians off an outstanding album, Up From Below. The head honcho of The Magnetic Zeroes, Alexander Ebert, just so happens to know his way around the music universe.

I recently purchased Alexander Ebert's latest disc, Alexander. Right off the bat, I enjoyed it. Ebert is a fantastic songwriter who seems to fill his world with a fantastical haze. It is so easy to get lost while listening to this album, and forget what decade you are in.

This album thronged with psychedelic-folk, lazy pop and living on the brink of blue-eyed soul comes off as being very effortless. The whole feeling of the album resembles that of letting out a sigh, ahhhh. I can't help but feel a strong craving for Donovan, Jefferson Airplane, and most prominently The Byrds after listening to Alexander. Ebert's Truth sounds as if it is the love child of I Knew I'd Want You (The Byrds) and Sunshine Superman (Donovan). That being said, it is a great track. A song of importance and depth.

Alexander, in its seemingly natural flow and demeanor, despite choppy chords and harmonies, plays like a hippie anthem. I'm sure this album isn't for everyone. In fact, I guarantee it. But, Alexander Ebert isn't out to validate anyone's inquires in regards to him as a musician. This album is true to its self and its creator. The late 60's, earlier 70's sentiment really has me hooked, that's for sure.

I dedicate this album to the flower children, the dreamers and the free-spirits of the world.

A Peek into 'Roo '11: Gregg Allman

Are you a fan of the Allman Brothers Band? Yes? Then no need to read any further, you already know what's up (read further anyways). Gregg Allman, of the Allman Brothers, has one of the best voices in blues, and one of my personal favorite voices for country. Gregg Allman is an elite musical veteran. He recently released his first solo album since 1997, Low Country Blues, and good gracious it is to-die-for. The comfort and righteousness of the music created by Gregg Allman feels homegrown. What I love about Gregg Allman's music is, I feel as if there is nothing he is out to prove. He just is a top-notch musician, who fashions stinkin' sweet, growling blues. I would be honored to see Gregg Allman at Bonnaroo.

Travis Barker (Give the Drummer Some)

To start off, let me just say, I am an enormous fan of Travis Barker. For real. Like, colossal, mammoth, huge fan. I seriously get the shivers almost every time I watch him drum. I don't care if he is drumming for Blink 182, or Transplants, or +44, or Box Car Racer or whoever else, he is great. That kind of passion, is just... outstanding, unreal. So, I'm sure you can apprehend the excitement I felt when I found out that he is finally releasing a solo-ish, drum centered album. Pretty-freakin'-excited, let me tell ya.

Give the Drummer Some was released almost two weeks ago now. In this time, my opinion has been moving all over the map. Travis is wonderful, of course, we know this. But, it was a matter of seeing how the hip-hop, rock, rap, drum infused album would fare with the superabundance of talent featured on it. Unlike what I expected, this isn't a drum album with featured vocals. Instead Give the Drummer Some is a complimentary fraternity where everyone involved has their talents on display.

Fact: rap is more gripping with authentic drum beats. It just is.

The artists involved in this album are so vast, and some of the best of the best in their field; Tom Morello, RZA, Raekwon, Snoop Dogg, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Twista, Slash, Cypress Hill, The Cool Kids, Kid Cudi... to name a few. The best part about collaborating with so many different artists is no two tracks sound alike. Give the Drummer Some makes it virtually impossible to ever feel bored.

It is so rad to hear L'il Jon's snarl, with Twista and Busta's rapid fire rhymes in Let's Go alongside Yelawolf. Or, The Transplants with Slash escorted by their tranquilizing vocals and Spanish inspired guitar in Saturday Night. OR just the complete genius masterful combination, of our Mr. Barker in the company of Tom Morello, RZA and Raekwon in Carry It. I could really go on and on and on and on about how impressed I am with this album. But, I don't think I could ever articulate properly how I feel. You need to listen for yourself.

A Peek into 'Roo '11: Iron & Wine

Iron & Wine's Sam Beam is an incredible songwriter. His abilities as a raconteur are vast and wholehearted. Iron & Wine's folky, funky sound is unforgettable. While it may be an acquired taste by some, I'm sure anyone can appreciate the labyrinth of finesse possessed by Sam Beam. Within the majority of Iron & Wine songs there are narrative conflicts where there is a dance between happy and sad. It is apparent through all of all the Iron & Wine albums that Sam uses such a vast range of inspirations. The consummate knack of Iron & Wine is enough to check out an album or two or three... And, of course receive an asterix beside its name on my 'who not to miss at 'roo' mental checklist.

A Peek into 'Roo '11: Chiddy Bang

Chiddy Bang is an electronic, hip hop, indie duo from Philly. Their sound is a whole lot of fun. Chiddy Bang's electro-indie-hop sound comes from the melding of many different musical elements. These two artists eclectic tastes are on display in much of their music. Chiddy Bang's music is beyond just a little bit tuneful. This is the type of music that makes you really move... every track is seemingly, unintentionally a dance jam. I have no doubt in my mind that Chiddy Bang will put on a rad show at Bonnaroo.

A Peek into 'Roo '11: Florence + the Machine

Florence Welch or as we know her, Florence + the Machine is magical. Florence says: "I want my music to sound like throwing yourself out of a tree, or off a tall building, or as if you're being sucked down into the ocean and can't breathe....It's something overwhelming and all-encompassing that fills you up, and you're either going to explode with it, or you're just going to disappear". That is how her music makes you feel. The playful, and eccentricity of the music that Florence + the Machine creates is intoxicating. The progression in the majority of her songs is untouchable. Florence encompasses a certain creativity that is so rare and so special.

Adele (21)

After a month long reviewing process of Adele's most recent album, 21 I am ready to share my thoughts with you. Adele is just so.. in a word, wonderful. She has this tremendous big, soulful, mature voice that invokes a listener to belt out alongside her. I remember the first time I heard Adele. I remember listening to Hometown Glory and then hearing Melt My Heart to Stone and being so amazed, and so happy that someone with this voice is being heard. I got my hands on 19 and just fell in love with Adele's beautiful, emotional voice.

While 19 was somewhat of an album dedicated to romance and adoration, 21 reads more like a break-up album. 19 was an album relating to the 19 year old Adele, 21 is an album dedicated to her growth in the last two years.  Not to mention such a success. It is an album full to the brim of powerhouse, Motown inspired tracks with an incredible flow and unreal voice. The 60's feel of this album is phenomenal. Adele can easily be compared to 60's songstresses like Diana Ross, Martha Reeves  and Lorraine Ellison.

The difference between 21 and other "break-up" albums that I have heard is that Adele is different. She seems strong, and quite cheeky. I like that. She may sing songs of sorrow, but you get a sense that no-one will walk all over this girl. While it is slow at times, and initially I thought it may be the type of album I would need to be in the "mood" for, it is a lovely piece of work. In spite of 21's musical simplicity, it is refreshing to hear Adele's stunning to-die-for vocals.

I'm not sure if I have a favorite track(s) yet, because they are all so great. I'm slightly addicted to her first single, Rolling in the Deep but can also feel her sentiment in Take It All. You can't take my word for it, you need to have a listen for yourself.

A Peek into 'Roo '11: The Black Keys

If you know me, or have even read what I have to say about The Black Keys. You will know that, my love runs deep. Patrick Carney and Dan Auerbach are a super duo who create the loosest, bluseyest, rawest of music this decade has seen. From their recording style to the way they play their music, these two artistry intellects are the epitome of authenticity. Unlike their previous albums, The Black Keys most recent, Brothers explores a miscellaneous gaggle of music genres; blues, rock, soul, funk... Ah it is so incredible. I cannot comprehend whether they are either ahead of their time, or behind in the times (in the most evocative way). The Black Keys are the number one band I am looking forward to seeing in Bonnaroo. Nothing will be able to hold me back from their romp induced tunes.

Inspired by the Beatles

The other night Greg and I were talking about the Beatles. We were saying how it is so interesting how they had become so iconic in a time where musical genius ran ramped. I am a pretty big Beatles fan. We came to the "conclusion" that their popularity must have stemmed from their ideals, and lyrics. Works like Rubber Soul and Sgt. Peppers' Lonely Hearts Club Band, in my opinion, are examples of really masterful output. This week I've been listening to Beatles inspired music, and man, what I have been listening to has really blown my mind.

First, there is Easy Star All-Stars Sgt. Pepper tribute called Easy Stars Lonely Hearts Dub Band. It's a pretty rad reggae tribute. I honestly don't really think of it as being a homage to the original album though. Unlike Dub Side of the Moon (which I thought was perfection), Lonely Hearts Dub Band has a different feel... I can't pin point it. Maybe its just that no one can do Sgt. Pepper like the Beatles. That being said, I'm still a fan and really do enjoy Easy Stars album. Totally worth a listen.

Secondly, I seem to have stumbled upon a Wu-Tang Clan vs. The Beatles mash-up album done by someone named Tom Caruana called Enter the Magical Mystery Chambers. Love Wu-Tang.  This hip-hop album is so sugar sweet. While I don't really hear the "versus" aspect of it, hearing Wu-Tang jams mixed with a back beat of Beatles is wholly stimulating. I can totally dig it. If you are even just slightly a fan of Wu-Tang and The Beatles I fully encourage you to check this out, you won't be disappointed.

A Peek into 'Roo '11: Girl Talk

Greg Gillis aka Girl Talk is a seriously skilled musical visionary. He samples songs into compilations like never heard before. Any genre you can think of; rock, pop, blues, rap, hip-hop, soul, country, rockabilly, folk... chances are you will find a little piece of something you're digging in a track. The thinking that must go behind this dj'ing is mind boggling. Music by Girl Talk is layered, impressive, fun and well thought out. I cannot even begin to imagine the dance party that is going to go down with Girl Talk spinning his latest album, All Day. There is no other word to describe the music arrangements put together by Girl Talk than spectacular.

I have a total Bonnaroo for you...

It's been awhile, eh? I suppose I've been busy since December 21st. I mean, Greg and I went to Cuba, decided to become English teachers, watched a lot (and I mean a lot) of Lost...you know? Doin' thangs. But, I would have to say the most exciting thing we've done lately is buy tickets for Bonnaroo!! "Excited" does not even begin to describe how the two of us feel. Neither of us has gone to a festival of this caliber before, so we have a lot of preparing to do.

One way of preparing? Checking out some of the artists that will be at the festival. And, lucky for you... I was thinking we'd give ya a preview right here on the blog. You're welcome. There are a lot of artists so I may not get through all of them, but we will try our best. Well, I will try my best to try my best.

Anyways, this year is full of big things. I'm stoked, and fully amped on sharing them with you. Stay tuned fellow music lovers.

A Peek into 'Roo '11: Mumford & Sons

Ben Lovett, Ted Dwane, Winston Marshall, and Marcus Mumford are Mumford & Sons. They are an English folk group with an unheeding dose of bluegrass, and soul. We love Mumford & Sons whole heartedly over here. Such amazing passion, energy and all around talent coming out of this band. It's always incredible when every member of a group can and does contribute the playability of at least three instruments. These four lads exude a certain special balance of melancholy and whimsy. Their old time, much appreciated, genuine sound will make you question any sounds you have heard up until the moment you have heard Mumford & Sons. They create beautiful music.