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.

Kid Cudi (Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager)

Alright, honestly it took me more than a few listens to get a feel for this album. When I first listened to Man on the Moon II I was thinking I couldn't get into, a bit of a bore. Though, the more chances I gave it, the more I've grown to really enjoy it. I would not consider Cudi to be a hard-hitting rapper, but hip-hop that is of actual substance. This album to me, kind of reads (or plays, I guess) like a 90's style hip-hop album... similar in style to works of A Tribe Called Quest.

With that said, it seems as though Kid Cudi is in search of some sort of release. This album is in more ways than Man on the Moon, more or less a diary entry, a certain kind of therapy. Who am I to make that indictment? Well, no-one, but I really feel that Cudi is laying it all out, and I can respect that. Upon my first few listens of the album, I was so focused on not really the music, but the fact that this album is incredibly personal. Unlike Man on the Moon there is a greater focus on reality rather than dreams. He's got a lot to say, and displays it with depth. When you really focus on the nitty gritty, this record is a heartbreaker with mentions of being alone, permanent sadness, and death.

This album is filled to the brim with rad beats. Seriously, vocals aside, musically this is one sound album. From the first track featuring Cee Lo, you get a real good groove going on. Unfortunately, for me, there isn't entirely a good balance. There are jams that are pretty all consuming, and then we're left with some weak tracks. It happens.

With Kid Cudi, I feel like it is important to mention there is far more than meets the musical eye. Lyrically, his songs are enthralling for anyone who can appreciate a certain element of realness. Like I stated earlier, the 90's feel of this album, overwhelms me... in the best way. I'd have to say my favorite hip hop came out of the early 90's. You have no idea how much I can appreciate an artist who does not feel the vindication to use auto-tune. He dabbles in  different styles on this album that really work for some tracks. Such as, the first 7 seconds of Ghost!. While it is not one of the songs that I am most keen on, I am always a sucker for down south cowboy sounds. Actually, almost every track has that little somethin' special to give it oomph.

I'd say, about half of the album is solid as a rock. Maybe a little over half. If I were to pick three jams to check out, I'd say give these a go: Scott Mescudi vs. The World (feat. Cee Lo), Erase Me (feat. Kanye West), and Marijuana. Scott Mescudi is just a really well rounded song. The chorus gets me every time, it'd be a lie if I say my shoulders weren't bouncin' and my head wasn't bobbing every time I hear this song. It's one of the catchier tracks, not in a bad way at all. The added soft touch of Cee Lo Green is not overly necessary, but oh so welcome. Erase Me is among the indisposed hip hop on the album, but man oh man I dig it so much. Cudi's added rock element and melodious vocals are just so inviting. Probably the least "deep" song, but the song I will happily listen to over.and.over.and over again. If you're like me and dig on the mellow, Marijuana would have to be your jam. Is it wrong to say that I think this song is so gosh darn pretty? Well, it is. Kid Cudi's ode to marijuana is a whole new kind of love song. It puts you in a trance.

Overall, I think Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager is a pretty sweet compilation.

Dub Side of the Moon

Ya know when you find that special musical gem, and you're all giddy, and so pleased with what you seem to have stumbled upon? That's me right now.

I'm sure you've heard Pink Floyds Dark Side of the Moon (if not, what are you doing here?!... kidding). Well last week I happened to come across a reggae tribute album to Dark Side entitled Dub Side of the Moon by Easy Star All-Stars (which has been around since 2003). I'm so over the moon with love for this album. The smooth transition from Pink Floyds psychedelic rock sound, to what I consider to be psychedelic reggae sound is purely sensational. I enjoy the creative use of bubbling bong water, coughing and a couple mean sax riffs. Not to mention the album keeps up with Pink Floyds entire feel of the album, with funky guitar beats and a mellow conduct.

Based on insight alone, Dark Side of the Moon is such a brilliant piece of work, and it's wicked that Easy Star All-Stars did such a tremendous job of emulating, without overstepping.  Dub Side of the Moon is dreamy, it's chill.... it's addictive. My favorite tracks would have to be Money, Time, and Us and Them. Apparently you can sync it with The Wizard of Oz, just like the original. I think its a rad tribute.
Check 'er out!