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.