Matt Costa - {self titled}
Release date: February 12, 2013
Up until today I thought Matt Costa was Canadian. Maybe it's his small town feel, maybe it's because sometimes I make things up. Either way, he is not Canadian. He is from California. Glad I could clear that up for you.
I feel a little ridiculous thinking that Costa was Canadian now. Under the Brushfire Records umbrella Costas sound is so very Californian. Especially on his latest. When I heard that Belle and Sebastian were collaborating with Costa (I still don't know to what extent) I was expecting full on melancholy from the get go. That is not to say the album is melancholyless, though. On this more inventive album MC is seemingly trying to step outside his norm. To say this album is experimental would be an understatement. He sounds like - but constantly in his sweet, warm, Matt Costa-esque way- so many musicians in the "indie" pop/rock/folk field.
'Loving You' starts the album off. The 50's pop sounding track is the perfect drop to a ten song score. It's a gradual slow down, starting with 'Early November' to follow 'Loving You'. The Phoenix, and Vampire Weekend parallels are clear. Costa sets himself apart with more of a vintage sound than the aforementioned bands. The song exudes happiness. I picture twinkling lights and wholesome lovers holding hands eating popsicles. That's how sweet this is. Matt Costa does James Blunt better than James Blunt on 'Eyes For you'. No, this is not a James Blunt song. But a good chunk of it sounds like a far less annoying 'You're Beautiful', mixed with Regina Spektor instrumentals. The tempo is brought back up on 'Good Times', the Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros jam band sound. Though, less hippieish. 'Shotgun' sounds like authentic Matt Costa. This track is the quintessential song of this album. It so perfectly ties all the songs, experiments into one exciting hand clapping and keys filled superjam. All the songs after 'Shotgun' sound much more rootsy. 'Ophelia' is the ultimate folk song of the album. Vocals resembling an early Dylan strung together with harmonica and lovelorn lyrics. It is the perfect near final act.
This album did not seem to receive a lot of hype, which is surprising because it is arguably Matt Costas most mature, best piece of work. This will be difficult for him to follow up.
Just when you think Thom Yorke can't get any cooler (I know you were thinking it), in walks Atoms For Peace. Yorke collaborated with Flea, the man with the capability to shape shift himself to any creative effort he so pleases, to make Amok.
Thom Yorke is cool like Call Me Maybe is catchy. It's one of those indisputable things. Despite his years of desperately trying to convey to us that he is a brooding artist, Yorke flips the switch. Granted his attitude on Amok is thanks to the ever cheerful Flea.
Flea has a knack of spreading his groove around. This time, with Thom Yorke, it proves to be successful. It's very "sci-fi/indie rock". Amok comes off as sounding quite arty. The type of music you would hear in the basement art gallery in the meat packing district where tiny appetizers would be passed around but no one would take any, because everyone is way too damn cool.
Atoms For Peace was not created on a whim. Like every of Yorke's projects AFP needed to be executed to perfection. Meaning, waiting about four years - yes, four years - for the world to hear anything by the collaboration was necessary. Atoms For Peace is not just made up of Thom Yorke and RHCP's Flea, longtime Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich (keyboards), Joey Waronker, and Brazilian percussionist Mauro Refosco are also hard hitters. Amok is clearly not just the Thom Yorke show (despite how I've described it so far). The artists carefully selected to work on Amok have thrown in as much guts as Yorke.
The beats on Amok come off sounding Radioheady at times, but pick up where Radiohead leaves off with Flea's constant funkified bass. It all plays almost as though it is is one track, with quick breaths every five minutes or so. It's a hip, psychedelic trip. It becomes quite simple to look past the lyricism, which scream Thom Yorke by the way, with so many groovy rhythms going on. The sensation is almost hypnotizing.
This "new" project is diverse straying from what you might expect from Yorke and Flea. The inventive quality, though, is what will make Amok a lasting piece of (art) work.
+ Happenings in Jack Whiteville: Owner of Third Man Records and being a clear vinyl connoisseur JW was named Record Store Day Ambassador for 2013. The superhuman, White, has also partnered with Nashvilles Belcourt Theatre for a monthly film series called 'Light and Sound Machine'.
+Gaslight Anthems 'Every Word Handwritten' is a 15 minute short that is ultimately based on the lifespan of a record and the effect it can have on generations. Interesting? We'll see.
+ Rilo Kiley is releasing a special album this year, 'RKives'. The album is said to feature past B-sides, demos, and other gems unheard by the public. This week RK released a somewhat sweet and dreamy "Let Me Back In"
+ Prince releases a new track 'That Girl Thang'. The track strays from the flamboyant singers usual style, being acoustic. He does however stay true to his signature high, androgynous vocals.
+ A project requiring the use of 170 musicians, Beck has completed his rendition of David Bowie's 'Sound and Vision'. The finished product is BEYOND awesome. Extremely well done. It is my current favorite thing. If I do anything for you, reader, let it be me showing you this video. Click on the link! Don't be shy.
+ Tame Impala made their TV debut back in 2011 on Fallon and return to the set this week. The Aussie outfit is so unfazed and so wonderful; Elephant.
+ So, Michael Jacksons son, Prince, becomes a celebrity journalist on Entertainment Tonight? Irony, I think so.
+ Phoenix debut 'Entertainment' which will appear on their album set to be released April 23rd titled Bankrupt. The band has also released the album art work. Think, peaches.
+ VIDEOS: Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake release video for 'Suit and Tie' and the world continues to talk about and love 'Mirrors'. Suit and Tie is as classy as JT's new persona. So happy to have JT back. Passion Pit cast a crazy/beautiful Sophia Bush in their latest music video for 'Carried Away'. Lana Del Rey keeps up her diva, sultry songstress character in 'Burning Desire'. Yeah Yeah Yeahs give teaser to new track 'Always' that will appear on their album 'Mosquito'. Canada's west coast wonders, Yukon Blonde, release their video for 'Guns'.
+ Word on the street is that Black Sabbath is hanging up their regular heavy metal style for a blues album on their LP set to be released this year.
+ JUNO Awards nominees are announced!! And The Sheepdogs are up for a slew of awards. I was also happy to see that Yukon Blonde was nominated as well as Grimes and Bahamas! For the Americans reading this.. it's the Grammys in Canada for Canada and with much less sparkle.
+ The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival line-up has been announced!!! Today Weird Al helped in announcing the line-up in a Bonnaroo Lineup Announcement Megathon. Which just made the fest blow all other festivals out of the water in getting fans hyped up. **
Being in your twenties is difficult. Like, really difficult. Despite the fact that pretty much every adult in life has warned me of this up to this point, it's still a tough time. How am I supposed to pay for rent, food, bills and still have money have for fun. Like, beer. What's more is it's not always easy to figure out where to fit in. You are older, but not old. You are still young, but not younger. Ultimately you are entering adulthood, begrudgingly.
Last night my friends and I, after playing a made up drinking game about how well we know each other (by the way I found out even after 8+ years of friendship they hardly know me, ouch) we decided to stop being so lame and have a night out on the town. Being in that age group where it's not only considered uncool, but is also just plain ridiculous to skank yourself up to go to a bar, I find myself feeling like an old lady. And no, not the kind of old lady you would find in Sons of Anarchy. The kind of old lady that finds herself yelling to the young ones in barely there dresses with no coat waiting in lines in -20 degree weather saying "goosebumps are not sexy! put on pants!"
After wandering our Ottawa streets it became obvious that there are too few places that could satiate our appetite for both normalcy, cheap drinks, and dancing. Oh and no sleeze balls. Enter, Zaphods.
Though it being a long time favorite bar of mine, Zaphods is almost always put in the "no" pile of options for places to drink and dance. Thanks to my group of guy friends who feel it just "too weird". Other than going to see a show, I haven't found my way to Zaphods dance floor in too long. What we all came to realize last night - what I already knew - is that Zaphods is the best bar in Ottawa for someone in their mid to late twenties. Not only can it boast a cheapish cover, its average patron can be described as laid back, type-B sort of person.
Coat check is full? No problem, throw your coat in a corner someone and it will be fine. The unspoken "I got your back" rule is in affect upon stepping through the Zaphods doors. Oh you've just come from work and are in your uniform still? Meh no worries, no judgement here. It's the best place to let out your long awaited exhale and just be.
Being in my mid twenties means I was born in the late 80's. Meaning I grew up in the 90's. Finding a seat in the dimly lit semi-seedy palace while the DJ was spinning mega hits like Thrift Shop it became obvious that this was the type of place I want to hang out. Zaphods on a Friday night is the ultimate place for a sweaty dance fest. We heard Blink 182, Sum 41, Destinys Child, Outkast, Dexys Midnight Runner, House of Pain... the list goes on.
Zaphods felt like the center of the universe on Friday night. It took me from feeling like an old lady to feeling eighteen again. With an extra large Budweiser in hand it felt so good to gyrate among the other normal "weidos" to the songs that make sense to dance to, while losing my voice to singing along to every lyric. It was more than satisfying to find a place to jam out like it was 1999.
Though not entirely new to the scene, Ivan & Alyosha are releasing their debut album February 26 titled 'All the Times We Had'. The band, who are not strangers to the road, with a few EPs under their belt have collaborated with The Low Anthems Jesse Lauter and keyboardist/engineer Chad Copelin for their most recent project.
I&A are originally from Seattle, though you may have seen them perform live in your hometown if you reside on the West coast. If you decided to lock The Head and the Heart in a room with Yukon Blonde, this would be the result. I&A's 'All the Times We Had', which you can stream on NPR is full of pretty melodic hooks, and endearing lyricism. It's a rootsy, honest album. Every song sounds like a hit.
At a time where folk-pop rock is starting to seem overdone, Ivan & Alyosha come in and revive it. The band together just creates very beautiful music.
+ Justin Timberlake releases cover art AND tracklist for his March release (March 19) album; 20/20 Experience. And if that's not enough, after the Grammys JT also released his first single off the album called 'Mirrors'. Obviously it's great. Obviously.
+ Gary Clark Jr. is launching his own music festival, "Maverick Music Festival". The festival will take place in GCJ's home state of Texas. It will feature local musicians during the day, and when the sun goes down you can look forward to performers like GCJ himself, as well as The Toadies, Girl in A Coma, Arum Rae, and Henry and the Invisibles. Gary Clark Jr also played 'Numb', and 'Ain't Messin' Around' on Kimmel this past week. He's so damn good.
+ New Queens of the Stone Age is described by Dave Grohl as "ridiculous". I assume in a good way. The album is going to feature major players in music including Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails), Jakes Shears (Scissor Sisters) and Elton John who claims to be a big fan.
+Jenny Lewis will be appearing on both new Postal Service tracks. Including: 'A Tattered Line of String' that was released this week.
+Phoenix owns the recording console used for Thriller (Michael Jackson) and is recording their new album on it. That there is some good juju.
+ With 'channel ORANGE' not even a year old Frank Ocean is riding his wave of success and will be heading back into the studio soon. He is currently in the creative stage, but hopes to be recording shortly.
+ The man with a million ideas, and stamina of a cocker spaniel on speed, Jack White, is back to work on his follow up to Blunderbuss. If that is not something to get excited in this cold winter, I don't know what is. White reportedly has about 20-25 tracks all in varying styles. He is not sure if the album will be released this year, and just wants to flow with his inspiration.
GRAMMYs
+Congrats to Gotye and Kimbra who took home a golden gramophone for Record of the Year AND Best Pop/Duo Performance {Somebody That I Used to Know}. The two were so gracious, so humble. Gotye also grabbed a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album {Making Mirrors}.
+ Album of the Year went to Mumford and Sons!! {Babel} Well deserved. And, they also take home an award for Best Long Form Video with Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros and Old Crow Medicine Show for {Big Easy Express}. So thrilled to see Big Easy do well. Phenomenal.
+ fun. took home a Grammy for Song of the Year {We Are Young feat. Janelle Monae}. The group also won Best New Artist. Congrats!!
+ Adele took home Best Pop Solo Performance {Set Fire to the Rain}. Really though, that was a no-brainer. She deserves it.
+ The Black Keys did quite well taking home a Grammy for Best Rock Performance, Best Rock Song AND Best Rock Album {Lonely Boy/El Camino}. Dan Auerbach also wins Producer of the Year!
+ Best Urban Contemporary Album goes to Frank Ocean {channel ORANGE}
+ Best Jazz Vocal Album went to Esperanza Spalding! {Radio Music Society}
+ Dr. John takes home a golden grammy for Best Blues Album {Locked Down} !!
+ Best Folk Album went to Yo-Yo Ma, Chris Thile, Edgar Meyer, and Stuart Duncan deservingly {The Goat Rodeo Sessions}
+ Jimmy Cliff takes Best Reggae Album {Rebirth}
For the complete list of Grammy winners find out: here.
This years Grammy performances were ridiculous. I want to relive those performances over and over again.
Here is a list of my favorites from the night:
+ Elton John joins Ed Sheeran to play 'A Team'
+ fun. performs 'Carry On'
+ Justin Timberlakes big band performance of a few new tracks; 'Suit and Tie' with Jay-Z, and 'Pusher Girl'
+ Mumford & Sons perform 'I Will Wait'
+ The Black Keys get on stage with Dr. John and Preservation Hall Jazz Band to play 'Lonely Boy'
+ Try not dancing when Sting and Bruno Mars perform Mars' first single off Unorthodox Jukebox, accompanied by a Sting hit 'Locked Out of Heaven/Walking On the Moon'. Followed by a Bob Marley tribute with Damian and Ziggy Marley and Rihanna; 'Could You Be Loved'
+ Lumineers perform 'Ho Hey'
+ 'Love Interruption' and 'Freedom at 21' by Jack White and his two traveling bands.
+ Adam Levine and Alicia Keys, 'Girl on Fire'
+ I don't care much for Wiz Kahlifa, but Miguel performs and its great: 'Adorn'
+ Frank Ocean performs 'Forrest Gump'
+ LL Cool J, Chuck D, Tom Morello and Travis Barker pay tribute to MCA
+ Elton John, Mumford & Sons, Brittany Howard, Mavis Staples, and T Bone Burnett play tremendous tribute to The Bands' Levon Helm by playing 'The Weight'
It is difficult to pin point the exact "thing" about The Black Keys. In a fickle world where genres like Americana and Dubstep can simultaneously erupt only to be crushed by a song where no one actually knows the lyrics (except "hey sexy lady") where exactly do The Black Keys fit in? The answer is, they fit in everywhere.
The once independent band can boast impressive knack and work ethic. It has now been 14 months since the Keys last release, which seems like 5 years in Black Keys time. With the release of Brothers in 2010, and El Camino in 2011, The Black Keys have been in the works of creating their next studio album since about July to be released this year. Every year just keeps getting bigger and bigger for the Akron boys.
With the Grammy Awards tomorrow and the Keys nominated for about five awards let's look back on everything great and Black Keys related in 2012.
To start 2012 with a punch, El Camino was released in December of 2011. The albums' glam-rock stadium suited album blew up the rock and roll scene really solidifying The Black Keys earned place in rock. For a band so big with a small band ego, and the zealous behavior of Jack White great things are bound to happen.
The Black Keys produced the crap out of 2012. Albums and songs from Dr.John to Ke$ha were worked on by Dan and Patrick both together and apart.
In April Dr. John's 'Locked Down' was released. I had the absolute pleasure of seeing Dr. John's particular flavor of New Orleans jazz combine with Dan Auerbach blues aptitude at Bonnaroo in 2011. Watching the pair on stage I remember thinking to myself "brilliant". I did not realize that less than one year after that thought Dr. John would release an album called Locked Down, and that album would be produced by Dan Auerbach. Brilliant.
On Locked Down Auerbach and the Doctor hone in on that New Orleans southern fried sound and pump it with thick grit and blues. Thus creating a funky new nostalgia sound.
Locked Down is not intended to be a comeback album. Without having that pressure left room for Auerbach and Dr. John to relax and lay down what they knew. The album is more deep than expected. Dr. John is 71. He has been around too long having too much success to have any interest in trying to prove to anyone his knack. He rather, took his years of acquired musical wisdom, and gruff old man voice to fabricate a genre adapting work of greatness.
At the MTV Movie awards the Black Keys were "forced" to perform with Johnny Depp. Of course this didn't require much to any arm twisting for the Keys who were honored to play with Depp. Auerbach admittedly says "[Johnny Depp] was cool from when he came out the womb". Depp joined the duo on stage for 'Gold On the Ceiling'. What most people don't know about Johnny Depp is that when he first moved to LA he was in search of work as a musician rather than an actor. The man has mad chops.
In June/ July Auerbach had a few projects that were being released; The Lion The Beast The Beat (Grace Potter & the Nocturnals), Hypnotic Nights (JEFF the Brotherhood) and Shakedown (Hacienda).
On The Lion The Beast The Beat, Dan Auerbach aided in production as well as offered vocals and some instrumental work. Oh to be a fly on the wall of the recording room. Dan Auerbach and Grace Potter creating together would be a scene filled with so much passion and talent it'd make your toes curl. 'Loniest Soul' is a playful, seemingly edgy song. With the intent of sexy ebb and flow it comes off as mysterious and showy. This works much better than the initial intent. Auerbachs influence is quite clear.
Shakedown, by Hacienda turned out to be a throwback to the 1970's style of writing music. Though seemingly simple, it gets the job done; a good hook, and a willful amount of "oohs and aaahs". Bound to do it. The dirty electric garage rock style guitar combined with a jaunty blues rasp of a voice, and steady drum beats make for one successful album. 'Veronica' is the clear winner of the album. It wraps up all of Shakedown in one perfected, neat, package.
Dan Auerbach tested his limits in JEFF the Brotherhoods 2012 album release, Hypnotic Nights. The album, resembling stoner rock, isn't at first a clear parallel to the Black Keys guitarist normal style. It takes a second listen to hear the influence. It works. 'Region of Fire' is the ultimate psychedelic track, coming off similarly to Led Zeppelin's sci-fi/fantasy inspired songs. It's a mystical sax and guitar love fest. The hooks and new found mass appeal are likely in thanks to Dan Auerbach. The group show tribute to Black Sabbath in playing 'Changes'. The song is played in perfection. There is visible maturation in this record.
Dan wasn't the only Key who was busy. Patrick Carney was hard at work bringing fame to The Sheepdogs by producing their most recent self titled studio album. Coming from Canada having won their way onto the cover of Rolling Stone, reigning in crowds to rival their peers by playing at festivals like Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo, the Sheepdogs have proved themselves time and time again. Their 70’s southern rock sound is a golden throwback demanding any classic rock fan to perk up and pay attention. Despite being around the block for a little while, for some reason the band hadn’t quite received the clout they fully deserved.The album takes off with “Laid Back”, a smooth, easy breezy song. The mood of “Laid Back” plays like a throwback to the Dead’s “Truckin’”. As you settle into the groove of the album, which makes you feel fine as apple pie, Carney’s influence becomes more and more apparent. It is especially noticed on the more uptempo, hand clapping jam “Feeling Good”. The album then takes a turn to a more sombre, psychedelic folk song called “Alright OK”. Before making the B side flip, the Sheepdogs slam in some classic blues gems; “Ewan’s Blues” and “The Way It Is”. The latter sounding more modern than the rest of the album with a garage rock bass line and fervent guitar. The A side closes in true classic rock fashion with an eclectic instrumental first act finale.
The B side is packed full of fun, funky, classic rock. It pulls the album together completely. This album the Sheepdogs have crafted is nothing short of a well polished story. They take you along for the ride. A ride to get you feeling good, feeling down, feeling groovy. It is all part of the Sheepdogs compilation plan.
The collaborations continue on into the fall. The Black Keys team up with RZA for the movie "The Man With the Iron Fists". The three duel over the last fortune cookie in 'The Baddest Man Alive'. Which is also the most underrated song of 2012. It really does deserve more clout.
The Keys close the year with an appearance on Ke$has latest album, Warrior and a slew of Grammy nominations. Carney helps out the pop tart on the track 'Wonderland'. A song not undefiled by autotune. So that's what Ke$ha really sounds like.
Tune into the Grammys tomorrow night and be sure to send your good vibes the Keys way.
