Brandi Carlile - The Story

This review is probably long overdue. If my goal is to turn you on to solid, different music - Brandi should have been my first review. You probably have to listen to her music to truly understand it, but her lyrics are great, her vocals are flat out phenomenal and her passion for the music is second to none. She is another artist that I got in touch with via the freebie of the week on iTunes. The song they released is called 'Closer To You' and is also very solid. The only reason I'm not going to review that album (her self titled debut) is simply because I don't know it as well. I've put it on a couple times but have not gotten to it as much as The Story. The title track has been used in a TON of tv shows, commercial advertisements and in sports. Due to such monstrous demand, a huge chunk of her sales came from online downloads - of course directly correlating with when people heard it on the television. Brandi does a little bit of everything. She's a bit folky, she's got some country elements to her, she's a bit poppy and a bit alternative at times. I'm pretty sure you'll find something you'll like. If she did a straight up country album, I'd have a very favorable review for that genre for the first time in a while. Her storytelling is amazing and when you hear the passion she brings to the mic, I promise you'll be impressed. Check it out B Side - and almost to Friday!

TRACK LISTING:
1. Late Morning Lullaby
2. Story, The
3. Turpentine
4. My Song
5. Wasted
6. Have You Ever
7. Josephine
8. Losing Heart
9. Cannonball
10. Until I Die
11. Downpour
12. Shadow on the Wall
13. Again Today

Listen To Samples

Top 3 Tracks:
1. The Story
2. Again Today
3. Turpentine

FINAL RATING:
3.75 out of 5 stars

Godsmack - Self Titled

As a continuation to what has carried over into 'New Music Wednesday', Godsmack put a new record out yesterday called The Oracle. Problem is, I can't find links to samples for you guys anywhere! I've vowed to myself that if I can't provide you a link to what I'm reviewing - I'll do it later. Maybe that's silly, but if you don't have your own way to get a taste, I figure I owe it to you for reading. Anyway, since I can't get to the new stuff - I'll do the old stuff. This was Godsmack's first record, and by far their best selling. I've noticed that some people have given this album really poor reviews, and I'm not quite sure why. I think there are 4 legitimately good songs on this one. Sure, I wouldn't put it up there in the music hall of fame or anything, but it's solid. To me, this is a good way to introduce yourself into the world of metal. It's kind of a gradual step, since they combine a lot of funky electronic stuff in their guitar work. They lay down some really fat beats to lay over the vocal side which is pretty unique. I don't think they have the really hard sound of other bands and they certainly don't have the shoutish vocals. I'd say if you're leery to dive into hard rock, check this album out. I think you might find you can get along with the genre, and find a happy medium. Don't go out and pick Gwar as your first listen. After all of this new music shenanigans, enjoy your hump day!

TRACK LISTING:
1. Moon Baby
2. Whatever
3. Keep Away
4. Time Bomb
5. Bad Religion
6. Immune
7. Someone in London
8. Get Up, Get Out!
9. Now or Never
10. Stress
11. Situation
12. Voodoo

Listen To Samples

Top 3 Tracks:
1. Voodoo
2. Whatever
3. Keep Away

FINAL RATING:
3.75 out of 5 stars

Deftones - Diamond Eyes

It's a bit of a 'New Music Wednesday' as this has become carryover. I had this album written down as a 5/25 release, but it turns out it dropped yesterday. That's a big B Side "Whoops" ladies and gentlemen. My source turned out to be not credible for album release dates. Ahh well, live and learn right? So - straight up, the Deftones are a pretty good band, wouldn't go as far as to call them great. I enjoyed the White Pony album the best, and Around The Fur had some decent stuff on it. They haven't put anything out since 2006 - and that was a record I'm yet to hear anything off of. This one seemed to have a little more hype surrounding it, as I've heard from a couple sources they were looking forward to it. I really enjoy the sound of this record, but I'm not sure I'll listen to it a ton. The backdrop is pretty awesome and some of the lyrical effects are pretty neat. I just can't see myself popping this in any more often than White Pony which seems to be once a year or so. My best Deftones memory was them covering Weezer's Say It Ain't So at a show years back. Maybe they'll put that on an actual cd someday. Until then, let me know what you think of this one. I'll say it's a fairly average record - but check it out. If you already loved the Deftones, this might be a home run for you.

TRACK LISTING:
1. Diamond Eyes
2. Royal
3. Cmnd/Ctrl
4. You've Seen the Butcher
5. Beauty School
6. Prince
7. Rocket Skates
8. Sextape
9. Risk
10. 976-Evil
11. This Place Is Death

Listen To Samples

Top 3 Tracks:
1. Diamond Eyes
2. Prince
3. This Place Is Death

FINAL RATING:
2.75 out of 5 stars

Deadmau5 - For Lack Of A Better Name

Sorry new music fans, but I couldn't just up and do away with Techno Tuesday! Since I'm only doing 2 reviews a day, it's going to have to be one of each (barring me just going crazy on writing one day). This Tuesday brings up Deadmau5. (It's actually pronounced dead mouse) But this guy is a Canadian based house and dance emcee, with some pretty crazy mixes. He'll have dropped 10 albums in 4 years when his anticipated and currently untitled work comes out in 2010. If you don't know anything about him, check out his bio sometime. He's got some fairly interesting things to say in addition to some monstrously fat beats to throw down. I can't claim to celebrate his entire catalog - I just really started listening to him about 1 year ago. I can say that his dance mixes are very unique and really span some genres. He'll be up in your face with a raging beat and loud vocals and then slow one down and put you in that mode. This record kicks off with a crazy snare solo beat that just keeps repeating and adds little elements here and there. Again, neat concept. Check this out sometime if you're in need of a pick me up. I think this would help anyone get through the day - just listening to the new and different stuff. Enjoy!

TRACK LISTING:
1. FML
2. Moar Ghosts n Stuff
3. Ghosts N Stuff (Featuring Rob Swire)
4. Hi Friend!
5. Bot
6. Word Problems
7. Soma
8. Lack Of A Better Name
9. 16th Hour, The
10. Strobe

Listen To Samples

Top 3 Tracks:
1. Ghosts N Stuff
2. Strobe
3. Lack Of A Better Name

FINAL RATING:
3.75 out of 5 stars

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony - Uni-5: The World's Enemy

NEW MUSIC TUESDAY is back! Today unleashed the first Bone Thugs album since 07's Strength and Loyalty. If I recall, this is the first time the original five members have put something out in quite a while. And to add to that, they intend to tour all together this year. They came to a show at the Rave back in March - but no one I knew wanted to go or could go. That was a bummer. I have been looking forward to this for a while, since as you've read - it's been a really slow time for hip hop. I've heard a couple singles and have been so far less than impressed. This almost seems to be something like a concept album - as there are a lot of strange and new gimmicks on it. A few songs are way too poppy for my tastes and don't feature the signature Bone Thugs flow. For that reason I'd expect it to sell fairly well, but maybe rap moguls would feel jaded - time will tell. I'm going to have to give this a few go rounds before I really pass judgment on it - but as of these couple listens it's so far not amazing. Come back in two weeks and ask me what I think of it and my opinion could be totally different. Check out the top 3 or the whole album if Bone Thugs are your boys, and let me know what you think. E99 and Creepin were my favorite BTNH records, and I don't think this one will sneak up there. Enjoy new music fans!

TRACK LISTING:
1. Law, The (Intro)
2. Rebirth
3. See Me Shine (Featuring J Rush)
4. Only God Can Judge Me
5. Wanna Be
6. My Life
7. Everytime
8. Fearless (Interlude)
9. Gone (Featuring Ricco Barrino)
10. Meet Me In the Sky (Featuring K-Young)
11. Universe
12. A New Mind = A New Life (Interlude)
13. Pay What They Owe
14. Facts Don't Lie

Listen To Samples

Top 3 Tracks:
1. Rebirth
2. Only God Can Judge Me
3. My Life

FINAL RATING:
3 out of 5 stars

***REVIEW #100*** - Weezer - Blue Album

In case you didn't notice my huge review title, this is the B-Side's ONE HUNDREDTH REVIEW!! Honestly I cannot believe it's that many already. Seems like just yesterday I was thinking about starting this up. Crazy. Anyway, since it's a fairly good milestone, I had to select one of my favorite records of all time. I have to tell you, I absolutely love Weezer. They've only tossed out a couple records I didn't care for, so for the most part if they drop something, it's gold. Quick backstory on the Blue Album here - one of my good friends was having his 11th birthday when this came out. We knew Buddy Holly from the radio - and that was probably about it. Well, I went over to the local Best Buy and picked this up for his bday. I recall him semi looking at me like, "Weezer, are you kidding me??" And to be totally honest, I had no idea if this would be any good or not. I mean, I liked the one song - so it had to be solid right? Little did we know that 16 years after the release - we'd still be jamming to this on a very regular basis. Seriously, this record is outstanding. Every track start to finish has its own unique identity of greatness. If you've heard this before, put it on again and really listen to the lyrics. Especially in a song like 'Only In Dreams'. Great stuff sitting right in front of your face. To get sentimental, this was one of my first cd's as well - and it was a great purchase. I can't say I've worn out the cd since I've been an MP3 man since 1998 or so - but it has to be the most played record on my iPod. If you haven't heard this, buy it right now. I have to put my B Side guarantee that you'll love this one. If you're facing a rough Monday morning, put on the Blue Album to take care of your case of the Mondays.

AND CELEBRATE 100 REVIEWS!!

TRACK LISTING:
1. My Name Is Jonas
2. No One Else
3. World Has Turned and Left Me Here, The
4. Buddy Holly
5. Undone -- The Sweater Song
6. Surf Wax America
7. Say It Ain't So
8. In the Garage
9. Holiday
10. Only in Dreams

Listen To Samples

Top 3 Tracks:
1. Say It Ain't So
2. Only In Dreams
3. In The Garage

FINAL RATING:
5 out of 5 stars

Death Cab For Cutie - Plans

Back in the 2006 or so timeframe, I had no idea who these guys were. I think I'd heard the name before - but for certain none of the actual music. A friend of mine made an MP3 cd of all music she enjoyed, which was almost all punk/emo tuneage. I was schooled on quite a few new artists while listening to that - these guys were one of the many bands teaching class that day. I like their sound. They've got a bit of a Jack Johnson meets Coldplay thing going with 'Plans'. Very laid back guitar riffs, some solid beats on tracks and then some pretty solid lyrics and vocals you can sing along to. Death Cab never seemed to reach huge numbers for album sales, this one is their best selling just making platinum. I guess thinking about it, I don't seem to know anyone who is overly gaga over them, so maybe it makes sense. If you didn't already know, the lead singer is also the frontman for the Postal Service, so maybe I'll do a review of them soon as well. If you're in that laid back kind of mode today, toss this one on. I think you'll groove along with a few tracks. Looks like they have not put anything out since 2008 - so I'll have to do some research on whether or not they intend to soon. Happy Monday!

TRACK LISTING:
1. Marching Bands of Manhattan
2. Soul Meets Body
3. Summer Skin
4. Different Names For the Same Thing
5. I Will Follow You Into the Dark
6. Your Heart Is an Empty Room
7. Someday You Will Be Loved
8. Crooked Teeth
9. What Sara Said
10. Brothers on a Hotel Bed
11. Stable Song

Listen To Samples

Top 3 Tracks:
1. Marching Bands Of Manhattan
2. Different Names For The Same Thing
3. Crooked Teeth

FINAL RATING:
3.25 out of 5 stars