Misconstrued Thoughts: Musical Misconstruedness

Here we have a touch of Irish Folk, well a large serving, but added is the 80's punk style that has become incorporated to much music of the last year. Sons and Daughters lead vocalist fits this genre very well. Here almost raspy harsh voice brings to mind the damp air of the Scottish bands homeland.

With classic Irish Folk instruments, with an electric punk flare, you'll often find yourself having a toe tapping good time. While the lyrics are often of a dismal status, the upbeat toon will keep your toes tap tap tap tap. (Sorry started singing some of the lyrics).

The beauty of the vocals on the album, they are not reserved only for the lead singer. The rest of the band adds throughout the song with harmonizing backup vocals. Yet, it is the main singer, which prevents this from being a perfect album. The last song finds her often going into a horrifying yell. This isn't a energy wielding cry, but a nagging annoying woman yelp. This small annoyance is the only dark portion of the album. All in all a stellar album go pick it up.

4.5 out of 5

Listen to this album

Posted by itzjerm at 07:56 AM | Permalink

Have the ramones been reborn? Well have the ramones become sober, got a synthesizer player and been reborn? The Kaiser Chiefs are the saviors of the new sound forth coming in the alternative modern 80’s sound. But the sound doesn’t end there, next thing you know you are listening to XTC in there best punk moments. (Remember XTC were not a punk band). It’s more the use of raising and falling vocals. An interesting creation is the end result. If you listen you may even find elements of the 80’s Twotone ska movement. Its all here. It will get you wanting it to be 1980 with your laptop and cell phone still with you.

4.5 out of 5

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Posted by itzjerm at 01:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

This album which has elements of many low fi trip hop groups does not shine out as unique. If you are a fan of those who try to capture the audience of groups such as Portishead, Morcheba, this may be the group for you. If that truly does not excite you, well then this may not be the album for you either. While not sophisticatedly unique, the album is rather pasifingly ambient. Therefore its not bad for relaxing background music. The group does have more a vent toward jazz here and there too. One of the most notable moments of the album is the Chezk rap. Unique for certain. Its worth a listen once, purchase? Only if you are fan of the genre.

3 out of 5

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Posted by itzjerm at 10:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As this album starts you know you are in place for a surreal experience only the Flaming Lips can provide. A happy dream atmosphere is key to this album. Floating Voices, Synthesizers, proceed through the album. With various Choruses which make you bob your head back and forth, roll the windows down, and feel happy on the inside. But just when you are happy in this dream like world you realize somehow its not all happy. There is a nightmare like mood present too, and it is this contrast in feeling that makes the album, and really confuse you (Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Pt1,2). Yet you’ll continue to float through tunes such as Are you a hypnotist? Lyrically Do you Realize is the highest performer as its mellow melodic tune hold strong thoughts with lines like “Do you realize that everyone you know someday will die” But it ends on a positive note. These twist make the album one you must go experience on your own.

You can sample the album here

Posted by itzjerm at 04:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Listen to Rift

Jam music? I'll have to pass. We'll I agree with you. But if you feel this way don't pass on this album. This is one funny album. Maze with the repeating "You'll Never get out of this maze" Weigh with "Why Weigh on a Rainy Day".all you people at South Knox Hall will notice you pass why way every day (and therfore I sang that song everyday for 2 years). Sparkle with "Laugh and Laugh and Fall apart" these lines are great. But what makes them really great is the superb use of the voice. Its like Queen meets the Grateful Dead meets, well, Phish. And Lengthwise is great."When your there I sleep lengthwise and when your gone I sleep diagonal in my bed". Lines that make you say why sing about that, that's what makes this a keeper. Plus the whole album is portrayed on the cover, how cool is that.

Posted by itzjerm at 03:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This album has all the dramatic moments of a major conflict. Is this an international conflict? Yes in affect as Muse attempts to conquer the remainder of the worlds fan base. The album repeats a theme of spiraling dramatized moments. The initial song spirals upward toward the hard hitting piano of Apocalypse Please. War in place, grove is provided on some tunes such as Time is Running Out. While Absolution is an imploring of thought, making you wan the anger to end; speckled with signature ballads feeling is not missing. In fact, the album returns over and over with Emotion/Feeling/Energy/Conflict all flowing from one to the other. Live shows have an incredible amount of energy, but this album attempts to hold some of that energy. Particularly Absolution and Butterflies and Hurricanes create this feel. Yet even odd moments are found with Blackout, which gives a filling of early 20’s Europe. Get this album and appreciate what music is about, emotion.

Posted by itzjerm at 07:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

You MUST buy this album it will give you chills!!! Great lyrics, great music. OK, your going to listen to this and say "Hey that's Radiohead" Well while the lyrics are kinda similar and even the music style a bit the same all I can say is hey I like Radiohead, more people should copy them! But in reality this is a totally different sounding band. But what makes this album so wonderful is two things. The sincereness with which each album is sung. Its that great kind of music that you have to close your eyes and put all your soul into singing. And that's exactly what is done. For only 3 guys they have put together an unprecedented album. Unintended is the song that almost makes me cry every time I hear it, the song I hope to sing to someone one day. And then the next song Uno smacks you in the face of the true reality of so many relationships with its chorus "You could have been number one, if you'd only took the time, but you threw it all away".

Listen to Showbiz

Posted by itzjerm at 02:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Alternative Surf Rock at its best. This album just puts you in a good mood, makes you jump in your car and speed off into the sunset. Without the influence of the Pixies groups such as Nirvana would have never been able to get where they went. The mix of gentle calm surf hooks on songs such as Cecilia Ann and Stormy Weather, mixed with the anger and abuse of songs such as Rock Music shows the diversity an album can have while maintaining a common thread. Some of the strangest lyrics of all time, it is obvious that Frank Black is not a friend of the main stream, but maybe of some alien life form. The Happening - "They got a ranch they call number 51..You can't see it at all unless you are sci-fi"

Listen to Bossanova

Posted by itzjerm at 02:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This is Depeche Mode in their prime. Pure, Dark, Electronic music. Completely danceable yet totally compelling. There are so many groups who believe electronic music is either one or the other. Produced by Flood who also worked for New Order, U2, and the Smashing Pumpkins, his presence is felt. Enjoy the Silence is another song with a great instrumental introduction. And the whole album is an Electronic Music classic. This album meets Depeche Mode at their transition from Electro Pop 80's group to 90's Electronic Alternative Favorites. This mid point is their best work. Another album to listen to in the dark. (Or with a strobing light). All I can say is "Let me show you the world in my eyes"

Listen to Violator

Posted by itzjerm at 03:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Anything short of brilliant could not describe this album. The textures are so deep and so rich. There is no question that this is the greatest album ever created. It takes the feelings of every one of your senses and ties them in a compact knot. Disharmony and harmony are brought together in an ethereal blend. Thom York's voice pleads with the listener to feel his way and see his world. Songs such as Subterranean Homesick Alien really show the great merging of classic instruments with modern ones. While Exit Music (For a Film) and Karma Police show the true questions of being part of humanity. Both are haunting and chilling to the last vertebra of your spine. While Paranoid Android gives an interesting look at what we feel are norms. If you haven't bought this album you must. Sounds you have never heard will be found inside. Don't take it back after you've listened to it once or twice.or even ten times.sooner or later the complexities of the album will come together and you will see this is a true masterwork.

Listen to OK Computer

Posted by itzjerm at 03:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Now before you get all scared THIS IS NOT MARILYN, just Mansun a totally different group originally called Man Of the Sun. So with that common fear aside. This is one amazing album. Well let me tell you I have never seen one album flow as well as this one. True Pink Floyd is the master of this skill. But these boys from England truly got their act together for this first album. The lead singer goes everywhere from Johnny Rotten like vocals to sincere sympathetic yearnings. And hey how many other albums have a hippopotamus screaming in their song (look for it at the end of the first track). And the other great thing is you can pick this album up for a dollar or two in any trade store. (Guess some people don't appreciate good music).

Listen to Attack of the Grey Lantern [US]

Posted by itzjerm at 03:29 PM | Permalink

Hey now any group who gets there name from a Monty Python skit has to be good..right!? But really Toad is the greatest Alternative Folk groups ever. Dulceina is a great album with good pure music. Their use of vocals is quiet powerful. Glen Philips really shines in his singing performances. Another artist who truly puts his soul into his singing; you can tell there is no way he can sing some of the parts with his eyes open. There is too much feeling in many of the songs (i.e. Listen) for ones eyes to be open, you can really tell how he feels when he sings. It really makes you sing along, and really moves you even if you don't listen to the words only the sounds. Nanci is one of Toads funniest songs as he goes back and forth between liking Nanci and Lorreta. And I often find myself quoting Stupid. "I am feeling really stupid now" calls out the chorus. Of course you also have the hits Something's Always Wrong and Fall Down. The only bummer on this album is the last track Reincarnation Song the strangest Toad song of all time and unfortunately a part of this album. But the rest of the album more than makes up for that one song.

Listen to Dulcinea

Posted by itzjerm at 02:18 PM | Permalink

Ah nothing like a bunch of hacking Catholics, actually a bunch of chunky brothers from Chicago. Now imagine
Morissey joining a punk group, then you have the Smoking Popes. A great combination in my book. But what makes this album a masterwork is its look into relationships. You go full circle.
Rubella - "I'm in love with a girl and she's affected my whole world"
Mrs. You and Me - "I'm thinking about asking you to be Mrs you and me. I'm taking my time to make sure there isn't any doubt"
Just Broke Up, Need You Around, Can't Help the Teardrops
All those songs titles speak for themselves.
Adena "Wait till she knows how I fell about her, let her know I can't go on without her."
See full circle.

Listen to Born to Quit

Posted by itzjerm at 05:01 PM | Permalink