Why is Mute Math so Awesome?...

...Because they just are! The band's latest (and for me, much anticipated) album brings a true refreshing sound for those who love bands that continue to evolve with their age. "Odd Soul" is the latest installment of the New Orleans band's eclectic pop sound approach to synth-rock. After a very personally combative writing process for Mute Math's second album "Armistice"-which earned the group critical acclaim in 2009-the once quartet, nor trio embarked on their first self produced album that provides their listeners with a more personal in depth look at the band's inner thoughts.

"Despite the fact that many of the songs on Odd Soul—such as the garage-inflected title track—will inevitably make bodies move, the album simultaneously addresses some deeper themes hovering around all of the head nodding. “The lyrical idea of this record is loosely based on our upbringing in what I guess you could call eccentric Christianity,” Meany explains, adding that this is also the first album where Meany and King fully collaborated on lyrics. “We wanted to address a lot of the stories we’ve gathered over the years in what is an admittedly odd culture,” he continues. “And not only that, it’s our culture, and we know it well… I think writing this record certainly gave us a new appreciation for it, and it gave us a chance to be much more up front about ourselves (retrieved from http://mutemath.com/about/ on November 28, 2011).” This personal style of writing was an indicative function in leading to the albums title "Odd Soul". The lyrical concept of the album is to present ideas that heighten the awareness of many of the awkward ideas and feelings individuals perceive and process in their life journeys.


"Odd Soul" is great album for everyone. If you haven't heard any of Mute Math's music before, this is certainly a great way to introduce yourself to some real head bobbin', mature music. "GET IT!"
 

Black Friday+Cyber Monday=Christmas Jams Are on The Move

As promised, this post looks at the tunes that keep us all in the Christmas spirit. Well for some of us that is. Within this review there a couple of artists that make me think more of the toilet than anything else. So let us begin shall we.

Let's kick this thing off with a newly pop monster's attempt at bringing forth some Yul-tie cheer. I present to you none other than Justin Bieber's Holiday album "Under The Mistletoe". Now if there are a couple of Biebernites (or whatever they call you cult followers) let me just tell you that this album is pure CRAP! There is nothing cool about taking some classic Christmas tunes and making them poppie. The album is predictable and lame. Not only that, I really tried to give the kid the benefit of the doubt but his voice made me want to hurl. "Sorry!" There I said it. In my opinion this record is only for the prepubescent teenie boppers who are praying for Santa to leave them a Bieber clone under the tree.

Our next album, and one of my faves, is an amazing interpretation of classic Holiday songs that really get's you in the mood. Three time Grammy Nominated Artist, Kim Hill brings a mature and balanced presentation of some memorable songs that just make you want to cozy up by the fire with your "Boo" and enjoy some hot coco. Hill's album "Christmas Back to You" offers a pleasant fusion of jazz, country, and some smooth rock that will really get you reflecting on what Christmas is all about. The album also provides a colaboration between Kim and her Son, Ben who bring a very interesting interpretation to a timeless Christmas classic. In all this is one of my favorites for this year.

He's known as the "Bube" in short by some of his friend, but the rest of us know him as Michael Buble. Buble maintains his smooth jazz style approach to music that brings his listeners back to a time where Dean Martin and the Rat Pack ruled the media airwaves. Buble's album, "Christmas" does nothing, but speak for itself. Listening to this album takes you back to a time where big band was the in thing, and Jazz set the foundation for style that remains classy, charismatic, and the foundation for everything modern in music. The album contains some fun duets with Shaina Twain and Latin Artist, Thalia. Michael Buble's "Christmas" is a must have in my opinion. 

Our next Christmas album comes from the cute little voice of Zoey Dechanel in her duo group She & Him. The duo's Holiday album is entitled "A Very She & Him Christmas", which offers a very laid back jazzy feel to timeless Christmas jams. The two do a magnificent job of keeping all of the songs true to form and tradition. There is no question that this album will catapult you into the Christmas spirit. You will love how She & Him stick to the integrity of what these songs are all about. Another great holiday album to add to your collection.


These are a couple of albums that I have selected that I think are fun. Well all except the Bieber one. I really tried to get into it, but I couldn't. There was no possible way for me to enjoy it no matter how hard I tried. That being said, I hope that you enjoy this post and if you haven't checked out Spotify and listened to these, and many other artists, I strongly suggest that you do. Spotify is a great way to preview your faves new material before investing in it. If you like what you hear, show you support and buy it. Thanks again and be on the look out for more posts.

Local Love for South Florida Band

So if you were in the Jupiter, Florida area and needed a break from the Black Friday madness last night, I hope you had a chance to sit in on String Theory's set at the Square Grouper. This amazing four piece offers you a killer list of modern and classic covers that will really get you moving.

Shane, D-Man, Mark and Bruce kicked off the night with a little Steve Miller Band and managed to get the crowd a little hot under the mattress with their cover of King's of Leon's "Sex on Fire". In all String Theory's energy was high and really engaging with their fans. If you are in the market for a professional group of guys that would offer your event a real eclectic variety of music, then String Theory is your band. You can find them at www.stringtheoryband.com, and get in contact with Shane Bushman for booking. Be sure to check out their schedule online and if you are close by stop in, enjoy, and support some of South Florida's local talent.

Nickelback! The Other Canadian Band

Nickelback's last album "Dark Horse" brought the Canadian band down to a more simpler sound, thanks producer Mutt Lang. Now, I'm not a hardcore fan of the group but I must say that I really enjoyed "Dark Horse". When I learned that the band was releasing another album I was kind of excited.

Now I know the guys have been dubbed as one of the cheesiest band lyrically along with a variety of other criticisms that at times seemed a bit unfair, but truth is they must be doing something right. That being said this review is pertaining to the band's latest project entitled "Here and Now". This album maintains a bit of the sound and musical approaches that were developed in "Dark Horse", however there are some "Eh" moments that made me feel a bit awkward when listening to the album. My least favorite track on the record is "When We All Stand Together. To me this song was like a poor interpretation of Chumbawuma, Men at Work, and Toto "On crack"! The arrangement is really lame and goofy lyrically. It was just dumb. The rest of the album consists of fun topics centered around boozing and finding some hot stripper that is willing to give you a good time provided you pay for it. "Real original boys!" Now I'm not saying that I hate this album, but I can't with good conscience give it anything higher than a 3 out of 5 stars. If you like this Canadian Rock Troop go for it, but you can't say that I didn't warn you.


If you want to hear the album in its entirety before investing in it, check out Spotify.com and sign up for a membership. This is one of my chief resources for finding new stuff and letting you know my thoughts on new releases. Enjoy the rest of your Turkey Day vacation and be on the look out for My Christmas Album picks.

Hippies Still Fighting "The Man"

So I was sitting in my office again listening to some jams on Spotify, and I came across this interesting album that was a cross between Jim Croce and a barber shop quartet that probably was kicked out of every shop because the failed to learn one vital skill...

..."HOW TO SING!" Now despite the interesting vocals (that were an interpretation of Marlboro Menthol Folk Vocals) I couldn't stop listening to it.

You may be asking, "Who is this band and why did you keep listening?" Well the answer to those questions are simple. The band is called Dad Rocks and the album is called "Mount Modern".

Now this album takes and interesting critique on current sociological issues that are effecting American Culture. Dad Rocks focuses on unemployment to how social media drives self esteem in the toilet. Despite the interesting vocals, this album was worth the listen and fun. Dad Rocks comedic satire of how stupid and lazy people really are was really on point. If you are into Folk Music and willing to endure the political satire, "Mount Modern" is worth a listen.

Bonamassa Blues Lives in West Palm Beach

Oh Yeah! If you like Blues, legendary guitar licks, and live in the South Florida area; you'd better bring another pair of pants because Joe Bonamassa is coming to town and there is a slight chance that you might crap yourself because he's that good. This profound master of Blues-Rock has been maintaining the sound and true meaning of the Deep South's Mississippi Delta Jams. There is no doubt that you will love Joe's sound and new album "Dust Bowl".

There is no doubt that from the first strum of Bonamassa's new album, you'll find yourself catapulted to that intimate place within your soul that brings The Blues to life for so many. Old Southern Rock enthusiasts will love this masterpiece, as Bonamassa pays tribute to Bluegrass and Country influences alike. "Tennessee Plates" is one of those tracks that will get you ready for a good time. "It's like you're sitting on the front porch snackin on some cornbread and beans down in Miss-sippi."...

...Okay that was my poor attempt at acting all Southern and stuff. Look the reality of the matter is that I was born in New York and I can't hide it. I'm a Yankee boy! Born and...

...Okay look I need to stop because this could get the South all pissed off again and then we'll be in a real big heap of poo.

So back to the album, "Dust Bowl", shall we? There is a bit of a darker sound to some of the arrangements of the tunes that really make this a CD for all types of people. There is no doubt that this is something that will get your blood boiling. You'll be charged and ready to go with you musket in hand...

..."DAMN IT!" "MUSKET!?" "REALLY!?" I promise no more Civil War gags. Look! Find the album and buy it. Hopefully that will keep the piece. 

Angels & Airwaves = A Kinda Gorwn-Up Tom Delonge

Well once Blink-182 got back together, people wondered if the band's guitar player, Tom Delonge would continue with his side project Angels & Airwaves. The bands third album titled, "Love", proves that he is still looking to maintain his newly found mature musical endeavors.

The newest project is a two disc album that is aptly identified as Part 1 and Part 2. For those of you who buy your jams on iTunes, you could have found each album sold individually for $4.99, but now due to awesome marketing skeems you're stuck paying full price for all of them HAHAHAHAHA!

Okay! All joking aside, the album maintains the cool loop driven synth patterns that gave the AVA its sound. Still hard hitting with some more mature content, "Love" is a good little two pack jam. There are some clear differences between Prt.1 and 2 in some ways. Prt. 2 seems to maintain a bit more the harder punk sounds of the band's Sophomore album I-Empire. Despite what your take my be on AVA, "Love" is a fun number.