Avett Brothers hit high notes with albums

When a band has the ability to innovate themselves away from the norm of the music industry, their music takes precedence over all the other bands. When a band is able to stick with their innovative attitudes, their albums have the rawness that most artists are unable to do.

                The musical group The Avett Brothers has made a name for themselves in the blues-folk area. The Concord, N.C., based band has gained recognition in the music industry for staying pure with their sound.

                The band consists of Scott (vocals, piano, acoustic guitar, banjo and harmonica) and Seth (vocals, piano, acoustic guitar and drum kit) Avett, Bob Crawford (vocals, upright bass and trumpet) and Joe Kwon (cello). The band formed in 2000.

                With their latest album I and Love and You the band received help from producer Rick Rubin. Rubin is widely known for his work with many rock bands, including Linkin Park, Rage Against the Machine and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. He's known for his way of stripping down songs, which includes limited back up for vocals and sound.

                I and Love and You was the major label debut album. It garnered a hit and produced their 17 track live concert album, Live Vol. 3. I and Love and You peaked at number 16 on the Billboard top 200 charts. It was the number one folk album in the country at the time.

                The band’s fifth studio album, Emotionalism was released in 2007. It debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Heat Seekers Albums chart. Later on, it entered the Billboard top 200 charts at number 134.

                I and Love and You was truly a gem among other albums last year. The lyrics to the songs seem like the most poetic verses to ever be read. The song "Kick Drum Heart," is upbeat and brings a lot of drum beats to the eardrum, while the song "January Wedding," is more soulful and heartfelt. The whole album conveys the feeling of love, loneliness and yearning for something more.

                The band has been self promoting themselves for years, their five studio albums, four EP’s and three live albums. They also toured to promote each album; most of the shows occurred in North Carolina

                The Avett Brothers performed at the Bonnaroo Music festival in June 2010. The harmonies on each of their albums are perfect, and they each blend smoothly in with the sound waves escaping through the headphones. With their indie rock and folk sound, they border the line of sounding like a Mountain Man version of the Beatles.

                Their love laced lyrics also help with the comparison. Fans who appreciate bluegrass, folk rock or country will greatly enjoy the sounds of the Avett Brothers.

Dobson attempts to lure fans back with album

                The long awaited official second album by Canadian rocker FeFe Dobson was finally released Nov. 30. After being pushed back numerous times due to Dobson being dropped from her original label and then being signed back on two years later put a strain on the album. Most of the original songs slated to be featured on the album, Joy were eliminated and Dobson had to write new songs.

                The 13 track album features a wide range of Dobson’s vocal talent. However, it strongly lacks the best quality Dobson has to offer, her punk rock attitude. With Dobson’s range of putting her own unique twist on her music, the album is still lackluster.

                It debuted in the Canadian Charts landing in the top 60. The album has not charted in the U.S., yet, and the chance of it doing so is slim unless she promotes the album better. She’s performed on several U.S. news shows and on a few lukewarm popular television shows.

                Two singles were released at the same time for the album entitled, “I Want You 2 Watch Me Move.” Its two song titles combined into one, and they were only promo songs.  Both singles were commercial hits. “Watch Me Move” was featured on numerous television show promos.

                The first official single was “Ghost,” a song about a scorned ex who sees her ex with another girl. The video sheds light on how Dobson has matured. She still possesses the energy of legendary rocker Joan Jett.

                The album has more of a pop-esque edge to it, even though Dobson tries to hold on to her edgy side.  “Thanks for Nothing” and “In Your Touch” still prove that Dobson is a superb lyricist who can convey almost any emotion into a song. The one thing the album shy’s away from is sappy love songs.

                “Stuttering” is a confusing song, about being scorned by a lover, which seems to be a recurring theme throughout the album.

                The best tracks, “I Made Out with Your Boyfriend” and “Johnny Cash,” are hidden on the iTunes deluxe version of the album.  She tries to redeem herself in her fans’ eyes with this album, but the poppy sound will completely throw off fans at first.  Fans will be able to tell how much Dobson put into this album, especially since it took over six years for her to gain her spotlight back.

                But, the album lacks the hardcore sound that made fans fall in love with her. Dobson is currently touring to support the album with acoustic shows across the U.S. 

               Granted Dobson was 18 years old when her self titled first album was released, but she still tries to hold on to that Joan Jett mentality. The album is fair, but with the right state of mind it could have been better.

Florence and the Machine garners attention w/ enchanting album

                London based band Florence and The Machine has made a remarkable mark in the U.S. The band is composed of solo singer Florence Welch and a backing band of musicians.  The 24-year-old fiery red head has been making a notable track record when it comes to live shows by touring most the U.K. since 2009.

                They performed at the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize Concert in December, and most recently Welch performed during the opening Aretha Franklin Tribute at the 53rd Grammy Awards.  The band was nominated for Best New Artist at the 53rd Grammy’s. They will also be embarking on a U.S. tour this summer.

                They’ve been classified as art rock, folk rock and soul, which is a very rare mix to uphold.  The debut album, Lungs, was released July 6, 2009, by Island records. The album has received immense praise in the U.K. by debuting at number two on the charts.

                Lungs stayed at the top of the charts for 65 weeks making it the top selling album in the U.K. in 2009 and 2010. It has been certified four times platinum in the U.K. and two times platinum in Australia.  

                The first single released off the album, “Kiss with a Fist,” became a worldwide commercial hit.  It was featured in several U.S. television shows, including the NBC comedy Community. Contrary to its lyrics, the song is about a ‘punch drunk love’ type of relationship.

               Welch used the album as a 46 minute therapy session after a short lived spilt from her boyfriend at the time.  The second and the most triumphant of her singles, “Dog Days are over” became a hit during the summer of 2010.

                It was used in countless television promos and movie trailers such as the 2010 Julia Roberts movie, “Eat, Pray, Love.” She even performed the song at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards.

                Originally the song had a stripped down version that was included on the album. The song became so widely popular that it was performed by the actors on the high school based musical show, Glee.

                The album is encased with spitfire passion and aggression about a relationship gone wrong. The imagery and vivid lyrics give the listener the hint of a scorned lover speaking their mind.

                The one instrument that the album possesses that others lack is a harp. As uncommon as it may sound, the harp brings the seemingly wood nymph feeling to each song.  Other notable songs on the album include, “Drumming Song,” which showcases Welch’s songwriting skills, and “You’ve got the love” significantly displays Welch’s vocal ability.

                The album basically entails a whirlwind romance that goes through bumps and the spark ignites between them repeatedly.  Most of the lyrics have a hint of similarity with Edgar Allen Poe writings that depict death and sadness.

                Welch has that mysterious ability to entice a listener with love sick melodies and then slap them in the face with every sad emotion known to mankind.

                The band is currently working on their second studio album which is set for a 2011 release date. Welch is also in the studio collaborating with Canadian Rapper Drake for his second studio album.

Adele delivers highly impressive sophomore album

      Every musician has the ability to evoke emotion in their music, but the level of emotion depends on the musician’s vocal abilities. U.K. singer, Adele is perhaps the best musician who can accomplish that feat.

      The 22 year old had major success with her first album, “19.” It earned her the 2010 Grammy for Best New Artist and also for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Her appearance on a 2008 episode of the acclaimed show, “Saturday Night Live,” vaulted her to the top of the Billboard charts overnight.

      The recently released album, “21,” is truly an astonishing album that indulges into heartbreak and desire for the love she lost. The 11-track album captures every pure feeling involved in love. It’s a version of a diary that most people crave to read.  Unlike her previous album, this one captures the angst and the bitterness of someone who’s going through heartbreak.

      The album has defeated the obstacle that most sophomore albums lack, becoming the number one album in its first week of release. Not only that, but after her performance at the 2011 Brit Awards, that was so beautiful it wouldn’t be a surprise if a few tears were shed.

      The first single, “Rolling in the deep,” has become a massive hit with the soulful sound she carries in her vocals. The song has no similarities to her previous major singles, “Chasing Pavements” and “Hometown Glory.”

      She does her own rendition of “Love song,” which is hands down probably the best version of the song ever made. Yes, it even beats 311’s version.

      This album pulls at the heartstrings of a confused and bitter lover. It keeps the listener in a trance that makes them feel the sorrow and hurt that Adele provides in each song.

      The true inspiration for the album surfaced during her U.S. tour to promote her first album, 19. She was introduced to bluegrass and country while on tour and that made “21” an exceptional album. She collaborated with record producer Rick Rubin, and One Republic lead singer Ryan Tedder contributed to the album.

      Tedder’s effort in the song, “Turning Tables” is startlingly excellent and it doesn’t mimic his work with other musicians.

      The album truly shows the feelings of heartbreak and bitterness mixed in with a few cheerful tunes. When Adele started production on the album she was going through a difficult breakup and the album became her method of venting out all those built up emotions.

      Adele has the flawless ability to keep the listener drawn in. The track “Someone like you” is hands down the best of the album.  With no other instruments on the track but a piano, she brings all the sorrow that comes with losing love gracefully.

      It has so much raw emotion and the lyric, “Regrets and mistakes they're memories made, who would have known how bittersweet this would taste,” gives the song the intimate feeling of longing.

Foo Fighters to release Wasting Light April 12

It’s a great achievement when a rock band can stay intact for more than 10 years. The Foo Fighters has exceeded that expectation by continuing to make guitar riff heavy music for 17 years.

They recently released their first single “Rope” from their seventh studio album Wasting Light, which is set for release April 12.

Along with the release of Wasting Light, the band is premiering their first film on April 12, which chronicles the band’s years together.  The band formed in 1994 with front man Dave Grohl, who’s most noted for being the drummer for grunge band Nirvana.

Rounding out the current members of Foo Fighters is Chris Shiflett (lead guitar, rhythm guitar and backing vocals), Nate Mendel (bass), Taylor Hawkins (drums, percussion and backing vocals) and recently returning member Pat Smear (rhythm guitar, lead guitar, and backing vocals).

The new 11 track album is the first full collaboration with noted producer Butch Vig. He is most known for being the mastermind behind Nirvana’s Nevermind album.  The album was produced and recorded in Grohl’s garage, and it features a collaboration with Krist Novoselic, Grohl’s former Nirvana band mate.

The album was made with no computer software, everything was on analog tape. Picturing the Foo Fighters taking this approach was hard, but as the first single “Rope” shows it’s worked out for the best.

Their last studio album Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace (2007) was nominated for five 2008 Grammy Awards. The band won two of those five awards. It was an incredible album that showcased many sides of the band. They experimented with bluegrass and dramatic effects with the album.

But, with Wasting Light there’s a strong possibility, it will trump all preconceived notions by wary fans.

Lykke Li releases darker new album

Swedish Indie singer Lykke Li has the power to keep the world in tune with her undeniable unique sound.

Li is perhaps one of the most creative artists in today’s industry. With her whispery voice and love scorn lyrics, each song captivates a listener. Li has been a fan favorite of indie artist with her mix of soul and electro pop. With her new album, Wounded Rhymes, she decided to record in Los Angeles. The album was released Feb. 25 to rave reviews.

The album tops her debut, Youth Novels. The lyrics are more powerful and the sound is more eclectic. It’s a darker album than Youth Novels.

In the first single, “Get some” she expresses having all the power in a relationship. With infectious hooks and danceable beats, Wounded Rhymes falls easily in the category of one of the top albums of 2011. The ballad “Unrequited Love” shows the vulnerable side that the album possesses with melodic guitar riffs and amazing backing vocals.

The album opener “Youth Knows No Pain” brings the noise with upbeat drums. Even though Youth Novels was an impressive debut album with songs like “Little Bit,” “Breaking it up,” and “Everybody but me,” no other songs featured on the new album sound like duplications of those songs.

The major winners on the sophomore album are the ballads that embody that raw sound the Li is notorious for. With her emotional and impeccable creative mind, Wounded Rhymes is far from horrible.

Li had a single featured on the soundtrack of the Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack. The song, “Possibility,” is an absolutely haunting song about heartbreak. The soundtrack topped the charts and gave Li a wider fan base.

Hip Hop phenom Drake used “Little Bit,” on a mix tape he released before he dominated the U.S. charts.
She even did a cover of the song “Knocked Up” which is by Kings of Leon and that makes her incredible in the eyes of music lovers.

Incubus returns after five-year recording hiatus

One band that has been a stable in the alternative rock genre is Incubus.

Since its debut in 1991, the band hasn’t left room for disappointment with their poetic lyrics and monumental albums.

Lead singer Brandon Boyd is the epitome of brilliant along with Mike Einziger (lead guitar/ backing vocals), Ben Kenney (bass guitar/ backing vocals), Chris Kilmore (turntables/ keyboards) and Jose Pasillas (drums) collectively are just musical geniuses.

Even with their third album, Make Yourself producing hit songs such as “Drive,” “Pardon Me,” and “Stellar” making the band a notable fix in music it didn’t make them a platinum band. 

By far the best of their work shows on their fourth studio album, Morning View, which had a softer tone than their previous albums.  Morning View made Incubus that band for the ultimate summer mix tape with its smooth melodies and harmonious lyrics.  Songs like “11am” and “Echo” have unbelievable melodies.  Fans could tell that their sound has changed over the years as they have matured.

Their latest album Light Grenades was released in 2006 and scored the band their first number one slot on the Billboard charts. After Light Grenades the band went on a five year hiatus as they all decided to focus on their personal lives.  

As with most bands who take an extended hiatus, their record company released a greatest hits album entitled, Monuments and Melodies in June 2009. The compilation included a bonus disk with b-sides, covers, and alternate takes and became the band’s fourth album to reach the top five on the Billboard charts.

The new album, If Not Now, When is planned for a July 2011 release. The first single off the album

“Adolescents” embodies the same Incubus sound that many have to come to love. The 11 track album will hopefully show more of the band’s maturity and Boyd’s creative song writing. 

So far the critics love the buzz around the new album; hopefully that won’t hinder fans thoughts if the album falls short. But, come on its Incubus. They can do no wrong in their fans’ hearts.