Music Is My Religion

I talk about the music I listen to and love.

[musicismyreligion]

Album Swap - Mitski’s Bury Me At Makeout Creek

So I think I found the perfect music buddy at work. She's a fellow co worker and we just ALWAYS talk about music (and SCREAM). So I thought, "hey you listen to newer stuff I listen to older stuff, let's recommend an album for the week we have to listen to and get back to each other one it. There's another music buddy/fellow co worker but we've yet to do this album swap, considering I only came up with it this week. He and I tend to bond over classic rock gems. So if you're reading, D, we need to do a classic rock swap! Anyways, once G and I we got our fervid selves calmed down enough we immediately gave each other suggestions. My recomendation to her was Black Rebel Motorcycle's Specter At The Feast. I know, it's not exactly old in terms of release date but the band has a good 10 plus years under their belt, so I guess that counts as not so new? She wasted no time suggesting to me Mitski's Bury Me At Makeout Creek. I listened to this album while on a drive to work and found it a very fun morning commute soundtrack. I am going to try not to compare her to any artists but see how I can articulate the sound. She's very raw and primaland not much slick production going on. These songs sound like they were recorded with a nervous need to express oneself in a bedroom late at night. The songs are wide and expansive and consume the space around you with quiet and earnest moments that just explode into an abrasive wall of fuzz. There's hints of dream pop, country and 70's adult contemporary. Mitski's catchy hooks blend in well with the brash rock sounds and kept me on edge making me give the album a lot of attention. You'll notice in my posts that I tend to appreciate albums that can get my attention while I listen instead of regulating it to background noise - as I drive in this case. Francis Forever was one song in particular showed off a good example of how pop infused this album is, if it wasn't a single before, it should be! Another song that stuck out was First Love/Late Spring her tone in this song reminded me of Astrud Gilberto and had that bossanova sensuality in it. This tenderness then morphs easily into a church like gospel choir of a chorus tail gated by an celestial solo. Please, PLEASE check out this album if you want a cool yet attention grabbing soundtrack to a morning commute. It will gently wake you up, alternatively it works well as a unwinder after a long day! Thanks to my co worker and fellow music lover for recommending this! Can't wait to get next week's recommendation.

[musicismyreligion]

Old Vs New media

This post isn’t a review of an album. This post is about the state of music today and the countless nostalgic posts, discussions and rants about old vs new in terms of how music is consumed and experienced today. Over the years I’ve had varying views going back and forth but I’ve always kept up with the ‘trends’ of consumption and music availability. The ‘trends’ of popularity and what’s cool in music is a different ball game and my getting older may show in that regard. As I go with the flow with a lot of these trends I’ve come to the realisation that I’m perfectly fine with streaming and downloading (legally). So this post is basically stating my case. A few days ago I came across an article through my facebook paper app about things kids today won't understand about music consumption/experiences from the past, and while reading through it I was thinking a lot about how I listened to and consumed music back then and now. For starters, I admit, I rarely listen to music with undivided attention compared to when I was younger… blame adult life. I also have to say there are some aspects of nostalgia that come into play, thanks to this article, that I am not sure if I miss or just appreciate in some degree? Recording songs off of Radio, going to music stores (which I still do) and spending hours going through albums may be some aspects I miss. What I don’t miss are things like physical storage issues, boxes of cassettes (for those who DO know what that is), CDs and, well, Records (I drank the kool-aid on that one). Sure, there’s a bit of mysticism or hypnotic feel with staring at the album artwork while listening but I can HONESTLY tell you I’ve had that same feeling when I listened to albums via iTunes or Spotify (when I am able to devote attention to the listening experience) and not hold anything in my hand. This is my SOLE point, your music experience is what you make of it. All this complete and utter BULLSHIT about physical media for albums creating a better experience is not only a sign of old fogies and hipsters who just want to bitch and moan needlessly and make an excuse as to what will get them to sit and listen to something wholeheartedly, but they are robbing themselves of something that should always be the priority: LETTING THE MUSIC SPEAK (or sing) FOR ITSELF! Covers, jackets, booklets, trinkets (from boxsets) are distractions/enhancers of the listening experience but the experience should always be focused on the MUSIC- the main selling point and attraction. A lot of the music I got in my formative years came from recording from radio or asking friends to duplicate on cassettes the albums they owned. When MP3’s came around I got them and recorded to cassettes/burned to CDs so I can listen whenever I wanted. The struggle was a bit real but I appreciated the music so much more because I was able to just zone out and let the music guide me with no distractions. When I was able to buy my music at record stores having the covers and booklets didn’t really do THAT much to enhance the experience because I still zoned out. I also got royally pissed when I did buy some albums and it didn’t come with lyrics - I felt a bit duped in that regard. Now that I stream and download from iTunes (mostly stream now) I find myself returning to those days where there was no distractions and all I had to do was just zone out to the music. It’s a freeing experience. You don’t have to let the imagery of the album cover dictate what you ‘see’ in your mind as you listen. However! Don’t get me wrong, I love a good album cover and sometimes great artwork can enhance the visuals in your mind even more! Just like how a good music video can make a mediocre song better or a bad music video could spoil a good song for me. I’ve also had moments where a good album cover got me to take a chance on an album, but the listening experience is not dying because of all this ‘digital-ness’. It is only dying because you let it die for yourself. The experience is what you make it out to be for yourself. If you need an expensive hi-fi system and a turntable, to get up in 15 - 20 min intervals to flip a record or to stare into a booklet then that’s cool. The one thing I’ll say is that you should always remember music is music, it’s aural first and foremost and should be allowed to take centre stage over any accompanying package. Good music stands out no matter how it’s sold/streamed to you. Never forget that. Sincerely, someone who tries to keep it about the music…

[musicismyreligion]

Sorry for the inconsistency

Hey there everyone, (all 8 of you followers, currently). Sorry for the inconcistency and scarcity. These past days or months I've just been swamped with work and hardly listneing to music as much as I used to. Don't worry though, I'm working on changing that and making more time for music. Been in love with the new Florence + The Machine these days and waiting (im)patiently on the new Veruca Salt. Hopefully I'll write on these soon or maybe some older released albums as I've been trying to redisocver some albums I haven't listened to in ages (like Fever To Tell by the Yeah Yeah Yeah). I feel like people get too caught up on NEW music all the time that we sometimes forget about the older albums that impacted on us as well or paved the way for some of this new music. I'm trying to strike a balance with old and new though it seems I am really struggling with keeping up with either far be it for both! Alas, don't give up on me as I haven't given up on this blog just got put on the back burner unintentionally. See you sooner than later!

[musicismyreligion]

Lantern Through The Labyrinth by Casey Stratton

Few albums actually manage to successfully create a sense of cohesion matched by a good novel or movie. The story contained in Casey Stratton's Lantern Through The Labyrinth is only as in depth and engrossing as your imagination. The funny thing is, it can also stir up your imagination in ways you never knew how to and keep you in that place all the way to the end of the album. It also serves as an interesting lullaby album to help lull you into sleep - and probably some interesting dreams, I dare you to try that.

To begin this reignition of your imagination, the album commences with a Prologue that sets the tone impeccably. A feeling of longing, stirrings from the ethers of the Universe, a sense of hope even though you may feel dread. It's an opener that lets you know that exploration is key to enjoying and realising this album.

The Prologue flows seamlessly into Lantern signalling a birth of the album's 'character' which actually feels like the birth of the listener. The way Casey cries out "I was frozen in my last dream," is a strong statement alluding to the fact that when your reality has ended a new one begins, it's up to you to realise it's a new life. Dreams, as known to many Carl Jung enthusiasts, is as real as reality outside of sleep, and so Casey's Lantern holder continues onto his/her new dream or reality. As the character enters this new beginning the Universe ensures he/she experiences what is needed in order to learn the required lessons. The song starts of like a lullaby and slowly increases in intensity and volume as if waking up and slowly walking through the halls of your mind, or in this case, dream... or reality, it's all the same, when you think about it.

Looking Glass has a primal percussion running through it that makes your spirit dance. A primordial urge and passion signalling curiosity and fearlessness of the unknown. It feels like the tarot's Fool walking to the edge of the cliff and taking his plunge. The song, to me, is a realisation of humanity's pure elements and what it means to take curiosity to your limits and the consequences that come with that.

Clepsydra has a hypnotic pattern about it that reminds me of Annie Lennox, an introspective yet siren like calling to direct your explorations. It's funny how I mentioned the sirens. For those who may not know, in Greek mythology, the ocean explorers had this myth about a trio of women singing from a rocky shore to lure travellers to shipwreck. When researching the meaning of Clepsydra, I found that it is a type of water clock that the Greeks used to tell time. In most Tarot traditions, the cups/water is associated with emotions. In this song emotions are bound by time. Expectations, goals, longing, all time driven emotions that build or break the human spirit.

In order to not rob you, the reader of this blog and potential listener of Lantern Through The Labyrinth, I am not going to make this a track by track analysis. The analysis of the first four songs, is an example of how to really approach this album. I must emphatically insist that you listen to this with the best headphones you can find or surround sound system and close your eyes and let this music guide your emotions and your imagination. This album feels like it was not just from Casey Stratton himself but he was a conduit for The Source, Universe, God, what ever you want to call it. 

This album was created for our listening pleasure and education. It's an album that doesn't speak to the consciousness but the human unconsciousness. As 'woo woo' as all this may sound to you, you may not realise it on first listen but it will speak to you soon enough. It took me three or four listens for this album to basically bitch slap me across the face and learn a lot about myself from it. It is, in short, an aural fairy tale that enchants the listener and leaves him or her with a feeling of hopefulness for the human spirit and spirituality in a greater sense.

For a mere $16 you can buy a deluxe version of the album with instrumental versions and a video where Casey talks about the songs and the making of the album. Check it out here. Of course, it's also on Spotify and iTunes.

[musicismyreligion]

Girls With Fun Haircuts by Bearcubbin'!

Photo: Simon Boas & Julianne Rose Tunnelle

I can’t say that I am a prominent listener of Math Rock, I’m not even entirely sure if I understand what makes that genre what it is, or if I can safely say I know what bands play that style. Truthfully, math and I aren’t the best of friends, so the idea of it being part of a genre of rock is confusing to me. What’s not confusing to listen to, however, is Beaverton Oregon’s Bearcubbin’!. Their music may be challenging to listen to at times, but as a whole it makes for a very pleasurable listen; and yes, the apostrophe and exclamation point are part of the band’s name.

If you’ve been following The Smashing Pumpkins (SP) in recent years you may know of Bearcubbin’s existence. I got introduced to the band when it was announced that Mike Byrne was to replace SP’s drummer Jimmy Chamberlain back in 2010. Being the music slut that I am, I got curious and thought to check out the band Mike was originally in before joining SP.

When I first heard the band, I was initially intrigued by the fact they are an instrumental band and furthermore, an instrumental band that made such a challenging style of music, I suppose that’s one characteristic of Math Rock, and Math itself, fucking challenging. Admittedly, while I appreciated, and to a degree, respected the band and their sound I didn’t really rush to put them on my iPod or iPhone, but being a glutton for aural punishment however, I kept trying to get into them. I guess I just really wanted to find a way into this band’s chaotic yet whimsical world, and this happened with their latest album, Girls With Fun Haircuts.

A few months prior to the release of Girls With Fun Haircuts the band put out a performance clip for the song High School Field Trip To Murder Island I was intrigued by the sound of this song. You know that moment where you never really thought much of a band and then suddenly the planets all aligned and you find your entry into the band by that ONE song? Well this was that song. I had to admit, it was probably the catchiest song I had heard from the band up until this point.

Not long after the album was released and I wasted no time getting it on iTunes. The album starts off with this whimsical, almost circus like title track Girls With Fun Haircuts. Although it’s seemingly whimsical, for those who aren’t prepared to challenge their ears, it may seem, dare I say, annoying but don’t let that fool you. The title track serves as a great introduction to this rollercoaster of an album. The album itself can be best described as such, an aural rollercoaster ride that takes you on many ups and downs, mostly ups.

Consider the first track the music that plays when you’re getting into your seat, because once the 2nd track comes in, you start to feel the ride begin. You’re not sure where this is going to take you but you keep on at it, mostly because you’re already strapped in, but you know you won’t want to get out if you had the chance to. The second track Solid Gold Monster Truck takes you into so many avenues but you’re wondering how this is even still one song! I was completely awestruck to realise I was only on the 2nd track and it felt like I had listened to so many songs at once, then came the song I had fell in love with, High School Field Trip To Murder Island.

What makes this song so appealing to me is that, as chaotic as it feels, it’s got so much pop sensibilities buried in here, you can’t help but want to groove along. The band gives you the harshest yet sweetest grooves on this song. It really does feel like a field trip, the kind of psychedelic field trip that you haven’t heard since Pink Floyd or Jimi Hendrix. Just as I thought this was their catchiest song, it blends into the even smoother and chill Gourmet Japanese Restaurant. Even though it’s only 2 minutes long, it has enough to grab your attention.

I know, I know, I’m only 4 songs in and I am talking about roller coasters and feeling like one song has so much going on, but do not let that make you think the album is a tiring listen. Keep in mind this is an all instrumental album so it’s making up for the lack of vocals to guide you a long. Granted, this is coming from someone who does not normally listen to music of this genre so I may come across as a complete newbie… which I am.

The album does take a chill pill from the track Carpet Needs A Drink Too and onwards (yeah their song titles are just as entertaining as their music) . They give you time to chill and relax after the rush of the first four songs. It’s like cruising along a sonic highway at your own pace and enjoying the view as it glides into your brain. The song Kevin in particular sounds pleasantly mellow, like the kind of song you’d want to mellow out to on a chilly autumn Sunday but yet not that mellow where it puts you to sleep.

The ninth and final track Down Buttermilk Road goes on for almost 10 mins but not once do you think, “is this song over yet?” A final send off on the sonic ride, it feels like you’re catapulted into the stars where this song puts a neat end to an intriguing and challenging album. A challenge I gladly accepted and am ever so grateful that I did. This music commands your attention which is actually refreshing in this day and age. Often times I find music becomes background fillers as I work or do something else; not with this album though! Your attention is demanded and it never lets go of it. I have to applaud this band Bearcubbin’! for making a solid all instrumental album that never once felt tiring but was captivating for all 45 mins of it. If you want something to really give you an earful in the best way possible and worth your while, please do yourself a favour and listen to Girls With Fun Haircuts by Bearcubbin’!

Stream the album on Spotify Get the album on iTunes here To get more on the band visit their facebook or their official tumblr

[musicismyreligion]

The Cold And Lovely

Misty Michelle Photography

Ever since I can remember I have been a great fan of female musicians/rockers. It's pretty evident given that some of my favourite bands has at least one female in them. No Doubt, Hole, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Smashing Pumpkins, and now, The Cold and Lovely.

You might not have heard of the band but I am certain you've heard of the members and their previous (or current) projects.The Cold and Lovely are a duo between Meghan Toohey and Nicole Fiorentino. Meg has done work with Lenka, Tegan and Sara, Magaret Cho and The Weepies. Nicole has played with Veruca Salt, Light FM and The Smashing Pumpkins.

Together as The Cold and Lovely, both members have woven their styles to form a surreal sound scape. Meg, the main song writer and vocalist, mixes in shimmering guitar tones with silky vocals to form what dreams are made of and Nicole, the bassist and back up vocalist, provides an anchoring force to keep you planted in their musical landscape.

As of right now they have two releases out for the world to listen to, their self titled debut album and the EP Ellis Bell. What's interesting about these releases, is the variety in sounds. While there is an obvious common thread letting the listener know this is all The Cold and Lovely, both releases have some very obvious differences and explorations in sound.

The self titled debut is the perfect night time album, with Cure like subtleties in the music and vocals to lull you into the most relaxing sleep filled with lush dreams. Having said that, it's not to say the album is boring, not at all. There's a lot of hidden textures that show of Meg's superb production skills. Listening with headphones are a must to fully appreciate the subtle dreamy tones of this album. The album soars with emotions that tells the listener the duo is putting their all into this to stand outside of their past projects' shadows. A great establishing of their own identities.

I know I keep coming back to this word "Dream," and it's varying forms, but that's the best way to class The Cold and Lovely as, dreamy. They make no apologies about it. Even on their second EP, as blaring and in your face as it sounds, it's still as dreamy as ever.

On Ellis Bell the band further explores the shoe gazing/dream pop territory with engulfing guitars and piercing bass riffs to bury vocals that blend like instruments. The sound is a bit grittier than the self titled but still as slick as ever. If it's one thing that can be said about this EP is that it contains 6 songs that can be big radio hits. The songs show a band really growing into their identity and asserting what they want to stand for. There's a confidence level that commands your attention on this release. The first album alluded to it, but on Ellis Bell The Cold and Lovely explore their shoegazing passionately.

As someone who's been in love with the music for two years now (both releases came out a year apart), I am excited for the new music to come Just this week The Cold and Lovely announced their new pledge campain for a new release and a re-issue of the Ellis Bell EP. You can check out the details here: http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/coldandlovely

If you want to help ensure some great new music from The Cold and Lovely is released, please don't hesitate to pledge and bid on an item. This band is a breath of fresh air that reminds you how much we are missing in the music world.

If you'd like to check out their two current releases head on over to iTunes and give it a sample and download them.

Check them out on facebook or their official site

[musicismyreligion]

Real Estate - Talking Backwards (Official Video)

Real Estate - Talking Backwards (Official Video) Pre-order Atlas at: iTunes - http://smarturl.it/AtlasRE Domino - http://dominorecordco.com/AtlasRE The new s...

SO excited for this new album! Love the lead single!

[musicismyreligion]

Hello Slowdive, it's been a while. You're still sounding as good as ever!

[musicismyreligion]

What We Want by The Naked and Famous

What an amazing song by this band. Filled with dreamy sonic clouds floating over an air of restraint. It almost comes across as a musical response to Fleetwood Mac's Little Lies Hopefully I will get to write a review of the whole album but PLEASE do yourselves a favour and listen to this gem of a song. Even if you can't relate to the lyrics just enjoy the atmosphere this song creates.

[musicismyreligion]

Thrice - The Artist In The Ambulance

Have you ever gotten an album but never paid much attention to it? Then when you've forgotten about it for a while, you happen across it in your library and give it a listen again? And somehow, on this listen, the album hits you with a ton of bricks and you say to yourself: "Fuck! Why didn't I listen to this album more often?!" Well, Thrice's The Artist In The Ambulance is that album. Before I continue with my thoughts on my rediscovery of this album, I must confess, Thrice is not the most listened to band in my library. In fact, don't be surprised if you find I end up writing about their other albums in this context. I never took this album (or band) seriously for years. The only song I would play often was Silhouette and it didn't occur to me to listen more. This weekend I was in a bit of a funk (there's a joke here I'm sure... an emo one) and I opted to play Silhouette and after that I just happened to let the album play on. I was immediately impressed by how dynamic this album is... not was... IS! I can't speak much for individual tracks just yet because I feel like this is a brand new album to me and I'm still discovering it's many journeys. On this album Thrice has perfectly blended metal songs with melody that never loses its roaring vigour. Often times I would listen to bands of their ilk (or perceived to be as such) and I just found that they never quite got that balance between melodious and screaming metal. Thrice, on the other hand, has done it extremely well on this album and have manage to keep it engaging from start to finish. The Artist In The Ambulance was released in 2003 and it is funny how some albums take nearly a decade to grow on its listener sometimes. In my opinion, that just shows how much a piece of work is ahead of its time. Thrice sounds so timeless on this album, if you did not know it's release year, you would think it came out not long ago. To those that have always loved and understood how amazing this album is, my apologies for realising it so late. As for those that have yet to listen to it or haven't given it a proper chance, please turn it on now and listen attentively. You will be happy you did. May this album be enjoyed for many more years to come.

[musicismyreligion]

Light's Second Go

I am so in love with this song. I've heard it now for a few months well (I know I'm late because apparently it's been out since 2010)! Such an amazing pop song! I really can't find the words to explain how great this song is. Such a smooth, cool and hypnotic hook wrapped into some strong pleading emotions. If you like good pop numbers I recommend this one emphatically!

[musicismyreligion]

Daydream Frenzy

Today I'm writing about a Scottish indie band called Daydream Frenzy. I happened across them after seeing a picture my cousin got tagged in that they posted on their facebook fan page. My cousin usually has good taste in music so I decided to check them out and I was pleasantly surprised.

I was surprised because most times when I check out up and coming bands, they usually have this sort of Arctic Monkeys/Fratellies/Vampire Weekends or dance influenced sound that I can appreciate from time to time but not listen to endlessly. However, when it comes to Daydream Frenzy their sound is amazingly thick and  expansive for a three piece band.

They magically mix Alt Rock and Power Pop/Punk catchiness that immerses their listeners into a dreamy experience. I guess their name is quite apt, given my description. The songs are very well thought out and are quite engaging; which is rare nowadays. A lot of times I find it hard to pay attention to some new music but their music has captured my attention in full.

For fans of bands like Angel & Airwaves, Gaslight Anthem, MXPX, Sum 41 and Foo Fighters, you will find yourself embracing Daydream Frenzy's music with open ears. Currently, they only have 3 EPs, two of which are on iTunes and Spotify. Their latest offering, Let Go And Don't Slow Down is available for free on their bandcamp page. Each EP has 4 songs so they are short and sweet bursts of Alt Rock dreaminess that will definitely be on repeat for awhile. Personally, with everyone's attention spans being shorter than a fish, this is a great way ensure the music is heard and absorbed. A lot of bands new and veteran do struggle with putting a decent album's worth of songs out and having some songs not get the attention they deserve.

Stand out songs for me are: Pretty Girl - This is on their first EP, Calling Stars, and  has an infectious pop punk chorus that just sticks in my head and if I knew the words I'd be singing a long but the melody sticks to you like ants to sugar.

Behind The Circles - Also on Calling Stars this finds the band channelling a grungy punk sound along the lines of Nirvana and Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness era Smashing Pumpkins, but don't worry it doesn't come across as a  rip off. It actually is quite refreshing to hear an indie band come up with a sound like this but adding their own punk twist to it.

Jade's Song - From their Colours And Sounds EP showcases their dreamier side with atmospheric verses that slams into a driving hook, this song to me sums up the band's sound very nicely.

When I Say Help, I Swear It's True - The last song off of Colours And Sounds has to be the catchiest and infectious song they have thus far. This should have been a big hit for them! Plain and simple.

Passion Sparks - The third song from Let Go And Don't Slow Down EP is a brooding electro-acoustic number. It's a track that sends you a very  well paced aural journey that enters into a heart breaking ballad around the half way mark. It's one song I am very curious to hear live if ever I can make my way to Scotland or they find themselves in Trinidad. 

  Visit the band's page here:  https://www.facebook.com/daydreamfrenzy

Listen to Calling Stars on spotify:

or on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/calling-stars/id439288667 Listen to Colours And Sounds on Spotify:

or on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/colours-and-sound-ep/id508707821

Listen to Let Go And Don't Slow Down on bandcamp:

 Let Go and Don't Slow Down EP by Daydream Frenzy

[musicismyreligion]

Give your respect to the Patron St. Anger

St. Anger by Metallica is probably their most controversial album to date. Not because of lyrical content but because of the sound. Fans and critics ripped the band a new one because they felt it was an awful sounding record, but I have to disagree.

The garage band roughing it out vibe fits so perfectly with Metallica. After doing the grandiose S&M (Symphony & Metallica) performance and subsequent releases, it makes sense to go and do something raw and primal as this album. I often wondered how much people actually paid attention to this album. The sound is not that bad as people make it out to be. To me, it sounds like a slightly polished band demo playing their hearts out. The emotions are so raw and intense; to overproduce it would be a disservice to the songs and the emotions that have been captured.

St. Anger was recorded during a time when the band was on the verge of breaking up, personal issues affected the band so much that singer and guitarist James Hetfield had to go to rehab during the recordings. During this time they were also on the hunt for a new bassist. Also, the other members wanted to contribute meaningfully and did so by helping with lyrics, in order to get their own frustrations articulated. Those factors helped make for an album that was the most genuine and expressive work that could have been put out at that time.

Probably one of the weirdest things on the album is the lack of the signature Kirk Hammet solos. As much as I love his solos, I think that was a smart move. The overall sound harkens back to their older days of speed metal but with a very intensely violent punk twist. So no solos needed here.

The riffs on this album are so catchy and hypnotic all while trying to keep the sound of an imploding band together. Songs like Some Kind Of Monster and Invisible Kid mix in a good blend of these catchy melodic riffs that can have you swaying and then slam into the most “frantic” breakdowns that hit you out of nowhere. Then the ‘fuck all’ punk attitude kicks in with songs like Dirty Window and My Word. The sounds come at you from all angles; it is an aural assault that Metallica unleashes unapologetically. Even James’ vocals are used as a brutal weapon, he chooses to deliver the words with so much force that it takes you a while to realise what he is actually singing words with some meaning. The entire band’s performance delivers the message so well that you don’t even need the lyrics to understand the message and that to me is what good music is about. The overall power in the emotions of the song/performance gives you the meaning.

So gather round your sound system, crank up the volume and worship at the altar of St. Anger.

[musicismyreligion]

Mirrors by Justin TImberlake

Hey all, sorry for the scarcity! I have been busy getting my ass kicked by school and work. I just thought I'd come and post a quick blurb about the song Mirrors by Justin Timberlake. 

When I first heard him perform it on SNL I though, "YES! Justin IS back!" Mirrors has that style and honesty that Justin knows how to do so well. Justin, has the gift to pull at your ear's and heart's strings with these beautiful epic choruses that sound like he's giving you his life in the delivery. It also helps that I am always a sucker for a big hook. I am also a sucker for a good love song.

Just when I thought Justin could not prove his worth as an artist any more he comes out with the music video for the song, directed by the brilliant Floria Sigismondi. Some of you may not know who she is but you do know her work. She has directed Beautiful People by Marilyn Manson and more recently Try by Pink, The Stars (Are Out Tonight) by David Bowie and Anything Could Happen by Ellie Goulding, Floria, has this ability to capture beauty in the least likely of visuals. Something that comes across dark and depressing to most people, Floria manages to show you the beauty of it and the necessity of such imagery and emotions.

In the video for Mirrors, Floria helps Justin to tell the story of his grandparents' life and love together. A poignant story about the beginnings of a love formed from a young age to the trials it goes through over the span of a life time. Justin and Floria show the beauty of true life long love using obvious moments of intimacy and cute puppy love to even showing how they overcome darker moments that prove vital to the couple's strengthening of their love. The actors that portray the couple, do such an amazing job of making you feel their passion, feel their grief and more importantly feel their connection with one another. In an interesting ending, Justin finally makes an appearance showing how the love has now been passed on to him and how he comes to terms with it. Nearly 10 mins long, this is a short film that's well worth your attention Without further adieu, here is the video:

[musicismyreligion]

Be Here Now by Oasis

I remember around the summer of 1997 when I was 11, I was watching MTV and I happened to have it on when they were going to ‘world premiere’ a new Oasis video. Prior to this ‘event’ the only 3 songs I knew from Oasis were Wonderwall, Champagne Supernova and Don’t Look Back In Anger. I liked them but MTV didn't play those videos often enough for me to be fanatical over them, also at 11 I didn't have money to buy CD's so I depended on radio and MTV for music and didn't have control over when I heard what and how often I heard it.

So, yes, I caught this world premiere and I thought hmm ok, new song? Let’ see... 7 minutes later I was left stunned as to what the fuck did I just watch and listen to? The song that premiered was D’You Know What I Mean? It was LOUD, it was noisy, it didn't make sense it had the biggest ‘Don’t give a fuck’ attitude ever and it was long. Lucky for me, they played that video incessantly and I couldn't get enough of it! I waited for radio to play it and recorded it immediately and played it non-stop. I even tried to record it to VHS so I can watch the video over and over! I felt like I stumbled across a piece of music that was so special, almost occult like and I was willing to talk to anyone about it. You also have to understand at this age, I was using music as a means of learning about the world and escape so songs like these painted a very nice alternate reality for me to live in. So all of this rock n roll stuff was exciting!

A year later, I got the album Be Here Now, on cassette. I was VERY happy to see that D’You Know What I Mean? Was the first song on the album so no need to fast forward and hunt for the song in the middle of the tape! This was my first Oasis album I ever heard at the time, at least to my knowledge  because supposedly an uncle of mine had What’s The Story Morning Glory and I don’t remember him playing it for me. In hindsight, I have to say, Be Here Now is quite an interesting entrance into the band. The album, like it’s opening track, is loud, noisy, sprawling and sounded like it came from voodoo land. I felt like it was such a beast of an album it was at times challenging to listen to but I was determined to overcome it.

 This was probably my first entry into britpop as well. As loud and abrasive this album is there is still honesty to it, a feeling of: ‘Here I am! Take note of me, I may not make sense but this is my time.’  I found that to be an endearing quality to the album. There was this air of mystery that filled the room as well when I listened to it, almost as if the sounds were consuming me. Even as I listen to it now, 16 years after first hearing it, it still has all the same qualities to it and the album hasn't aged at all! Noel should not be ashamed of it, even though I know he’s publicly stated his feeling unnerved by the album at times. Goes to show you how a listener/fan can differently interpret and experience an artist’s work regardless of what he/she/they feels after making it.

Here are my thoughts on some stand out tracks on the album:

D’You Know What I Mean started off with well over a minute of feedback noise, airplanes, Morse code and back masked vocals. Then these behemoth sounding drums kicked in to get the song going. “Step off the train all alone at dawn, back into the hole where I was born. The sun in the sky never raised an eye to me.” I thought that had to be the most brilliant lyrics I have ever heard for an opening. Then the pre chorus comes in with “I met my maker, I made him cry.” Which made me laugh a bit because I felt like, oh lord, this is dangerous stuff, can’t let my parents hear this! He’s talking about making God cry!

Following D’You Know What I Mean came an aptly titled My Big Mouth. If I thought the first song was loud, this one was blaring. The music blasted through, the guitars sounded so big that I felt like they were going to crush me and Liam sang with such authority, it grabbed your attention – realistically, your attention had no choice. Despite all this, the song was catchy as hell, it had a hook and rhythm that had me bobbing my head and enjoying the groove. The groove just carried on for the whole 5 minutes of the song and won’t let you go at all. It was a lot friendlier than the first song though; pop friendly even, despite having the sound of million guitars soloing in every nook and cranny of the song, which really isn't a bad thing in my books!

Track number 3 is the ‘ballad’ Magic Pie.  I don’t know if this can be considered a ballad but it’s the closest thing to a quiet song on the album at this point. It started off quiet, with Noel actually singing. I was surprised to be honest, I think this was the first time I heard a band where there was another member doing lead vocals. I guess the fact that Noel sang Don’t Look Back In Anger was lost on me before this. The vocals sounded like Noel was singing this secret to me buried in this wave of sonic chaos. It felt like it was meant for only me to hear. The song has a rather comforting quality to it; even in chaos one can find a moment to be mellow. “He’s just a child with nothing to lose, but his mind.” Is the line he sings before the band kicks in and it always struck a chord with me because I did feel like a child who was losing his mind at the time because of what was going in his life.  This song to me, even to this day, comes across as a song of encouragement. Whether or not Noel intended for it to be, it is quite a confidence booster of a song. “I’ll have my way, in my own time. I’ll have my say, my star will shine” those words became a mantra for me for a long time. The jazzy ending to this song was quite a ‘What the fuck?’ moment for me, it was kooky and I liked it.

Stand By Me, I guess, is the first of 2 true ballads on this album. I’m not surprised this became a single, it’s got everything needed for a big hit. It’s endearing, heartfelt and has a big chorus completed with an orchestra in the background. When I hear Liam singing out so pleadingly, “Stand by me, nobody knows the way it’s gonna be.” continued with the feeling of comfort from Magic Pie the chorus’ pleading to “Stand By Me” gave me the feeling of someone willing to understand what’s going on with me and wanted me to lean on them.

The Girl In The Dirty Shirt I don’t know why but when I saw this title on the back of the cassette cover, I thought what a stupid name for a song! I don’t know why at first I just didn't care for the song but after multiple listens it started to grow on me. I love when that happens to me with music. Although when I vehemently hate a song it’s a sure sign of me ending up liking it in the future or being a closet lover of it. The song has this quirky charm to it with its mid paced tempo and sort of sluggish half drunken vocals. It’s got a bit of funk and a bit of blues. It’s actually quite a fun song and it’s grown on me a lot, though I don’t know why the title does irk me now and then.

Don’t Go Away is the 2nd ballad on the album and it’s quite an adorable ballad. The chorus lyrics plead: “so don’t go away, say that you’ll stay, forever and a day” who doesn't want someone to belt that out to them? It’s such a touching song. The song kicks off with this sad, longing lead from Noel and Liam performs his most emotive vocal take on the album in my opinion.  I really don’t have much to say about this song and that does not mean the song is not much to talk about. It’s a song you just have to listen to and feel it. It’s one of the best Oasis ballads, again in my opinion.

The last stand out track for me is probably one of the most familiar songs off this album. All Around The World. Clocking in at over 9 minutes (11:30 minutes if you count the reprise at the end of the album), is by far the longest track on the album! For those who don’t already know, Noel and Liam are huge Beatles fans and Noel proudly admits to “borrowing” from them (and others) often, this song shows that.  It has remnants of Hey Jude to my ears. All Around The World is probably one of the most poppiest songs they've ever done. It’s catchy, it’s sugary, it goes in all kinds of directions but despite it being over 9 minutes long, it never lets go of your ears, an impressive thing for me to say at this day in age, seeing that my attention span is that of a fish. It was back then to, to be honest.

I hope you guys love this album as much as I do.

[musicismyreligion]

m b v by My Bloody Valentine

For more than 20 years (don’t we feel old for saying that?), fans of My Bloody Valentine have been waiting (im)patiently for new music. I think some have been waiting for just one new song. Finally m b v came out in February of 2013. If ever an album can pick up where a band left off more than 20 years ago, this is it.

  I won’t go so far as to say this is Loveless 2, but the soaring dreamscapes of fuzzy walls, blurry vocals and floating percussions welcome the listener into familiar territories. However, just when you thought you were soaring higher than a Rastafarian on the best spliff ever, the song Is This and Yes comes to an end, and your ears start to notice a louder sound trying to burst through to wake you up. From If I Am onward is filled with loud and pulsing rhythms to send your aural senses into full on trip mode

  One of the first mistakes I made -- and I am sure many others may have done so, too -- was to listen to this with Loveless ears. While there are many moments where you can hear the Loveless sound, m b v isn't afraid to let you know this is in no way a part 2 to the iconic 1991 album. Actually, m b v has its own identity that pays respect to the past but stands proudly on its own... proudly and loudly. To have the best listening experience, I HIGHLY recommend you play this through a good pair of headphones! You will thank me later.

To add to My Bloody Valentine's awesomeness, they put up the tracks on youtube. Here's a playlist I made:

You can also purchase the album in high quality wavs and other formats here:

[musicismyreligion]

Dream away with Trenton

It's so refreshing to hear a band nowadays that try to keep consistent yet still evolve with their sound. Trenton's new release has such a familiar ring to it yet still sounds fresh that you never want it to end. Chief song writer, Ryan Courtney has a gift of perfectly blending dreamy textures with solid songs and the opening track, Within My Soul, is a definitive example of this gift. Just under 20 mins this little EP packs a sonic punch to knock you out and then lay you delicately on the softest pillow.

P.S. yes in case you're wondering, it's the same review I left on their iTunes album page.