Figure That?

Moving right along in our blogging world, I'd like to introduce a new artist. His first name is Elliot, his last name is Smith, and his album is called Figure 8.

Now, before I get into this album, I would just like to say, rest in peace Mr. Smith. If you didn't know, Elliot Smith died in 2003, after (allegedly) stabbing himself in the chest twice. I'm sad we never got the chance to see this young man grow as an musician, and a man. I also want to say that, after looking over this guy's life story, I'm happy he was able to break into the music world. He suffered through abuse, drug addiction, and alcohol issues, but still had the guts to show his stuff. And for that, I truly respect him and any artist that overcomes life's crazy obstacles to do what they love.

Now, to the album. This is the fifth studio album of Smith's, and I have to say, it reminded me of Owl City's Of June. While Of June is a great album, it's also a newbie album. Figure 8 has one or two good hits, but it's mostly the same old same old. I tried hard to get into this music, which could be best classified as a pop/indie mix, better, but could not. Some songs, like my personal favorites, "Junk Bond Trader" and "Son Of Sam" show some real promise. This guy showed some real promise, but he left us too quickly.

The first half is more entertaining than the bottom half. Tracks six through sixteen, in my opinion, are background music. And while it's definitely cool to have some slower songs, this album was full of it. Some songs were even kind of melancholy. Sometimes he just sounded like he was trying to mimic someone else.

The thing is, I felt like, when I was listening, he showed so much promise, so much potential for the future. Smith has a beautiful voice, and you can tell he's enjoying the music he's making. Don't always believe what you read, though. When it was released in 2000, this album got mostly positive reviews. Just because we didn't like it doesn't mean that you won't. The music wasn't for us, but, hey! It could be the perfect fit for you.

Go figure,
Rai

P.S- His album cover is definitely in the running for coolest! The wall where he took the picture is now iconic, and it is also a fan-based memorial. A little like Strawberry Fields.

Some Like It Hot...

Warning: This album had been listened to before this project, and may create some unintended bias, though I doubt that will happen.

I have to say, The Killers are one of my favorite bands. I own two of their albums (their second album, Sam's Town and their latest, Day & Age), and I rarely get tired of them, though "Somebody Told Me" is starting to get on my f**king nerves, which brings me to the album of theirs I'll be reviewing- Hot Fuss.

Hot Fuss is electric and memorizing, but only for a while. I have to say, I personally was digging Sam's Town a lot more. But I try not to get into the habit of comparing albums.

Hot Fuss had some killers (no pun intended) on it. My all-time favorite Killers song is on this album- "All These Things I've Done". I love this song, it's my anthem of sorts. The song starts out soft, but by the end it's got you shaking your head and stomping your feet. You can hear the gospel influences in the song, something most rockers don't like to touch. The Killers though, they're fearless.

Another good one on the album is "Andy, You're A Star". I don't know what it was about this song, but among the good, the bad, and the in-between on this album, this baby stood out. I wanted to sing along so bad, but I didn't know the words.

"Smile Like You Mean It" is another good lick on this album. It's catchy, but not in a Lady Gaga way, where it's going to get stuck in your head no matter how much you don't want it to. No, I know I don't mind having this tune stuck in my head all day long.

This album was a bit strange in ways. It's not bad, but listening to it you get a real feel of what The Killers sound like, and how they can improve. This album is like their first kid, so that by the second and third time around they know what they're doing a little bit more.

I have to give them credit though, "Mr. Brightside" and "Somebody Told Me", their two most well known songs, were both on that album. Kudos to you Brandon, Dave, Mark and Ronnie. There's is not a doubt in my mind that even though The Killers are taking a little break right now, when they go back to the studio to record they will create music the world won't even be ready for.

-Whitni

PS- Supposedly, on the UK version of Hot Fuss instead of the song "Change Your Mind" there's a song called "Glamorous Indie Rock & Roll." Lead singer Brandon Flowers says it is his least favorite Killers song. Go figure!

Camp + Music = A Fun But Painful Death

Yes, I realize I haven't blogged since July 16, and it's August 2 (cough cough, slacker). But I have good reason. Having spent two weeks at camp, with only a twenty-four hour period to recuperate, I got a full blast of what camp music is all about. So, of course, I'm going to blog about it.

Camp is truly a joyous place. You can be your self, rather that's silly or goofy or quiet or a little strange or somewhere in between. One thing I love about camp is the diversity; not really in race or ethnicity, but in personality. No matter who you are, trust me, you'll find someone to be friends with. Then you'll love them. These people are called camp friends.

But enough about that, you're here for the music. Camp is an interesting place for music. Truthfully, they play what the kids want to here. And they play it often. Here are some songs that are truly, "stuck on replay."

"Replay" by Iyaz- This hit for this brand-spankin' new artist made him some big bucks. Iyaz, who's real name is Keidran Jones, signed up with Beluga Heights Records. This strapping twenty-two year old, originally from the British Virgin Islands has got quite a career ahead of him if he keep his fire going. "Replay" was number two on the Billboard charts just last year.

"Airplanes" by B.o.B featuring Hayley Williams- This song wraps up everything camp loves- stars and wishes and all that gushy stuff. I actually don't mind this song, but I don't know if that's because I've heard it so many times or because I actually like it. B.o.B popped out of North Carolina with the hit "Nothin' On You". "Airplanes is more camp-appropriate though, so it's wildly loved on. "Airplanes" is number four on the Billboard charts right now.

"Break Your Heart" by Taio Cruz featuring Ludacris- Hello Linda, this song gets on my nerves. That repeating line ("I'm only gonna break break, yo, break break your heart") over and over again makes me want to pull out my hair. It is catchy though, and the kiddies love it like no other. Cruz came from London, England and signed with Island Records. "Break Your Heart" is number nineteen on the Billboard charts right now.

"Baby" and "Eenie Meenie" by Justin Bieber- We all knew this was coming. The funny thing is, you'd expect all the girls to swoon over JB's songs and all the guys to hate it, but at camp, well, anything can happen. I've seen whole cabins of boys belt JB's songs, so I guess that theory is wrong. These songs, however, are staples at camp and whenever they are played camp becomes an instant dance party. "Baby" was number five on the Billboard charts earlier this year and "Eenie Meenie" was number fifteen in May of this year.

"Don't Stop Belivin" by Journey- There is hope yet! Amazingly enough, I have seen nine-year olds sing this song, word for word, without pause. This song is a classic and, let's face it, it make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, especially when you're singing it with good friends. Journey is an older band that started in the seventies, but they made their mark on music. "Don't Stop Belivin" was number nine on the Billboard charts in 1981. If you haven't heard this song already, look it up. It's amazing.

"Waka Waka (This Time For Africa) by Shakira. This is probably the most loved song at camp right now. It's played everyday without fail and I can't count how many times I heard a kid scream out happily, "I LOVE THIS SONG!" I get it, I love this song too! The catchy beat that is a blend of South Africa and the Caribbean makes this a treat for your ears. Fun fact: this song was the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. "Waka Waka (This Time For Africa" is number sixty-nine on the Billboard charts right now.

All I can say is, this is camp. This is madness. This is life at it's best.

-Whitni