Third Time's The Charm

Are you feeling pretty healthy right now? Well I'm not cause, " my watch sick, yeah my drop sick, yeah my glock sick."

Sorry. Bad joke, I know. Just couldn't resist.

Now down to the serious stuff. Contrary to popular belief, Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr doesn't just rap about sex, drugs and money, though those things do come up, and often. Hidden underneath, Mr. Carter has a couple different messages racing through his head and his lyrics, and that makes his music pretty damn good.

If you haven't caught on by now, I'm talking about infamous rapper Lil Wayne, who's sixth album Tha Carter III came to be under my perspective eyes and ears. First, a little background. How are we ever to understand the often misunderstood Wayne if we know nothing about him?

Wayne grew up in New Orleans and his parents divorced when he was only two. Wayne was enrolled in a gifted program at school in his youth and by the age of eight had written his first rap song. Originally involved in drama and plays, Wayne accidentally shot himself at age thirteen and shortly afterwards decided drop out of school to focus on pursuing a career in music, even though he was an honor student.



Wayne was in a group called The Hot Boys until 2001, though he put out his first solo album in 1999. That album went over well, but his next two didn't quite have the success of his debut. It was the Tha Carter series that brought Wayne back into the spotlight.

Tha Carter III was released in 2008 and is Wayne's sixth solo album, making him a well-seasoned rapper, something you can hear in the music. The first song "3 Peat", like a lot of rap songs, has message sandwiched between sexual innuendos and cursing. Most of it's ego-centrical, but some of it's about Wanye's "being back and in business."

The second song, "Mr. Carter" was strangely good, in a not-so-obvious way. Wayne speaks on how far he's come and Jay-Z's collab only makes the song that much better.

Speaking of collaborations, Weezy (as he's often referred to as) has a boatload of them in this album. Jay-Z, T-Pain, Babyface and Robin Thicke are just a few of the many artists to add their style to Wayne's sound. Wayne seems to have picked up this habit from a man mentioned several times in the album, especially in the song "Dr. Carter", by the name of Mr. Kanye West. West produces some of Wayne's songs on this album, and it looks like Wayne's happy to have West there. But back to the songs!



"A Milli" is the second single from this album and if anything else, it's catchy as hell. Out of the four singles released from this album, this is the only one I really liked. "Got Money" wasn't bad, but it wasn't exceedingly spectacular. I have always held the opinion that "Lollipop" is a nasty song and I still have that opinion. The song, to me, doesn't seem to fit in with Wayne's style and has that feel of a "record company encouraged" hit. Lastly, I also didn't enjoy "Ms. Officer", which felt forced in it's sexuality and just poorly done.

"Dr. Carter" was one of three songs on the album that really blew my mind. The lyrics, "Where is your originality? You are so fake" basically describe this genius song. Wayne, essentially, is giving advice to young aspiring rappers through the song, posing as a kind of rap doctor. Lyrically solid and addictive, this is one of the best songs on the album.

The other two songs that really made this album for me were "Tie My Hands", an ode to post-Katrina New Orleans and a dive into Weezy's soul as he calls out to the city that nurtured him and has been through hell and back, and "Dontgetit", which is more or less a song/monologue where Wayne just talks about life, African-Americans in today's society and people hating on him.



There isn't too much or enough I could say about Wayne, he's a complicated kind of guy. He seems to truly express himself through his music and from what I can tell, he's a smart guy who seems to live in two different worlds, but they somehow blend.

If you're a rap lover, this album is a must. If you're a rap like, this album is a must. If you're not big on rap, listen to a couple songs, and not just the singles, and decide for yourself. As Weezy would say, "You have to do you."

-Whitni

Instant Dance Party

Welcome to the revolution- that's what it feels like when you start listening to Daft Punk. No, this is not punk music folks, it's electronic dance, called house in Europe. Daft Punk is made up of two lovely Frenchmen- Guy-Manuel de Homem Christo and Thomas Bangalter, and together they spin magical beats that make you want to grab a random girl/guy and dance the night away.

Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit (not really), but the music really is good. I'm not a clubber, but I could stay all day (wait... night I guess) if the DJ's were Daft Punk. The album is called Discovery, and it was released in 2001. Daft Punk formed in 1993 and released their debut album, Homework, in 1997, which quite successful. This would lead up to Discovery. After that, they released another album called Human After All, as well as a live album Alive 2007 (which won a Grammy). Last year they composed the score and did the soundtrack for the movie Tron: Legacy.



But you can read about all this stuff on their Wikipedia page, so lets get to the nitty gritty. The album starts out with 'One More Time', which would become their biggest commercial hit ever. I recognized the song as soon as I heard it. Next would be 'Aerodynamic', which introduced the instrumentals that would pop up in the rest of the album (well, most of the album). I liked that better than most of the spoken word songs- the dance music really spoke for itself.

There is heavy auto-tune in all of the spoken songs, heavier in some more than others. The only song on the album I didn't like was 'Digital Love'; it was so cheesy. It sounded like a mix between Owl City and a 80's disco/techno band like the Buggles, who were made famous by their song 'Video Killed The Radio Star'. The last three songs were also kind of looked over- I didn't pay a crazy amount of attention to them either. They were good, but they were also not very memorable or life changing.


'Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger' was memorable. Yes, I know Kanye West covered this and made 'Stronger'. I love 'Stronger'. But I like this, the original, better. It starts out classic 80's pop, and goes into a electronic dance mix. It's creative and keeps you wondering what twist the beat will take next. It's a musical masterpiece. My favorite song on the album was 'Something About Us', which an interesting change from the fast beats of the rest of the album. It reminded me of a disco hall love ballad, and it is amazing it comes together so beautifully. Plus, you can hear his (not sure who's) lovely French accent.

Fun fact before we continue: these guys never take off their helmets. Right below this paragraph is a picture of them as youngsters, right before they got together again (they had a rock band as teens called Darlin'). These picture (there's a handful floating around the 'Net) are rare, but there, and they offer us a glimpse of the men inside the robot costumes. Another note- Daft Punk are well known for their eccentric concert, filled with flashing lights and visual effects. They create a story to go along with their music, which brings me to this next bit...

^Daft Punk as babies.

This is a conceptual album. There is a story, through beats and weird sounds and funny lyrics and 80's style rhythms, being told here. Now, do I know what that story is? Nope, not in the slightest. I'm going to keep trying to figure out that ever important message. However you, the listener, must decipher this yourself. I'm not going to tell you what I figure out, because I really want you guys to give this one a listen. Tell me what you discover.

-Raivynn

The Music Above, The Talent Below

Outkast is a name pretty known in the R&B world, but not only because they make great music. The duo is made up of two very talented artists- Andre "Andre 3000" Benjamin and Antwan "Big Boi" Patton. They had four albums before the one I'm reviewing today- Speakerboxx/ The Love Below. To give you an idea of their music, every album Outkast has put out has been received well and Rolling Stone has never given an album of theirs anything less than three stars.

Speakerboxx/The Love Below is actually a double album. The side Speakerboxx is solely by Big Boi and The Love Below is the solo side of Andre 3000. Together, there are a whopping forty songs on this album and it last almost two hours, though for the record, many of the tracks are short interludes. Either way, the two side have some obvious differences.


Before I review the album though, I need to speak on something. I don't know if you guys remember, but I did a post a long while back about rap, and I still stand by that post. However, I don't hate rap in anyway. I just hate the way it's going, the way rappers and listeners are treating it. Rap is, truly, an art form. It really is poetry with music and if you treat it right, it can make your day. Well, treat it right and try to read between the lines sometimes. Rappers are smarter than we like to think, and often put positive messages between not-as positive lyrics. They often seem to mix the stupid-ness that is expected of them with actual meaningful lyrics, in a cliche parade of song. Rap, all together, is kind of a misunderstood art.

Speakerboxxx takes on the rap, head first. Big Boi starts the album with a forgettable intro, and rampages into the fast paced and mind blurring "Ghetto Musick", a good choice to begin the album by the rapper. It's a catchy mix of chill R&B and fast-paced hip hop. After that, it's just a slew of music. From the well-known single, "The Way You Move", which has slick lyrics and an infectious melody, to lesser known songs like "Unhappy", "Bowtie" and "The Rooster", which were good, but not especially memorable. "Bamboo" was probably one of the cutest "songs" I've ever heard. This little duet with Big Boi's son Bamboo (what a name!) is nothing short of adorable.


One of the best songs on this side of the album was "War", a lyrical pot of deep meanings. It's obvious Big Boi put a lot work into creating great lyrics, but he could have afforded a bit more creativity. Though he infuses R&B and soul sounds as well as other rappers styles, his beat stays the same, especially in the second half of his side of the album.

The second half of this album, The Love Below, is all Andre 3000, who does a fucking great job, excuse my French. Personally, this was the better side of the double album. The album begins with "Love Hater", a cooky mix of 20s jazz bar music and great lyrics. "Happy Valentine's Day" was one of Raivynn's favorites. True to it's name this is an anthem of this love-filled day.

Other greats on this album include "Prototype", a groovy little number, and two popular singles (though Prototype is also a single). "Hey Ya!" is clever, catchy (like many songs from this album), and just plain fun. It's gotten a significant amount of radio play, hitting number one in the US, as well as Norway, Australia, Canada and Sweden.


"Roses" is both Raivynn's and my favorite song on the album. It's almost indescribable, and if you choose to listen to one song from the whooping forty on the album, choose this one. It's arguably the best song on the album.

Since the album is so long, it's hard to really fit it all into one review. There are so many different sounds and it's an activity all in itself just listening to it. But Big Boi and Andre 3000 poured a lot into this baby, and it grew up to be great.

-Whitni

You Can Hear; Are You Listening?

Stories come from everywhere. From every corner of the globe, every single nook and cranny. This happens in music too. Music has the unyielding ability to give us stories in the form of beats and chords, making it feel so much more powerful. Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea by singer-songwriter PJ Harvey is the sixteenth album on the SMP to be reviewed, and I have to say that this review will be mixed, leaning towards positive. Polly Jean is well established in the music world, and it has been a interesting process listening to music closely related to artists like Bjork and Massive Attack, sounds which I haven't really listened to before now.

I will say, right away, that this is a 'listen to it twice' album. Really, with most albums, you should listen at least twice, but I don't always feel the need to do that. It's like leaving meat in the fridge overnight to let the spices soak in; you just hear everything a little differently the second time around. Once it's soaked in a bit. The first time I scanned this album (listened to it), I didn't really like it. It was kind of boring. True, I wasn't really listening, but I could tell it wasn't my sort of thing. So, I listened again. I can see why Rolling Stone, NME and Pitchfork all gave creds for this album. It's, I have to say, not that bad.

As a reviewer, I have to work to separate my music from my feelings. This is hard, because music makes you feel, always. Stories makes you feel like you are walking around your own favorite city. For me, that would be either Cincinnati or Austin. You can see the memories, you can feel the same feelings you felt at any defining moment. But this is also happy music. It makes you smile. It makes you feel elated, but it doesn't force it. The music is like a by-product of the happiness.

Harvey is successful in telling her own city story. Her previous albums had had a more melancholy sound, and she worked to make this one lighter. The first song on the album, "Big Exit", hits you with powerful guitar, and then a strong woman's voice. I have to say, it's nice to review a woman's album again. There is power within the whole album, but there is also repetitiveness. The sound doesn't change too much. Some might like that, but I don't. That is probably what made me feel bored the first time around.
My favorite tracks were "A Place Called Home" (3) and "This Is Love" (10). Whitni liked "This Mess We're In" (7), which featured Thom Yorke from the band Radiohead. I liked that one too. There really aren't any bad songs, just ones you don't feel the need to point out, or they just weren't memorable.

Overall, pretty good album. According to its placement, I wouldn't put this above Kings Of Leon, Arctic Monkeys (that was way too low on the list) , Fleet Foxes or U2, but it does deserve to be on the list. It wasn't my favorite, nor was it easy to review (sorry if this review seems to suck), but definitely listen to it. And definitely more than once.

-Raivynn

The Sky Is Not The Limit

In 2000, shortly before the release of their album All That You Can't Leave Behind, Bono proudly declared that, " [We're] reapplying for the job. What job? The best band in the world job." Bono and his boys held the top spot for most of the eighties and nineties, striving to get their name and message out there, and it worked. Start talking to any one (literally, anyone) about U2, and they'll know exactly who you're talking about. More than likely, they'll probably start singing one of U2's multiple hits from the past thirty years, like "Beautiful Day", "Mysterious Ways", or "With Or Without You."

In 2009, U2 released their twelfth studio album, No Line On The Horizon, the album I am reviewing here. It was their first studio album in five years and the longest gap between any two albums.

The band began working with producer Rick Rubin in 2006, trying to get work started on a follow-up to their 2004 album, How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb. Rubin wanted them to go for a 'back-to-the-basics' feel, but the band wanted to continue onward with their experimental, free form style. The band and Rubin went their separate ways and U2 teamed up with Daniel Lanois (who produced albums like Oh Mercy by Bob Dylan and So by Peter Gabriel) and Brian Eno (who produced albums like Laid by James and Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends by Coldplay).


^ U2 in the 1980, when they were just beginning. They are, from the left, Larry Mullen, Jr, Bono (real name- Paul Hewson), The Edge (real name- David Evans), and Adam Clayton.

For U2, this album is a game-changer. Listening to it, I can hear a mix of generations in every song. The first song, "No Line On The Horizon", didn't really match up well with me. I thought it was a bad choice for a starting song and that it was a little flat. But the follow-up, song number two- "Magnificent", was picture perfect. U2 is the type of band that pulls on your heart strings and Bono's voice can take you from wherever you are and put you right where he wants you to be.

Bono, who writes many of the songs, decided that for this album, he would write from different perspectives. He was tired of songwriting first person, and leapt out of his comfort zone and into the minds of a traffic cop, a drug addict and a solider serving in Afghanistan. The next two songs, "Moment of Surrender" and "Unknown Caller" both derive from the addicts' perspective.

The next two songs could be called the singles of the album. "I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight" was created by a collaboration with Will.i.am, a member of the widely popular group, The Black Eyed Peas. The video for the song was U2's first animated video since 1995, and depicted a group of people all trying to make change in their lives, though they are all interconnected.



My favorite song on this album is "Get On Your Boots" (originally named "Sexy Boots"), a fast-paced (at 150 beats per minute, it is one of the fastest songs the band has ever recorded) rocking pop song. Rolling Stone Magazine called it a, "blazing, fuzzed-out rocker", and I have to agree.

Bono later commented on the album, saying it was split into thirds, the first part as, "a whole world unto itself, and you get to a very ecstatic place." The second was described as "a load of singles" and the last third is songs that are, quote, "unusual territory" for the band.

Unusual territory definitely describes most of the second half of the No Line On The Horizon. Every song after six, for me, was just like the last and faded into the background. Maybe I wasn't listening hard enough, maybe it just wasn't all that good.



Either way, U2 has still it! I doubt any other album U2 will record in the future will be as good as their early works, like The Joshua Tree, which is probably they're most acclaimed album. Still, this is a good album. U2 is not afraid to experiment, to try things that may throw their fans off a little and maybe even question their sanity. U2 is the kind of band that stands as a foundation in the music world. If we looked upon music as a table they would be one of many legs (there would be a lot of legs on that table). Yet, at the same time, they are constantly changing and growing themselves, if that makes any sense. Sure, it's not the eighties anymore, but U2 can still bring it.

-Whitni

PS- Bono really knows how to spin his lyrics, and one line that stood out for me is from "I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight." The line is- "How can you stand next to the truth and not see it?" Think on that world.

The Comeback Kid

Have you ever heard of miracles? Maybe you've had one happen to you or someone you love. Well, in 2000, a young rapper by the name of 50 Cent was shot nine times outside his grandmother's home in Queens. Not only did he survive, he continued to make records. You gotta give him respect for that.

Now, a lot of people love 50. And a lot of people don't ('I'd give him a dollar to shut up' is a popular slogan). Personally, I had only heard his singles on the radio, but I had never ventured out to listen to his albums before now. His album Get Rich Or Die Trying, the first album after the shooting, and his debut album, was listed by Allmusic as "probably the most hyped debut album by a rap artist in about a decade". So, the real question is, did 50 Cent actually have enough talent and skills to change the game?

Well, yes, and no. I know, we say that for a lot of reviews. That's because music isn't black and white, its usually a gray area for most musicians. For 50, there are definite bright spots in his music, but there's a black hole that could easily suck him up if he doesn't change his ways.

When you listen to the album, there is no denying the fact that the man is creative. He can rap and he can definitely spin some words. For example:

D's come we dump the diesel and battery acid This flow's been mastered, the ice I flash it Chokes me, I'll have your mama picking out your casket, bastard I'm on the next level, Breitling Baguette Bezel Benz pedal to the metal, hotter than a tea kettle, blood

I wouldn't get in a battle with this cat. And the album isn't bad. I like how it's pure 50, even when he raps with other people like Eminem and Nate Dogg. He speaks his mind, but doesn't droll during a song. I enjoyed the first couple of songs, the middle of the album, and the end. Of course, though, I have a problem with this album...

I understand how, sadly, 50 Cent's shooting kind of fueled his career. However, that doesn't mean that that's all he has to rap about. We got it 50, you got shot. And I understand how you have to call out the haters and everything, but please don't base your whole album on that fact. Well, I guess you can (he did), but I have to admit, I got bored after a while. Like, oh, another die haters! I'm still alive song. I can even understand the 'ho's' and stuff like that, maybe because I'm used to that in rap, but, at this point in time, I would have told 50 to expand after this album, cause you can't ride on a shooting for the rest if your career. Well, I guess you can, but you really shouldn't want to. All musicians should strive to get better with each album, not stay the status quo.


Anyways, off Get Rich Or Die Trying, there were a couple of singles I'm sure you all would be able to sing at any given time. 'In da Club', '21 Questions', 'Many Men (Wish Death)' 'P.I.M.P'. If you don't know, you can look them up on YouTube. My favoirte of this album was the second track, 'What Up Gangsta'. I can't speak too much for Whitni, because you know how she feels about rap (if you don't, look up her post 'The Slow And Sad Degeneration Of Rap Music'). However, I like she would like 'Wanksta', which was featured in the 8 Mile album.

50 Cent has gone on to release other albums (this one was released in 2003), so I can't say much about how he is now musically. Otherwise, he looks as if he's doing okay, although seems to be having a lot of legal troubles. I also couldn't help but notice the fact that he has a large number of feuds going on, as well as a son. I just gotta say to 50, regardless of the music, stay safe man. These streets ain't as safe as they used to be, and I'm sure you know this better than anybody. And, if you have something you have to say, something worthwhile, then keep rapping.

I guess 50 Cent will always be rap's little miracle.

-Raivynn

You Like It Or You Don't

Two words dudes- Alternative Country.

Now, I bet you're thinking, what the hell is alternative country? Where did this genre come from and the biggest question of all- is it any good?

According to my sources (my sources being the same sources you have, the internet), alt-country became popular around the 1960s, with peeps like Gram Parsons and The Byrds. Artists like Neil Young and Wilco (who have an album on the countdown) have made the combination of country and experimental music/rock/indie successful. Some say a young man named Ryan Adams is also a trooper at making good alt-country, but I beg to differ.

The album in review, Heartbreaker, was the first solo album for Adams. It came out ten years ago when he decided to trek out on his own without his band, Whiskeytown. If you were to Google this album and then look at my review you'd probably be a little confused. All the reviews speak highly of Adams, saying this album is a masterpiece, great alternative country, blah blah blah blah blah. I'll tell you what it really is- it's boring!

Now, I'm not saying that compared to punk, rock, grunge, etc, it's boring. I'm simply saying this album is nothing to rave about. For a majority of the songs it felt like Adams didn't really put a whole lot of effort into his music.

Of course there were a couple of good tunes. I liked the song "To Be Young (Is To Be Sad, Is To Be High)" a song with just the right mixture of pop, twang and grit (no, that's not a genre) to create something worth recording. Songs like "My Winding Wheel", "Bartering Lines" and "Why Do You Leave" also throw some good stuff in there.

One song, "Oh My Sweet Carolina" started out all right. With just a guitar and Adams, it made you feel like you were sitting under a shade tree in Alabama. But then, it all came crashing down. Emmylou Harris just had to start singing, messing the whole thing up. If that name sounds familiar, it is! Harris also partnered up with Conor Oberst, the lead singer of Bright Eyes, who made the first album we reviewed on this blog. You can read that review at http://summermusicproject.blogspot.com/2010/06/and-countdown-begins.html

Listening to the album a second time around I could see a little bit more talent, a little bit more potential. You obviously hear Adams has a good voice, but this just wasn't his best album. Alternative and country aren't the easiest genres to mix and you've got to have a good sense of your musical self to do it well. I haven't listened to Adams more recent stuff other than a cover he did a of Oasis's "Wonderwall", which was good! Just listening to this cover made me confident that Adams is figuring out who he is, in a musical sense, and what kind of music he wants to make. That said, this cover, in my opinion, definitely does NOT top the Oasis version of the song, which is one of my favorite songs of all time.



But you can decide for yourself right here!



Overall, Ryan Adams has talent. It's just much harder to find in this particular album. Listen at your own risk.

-Whitni

Gram Parson, who was a country rock musician, said this of alternative country-
"It's music...either it's good or it's bad... either you like it or you don't!"

Shake and Break It

The cover's a little freaky, no doubt. But the music is solid, the riffs are tight and Caleb Followill's wailing voice hits you hard, like a frying pan to the face.

Everyone, even people who don't really listen to music other than the occasional top forty, knows who the Kings Of Leon (KOL) are. Everyone's heard those famed two songs- "Sex On Fire" and "Use Somebody." In fact, I don't think people have heard many more songs than those two. Both songs are pure KOL style: dirty, corrupt southern rock with a splash of indie.

So when I saw a KOL album in the line-up, my first thoughts were, "Oh, I wonder if those songs are on this album?" Of course they weren't and for good reason. This album didn't need those singles to have the effect it set on me. In fact, if it had those songs on there I doubt it would have become my favorite album so far...

Okay, maybe that's not true. I love "Sex On Fire". It's twisty and screwed in all the right ways and even though it's overplayed, I never get tired of hearing it. In fact, it seems like every time I hear it I notice something new. But anyway, onward!

Aha Shake Heartbreak really is shaky. But, the good kind of shaky, not the shaky kind of shaky. The disc starts out with "Slow Night, So Long", which has a killer bass groove going on by the time lead singer Caleb Followill gets around to spitting out those funky lyrics.

Songs like "Taper Jean Girl", "Four Kicks", "Razz", and "Day Old Blues" really made this album for me. The only song I didn't like on this album was "Milk", a song that lives up to it's name- sorta sweet but plain and creamy, no hint of omph. It wasn't a bad song, it just didn't fit in with the rest of the album.



I'd bet you ten bucks that if any of you listened to this album you could identify my favorite song off of this album in a heartbeat. "The Bucket" was the killer for me. Ever have that tight feeling in your chest and that swirling in your stomach when you come across a truly amazing song? "The Bucket" is fun, grippy and truly just happy music.

I think Raivynn would have liked either "Taper Jean Girl" or "Rememo", but alas she slaves away at college.

KOL is one interesting band. Not only do they have a severe case of genre-idtis but they are feeling some serious fan heat right now. KOL has released four albums and ever since their last one "Only By The Night" things have been, well, a little tense. Some fans are turning on the band, saying they've sold out to make 'arena music' and that what made them the Kings Of Leon is gone.

I can't really put in my two cents on this particular discussion, just because I haven't heard enough KOL music. But I can say that as I listened to "Aha Shake Heartbreak" in my sunny room one afternoon, I felt wrong. It seemed like this was the kind of album I should listen to on my Mississippi porch or in some random guy's garage. This album is grungy southern rock and it makes you feel that in your bones, but there is that hint of indie to keep you from falling off the edge. KOL is a 'surprised you' kind of band who are constantly changing they're sound and mixing things, much like legends like Ray Charles and The Beatles, but that southern sound is always there.

The best thing that came out of this album for me? I can now say I am not a one-hit fan, something I hate to be. Ignore the Parental Advisory, I recommend this album for all.

-Whitni

PS- Oh, and, just so you know, KOL has a new album coming out October 19th called "Come Around Sundown." I checked out the single from that album called "Radioactive" and like it. The video was interesting and I'm not sure how I felt about it, but the song was great. Check it out- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPBbMbKSZrQ&ob=av2e

PPS- Last thing, I promise. The Kings Of Leon are made of brothers and one cousin and the brothers were all homeschooled during their childhood, much like myself. Love it.

Better Late Than Never

Kanye West's second album, "Late Registration", sent some ripples into the ocean of music. This album debuted at number one on the Billboard charts and ultimately sold three million copies in the U.S alone. In case you've lost count, it's forty on our little countdown.

"Late Registration" is the second of Kanye's education themed albums, the first being "The College Dropout" and the last being "Graduation." The album is truly Kanye, with double-meaning lyrics, tight beats and an array of artists featured. It's no joke when I say there's an array- everyone from T.I, Brandy and Cam'ron to Jamie Foxx, Lupe Fiasco and Adam Levine of the acclaimed band "Maroon 5" is on this album.

My favorite song on this album had to be "Drive Slow", a song that features Paul Wall and GLC. The song is slower and the lyrics focus on the idea that our generation shouldn't be so quick to grow up. Of course, Kanye doesn't just up and say this. But listening to him say, "Ya need to pump your brakes and drive slow homie", you get the point.

Two other favorites were "Roses", a touching anthem to Kanye's grandmother, who went through surgery before he was famous and almost didn't make it, and "Hey Ma" a song, aptly named for Kanye's mother, Donda West, who sadly passed away in November 2007.

Of course, they are the singles "Gold Digger" and "Touch the Sky", which many know and love. Seeing as Raivynn isn't here I can't be sure of what her favorites were, but I am about 85% sure she really likes "Heard Em' Say", the second song on the album that features Adam Levine. I also think she'd like "Celebration", another Kanye specialty on this album.

There was one notable thing I didn't like about this album- the fact that there were twenty-one songs in this album! I understand having to make your music and get it out there, but twenty-one!

Rai already gone on about what makes Kanye so good, but I'm going to go ahead and tell you guys why I love Kanye's music.

Kanye West has something the world is lacking these days- originality. Now, that's not to say he doesn't have influences, he does. But Kanye is his own man. He makes and produces his own music and he raps about everything- not just sex, drugs and money. Listening to his music, you'd probably think most of it's about him and his ego, but if you take the time to really listen to the words, Kanye's actually got a little bit of soul. He talks about everything from family to society to race in America today. What don't I like about Kanye? Well, he's a jackass. He really is. He says and does stupid stuff he knows he shouldn't, much like another gifted musician we know (cough cough, John Mayer, cough cough). But, as much of a jackass as he is, the man makes good music.

I know I'm not the only one to think this too, because Kanye has won forty-seven awards, fourteen of them being Grammys. So, the brotha can't be too bad. Try it yourself, look up one of these songs or others from our older post on Kanye West on Youtube, or whatever you use for music. Keep listening kiddies.

-Whitni

Whatever You Think This Is, That's What It Is

Like the title? Well, if you do, you're sure to like the title of the album being reviewed here- Arctic Monkey's debut album "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not."

I have to say, I do love the Arctic Monkeys. They've got that energy you can also find in artists like Panic At The Disco, The Fratellis (before they broke up) and The Strokes. This music makes me want to dance in my chair and slaps a smile on my face.

This album, which I will label from now on as "Whatever People Say...", is one so close to to be an album I love to love. Right now that spot is reserved by both Vampire Weekend albums, the first two All-American Rejects albums, Coldplay's last two albums, too many Beatles albums to name, The Fratellis debut album, too many John Mayer albums to name, and Mika's "Life In Cartoon Motion". Basically, I love all the songs on all of these albums, and that's no easy thing for me to do. But I got really, really close with this album.

My favourite on this album was "Mardy Bum", which never became a single but I wish it had. It's leaking with all the good stuff we music people love. The guitar riffs catch you right in the beginning of the song and as soon as you hear lead vocalist Alex Turner's beautiful British voice come through your speakers you melt where you stand. The song is poetry, a tale of misfortune and the not so nice side of people. Another favourite of mine is "You Probably Couldn't See for the Lights but You Were Staring Straight at Me". Whoo, that is a mouthful! Truthfully, I couldn't understand half of what Turner was saying over guitarist Jamie Cook and drummer Matt Helders, but I looked up the lyrics later so all was well.

My other favourite on "Whatever People Say..." happened to be the last song- "A Certain Romance". This song grabbed my attention from a very good book and was so good I had to listen again.

I am not exactly sure of which songs Raivynn was digging, but I know she liked "Mardy Bum" and I think she liked their hit off that album, "I Bet You Look Good On The Dance Floor".

I wasn't really into the song "Fake Tales of San Franciso." It didn't reach that level of good the other songs on this album reached. But even this song wasn't that bad.

I'm always split with bands like this. Bands that are so good you want them to be popular so everyone can hear their music, but you also want them to stay slightly unknown because you see their goodness when no one else does and that makes you feel special.

This album is great and I recommend it to all and everyone. It's definitely one for the books and I can't imagine a greater album to get a band off the ground and onto the charts.

Whitni

PS- This extra little part is just for the chickas reading this blog. I don't know about you girls, but it never hurts when a band is not only good, but the members aren't so bad-looking either. If you don't know what I mean, take one good look at Alex Turner.



PPS- Before hearing and reviewing this album I had only heard one notable song from the Arctic Monkeys. It's called "Fluorescent Adolescent" and it's off the album "Favourite Worst Nightmare". This is one amazing song and happens to be in my latest top ten, along with "Yellow" by Coldplay, "Hey Ma" by Cam'ron and "Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)" by Shakira. Check it out!

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!

Oh, These Boys Can Bring It Down

I have to say, I was warned. I mean, I knew System Of A Down definitely wasn't John Mayer or Coldplay, but wow, this is one loud album.

To say if I liked it or not would be way too simple. Well, that and I can't say for sure if I really do like it. I can say for sure, however, that there are a lot of things I could write about this band, but I'll only note a few.

For one, lead singer Serj Tankian has got one kick-ass voice. Not only can he go from singing to screaming in a click, but he's got this awesome accent that I can't place!!! He's Armenian (the whole band is), but it sounds like a mix of New Jersey and Israel, so if you can imagine what that sounds like, you see what I mean.

Also, SOAD's (as they are often called) lead guitarist, Daron Malakian is crazy talented. I don't too often listen to hard rock (and I have low tolerance for screamo) but in the guitar idea of it, this guy has got mad skills. I can especially hear it when I listen to one of the album key tracks, "Toxicity."

I'm not sure what the word on the street is about this band, but I'd like to know. Are they hard rock? Metal? Emo? Screamo? All of the above? I personally say they're a lovely mix of all four. They scream, yes, but they also sing, though the lyrics don't always make sense. Like the song "Bounce". Some of the lyrics are kind of...different. Example- "Unannounced twister games. All players with no names. They lined up double quick. With just one pogo stick. Everyone gets to play."

But, in a way, they're good. Raivynn doesn't care for hard rock too much herself, but I found it growing on me with every listen. This album strangely reminded me of pop music, because it was kind of infectious. I found myself tapping my feet as a song of theirs played in my head over and over again (my mind is a never endless jukebox, at all times there is a song in my head).

With that being said, it's time for favorites! Raivynn was really digging "Forest" track eight on the album. I think she was really drawn to the lyrics and the melody of the song. I could not choose between two songs- "Jet Pilot" the fourth song, and "Toxicity" the twelfth song. "Toxicity" just pulled me in, and I didn't actually start liking it until listening to the album for the third time. "Jet Pilot" has these crazy amusing lyrics and the guy's accent (I know, I can't get over this) was so prominent, I loved it. I'm smiling while I type this, that's how much I love his voice!

I think for a person who hasn't heard a lot of hard rock, this was a good introduction. Who knows, maybe you'll see me in the middle of a mosh pit one day.

-Whitni

Oh, and heads up. Raivynn and I may not be blogging for a little while. We'll be out of town a few weeks, but we'll try to get one or two in here or there.

Beats, Lyrics, Ego, Kanye

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

Graduation was the third studio album to be released by Kanye West, and I believe it was one of his best. It's the third in his 'schooling' chronicles, the first being The College Dropout, and the second Late Registration. Before I talk about the album though, I'm going to pull a Whitni, and talk about Kanye himself.

I actually like Kanye West (for the most part). I'm personally not a big fan of ego, but that's not why I listen to his music. I listen to Kanye West because he is an original. He has been since he started back in 1996, and hasn't stopped for anybody. Since the latter part of the 2000s, rap music started sounding a lot different. You would a hear a great beat one month, and three months later, hear that exact same beat being spun by a different artist. Or, rappers started taking old songs and "re-vamping" them. This is great sometimes, but shouldn't be overdone, like it is now. West has his own distinct sound, he creates his own beats. He brings in sounds from other genres like techno, r&b, pop, and even rock. He experiments, he goes outside his comfort zone. Another thing about Kanye. He is a great rapper and an excellent musician. And he knows this. So many Kanye songs have been attributed to the fact that he talks about how great he is, how all the girls want him, how the haters hate him (and why they shouldn't). And even though you initially roll your eyes and say 'Yeah right', after a few listens you realize one of these two things:

1) He's telling the truth. I mean, honestly, how many other rappers out there are really like Kanye? I would put him right up there with Jay-Z; this guy has talent for spinning records, and he knows it. So shouldn't you know it too? Or...

2) He's knows it, but he's messing around. Remember that previous post by Whit talking about rap music (if you don't, check it out. It's very good). Remember the part where she talked about Luda, and how he used to poke fun at himself and his music? I think that Kanye does this too. Example? I was listening to track eight, 'Drunk and Hot Girls'. The whole song is silly, not worth a listen. So, I skipped it. Maybe Kanye is saying, 'Yeah, this shit is pretty stupid, but the real question is, are you gonna dance your ass off to it anyways?' Maybe I'm wrong, but I like to say that he is a mix between Luda and Common. Why? Because he possess the silliness of Luda, but, also, the seriousness of Common. A lot of his songs talk about real problems, concerns, or just thank somebody (track 13, 'Big Brother'). Those songs make more sense than some of his others, and show a side of Kanye many people don't ever see. Now, back to the music!!

No two songs sound alike, and if you listen to Graduation you'll hear that. The first song, the intro, is aptly named 'Good Morning'. The next five songs of the album really illuminate Kanye's talent, with songs like 'Stronger', 'Can't Tell Me Nothing', 'Good Life', and, my personally favorite, 'I Wonder'. Whitni's favorite song was 'Homecoming', which was a kind of duet with Chris Martin of Coldplay. That's another aspect of young Kanye, he makes songs with all kinds of musicians, from Lil Wayne, to John Mayer, to Dwele. He uses inspiration from musicians like U2, Elton John, Michael Jackson, and Public Enemy, and has said his favorite musical groups include The Killers and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. This guy has been around the block a few times.

Anyway, back to Graduation. It's a great album, placed well on the Rolling Stone's chart (40 something?). I didn't like tracks seven (Barry Bonds), eight, and eleven (The Glory). Tracks you might overlook include 'Everything I Am' and 'Champion', but overall, this album in definitely one of a kind. Like...a bright light in a dark hole of crap. Eww.

-Rai

P.S- No, I will not talk about any of Kanye's controversial outbursts or recent actions involving two young, talented women, a music video, and an badly abused microphone.

JT's One Night Stand With Music

Warning- I had already heard almost half of songs on this album and therefore I may be slightly biased when it comes to the review. I think it'll turn out okay though.

Justin Timberlake. Just hearing that name brings me way back, before "Sexyback" and "Cry Me A River", all the way to, gasp, NSYNC. Justin was a boy band member, raiding the charts with hit after hit. But all somewhat bearable things come to an end, and NSYNC found themselves s.o.l (Google it).

But Justin got lucky. As NSYNC failed, he rose. First came Justified (I know, what a title, right!?), which did well. It got two Grammy's and was very clear in expressing to the music world- "I'm not a cutesy little teenage pop star anymore."

He got burnt out though, and needed a break from the music world. Justin started golfing and chilling on the weekends, something that really helped him find prospective. He acted for a while before diving back into music back in 2005. Then, messing around in the studios with Timbaland, a prominent music producer, the first draft of one of the hits off of FutureSex/LoveSounds, "What Goes Around, Comes Around." I have to say, I love this song. It takes a break from the sex-obsessed, oh-my-god-that-girl-is-smokin'-let's-write-every-song-about-hot-girls, idea of most his songs seem to inhibit.

"What Goes Around, Comes Around" isn't the only song JT put his soul into. As acclaimed as it's been, "Sexyback" was the blowup of the album. Taking the charts by storm, I still hear that song on the radio!

But, why have I bothered to go through Justin Timberlake history in Hollywood? The best way to understand this sophomore album is to know where JT came from. Coming from a boy band, he truly deliberated over these songs, trying to create his own distinct style. Personally, I think he succeeded.

Future Sex/Love Sounds is the kind of album you'd love to hate. The popish beat and freak-a-dink lyrics would mentally kill a good number of music lovers I know, myself included. I like to keep an open mind though, so I listened closer, and that's how I really heard this album. Those popish beats, those are supposed to be there. Music wasn't meant to be contained to one genre, and Justin fully exploits that. Even though this album is primarily pop/r&b, you can feel him grasping for rock, blues, even gangsta rap.

You can even note the transition of the songs. The first half, the FutureSex, explores the suggestive and sometimes explicit themes of sex("I'll let you whip me if I misbehave." from Sexyback). Songs on that half include "FutureSex/LoveSounds", "My Love" and "Sexy Ladies/ Let Me Talk To You." The second half, the LoveSounds, gives more credit to the lovey-dovey part of Justin, with songs like "Until The End Of Time", "Summer Love/Set The Mood", and "Losing My Way." That brings me to favorites. I was really digging "Until The End Of Time" on this album. The groovy beat mixed with the Justin's heart pulling voice on this song as he aches for some girl got to me. The song really set with me that, although people may not think of him as so, Justin Timberlake is a serious musician. Raivynn really like one of the many hits off that album, "LoveStoned/I Think She Knows (Interlude)", a sexy sounding catchy tune that leaves room in the last two minutes to transition you from catchy beat to a slow mo surf of serenading sound.

JT may never make another album and if he didn't, I'd be okay. Not because he's a bad artist, but because he found his sound, something I think every artist longs to find. Good job kid.

-Whitni

Oh, and I think it's important to note that Raivynn and I can rap TI's part on "My Love." We are very proud of it :).I did it for the first time in front of some friends a couple weeks ago and my friends we're blown out of the water. I guess they were thinking, how can this chick who likes The Beatles, Coldplay and The White Stripes spit a beat? Huh, isn't musical diversity amazing?

This Album Is Your Kid's Bedtime Story

The first thing that I will say about this album, Fleet Foxes by Fleet Foxes is that it is everything except for fleet. There is very little that makes this album fast paced. In fact, I found that, for myself, it actually helped me slow down, especially when life is moving so fast right now. When listening, I feel like I could fall asleep while listening, but that doesn't mean that this musical composition is boring. They remind me a little of Coldplay, in the way that they play quieter music (for the most part) that doesn't put people to sleep, but actually entertains them. Not saying that they are like Coldplay, because they aren't. I'd have to say, they're a rough mix of Beirut, a much quieter Kings Of Leon, with some Josh Ritter thrown in there. Different, huh? But I like them, nevertheless.

I like the style and tone of the music. It's kind of like they are saying to their audience, 'Okay, sit back and relax and put this on when you have company in the living room, but still listen closely, because you never know when we'll surprise you.' And that's true, no two songs sound alike, not at all!! My favorite songs are the second, fifth and sixth, 'White Winter Hymnal', 'Quiet Houses' and 'He Doesn't Know Why', respectively. I think that Whitni's favorite song is either the second or third 'Ragged Wood' (sorry Whit), but I can't be sure. The first song 'Sun It Rises' is also very excellent, which is always a good thing, and the fourth song, 'Tiger Mountain Peasant Song' makes me want to go outside in a skirt, with no shoes, and hippie dance. If I had to pick a potential single, it would be track eight 'Your Protector', which is a magnificent song that could easily find its way onto college/alternative radio. All in all, Robin Pecknold and Josh Tillman work together on the vocals to create a magical kind of road trip. Thankfully, this kind requires no car or driving skills. Just a radio, and a little bit of your time.

I Can Dig It, Can You?

In case you've lost count, this is album number three we've reviewed, aka album number forty-seven on Rolling Stones top fifty. Yes, I know, we're moving kind of slow, but with some creativity we've found another way for both of us to listen to the album, even as Raivynn or I am away from home, which will definitely get us pumping these out that much faster.

This album, "Dear Science" by TV On The Radio, was certainly nothing I've heard before. Turn on the first song and you are hit with a wall of sound. Once you get over the initial "Ba-ba-ba," a staple of pop music, lead singer Tunde Adebimpe's voice comes into play. As he sings, you get a feeling of exactly what this is, even though it's hard to describe to others (trust me, I've tried). The drums are heavy, the synthesizer obvious, the vocals light and airy, but overall the beat is solid. If I had to pick a genre, I'd go with alt-rock-pop with a splash of indie thrown in. Okay, maybe more than a splash. Whatever. Their sounds are blended, which is just what the music industry needs. Gone are the days where a band was simply rock or pop. Instead many bands are now are getting the label 'rock/pop' or 'rock/alt/pop.' Blending, as I like to call this phenomenon, creates variety, which is usually good. Now people who claim to love or hate just one genre get the wonderful surprise of finding out their beloved band is not only this, it's that as well.

But, back to TV On The Radio. My personal favorites were tracks five and six- 'Golden Age' and 'Family Tree', especially 'Family Tree.' The music is soft and the lyrics are the kind that make you stop and think, something all of us could do a bit more often. Raivynn liked tracks one and two- 'Halfway Home' and 'Crying', and wants to note she quite enjoyed this band, something I agree with. Behind the music, the lyrics are rough and edgy, driving a knife into your soul, even if you don't exactly understand what they mean. The music compliments the words, and together they have the ability to give your head a couple of spins. That is, of course, if you're ready.

-Whitni

Extra, With A Splash Of Ordinary

The second album to be musically tasted by us music tasters is Fiona Apple's Extraordinary Machine. Ms. Apple's music genre is vocal (think Norah Jones), and vocal isn't really my thing, but I kept my mind open. The album opens with Whitni's personal favorite, 'Extraordinary Machine', which also happens to be one of the best songs of the album, and most likely the single. The song keeps you interested, and it is a really cute, sweet song about being yourself and going at your own pace. It reminds me of Paul McCartney's song 'English Tea' from his album Chaos and Creation In The Backyard. My favorite track on the album was 'Please Please Please'. I love the combination of the piano, bass guitar, and drums with her voice, as well as the 'do do do', which you can also hear in Vampire Weekend's track 'Mansard Roof'.

Overall, this album was very good, but not entirely extraordinary. It had its moments, but not enough of them. If I had made this list, I would have switched Bright Eyes with this one. After the first track, the album slows down and, dare I say, gets boring for a few tracks. The second half of the album (7-12), is a lot better, it has more feeling to it. In the first half, many of the songs sound a lot alike, but they start to develop their own personality later on, which is always a good thing. The noteworthy tracks I would mention are 1, 5, 9, 11, and 12. I like twelve because it sounds like a waltz, and there is nothing wrong with a little ballroom music. All in all, this was a good album to listen to, but don't expect to be amazed by it. Just enjoy the splash of extraordinary.

-Rai

And The Countdown Begins...

Don't you love how "tomorrow" always ends up meaning two days from now? I guess it's just one of those things...

But, to focus, the countdown has begun, and I have written up, happily, the first review. I tried to be fair, respecting the artist, because every music lover knows that making it in the world of music is something close to impossible and sticking around can be even harder, even when the music itself is great. Take Ben Gibbard's little love project that few have heard of, but many love- The Postal Service. I heard of them from a good friend (she knows who she is :), and fell in love with them, especially 'Such Great Heights', 'Sleeping In', 'Nothing Better', and 'The District Sleeps Alone Tonight'. But the band only had one album and a couple LP's before they fell apart and Death Cab For Cutie rose from their ashes. Of course, I love DCFC, so I'm happy they were created. I just wish The Postal Service didn't have to fall apart for DCFC to be here.

Anywho, enough with the music induced sob story. Onto the review!

Bright Eyes: I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning-
This album reminds me of a very long lullaby, thanks to the husky voice of lead singer Conor Oberst and his gentle guitar. The album begins with a short spiel, something that definitely drew me in. I found myself craning to hear what Conor had to say, and then sitting back and enjoying the music. The whole album has this folksy feel, both a good and not so good thing.
My personal favorite was the last song, "Road To Joy". Hearing Oberst scream, quote, "...fuck it up boys, make some noise!", gave me confidence that though this is folk, there's a little something below the surface. This song was raw, real, and I couldn't imagine the album being wrapped up any other way. Rai was really digging the second song, "We Are Nowhere And It's Now", a swaddled melody of thought and guitar. Oberst really dove into this one, and she felt like he was reaching across the album and singing the song just to her. Other tracks we liked had to be number five- "Train Under Water", number seven-"Another Travelin' Song", and number eight- "Land Locked Blues."
Rai and I give this album a C+, because, while folk and Bright Eyes go hand in hand, they are trying a little too hard to get that Bob Dylan/Jack Johnson sound. Folk is good, granted, but it's not all Bob Dylan. Plus, Conor's voice is truly genuine, but I don't especially like the input of Emmylou Harris. Her vocals just don't fit, in my opinion, and the album would have been a bit better had she not sung in tracks two and seven. All in all, if Bright Eyes can find their own sound, they will rock the folk world. No doubt.