Category: Reviews
Hilary Duff is a crazy stalker in her new music video for “All About You”
Apparently Hilary Duff is exploring all avenues of insanity these days.
In her last video for “Chasing the Sun,” she was a schizophrenic co-worker with an affinity for confusing her office for a Malibu beach.
Now, in her latest, “All About You,” she is an entirely different brand of mentally unstable.
The somewhat forgettable song is about being totally obsessed with a guy to the point that you are willing to do whatever it takes to show him – very healthy stuff.
The video starts with Duff taking a sneaky photo of a hot guy sitting across the room from her (okay, so far not that creepy, because GUILTY – I’m looking at you, cute Mama’s Boy waiter #overeasy).
However, she then takes the vinyl record that he accidentally leaves behind and trots off to the dance studio to recount the (lack of) incident and show the photo to her friends, who act like they have never seen a good-looking man before.
It’s already feeling like a little much. If simply seeing an attractive human being impacts someone’s day this much, red flags are already waving frantically.
With the help of her enabling friends, Duff piles everyone in her awesome convertible to go on a full-blown search-party mission to find the stud. They run around town showing the picture to people until they finally get a flyer for a party he’s attending. Whereas some people might have turned back once they saw the signs that said “1 Mile to Stalkerville,” this girl blows right past them and doesn’t stop until she hits Crazy Town.
Insert totally random street dancing scene just for the hell of it.
In the end, our girl finds her man, walks up to him, and returns his record. He chats her up like he isn’t remotely concerned that she tracked him down like a bloodhound, and the story ends happily ever after. Beautiful.
Meghan Trainor: ‘Title’
Meghan Trainor has become an immediate star in just the last few months with the release of her first single “All About That Bass,” which has been sitting atop the charts for several weeks.
Just when the song was starting to get out of everyone’s heads, Trainor released her debut EP this month. The four-song album, plainly titled Title, refuses to conform to traditional top chart albums.
“All About That Bass” isn’t the only positive, encouraging song on the album. It sets the theme for her entire EP. Each song addresses important issues for women with Trainor’s own style to make the album different from any other. Her tone throughout each song is endearing and light-hearted, while still packing a punch through her lyrics.
The album begins with her No. 1 single “All About that Bass,” a much-needed song about appreciation for all body types. With the pressure of society to be a “stick figure silicone Barbie doll”, Trainor refutes the idea that a size two is all a woman needs to find a man and be happy.
This is followed by the title track, “Title.” The ukulele-powered song revolves around the idea of needing a title before continuing on with a relationship. While this is a stereotype of women, Trainor addresses the issue with a nontraditional approach. She sings “I know girls aren’t hard to find/But if you want to try/Consider this an invitation to kiss my ass goodbye.”
Her newest single, “Dear Future Husband,” may begin as a romantic ballad but changes within the first 30 seconds into a fun, trumpet-filled chant. She changes the expectation that women are to remain at home, singing “You got that 9 to 5/But, baby, so do I/So don’t be thinking I’ll be home and baking apple pies.”
The album closes on an even more encouraging note than it started out on, if that’s possible. The final song, “Close Your Eyes,” pushes everyone to recognize their specific beauty and be independent of the norm. This song is extremely important in a society that expects the same standard of beauty for everyone. She sings “Everybody’s born to be different/That’s the one thing that makes us the same.”
Title is an album that couldn’t have been released at a better time. The positive messages address issues in society that have existed for many years and probably will continue. This album provides hope for a society where there is no expectation for a woman to look, feel, or act a specific way.
From stereotypes to body types, Trainor addresses them all with a bouncy, cheerful style. While she is hitting the nail on the head, her songs are catchy and fun. She is truly a unique artist who knows how to shed light on certain situations without inflicting too much seriousness in her music. With so many negative influences fluctuating throughout the industry, this music is a breath of fresh air and provides concepts anyone can relate to. This is one of the most important albums of 2014.
The Lovers Key: “Saturday Night (Remix)”
When Christopher Moll linked up with Maco Monthervil, The Lovers Key project rocketed off in a blaze of soulful sounds and retro pop-infused tracks that finally manifested itself in their 2014 debut album, Here Today, Gone Tomorrow. The Lovers Key blends some exceedingly retro musical influences with a leading voice that sounds as if someone joined a talent reminiscent of Marvin Gaye with the Bee Gees and smoothed over the seam with a creamy spread of peanut butter. Yum!
The vibe works pretty well. So much so that Moll’s involvement with indie pop group, The Postmarks, seems to have rekindled itself, resulting in a pretty funky remix of The Lovers Key’s “Saturday Night” that made it onto the deluxe version of the album.
At first, listening to the remix itself felt bizarre in the same way that putting underglow on a Dodge Charger might look a little out of place to bystanders. Although the lyrics, much like the original, aren’t much to speak of—the words “Saturday night” still comprise over 50% of the song—a groovy bass thump and synth run have since replaced the staccato, rock organ chord pumps to contrast with 1960’s rock hall feel of the original. Combined with vocal harmonies of The Postmarks’ Tim Yehezkely, these revamps are enough to make this an interesting play, and not a bad song to cruise around to overall.
3/5
Young the Giant: “Mind Over Matter (In the Open)”
Young the Giant’s September release of another travel-induced, impromptu music video is here to add to their growing repertoire of roadside, seaside, and hillside (pretty much wherever) jam sessions belonging to their “In The Open” series. Their latest performance comes to us from the edge of Angeles Crest Highway in southern California, and, being next on a stack of shoots that have thus far accumulated the YouTube equivalent of a surgeon’s retirement fund in views, it is definitely something worth paying attention to.
Here’s what we’re getting into: an indie rock band reinventing yet another tune from their second studio album, Mind Over Matter, in the name of…well, making music as the mood strikes. Evident from their past videos, Young the Giant’s penchant for finding interesting backdrops in between playing amphitheaters and digging in with a melodic weave of minor chords and some light percussion rings of being hyper genuine; it shines through from previous “In The Open” releases to this—this time, we get the album’s namesake, and it blows the original away.
The entirety of “Mind Over Matter (In The Open)” is played and filmed within a tunnel, the camera touching on each of the band members as we pan left, right, then back again. The closer we get to each, the more distorted and fuzzy the light at the end of the tunnel becomes, affecting the scene in much the same way the sounds of the five-piece ensemble mingle with the enclosure’s natural acoustics—brilliantly. Young the Giant’s delivery of a synth-free “Mind Over Matter” is definitely an experience to float through, and will have you wondering where your time went by the fifth replay. By the time we begin to backpedal with two of the band’s members through the mouth of the tunnel and out into the sunlight, the resolution we experience is consistent with something minimal, effective, and built of nothing but raw music.
So play it, and then replay it. Go into your bathroom, belt the chorus, and pretend you are in a cave (guilty). Revel in that echo and thrum of acoustic guitar strings, and let the beat wash over you a bit, even if makes you a few minutes late for work.
Here’s the original video:
Brothers Osborne: ‘Brothers Osborne EP’
Brothers Osborne released their debut self-titled EP Sept. 9, a long-awaited release for the duo whose popularity increases daily.
John and T.J. Osborne hail from Deale, Maryland and have brought a sense of their hometown to the album, even filming locals to appear in the music video for their current single. The duo’s music is different without branching too far away from their roots. With a network of musicians supporting them and landing the opening slot on two major tours, there is no doubt Brothers Osborne will be a household name in due time.
The EP consists of five songs, including the current single, “Rum,” which peaked at 34 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. The country label can often lead music lovers astray, but the duo pays no mind to those stereotypes. Instead, they attempt to break the mold and create something genuine all of their own, in which they succeed. Their back porch, classic rock feel distinguishes them from the predictable artists dominating the top charts.
The EP kicks off with a song straight out of the Wild West called “Shoot from the Hip,” likely to draw the listener in at the beginning of the album. “Arms of Fire” follows, a song about the ever-present problem of knowing when to let go of a relationship. The duo sings “In your arms of fire, I can’t escape/Staying or leaving hurts either way/Walking a wire I’ll never cross/’Cause everything in me is wanting to fall/Into your arms of fire”. The third track is “Stay a Little Longer,” which gives some insight as to what became of the relationship in the previous song. The thumping chorus sings “I tell myself I’m not in love, but one more time is not enough/One last kiss and then you’re a goner/Lying here wishing you could stay a little longer.” The EP nears its conclusion with “Love the Lonely Out of You,” a beautiful acoustic song that truly accentuates the artist’s vocal capabilities. “Rum,” the duo’s most popular song, closes the album on a fun-loving note after three more serious songs. The song emphasizes the importance of taking advantage of already-existing surroundings instead of going through all of the trouble of getting away.
Brothers Osborne may not be producing number one singles yet, but they are definitely heading in the right direction. Fans of any genre can appreciate artists who break with tradition, and this duo is no exception. With the duo’s first single just released in 2013, they are off to a promising start. Opening for two major country artists this year will definitely boost their popularity and introduce a new kind of country music for fans. It’s not very often artists will attempt to create something so genuine and real that they’re willing to sacrifice the chance at instant gratification in the form of number one songs straight out of the gate. Brothers Osborne is a duo who are redefining the lines and following in the footsteps of trailblazers who have launched a revolution with their distinct music.
Mary Lambert: “Heart On My Sleeve”
Mary Lambert is gearing up for the release of her debut full-length album, Heart On My Sleeve, on October 14.
Mary Lambert became a familiar name after she co-wrote and provided the chorus on the powerful Macklemore & Ryan Lewis song “Same Love”. Since then, she has released two EP’s. The title track has been released as a single in preparation for the debut.
“Heart on My Sleeve” begins with Lambert echoing a Regina Spektor-esque voice as she launches into the first verse, singing “Let me be your porch light/Your favorite star on the best night.” She moves through a list of typical statements about love, such as “’Cause I’m not sure who I was before/But the day I saw you, I sure adore you” before beginning the chorus.
The most notable line of the song is “I could be your heart speed/Running as fast as the beat would take us.”
There is no doubt that Lambert has an incredible voice. With that voice, she can (and often does) perform some very inspiring and moving songs. That being said, “Heart on My Sleeve” does not match up to her vocal potential.
The single isn’t horrible, but after hearing the amazing music she can create, “Heart on My Sleeve” falls flat.
Check out her newly released EP of Secrets: The Remixes below, and be on the lookout for Lambert’s upcoming album here!
Alt-J: ‘This is All Yours’
Alt-J consists of Joe Newman, Gus Unger-Hamilton and Thom Green. Their second album, This Is All Yours, comes out September 23rd via Canvasback/Infectious Music.
If you do some Facebook stalking, as I like to do with all artists I review, you learn something about alt-J. The name translates into a symbol; the combination on a Mac creates a delta, ∆ (try it, it’s fun). The symbol represents the band’s transition in life, past and future. It can easily be applied to This Is All Yours, as it is an album of versatility and range. ∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆sorry∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆
The album opens with “Intro,” a rhythmic entrance with echo effects and a tribal feel that reoccurs throughout the album; the track moves into distorted, deep lyrics. Slow it down in “Arrival in Nara,” which opens softly with a delicate piano. The tempo picks up a bit in “Nara,” which also uses the combination of tribal, ambient and techno sounds. Both songs display alt-J’s folk persona. The album continues to journey through this place, finally ending with “Leaving Nara.” Based on the following tracks, might it resemble a jungle or garden of some sort? A place of serenity and youthful freedom? Alt-J, answer me.
“Every Other Freckle” transforms the slow and soft into quick and sensual with unaltered vocals. This track strays a little from the previous techno sounds and takes on a modern rock aura with vibrating bass and natural guitar combinations…and a little flute at 1:34 – can’t beat it. The sound expands into “Left Hand Free,” which is currently making its rounds on alternative radio stations nationwide, shows Alt-J’s upbeat, fun side. It’s fun to sing if you can keep up.
“Garden of England” acts as an ambient instrumental intermission, using bird sounds to imitate the feeling of being in a garden, and soothing wind instruments. Followed by “Choice of Kingdom,” a folk lullaby.
Enter a personal favorite, “Hunger of the Pine.” Although this song is great for feeling like a badass in the car driving 70 mph, context takes it to a new level. The music video is intense and moving. It features a man running through a field from a copious amount of arrows, source unknown. He is hit multiple times but is determined to keep running, destination unknown. The final shot is unexpected but does not deter the man. After watching the video, I felt more thoughtful than rebellious. Nevertheless, Alt-J’s combination of techno beats, horn instruments and a natural voice (not to mention an excerpt from Miley Cyrus’ song “4×4”) add to the albums layers and versatility.
On the other hand, “Pusher” is beautiful in its simplicity. Natural vocals and guitar make the track mellow and ethereal. Finally, “Leaving Nara” gets back to the ambient tribal sounds we hear in “Arrival in Nara,” as well as synthesizer beats that seem to complement the slower folk songs of the album. The entire album comes full circle, a complete journey through Nara. The unlikely combinations of tracks and the instruments within them make This is All Yours unique and hypnotizing.
Oh wait! Bonus track. One last track to end on an optimistic note with “Lovely Day:” “Just one look at you, and I know it’s gonna be a lovely day.”
6/5 – but seriously. In love.
Cory Branan: ‘The No-Hit Wonder’
I’ve never really been a big fan of contemporary country. However, Memphis native Cory Branan may have converted me. Here’s my beef with country music – it either transforms a mud-caked truck or a morning fishing trip into an emotional upwelling, or there’s too much boom-boom for my speakers. There is nothing wrong with country music and nothing wrong with a barn party with a little Kenny Chesney on the side; it’s just not my cup o’ Joe. Maybe, I’m just listening to the wrong country music (I’m totally open to some recommendations). But Branan seems to transform the genre with his fourth album, The No-Hit Wonder, and I can’t help but admire when someone brings something new to the table.
First, Branan’s voice is so simple and smooth; you can’t help but turn each song into a duet. Second, the album is so versatile! It opens with some classic honky-tonk inspired rhythms. “You Make Me” and “The No-Hit Wonder” follow a simple melody with simple lyrics that make the songs easy to enjoy, and the exuberance embodies the country spirit: good times and good people. “The Only You” has a singer-songwriter vibe that features soft acoustics and a piano that brings to mind Mumford & Sons.
Branan continues to keep his style unique and fresh with “C’mon Shadow,” which opens with what sounds like a ukulele, and “All I Got And Gone.” Both show a slower, sweeter side of the album. “All The Rivers In Colorado” is a personal favorite with its flowing melody and harmonization, as Branan sings, “All the rivers in Colorado couldn’t wash you off my mind…”
The album ends differently than the way it started. The No-Hit Wonder ends with “The Meantime Blues,” a song that displays a rare style and is beautifully accomplished. “The Meantime Blues“ is perfectly sublime and appropriate for a lazy summer day when you’re sitting in your hammock, sitting on a dock, or sitting on your couch.
Cory Branan will be an essential name in the singer-songwriter genre and will surely be a more than one-hit wonder. The No-Hit Wonder comes out tomorrow on Bloodshot Records.
Love it – 5/5
Hilary Duff is a crazy schizo in her new music video for “Chasing the Sun”
A long time coming (even though I had no idea this was even happening), Lizzie McGuire Hilary Duff has finally released a new single called “Chasing the Sun.” Though it may not be “Come Clean,” and it’s definitely no “Hey Now,” it’s got a little something (not the least of which is Auto-Tune).
Not only do we have a new Duff track, but we also have a new music video!
In it, Hilary is a stressed-out, inappropriately-dressed-for-work (no way that skirt is longer than her fingertips) employee who keeps her pet hamster in her cubicle.
Clearly wanting an escape from her lame job and her less attractive co-workers, she fantasizes so much about going on vacation that she can’t keep her mind on what she is doing. Clumsiness ensues, as she runs into walls, has the office creep rub mayonnaise all over her arms, and splashes water on her colleagues during a business meeting. Oh, and she also almost spikes her hamster in its ball, because she thinks it’s a volleyball. This woman should not own pets.
In the end, she gets fired, but what her manager should really be doing is sending her to a shrink to get evaluated in the likely chance that she has schizophrenia. Seriously – someone get this girl some help.
On another note, Hilary looks gorg (love the hair), and there is a totally gratuitous selfie at the end of the video, so overall, nailed it. This is what psych ward dreams are made of.
“Chasing the Sun” is the lead single off Hilary’s upcoming album to be released this Fall.
Aaron Behrens and The Midnight Stroll: “Keep On Rising”
The energy remains in Ghostland Observatory frontman Aaron Behrens’ solo project, Aaron Behrens and The Midnight Stroll. The EP’s first single, “Keep On Rising” features Behrens’ familiar and passionate vocal vibrations. The single previews a more pop rock style in comparison to Ghostland Observatory’s electro pop sound.
The small change introduces Behrens’ signature style and elicits a high-energy listener response (aka rhythmic spasms of the extremities) just as much as Ghostland Observatory’s sound. “Keep On Rising” opens with mellow guitar riffs and explodes into vigorous beats with Behrens’ elevating lyrics and loud, gut wrenching voice. Behrens’ solo debut also signals the release of Behrens’ new label, Skeleton Farm Records, on September 16th.
Along with a fresh album and label, Behrens also plans on a cross-country tour this fall. The singer-songwriter wastes no time in getting his new sound out there, and for that we are thankful. Behrens’ solo break away from Ghostland Observatory has been long awaited, and not patiently I might add. If you can’t wait until September 16th, go to Applauze.com where all your wildest dreams will come true…and also there’s a free download of “Keep On Rising” waiting for you there.
The tour will start sooner than you think, so get your tickets now at the previously mentioned website. You’re gonna be real sorry when you drive by the Georgia Theater and see Aaron Behrens and The Midnight Stroll in small block letters on the marquee without a ticket to get in.
Tour Dates:
09/11 Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
09/12 Utopia, TX @ UTOPiAfest
09/13 Dallas, TX @ Club Dada
09/14 Tulsa, OK @ Cain’s Ballroom
09/17 Kansas City, MO @ Riot Room
09/18 Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock
09/19 Chicago, IL @ Schubas Tavern
09/20 St. Louis, MO @ Firebird
09/21 Little Rock, AR @ Juanitas
10/01 El Paso, TX @ Lowbrow Palace
10/02 Tucson, AZ @ Club Congress
10/03 San Diego, CA @ The Casbah
10/04 Los Angeles, CA @ The Satellite
10/05 Pomona, CA @ Glass House
10/06 Los Angeles, CA @ School Night at Bardot
10/08 San Francisco, CA @ The Chapel
10/10 Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre
10/12 Seattle, WA @ The Crocodile
10/15 Missoula, MT @ Stage 112
10/16 Boise, ID @ Neurolux
10/17 Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
10/18 Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater
10/25 Austin, TX @ Scoot Inn
11/05 Birmingham, AL @ The Bottletree
11/06 Atlanta, GA @ Terminal West
11/07 Athens, GA @ Georgia Theatre
11/08 Nashville, TN @ High Watt
11/09 Asheville, NC @ The Millroom
11/11 Charleston, SC @ The Pour House
11/12 Raleigh, NC @ Lincoln Theatre
11/13 Washington, DC @ Rock & Roll Hotel
11/14 Philadelphia, PA @ MilkBoy
11/15 New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge
11/19 Boston, MA @ Great Scott
11/20 Pittsburgh, PA @ The Altar Bar
11/21 Lexington, KY @ Cosmic Charlie’s