Modest Mouse- Strangers To Ourselves

Modest Mouse

"Strangers To Ourselves"

1. Strangers To Ourselves
2. Lampshades On Fire
3. Shit In Your Cut
4. Pistol (A. Cunanan, Miami FL. 1996)
5. Ansel
6. The Ground Walks, With Time In A Box
7. Coyotes
8. Pups To Dust
9. Sugarboats
10. Wicked Campaign
11. Be Brave
12. God is an Indian and You're an Asshole
13. The Tortoise and The Tourist
14. The Best Room
15. Of Course We Know

After waiting 8 years for a new album, alternative rock band Modest Mouse has finally delivered. But it might not be the package that we were expecting. Modest Mouse have released a new single "Lampshades on Fire", which sounds a lot like the MM we know and love. I finally had the chance to listen to this album, and all I could count on before that, were the opinions and reviews of others. After listening, I could tell that a lot went into this album. Random instruments like steel drums, cello, congas, Ebow, and more were played in the making of  'Strangers To Ourselves'. I discovered some favorites and a couple that I'm not to fond of. They stepped out of their box a tad with songs like "Pistol", which was more of electro-pop sound, complete opposite of their genre, but almost like they were making fun of other artists and the sound that they have. Thankfully were a handful of songs that brought us back to the way MM rocks our hearts. Tracks like, "Lampshades on Fire", "Ansel", "Be Brave", and "Sugarboats" are the kind of songs that did not disappoint. One thing I noticed, is Isaac Brock's (vocals,guitar,lyrics) way of writing. I read the lyrics along with the CD and I noticed that the lyrics seem like dark metaphors for things going on in the world. Which is really refreshing. You don't hear that on the radio. But now the question is... Was it worth the 8 years of waiting? Probably not, but it's still a good album and I am not disappointed as a fan and a music lover.

Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars- Uptown Funk

Holy flashback!
I'm not really a fan of Bruno Mars' music, but I do think he is a great performer and SNL host. If you haven't seen him perform on MTV or some award shows, he's a good entertainer. Bruno is hilarious on SNL too, just so you know.

This time he teamed up with Mark Ronson, a UK musician and producer. 'Uptown Funk' is one of the funkiest songs I've ever heard. It's got the high pitched trumpets, deep bass, psychedelic keyboard, clapping, and Bruno Mars voice.
When I was listening to this song on the radio,
1. It didn't sound like Bruno Mars,
2. I thought it was an old funk song from the 70's.

 It's so good I'm not shamed to say that I love this song. 'Uptown Funk' is way different than the usual pop-girly-love songs that he does. I will say if the rest of the album sounds like this song, I will most definitely be buying it.


Check it and be amazed by the funk!

I'm really happy for Robert Delong

Have you ever gone to a show and discovered someone new and have the best time, then you go home and buy their album fall in love with it, then a couple years later, their playing on the radio and all you an think of is how happy you are for them? That they are really doing it, that he's is actually making his dreams come true. (As corny as that sounds) But as a fan, I am proud of Robert Delong.
YOU'RE DOING IT DUDE!!!


This is his new song that I heard on the radio and got excited.

Robert Delong-Long Way Down

Brothers Horse-Self Titled

Hello my people! I know it's been awhile since I've posted some articles, but have no fear! I've written an album review!

I actually discovered a really good band while out with some friends. Imagine that, I did it the old fashion way, and honestly I'd prefer it that way. I got so excited because my fiance, our friend and I were outside this bar talking, and I was listening to this band playing outside.  But we couldn't see them performing, I could only hear, so I started dancing and moving side to side, and we decided to go check them out.
Now, I'm pretty excited about this because this is the first local band in a long time that I actually discovered and love!

This Sonoma County band is Brothers Horse. They a have a punk, pirate, and polka feel to them. It's really different, but so awesome. Their sound is a little like the artist Gogol Bordello, right up that alley. If you haven't heard of Gogol Bordello, do it now. Well, maybe not right now, after this article, then check him out. Seriously though, Brothers Horse has some pretty different instruments that you don't hear on the radio or even on your iTunes. Put some accordions, trumpets, trombone, fiddle, and some dude in a crazy accent doing vocals. Not only is their music original and danceable, their shows are pretty fun too. I honestly think that they sound better live than their recordings on their album. They tell stories in their lyrics, which makes me feel like their music should be in an adventure pirate movie. Haha.

Here's the link to their bandcamp and check them out (BH album is free!!)
Brothers Horse Bandcamp

1. Ballad Of Brothers Horse
2. Bottom Of The Ocean
3. Dark and Stormy
4. 16 Days
5. Brother John
6. Any Port In A Storm
7. Head Will End Up Missing
8. Cardinal Girls and Money
9. Easter Surprise
10. Heavens To Betsy
11. Blessed Be The Barrel
12. Eastbanian Lament
13. Met A Man
14. Hanging In The Bedroom
15. Torn and Tattered

Edward Sharpe and Cream

Recently my boyfriend and I have been listening to quite a lot of classic rock music. Chris discovered Cream, thus I discovered Cream. But while listening to their music, I did notice that the lead singer of  Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros, Alex Ebert, vocals sound similar to the vocals of Jack Bruce, the lead vocals of Cream. I notice it especially when Bruce' vocals are high pitched during this song:


Cream- "Strange Brew"

Then compare it to an Edward Sharpe song...

Edward Sharpe and The Magentic Zeros- "Come in Please"

Maybe it's just me? Sometimes it usually is. But whatever, maybe my ears don't lie?
Either way, I love both these bands.

Here's a few artists you should check out!

I know I complain all the time about being broke, thus no album reviews. I'm sorry for that, plus it's also very difficult to keep up with all the new music out there.. I'VE FAILED YOU.  But there is some great ones and some pretty bad ones. Ones that shouldn't have picked up an instrument in the first place. I guess that's all about the music discovery right? Because it feels pretty awesome when you found your new favorite band. When the songs get stuck in your head, but you're totally okay with it. When their album is on repeat for weeks. It's a great feeling. But like I said, there's tons of music you have to dig through, like there's tons... you don't even know. Well, maybe you do, but still! Anyways, I found some pretty great artists and I've decided to put them all in one post.

I hope you've found your music discovery.

1. Moose Blood

2. Vance Joy

3. Modern Baseball (I've featured these guys on my blog before, but just a refresher!)

LOOK WHO I FOUND!!

HOZIER

I discovered this guy on Facebook, of all places. 

I thanks to one of my co-workers, she said that she loved every single song on the his self titled album. So of course I had to check it out for myself!

Sighh, another broke time for Zoey...

But thankfully for the internet, I can stream this dudes album! Sad day...but good day, kinda.

I've decided I really like his voice, how deep and melodic it is.

Plus, his music is more of the indie-vibe. Which is pretty much my favorite genre.

I know, I think I'm bias. 

Sorry guys.

Anyway, if you haven't heard his hit single, "Take Me To Church" please, just listen. It's pretty catchy.

Want more? Yeah ya do.

YOU ARE  MOST WELCOME!

Built To Spill

There's nothing I would love more than to do an album review of Built To Spill. But sadly, I'm broke as joke. Want to know why?! Cause I was busy getting this little gem...

If you somewhat read my blog posts, this song by Modest Mouse (Float On) means a lot to me. It has gotten me through some of the most stressful times in my life, especially this year. I've been wanting to get this tattoo for years now and after this summer, and me finally having $150 to blow on a tattoo. I finally did it, and I am so happy I got it. 

So that's why I'm broke! But I'm totally okay with it.
Thank god for music streaming right? Even though it's horrible for record companies, but anyways!

As I was getting my tattoo, I was telling him how much the song meant to me and he asked if I've heard of Built To Spill. I haven't, so here I am listening to them while I'm writing this blog post and I love them!

They do have a Modest Mouse feel to them, like it's Modest Mouse' young brother or something. Haha. But a little more edgy. The way they harmonize their voices, and the vocals a little bit too. Of course they do have their own little twist on things. Where have I been this entire time and not known about this band?!

Next payday, you bes' believe I'm going to buy a few of their albums!

If you've been living under a rock like me, you should definitely check these guys out!

Flashback Friday!!

Remember that white jamaican guy who used to be featured in hip-hop/pop songs?

You member! 

Everyone knows who he is, even if you didn't listen to his music.

You member!

He disappeared somewhere. He like, dropped off the face of the music industry. 

Gone...gone forever.....

WHERE ARE YOU SEAN PAUL!?!!

Actually I think he's married to someone.

Anyway, here a flashback for ya...

Isn't crazy how when you listen to it, you know exactly where you were in your life when you heard this song. Crazy stuff.

I'll just leave you to ponder that.

Your welcome!

This maybe just me, but...

I absolutely hate it when bands have music videos and all the camera or director focuses on is the lead singer.

When the director doesn't show the band at all, or maybe just a small flash to them and then back to the lead singer. Then the rest of the music video is just the lead singer. Or how about when they do show all of the band, but it's only when their playing their instruments.

What the heck man?!

It's all about the whole band, not just the lead singer.
Sure the lead singer may be more attractive then the rest of the band.
But you gotta show everyone else's talent too, ya know?
I think that's is what everyone loses sight on.
The every band member could be ridiculously attractive, like jaw-dropping, were-you-sent-down-from-the-heavens hot.
But their music could totally suck and make babies cry.
They will still sell a million copies because that's all everyone cares about.

It's a sad day for all the real music lovers out there.

To see what I'm talking about, here's some music videos:
( Some these bands are not what I particularly listen to )

Eisley-Smarter

Paramore- Brick By Morning Brick

I See Stars- Murder Mitten

THE WHO HAS RELEASED A NEW TRACK!!

Once again, another legendary rock band has graced us after 8 years with their new track "Be Lucky".

The Who is back and still rocks our hearts!

Throughout the song Roger Daltrey refers to the french DJ's, Daft Punk and australian rockers, AC/DC.
One could say that The Who is back and ready to diss everyone. Haha
Which is actually entertaining, considering I am a fan of all three artists.

Here are some lyrics to the new track "Be Lucky", and you will see what I am talking about.

AC/DC diss:

“You wanna climb without a safety line/

 AC/DC’s gonna be fine,” 

“If you want to want to sell/ you’ve got to kiss and tell/  

And you’ve got to do a cover of Highway to Hell.”

And for Daft Punk:

 “You want to climb without a safety line/ 

Daft Punk will tell you that it’s gonna be fine.” 

Then Roger Daltrey proceeds to autotune his voice, like Daft Punk's.

So all in all even if they are dissing, they are still amazing at what they do. And Pete Townsend is still a god on guitar. 

Here's the new track from The Who, "Be Lucky".

AC/DC HAS A NEW ALBUM IN DECEMBER!!

Guess who's freakin' stoked!? THIS GIRL.

It's going to be call 'Rock or Bust'.

But unfortunately, along with the news about the new album, came the new about guitarist, Malcolm Young will not be recording with the band, due to illness. This will be the first time in AC/DC's 41 year history without their founding guitarist.

Regardless, I'm sure it is still going to be awesome, and I am so excited to hear it.
The 1 minute teaser, has the roaring vocals, smooth guitar riffs and the rocking out we always loved.

Below is where the new track is very sneakly (probably not a word, but you still understood it!) hid it in the new MLB's postseason commercial.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/KG-RntPs-MA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

AREN'T YOU EXCITED?!!?

Well, you should be. 

This is a little different...

But I really like what this Brit's doing. It's like eletro-pop-dance-trance-chill music. 

Glass Animals

Give his songs a listen. It's actually pretty chill. 

CURRENT SONGS THAT WILL NOT LEAVE MY HEAD!!

"Because you know

I'm all about that bass,

 'bout that bass,

 'bout that bass. 

No treble.

I'm all about that bass,

 'bout that bass,

 'bout that bass. 

No treble."

Meghan Trainor- All About That Bass.

THIS SONG HAS BEEN STUCK IN MY HEAD FOR A WEEK NOW.
GET IT OUT!!!

AHHHH!

I get it, it's got a good message. The song talks about being confident in who you are, no matter what size or shape you are. That's awesome.
But it's one of those super poppy songs that I cannot stand. It's too much pop for me.
The fact that I can't let it escape my brain is driving me nuts.
Right now, I'm listening to Led Zepp. trying to get rid of it.

I'm sure you've heard it before.
If not, here ya go!
MUAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
(I'm really sorry)

LOOK WHO I FOUND!!

It's been awhile since I've written anything, but lately I've been trying to step out of my comfort zone. I listened to some folk music the other day and I did not like it at all. Probably the worst thing I've listened to in awhile. Worse than Jaden Smith's new single. Have you heard it? Good, don't. 

Anyway, I finally had the chance to sit down and discover some new music. 

So after searching for some new tunes, I found a folk band from Texas. Their name is Shakey Graves. Now after listening to the first folk band (that I despise) I thought that maybe this isn't what all folk bands sound like, so I decided to give Shakey Graves a try. 

Again, folk music isn't my forte, actually I don't really think any type of music is my forte... I LOVE ALL DA SONGZZZ. 

 I really like this band though. They are very relaxing. I'm listening to their track, "Unlucky Skin" from their 2011 album 'Roll The Bones'. There is clapping in the background and the banjo player is just plucking away. The 2 vocalists are telling a story and harmonize very well together. It sounds a little country, especially with the harmonica fading in and out. It's a very upbeat song.  Just chill man, just chill. 

Now I listened to their newest single, "Dearly Departed". They have a lady vocalist. it's a lot harder and a more country. The banjo disappeared :[ I'm not sure if I like the newer Shakey Graves. But I did only hear one song, I guess we shall see...

Still, I think Shakey Graves are worth checking out. They're still a good band!

LOOK WHO I FOUND!!

KONGOS!

I was going to do an album review, but I'm broke... :[ 

So here the next best thing.

LOOK WHO I FOUND!! 

(applause and cheering in the background....)

I discovered these guys by one of my friends. We were at her house and we decided to start YouTubing a bunch of stuff, videos of people getting hit with things, turned into funny cat videos, and that turned into music videos, and she showed me Kongos music video for "Come With Me Now". After that their music just kinda stuck with me. Then, I heard them on the radio and I decided that was it. I have to write about these guys!

First off, they have an accordion! How cool is that?! It's not one of those weird old people bands that have a geeky accordion in it. No. These dudes are total jammin' rock music and the guy that plays the accordion just jams out too. It sounds amazing and original. The lead singer has a scratchy voice and really low, Not melodic at all, but it works for their sound. The steel guitar solo in this song is great too. It works with the accordion as well, like their playing off each other. 

Here's their hit single, "Come With Me Now"

Tell me this isn't a cool song? Totally different. The accordion just makes it.

 I'm diggin' it, 

KONGOS Website

KONGOS Facebook

fun. - Aim and Ignite

fun. - Aim and Ignite

Tracklist:

1. Be Calm
2. Benon Hedges
3. All The Pretty Girls
4. Wanna Be The One
5. At Least I'm Not As Sad (As I Used To Be)
6. Light A Roman Candle
7. Walking The Dog
8. Barlights
9. The Gambler
10. Take Your Time (Coming Home)

Honestly I've only heard fun.'s most famous songs, but when I saw that they gave their fans a link to download their 1st album for FREE in honor of it's 5th anniversary. So obviously I took advantage of it. DUH. Who wouldn't right? 

So I was listening to this album and I noticed that it's very theatrical. Remember that local band I did an album review on, Major Powers and the Lo Fi Symphony? Yeah, this whole album is kind of like that. It's like a rock musical, especially songs like "All The Pretty Girls", "Wanna Be The One". Others sound like kid songs, just the way they were put together. Vocals, several instruments being playing, womens backing vocals repeating the same lyrics as a the main vocalist. Those ones I am talking about are, "At Least I'm Not As Sad (As I Used To Be)" and "Walking the Dog". The guitar in "Walking The Dog" sounds a lot like the guitar effects that Vampire Weekend does. (Just thought I should bring that to your attention) Don't get me wrong, these guys are really great with their instrument playing, it's very technical and you know this didn't take them a week to write one song. This album took some serious effort. Plus their lead vocalist, has got some pipes! I really love his voice, it's very melodic when it needs to be and playful in the chorus. 

But in all seriousness, this album wasn't for me. It's not horrible, but I just don't think its my style. Still a great band though. 

CURRENT SONGS THAT WILL NOT LEAVE MY HEAD!!

BIG DATA- DANGEROUS

Killer bassline, very catchy, has some electronic vibes. Such a great band! I heard this song on the radio and I feel inlove with it. Even though it is a remix. Sadly, I tried to listen to more songs and possibly buy the album, but all I found are remixes of that one song.

Even though I found some of their other songs, but no where to buy.  :[ Sad day.

Hopefully he will come out with some way to buy them.

Anyways, here's the music video!

It has nothing to do with the song at all. 

It's weird, actually. Haha, but here ya go!

Also, here is another song you might like, I still like 'Dangerous' better though.

Big Data- Bombs Over Brooklyn

Michael Cera has a folk project!

Say what?! Yeah, I was surprised as well! But also excited to hear Michael be all artsy and see another side of him.

I took a listen at his musical side, and it's definitely not what I expected. Cera doing folk music does seem to fit him well. It honestly reminds me of him and Ellen Page playing acoustic together in the movie 'Juno'. It's not horrible, but I don't think it's great either. It's very experimental and out there. I do feel like I know what he's trying to do though. 

I like to see actors try different things, it keeps things interesting, even if it's not particularly good. It's the same for musicians, like when they try to pursue acting, sometimes you are just like , "Woah! I didn't know they could act!" and then other times, "That was the worst acting I've ever seen."

But hey, as long as it makes them happy doing something else right? Even if  it's not what everyone is talking about. Let just say, I kinda sorta like it, but not enough to buy it or to listen to it often. Maybe if he had someone help him, or a well known producer to make it a little bit more edgy? I don't know.

 If you wanna listen to it.. It's right here!

Michael Cera Music

LOOK WHO I FOUND!!

For all of you ravers out there... Here's a new DJ for you.

MONSTERCAT!

Such a cool name, I don't even care about the music! Haha, just kidding, I still really do care, but the name is pretty awesome though.

I don't really know too much about house/dubstep music. I only know a few really famous ones. But this DJ/group/people are awesome. I first I wasn't sure but after listening to a few of their songs. But I changed my mind! Writing about dubstep music isn't my forte, I think the reason that I like Monstercat, is because the way it's put together. How the beat speeds up and drops, the high pitched chipmunk voices, and the bouncey dance beats. In the beginning of this song, I didn't really like it, but as the song went on, the beat caught me, I was thinking to myself, "Okay this is alright", then it kept going and the beat dropped, "Okay this is actually pretty sick". 

So you should take a listen for yourself!

Monstercat's Bandcamp