1.

2. Farewell

3. Isnt This Supposed To Be Fun!?

4. Powerpop/Synth/Rock

5. The album is a truly upbeat, definition powerpop album. It combines synth and powerpop to make amazing songs that can appeal to more then just their scene. They sound alike enough everyone else to be radio friendly but at the same time its hard to compare them to any other artist because they manage to create a sound that is all their own, and they include it in every song. They make each song different so its impossible to say that two songs sound the same.

6. - 1. Start It Up- This is the fan favorite besides the first single. It’s a really good rock out sing along song. The verses are almost as catchy as the extremely grabbing hook. It’s the perfect song to crank up and sing along with friends to in the car
- 2. Anchors Away- This song is a little more generic then the rest of the tracks, but still keeps with the bouncy theme of the CD with the same old punchy lyrics
- 3. First One on the Blog- The lyrics in this song are what makes it. The song humorously refers to internet drama, blogs, and such.
- 4. Stay Pretty- Stay Pretty ties in the sound of early Farewell and Epitaph signed Farewell. It was one of three songs released before the release of the album and got a very good response. It incorporates gang vocals and shouts at just the right time.
- 5. War- One of only two songs written before they were signed, War is also one of the only ballads on the album. It’s slow, but equally as catchy and radio friendly as the rest of the tracks. Farewell has made it a staple in every live show.
- 6.  Sing baby draws influences from the classic 20’style of pop and kicks it up with their own spin on it. The lyrics stay true to Farwell while offering an innovative twist on what listeners would typically expect.
- 7. Eighty Eights- The first single and the only song available for a good 4 months, Eighty Eights is the most popular song on the album and typically draws in first time listeners on the first listen. The songs lyrics have something for everyone to relate to and are by far the most mainstream and catchy song on the entire CD. The most attention grabbing thing on the single is the obvious synth incorporated in it.
- 8. Zelda- The 2nd song written before signing delivers a verse and chorus alike that are so undeniably Farewell. The verse is alright, but it’s the chorus that will really pull you in.
- 9. September Brought The Fall- This song is more of an acquired taste. It’s somewhat repetitive and the chorus draws less from the pop sound, but focuses more on the lyrics.
- 10. Cut You a New Smile- Farewell matches lyrics with unexpected melodies and takes the song all over the place in a way that’s unique and entertaining.
- 11. Hey Heather- One of the more soft-spoken songs manages to still stay spunky with somewhat expected lyrics that are so cheesy it works.
- 12. Darling Darlene- Another song that call upon the musical style, though less obviously, of the 20’s. The entire song, lyrics and melodies, are interesting and one of a kind. The verses flow abruptly and then immediately start to flow, changing from fast to slow, in your face to sweet. My favorite :)
- 13. Fed To The Fire- This song showcases the piano synth rock theme of the album the most. The melody, especially that of the chorus is reminiscent of an early Motion City song. The chorus, like so many others on the album, are really what make the song what it is.

7. Similar Albums-
The Matches- Decomposer
Motion City Soundtrack- I Am the Movie
Mayday Parade- A Lesson in Romantics

8. 8/10

Released through Epitaph, WhooHoo that was fun. I can tell Im going to be doing a lot more of these!!

7. I don't know. I can't really compare it to anything that I know of.

8. 9.5/10, to me it's pretty much perfect. (though I have to not give it a ten, just because of what may be out there/to come.)

Post edited at 9:19 am on Oct. 6, 2007 by itoldyouso

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so many sights, yeah let's see the sights

Now we have come to the second half of the project and trust me we still have so much more to love. This brings us to possibly the best track on the whole album the Kanye West produced "Guerrilla Monsoon Rap." With the all-star line up of Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch and Black Thought, the emcees define what a lyricist lounge is with lines like "It's hard to swallow at times, so take portions // Bitin’ off more than you can chew, create offense,” "I black and blue emcees - actin new to me, get smacked stupidly // That lack skills, like the black community lack unity" and "Spit it like white trash in seed-spittin contests With a vendetta that sent a betta letter bomb to Congress". Connecting New York to Cali, Kweli hooks up with the legendary DJ Quik for the funk inspired "Put It in the Air" (previously seen on Lyricists Lounge II) to get your body moving. Then the album gets very serious with the revolutionary track "The Proud" where Kweli speaks on 9/11, police brutality, and urging us to ride for the dead. The same mood continues with the J Dilla produced tracks "Where Do We Go" where the BK Mc starts to question the emcee and continues the social conversation on "Stand to the Side". Next comes "Good to You" in which Kweli shows his aggravation with the label positive emcee "I heard them say I was a conscious rapper // But I'm a monster when I hafta smack the sh*t out of a nonsense actor". Finally Talib Kweli sends us off with a fitting note "Won’t You Stay" showing a man’s flaw in his love relationships. This amazing album shows us that a positive hip-hop album can still be gritty and aggressive. Who said underground Hip-Hop was boring?

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He's the man is what they must say
what way could i give up the up way
when i show love to the sky
when you give up it's like saying eff it and die

This album "Revey Twa" by the Otentikk Street Brothers a.k.a. OSB Crew, from the small island of Mauritius proves that there are still places on this planet where there are great musicians making innovative music, that is so far completely unknown to the rest of the world. Bruno Raya - alias Master Kkool B - the undisputed head of the group, Jean Clario Cateaux – alias Blakkayo - fast toaster and singer, Pascal Ferdinand – alias Dagger Kkila - representing the softer sides of OSB and Kensley Lafolle – alias Tikkenzo - firmly rooted in hip hop together form the Otentikk Street Brother, on stage accompanied by backing vocalists Sista Marie Michele Perine and Sista Marie Helene Lascarie and the members of the reggae-group Natir Chamarel. Thanks to Christoph Moser of DHF Records their Reggae-Creole combination of reggae, ragga and dancehall with the traditional musical heritage of the Mauritian Creole inhabitants called Sega.

Opening track "Jah Merci" a.k.a. "Vive La Musique" immediately shows the energetic mixture of 4-bar reggae grooves with the African 3-bar roots of Sega-music, resulting in an irresistable African reggae vibe. Their lyrics in French-Creole language, used to denounce arrogance of Babyloon and the ambivalent materialism of today's Zeitgeist lend an extra exotic aspect to their sound, despite making it harder to understand their political socially engaged conscious messages, with the backing always giving the serious subjects an undeniable party-potential. "Devwar Ris" and "Protez La Natir" (despite separated by the ultrashort "Respekte Jardin Jah (Interlude) maintain that party vibe before "Ki Si Sa Sa?" is what I can only describe (as a very succesful attempt at) - even more at the dancefloor aimed - African style (ragga-)soca.

. "Kreolite" is a more traditional uptempo (African) reggae tune except of course for its lyrics in Creole, followed by "Zil Rodriguez" in which (the French colonial influence of) an accordian on top of the soca-ish riddim with salsa-like trumpet accents cry party from the first to the last tone. The melodic up-tempo "Mo-Nas" with its poppy ska sound is followed by the more traditional reggae of title track "Revey Twa" and the soca-tinged "Zilwa Leve Lebra" with its (for me too far upfront mixed) keyboard-riff, before the pace really gets slower for the one-drop of the beautifully sung "Toulezour Mo Dir Li".

"Ragga Donn Sa" has a very nice percussive dancehall riddim that is guaranteed to get everyone moving, if you're not standing, you'll dance in your chair and preceded by the African chants of the "Pas Bliye Sa (Interlude)" the first single taken from this "Revey Twa" album, the latin-tinged "Vibrasyon Ansestral" that could easily become this year's surprise cross-over worldmusic hit of the summer is the last regular tune of this very nice European debut album of this Mauritian outfit that will try to build upon the foundation laid with this release when they perform their tunes live in the coming weeks (e.g. at the 2007 Summerjam in Cologne). Two alternative versions or remixes as I'd prefer to call them rather than dubs showcase the solid backing on this album, "Kreolite (Dub)" and "Revey Twa (Dub)" close this very nice debut album by the Otentikk Street Brothers, who with their crossover-appeal will surely find not only reggae-listeners but reach a hip hop, worldmusic and pop audience as well.

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*Peace And Love:)
*To All The People In LiveWire:)

Post edited at 5:00 am on July 23, 2008 by hockeyguitar99

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[img]http://www.fan2band.com/DynamicImages/89157_336_43_1044.gif[/img]

I'm a huge John Mayer fan and this album, his first album, is what totally sold me. John Mayer's style is relaxed and mellow but it is also very intense with deep and meaningful lyricism that blends perfectly with each strum of acoustic guitar. His music and lyrics are brilliant and convey millions of messages and interpretations.

Tracks:

No Such Thing - This song is probably my favorite song of all time. We've all had that period of time when we've felt we just want to scream and shout because we realize we don't have control over anything really. This song displays so much uncertainty about the future and about life and one can relate to it so well, not to mention the music fits perfectly with the message.

Why Georgia - This is another song about uncertainty in life. The thing I love about John Mayer is that he doesn't waste countless melodies on love songs or songs about sex...he writes songs that are about life. You never feel alone when you listen to his music. This song is a song that reminds me that I am not the only one that wonders if I'm living life correctly. The song is gentle and simple, but the lyrics are so complex and metaphorical that you can't help but dive into the song to discover every last meaning.

My Stupid Mouth - This song is a little more upbeat than 'Why Georgia'. It's about a man who regrets what he has said. I like it because I'm constantly wishing I could take back what I said, but it's too late. This song has a lot of metaphors in it, which  I really like.

Your Body is a Wonderland - Mayer expresses love in this song and the beauty of being intimate. It's a very relaxing song that discusses a somewhat racy topic in a very tasteful way.

Neon - I haven't listened to this song as much as Mayer's others, but it has some really cool guitar parts in it.

City Love - Again, this is another one I haven't really listened to all that much.

83 - In this song, Mayer expresses his nostalgia for wanting his childhood back, that life was so much simpler then and the simplicity was nice. This song is also very relaxing and acoustic.

3x5 - I love this song. Mayer is stating that he is out in the world, being a part of life and his someone special is not by him. He's refusing to send '3x5s' in pictures back to his loved one because he wants them to come about and experience life with him. I love the message in this song and how he used pictures to show a common thought many of us think.

Love Song for No One - This is a very upbeat and popish song about having written a love song for no one in particular. Even though it's sort of depressing in its subject matter, it sort of makes you want to tap your foot and sing along and somehow, it makes you feel good.

Back to You - This song is okay...it's not Mayer's best, but it's still a good song. It's very acoustic and mellow and relaxing as well.

Great Indoors - This song is amazing. Instead of going outside because of the state of the world, Mayer is expressing his love for the great indoors and appreciating all that you already have.

Not Myself - This song is very acoustic and sort of sad but very meaningful. Mayer is asking the listener, perhaps a future partner, if they would accept him even when he is not himself. I like this because sometimes I wonder if anyone would have me when I was feeling down and wasn't acting like myself, if they would be there to help. It's a very well done melody.

St. Patrick's Day - Aside from 'No Such Thing' and 'Why Georgia', this song is the best on the album. Mayer goes through each holiday, giving reasons why he and his significant other should stay together. He says they will 'both be safe until St. Patrick's Day'. He's looking for a way to keep the relationship going because he doesn't want it to end and it seems like the other party does. It's somewhat hopeful that things will work out. I love it because the melody fits perfect with the lyrics.

Similar Artists/Albums:

John Mayer - Heavier Things, Continuum
Maroon 5 - Songs About Jane
Jack Johnson - In Between Dreams

Rating - 9/10

I highly recommend this album.

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Take your dollhouse dreams and make them real.
- Kara's Flowers ♪

Artist - Genesis
Album - Wind and Wuthering
Genre - Prog Rock

Overall Review-
This was Genesis' second album after the departure of their previous frontman Peter Gabriel, and the last album to feature guitarist Steve Hackett. Much like their previous album, A Trick of the Tail, many of the songs on this album tell little stories - some deep, some funny, but all excellent.

Track By Track Analysis -

1. Eleventh Earl of Mar -
The album opens with the 10-minute ballad of the Eleventh Earl of Mar. Musically the track is very strong, upbeat in places, and featuring gentle 12-string in others. Lyrically it tells the story of the real Earl of Mar who was involved in the Jacobite uprisings, and eventually executed in London. Very good indeed... 4/5

2. One For The Vine
Another 'story' song here, about the leader of a great army, who was not well liked. At the back of the army one man falls out of line, and falls into a world of fantasy, emerging as the leader of another army on a great campaign. He turns around, and sees a man at the back flee away, and fall, realising that it is himself.
Musically the song starts out softly with acoustic guitar, with Phil's vocals clearly coming over. Later, the track builds with Tony's layered synths and some very interesting arrangements! 3.5/5

3. Your Own Special Way
An excellent Phil-ballad here. Extremely well crafted song. It's a love song that manages not to be in the least bit cheesy, and absolute lyrical perfection. You can see the logical progession between this song here and some of their later pop stuff like 'In Too Deep' - only here it's good! 4.5/5

4. Wot Gorilla?
Oooooh...the first instrumental on the album. Not especially long, but very well produced and interesting. Really has the capacity to flatten you if you turn the volume up. Just go on! 3/5

5. All In A Mouses Night
A funny little story of a mouse, and his various adventures in the night, told from the mouse's perspective. The music is big and grand, compared to the humble story of this little mouse. Very well written, and one of my favourites on the album. Some completely off-the-wall lyrics, such as "Then comes this monster-mouse he's ten feet tall, with teeth and claws to match!". Yes, they're taking the piss, but it's all in good fun, and the combination of the crazy little story and great, majestic music makes this one a winner.
4/5

7. Unquiet Slumbers For Sleepers
The first in a little trilogy of songs back-to-back on this album. A very quiet little instrumental featuring mostly Tony Banks' piano, which leads into.....
3.5/5

8. ...In That Quiet Earth
Another instrumental. Loud, bright, energetic, bombastic, with soaring yet heavy guitar courtesy of Steve Hackett. Guitar and keyboards take turns in leading the song. Some very technical drumming in there too - people all too often dismiss Phil as a drummer, but he shines here. Quite a dark, driving, almost even mechanical mood in the song intersperced with moments of light, soaring keyboards and guitar, and a lot of slamming bass involved - and it is quite simply mind blowing! *Really* good....and blends into...
5/5

9. Afterglow
My absolute favourite song on this album. I love it to bits. Touching story of a man who has lost his wife, and reflects on how, despite the fact that people die, love does not die with it. Beautiful lyrics, and beautiful, 'full' sounding music thanks to the Moog Taurus bass pedal which Mike Rutherford simply stands on for the whole song. Not musically complex, it doesn't try to do anything fancy, but the combined effect of the emotional music, and Phil's passionate vocals makes this one my hands-down favourite. I want this song played at my funeral. I've had the good fortune to see it live too, when Genesis played at Twickenham earlier this year.
10/5

Whole Album Rating -
8/10
A couple of songs in there which could have been stronger, but this is Collins-era Genesis at it's finest. A genuinely very good album, a fantastic listening experience. Whether you're new to Genesis or wanting to back-catalogue a bit, this is a really excellent album.

If you like this, you'll also like -
Most Genesis...quite possibly the likes of other prog groups like Yes etc.

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http://relayer2112.deviantart.com

Artist - Yes
Album - Relayer
Genre - Progressive Rock
Overall Review -
Relayer is the product of Yes' short collaboration with keyboardist Patrick Moratz, after yet another Rick Wakeman departure. Moratz, known often for jazzy fusion music heavily influenced the sound of Relayer.
After the garguntuan Tales From Topographic Oceans double album, Yes decided to go back to the same style as their 1972 epic Close To The Edge album, with one 20 minute piece on side one, and two 10 minute tracks on side two. This album is hotly contested among Yes fans, some feel it to be Yes' greatest achievement, while others see it as 'psychidelic noodling'.

Song-by-Song Review -

1. The Gates of Delirium
This song proves definitively that Jon Anderson CAN write lyrics to an epic that can be understood without being high on LSD at the time. Gates is based loosely on Tolstoy's War and Peace. The song begins with a prelude told from the viewpoint of a soldier, establishing the scene and questioning the morality of the inevitable battle. At around the 8 minute mark, the battle begins, and musically, all hell breaks loose. Personally I have never heard battle represented in song so well. The only description I can use is that it is tightly controlled, dynamic chaos. This is for me, without doubt Yes' most technical and frenetic playing. While as I said earlier some dismiss this as mere noodling, after a few listens you can 'get' it. It is a vicious battle between guitar and keyboard, fought in your eardrums.
The 'battle' goes through several stages, ebbing and flowing like a real battle, but always chaotic and violent. Yes used some rather odd percussion on this track, literally using bits of car junk and smashing things together to create the sounds of battle in the background.
As the 13 minute mark approaches, the band burst into a soaring, sweeping section, courtesy of Steve Howe's slide guitar (notably also used on And You And I, and Going For The One) which I believe shows the triumph of one side over the other, and their victory.
This short segue leads into the quiet, reflective section entitled 'Soon'. After the utter chaos of the battle, the melodic slide guitar, and Jon's soothing vocals create an effect which is nothing short of mind-numbingly beautiful. There really isn't much in the way of words I can use to describe it...you simply must hear it for yourself.
Clocking in at a mighty 22 minutes, this is for me Yes' finest epic. It produces emotion like no other Yes epic does - sorry Close To The Edge, sorry Awaken...Gates tops them all for me.
100/5

2. Soundchaser
Umph! This is a piece of work certainly! Moratz jazz background shows here, in this ten minutes of frenetic playing. It is incredibly rythmic and melodic while also avant-garde and chaotic. Something of an oddity in the Yes world, but it's still very, VERY good...
4/5

3. To Be Over
The final song on the album, and a complete departure from the chaos of the previous two tracks. Melody rivalled only by Soon, as well as And You And I. Calm, soothing, yet also epic and sweeping, and so much more relaxed than the other two tracks - just what your ears need after being vigorously assaulted for the past half hour!

Similar Albums -
Not much really compares to Relayer, it's 'out there' even by Yes standards. You'd do well to look at the likes of Going For The One, or Close To The Edge for further epics. Also for more frenetic playing and tight regimented chaos, look in the direction of King Crimson - that stuff IS difficult to understand at times!

Rating -
Yeah, I'm biased as hell, but it contains one of my two favourite songs (Gates - the other song being Supper's Ready by Genesis) and for me is one of the crowning achievements of Yes' musical career.
So it's 10/10 for me...

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http://relayer2112.deviantart.com

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Artist: Okkervil River
Album: The Stage Names
Genre: Alt-country/Folk rock/Indie rock (according to wiki, I never pay attention to genres and I really don't understand these classifications - but oh well.)

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Oh my God...Okkervil River is so brilliant. That's definitely one of my favorite albums of all time.

Have you seen them live? They're from my hometown, so I have cause they're always around. Life changing stuff.

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Punk rock died when the first kid said, "Punk's not dead."