Category: music musings

music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2008 – 18: Same Difference – Pop

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Oh. My. Gay!!11!!1 Seriously, if Same Difference were an inanimate object, they would either be sprinkles or glitter… I can’t decide which. They are gayer than butt sex; and that is why I LOVE them so much.

This is one of only two albums that were released during the first week of December this year that have made my year end list. Unfortunately, for most records released during December, I have already made up my mind, and it takes something stellar to take my attention by storm, and snag a place on this list. Well, Same Difference did just that with their aptly titled debut album, Pop.In case you have never heard of them, this brother and sister duo made a splash on last year’s X-Factor, proving that they were everything that was great about cheesy, bubble gum pop. Show after show, they harnessed their effervescence and bubbly personalities, and sang cheesy hit after hit, making them favorites on the show. Well, they didn’t end up winning, but that doesn’t mean that people like me stopped following them; I had to see what would come up next from this talented pair.

Well, late in November, they released their first single, We R One, and after hearing it, I knew that everything I loved about Same Difference was going to come out strong on their debut. Luckily, I was right; this album is about as far tilt pop as you can possibly go without turning completely over. Have you ever heard of the pop supergroup Steps? Well, if you liked them, you will LOVE Same Difference; they are basically what it would be like if H and Claire were brother and sister, and still making fantastic pop music.

While the album has several covers, all of them are cheesed up, perfectly perked pop renditions, and they completely succeed. Their remake of Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now is EPIC. Other lesser known covers like I Need A House are amazing (even if they sound almost like the original), and their cover of Breaking Free, the duet between Gabrielle and Troy from High School Musical, far outshines the original. While this brother and sister team haven’t really done anything surprisingly new, or earth shatteringly different, they have done something so perfectly well that it begs to be heard; they have created a damn near perfect pop album (there are only a couple of missteps that hold it slightly back). Again, if you were/are a fan of Steps (I KNOW I AM!), and you still can’t believe they aren’t coming back some day, consider Same Difference your salvation; they have a very similar sound, and that same great pop sensibility.

Practically every song on this album is ready for radio; that is, radio in the UK. I doubt anything this poptastic will ever find its way over to our shores, but pop records like this cannot go unheard by pop-o-holics like myself. This record may be the gayest one on my countdown, and be warned: it is just so freaking sugary, that you might want to be careful to brush your teeth after listening to avoid cavities. It is seriously that syrupy, and I love every minute of it. I am really glad that pop albums like this are still being made.

Sparkle Factor:
Standouts: If You Can’t Dance [audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/samedifference-ifyoucantdance.mp3]
I Need A House, Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now, Breaking Free, Still Amazed.

music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2008 – 19: The Script – The Script

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The Script are a pop-rock trio from Ireland who made a splash with me when I heard their AMAZING song, The Man Who Can’t Be Moved. When I heard that track, I knew that I had to get their album, because it reminded me of acts that I love, namely Daniel Bedingfield and David Gray. Well, after getting their debut album, also called The Script,and giving it a few listens, I was definitely pleased with what I heard. On the record, there may be some songs about some hard subjects, but the playfulness of the music and the word play of some of the songs make for a lighter, heartfelt listening session, that is propelled by some great pop rock music.

I am sure that they will pull comparisons to fellow pop-rock sets like Maroon 5, One Republic, Jason Mraz, and even The Police (as well as the aforementioned David Gray and Daniel Bedingfield), but these guys definitely put their own polish on their sound, and they made a darn great record in the process. Additionally, like some of the aforementioned acts, these guys are really, really good at turning out a viable single; this CD is definitely filled with radio-ready tracks. Songs like Breakeven just beg to be played on the radio, and recently, BBC 1 is amongst those playing the track in heavy rotation (which makes me happy, because it is one of my favorite tracks on the album, and I love hearing it on the radio).

While these guys aren’t really breaking ground in any “new” realm of pop rock, they are definitely staking claim on their own little corner of the pop-rock island. It’s great to hear well produced pop records like this one, and with as many great single-worthy tracks as there are on this album, I am sure that this is just the first that we have heard from the Script. One thing is for sure; they may be called the Script, but they have definitely written their own musical, and doing a damn fine job of performing it.

Sparkle Factor:
Standouts: The Man Who Can’t Be Moved
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_808_thescript-themanwhocantbemoved.mp3]
Breakeven, Anybody There, Talk You Down.

music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2008 – 20: Rachael Yamagata – Elephants… Teeth Sinking Into Heart

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What a breakup record this is!! On Elephants…Teeth Sinking Into Heart, Rachael is musically letting blood from an aching, burning heart, and on this double album, she has made an amazing piece of painful, but beautiful music. Whispers of broken promises, mournful tales of love lost, and embittered warnings to stay weary of love permeate this album, and are all perfectly paired with Rachael’s beautifully acoustic and raw musical style. On some songs, you can practically feel the ache in the way she twists the guitar’s strings to force out the chords, and the accompanying vocals only strengthen the perception that this woman has endured some emotional pain. It isn’t often that emotion is so perfectly expressed in song, so to hear Rachael master it so beautifully is chill inducing at times.

There are many, many amazing songs on this album, and some are epic; like What If I Leave, a song that just jars me to the core. It’s a simple question that she ponders throughout the song, but the way in which it is coupled with the aching cello that backs her ponderous guitar picking, makes it so real and raw that it is just breath taking. Rachael has been a bit more rock and roll in the past, and with this record, she is only proving that she more than comfortable with her softer, more stripped down side as well. She isn’t afraid to wear her heart on her sleeve, and to show you that she bled to get here. Despite the overarching theme of despair, she does offer some glimmer of hope in love, in amazingly beautiful songs like Duet, where she is joined by Ray LaMontagne on one of the most beautiful collaborations of the year. That song is just everything that is beautiful about music.

After being subdued and lulled into a sense of heartbreak with Elephants, Rachael really turns up the dial on the second CD, Teeth Sinking Into Heart, and as the name implies, she really plunges the knife in deep. On this second CD, she has physically separated the ache from the anger (in making it a separate CD), and shows a side of her that indicates that she might have been burned, but she isn’t going to take it lying down. Rachael takes us through the stages of break up throughout the course of this album, and the result is an amazing set of songs that range in emotion and intimacy, but do so beautifully throughout. I will say that I liked Rachael before, but after hearing Elephants…Teeth Sinking Into Heart,that I just might love her now; this album is massive and is full of emotive tracks that really encapsulate love and loss. As much as I love her softer, more acoustic stuff, she loses me a little with the harder stuff (what can I say, I am a softy); hence why this isn’t a 5 star album for me. That being said, I can definitely admit that this album is damn near perfect, and there isn’t anything bad that can be said about it.

Sparkle Factor:
Standouts: What If I Leave [audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1024_rachaelyamagata-whatifileave.mp3]
Elephants, Duet, Faster.

music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2008 – 21: The Weepies – Hideaway

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Here’s the most basic thing I can say about the Weepies: basically, if Paul Simon would have teamed with a woman instead of Garfunkel, you would have the Weepies. However, with that being said, they bring a freshness to the sound pioneered by Simon and Garfunkel, and with Hideaway,they have made a fantastic and warming record that is a treat for the listener. The first song on the album, Can’t Go Back Now, instantly captured my unwaivering attention because of the simplicity, and immense beauty of the song; sometimes, the simple things really are the finer things in life.

On Hideaway,the Weepies have crafted a collection of subdued harmonies, which they use to weave an eloquent pattern of sweet and somber folk-pop songs. I read somewhere that their name is a play on one way of describing chick flicks, which I find completely appropriate; seeing as many of their songs would fit snugly within almost any endearing scene in one of those very movies.

I have to say, that I just love that these two are making music, one, because they compliment each other so wonderfully, and two, because it really only makes it more sweet that they are married in real life. Singing sweet love songs to each other, about each other, is utterly sincere and completely speaks to the hopeless romantic in me. It’s like a real life version of the movie Once (except a LOT more upbeat)!

Overall, being a huge fan of folk-pop music, this record completely delivered for me in every way. Each track is skillfully crafted, and most of these songs would fit perfectly being played behind a real life moment (or, at least the portrayal of one in a film). If you are a fan of great folk-pop, this record is a fantastic contribution to the genre, and one of my favorites of the year. I will say that the super cute cover is what brought my attention to the Weepies, but after hearing their amazing music, I have been all ears, and will definitely be paying attention to them from here on out.

Sparkle Factor:
Standouts: Can’t Go Back Now [audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_725_theweepies-cantgobacknow.mp3]
All Good Things, Orbiting, Wish I Could Forget.

music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2008 – 22: Agnes Carlsson – Dance! Love! Pop!

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Cheesy dance pop has always been amongst my favorite styles of music, and Agnes Carlsson’s third album, Dance! Love! Pop!, is everything that a cheesy pop music lover like myself could ever hope for. It is filled with dance tracks, upbeat ballads, and uplifting “I can do this!” tracks that are sure to please any pop lover. Everything about this record is true, unfiltered pop, so it may be to strong for your average lover of pop music; but not for me. From the first moment I heard the blaring disco violins of the MASSIVE first track and dance anthem, Release Me, I knew that Agnes was the real deal.

She rose to prominence by winning Swedish Idol, and she is just another in what seems like an endless stream of amazing pop artists coming from that tiny country. This being her third album, she departed with her record label, and stated that she wanted to do something more fun, and more poppy… the result is an album that is almost over the top with pop greatness. There are so many fun tracks on this album, and even the lower points of the record aren’t half bad. This is one of those albums that really grew on me; see, the first track of the album stands so far and above everything else, that it was hard to get past it. However, after many, many listens, I have definitely come to realize that there are several amazing songs on the record, all of which employ that perfect pop formula; catchy rhythms, upbeat lyrics, and killer vocals.

This is definitely one of the best pop-dance records that came completely out of left field this year; I am sure that very few of you will know of Agnes here in the states. That being said, she exemplifies everything that I love about pop music; not only is it like a sweet, sweet candy for your ears, but you can dance and smile to this decadent treat. This album is exactly what pop should be; fun, entertaining, and very well produced. I have been amazed at how much pop greatness continues to pour out of Sweden, and with Agnes’ third album, I am beginning to realize that there is no chance of that slowing down.

Sparkle Factor:
Stand Outs: Release Me [audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_117_agnescarlsson-releaseme.mp3]
Sometimes I Forget, Don’t Pull Your Love Out, Open Up Your Eyes.

music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2008 – 23: The Presets – Apocalypso

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It looks like I am staying “down under” for the next album on this countdown; the Presets hail from Australia, and have produced one of the best electronic albums I have heard in a very, very long time. The hard hitting beats and pulsating rhythms, accompanied by the haunting British-accented vocals, make for a rave-inducing experience that will have you jumping up and down and dancing all night long.

I was lucky enough to see The Presets a few months ago, and they were nothing short of amazing; the whole room literally moved with their music. The music may be a little “hard” for some, but it is magnificent, and the electronic arrangements of this CD are purposeful in their placement, and extremely stimulating. I remember when I first saw the video for the lead single of Apocalypso, My People, and all I could think was, “what the fuck IS this”. Well, regardless of how scary the video is, I know that my ears perked up at what they were hearing, and instantly I found myself in front of my PC, downloading the album. What I ended up discovering, was an album that is really dark, yet upbeat at the same time; almost like you are dancing your way to the end of the world. It’s something that slightly avant-garde, but not so much so that you don’t get it, and you end up questioning its presence.

This album was recently awarded the ARIA album of the year in Australia, and I can definitely see why; this record is great. While there are a few songs that teeter on the brink of making you go completely insane, and want to rip your hair out at the inanity, they never do the deed, and push you over the edge. The repetition and breaking beats paint an apocalyptic landscape of sound, and truly shape an aural experience that must be undertaken to truly appreciate. This is one of those albums that the “cool kids” are likely to tell you about, but you will be able to tell them that you knew all about them, because they are popular enough that more than just those on the edge will have heard their music. This record really isn’t like anything else I heard this year, and the music is unique amongst the rest of the CDs on this list; and it’s that unique quality that is a large part of its awesomeness.

Sparkle Factor:
Standouts: My People, This Boy’s In Love, Anywhere, Talk Like That.

music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2008 – 24: Ladyhawke – Ladyhawke

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It seems that 2008 was definitely the year for electro-indie acts; groups like MGMT, Cut Copy, and CSS (amongst many others) all got lots of exposure, and I keep seeing them popping up on many other year end lists. However, it was one of their fellow electro-indie peers, Ladyhawke, who hails all of the way from New Zealand, that truly captured my attention. Her debut album, Ladyhawke(not to be confused with the 80’s movie from where the band’s name comes), is rooted deeply the type of sound one might expect to hear at a hip late-night 80’s soiree, and it provides the soundtrack for a great night out on the town. The influences of 80s acts like Fleetwood Mac (specifically the songs penned and sung by Christine McVie and Stevie Nicks) are present throughout the album, and the style and swagger of acts like Blondie provides inspiration for some truly great retro-flavored, electro-pop tracks.

Ladyhawke has given us something truly great with her debut; there really isn’t a bad track on the album. Listening to this record makes me want to don way too much mascara, put on some skinny jeans, and head out for the night; not forgetting my fingerless gloves, jelly bracelets, and checkered scarf before heading out. It paints a picture of a smoky club, pulsating with dance-rock beats and cool kids filling the dance floor to dance the night away. The jangly guitars, the tender beats, and the smoky vocals all paint this picture so perfectly, that you can almost close your eyes and transport yourself into the scene. Cue the fog machines!

While this record may not get the same exposure as the efforts released by the aforementioned groups, I feel like it is more than deserving; Ladyhawke has delivered more than just a few singles that everyone will think you are cool for recognizing when they come on the radio. This album is filled with track after track of retrofitted greatness. It’s almost as if she was just teleported 20 years into the future, and made us a nostalgic, yet fully updated and current record for today. Regardless of her true origins, the result of her work is something that definitely deserves its spot on my year end list; I have had lots of fun listening to this album, and it is one of those albums that I know will continue to please my listening senses in the future.

Sparkle Factor:
Standouts: My Delerium, Dusk Til Dawn, Paris is Burning, Love Don’t Live Here.

music musings, music suggestion, show the love, the catch-all-egory, venting

the 31 best of 2008 – 25: Joshua Radin – Simple Times

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Continuing with the acoustic folk-rock, in at number 25 on my countdown this year, is the amazing sophomore disc by Joshua Radin, Simple Times.I first fell in instant love with Joshua after hearing his amazing song Today, from his first album, and I knew that I had to hear more. With this most recent release, Joshua has solidly put himself amongst the artists that I will always follow, and anxiously wait in anticipation for new material from them. This album is a soft, almost whisper-driven folk/pop album, which showcases song after song rooted in the same style as work from other acoustic guitar-picking style artists like Bright Eyes, Nick Drake, and especially Simon and Garfunkel.

The simplicity in each song speaks volumes about his music (perhaps, this is reflective of the album’s title), and I honestly think that it may be the very key to its beauty. I can picture Joshua standing before me with just his guitar in hand, as he sweetly sings each song, and tugs at my heartstrings with each one. I love music like this, because it is the type of music that I really identify with… well, definitely the romantic in me… and it’s how I know that I am a big softy inside.

Joshua’s sophomore album is filled with beautiful love songs, strung together with beautiful harmonies and elegant melodies. The overall theme of the record is upbeat, and loving, and many of the songs would be more than appropriate if played at a wedding; which is just another thing that I love about Joshua’s music and lyrical style. It is romantic, pleasing, peaceful, and it is hard not to smile and feel all warm and fuzzy inside while listening to this record. One of my favorite things that he does, is the way in which he blends his vocals with a soft and beautiful female vocal; making for a beautiful harmony, as well as the imagery of two people singing longing to one another.

If any of what I have said could be considered a bad thing (I’m looking at you, Stu), well, then I don’t want to be good, because everything about this album is wonderfully uplifting, romantic, and lovely. If that isn’t your thing, then I can’t help but wonder where your romantic side is, because this album definitely SHOUTS (well, if you can count a whisper as a shout) at mine. I would be more than honored to have Joshua play at our wedding… that is, if we could afford it…

Sparkle Factor:
Stand Outs: One Of Those Days, They Bring Me To You (this one is the one that could be played at my wedding, and I would be totally teary eyed — this song could totally be used as vows!), Free Of Me, You Got Growing Up To Do.

music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2008 – 26: Bebo Norman – Bebo Norman

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As a fan of Bebo’s for nearly a decade now, I was more than excited to discover that his new self-titled release, Bebo Norman, is as good as it is. Initially, it was his tribute to Britney Spears, in the song aptly called Britney, that made me sit up and pay attention to this album.

While Bebo’s music has always been something that I have loved, his last (non-greatest hit or non-Christmas) record was kind of a disappointment for me, and certainly the one I liked least in his catalog. When I saw that he had released a new record this year, I was apprehensive (after the last album), because I thought that perhaps he had done all that he could have done with his previous efforts (which was echoed by a greatest hits and a Christmas release). However, I happy to quickly discover how instantly, and pleasantly surprised I was by this album. Bebo is one of those singers that has a beautifully soft and smoky voice, who weaves folk-rock melodies to make beautiful music; all within the context of a positive message.

Bebo Norman is one the few Christian artists that have kept up with since my days when I was only into Christian music, but mostly because for me, he transcends just the Christian market; even though it is Bebo’s style of music really represents why I was so drawn to Christian music in the first place. His music isn’t completely overtly “LOVE JESUS!111!!!!”, but it is definitely rooted in believing in God, and living a good life by example; which I have always found comforting, in that it seems to come across as lacking judgment and being rooted solely in compassion. Mostly, while his music is purely rooted in the inspirational, and it’s something that I know I could all use every now and then, it serves as a positive reminder of when I was much more heavily religious, and all of the great experiences that were a part of that time in my life. Regardless of the “message” in his lyrics (and don’t be fooled, the message IS there), Bebo is an exceptional acoustic-rock musician, and he completely delivers on this self titled album.

It has all of his trademark beautiful arrangements, and manages to churn out an overall entertaining listening experience; many of these songs are completely commercially viable, and are ready for radio (lyrics notwithstanding). Bebo is one of those artists, that if he weren’t strictly labeled as a Christian artist (not that there’s anything wrong with that… we all need a niche!), there would be nothing stopping him from being amongst his acoustic rock peers like Joshua Radin, Edwin McCain, Matt Wertz, Damien Rice, or even Ray LaMontagne (although he is more commercial than either Rice or LaMontagne). Overall, if you are a fan of genuinely good folk rock, then you will probably enjoy Bebo Norman’s newest release, which incorporates more arrangements, and polished, multi-layered tracks that some of his previous softer work, and which adds to an already lovable catalog of acoustic, folk-rock music. I’m glad that this album ended up being better than his last release, and managed to get me re-interested in someone I would definitely consider amongst my favorite artists, and solidified his position as such at the same time.

Sparkle Factor:
Stand Outs: Britney, Pull Me Out, Can’t Live Without You, One Bright Hour.

music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2008 – 27: Jennifer Hudson – Jennifer Hudson

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I will openly admit that I have been a HUGE fan of Jennifer’s from the moment I saw her on American Idol, and that definitely has had an impact on my love for this record. I have heard a lot of criticism about the record from others, but for me, there is something about her voice that truly impresses me, and it is showcased beautifully on this album. She is a diva in every sense of the word, and I am more than pleased with her debut album.

Well, a little movie called Dreamgirls, and an Oscar and Golden Globe later, Ms. Hudson showed the world that she is not only a talented singer, but she is also a mighty fine actor. I think that there is one line from Dreamgirls that completely sums up how I feel about Jennifer’s singing: It’s when they are backstage at the talent competition, mulling over why they lost, and Hudson’s character Effie White asks Deena (Beyonce), “Deena, have you ever met anybody that sings as crazy as I do?”, to which she replies simply, “no”. And there’s a reason, there aren’t many people that can sing as “crazy” as she does; her voice is out of this world amazing.

I knew that with the success of Dreamgirls, Jennifer’s star was ready to get it’s full shine. She released her self titled album, Jennifer Hudson, this fall, and I have to say, that I was really, really impressed. One of the problems with people that can sing like her, is having the songs to showcase her massive voice and the talent that is in it. Sometimes, stars get those songs, and I think on this album, Jennifer has turned out a fair share of amazing performances by being given solid songs to sing; so much so, that it strongly overshadows the weaker points of the album (goddammit, I wish T-Pain would choke to death on the fucking vocoder and do this world a favor). The inclusion of the show stopper, And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going from Dreamgirls was sheer genius. It is one of the most massive songs out there, and she nailed it in Dreamgirls; so putting it on her debut just makes sense.

I love the range in which she highlights her voice as well; on this album she ranges from pop to R&B, and from hip hop all of the way to the church. I am not traditionally a fan of true R&B, so the variety on this album is refreshing. There’s something to be said about “taking someone to church”, a saying that I have heard used when someone really “sangs” the shit out of something, and Jennifer, honey, you can take me to church any time. I am telling you, she definitely takes you there with this record.

This is a pretty impressive debut for a very, very talented diva on the rise. Thankfully, it is being recognized; just yesterday, she was nominated for 4 Grammy awards. Jennifer Hudson has worked her way into the spotlight, she has told us that she’s not going, and she is shining; and her star is truly a beautiful sight (er, sound) to behold.

Sparkle Factor:
Standouts: Spotlight, We Gon’ Fight, I’m His Only Woman, You Pulled Me Through, And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going.