music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2008 – 8: Leslie Hall – Cewebrity

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I know that this is probably going to alienate some of you, but hear me out; this album is magnificent and down right brilliant. I am sure that some of you will hate on Leslie, but that is probably because you are taking yourself far too seriously; Leslie Hall, aka Mother Gem, is a force of nature that has gyrated her way into my soul. Leslie is a whole new world of musical and comedic entertainment. I was lucky enough to see her amazing live performance earlier this year, and that is when I became a life long fan. She’s a lady rapper, clad in glitter and gem sweaters, and to use her own words, she’s doing her thing and “pounding out the sexy with a sparkly hammer”. Leslie is probably best known for her Gem Sweater Museum and her status as an internet celebrity (hence the name of her third album being titled Cewebrity),but all joking aside, she has actually produced an album that is filled with fresh beats, and slick rhymes; all of which she weaves into a web of glamor for your senses.

Now, I want to say this, so listen to me; this entire record is meant to be satirical. It is meant to be funny, and it not only succeeds, it mystifies you with hilarious tales told in the way that only Leslie can tell them. However, even though it is funny, and down right silly at times, Cewebritysucceeds in being a light hearted pop record that is thoroughly enjoyable to listen to. I will admit that the first time I heard a Leslie Hall song, that I didn’t instantly get it, and as such, I was more confused than anything (I wondered if she was serious!). Yet, after seeing her perform, I was instantly mesmerized by the gyrations of her gold spandex covered hips, and by the ninja-like prowess she exerted with her scissor kicks. Leslie Hall doesn’t just perform, she puts on a fucking SHOW, and the music is like the icing on the cake; sweet, fun, delicious, and begging to be devoured. The more I listen to Leslie Hall’s purely guilty pleasure-rific music, the more I love this Midwest diva; she makes me laugh, and does so through great music.

Overall, I will definitely say, that Cewebrityhas been one of my favorite albums of this entire year, and there was no way that I wasn’t going to include it on this countdown (regardless of the critique I am sure to get for doing so). For sheer entertainment value, it deserves this spot so very, very much, and I am just pleased that I was exposed to the craft of Leslie Hall this year. It was definitely one of the best concerts I have ever seen, and the music is something that keeps me laughing, dancing, and wanting more. Leslie Hall is a goddess of jams and gems, and if Cewebrityis any indication of what we have to expect from Leslie in the future, the I can definitely see the sheen of gold spandex in my future.

Sparkle Factor:
Stand Outs: Test Ten Guys [audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/lesliehall-testtenguys.mp3]
How We Go Out, Zombie Killer, Blame the Booty, Keep It Real, Real Gold and Glamorous, Drop a Gem.

music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2008 – 9: Death Cab For Cutie – Narrow Stairs

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Given the fact that it was a little less than three years ago since the last amazing Death Cab For Cutie album was released, news of a new Death Cab earlier this year was literally music to my ears. Death Cab For Cutie is amongst my favorite bands, because they have this amazing musical style that completely captures my attention and emotional state. I can listen to Death Cab For Cutie and literally feel better, as if a warm blanket has been draped over my cold shoulders. Couple that with the fact that the voice of Ben Gibbard is that of the ones that angels use to sing, and the nerd-loving, heart-focused romantic in me longs for him to bat his eye lashes behind those thick rimmed glasses, and sing sweet love songs directly to me.

With extreme anticipation, I started to hear news about this highly anticipated album, and most of it was mixed; a lot of people were talking about how Death Cab had departed from their sound dramatically, and that Narrow Stairsalmost didn’t even sound like a Death Cab record. This caused some concern, because unlike some fans, I thought their major label debut was an amazing growth in their sound, and was a truly fantastic work of music. Additionally, after finding out that the first single from the album, I Will Possess Your Heart, clocked in at no less than 8:35, I was beginning to worry if one of my favorite bands of all time would continue to be on that list after I heard their new “direction”. Well, after actually hearing I Will Possess your Heart, I was no longer worried; it is brilliant. The use of the extra time in the intro really hammers home the point of the song, and once again, Ben Gibbard has truly mastered the art of song writing and song production (sometimes, repetition really exasperates desperation and longing, as it does in this case). However, the buck doesn’t stop there, every song on Narrow Stairs takes Death Cab For Cutie in a slightly different musical direction (a little heavier and slightly more raw; which is indicative of them recording the album as a band, live, which I must say is awesome), but the Death Cab I have come to love is definitely still in there, living and breathing, as healthy as ever.

The hallmark rock and roll riffs coupled with the sweet and longing (often heartbroken) vocals, of Ben Gibbard make me swoon, but with a sense of sadness, as I poured over each tale of heartbreak song on this album. Narrow Stairsreally hammers home what I came to love about Death Cab For Cutie in the first place; listening to it further highlights the fact that there really aren’t a lot bands out there that are this incredibly talented and that are making music this heartfelt and truly beautiful. While I will say that this album is definitely, for me, a little more like a journey down a road of heartbreak and sadness; on a road that sits somewhere between the previous records Plansand Transatlanticism(a little less smitten than Plans,and more raw, in the direction of Transatlanticism), There is an ache in this album that really makes you believe that Gibbard has gone through some serious shit, and his way of twisting that knife once it is in your heart is just amazing. It’s no guessing by now that I am totally smitten with Death Cab For Cutie, as well as Mr. Ben Gibbard himself, and this album completely satisfied me in every way. I just hope that it isn’t close to three more years before we hear from these fellas again, I just can’t get enough of their sweet, sweet music; even if the subject matter tries to bring a tear to my eye.

Sparkle Factor:
Stand Outs: Grapevine Fires [audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_516_deathcabforcutie-grapevinefires.mp3]
Cath…, You Can Do Better Than Me, The Ice Is Getting Thinner, Bixby Canyon Bridge, Your New Twin Sized Bed, I Will Possess Your Heart.

music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2008 – 10: Owl City – Maybe I’m Dreaming

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A fellow flickr friend introduced me to Owl City earlier this year, and I have to send him a huge THANK YOU; their album Maybe I’m Dreaming is so fresh, fun, fluffy, and fabulous that I could not get enough of it in 2008 (oh yeah, you know you loved that alliteration). Maybe I’m Dreamingmay be the only non-signed, self-produced record on my countdown; and it goes to show that you don’t need a major label to churn out fantastic music. What drew me to Owl City so fervently, were the saccharine sweet pops and beats, mixed so smoothly with keyboards and synthesizers; which is all drizzled lovingly with the sweet vocals of Owl City’s creator, Adam Young. This album is fluffier than a cloud, and listening to it makes you want to lay in a meadow and enjoy a nice spring breeze, while you carelessly watch the day go by.

One of the best things about Adam’s music, is how amazing he is at crafting beautiful and cleverly written lyrics; the rhythmic method he uses on this album is just pristine. After hearing Maybe I’m Dreamingone time, it was instant love, and it really reminded me of a couple of my other favorite bands; most notably, the Postal Service, and Hellogoodbye. In fact, I believe that if you took the Postal Service, and made them into a little bunny rabbit, and then allowed them to have sweet little wings, and watched them fly through a crystal filled sky, you would have Owl City.

As silly as these descriptions may sound, it really is the airiness and sheer joy in the lyrics, music, and sounds that come from this album that make it so simply blissful and thoroughly enjoyable. I am so glad that I was introduced to the amazing sounds of Owl City this year, because this is the type of music that I live for; it makes you happy, it lifts you up, and it takes your ears for a truly wonderful journey of sound. It also makes you wonder, that if there are people out there making music this wonderful without a backing record contract, then why are there so many shitty acts churning out crappy record after record, filling the spaces on the radio that would be better served with a healthy helping of Owl City!? Seriously, folks, this album is purely magical, and everyone should run to their computers, and download it from iTunes/Amazonimmediately. You NEED this record in your collection; everyone needs to be filled with the joy that Owl City has to give. The only negative thing I have to say about Owl City, is to point to the aforementioned injustice that prevents the record companies from seeing such amazing potential and execution from amazing artists like Owl City, because I am not exaggerating here… everything about this album is amazing.

Sparkle Factor:
Stand Outs: The Saltwater Room
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_44_owlcity-thesaltwaterroom.mp3]
On The Wing, Rainbow Veins, Early Birdie, Air Traffic, Super Honeymoon, I’ll Meet You There.

music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2008 – 11: Vampire Weekend – Vampire Weekend

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Perhaps this could best be described as preppy indie-pop at its best! I’ll admit Vampire Weekendwas a complete surprise for me, because it was one of those bands that I heard one song, and was like, “hmm…”, and then listened to the record and was like, “wow!”. They instantly became a very guilty pleasure after I heard the album. It’s almost like eating too many Jelly Belly’s; you know you should stop, but they are just so damn sweet and good that you can’t! However, unlike ingesting too many Jelly Belly’s, over-listening to the amazing self-titled debut by Vampire Weekendwill not give you a stomach ache.

The first song I fell hard for was probably Oxford Comma, which highlights their playful use of melodies and lyrics that are both lighthearted, and just so much fun to listen to (although, I have to call them out for “hating” on the bears in Provincetown during the otherwise amazing track Walcott… why no love for the bears?!). The strumming guitars, the bouncy drum beats, and the great vocal styles of the lead singer really come together to make this a truly fantastic album; and the use of airy instruments amongst the pop beats, like the violin and the flute, really are a treat for the ears. When I listen to this album, I can’t help but conjure up images of the early nineties, and parties filled with the “cool kids”, with their popped collars and oh so cool Tommy Hilfiger cords and white shoes. Vampire Weekend’s northeastern roots are clear and present in the lyrics, and their debut is definitely the type of soundtrack you would hear at the preppy kids’ pool party on the last weekend of the summer.

It is practically impossible not to listen to this album and get a smile on your face, and sit there bopping your feet about. With influences like Peter Gabriel worn proudly on their sleeve, these guys have made a truly fun-filled energetic indie-pop album that doesn’t have a bad track on it. I am glad that they chose a pretty unique name in Vampire Weekend (even though they are way less Vampire, and way more Weekend); because after a reader’s suggestion (THANKS!!), it was the main reason I checked them out in the first place, and it brought me to one of my favorite acts of 2008. Even though I heard this album very early this year, its airy, upbeat, fun songs maintained their quality listen after listen, and the album firmly stayed amongst my favorites of this year. Note: yes Virginia… this is the first of the five starred records of 2008; and it only gets better from here on out!

Sparkle Factor:
Stand Outs: Oxford Comma [audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_37_vampireweekend-oxfordcomma.mp3]
Mansard Roof, Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa, Campus, The Kids Don’t Stand a Chance, Bryn.

britney n' k-fed, music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2008 – 12: Britney Spears – Circus

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Now, I am sure than more than a few of you were expecting this; so don’t act surprised that Britney (the only other album released this month that did so) made my year end list. I for one, was filled with trepidation about Britney staging another “comeback” so close to last year’s failed attempt, but after hearing Womanizer, I knew that she wasn’t playing around this time. The song, albeit annoying to some, has everything that is necessary to be a pop hit; and it was. In fact, Womanizer was only Britney’s second number one single, after the massive pop classic Baby One More Time, and if that isn’t indicative of a comeback, I don’t know what is.

After one listen of Circus,I must say that I almost forgot about Blackout; not only is miles above Blackout, but Britney managed to actually sing on this album, and it sounds like she did way more than phone it in (which is what was wrong with much of Blackout, and why it didn’t really serve as a real comeback). She picked top producers, like she always does, but this time, they gave her hit after hit to fill her record to the brim with radio-ready pop singles. Seriously, this may be the most single-heavy album of her career; this record is put together with the style and swagger of a greatest hits record.

Now, I know that singing praises about Britney Spears is as touchy as talking one’s own religion up, so if you want to roll your eyes, please go ahead. However, note that this is the real definition of pop, and Britney has, in essence, done it again. She has taken a tattered public image, and overcome personal demons, and turned out a fantastic pop record. The only reason that this record didn’t fair better in my countdown, is because of two things; there is one song I could have done without (the almost ridiculous Mmm Papi), and there was one GLARING omission of perhaps one of Britney’s top three songs she’s ever done, Amnesia. Amnesia was offered as a bonus track on the deluxe version of Circusin the UK, but I cannot understand why this massive track wasn’t front and center; it is pop perfection, and I can’t help but ding the record for leaving it off (especially when you can get it on the UK version!). Overall, this record is a true return to form for Britney; top notch production, radio-ready singles, blaring club ready tracks, and the soft and subtle actual singing of Ms. Spears. Love her or hate her (as she sings on If You Seek Amy), there is one thing that is clear, Britney isn’t going to just roll over and disappear into a sea of tabloids and rumors; with Circus, she proves that she still has some gas left in her engine, and that she is more than capable of turning out another fantastic pop album. If this doesn’t “restart” her career, I fear nothing will; this album is damn near perfect, and she seems to be in a place to finally get things back on track to being the pop princess I have loved all these years.

Sparkle Factor:
Stand Outs: Circus [audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/britney-circus.mp3]
Amnesia [audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/britney-amnesia.mp3]
Womanizer, If You Seek Amy, Unusual You, Trouble, Rock Boy, Kill The Lights.

music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2008 – 13: Sia – Some People Have Real Problems

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I don’t know why, but initially, I didn’t get into this album. I listened to it once, even liked it, but I moved on; which I think may have been partly because of all the hype that I saw about it. For a while, you couldn’t go in a Starbucks without seeing something about Sia’s album, Some People Have Real Problemsplastered about, which I think put me off of it for some stupid reason. Months passed, and one day, I decided it was time to give the album another go (after all, I DID like it). After ONE listen, I almost kicked myself; I had been ignoring one of the best records of the year all this time… for no reason! The soul, the emotion, the deep sentiment, the aching melodies; all of it captured my attention on the second go ’round, and I have since realized that I was a fool for forgoing it initially.

There’s something about Sia that I just can’t get enough of… maybe it is her haunting voice, or her ability to twist a heartbreaking melody around such bittersweet lyrics; but whatever it is, Sia is an amazing artist, and this album is epic and beautiful. If you are a fan of down tempo, sullen, achingly beautiful music, then you will love Sia; she exercises all of these qualities in her music. Sia actually reminds me a bit of Rachael Yamagata’s more stripped down stuff, but with a more pop edge to it. This lady from down under is just another example of how there are some GREAT musicians hailing from the land of oz, and I’m just glad that she’s one of the ones that seems to have made a splash on this side of the world (as evidenced by her Starbucks presence earlier this year; even though that worked against me for some weird reason).

The entire album is filled with songs about heartbreak, and the contemplation of what could be in the realm of love. Some of her lyrics are just amazing; like on the track Academia, she sings, “And if I am a number I’m infinity plus one/ And if you are five words you are afraid to be the one/ And if you are a number you’re infinity plus one/ And if I am four words then I am needing of your love”. It’s little touches like this that really make me love her even more, because what can I say… I’m a fan of clever song writing. With her fair share of cleverness, Sia also knows how to tug at your heartstrings with her way of expressing love and longing; both lyrically and in the mood she creates with the music. It’s pretty apparent that she has experienced what she is singing about; and if she hasn’t, she is a damn good actor, because when she is singing, her voice and the way she moans really makes you believe in her words.

Overall, the experience of the album is somewhat heartbreaking, with moments of “pick myself up, and brush myself off” moments peppered amongst the ballads, in order to keep you from completely breaking down. My only complaint, is that it seems to teeter off at the end, almost like it is out of gas, and as such, it only suffers from those last few songs seeming to drag the moment on. With that being said, those last few tracks aren’t necessarily bad, but it just feels like the album maybe should have ended a little sooner than it did (I would have ended it at Soon We’ll Be Found, which is an amazing track).

Sparkle Factor:
Stand Outs: The Girl [audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_208_sia-thegirl.mp3]
Little Black Sandals, Academia, You Have Been Loved, I Go To Sleep.

music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2008 – 14: The Saturdays – Chasing Lights

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I have to say, that I was completely surprised by this one; I really expected to see at least one fellow girl group, either the Sugababes or Girls Aloud, on my year end chart again this year. Yet, it was the Saturdays, with their stellar debut album, that took the cake this year. From their first single, If This Is Love, they caught my attention with that catchy, oh-so-pop, girl-band sound that I love so much, that again, I usually expect to come from the aforementioned Sugababes and Girls Aloud. However, for whatever reason, neither really delivered with their albums released late this year; and in my opinion, neither one comes close to the bar that was set very high by the Saturday’s surprisingly brilliant debut, Chasing Lights.

I speak a lot about Girls Aloud and the Sugababes here when referring to the Saturdays, not just because the similarities are unmistakable, but because I consider myself to be a huge fan of both the Sugababes and Girls Aloud, and initially, I was VERY skeptical about the Saturdays as a result. Sure, the UK pop scene has proven that it can have two girl super groups, but did it really have room for one more?? Well, it certainly looks like it did… the Saturday’s debut album is definitely one of the strongest, most well produced, and hit filled pop albums to hit shelves in 2008. This album made me overcome my ill-placed skepticism, and forced me to embrace the fact that this girl group has the goods, the will, and the drive to be amongst their girl-band peers.

I find it very fitting that they have had some great success with their massive single, Up, because they are clearly on their way up in the pop industry. For many of these girls, this is another go at making it in the elusive pop industry; a few of them hail from other, failed pop groups of the past. Perhaps, they wanted it more this time? Maybe they just got luckier this time? There’s really no way of telling with the fickle nature of the UK pop scene. Either way, they soar on Chasing Lights.

The great pop tracks, top notch production, and that “out of left field” factor, all combines on Chasing Lightsto give you a truly brilliant pop record; one that really took me by surprise. I was so utterly disappointed by the Sugababes and Girls Aloud’s releases this year (sorry Stu), and luckily for me, the Saturdays stepped in and filled the void; there isn’t a bad track on Chasing Lights, and quite a few of them are MASSIVE pop anthems (both Work and Up are sheer pop genius). While I am sure that the Sugababes and Girls Aloud will continue to release stellar stuff in the future (as they definitely have in the past), I am more than pleased to see that the door has opened, and allowed another great girl band to step onto the scene. The Saturdays are a more than welcome addition to the world of pop, and I am more than happy that they really delivered on their debut in a way that was completely unexpected, and brilliant (although, I will openly, and gladly admit that this is definitely something one might list under guilty pleasure; the lyrics are not the stuff of literary masterpiece… not by a long shot). If you, like me, are a fan of girl band, super produced pop, then you will love the Saturdays. I just hope that these girls can dig their claws in deep enough to hold onto that bucking pop bronco, and keep bringing us the pop that we love; especially if it is in anyway similar to the brand of pop that deeply permeates this album.

Sparkle Factor:
Stand Outs: Work [audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1031_saturdays-work.mp3]
Up, If This Is Love, Issues, Lies, Chasing Lights.

music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2008 – 15: P!nk – Funhouse

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While I have kind of liked P!nk since she burst onto the scene with her hip hop tracks and trademark pink hair, it wasn’t until her last album until I really considered myself a true fan. One of my favorite things about her, is how she entered the music business as one thing (what they wanted her to be), and she forcefully transformed herself into what she is (which is what she wanted to be in the first place). The shift from hip hop to rock and roll has been an interesting journey, musically, and has given her the chance to try out lots of different things. I will say, that as she has progressed as an artist, I really think P!nk has only grown, and refined her music in the process. Perhaps it is fitting that So What ended up being her first solo number one hit, given that she has really come into her own with her previous album, and even more so with her current release, Funhouse.

P!nk’s soulful, smoky vocals have always been a great compliment to her songs, and as I mentioned before, she has only refined that pairing over time, and with Funhouse,she has released the strongest album of her career to date. Each song is well produced, and well written; and the sting of a recent break up with her husband can be felt throughout the album. In fact, the way in which she hits the upper register of her range, and allows her voice to achingly screech really exemplifies the emotion and angst in the words she is singing. P!nk is no stranger to pouring her emotions into her music, and I for one am glad that she continues that trend on Funhouse, and even ups the ante a few notches.

Working with Max Martin and Billy Mann on this album was a GREAT choice for P!nk, and she has turned out a fantastic pop rock album that is FULL of ear friendly, “I’ve been through heartbreak but I’m not broken” anthems (placing la la la’s and upbeat music to lines like “I’m your perfect little punching bag” and “please don’t leave me” really highlights that attitude), that are sure to please any fan of great pop music. P!nk really does well with the high tempo rock tracks like So What, but she also masterfully stands on her own with the stripped down, acoustic tracks like Crystal Ball and Glitter In The Air; showing that there is much more emotion and tenderness to this rock star than her “balls out” attitude would have you believe. I will say, that P!nk’s only slight misstep on this album is the inclusion of a few tracks that feel like filler; especially when you listen to them among the stellar stand out tracks (listed below). However, a couple slight missteps aside, I will say that I was anxious to get my hands on this record after hearing So What (and especially after loving her previous album so much), and I was NOT disappointed; this album, overall, is amazing, and shows P!nk’s true talent as an artist. I’m glad that she was able to take a lot of that pain from her breakup, and channel it into her music; because the result is a magnificent record that is sure to make even more people sit up and pay attention to this true pop rockstar. P!nk has proven that she is an artist that is not going anywhere but up, and I count myself as one who is very happy to be along for the ride.

Sparkle Factor:
Stand Outs: I Don’t Believe You [audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1031_pink-idontbelieveyou.mp3]
So What, Sober, Please Don’t Leave Me, Crystal Ball, Glitter In The Air.

music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2008 – 16: Infadels – Universe In Reverse

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Well, last year, it was fellow UK band the Kaiser Chiefs that made this list with their blend of punk-pop-indie rock; but this year, the Infadels are the ones that turned out a more fantastic album in the genre. I mention the Kaiser Chiefs here, because there are many songs on the Infadels’ album, Universe in Reversethat really remind me of what I love about the Kaiser Chiefs; with an additional electronic component, that seems to be oh so hip and cool right now. Initially, it was their single, Free Things for Poor People, that brought me to the Infadels, and it was so catchy that I wanted to see if they had anything else worth listening to. Well, I saw the colorful cover of Universe in Reverse,(it’s almost like a Banksy!) and I knew as soon as I saw it, I had to download it; so I did, and low and behold, the whole album is pretty fantastic.

This is one of those “surprise” albums, which I LOVE, because they come at you from complete left field. Having never heard of the Infadels, and then randomly hearing one of their songs, only to fall in love with their record is one of the best things about discovering new music; there are so many talented musicians out there, that it is really difficult to give everyone a listen. Due to their similarities to other favorites of mine like Melee, Silversun Pickups, and the aforementioned Kaiser Chiefs, I knew that I had stumbled upon something great when I heard Universe In Reverse. If you like great rhythmic pop-rock, catchy lyrics, and the occasional ear worm track (I dare you to listen to Chemical Girlfriend and not have it stuck in your head!!!), then this record is for you. The album’s polished punk-pop-indie rock sound truly took me by storm, and I am definitely glad that I found it, because it only took a couple listens for me to rank it amongst my favorites of the year.

You may have never heard of the Infadels before, but trust me on this one, this is a solid album, and it is full of great tracks. They also remind me a lot of fellow chart members the Script, so if you like them, make sure you give this record a spin (or two). I also like how they use the electronic sounds on the album, coupling them with the marching beats of rock and roll; together, they make for some unexpected goodness. For instance, the song Code 1 has a similar electro riff to Robyn’s Cobrastyle; which is highly unexpected, but wholly fantastic. Overall, this whole album was a surprise; both in the way it was discovered, as well as in what it had in store for me once I listened. I’m glad I found it, because it definitely deserves to be on my list this year.

Sparkle Factor:
Standouts: Chemical Girlfriend [audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_829_infadels-chemicalgirlfriend.mp3]
Free Things For Poor People, A Million Pieces, Make Mistakes, Play Blind.

music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2008 – 17: Shiny Toy Guns – Season of Poison

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This is one of those albums that I had such high hopes for, that no matter what was on it, chances are, it would have let me down; except, it didn’t. The news that they had released a new single a few months back made me extremely excited, because there hasn’t been so much as a peep from the Shiny Toy Guns camp since way back in 2006, when they released the THIRD iteration of their amazing debut, We Are Pilots.I LOVED We Are Pilots, and it ended up near the top of my records of the year for 2006, so needless to say, I was pretty excited about a follow up being released this year.

Well, after hearing Ricochet, the lead off single from Season of Poison,I was sort of confused. Having seen them live, I knew that they were much “harder” than their debut record let on, but the song seemed way too “metal” after my initial listen. However, after I gave it a few listens, it really started to sink in, THIS was the essence of Shiny Toy Guns; just more layered, and much more energetic (much like their live show). After listening a couple of times, I was HOOKED to this amazing track, and I saw what I loved in Shiny Toy Guns in the first place; the electronic rock is clear and present on Season of Poison, only they have turned the amplifier up to 11 this time around.

Once it was released, the rest of the album did not disappoint me either, and after only one listen, I was pleased (again, high hopes… whew!). Yet, this is definitely one of those records that you should force yourself to listen to many, many times, because you will discover intricacies and subtleties that you would miss on one passing listen. While I liked it the first time around, it was love after a few more, well focused listens. I have to say, that Shiny Toy Guns will definitely make some new fans with their amped up sound, and while they may alienate a few others that preferred their more pop-centered sensibility, this fan is in for the duration of the ride. There are plenty of songs that are true to the Shiny Toy Guns sound, and the introduction of the newer, volume-at-11 more “metal” sounding stuff is truly a way that they have captured much of what their amazing live show possesses.

These guys have been through a line up change, and have tweaked their sound towards the louder, harder end of their spectrum, but they have turned out another fantastic album with Season of Poison. I am sure that some people were worried about the departure of the lead female vocalist, but her replacement steps in differently, but perfectly, and compliments the male vocalist completely (which was a hallmark of the STG sound). Also, it should be noted, that they did not completely depart from their previous sound; there are plenty of well crafted pop songs on Season of Poisonthat would have fit perfectly amongst the tracks on We Are Pilots (in fact, they included Turned To Real Life, which actually was on one of the three iterations of We Are Pilots).As a fan of the band, I am more than pleased that there was NO “sophomore slump” (er… senior slump?) for Shiny Toy Guns; as they have simply polished their sound, and in the process, came back harder, and just as strong as ever.

Sparkle Factor:
Stand Outs: Ricochet! [audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1024_shinytoyguns-ricochet.mp3]
I Owe You A Love Song, When Did This Storm Begin, Season of Love, Money For That.