Alabama Shakes - Boys & Girls

Holy Guacamole!  It has been a while since I've been so excited about a band.  For the last three days I have listen to nothing but Alabama Shakes - Boys & Girls.  Every time I listen to a song, no matter if it was the 1st time or the 10th time, I say "Whoa!  That was so freaking cool!"  The band has some groovy make-you-wanna-dance tunes, jump-up-and-rock-out tunes, and even some closed-eyes-swaying-back-and-forth tunes.  Super cool front chic, Brittney Howard, is the band's slam dunk. With a voice that is out of this world, she bears her soul.  She even screams out lyrics as if the words were out of her control.  So beautiful and crazy at the same time.  After listening to the album through a few times, I tried to figure out who she sounds like.  Most people would put her in the ever growing Janis category (thumbs down).  Don't get me wrong, I love Janis but if you are a female singer with a rough voice that is the category you get stuffed into.  It's not relevant any more, there is too many people on that wagon!  She actually reminds me of a more male rock voice like Robert Plant.  Listen to "Heartbreaker", you'll get it.  She may be my new favorite female voice of all time.  Oh yeah, she's that fantastic.  That voice is legendary and could put her in a category of the greatest rock, blues and soul singers of all time.  I can't believe more people aren't listening to this band!  Here's the recipe... Put Robert Plant, Classic Rock, Blues, and Soul Music, with dash of Etta James in a blender and you've got yourself some Alabama Shakes.

Favorite Tracks: All of them.  Start at the beginning with "Hold On" and you'll be hooked.  By the time you get to the bonus track "Heavy Chevy" you'll be out of your seat dancing around.      

9/26/11 - High Five!

I really need to be writing again. I am so busy and don't have any time for myself. I am just going to take my iPod and write about the first 5 songs to play. I'll try to do this as often as possible but, no promises here:)


YUCK - Suicide Policeman: Yuck is one of the better new bands on the scene. Check out the following link for a performance of this song via pitchfork. Love it!http://http://pitchfork.com/tv/tunnelvision/1640-yuck/2607-suicide-policeman/#ooid=phOXJkMjp7MUxh7ASdscZD9b25YaqX9C

THE WEEPIES - Hideaway: Deb Talan has a great voice. I love the poppy-yet-folky sounds that The Weepies produce. They have the best sing along songs even if I don't quite understand the lyrics. One thing is for sure, in every song you'll hear about the stars, sky or universe.

YEAH YEAH YEAHS - Tick: Karen O is so bad ass. Her voice is so strange on this song; she is screaming... and its awesome. I love this album (Fever To Tell) and Karen O can do no wrong in my eyes. With the song only being 1:48 it leaves you wanting more!

SNOW PATROL - It's Beginning To Get To Me: A relationship gone bad... The great thing about the lyrics is he realizes what has gone bad. The music is good but the lyrics are fit for Grey's Anatomy.

CULTS - You Know What I Mean: I LOVE Madeline's voice. She has this sweet almost sad sounding voice. It is especially evident in this song. The hand claps and snaps give the song an old time vibe. All around great song but especially good on those somber rainy days.

My Thoughts on Sleigh Bells - Treats

Feverishly unwrapping a new CD is absolute bliss for me. Sometimes, there is nothing better than the first time you listen to a CD in your car. I love my iPod but I just can’t get away from a good old CD! (Must be the way our parents felt about vinyl). For working Moms like me, sometimes that is the only chance I get to crank it up. So, when I bought Sleigh Bells – Treats, Mike & Lukas just had to endure the deal-with-it, i-don’t-care-if-it’s-too-loud stage. To my complete surprise, I was not the only one enjoying my first listen that day! First of all, how freaking cute is it to see your 4 year old rocking out? And for about once in my life the Hubby wasn’t saying “Can we just listen to the radio” (which is like using profanity in my car)! That is a definite testament to just how good this album is!

The first track, Tell ‘Em, starts out with some serious guitar, the vocals kick in and then the bass... forget about it, I am sooo hooked. I love it when a song comes on and you automatically know the band. There is no mistaking who they are, even if you’ve never heard the song before. That is the Sleigh Bells sound, unique and in a league of its own! I mean really… Can you stick this in one specific genre?

So the verdict is in, It’s pretty awesome, you should check it out! It is at least worth a listen. I’m telling you, it is a musical car crash or more like a pile-up (in a good way) that you can’t stop listening to. Will Sleigh Bells be around for a while? Hmmm… good question. They are unique but, are they too unique? Maybe a little to crazy to be picked up by mainstream listeners. Staying power is to be determined but today I’m living in the moment and right now, I LOVE IT!

Favorite Tracks: Rill Rill, Tell ‘Em, Run The Heart, Treats

And there was a blog...

Much like John Cusack's character in High Fidelity (one of my favorite movies of all time), I am a music-addicted, top 5 list lovin' "Professional Appreciator". That's right... I said it. Music has played a huge part in my life. My memories have a soundtrack. If there isn't a song playing at that moment, I know one that would fit perfectly. And you know what they say -- "Those who can't do, teach" (or not so much teach as tell everyone what I like). Or something like that. Well, that's me... I'm not very talented, but I love music. Since I can't play the music I love, I need to have an outlet. And there it was -- My Hubby's brilliant idea, write a blog! So, stay tuned for some blogging fun:)

A huge thanks to my Sister-In-Law, Jenny. She frequently puts up with my music-of-the-day and check-this-band-out emails. Now I can let her know all the goods without blowin' up her inbox! You're Welcome Jenny! LOL!

Currently Listening To: The Decemberists - O Valencia