Sleep Through the Static is Jack Johnson's fourth studio album. It was released around two years ago, February 2008, so it's not the most recent release, but I wanted to do a Jack Johnson review at some point. So now's as good a time as any.
For those of you familiar with Jack Johnson (and I'm assuming that most would be), you can expect a lot of classic "Jack" in this album. You can still find his soft acoustic tunes and his down to earth topics, but look for significantly more instrumental mixture in within this album. In addition to acoustic guitar, piano, and drums, listen for some horns, flutes, synth, a stronger focus on electric guitar, among others. Variety is often a good thing, but it seems that the best keep the instrumental simple and clean, giving focus to the content of the words.
Johnson keeps with his set array of down to earth topics: love, life, and war. As in the past, he manages to create a couple nuggets in each category. "If I had eyes" gives an upbeat ballad of chasing love. "Angel" slows the pace down, trims down to acoustics, and sets a mellow tune to speak of a valued relationship. "Sleep Through the Static", the title song, gets to American values. The chorus especially, gets to his point: "Who needs to see what we've done?/ Who needs 'please' when we've got guns?" Whether this song may be found a little too preachy to some, I applaud Jack for speaking his mind and heart in his songs. You can tell his hearts in every song, and I find that very refreshing. A song near the end of the Album, "Go On", is really his reflection to his kids, slowly growing up before his eyes.
So final verdict? Some of the songs I loved, notables being those that I mentioned. But some astonished me with strange instrumental choices and an awkward blend of tones. This is not a thoroughly brilliant album, but it has pockets of quality. I'd recommend listening to the better parts of it, but only such.
-Josiah
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
The Temper Trap : Conditions
The album "Conditions," by The Temper Trap, is fairly popular on my floor right now. The songs "Love Lost," and "Sweet Disposition," have been playing 24/7 and has thus inspired me to write my next review.
Having been recently introduced to the band, i have quickly gained an appreciation and addiction to the sound they embody. Falsetto is a big part of their sound and what seems to be their band's inspiration, U2. They copy the sounds of U2 in a sense that they have inspiring and sing-screaming vocals, a rhythmic drum beat, and the accompanying repetitive guitar riffs. In fact the only difference seems to be Temper Trap's addition of synth riffs. This may make them seem unoriginal but this difference alone creates an entirely unique sound, in which a new wave of bands has been reproducing. Bands like Empire of the Sun, Friendly Fires, and Passion Pit have picked up on the use of synth either in a genre of electronic dance or electronic rock.
The song "Sweet Disposition" is the band's only released single, and is their most successful song as of yet. It peaked Australia's music charts at #6 and has stayed in the US Top 40 since its release late last year. Its immense popularity has made it a hit for movie soundtracks, and tv commercials throughout the globe. Most notably it was used in the preview for the indie movie hit, "500 Days of Summer."
Personally I can see the reasons for the song's immense and sudden success; for I can't get the catchy and repetitive chorus out of my head,
"a moment, a love
a dream, a laugh
a kiss, a cry
our rights, our wrongs
a moment, a love
a dream, a laugh
a moment, a love
a dream, a laugh."
The repetition and lyrics themselves highlight the title "Sweet Disposition," because they repeat what the song is truly about, love, dreams, the moment, the rights, the wrongs, and life itself. The band is trying to tell humanity to enjoy what they have and to understand that even if life takes you down different paths to love, laugh, dream, kiss, cry, and live in and for the moment. It is a very inspiring message which along with the pulsing beat and soulful singing one can't help but enjoy life in the moment, just as the band tries to make you.
This band has a promising future if they stay close to their roots, and I'll be looking forward to the next release!
Well that's a wrap,
Tom
Oh and here's a little taste of the music itself, enjoy!
Having been recently introduced to the band, i have quickly gained an appreciation and addiction to the sound they embody. Falsetto is a big part of their sound and what seems to be their band's inspiration, U2. They copy the sounds of U2 in a sense that they have inspiring and sing-screaming vocals, a rhythmic drum beat, and the accompanying repetitive guitar riffs. In fact the only difference seems to be Temper Trap's addition of synth riffs. This may make them seem unoriginal but this difference alone creates an entirely unique sound, in which a new wave of bands has been reproducing. Bands like Empire of the Sun, Friendly Fires, and Passion Pit have picked up on the use of synth either in a genre of electronic dance or electronic rock.
The song "Sweet Disposition" is the band's only released single, and is their most successful song as of yet. It peaked Australia's music charts at #6 and has stayed in the US Top 40 since its release late last year. Its immense popularity has made it a hit for movie soundtracks, and tv commercials throughout the globe. Most notably it was used in the preview for the indie movie hit, "500 Days of Summer."
Personally I can see the reasons for the song's immense and sudden success; for I can't get the catchy and repetitive chorus out of my head,
"a moment, a love
a dream, a laugh
a kiss, a cry
our rights, our wrongs
a moment, a love
a dream, a laugh
a moment, a love
a dream, a laugh."
The repetition and lyrics themselves highlight the title "Sweet Disposition," because they repeat what the song is truly about, love, dreams, the moment, the rights, the wrongs, and life itself. The band is trying to tell humanity to enjoy what they have and to understand that even if life takes you down different paths to love, laugh, dream, kiss, cry, and live in and for the moment. It is a very inspiring message which along with the pulsing beat and soulful singing one can't help but enjoy life in the moment, just as the band tries to make you.
This band has a promising future if they stay close to their roots, and I'll be looking forward to the next release!
Well that's a wrap,
Tom
Oh and here's a little taste of the music itself, enjoy!
The Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition (Music Video) from Moop Jaw on Vimeo.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
John Mayer's Battle Studies-Josiah's take
John Mayer is no small player in the music industry. Having won several Grammys and achieved multiple top selling songs, Mayer has long since established a sizable following of fans. His smooth voice and excellent guitar skills, mixed with romantic themes and a light touch of blues have kept them coming. Battle Studies builds off Mayer’s regular formula, throwing in some additional musical variation, a song with Taylor Swift, and a cover of the classic rock song “Crossroads” for good measure. This album has already made some significant numbers, selling 286,000 copies in its first week alone. But the question is, “is the success of Mayer’s latest album due to quality or reputation?”
In a live performance prior to the album’s release, Mayer said, "The album is called Battle Studies and that's because it incorporates a lot of the lessons, a lot of the observations, and a little bit of advice. Like a handbook, like a heartbreak handbook." Listeners may draw from such a statement that the album is topically diverse. Not only do all the songs (as expected) have a very distinctive “John Mayer” timbre to them, but they’re all about the same thing. Well over half of the songs focus entirely on emotional conflicts in relationships. Getting in, staying in, getting out, or staying out; it’s really all the same. I suppose for Mayer, who has a reputation for off-and-on relationships with various celebrities, these very well may be “battles” that he’s gone through. However, it makes it hard to find a differentiating value in each song. And, unless you’re a die-hard Mayer fan, or someone who finds comfort in listening to constant emotional drama, you’re going to get tired of it all.
As a result, I would say that I really could only recommend purchasing Battle Studies as a whole to long-time Mayer fans. But, seeing as how the album has been out for a couple months now, the majority of the group should already have it. For those of you that really only value Mayer’s bigger hits, I’d suggest that you find one of the dozen of free music sites to find the nuggets. Those of you who are interested, but less motivated should look into “Heartbreak Warfare”, “Who Says”, and “Perfectly Lonely”.
In a live performance prior to the album’s release, Mayer said, "The album is called Battle Studies and that's because it incorporates a lot of the lessons, a lot of the observations, and a little bit of advice. Like a handbook, like a heartbreak handbook." Listeners may draw from such a statement that the album is topically diverse. Not only do all the songs (as expected) have a very distinctive “John Mayer” timbre to them, but they’re all about the same thing. Well over half of the songs focus entirely on emotional conflicts in relationships. Getting in, staying in, getting out, or staying out; it’s really all the same. I suppose for Mayer, who has a reputation for off-and-on relationships with various celebrities, these very well may be “battles” that he’s gone through. However, it makes it hard to find a differentiating value in each song. And, unless you’re a die-hard Mayer fan, or someone who finds comfort in listening to constant emotional drama, you’re going to get tired of it all.
As a result, I would say that I really could only recommend purchasing Battle Studies as a whole to long-time Mayer fans. But, seeing as how the album has been out for a couple months now, the majority of the group should already have it. For those of you that really only value Mayer’s bigger hits, I’d suggest that you find one of the dozen of free music sites to find the nuggets. Those of you who are interested, but less motivated should look into “Heartbreak Warfare”, “Who Says”, and “Perfectly Lonely”.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Battle Studies : John Mayer (A Review)
This is my first stab at an album review. I may have analyzed it too much but i found some interesting details which I couldn't leave out. With that said please enjoy!
For all John Mayer fans out there, this album continues the familiar sound he stuck to throughout the decade. While different instruments are occasionally used, the main focus remains his lyrical, blues guitar genius.
The first track, "Heartbreak Warfare" opens with strings fading in followed by delayed guitar. Reviews have said this delayed effect is reminiscent of that of U2's The Edge. This adopted sound sets the mood for the remainder of the album, where lyrics seem to back up the soulful, blues guitar.
Although the romantic, blue guitar themes prevail on the majority of his new record, Mayer's sense of humor does reveal itself on the tracks "Half of My Heart" and "Who Says." In fact, on "Half of My Heart," Mayer teams up with Taylor Swift and sings about loving someone while always looking for someone else. On "Who Says," one of my personal favorites, and seemingly one of the most down to earth tracks of the album, Mayer gives a little insight to his opinion of marijuana use. The brilliant line "I don't remember you looking any better, but then again I don't remember you" repeats throughout the songs entirety and focuses the listener on the effects of the drug and Mayer’s use himself.
John Mayer seems to rely more heavily on outside inspiration for his music than his previous albums. Previously he covered Tom Petty’s “Free Falling,” but this time he covers Robert Johnson's "Crossroads." Many artists over the decades have covered this song, most notably Eric Clapton. However this song is, for any blues guitarist, almost a required cover. In comparing John Mayer's cover to that of Eric Clapton’s his is significantly slower and closer to the blues roots of the song, rather than the funk infused style of Eric Clapton's band Cream. However Mayer add his own twist when he opts to solo during the song. Instead of showing off his prowess over that of Eric Clapton and Rober Johnson, Mayer plays under the original sound and chorus of the song, rather than play over and show off. He thus maintains the respect of his followers while producing an original unique sound to a classic song.
Battle Studies may not be John Mayer's greatest album, but it's a worthy addition to his already impressive repertoire, and definitely worth a listen.
Well that's a wrap,
Tom
For all John Mayer fans out there, this album continues the familiar sound he stuck to throughout the decade. While different instruments are occasionally used, the main focus remains his lyrical, blues guitar genius.
The first track, "Heartbreak Warfare" opens with strings fading in followed by delayed guitar. Reviews have said this delayed effect is reminiscent of that of U2's The Edge. This adopted sound sets the mood for the remainder of the album, where lyrics seem to back up the soulful, blues guitar.
Although the romantic, blue guitar themes prevail on the majority of his new record, Mayer's sense of humor does reveal itself on the tracks "Half of My Heart" and "Who Says." In fact, on "Half of My Heart," Mayer teams up with Taylor Swift and sings about loving someone while always looking for someone else. On "Who Says," one of my personal favorites, and seemingly one of the most down to earth tracks of the album, Mayer gives a little insight to his opinion of marijuana use. The brilliant line "I don't remember you looking any better, but then again I don't remember you" repeats throughout the songs entirety and focuses the listener on the effects of the drug and Mayer’s use himself.
John Mayer seems to rely more heavily on outside inspiration for his music than his previous albums. Previously he covered Tom Petty’s “Free Falling,” but this time he covers Robert Johnson's "Crossroads." Many artists over the decades have covered this song, most notably Eric Clapton. However this song is, for any blues guitarist, almost a required cover. In comparing John Mayer's cover to that of Eric Clapton’s his is significantly slower and closer to the blues roots of the song, rather than the funk infused style of Eric Clapton's band Cream. However Mayer add his own twist when he opts to solo during the song. Instead of showing off his prowess over that of Eric Clapton and Rober Johnson, Mayer plays under the original sound and chorus of the song, rather than play over and show off. He thus maintains the respect of his followers while producing an original unique sound to a classic song.
Battle Studies may not be John Mayer's greatest album, but it's a worthy addition to his already impressive repertoire, and definitely worth a listen.
Well that's a wrap,
Tom
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Battle Studies-John Mayer
Both of us will be doing a brief review of John Mayer's most recent Album, Battle Studies. We should have them up within the next few days. We'll be tinkering around with formatting for a bit, so excuse us if there's a little roughness to begin with, but it should settle over time.
-Josiah
-Josiah
Monday, January 11, 2010
The inaguration of this blog
So where to begin... This blog is a tag-team project, a joint venture of sorts, between Tom Essenpreis and Josiah Dorr. Our goal is to develop a quality music blog that is interesting, readable, and informative. We're going to be doing some album reviews, maybe a few band bios, and really just anything that's relevant to the music industry.
We'll be updating and adding new stuff several times a week, so keep checking to see if there's anything new. And, of course, we'd love any suggestions or ideas on what we can do next.
Peace
-Josiah
We'll be updating and adding new stuff several times a week, so keep checking to see if there's anything new. And, of course, we'd love any suggestions or ideas on what we can do next.
Peace
-Josiah
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