Single of the Week: Touch My Body

Genre: Pop

The music video for Mariah Carey's "Touch My Body" is absolutely hilarious; if you haven't seen it, then go on Youtube! Now! I'll wait...

Back? Funny, right? And catchy, too! Or is it? After all, there are many songs that have awesome videos, but without the visual, they can't stand alone. Fortunately for Mariah (and us), I've listened to the single sans video, and it's still addictive. The sound reminds me of her previous album, The Emancipation of Mimi, and yet feels different and more current. But of course, this is Mariah Carey; she has always had the great fortune of producers to keep her the best. "Touch My Body" is a light, fun-hearted song that doesn't take itself seriously. And, unlike Madonna's "4 Minutes", "Touch My Body" isn't like anything we've heard for a while on the top of the charts. Definitely hot!

RATING

Melody: 4/5 Lyrics: 4/5 "Catchiness" factor: 9/10

TOTAL: 8.5/10

In Retrospect: CD Review - Begin To Hope

Genre: Alternative

Released: June 2006

I have so much catching up to do, I almost forgot about Regina Spektor and her latest album, Begin to Hope. The very first time I heard Spektor, I plugged my ears: I was used to songs where the singers followed the tune of the song with a basic verse-refrain-verse formula. But as I became used to this new style of music, I quickly fell in love. 11:11 and Soviet Kitsch were staples in my iPod, and when Begin to Hope was released, I was ecstatic; Regina didn't disappoint.

In fact, she was very, very smart. Her latest album contains a handful of songs that are easy for even non-fans to listen to, and still dish out her signature sound and lyrics. "Fidelity", the song on Grey's Anatomy that really brought her into the limelight, is a perfect example. In fact, "Fidelity" is the first track on the album, followed by "Better", "Samson" and "On the Radio", all very catchy tunes that follow the verse-refrain-verse format of mainstream success. And what's wrong with that? After all, everyone's entitled to some success, especially Spektor, and she manages to do so while maintaining her spunk and charm. The latter half of the album may be more difficult for first-time listeners, but fans will recognize Spektor on "Summer In the City", "Lady", and "Apres Moi". Perhaps the greatest surprise of the album is the track "Edit"; it isn't mainstream, and it isn't the piano of classic Regina. And it works. Really well. It's sort of an electronic/piano duet... and it immediately catches your ear. 

Regina has an amazing talent; she has a unique style of singing that is refreshing and amusing, and her piano pieces range from light and fun to verging on genius. Each track is different, and yet the album is a coherent body of work. This CD is worth having in your collection!

RATING

Melody: 5/5 Lyrics: 5/5 "Catchiness" factor: 8/10

TOTAL: 9/10

CD Review: Dignity

Genre: Pop

Released: April 3, 2007

I like the Japanese cover of Dignity better, but this is all I could find, so... oh well :P. Remember way back when Hilary was Lizzy McGuire? I really liked her then...and when everyone found out she could sing, well! 

Then, of course, she came out with an album, and I immediately gagged at the sappy, teen pop junk that she was continually singing. So, when I heard that she had a new album, I wasn't holding my breath. In fact, I had pretty much started losing hope that Hilary would ever be a serious aritst. 

Miracles can happen though, and Duff has done the equivalent of parting the Red Sea. Dignity has dispensed with the sappy love songs and silly lyrics (OK, there are still some silly songs) and has replaced them with tracks that have interesting background beats, great hooks and a more heartfelt Duff (who else was sick of the constant 'my world is so awesome!' songs?) On this album, Hilary takes us through the difficulties she has faced over the last while in "Stranger", "Danger", and "Gypsy Woman". Sure, she still has songs about the good in life, but they aren't sappy or full of pop gimmicks - "Never Stop" is simple, which turns out to be the best for Duff, as seen on the next track, "No Work, All Play". 

Hopefully, Duff will continue down this new found musical ability, and never revert to "Beat of My Heart", "Wake Up" or "Supergirl".

RATING

Melody: 4/5 Lyrics: 3/5 "Catchiness" factor: 7/10

TOTAL: 7/10

CD Review: Heroes and Thieves

Genre: Pop

Released: October 9, 2007

Alas, poor Vanessa Carlton lost her record deal, as she sings on her first single from Heroes and Thieves, "Nolita Fairytale". Well, no matter, because she's back with another album and ready to show A & M what they're missing! But, does she show them up? Well, the answer is yes and no.

On the one hand, this album is amazing: it's full of creativity and depth. On the other hand, these things weren't particularly lacking in her previous efforts, and the problem she had with her old label (lack of promotion) seems to plight this album as well - not because her label isn't trying. 

At any rate, the album has wonderful flow to it. Carlton doesn't sing about light subject matter, yet keeps the pace and never gets lost in emotion. She adeptly jumps from an upbeat song like "Nolita Fairytale" to "Hands on Me" and "Spring Street", two of the albums most intimate songs. And then, without warning, she switches back to the upbeat "My Best" and "Come Undone" - and she does it like a pro. And, unlike most other artists of her age, she always writes her songs eloquently and cleverly, never sounding cliche or awkward.

And the instrumentals on the tracks are stunning - a string section, piano, drums, an organ... it's all there - but perhaps a bit too stunning. I first listened to "Heroes and Thieves", the title track, when it was just Vanessa and the piano, and I fell in love. When I heard it on the album, it was good, but it had lost some of it's intimacy. I would be very interested to listen to a sparser, more acoustic version of this album. Still, Carlton is able to weave a wonderful mixture of catchy refrains and instrument sections while still making a statement, which is more than I can say for Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, or her other female pop contemporaries. 

Recommended Tracks: "Nolita Fairytale", "Hands on Me", "Fools Like Me", "Home"

RATING

Melody: 4/5 Lyrics: 4/5 "Catchiness" factor: 8/10

TOTAL: 8/10

CD review: Blackout

Genre: Pop, Dance

Released: October 30, 2007

Wow, Britney Spears really surprised me with Blackout. On the other hand, that isn't saying a whole lot - a coherent album is more than most people expected. Now, that being said, I must admit that it's a pretty decent album - although not because it's Britney Spears. In fact, the tracks on this album could have been sung by a handful of other current artists and come out just as good (maybe better). 

This album is so simple that it's very easy to review - lucky me! First off, there is not a shred of worth to the lyrics - 11 of the 12 tracks are about sex, and the one track that isn't, "Why Should I Be Sad", is probably the album's weakest track. Also, Britney's voice is barely audible on some tracks, or run through a vocoder until she's unrecognizable. Don't worry; it's not the end of the world, because it's not the voice we're here for, but the beat. 

Britney has the most addictive and catchy beats on her album - you absolutely cannot help but get caught up in the music. It's a perfect set of songs for a club or dance setting. 

Recommended Tracks: "Radar", "Break The Ice", "Hot as Ice"

RATING

Melody: 4/5 Lyrics: 1/5 "Catchiness" factor: 10/10

TOTAL: 7.5/10

CD review: Detours

Genre: Pop, Country Rock

Released: February 5, 2008

I've always loved Sheryl Crow, but even I must admit that she has had both highs and lows in her career. It's a little ironic that her latest album is titled Detours; the album is more like the return to Crow's main road after spending some time away. I remember listening to Crow's early hits on our local soft music radio when I was young: "All I Wanna Do", "If It Makes You Happy" and "Everyday is a Winding Road" didn't sound like the type of song I would like - but I loved them. Why? Because they were so unique - unchecked emotion, simple tunes, and no editing of Crow's wonderful voice. 

As she progressed through her music career, Sheryl Crow seemed to gain a more light-hearted side, with songs like "Soak Up The Sun" and "The First Cut is the Deepest" - songs that picked up a lot of mainstream fans - so that when Wildflower came out, most people were bewildered and disappointed. I had mixed feelings - lyrically, it was as good if not, at times, better than her previous offerings, and yet, there was something missing...

What was missing was her unique style that characterized those early hits. And on Detours, Sheryl Crow comes shining through. If anyone was hoping that this album would become a commercial success on the radios, they will be disappointed; there is nothing that will appeal to the "pop Sheryl" lovers; but for the rest of us, those that miss that unchecked emotion and frankness, Crow has outdone herself. 

Detours is the culmination of everything that has happened in the past few years - mostly in Crow's life, but it's not self-serving. It's really quite amazing - Crow makes songs about 9/11, the War in Iraq, political deceit,reality TV and gasoline - and yet never sounds preachy or silly - and what's more, it's catchy and bring back her personality... especially on psychedelic "Peace Be Upon Us", the bleak "Make It go Away (Radiation Song)", and the obvious frustration in "Diamond Ring". I'm not going to go track by track pointing out the meaning of each song - Crow doesn't make the meaning cryptic at all. Commercial success or not, this album will be remembered as Crow at her best.

Recommended Tracks: "Shine over Babylon", "Gasoline", "Now that You're Gone", "Diamond Ring", "Make It go Away (Radiation Song)"

RATING

Melody: 4/5 Lyrics: 5/5 "Catchiness" factor: 8/10

TOTAL: 8.5/10

Infection of the Week: "See You Again" by Miley Cyrus

Genre: Pop

Yes, I'm brave enough to admit it: "See You Again" by pop princess Miley Cyrus is the song that has been playing over and over in my brain this week. It's such a simple song: it's mind-numbingly catchy (that opening that sounds identical to Cory Hart's "Sunglasses at Night" - gets me every time) and has a basic 'plot'. What else is there to say?

RATING (against all good conscience, I'm rating it)

Melody: 5/5 - 2/5 (for sneaky sampling) Lyrics: 2/5 "Catchiness" factor: 10/10

TOTAL: 7.5/10

CD review: Made of Bricks

Genre: Pop

WARNING: Explicit

Released: January 8, 2008 (US)

Well, Lily Allen takes an interest in you, and your popularity zooms! Kate Nash's debut album, Made of Bricks, is certainly similar to Lily Allen's Alright, Still, and a casual listener may confuse the two, but they are quite different. For one, Nash is even more straightforward than Allen (yes, it's possible) with songs such as "Dickhead" and "Shit Song", and her album is, on the whole, catchier than Allen's debut. 

That being said, unlike Allen, most of Kate Nash's songs (save for "Foundations" and "Mouthwash" and "Merry Happy") do not grab at you right away - in fact, I absolutely hated about half of the songs upon first listen. But they grow on you, especially as you get to listen to the lyrics. They certainly are not the most poetic words or sentiments, but they are apt. The worst track on the album is probably "We Get On", simply because it's the most boring, while "Pumpkin Soup" get the nod for most surprising song - not at all what it's name implies!

As previously mentioned, it's easy to compare Nash and Allen in regards to song theme and most certainly voice. However, Nash is no mere copy. The fact that her songs are still surprising, fresh and unique - despite sounding like Allen - is a great accomplishment. Unlike most songs, where they make an amazing first impression and then tire quickly, Nash's songs grow on you with time (she's included a song for just about every possible situation you can get into - from gleeful "Merry Happy" to the heartfelt and depressing "Nicest Thing"). 

Recommended Tracks: "Foundations", "Pumpkin Soup", "Shit Song", "Merry Happy"

RATING

Melody: 3.5/5 Lyrics: 4/5 "Catchiness" factor: 6/10

TOTAL: 6.75/10

In Retrospect: CD Review: Melankton

Genre: Electronic

Released: 2006/2007

I have to give credit where it's due: Kate Havnevik expanded my music world. Believe it or not, I never really payed attention to music - it was just the radio in the car or the background in a movie. The first time I listened to Melankton, I thought it was the freakiest music I had ever heard; that it was slow moving and sung by another European artist that doesn't understand a word of what she's singing. 

Well, that may be true. However, there was something about the music that drew me in and made me listen to the album a second time. And a third. And a fourth... and I enjoyed it. That was when I realized that music is not as simple as I had thought. Without Kate, I'd be stuck listening to Lindsay Lohan, Simple Plan, and Ashlee Simpson (not that they don't have their own place in the music world). But what I mean is that she taught me to listen to Feist, and Kate Nash, and Tegan & Sara... which is why I recommend this album to anyone who wants to expand into alternative music...it's a perfect transition.

Now, for all of you who are already 'enlightened', a review of the album...

If you look for lyrics that are substantial or significant, leave right now. The lyrics aren't bad, but they aren't particularly deep or meaningful... Kate's lyrics are simple, but they do work for her; if anyone else sang these songs, they would come across as awkward or plain silly. Why does it work for Havnevik? Because unlike other artists, who separate songs into 1) instrumentals and 2) vocals, Kate completely integrates the vocals into each song, so that the two (vocals and instruments) are inseparable. This, of course, is easier to do with electronic beats and synthesizers, but she also manages to add string sections effectively. In fact, some of her songs are near masterpieces, building up the song to amazing climaxes and creating an incredible degree of depth to her music, such as "New Day" and "Unlike Me". At other times, her voice is highlighted, such as in the stunning "Kaleidoscope" and "So:Lo". What else can I say? Her voice is ethereal, but not too breathy, and she is easily distinguishable from any other current artist. Hopefully she will bring even more amazing sounds to her forthcoming album.

Recommended Tracks: "So:Lo", "New Day", "Unlike Me", "Sleepless"

RATING

Melody: 5/5 Lyrics: 3/5 "Catchiness" factor: 8/10

TOTAL: 8/10

CD Review: NB/Pocketful of Sunshine

Genre: Pop

Released: April 2007 (N.B.), January 2008 (Pocketful of Sunshine)

OK, so perhaps I should mention that I am one of Natasha's biggest fans. I have faithfully followed her career, listening to all her songs, watching her vblogs and music videos, and reading all her updates on her website.

That being said, I'm going to give as fair a review as po

ssible on her sophomore album(s?). They're so closely related, it wasn't worth doing a separate review for Pocketful of Sunshine... so, here we are. Just to make it easier, I'll review the shared content of the two albums, then NB's exclusive tracks, then Pocketful of Sunshine's tracks. 

Shared songs:

Well, the producers were smart: the best tracks of NB definitely made it onto Pocketful of Sunshine. Most of them are soulful tracks: "Soulmate" is a sparse look at the difficulty of finding love; "Say It Again" (with Maroon 5's Adam Levine) is a catchy tune about the difficulty of expressing love; and "Backyard" is about how love can change a relationship. 

If you haven't guessed already, Bedingfield's new albums focus on love/relationships. 

But that's not a bad thing. Natasha never takes it too far on any of these tracks, never gets gushy or preachy, and, most importantly, never sounds fake. The tracks are also catchy, and grow on you as you listen - most notably "Not Givin' Up", a simple and addictive song about, well, not giving up on a relationship (duh). 

The best of all the shared tracks, though, would have to be "Pirate Bones", easily the most original, catchy song I've heard in a while. It's simple and clever - Natasha at her best.

N.B.:

The rest of N.B. is, well, a mixed bag. I love the first track, "How Do You Do"; it's probably the best example of a horn section used effectively in a pop song, and the lyrics aren't half bad. The album slips from there, though: "I Wanna Have Your Babies" and "Tricky Angel" are sappy and cliche but still sound good, while "When You Know You Know" is boring. Period. Fortunately, the album then picks up again with "(No More) What Ifs", a track featuring Eve, which should have been included on Pocketful. It uses a hip-hop/RnB beat that serves Natasha well. 

Pocketful of Sunshine:

Pocketful of Sunshine was a bit of a surprise for me. I'm used to Natasha trying (and not always succeeding, but at least trying) to sound clever and add meaning to her songs; on Pocketful, the additional tracks are not terribly original lyrically; she plays it safe. On the positive, there's nothing as terrible as "Tricky Angel", but nothing like "Soulmate". 

However, all the new songs have very, very catchy beats - I'm sure you've heard "Pocketful of Sunshine" by now, a meaningless song that you can't help but hum. Well, the next rumoured single - "Angel" - may actually be even more infectious. At one point, Natasha spells out "a-n-g-e-l" (I know, spelling seems so popular nowadays), and your head starts to bob automatically.

Recommended Tracks: Soulmate, Pirate Bones, Not Givin' Up, Say It Again, How Do You Do [NB], (No More) What Ifs [NB], Angel [Pocketful], Pocketful of Sunshine [Pocketful]

RATING

N.B. Melody: 4/5 Lyrics: 3/5 "Catchiness" factor: 6/10

TOTAL: 6.5/10

Pocketful of Sunshine Melody: 4.5/5 Lyrics: 2/5 "Catchiness" factor: 8.5/10

TOTAL: 7.5/10

 

CD Review: The Odd Couple

Genre: Alternative Soul

Released: March 18, 2008

The second collaboration between Cee-Lo Green and Danger Mouse, the aptly named The Odd Couple, has produced an album that picks up where St. Elsewhere left off - and takes it a step further. There is, without a doubt, a similar feel to this album, but it's not an unpleasant feeling... it's like getting a call from an old acquaintance, and having a good time learning what's been happening over the last couple of years. In Gnarls Barkley's case, the old acquaintance has been in the Psyche ward and has some great stories to tell. 

Things have toned down a bit since their first album. It's difficult to explain - the tracks seem to have a softer beat behind them. Danger Mouse's production is even better on this album, producing more interesting songs. Cee-Lo is, as always, a joy to listen to and very believable on this CD. 

Unfortunately, the news is not all "pleasant". There is nothing as catchy as "Crazy", and a few of the tracks are difficult to listen to, at best. And, paying attention to the lyrics too closely may really make your head spin (and not in a good way).  Due to the subdued beat, the album tires out quickly, too. In fact, after a while it almost becomes background music.

Recommended Tracks: Who's Gonna Save Your Soul, A Little Better, Going On, Open Book

RATING

Melody: 4/5 Lyrics: 4/5 "Catchiness" factor: 5/10

TOTAL: 6.5/10

In Retrospect: CD Review - Flutterby

Genre: Alternative

Released: October 2003

Flutterby is an album by Butterfly Boucher (yes, Butterfly) from Australia. I was introduced to Flutterby by an Auzzie aunt, and, after five years, I still listen to her music. 

The tracks are simple but smart. Butterfly mixes the right amount of melody and lyrics together, while most artists choose one or the other (really good beats or really clever tunes). 

What's more, Boucher writes the majority of her own songs, and also plays most of the instruments. In fact, it's quite impressive: the songs deal with heavy themes and the instrumentals often include loud guitar and piano parts, yet the album isn't depressing or disheartening; it's inspiring. And catchy. And that's why I love Butterfly Boucher.

Of course, she's not perfect. Some of the lyrics do push the boundary between clever and trying to be clever, such as "A Walk Outside"'s Which came first, the love or the love song? However, Boucher poses much more intelligent questions in "Life is Short" and "Can You See The Lights?"

Recommended Tracks: Life Is Short, Never Leave Your Heart Alone, Soul Back, Another White Dash

RATING

Melody: 5/5 Lyrics: 4.5/5 "Catchiness" factor: 8/10

TOTAL: 8.75/10

R.I.P. - CD review: Pretty. Odd.

Genre: Alternative, Punk/Emo?, Pop?

Released: March 25, 2008

Welcome to the R.I.P. Moment of the Week! Now, it may not be apparent why I have chosen Panic At the Disco's Pretty. Odd. as my RIP moment, but bear with me. 

First, the review of the CD. Actually, it's not a terrible album. None of the songs have any real hooks, except perhaps for "Nine in the Afternoon" and "When The Day Met The Night", but each track has it's own sound, and the lyrics attempt to convey a meaning, which I greatly appreciate. However, the majority of the songs are forgettable. While Temposhark's "Joy" and Gnarls Barkley's "Who's Gonna Save Your Soul" stick out clearly in my mind, Panic At the Disco's songs slip out of my mind like butter slips around a hot pan... and that's very slippery. There's really nothing else to say: an album that sounds pleasant, mostly as background music, but I can't even remember the songs long enough to discuss them.

RATING

Melody: 3.5/5  Lyrics: 4/5 "Catchiness" factor: 4/10

TOTAL: 5.75/10

So, why is this the RIP of the week? Because Panic! At the Disco- sorry, Panic At the Disco- has changed their sound. Not that change is a bad thing; it's important for a musician to grow... but Panic At the Disco has kinda gone about it the wrong way. First of all, I understand that their sound has "matured", but they've lost any sound that made them distinguishable from other artists. Hence the confused Genre at the beginning of this post...I just don't know where to put them. Your second studio album is not always the best time to make very drastic changes - if they wanted to experiment, they could have released an EP. The RIP is not for Panic at the Disco themselves, but rather they're new sound. Bring back some of the emotion, bring back some originality, and bring back the "!" (at least metaphorically).  

Single of the Week: 4 Minutes

Genre: Pop, Dance

I'm so glad that the single's cover isn't anything like Hard Candy's (*shudder*)... if you haven't seen it, trust me, Madonna isn't doing herself any favours. 

Anyways, "4 Minutes" is a song that has a lot going on... ticking, trumpets, drums...not to mention JT and Timbaland... 

And what's my response? ....well, it's kind of a "meh" moment... I mean, the song should be really good; it has a catchy refrain, a good background beat, and JT and Madonna are great together...it's as good as any current song within it's genre, which is exactly the problem.

It's as good, not better, and after two years of Timbaland infected music and JT blaring over the radio, it just doesn't catch my attention as much. It will be a hit, no question, but it doesn't really add anything to music. It's the chorus, really, that will pull people in (it's what caught my attention when I heard the song on TV), but I was disappointed that it's only repeated twice in the song...thanks largely to how long the verses were...

Final thoughts: There isn't too much to say... it's catchy, but at the same time familiar and bland... so far this intro to Hard Candy doesn't say too much.

RATING

Melody: 4/5 Lyrics: 3/5 "Catchiness" factor: 9/10 - 3/10 (for unorginality)

TOTAL: 6.5/10

CD of the Week: The Invisible Line

Genre: Electronic

Release: March 25, 2008

Although Temposhark's been around for a few years, The Invisible Line is their first official album. I must admit, I had never heard of them before this release, but as soon as I saw a collaboration track with Imogen Heap, my heart skipped a beat. 

When I listened to the first track, I was a bit disappointed; "Don't Mess With Me" wasn't electronic, and verged on Panic at the Disco in sound and theme (well, when they were Panic! At the Disco... they, ironically, have a new CD out, too). Fortunately, the CD improves dramatically from there.

Temposhark effectively mixes both high energy, upbeat songs with slower, more dramatic songs. None of the tracks have particularly deep meaning to them, but they are a vast, VAST improvement over songs like "Umbrella", "Irreplaceable" and anything sung by Hanna Montana... overall, a great album and definitely the best of this past week.

Recommended tracks: Joy, It's Better To Have Loved, Not That Big (feat. Imogen Heap), Knock Me Out, Winter's Coming

RATING:

Melody: 4/5 Lyrics: 3.5/5 "Catchiness" factor: 8/10

TOTAL: 7.75/10

The First Post

w00t! My first post ever! Well, it's kind of an odd time to start blogging about music...it's just the start of the week in terms of new CD releases, so I haven't had time to really soak 'em in yet, and American Idol results are out in a couple of hours, so blogging now would be pointless ;p. Anyway, I'll take this chance to talk about myself and my day (bwahahaha). I had a short day at Univ., only four hours, and the weather was sunny instead of the forecasted rain (weathermen are so reliable)...I'm in Sciences, and the term is wrapping up, so the material is pretty bleh...my friend and I do the crosswords in the newspaper to try and allay brain atrophy. 

  Hmmm...mebbe I'll use this post to kinda share ideas I have for the blog... basically, my posts will consists of a few basic types:

1. TV music spot (Am. Idol type shows, ad music, or artists featured on shows)
2. New CD review (kind of obvious?)
3. Infection of the week (a song I can't get out of my head that day)
4. In Retrospect (an older CD, but one you should know about!)
5. R.I.P. (One of those "what were they thinking??!?!?" moments)

Sounds good, eh?