Posts Tagged ‘Acoustic’

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus are back, careening down a different track. Although they may not have peaked in the fame category, the act remains diverse, talented, and raw. These boys are a live band that can tear your skin off. With last year’s release, Lonely Road, the band ended up on an unfamiliar path, playing on unlikely radio stations and media outlets. Nearly a year after their departure from Virgin Records, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus have found light in their latest release, and most sincere creation to date. I am relieved to reveal that they have dropped the pop act, and have gone back to their roots on this EP. In my opinion, this is the best damn move they could’ve ever made. The Hell or High Water disc is out for purchase today. With hints of their old sound, Jumpsuit embraces the future with a perfect mixture of old and new.

The Hell or High Water EP is a tale of poetic storytelling, destructive chord progressions, indefatigable hooks, and atypical emotion. This may not be what is probable of this platinum-selling quintet, but unquestionably shows a commendable step down a highway less traveled upon. The boys hold forcefully onto their heavy-hitter side during the first single Choke, which sways from a hardcore bang to an etched in your mind hook, while On My Own is an attentive and enriching jam that could start up a fire. Each song seems to be fresh in terms to where the group have landed mentally and musically.

Ronnie Winter, lead vocalist and guitarist, recently stated: “Positive thinking can literally move mountains if you have enough faith.” If the group is at ease with their latest move and release style, then the fans should find contentment as well.

Do you think an independent EP was the right move for the band?

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

I have written about a song from the goddess before, but Lissie’s debut album has finally been released, and I can say, it’s a diamond in the rough. Catching A Tiger is hands down one of the strongest releases of summer, if not the whole year. I have been anticipating the release all year. Bold? Perhaps, but I support the record 100 percent.

On last year’s EP Why You Runnin’, Lissie left listeners inquisitive to hear more from this Midwestern chick (whose first solo recording was being produced by Band of Horses’ Bill Reynolds) whose soulful husk spilled from their speakers. A drop-dead stunning girl with pipes to match, Lissie plays the guitar, writes her own jams, and sings songs in a genre all her own. The Illinois native has songwriting abilities that become apparent through not only neat, but firm lyrics with harmonious structures in which to abide her tales of jaded love.

Bullet pointed, let’s start from the top. The clattering pots-and-pans thumping that greets the listener turns into a distinctive little album jump off with Record-Collector, which listeners will instantaneously be drawn to. Why? It’s got a polka-breakdown and dramatic cords. How many songs like that are out right now? Seriously. Then When I’m Alone takes over, telling the tale of this lonesome girl in hopes of drawing a crowd — I turned my back you were gone in a flash, like you always do, you’ve always gone off somewhere else. She’s telling you a story, and wants you to listen. It showcases the most astounding part of this woman: her pipes and range. It makes me wonder how such a big sound can come from such a little body. The release leisurely rolls into Little Lovin, which ties in the Stevie Nicks influence, with the impudence of a country singer and enticing delivery of a folk-rock goddess. And let’s not forget Everywhere I Go , in which I touched on a few months ago on BTB. It’s such a powerful song, stating Angels will call on me now, everywhere I go. Indeed, her voice is heavenly, but the lyrics alone could bring one to tears. This track and Bully will literally tear at your heart strings — a song with a completion as subtle as any Mariah Carey power ballad, Lissie’s incredibly heartfelt and executed torch song highlights the extraordinary vocal talent she possesses.

Over the past year she’s taken on covers of Bob Dylan, Metallica, Lady Gaga, and so many more. But don’t let this diverse combination turn you off. Her debut full-length is solely her own material. Catching A Tiger is neither generic or cliche, with lyrics disguised within airy, upbeat and indisputably atmospheric songs dashed in California guitar-rock nostalgia.

High praise indeed, but her versatility, her confidence and her utter comfort ability with folk, country and rock idioms is readily evident on this release. It seems impracticable for a debut to sound so accomplished and mature, but Lissie seems to be that rare exception. Please check it out, if not because of this article, let your curiosity of an artist in this genre sell you.

So, was my hype machine justified? Don’t get me wrong, there are problems with Catching a Tiger: it’s not wholly filler-free, it’s not taking any massive musical risks, and it’s one of those albums that you just know will be even better in a live setting. That being said, this is a concrete foundation for things to come; and when the star player is Lissie’s voice, those things are surely a-comin’.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Not into the punk-rap rage of Travie McCoy? Don’t like what you hear having commercial success these days? I can’t hate. Here is a different version. A friend sent me this video, and I am still uncertain how I feel, so I am opening it up to the BTB devotees to review.

A Rocket to the Moon covers Billionaire in a very dissimilar way. I am not too sure how I feel about it, for it sounds like a wholly different song. The boys are on this year’s annual punk rock extravaganza Warped Tour, which leads to success for many artists like themselves. I’m into covers but if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I respect its exclusivity, and see how it would draw a whole fresh crowd into the song, I just don’t feel as if the boy’s got the chops of Bruno Mars. Cover or no cover, vocalists need to know their own limits; master before you pay tribute.

Let’s break it down; music is a discussion, with artists dialoguing by way of lyrics and themes. Which means a cover is the most straight and attractive form of communication. It provides artists like Rocket to the Moon with the likelihood not only to pay respect to their influences (in this case, label-mate Travie McCoy), but also to insert or take away significance from the original version as they see fit. Long story not too short: remakes either want to make the reviewer turn the dial, or cringe when it’s an otherwise fine artist making a mistake. This private pop acoustic version could go in either direction. I dig change, but for some reason, I can’t find the prize thing that was buried.

Numerous people have commented on the video calling it “better than the original” and “a fantastic remake” — do you agree? Let’s not get it twisted, A Rocket to the Moon is signed under Fueled By Ramen, which is leisurely building one of the utmost empires in the mainstream powerpop trade, including artists such as Paramore and Fall Out Boy. With an exceedingly stacked line up, it’s almost a sure thing whenever they sign an up-to-the-minute artist (for every time we close our eyes, we see their names in shining lights).

These boys have the potential to have huge success, so why bask in the fruit of another? Billionaire isn’t the greatest song in the world, but it’s rap-pop revelry style makes it unique, not really sounding much like other things out right now. I’m just saying, once a shoe is shined, it’s senseless to run through the mud.

What do you think of the cover? Does this rocket have the potential to soar to the moon, or does the band just want to be billionaires, so freakin’ bad?

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Although I write about buckets of talent on BTB, no band compares to Incubus on my radar. I’ve longed for the day when I could write a review about my favorite artist that would be read by others, and the day has arrived. Not unworthy of review, it’s just that Incubus has been on a slight hiatus, and we try to keep things fresh for all you fine folks. A little birdie told me a few months back that lead singer Brandon Boyd was releasing a solo release; I was uncertain what to think. Was the band breaking up? Is Brandon exploring new options? Either way, I was intrigued. Brandon can brag of a music career that has lasted nearly twenty years, and it didn’t happen overnight, for even diamonds start as coal. Years translating into six albums, breathtaking art work, album covers, EP’s and DVDs. Can the man do wrong? I had the pleasure of receiving the album before it hits the shelves, and I have not turned it off all day. Work, car, and home, I am analyzing it, cover to cover, trying to find a word to describe how satisfied I am. He is what I call an artist in the truest sense of the word.

The album is entitled The Wild Trapeze. It’s hard for me to pick the perfect words to describe this album, for his work means so much to me, I don’t want it to be anything but perfect. So in this case, I’ll use his words to grab you. Brandon Boyd describes the origins of the album saying, “This group of songs was born of a very different process than the many my band and I have been employing for our almost two decades at work now. The Wild Trapeze began as pot induced meanderings on my dusty acoustic guitar while Incubus was off of the road, and has slowly been morphing into things that I originally could never have imagined.” An old soul, oozing pure musical bliss.

This album is personal. When I first gave it a spin I almost felt as if I was reading his diary. He wrote every word to every track and performed practically every instrument you hear. Although he could blow most solo artists out the water, don’t fret my pets, Incubus will be recording soon. However, this sounds nothing like the work of the group. Incubus has changed their style throughout the years and Brandon displays a noteworthy development in his guitar playing, as well as picking up essentially every other instrument. Brandon’s many whirlwinds of creativity in art and music takes the listener to places that you haven’t quite visited yet. As far as genre goes, the album is all over the place. It’s like looking at a puzzle; you know it will eventually become a whole, but each separate piece holds a strong significant meaning.

I tend to dream that Brandon is only singing his lyrics to me (hey, just because it’s not Team Edward or Jacob doesn’t mean it’s not allowed), but this record truly feels that way. Each song puts you face-to-face with your emotions in a mirror-like effect. Check out Runaway Train and A Night Without Cars, for these two will push you to jump onboard. A Los Angeles native, a Vegan sympathizer, an artist by day and come nightfall, my favorite singer in the world. Now, back to listening…

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Cutie pie!

Miranda Lambert is, without a doubt, a spitfire. She’s proved this point on kick-ass diddys like Kerosene and Gunpowder and Lead. But don’t let her attitude-driven songs soak up all your attention, taking your ears away from the vulnerability throughout the rest of her music, for the girl’s got a heart the size of Reba McEntire’s hair via the 80s!

The country star recently held her third annual “Cause for Paws” concert and charity auction. The sold-out event raised $91,000 for animals affected by the recent floods in the Nashville, Tennessee area (as well as the East Texas Humane Society).

Besides Lambert, the event featured additional Whiskey Myers, Kacey Musgraves and Nightwork.

Said Lambert: “Since we started working with the Humane Society of East Texas over three years ago, we have donated over $325,000 and they have become a ‘no kill’ shelter. Every year it amazes me that people spend their hard-earned money to partner with us in this fight. I am very grateful!”

You can currently check out the ACM Female Vocalist of the Year at the CMA Music Fest, in Nashville, starting today until June 13th!

Check out Lambert pouring her heart out, performing The House That Built Me live, below.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Releasing art outside of your group doesn’t always mean there’s bad blood. Sometimes those Gym Class Heroes just need to graduate. Yes, I’m writing about Travie McCoy, and his first solo debut, The Lazarus Project. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Travie, experiencing his project on the road, and even providing promotional support through his label, and I can honestly say, his talent is raw. His performances are almost like watching poetry readings on 5 hour energy shots; confusing yet amazing. This New York pop-punk rapper is unique in everything from his style to his lyrics, for he is not afraid of the act of expressing himself. Although catchy, radio smash Billionaire may not be your forte, his art remains cool.

He’s playing melodies and heating up his singing voice with collaborations from Cee-Lo, personal favorites Chester French. The Lazarus Project will let all see another side of Travis, by proving himself to a community that may not always take him seriously. Don’t expect auto-tune, for this is the real deal.

Earlier this year he split with pop mega tart Katy Perry, and released his Forgetting Katy Perry mixtape. Normally you would never see me supporting celebrity gossip in my write-ups, but it’s necessary research for the core of the album. The healing process takes a turn on this project as his somber sad-sack tones finally see the light. Song Don’t Pretend is a hard-hitting healing process: “Open up my chest and you’ll see a cold cavity where my heart used to be”. Although it sounds dreary, this album is upbeat as all hell, turning bad to good.

This may be a different pick for your liking, but I have a feeling you are going to enjoy exploring this album. Travie recently stated in an interview, “If Lazarus were a movie, it’d be A Clockwork Orange”. Although it’s got a hip-hop vibe, rock n’ roll storms in during “Superbad”, a smash with another ravish talent, Limp Bizkit axeman Wes Borland.

A disc compacted with teaming up with a diverse array of studio superstars for a genre-busting, groundbreaking new collection. If you want to experience a great musical performance, catch him on the road this summer with 3OH!3 and Cobra Starship. Turning the scribbled lines between hip-hop and rock into a perfect picture, with no fillers or skippable tracks.

Although Travie may not be rollin in Gym Class, this album proves he’s still a hero.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Although the music is not normal on my rotation, this is yummy.

Daughtry and Miss Kelly Clarkson recently came together for a huge duet. When two mega talents collide, it broadens horizons for listeners, especially when it’s two items of the same kind; American Idols. Kelly joined Daughtry on stage this weekend in Nashville, where the two performed their own rendition of Tracy Chapman’s ruminative 1988 ballad Fast Car.

Other than their titles, something else makes these two idolistic these days; the concert raised money for Nashville flood relief. It was a complete surprise, and surely a treat for concert goers. Kelly and Daughtry are success stories from the competition, selling millions of albums worldwide.

On an ordinary day, I would not be expressing my opinion on American Idols, for there are too many to discuss. But these two propelled their careers much differently, languishing in the role of dippy ingénue or shunting their musical development by leaning too heavily on overnight stardom? Negative. Instead they dug their heels and allowed good sense (or a good manager) to steer them in the right direction.

An epic collaboration for a good cause? Bring it on.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

I mighta been born just plain white trash but Fancy was my name!

Sorry, had to throw that out there.

Country legend Reba McEntire put a country ring on it when she recently covered Beyonce’s classic hit, If I Were a Boy for a recent episode of CMT’s Unplugged. And the outcome is amazing! Reba takes the song and sings it effortlessly, proving that if a message is universal (ya know, the whole boys being douchebags thing) then it can be sung in any format, in any language, in any part of the world and will still have a powerful effect on the audience, if the artist connects with the song emotionally. And Reba certainly does.

This is not the first time a song of Beyonce’s was covered by another well-know country artist. In 2007, Sugarland famously performed Irreplaceable on the American Music Awards where Knowles even took to the stage to join in singing along.

Check out Reba’s spin on If I Were A Boy, below.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Now that you all know I put my life in the hands of rock n’ roll bands, I was recently thrown an unexpected curveball of melody this past week; folk. When not initially liking a genre of music, one should make a point of listening to it more closely. I have yearned for the day I would stumble upon a female talent who could transcend sounds of the past with the present, and she has arrived; Lissie (Maurus). A 27-year old country-folk rock singer/guitarist is the pink elephant in a room full of bears. A clear-as-glass singing voice, effortless melodies, and a Stevie Nicks like tone make her a direct line to your emotional core.

Everywhere I Go off of her debut EP Where You Runnin’, stopped me dead in my tracks at a local record store (yes, some still exist), showcasing her achingly raw and evocative voice. How often has this happened to you lately? Think about it; sound that hits you so hard you can feel it? Now that’s music, what feelings sound like.

The bright intensity of Lissie’s voice will cut through any disdain your jaded heart may have built up against present day “singers” and “songwriters”. In my opinion, she belongs in the 1970’s with the brilliance of female musicians whose material will be set in stone for countless generations. Her sound seems as if it should belong to someone twice her age, both coarse and beautiful; a combination which, when it works, is something to behold. Her pipes are her instrument, and she commands them. Upon downloading more of her tracks, I found the songs range from hand-clapping and foot-stomping, to breathtaking ballads that all make up her ingredient; a spine shivering, rustic soul.

Lissie is an artist to watch, listen, and embrace. So raise the volume; she’s about to mend all the broken hearts of boring, pointless music trends!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Cyndi Lauper, who has always been an activist for equality, recently launched the Give a Damn Campaign which encourages everyone (gay, straight, transgender, lesbian, bisexual) to get informed about issues within the LGBT community. Now, Lauper is taking her passion to the next level, by opening a shelter for homeless LGBT youth in New York City (Harlem) via her True Colors Fund.

The shelter will be the first permanent residence for LGBT youth in Manhattan.

Currently there are between 15,000 and 20,000 homeless youth in New York City, and, of that number, roughly 3,000 to 8,000 identify under the LGBT umbrella.

The True Colors Residence, which is slated to open in 2011, will offer a safe haven for LGBT individuals between the ages of 18 to 24 who need a place to stay while trying to get back on their feet.

In a statement, Lauper said: “Kids are coming out in greater numbers as they see themselves accepted and represented on TV and in movies, but they’re still being kicked out of their homes or running away and living on the streets. We need to make sure we’re taking care of them. This is the next generation of the LGBT community.”

Beautiful.

Check out Lauper performing the classic Time After Time (live on Australian Idol), below.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

In between surfing, producing films, and making college kids all over the world swoon over his jams, Hawaii native Jack Johnson has had the time to record another smash, To The Sea, due out June 1st. Brief description; heavy-eyed, fully developed acoustic rock for the fraternity set. First single, You and Your Heart, fits right in the guilty-pleasure catalogue; “But you and your heart, shouldn’t feel so far apart”. Breezy tunes, and a laid back vibe can feed any music listener’s soul. Mr. Johnson truly is the outlet of all things mellow. After all, even head bangers need to lie down sometime.

Having previewed this album, I felt as if each track forced me to go beneath the surface, and try to understand the transition of youth to adulthood. It has the capability of winning you over, hitting your heart, and bringing people together. If only everything that was contagious was this good for you. Many interpretations will come from this record, and it’s stimulating to see what listeners will take from it. The lyrics aren’t the outcome of a brainstorming session, but about situations that have truly affected his musical journey; an astounding alchemy of music and verse.

Johnson will take you To the Sea, and beyond this summer while embracing the U.S. with a tour full of good vibrations. This album will encourage one to live in the sunshine, swim the sea, and drink the wild air.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

I just discovered Laura Marling. This just-released video is poetic and thick with a depth of understanding beyond her years as Marling is only 20! That blows my mind! 20! Ok, I’m done.

Of course she’s from England. Of course it’s beautiful to the point of being a tad depressing. It’s a song with a stunning music video, called Rambling Man.

Marling was part of the original line-up of indie folk band Noah and the Whale and was featured as a background vocalist on their debut album, but left the group before the album’s 2008 release. Which is fine IMHO, because her music does not belong in the background of any act as it clearly holds all the ingredients to rise on its own.

Her sophomore album I Speak Because I Can is out now. Check out the video for Rambling Man, below.

20! 20! Can’t get over it!

Laura Marling – Rambling Man Official Video

Laura Marling | MySpace Music Videos

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

He’s toured with the likes of Adele, Florence + The Machine, and Marina & the Diamonds. Now, in an exclusive interview for BTB, Pownall lets us take a peek inside his emerging career.

ROB BRAYL: First, I must say that I love the Single Ladies cover. “He’s up on me, I’m up on him.”—it was perfect the way you didn’t cop out and change the “he” to “she”. I thought it was humorous and endearing. What was going through your head when you decided to cover this song?

ALAN POWNALL: The song was on the radio at the time. We got asked to do a feature for a website called Indie/Ghetto; Indie artists covering hip hop / r&b songs, so we chose that one. I’m pleased you liked it. I can’t bare to watch it.

RB: I love the story behind your music and how things have opened up for you. Did you ever think you’d tour with the likes of Adele? I’m sure that must have been surreal the way it all panned out.

AP: It was an honor to go on tour with her at such an early stage of her career. She was magnificent and a lovely person. I only had a few songs at the time but I learned a lot from her. She deserves all the success she’s had.

RB: You also recently performed a few gigs with Marina & the Diamonds, how was that experience?

AP: I never met her. But we had a good time. It was the first time I went on the road with the band so I really enjoyed it.

RB: What do you wish for your audience to take from your music?

AP: I hope it’s different for everyone. But ultimately I would like for people to enjoy it, that’s all really.

RB: I definitely get a sense of honesty and a humble presence in your voice and music and I admire that. Could you ever see yourself going in a different direction stylistically or vocally?

AP: I write how I feel and I feel different every day. I don’t seek direction necessarily, but I hope to develop and mature as an artist.

RB: I want to know your current guilty pleasures within pop music. Give me something good!

AP: Rihanna seems cool, but I don’t feel all that guilty about it.

RB: I read on your website that apparently some lame hackers were hacking your MySpace profile? What’s the deal with that? Sidenote: you know you’ve made it when the hacking starts.

AP: It was my record label, no hackers yet!

RB: Tell us a secret.

AP: I don’t have secrets…

RB: Do you think there’s a possibility that you’ll be playing in the US in the future?

AP: I would love to tour in America, but we’ll see.

RB: Your major label debut is due out later this year. Is there pressure or a sense of relief, now that you’ve climbed to such an accomplishment?

AP: There are no feelings of relief or accomplishment. I am at the beginning of my career. I’m happy with the record and I’m excited about the future, that’s all I can say for now.

Check out Pownall’s music video for Chasing Time, below.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Combine The Shins’ James Mercer and Gnarles Barkley’s Danger Mouse, and team them up for a dynamic indie delight; Broken Bells. If you haven’t yet acquired them into your music library, stop what you’re doing now. Their self-titled debut album is a clever pop ensemble full of melody and invention. Stand out track “The High Road” was one of the best free downloads i-Tunes has seen to date. They yearn to separate themselves from their old sound, leaving all old material behind. “A detour in your new life, tell all of your friends goodbye,”–these are true musicians, and the album exemplifies that, for them, it’s all about the music, not the profit.

The SXSW festival has given the band the confidence and the freedom to explore, and the fans are totally diggin’ it. Some may argue that Broken Bells is far too “laid back” to bring any real progressive qualities to the music table; this assumption couldn’t be less accurate. Check out “Sailing to Nowhere” to find two artists feeding off of one another to sum up a true sense of urgency in the dreamy melody. Give this album a spin and become a fan; let the bells ring.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

A musical montage that has been written sometime ago is finally being read; The Script. Their self-titled album blends characteristic song construction with grainy contemporary narratives. The Ireland natives have an alt-rock sound, soft interior, and a hint of r&b on the side, as in their heartbreak smash Breakeven, “What am I supposed to do, when the best part of me was always you.” Rock influenced by Missy Elliot and TLC? Um, yes please.

If you aren’t into today’s pop-rock music, try reading from a different script. These melodies are instantaneously memorable, and the bright lyrics will grab your emotions as they unfold. Stand-out tracks such as We Cry and The Man Who Can’t Be Moved solidify that this is a band you need to know. Give your ears a treat to something intelligent, beautifully crafted and compelling. The heart of this band may not be breaking even, but it’s definitely breaking out.