This time of year many recording artists try to put out a smash hit record so that holiday shoppers will add their album to their Christmas lists. This year is no different, and Carrie Underwood has attempted to be added to the lists of fans across the country. My question was if this new record would succeed and live up to the quality of her last album, Some Hearts.
After purchasing the album and listening to it several times, I am impressed by the songs, but unfortunately I feel it doesn't compare to her debut album. She has some catchy songs, but often her voice sounds forced and they are difficult for the average singer to sing along with. I was afraid it would be hard to top the hits she had in Some Hearts, and unfortunately I think I was right.
It's not a waste though, and I would recommend the album for those who enjoy this genre of country music. Just don't expect it to top her debut.
Some of the songs on Carnival Ride that I like the best are the typical girl-bashing-boys songs, such as "The More Guys I Meet". Her first single off the album is also pretty good, titled "So Small". My personal favorite however is the song Twisted, because the lyrics and music come together perfectly.
The songs on this album are definitely fun, and great "road-trip" driving music for a car full of girls (or guys?). She still has an incredible talent, and knows which songs to pick that will appeal lyrically to people from their teens through 30's or so.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Top 10 Albums 2007 - According to Dane
As 2007 is coming to a close I thought it appropriate to reflect on the best music that was released this year-- and trust me this was a difficult list to narrow down.
10. Jose Gonzalez - In Our Nature
10. Jose Gonzalez - In Our Nature
9. Arthur & Yu - In Camera
This male/female duo take turns singing over languid guitars and gently chiming tambourines. They come off at first sounding like a Velvet Underground tribute band but frankly I don't care because listening to this album on a hot summer afternoon while stuck in traffic will melt you more than the sun.
8. The Ponys - Turn the Lights Out
Dual guitars, re verb and a thumping baseline scratch and claw from the speakers while listening to this album, you almost feel dirty for listening, but as soon as Jered Gummere changes vocal tone and a single guitar takes center stage the band knocks the dirt off with their power.
7. Okkervil River - The Stage Names
Okkervil River and its front man Will Sheff are veterans of the indie music scene. They have been on the road for years and as the old adage goes "Write What You Know", Sheff does just that singing of the woes of an aging rocker on the road. Not like the topic hasn't been amply explored, but Sheff does it in such a sincere and believable way singing about his girlfriend, "You look your age, which is 37 by the way, and not 28".
6. Shout Out Louds - Our Ill Wills
The second Swedish group on this list, Shout Out Louds enlisted the help of fellow Swedes, Peter Bjorn and John to help produce this celebration of an album. The music so soaked in beat at times that it could fit in at a disco tech is balanced with slower tunes that enlist less violin, bongo drums and thumping bass, and let the female vocals drift along snare drum, keys and a subdued guitar. This album has it all.
5. The Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
Although not as good as their first effort, The Funeral, this is still a remarkable album and does nothing to tarnish the band's legacy. Win Butter sounds more like Bruce Springsteen than ever on the tracks that motor through headphones like a muscle car with the pedal welded to the floor, and with the horns on the song Keep the Car Running it seems that he has his version of the E-Street Band as well. But when the car decides to veer off the highway Butler distinguishes himself from Springsteen, and all of the blurring sound flying by turns into intricately layered strumming, drumming, singing, yelling, beating, and blowing, each element comes into glorious focus.
4. Feist - The Reminder
I would try to describe Leslie Feist's voice but there is really no point. She has unlimited range and like a great running back she can change directions on a dime and take you to a different emotion, one second ready to cry the next second ready to jump up and take on the world. It is her voice that is the star of this album, but the instrumentals do their part to make this great. It has molasses slow songs, songs so beautiful and delicate that you don't want to whisper and miss something, and sprawling singalongs - a song for every day. 
3. Sunset Rubdown - Random Spirit Lover
Spencer Krug can sing to me with whatever band he wants to. A side project for the Wolf Parade co-front man, Sunset Rubdown is almost as epic a band. This is the band's second album, and unlike the first which has its moments, but struggles to lift itself out of its avant-garde hole, RSL just rocks from the get-go. The Mending of the Gown is now one of my favorite songs, ever.Krug's alien voice bursts over a relentless thrashing piano, organ, and screaming guitar. Not to say that the band isn't still less than mainstream, because this album does take several listens to get used to, but once everything clic
ks, you will listen over and over again.
ks, you will listen over and over again.2. The Avett Brothers - Emotionalism
Call them bluegrass, alt-country, country, punk country, whatever, I just call them good. The brothers Avett take turns singing about their struggles with revolving door relationships. One would guess from their all-too-to-cool voices rather than their bearded mountain man appearance and old school acoustic instruments that the pair were womanisers. From simple breakup songs with plucking guitar to victorious tunes flush with bass, banjo and acoustic guitar played like axes, the band has incredible range for being so limited by technology.
1. Field Music - Tones of Town
Like a great Beatles album Tones of Town has great songs, but is best when taken as in as a whole. The best song on the album In Context eludes to the idea of what it is to be a great song and what it is to be a great album; the song is good on its own, but when taken "in context" it fits like a wonderful puzzle piece amongst the other songs. Around In Context the songs are all a little disjointed with jerky guitar, sudden stops and irregular drums, but when the song crescendos, all seems to come together and the album suddenly makes sense. The more I listen to this album the more I love it.
Watch this video all the way through. Its a great song and really cool video.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Taylor Swift Concert
Taylor Swift and I
Taylor Swift came to perform at Beasley on October 23, 2007. Although it has been a few weeks since she came, I can't help but continue to sing her songs in my head all the time. With her self-written, catchy tunes, it is difficult not to! Taylor Swift, who is a seventeen year old country music sensation, tore up the stage while performing her hit songs from her debut album. She was very involved with the crowd and continued to thank them throughout the entire night for their love and support of her career. Her concert was very entertaining and her outgoing personality was really showcased. It was difficult to believe that she is so young!
Swift's CD came out last year and her first single, "Tim McGraw", became a hit. She garnered much attention and quickly retained a large fan base. She is relatable through her songs, and I think that is part of why she is so successful today.
During her concert, she performed almost every song on her self-titled debut CD. She prefaced almost every song with a story about how she came up with the idea, or at least made a statement regarding each song before she sang it. While performing one of her other singles, "Teardrops on My Guitar", she prefaced by saying that she had a huge crush on her friend name Drew and he didn't know, but he knows now!
The audience happily sang along with almost every one of her songs that she performed. She even performed an acoustic cover of Rihanna's hit song "Umbrella" on her guitar, as well as performing the hit song "I ain't Missing you at all."
After the concert, Swift made time to meet with her fans to sign autographs and personally thank them for purchasing her CD. I waited in line to meet her, and was greeted by her smiling, excited to meet me, and thanking me for purchasing her CD. It was really a delight to meet such a sweet and talented young woman who was grateful for her success.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Reality show invasion
This fall, two new shows in the reality genre are hitting the airwaves on the E! channel. Once again, these shows are taking celebrities lives and taping them to be entertainment for the masses. As a part of those masses, I have tuned in to some of the new shows' first episodes of the season. While I definitely have my preference of the two, I'll talk about both of them so you can decide which sounds more interesting.
The first show, Keeping Up With the Kardashians, is a show about an interesting mixed family, to say the least. Kim Kardashian, a favorite among paparazzi, and her 5 siblings all live together with their mother and her famous husband, Olympic athlete Bruce Jenner. The show tapes this large families' daily lives full of television appearances, family drama, and paparazzi encounters.
On the last episode, Kim was a guest on the Tyra Banks show, where she was bombarded with questions on her infamous sex tape scandal. Kim's amazement and horror that this was all Tyra really wanted to talk about was somewhat humorous to me. Does she not realize this is her main claim to fame? While many celebrities are famous for their careers in music or television, Kim is famous for being a rich 20-something who had a sex tape. When there is no career to talk about, it makes me wonder what she thought Tyra COULD talk to her about. The show is packed with this kind of over-the- top, completely unreal situations.
Overall, the show is good for some amazed laughs and "are you kidding me?" reactions for half an hour. If you enjoy watching the lives of the rich and famous, especially those that are rich and famous for no reason, then this is the show for you. Otherwise, if you're looking for a show with down to earth people and values, then keep looking.
The other show that is new to the E! network this fall is Kimora Lee Simmons: Life in the Fab Lane. This show documents the daily life of Kimora, the ex wife of Richard Lee Simmons, founder of Def Jam Records and Phat Farm clothing line. Kimora is a self-proclaimed mogul, mother, and CEO of her own clothing company, Baby Phat. Her show portrays her as an eccentric but hard working woman, struggling to run a company, family, and personal image.
At first I couldn't stand this show because it seemed like Kimora was so rude to almost everyone she encountered, from employees to fans. Then I realized that she is simply a flamboyant personality who acts this way in order to get ahead and have things done the way she needs them. Still not the most respectable way to be, but highly entertaining to watch. She is an incredible performer, and this is her act.
This show grows on me more and more, and I think it is admirable that she keeps so many things in her life running smoothly, all while taping a show. If it sounds entertaining to you, check it out on the E! channel Sunday nights at 10.
The first show, Keeping Up With the Kardashians, is a show about an interesting mixed family, to say the least. Kim Kardashian, a favorite among paparazzi, and her 5 siblings all live together with their mother and her famous husband, Olympic athlete Bruce Jenner. The show tapes this large families' daily lives full of television appearances, family drama, and paparazzi encounters.
On the last episode, Kim was a guest on the Tyra Banks show, where she was bombarded with questions on her infamous sex tape scandal. Kim's amazement and horror that this was all Tyra really wanted to talk about was somewhat humorous to me. Does she not realize this is her main claim to fame? While many celebrities are famous for their careers in music or television, Kim is famous for being a rich 20-something who had a sex tape. When there is no career to talk about, it makes me wonder what she thought Tyra COULD talk to her about. The show is packed with this kind of over-the- top, completely unreal situations.
Overall, the show is good for some amazed laughs and "are you kidding me?" reactions for half an hour. If you enjoy watching the lives of the rich and famous, especially those that are rich and famous for no reason, then this is the show for you. Otherwise, if you're looking for a show with down to earth people and values, then keep looking.
The other show that is new to the E! network this fall is Kimora Lee Simmons: Life in the Fab Lane. This show documents the daily life of Kimora, the ex wife of Richard Lee Simmons, founder of Def Jam Records and Phat Farm clothing line. Kimora is a self-proclaimed mogul, mother, and CEO of her own clothing company, Baby Phat. Her show portrays her as an eccentric but hard working woman, struggling to run a company, family, and personal image.
At first I couldn't stand this show because it seemed like Kimora was so rude to almost everyone she encountered, from employees to fans. Then I realized that she is simply a flamboyant personality who acts this way in order to get ahead and have things done the way she needs them. Still not the most respectable way to be, but highly entertaining to watch. She is an incredible performer, and this is her act.
This show grows on me more and more, and I think it is admirable that she keeps so many things in her life running smoothly, all while taping a show. If it sounds entertaining to you, check it out on the E! channel Sunday nights at 10.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Mortensen Delivers on His "Eastern Promises"
David Cronenberg tackles more than just the modern ethnic family mob drama in Eastern Promises (2007). Cronenberg, who also made a mafia drama in an unconventional way with Viggo Mortensen as his leading man with A History of Violence (2005), is not a torch bearer in taking on the genre of mafia film. We have seen plenty family mob movies, mostly Italian, but Eastern Promises exposes the London underworld of the Russian mafia (also plenty of Russian titles) with a very cleaver plot, brilliant cinematography, solid acting, powerful relationships, and a plethora of controversial social themes.
Naomi Watts gives a solid performance as a half Russian doctor who happens upon a girl who is pregnant with a baby conceived from a rape by the Russian mob boss. The mother dies during birth but Watts is determined to find the baby’s extended family. When Watts tracks the mafia family down with information from the girl’s diary, the family finds that they must destroy the diary that contains potentially incriminating information.
Mortensen, a driver and bodyguard for the mob boss’s son is torn between his own altruistic tendencies and advancing in the underground world. Mortensen does a remarkable job, with beard shaved and covered in tattoos, looking as intimidating as ever, as well as perfecting a very convincing Russian accent. Mortensen is transformed from a villain early in the film, to the protagonist by the end – a transformation I thought nearly impossible from my early reaction to the character. The shift in Mortensen’s character occurs when it is realized that certain “Eastern Promises” were not kept.
Although constant vodka consumption and general stereotyping of Russian crime is embraced by the Cronenberg, the film finds a way to make the characters unique and the film distinct in its own place in the crowded genre. Under-riding the surface story of mafia violence is the sad story of girls sold into prostitution to fund the family’s operation – this further social exploration is an element missing from many mob dramas – and resulting from this decision we learn not to glorify the action and gore of the culture, but to gasp at the gore of the way those who are most helpless are the ones suffering from the violence.
View Trailer!
Naomi Watts gives a solid performance as a half Russian doctor who happens upon a girl who is pregnant with a baby conceived from a rape by the Russian mob boss. The mother dies during birth but Watts is determined to find the baby’s extended family. When Watts tracks the mafia family down with information from the girl’s diary, the family finds that they must destroy the diary that contains potentially incriminating information.
Mortensen, a driver and bodyguard for the mob boss’s son is torn between his own altruistic tendencies and advancing in the underground world. Mortensen does a remarkable job, with beard shaved and covered in tattoos, looking as intimidating as ever, as well as perfecting a very convincing Russian accent. Mortensen is transformed from a villain early in the film, to the protagonist by the end – a transformation I thought nearly impossible from my early reaction to the character. The shift in Mortensen’s character occurs when it is realized that certain “Eastern Promises” were not kept.
Although constant vodka consumption and general stereotyping of Russian crime is embraced by the Cronenberg, the film finds a way to make the characters unique and the film distinct in its own place in the crowded genre. Under-riding the surface story of mafia violence is the sad story of girls sold into prostitution to fund the family’s operation – this further social exploration is an element missing from many mob dramas – and resulting from this decision we learn not to glorify the action and gore of the culture, but to gasp at the gore of the way those who are most helpless are the ones suffering from the violence.
View Trailer!
Monday, October 1, 2007
Hit Fall TV Shows
The leaves on the trees are changing colors. It's starting to get colder out. School is getting busier and busier. But are you more excited to watch your new shows then Halloween coming up? Or putting on your new fall sweater? If so, don't feel guilty. Many people look forward to fall JUST for the new shows.
With the past few weeks being huge series premiers, there is almost too much to watch. I'll highlight a few of the shows that I've personally seen, give input on the premiers, and (gasp) good shows that are at the same time slot. What to do??
I'll start of with a favorite of many, Grey's Anatomy. Can the show do well without two of its main characters, Addison and Burke? As we know, Isiah Washington's character is no longer on the show due to the actor's problems. Need more information? Just search his name on google. Addison's new show, Private Practice, is guaranteed to garner many viewerds. But will Grey's be the same? After the first episode, I found myself missing Addison on the show. After vocalizing my beliefs to the other 6 girls in the room, we came to a consensus that she should come back to Grey's. I don't think its going to happen, but there's hope, right? The premier episode began with the main characters recieving their own interns. George, unfortunately, it an intern again and it will be interesting to see how he makes it through the year. IF he makes it through the year. IF his marriage stays intact. Who knows now, after he told Izzy he loved her back! Speaking of love, who knows what is going on with McDreamy and Meredith. Personally, I think he is too good for her. She has too many issues to be in a relationship..and are they broken up now, and seeing each other casually? I guess we will see. Can't wait to see what happens next week!
Rating: 4 Busch Lights out of Five. I miss Addison!
With the OC being dead, is there room for another teen drama? The CW seems to think so, as they hired Josh Schwartz to produce the new drama Gossip Girl. It takes place in the Upper East Side of NYC, and focuses on the "poor little rich kids" and their dramas. Based on the book by Cecily von Ziegesar, I think this show it sure to be a hit. Personally, I have read some of the books when I was younger, so I am familiar with the backstory. I knew I had to check out the TV show. I think the casting is superb, the actors are similar to how they are described in the book. The show's intoxicating and addictive plot line will sure to keep viewers coming back for more every week.
Rating: 3 Busch Lights of of Five. Interesting, but I think it will fizzle out in the next year or two. Look at what happened to the OC!
With the past few weeks being huge series premiers, there is almost too much to watch. I'll highlight a few of the shows that I've personally seen, give input on the premiers, and (gasp) good shows that are at the same time slot. What to do??
I'll start of with a favorite of many, Grey's Anatomy. Can the show do well without two of its main characters, Addison and Burke? As we know, Isiah Washington's character is no longer on the show due to the actor's problems. Need more information? Just search his name on google. Addison's new show, Private Practice, is guaranteed to garner many viewerds. But will Grey's be the same? After the first episode, I found myself missing Addison on the show. After vocalizing my beliefs to the other 6 girls in the room, we came to a consensus that she should come back to Grey's. I don't think its going to happen, but there's hope, right? The premier episode began with the main characters recieving their own interns. George, unfortunately, it an intern again and it will be interesting to see how he makes it through the year. IF he makes it through the year. IF his marriage stays intact. Who knows now, after he told Izzy he loved her back! Speaking of love, who knows what is going on with McDreamy and Meredith. Personally, I think he is too good for her. She has too many issues to be in a relationship..and are they broken up now, and seeing each other casually? I guess we will see. Can't wait to see what happens next week!
Rating: 4 Busch Lights out of Five. I miss Addison!
With the OC being dead, is there room for another teen drama? The CW seems to think so, as they hired Josh Schwartz to produce the new drama Gossip Girl. It takes place in the Upper East Side of NYC, and focuses on the "poor little rich kids" and their dramas. Based on the book by Cecily von Ziegesar, I think this show it sure to be a hit. Personally, I have read some of the books when I was younger, so I am familiar with the backstory. I knew I had to check out the TV show. I think the casting is superb, the actors are similar to how they are described in the book. The show's intoxicating and addictive plot line will sure to keep viewers coming back for more every week.
Rating: 3 Busch Lights of of Five. Interesting, but I think it will fizzle out in the next year or two. Look at what happened to the OC!
Friday, September 28, 2007
A Barenaked Week in the Sun
Sound like fun?? It's not what you think.
For the second year, the Canadian group Barenaked Ladies are hosting a week long cruise on a Carnival cruise ship. Even though it's only the second year of the event, it's been named Ships and Dip III, due to the amazing success of Ships and Dip I. Tyler Stewart of BNL says, "Screw Ships & Dip II, last year was so awesome, we're going straight to 3!! Not 3-D, though, that'd be crap." The ship leaves Sunday, January 27, 2008 and will travel from Miami to the Grand Cayman's and Jamaica. Members of Barenaked Ladies will be on board all five days of the cruise, and are being joined by Guster, The New Odds, Jason Plumb and Gaelic Storm.
According to the BNL website, the cruise will include:
* all meals (there's gourmet fare in the formal dining rooms, casual indoor and outdoor grills open for meals throughout the day and 24 hour room service)
* non-carbonated beverages (i.e. tea, juices, coffee)
* free entrance to hot spots like the ship's disco, casino and piano bar
* use of the ship's beautiful pools and giant waterslide (all with plenty of deck space to enjoy a cocktail and some great music)
* use of the ship's health and fitness center
* Camp Carnival facilities if you're bringing your children
* taxes, gratuities, port charges and ticketing are added at check-out and pre-paid for you ($119 per person)
Those who attended last year's cruise have nothing but great things to say about their week in the sun with this incredible band. It's an incredible idea, and something that not many artists do!
So if you love Barenaked Ladies, make your reservations for this amazing week of music! The website is www.shipsanddip.com.
For the second year, the Canadian group Barenaked Ladies are hosting a week long cruise on a Carnival cruise ship. Even though it's only the second year of the event, it's been named Ships and Dip III, due to the amazing success of Ships and Dip I. Tyler Stewart of BNL says, "Screw Ships & Dip II, last year was so awesome, we're going straight to 3!! Not 3-D, though, that'd be crap." The ship leaves Sunday, January 27, 2008 and will travel from Miami to the Grand Cayman's and Jamaica. Members of Barenaked Ladies will be on board all five days of the cruise, and are being joined by Guster, The New Odds, Jason Plumb and Gaelic Storm.
According to the BNL website, the cruise will include:
* all meals (there's gourmet fare in the formal dining rooms, casual indoor and outdoor grills open for meals throughout the day and 24 hour room service)
* non-carbonated beverages (i.e. tea, juices, coffee)
* free entrance to hot spots like the ship's disco, casino and piano bar
* use of the ship's beautiful pools and giant waterslide (all with plenty of deck space to enjoy a cocktail and some great music)
* use of the ship's health and fitness center
* Camp Carnival facilities if you're bringing your children
* taxes, gratuities, port charges and ticketing are added at check-out and pre-paid for you ($119 per person)
This is all in addition to a week's worth of live music and shows by Barenaked Ladies and special guests!
Those who attended last year's cruise have nothing but great things to say about their week in the sun with this incredible band. It's an incredible idea, and something that not many artists do!
So if you love Barenaked Ladies, make your reservations for this amazing week of music! The website is www.shipsanddip.com.
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