Album Reviews

It's Tuesday. Which is technically literature day. But as I don't really have a whole lot to report on that end of things--college doesn't give you a lot of time to read your own material and it doesn't help that I'm always preoccupied writing my own--I'm going to do some discussion of the musical variety.  Because I have like, 9 or 10 albums to discuss with y'all, okay?  Okay.  We should probably just get started or this post is going to be a mile and a half long and who has time for that anymore? Honestly.
...I was just thinking that I could make way more--and much shorter--posts if I just separated each of the albums into their own posts.  But why on earth would I do that?  This isn't Tumblr or something.

Moving right along.  Album one:

 The Cascade Sun: A Scene a Sailor'd Give His Eyes For

The Cascade Sun is a local band, hailing from Minot, North Dakota.  They've actually been around awhile, but before they were Cascade Sun, they were In Defense of a Marionette, and with a slightly different lineup.
(They were the former title in 2007, which I know because I met two of them at Rock the Leaves without actually realizing it, but that's another story entirely.)

This album was self-produced in the concert hall on campus--if the pictures on Facebook are an accurate indication of that--and mixed by a guy in LA (whose name the drummer didn't give me, as if it actually genuinely mattered, eh?).

At least 3 of the 5 members of this band attend Minot State University.  I know definitively that 1 isn't attending college (Facebook creeping for the win) and I honestly have no idea about member number 5.  (In truth... I don't know anything at all about said member 5... Moving along.)
The band consists of Mat Charley on lead vocals and guitar, Tim Olson on drums and backing vocals, Casey Black on bass and backing vocals, Sam Buchholz on keyboard, electronics-programming and vocals, and Ben Carlson on guitars and vocals.  Normally I would shy away from placing names online, but considering that they're destined to be famous rock stars some day that the whole world knows and adores (because they're fabulous) I doubt it really matters.

Anyway. The album. Now that I've rambled about the band long enough... Hah. So. Onward.
A Scene a Sailor'd Give His Eyes For is a 6 tracked alternative/electric pop album available on iTunes, and... uhm... other places... I can't remember what Tim told me anymore. Sorry.  But look around on whatever program you use.  I know for sure it's on iTunes.  And you can order it straight through their Facebook page, too. (Facebook - The Cascade Sun)  So there's that.  And I think I'm gonna throw links to a few of their songs here, as well, because their music speaks best for itself.
I will say however that there are a few locations in this album where the vocal harmonies cause... well, I mean, the kind that give you chills, or that make you stop what you're doing and just listen because it's so... perfect.  I get rather moved by music, for anyone who hasn't yet noticed.
It feels really awkward for me to say stuff like that because I know them personally and it's like... weird.  You know what I mean?  Like... it's weird for me to think that people I know and am moderately familiar with have the kind of talent that... can really connect with me on an emotional basis.  Not like I don't connect with people, but it's a little different through music, you know?
Also, Mat has a really beautiful voice. Like, I don't often announce that men have beautiful voices because most of the time different adjectives are better suited, but this time the best term is just beautiful.  He has this perfectly clear and smooth falsetto that's within easy reach for him and he can switch in and out of it no problem--I've watched them perform enough to notice.
Last Chance to Relax  (<--I made this video... because I wanted this song to be on YouTube so I could show it to a friend. hahaha.)
Astronaut Arms
Sink (<--this one is one of my favorites)

Posting links to their songs is proooooobably a bit of a cop-out in reality, but you know what, just listen to at least two of those songs.  It's like, 7 minutes of your time.  What else are you going to do with those minutes?  I mean really.  Just watch it.

With those links firmly in place, I shall move onto the next album on the docket:

 Mayday Parade: Mayday Parade

It's their third album, and it's the one they self-title.  I know a lot of bands do that, but it still sorta confuses me.  Like, could they just not come up with a decent title this time?  Orrrr what's the deal?  I don't know.  I don't mind self-titled albums, obviously, but... Anyway.

Mayday has managed to evolve in their sound as well as in their lyrics since album one while managing to still be the same band they started as.  They're like The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus in that respect, except that the changes haven't been anywhere near as drastic for Mayday.  It's been moderately subtle while still being noticeable.
"Oh Well, Oh Well" I recognized as a sad song when I listened to it, but it wasn't until I watched the video that it really occurred to me how sad it was.  Embedding the videooooo now:

 

Album 3:

New Found Glory: Radiosurgery

NFG is a band that has been around for a very long time.  Obviously they aren't who they started out as.  I really like where they've come to, though.  I like their early music and their new music in two completely different ways; it's almost as though I consider them as two different bands, even though they are decidedly the same one.

This album has a fair amount of attitude and really moves, if you know what I mean.  Like, the paces of the songs are moving, like a heavy train going full speed--it has a lot of momentum.  I like that in an album, though.  I haven't really had a chance to pick it to pieces yet, as I just bought it last night.  But the amount that I have listened to it has said enough.
Amusingly... one of the tracks on the album is Trainwreck.  Anthem for the Unwanted is one of my current favorites, though.

We Are the In Crowd: Best Intentions

I love this band.  They're so much fun to listen to and really good.  Alternative pop band with a lot of punk influence.  Acceptable amounts of attitude without reaching bitchy.  And their lyrics actually mean something.
"This isn't me And I hate what we've become.  This isn't my life And I don't know where it went wrong.  Wait and see... We'll figure it out" are the opening lines to This Isn't Goodbye, It's BRB.  We Are the In Crowd is a band with something to say, and I am perfectly happy to listen.

Evanescence: Evanescence

7 years later, they finally put out a new album.  The band's lineup has changed, but Amy Lee is still at the forefront--if she wasn't, I don't think they could call themselves Evanescence, but that's off topic.
I really like this album.  The feel of their music has changed just a little, but I feel like it's in a good way.

I know I just crab-patched about Mayday Parade self-titling their album, but I kind of feel like self-titling this album was a good move.  Like, it's kind of re-establishing their identity as a band.  Almost as if to say We are Evanescence, and this is our sound.  Maybe I'm misreading it.  But that's the impression I get from this album.  The songs on it kind of... enforce that impression, too, depending on how you look/read into them.  I'll leave that up to you.  Do "What You Want". (hah. music pun. lolz)

Madina Lake: World War III

Not sure what's in the corner of this image, but it's the only one I could get to link right.  So whatever.

Madina Lake hasn't changed much since their sophomore album.  I really like it, though.  I feel like they have their own totally unique identity that shouldn't change.  (Not like I feel like other hands should change identities. Never mind.)
That isn't to say of course that they haven't grown at all, because that they definitely have.  I'm just saying that if you like early Madina Lake, you're still going to like their new material.  Basically.
Actually that's not really what I was saying, but we'll just say it was and go with it.  Kay. Sounds good.

Rock band. Thoughtful lyrics.  Hooks that get stuck in your head and keep your brain's radio tuned in for awhile.  It's totally worth it.

Black Veil Brides: Set the World on Fire

The picture was tiny, and thus is now blurry.  That's obnoxious, but I don't really care right now. haha.

Anyway. Metal album.  BVB.  It's... Well, it's just them.  I love them, don't get me wrong.  I just don't really have a whole lot to say.  It's typical metal, screaming included.

My album came with a poster.  And I was kind of excited until I realized it was just the one guy, and then I was vaguely confused.  I'm considering putting it up in my dorm room anyway, just because I think it'd be funny.  Random? Weird?  Both.  I know.  You really shouldn't be surprised by that by now.  Just saying.

Anyway.  that's what I've got for music today.  I could really go back and do a few more, but I need a nap and am running out of time to take one.  SO!  I'm out.

Ta ta!
--Emily Renae


Playlist! (Haven't had one of those in awhile, huh?):
This Isn't Goodbye, It's BRB--We Are the In Crowd
Sink--The Cascade Sun
Where are the Heroes--The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
Anthem for the Unwanted--New Found Glory
Legacy--Black Veil Brides
Stay--Mayday Parade
Sick--Evanescence
Call Me Hopeless, Not Romantic--Mayday Parade
Priceless--Mayday Parade
Saviour--Black Veil Brides
I'm Not the One--New Found Glory
Sirclase--Joel Janikowski
Wake Me Up--The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
When You See My Friends--Mayday Parade
Don't Lose Hope--The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
Angel in Disguise--The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
Fallen Angels--Black Veil Brides
See You Around--We Are the In Crowd
Hey Superstar--Madina Lake
Exits and Entrances--We Are the In Crowd
Happy Endings are Stories that Haven't Ended Yet--Mayday Parade
The Other Side--Evanescence
Last Chance to Relax--The Cascade Sun

Lots to Discuss

Mainly in the realm of music, but a little in literature as well.  And I suppose I could get you up to speed on a couple other things too.  But first up is music!

Every Avenue: Bad Habits

This... was kind of a disappointment after their last album, actually.  It's less upbeat.  Not as happy.  Don't get me wrong, I understand going through phases and stuff, but man.  They were such a happy band before.  And now... Well now they're not.

The music is still good, I guess.  I like it. Don't get me wrong.  It's just not the fun, upbeat EA music I was hoping for when I bought the CD.
3 of 5, guys.  Sorry.

H.I.M.: SWRMXS

I think it's supposed to be Screamworks, actually... but I'm not sure how the hell you're supposed to get that out of those letters.  Where do you get a W in that? "wtf to that."

And it doesn't even... sound like H.I.M.   I mean, not that I consider myself an expert in H.I.M music or anything, but jeez.

It's interesting, I'll give it that.  It's like, remixes or something.  It's not bad.  Just... well, probably only worth the $5 I spent on it.  (Which is the only reason I bought it: it was on sale for $5.)

Kra: Twinkle Star BEST 2006-2009

They're a Japanese band.  So they're a little weird.  But they're not bad.  (This is another CD I bought because it was on sale for super cheap.)  Interesting, without a doubt.  It can get a little bit annoying, but... I haven't found a Japanese band that doesn't yet.  So... ya know.

I just like the album art!  This little boy is adorable and he's all over the album. (=

Want the truth? I bought this album because it was a Japanese band with a cute little kid on the cover and it was super cheap.  That's it.  That's the entire reasoning behind this purchase.  I do these things.

The Lonely Island: Turtleneck & Chain

Truth time:
A) The album title totally comes from "I Just Had Sex" ft Akon.  And I rather like that song... hahaha

B) I'm kind of experiencing slight buyer's remorse over purchasing this album.  Yes, Lonely Island is amusing and their music really isn't bad.  But... honestly, I'm not convinced I like Lonley Island that much...  Oh well.  Too late now.  It's not bad, anyway.  And I do kinda like it.  I just feel kind of silly about the fact that I actually bought it.

 Owl City: All Things Bright and Beautiful

Okay, so I actually bought this one quite awhile ago.  It's kind of the oddball out today, because it's the only album I didn't buy on Wednesday. (Yes, all 11 others I purchased at one shot on Wednesday afternoon.  Don't look at me like that.  Other people spend that amount on clothes frequently.  I don't buy this much music frequently.)
Anyway.
It's cute.  It's good. It's Owl City.  He's come such a long way.  His lyrics have too.  By "he" I mean Adam Young, of course.  He's adorable. He's Minnesotan! (=  Love it.  He makes me happy.  Owl City makes me happy.  Very happy indeed.  I now own... 4 Owl City albums, because I bought 2 of the slightly oldish EPs.  Which also make me very happy.
And another thing I love is that it manages to still be the Owl City I know and love but have grown up and matured and evolved.  Like bands are supposed to do.  Stagnation isn't a good plan, if you ask me.  Adam Young has come a long way from writing silly songs in his basement.  I look forward to a future with Owl City in it.  (My future has lots of Owl City in it because it's feel-good music.  And I need that sometimes.  With 6 years of college ahead of me, you can bet I'm going to need some pickmeup music.)

Silverstein: Rescue

"And if my body makes it out, Unscathed and safe from broken vows--A promise broken leaves me holding on.  I just can't get a hold of Why we always hurt the ones we love; Can burning hearts still keep us strong?"
--Burning Hearts (Track 1)

There's always been something about Silverstein that just... hits me.  They have something to say.  They've always had something to say. And it's relevant and it actually means something.  Also, it's not frustratingly cryptic.  And I like that.

I haven't listened to Silverstein in awhile.  I'm not sure why I took such a hiatus, but I guess I do that sometimes.  It's hard to explain.  Though probably not hard for you to comprehend when I own 300+ CDs, huh?  Yeah... hahaha.  Anyway.  I like Silverstein.  And like with Owl City, it's managed to be distinctly Silverstein without being just more of the same.  You know what I mean?  I feel as though I never adequately explain the difference between being "more of the same" and distinctly a band's sound but progressive... sorta... The former is bad, the latter is good.  If you have questions comment and I'll try to do a better job.

Bands should sound like themselves.  Owl City randomly jumping to like, hardcore or something, would piss me off because it wouldn't be Owl City anymore.  But if Owl City kept doing the same Fireflies style music album after album after album (even though the album containing Fireflies is totally far more dynamic than just that one song just saying) then it would stagnate and that would be more of the same, which, as I've made clear, is bad.  Better?  Gosh, I hope so.

Simple Plan: Get Your Heart On

Still Simple Plan. Not more of the same.  Every album from this band seems to progress thematically, conceptually, dynamically-everything.  They just get better.  This is a band that allows its listeners to grow with them.

I like it when bands portray their personal growth in their material. Because hello guys, this is what should be coming out in your music.  At least if you ask me.  Music shouldn't just be a job for these people.

And it isn't for Simple Plan (before I get off topic).  These guys have come a long way from the whiney teenagers (sorry guys but it's true) that they started out as.  Don't get me wrong; I loved them as whiney teenagers, too. But I'm also really glad that they aren't still trying to be whiney teenagers just because they may have been at one point.  This CD was an excellent buy, and I don't really care what haters have to say about my taste in music.  By now you should be used to surprises.

I have old Simple Plan songs stuck in my head right now.... Oh dear.

Sparks the Rescue: Worst Thing I've Been Cursed With

Talk about an album title, eh?  Interesting cover as well.

I actually was really hoping when I found this album that Hot Topic would also have a back album from Sparks the Rescue (aka Eyes to the Sun) but they didn't.  Oh wellz.

For some reason... I thought StR was a little... well, happier than they are.  At least this album isn't all that happy.  I like it.  I'm not complaining this time.  (Partly because I have no back albums to have previously fallen in love with before listening to this just to be disappointed.)  Anyway.  I like it.  I think that the music has depth as well as the lyrics.  It's not all just random gobbledygook like bands manage to throw together these days and call lyrics. Maybe I'm just not as open to interpretation as other people seem to be?  Shrug.

The Starting Line: Somebody's Gonna Miss Us

This is apparently a live album, which I don't think I exactly realized when I bought it because I apparently wasn't paying enough attention.  It's also the last live show this band played (supposedly) before calling it quits.

For the record, I just cracked my neck and felt it in my fingers.  It was kind of uncomfortable. Just saying.

Anyway.  They're good.  For not really knowing their studio material, they're pretty good live.  I like it.  Even listening to them talk to the audience some (live performance albums; gotta put up with it) is tolerable.  They don't curse in excess (not much at all) and they aren't, like, stupid. hahaha
I like a band that can impress me live.  So much editing is done in studio these days.  Did you know Fall Out Boy sucked live for ages?  They were good on CD but not so much on stage.  Which is kind of sad, if you think about it.  They're better now, though.  But... I just got totally off-topic again.  Sorry.

Theory of a Deadman: The Truth is...

This was a recommendation from one of the clerks at Hot Topic.  Because she knows how much I love music and is surprised when I can make it out of the store without buying a new CD. hahaha. (They know me there well enough to make recommendations; how sad is that?) (Both sad and awesome, actually... thin, thin line...)
Anyway, it's good.  It's the only Theory album I own, which is fine.  I've never been like, full-body into them.  But I like them, yes.
It's a good rock album.  If you're looking for solid rock, then this is an album you should look into.  Low Life is a good song.  I'm a fan.
Thank you Hot Topic salesclerks for helping me spend my money. hahaha

There for Tomorrow: The Verge

Boy did this band change when I wasn't looking!  Their entire sound changed.  It's a bit harder, a bit more direct rock instead of the alternative they were before.  It's... interesting. And it was surprising.  Not really in a bad way, I suppose, though it's not quite what I was hoping for in my next TFT album.  Ah well.  There are worse things they could've done.  It's still a good album.  Even though their sound changed, they at least changed it to something they're capable of doing well.  I approve, and it was good enough to cancel out my slight disappointment.  Remember what I said about moving forward?  Sometimes they do it without your permission. hahahaha.

Various Artists: Electric Daisy Carnival Volume 2

It's Dubstep!  Apparently.  That's what Windows Media Player says, anyway.  I just bought it because it was a cheap mixed CD and it looked like electronica.  Is it just me or do I have some bad reasoning for buying stuff sometimes?  So I like to explore music.  Sue me.
Don't.

Keri Hilson is in one of the songs though... With an Alex somethingorother I do believe.  As if that was even remotely helpful. hahaha.  It's electronica. Some of them are remixes, I think, but I'm not 100% positive. I'm not keeping up on my random knowledge as much as I used to so I'm not quite as helpful.  Sorry.

The Cascade Sun: A Scene a Sailor'd Give His Eyes For

Putting the 'd on Sailor is not grammatically correct. For the record.  But it's okay because we speak in random contractions all the time and they have to be attached to something.  Sailor works just as well as anything.

ANYWAY!
The Cascade Sun is a local band from Minot, ND.  I'm pretty sure most if not all of the members are attending Minot State University.
The drummer is cute. Just throwing that out there.  (Not exactly as though it matters, really, but it's the truth anyway and I'm nothing but honest with you guys.  This is not a post I will be publishing to my Facebook wall. hahahaha)
Moving along.

I don't own this album yet.  It's not available as a CD yet.  It's available on iTunes, Zune, Napster, and Spotify--whatever that is--but I don't use any of those... soooo that doesn't help me any. hahaha.  That's alright though, because I'll get my hands on it in short order.  (= 
I'm just really proud of these guys for managing to produce a legitimate album.  They're a really good band and I think that they have a lot of potential to go really far if they decided it was something they honestly wanted to do.  If you have iTunes or any of the aforementioned programs, I urge you to go download this album and listen to it.  It's not that expensive, and it's really worth your time. =]  I promise.

Anyway, this post got a bit too long so I split it in two.  I'll see you on the other side.

That sounded stupid but I'm too lazy to go back and delete it.  So just cope.
Ta ta!
--Emily Renae