The Daily Blair: Martin Luther King Jr Day and Freedom

Today we celebrated Martin Luther King Jr's birthday with parades, music, dancing, conversation, and lots of basketball games. I still always have felt like we owe this important of a man and this important of a movement more than just a single day though. We owe freedom more than a parade, we owe equality more than a song, we owe opportunity more than a dance, we owe dreams more than one conversation, and we owe Civil Rights more than one dribble of a basketball. So I have tried to do my part by putting together a list of songs over the past 42 years that have demonstrated Martin Luther King Jr's message of freedom, opportunity, equality, and Civil Rights.*

*Songs that do not have descriptions are just awesome songs*

Album Review: Anthony Green - Beautiful Things

Album Rating: B+

It isn't too terribly difficult to notice that Anthony Green's career thus far has essentially been the antithesis to that of former label-mate Jonny Craig.  Though both are (generally) heralded as unique, show-stealing vocalists in their respective genres, Green has certainly handled his talents more appropriately. Where Craig fell ungracefully out of favor with bandmates in potential-laden Dance Gavin Dance, only then to flop desperately around the scene - first in trying to fan the flame of some far less impressive groups (including his own solo work) then in fronting a pathetically executed internet scam - Green made some much less juvenile moves.  After leaving a promising young Saosin, the talented young Pennsylvanian founded Circa Survive back in 2004 and damn well ran with it, pumping out a triad of very well-received LP's over the next seven years, and doing so alongside side projects and solo work.  Beautiful Things is but the next well-placed manifestation of said solo efforts, effectively sating the palates of eager fans anticipating news of an additional Circa Survive release.

Album Review: Cloud Nothings - Attack On Memory

Album Rating: A

Maturity is a very loosely interpreted term used in reference to music. What exactly makes a band mature? When reading criticism it is notable that maturity tends to be directly proportional to the somberness of the music. When The National released High Violet back in 2010 to shining reviews, writers threw the term 'maturity' a lot, solely because the music was significantly less upbeat than their previous efforts, almost as if the members themselves had grown up (despite most of them being in ther 40's). But when I think of a bands maturation, I think of them as finally finding their sound and defining who they are as musicians, which I think is how the term should be interpreted. In this sense, 20 year old Dylan Baldi's pop-punk outfit Cloud Nothings, hailing from nothing but a knack for catchy pop hooks and some lo-fi recording equipment and evolving into a dark, jam-prone emo powerhouse on their sophomore effort, Attack On Memory, has definitely matured in every sense of the term.

Album Review: The Maccabees - Given To The Wild



Album Rating: B-

It's difficult to explain to outsiders, but here in the UK we have fierce pride in our country's musical heritage which has led to an unyielding affinity to our own bands, especially those of a guitar wielding variety. From this derives our neigh on obsessive urge to uncover the next great British guitar band, and it's for that reason that when one does step to the fore we dose ourselves in satisfaction more than perhaps any other nation. Given To The Wild is scripted as the record which will elevate it's creators, Brighton five piece The Maccabees to such lofty heights. According to some, it will gain them acclaim worldwide from fans and critics alike, reinstating our nation's place at the top of the musical tree and will see them ride on a wave of commercial success currently unprecedented for a band of their ilk.

The Daily Blair: Fitter. Happier. Ok. Computer.

It takes something really special to leave me speechless. A reverse dunk might leave me speechless, a beautiful woman that actually talks to me might leave me speechless, an eye opening "bring me to my knees" religious experience might leave me speechless, or a surprisingly tragic event in my life might leave me in a sad speechless state. It seems like I am always writing or talking about something that is of minor importance to everyone but me and that is just the way it has always been and especially when it comes to music.

But I have to confess that OK Computer has always left me speechless and with an awkward case of writer's block. I feel like whatever I write about OK Computer will not even come close to doing it justice. I felt scared that I would never be able to describe the breathtaking beauty of just about every song on this album, I felt like whatever I wrote would be an insult to something so magnificent, like my every word would be the neutering of the musical version of Michelangelo's David, I felt like every organized paragraph would be an slap in the face to the most beautiful faceless thing I have ever seen or heard, and I felt like anything I described would just be scrutinized to the point of no return. Ok Computer has always been the "jump over the car" dunk that makes you question the very existence of gravity, it has always been the girl so symmetrically perfect that her muttering "hi" is like rounding third base with a angel, and it has always been the car crash that left you bleeding on the concrete yet took you to pearly gates afterwards. Ok Computer has always been too magnificent for speech or even a whisper. Maybe it is because its sheer existence is the only review or words it has ever needed.

Album Review: Howler - America Give Up

Album Rating: B+

A warning in advance: if you're not a fan of reviews which repeatedly reference and make comparisons to other bands, then you're probably best off stopping here. Such an approach can admittedly often seem lazy and somewhat dismissive, but the fact of the matter is that it's simply not possible to give an accurate account of these Minneapolis newcomer's music without making parallels with acts already established. Let's get this out the way; Howler couldn't sound more like The Strokes if they tried. Hey, maybe they do try; that would certainly go some way towards explaining why they've chosen lo-fi garage rock with vocals which sound like they've been recorded from within a tin as a career path, but in all fairness, they execute their aping of the New York legends with considerable style.

Album Review: Black Taxi - We Don't Know Any Better

Album Rating: A-

Every so often, a little known band comes out with an album which begs one to question how they remain in such obscurity. Black Taxi's second, We Don't Know Any Better is one of those records. Having already made a name for themselves on New York's underground circuit, the Brooklyn quartet excelled on debut set Things Of That Nature, playing a brand of indie pop which was vibrant, exciting and at times sensational. Even more impressive, though is the extent to which this sophomore betters it's predecessor, showcasing the rapid progression of this excellent group of musicians and displaying just why they're one of the most exciting bands currently doing the rounds.

Artist Spotlight: The Saddest Landscape

The Saddest Landscape has been making a name for itself since its 2010 album, You Will Not Survive.  And although I personally really dug the dark, melancholy feel, I'll admit it didn't tear down conventions.  What it did do, however, was display the potential of a wonderfully creative group of young men.

You Will Not Survive was pretty much the definition of a solid album, coasting along and never resting on its laurels.  It was enough to garner the attention of a lot of followers of the genre, with the "blogoshere" chatting about them for the last several months.  All of this talk is mainly about the band's upcoming record, After the Lights.  With the short time I've spent with the album, I can safely say this is something one may want to keep on radar.  It retains the fierce, murky undertones of their previous record, while adding some beautiful sections as well.  It's powerful stuff for sure, but for those who've been following the band, that shouldn't come as a surprise.

After the Lights will be dropping on February 14th, so be sure to check it out then!

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And check out a bit of You Will Not Survive here, if you have not already.

Interview With Aficionado

Amongst the sadness that is Thursday's last tour as a band, the tour also features a couple of rising gems. Aficionado is one of those bands, as they recently released their first record on No Sleep Records, which got a pretty solid review from MuzikDizcovery, as well as landing on Kyle Spalding's favorite albums of the year list. The band agreed to sit down with us and answer some questions, involving the No Sleep Records subscription, having a flautist in the band, having seven members in the band, the band's upcoming writing process in February, and much much more, which you can read below.

The Daily Blair: America!

For today's edition of the Daily Blair I tried to give you a song that I think perfectly describes or defines every state. I even included some descriptions!

ALABAMA

Lynyrd Skynyrd - "Sweet Home Alabama"

Nothing symbolizes southern pride more effectively than Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama." In one of the greatest non rap "beefs" ever, Skynyrd completely roasted Neil Young and his hippie ballad "Southern Man" on "Sweet Home Alabama." SHA is everything we love and hate about the south and Alabama in one song: it is southern hospitality yet southern racism, it is beautiful southern weather yet the vicious cloud of southern racism, and it is big hooks yet every weaker lyrics in the verse. SHA like the south has strengths in its weaknesses and weaknesses in its strengths.

ALASKA

Sun Kil Moon - "Trucker's Atlas"

Sun Kil Moon's cover of "Trucker Atlas" just gives you a very "Alaska feel." It is about traveling, fishing, finding "sex on the rocks," and making sure that all of this simpleness somehow makes you feel never ending happiness. Alaska is a state that advertises itself based off its coolness and simplicity. Nothing represents this coolness and this simplicity better than "Trucker's Atlas".

Artist Spotlight: Fievel

The name Fievel has been floating around ReverbNation and Facebook for a little bit, and I just caught onto it today. After I did a bit of research, I found that this little gem of a band was established online very recently, and that the project hailing from Norfolk, VA only has one song to support their name. Fortunately for them, that one song, "The Beginning of Wisdom", has enough promise to push Fievel to at least a debut EP or album, where they can further establish their name.

Fievel characterizes their sound as indie / instrumental, and I feel that's pretty spot on. There isn't synth use at all in the song, but rather a heavy utilization of piano and guitar, alternately. The song has post-rock qualities, such as the slow vamping and the beautiful repetition of the main theme, but ultimately, it doesn't really feel like post-rock is what Fievel is aiming for. With "The Beginning of Wisdom", they set a niche for a specific sound, with ethereal effects made by reverbing and distorting guitar, and I think it works wonderfully for them. I'm very anxious to see what else stems from such a strong beginning, but for now, we'll have to wait and see.

You can check out Fievel on their main site, at ReverbNation, or on FaceBook.

Album Review: The Story So Far - Under Soil and Dirt

Album Rating: B-

Newcomers in the scene The Story So Far plant their flag with their debut Under Soil and Dirt. Recently scooped up by Pure Noise Records, the album was released June 21st. An energetic and relentless effort, it is difficult not to enjoy what The Story So Far has to offer.

Under Soil and Dirt is largely power chord driven pop punk. Though it is pretty generic, some of the lead lines and song structures are interesting enough to keep your attention. Every song hits with high gain guitars and pummeling drumming, but The Story So Far had the maturity to provide the listener with numerous laid back breaks, giving the hooks a bit of room to breathe. Though by the end of the record Under Soil and Dirt feels a bit monotonous, it’s hard to deny that the hooks aren’t enjoyable. I consistently find myself tapping my foot to "Daughters".

Sean's Top 10 Albums of 2011

10 | Giraffes? Giraffes! - Pink Magick

The demented and chaotic nature of Giraffes? Giraffes! third full length, Ping Magick, is accurately described in just about everything concerning the album except for the music. everything from the absurd track titles to the pretty pink and green explosion of an album cover captures everything that Pink Magick is all about. The band consists of nothing but a guitarist and a drummer, but the monstrosity of tracks such as "DRGNFKR" sounds like something that could not have been done by two musicians alone. Pick Magick is an extraordinary accomplishment for math rock and is easily one of the finest works to come out of this year.

The Daily Blair: An NFL Playoff Musical

Hey the NFL Playoffs are coming up! So I am going to compare every NFL playoff team to a 2012 album.

1. SUPER BOWL CHAMPION: New Orleans Saints

2012 album that reminds me of the New Orleans Saints: Fun.- Some Nights

On Aim and Ignite, Fun. was the Pittsburgh Steelers: they combined old school influences (Beach Boys and Queen) with new school ideas and execution. The Pittsburgh Steelers love to run the ball and deal out helmet to helmet hits like it is 1965 (Beach Boys and Queen) but they also have one of the best passing games in the league led by nightclub enthusiast Ben Roethlisberger (new school ideas and execution.) A&I had something for everyone to love just like the Pittsburgh Steelers have something for everyone to hate.

This year Fun. seem to be focused on perfecting a modern sound: "We Are Young" is a beat driven anthem that kind of sounds like a tamer version of "Baby Girl, I'm A Blur," "WTF" is a five minute uncensored version of "At Least I'm Not As Sad As I Used To Be," "Carry On"sounds like a 2011 remixed song off of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, and "It Gets Better" has the chance to have the generational impact that "Imagine" had over thirty years ago. So while Fun. has not totally forgotten their old school influences they seem to be using less and less of these influences to make their next modern masterpiece. The new fun. album is the Saints modern offense that passes over fifty times a game then sneaks in a draw to Darren Sproles to keep the defense on their toes. Some Nights will make Fun. the biggest band in the world just like the Saints passing offense made them the best team in the National Football League.

Album Review: Daylight - The Difference In Good And Bad Dreams (EP)

EP Rating: B

The problem with an overcrowded genre isn't the sheer number of identical sounding bands within, rather the difficulties facing newer acts looking to make an impression within it's field. What approach do you take when there are literally thousands of others out there seeking an answer to the same troublesome conundrum? The obvious response is to try something different, but given that so much ground has already been mapped it's hardly easy for fresh faces to embark on territory which hasn't already been exhausted. The risks associated with pushing the boundaries are also considerable, and as such many simply choose to stick with what they, and so many others, know and remain within the genre's established walls. One could argue that this does nothing but worsen the issue of saturation to which they were trying to find a solution to in the first place, but while these acts are by no means helping the style progress, their stance can be more than justified if they simply deliver their plan with greater conviction and, of course, quality than anyone else.

Album Review: Loma Prieta - I.V.

Album Rating: A

Lately, I’ve been finding it somewhat difficult to properly pen my thoughts on music, instead opting to either go through the motions, or simply lose what few words I had to begin with.  Whether it be from the complete ineffectuality of an album, or simply my utter disinterest, music has become increasingly difficult for me to discuss.  It happens from time to time, but every so often an album comes along that makes the words flow; a work that gets so much right that I’m absolutely compelled to spew my collective thoughts and opinions.  Loma Prieta’s I.V is one such album, and the refreshing vindication of a band that’s been almost there for far too long.

Album Review: Whores. - Ruiner

Album Rating: B+

On any given night, Christian Lembach suffers anywhere between two and seven brain aneurysms; there's about a 35% chance that Travis Owen's drumsticks formerly played the roles of his tibiae; Jake Shultz's bass amp has caused clinical deafness in at least two dozen people.  While none of the preceding statements are based whatsoever in fact, a listen or two through Ruiner just might get you wondering.  The five-track debut EP from Gainesville's Whores. displays the trio's uncanny ability to put their angst, anguish, and general discontent into an audial form best described as a septum-bashing, and to do so without any gimmicks, frills, or blood-stained death-masks.

2012: A Look Ahead



Great Expectations... will 2012
be the year that The Gaslight

Anthem become huge?

Ah, finally it's 2012, and thank Christ - no more end of year lists!

Yes, the obligatory avalanche of retrospective madness has finally ran it's course, and at long last we can begin looking ahead at what the new year has to offer. And wouldn't you know it, even a cursory glance over the coming months reveals plenty that's worth getting excited about.

As well as the obvious big names and returning old favourites, there are also legions of newer acts hoping to make an impression with debut releases, while others who have already completed that opening hurdle will be looking to kick on and really establish themselves within the industry. So, with a run through the early year release schedule, as well as a few well educated pieces of guesswork, let's cast our minds ahead and behold what could well be another year of stellar musical achievement...

Album Review: Moons - Moons Discography

Album Rating: B

Moons Discography, from Ghost and Demons Records is one of the most enigmatic records I've heard in a long time.  Most notably is its completely bewildering tags, that in all honesty, do not fit the music at all.  On the band's bandcamp, Nathan's music is described as being in the vein of emo and post hardcore, whilst sharing little if anything with either genre.  Confusing genre tags aside, Moons has created an all around intriguing album, blending sounds from across the musical spectrum into one very well produced package.

Album Retrospective: Sun Kil Moon - Tiny Cities

Album Rating: A

I usually hate everything about covers. I hate the idea of "stealing" someones work for your own personal gain, I hate the idea of claiming that you changed that work enough to make it your own, and I hate the idea of every artist in the free world botching "Let It Be." Covers to me have always been an admission of an artists lack of creativity or even worse a shameless admission that the artist you are covering is more talented than you are. Covers for me were always an excuse instead of being actual art.