Owl City - Shooting Star (EP) for The Midsummer Station

 

Is Owl City growing up? I think so.

Owl City is a music project of Adam Young that was started in 2007. Young started his career on MySpace by posting music he had made in his parents' basement in Owatonna, Minnesota. He built himself up from there. Through third-party means like CD Baby (a digital aggregator) he began making his music available on iTunes, therefore making money. Owl City had released a seven-song EP and a full-length album before he was officially signed with Universal Republic. Since then, he has released two more albums and seven singles.

When Owl City rose to fame in late 2009, people compared him to the late American electronic project The Postal Service composed by Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie. In fact, people considered the two project so similar, they accused Young of stealing Gibbard's "sound". Both Young and Gibbard denied this thievery, but many people still refuse to consider Owl City "professional" music due to this dispute. That being said, Owl City now really sounds nothing like it did back in '09, and I mean that in a very good way. Young has always had a very bouncy, childish sound to his music, and I think a lot of that is fading away as he progresses further in the music industry.

Owl City's new album, The Midsummer Station, is scheduled for release on August 21st, 2012 in the US. However, Young released a four-song EP called Shooting Star on May 15th to show listeners what to expect. It's a pretty big leap for Owl City, as these four songs sound a lot stronger and well put-together as well as more thought-out. The first song, "Shooting Star" starts out somewhat similar to "Fireflies" from 2009 and nearly every other Owl City song ever, but after about 50 seconds, it takes a slight turn in its feel, and by a minute and a half, it sounds like if Katy Perry was a guy.. but I mean that in a good way. The point is, it doesn't sound like the child-like, video game-esque candy world that Adam Young generally lives in. The second track, "Gold", could probably be a OneRepublic song, which is great. If you don't like OneRepublic, then you should probably quit reading this blog.

Just kidding, but seriously.

That's a cool thing for Owl City to do. The third track, "Dementia", is my personal favorite. Honestly, it sounds like a song by The Fold. It also features vocals by Blink-182's Mark Hoppus. What's that? Owl City is using an electric guitar? What's going on in the world? The fourth and final track, "Take It All Away", is freaking depressing. Maybe because Adam Young has always been a happy, oblivious bunny skipping through flower fields, but this song shows a very vulnerable side. "Take It All Away" really shows off Young's impressive lyrical ability, and gives listeners a greater sense of relationship with him. Maybe that's because Matt Thiessen co-wrote it and a few other songs on the upcoming album... Now, for one more song on The Midsummer Station:

If you don't know who this is, then you probably don't know any people under 40, because most of them have Carly Rae Jepsen's single "Call Me Maybe" stuck in their heads. On June 20th, Owl City released a single called "Good Time" to be on The Midsummer Station. He collaborated with Carly Rae Jepsen to make a song that makes me want to pack my things and spend the weekend on a lake with 3,000 friends. I don't have 3,000 friends.

Needless to say, Owl City is taking great strides to become something every fun-loving person will listen to, no matter how hipster or anti-hipster they may be.

The Midsummer Station will be on iTunes and Spotify on August 20th, but I'll give you a full review of the album before then. At this point, I give the album a thumbs up! Now, go tell people stuff!

Happy Listening!

John Mark McMillan - Economy

John Mark McMillan has become one of the fastest spreading Christian musicians in history. He wrote a song in November of 2005 called "How He Loves", part of his second studio album, The Song Inside the Sounds of Breaking Down. According to John Mark, this song wasn't expected to be very popular, and it wasn't at first. It was written almost as a mourning song, attempting to clear away the confusion surrounding his friend's death. However, within a few years, "How He Loves" had become (and still is) one of the most popular worship songs in history. Professionally covered and recorded by over 23 artists (such as David Crowder, Flyleaf, Kim Walker, Kari Jobe, and Todd Agnew), performed live by countless more, and played in thousands of churches worldwide, there is no doubt in my mind that "How He Loves" is more than just a little mourning song. 

Ever since then, JMM's career has skyrocketed. With five studio albums, one live album, and three singles, John Mark has become a household name for Christian listeners and musicians. His lyrics have captivated the most stoic of listeners, and the most critical of musicians. 

In his new album, Economy, McMillan has not disappointed. When beginning the album, you feel like you're already on the third or fourth song. Initially listening to the first track, I started thinking "Nothing will ever compare to The Medicine." However, the first song is powerful enough to get you excited for the rest of the album. When it ended I was, of course, holding my breath for the next track to start. The second track, "Daylight" starts with a battle rally-type sound. With a sharp, heavy reverb on McMillan;s voice. Classic, of course. About halfway through the song, James Duke comes in with the slide guitar sound we all know and love from the JMM band. This got me going. You can never go wrong with a well done slide guitar, The third track, "Heart Bleeds" is probably one I'm going to play at my church. It's just a good worship song, and John Mark has brought forth simple, passionate lyrics once again (and again, the slide guitar got me). It might be my favorite on the album. In competition with the album's title track, number six. Generally, I'm biased against title tracks, because they seem to automatically be overplayed on the radio, and I get tired of them. That may happen with "Economy" but the album hasn't been released yet, so they haven't had a chance to sour me on it yet. The album's fourth track, "Love You Swore" features a part where McMillan's voice goes up higher than I ever thought it could. Much respect. "Murdered Son" and "Sins are Stones" both remind me of "Carbon Ribs" from The Medicine. Very atmospheric and "cool" feeling songs. Like, the temperature. Anyways, the track "Who is This" reminds me of The Medicine because of it's lyrics such as "Open up your doors" and "Open up your gates before Him." Nearly exact lines from previous songs. "Chemicals" is definitely the simplest and most different in Economy, but it brings a nice break from the intensity of the previous songs. The final song is just one word. My word. Epic. You'll just have to listen to it. 

By the way, I don't EVER do this, but I think this album is just too good to hide. For a limited time, you can listen to the entire album if you click right here. Relevant Magazine is hosting a preview for who knows how long. Listen to it while it's hot!

Officially, Economy will be released on November 1st. It will be on iTunes, Spotify (Get one. Get one now.), and plenty of other online and physical music stores. I strongly, strongly suggest you buy this album. It's quickly becoming one of my favorites. 

Until it releases, listen to it on the Relevant website, and watch this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NXWE6AC8ao

Happy listening!

Coldplay - Every Teardop is a Waterfall & Paradise (singles) for Mylo Xyloto

One does not ask "What can be said about Coldplay?" One can simply ask "What cannot be said about Coldplay?" Over Six albums, eight EPs, twenty-fve singles, and twenty-seven music videos (but who's counting?) have made this band a legend. They are technically classified as a British alternative rock band, but Coldplay really doesn't fit into any one genre. It has become a kind of genre all its own. Lead by Chris Martin, Coldplay has perhaps the largest fan base in music history. You can find die hard Coldplay fans nearly anywhere in the world. 

In August of this year, Coldplay announced their new album, Mylo Xyloto, would be released on October 25th. Now, I know it's still a little far away, but generally when a band comes within a month of releasing an album, there arise what we call "leaks." These leaks are digital copies of the new album that are (whether intentionally or unintentionally) posted for listening on the internet. Well, production and recording has been finished since September 9th, and there are still NO LEAKS ANYWHERE ON THE INTERNET. Two thumbs up for Coldplay. They are guarding this new masterpiece well. It makes it difficult for us to know what to expect, but let's be honest. It's Coldplay. I'd buy any Coldplay album even if it was a collection of science themed covers.

They have, however, released two singles to wet our appetites. Both have some similarities, but are very different from any of their past albums... in a great way. The first one, called "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall" has made fans go crazy. Beginning with the lyrics "I turn the music up" this song is (we hope) a very hopeful picture of what is to come. With the classic single-note guitar "solo" we know, a thick pumping bass line, and crisp, quick acoustic guitar in the background, Coldplay has once again taken elements that no one else could pull off, and created something I can't stop listening to. Their second single "Paradise" starts almost like "Viva la Vida", but is more subtle and "classy"... until the bass line drops. The song takes you up and down, and up again. It is definitely a "Coldplay" song, throwing away the typical song structure and dynamic rules that so many artists are confined by. Coldplay has no rules, and this song is the perfect example of why. 

Once again, I suggest you get yourself a Spotify if you haven't already. $10 a month for unlimited music whenever and wherever you want. (I say wherever because I'm in Guatemala right now.) Or, you can always do it for free with a few commercials and stuff. If you don't like it, feel free to write me a nasty email about it. I can't guarantee I'll read it, but go ahead. 

I (along with probably 75% of the world) am anxious to hear what this upcoming album brings, but I don't think anyone will be listening to it until the release date of October 25th. Until then, you can pre-order the album from iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/coldplay/id471744 or Coldplay's website at http://www.coldplay.com/. When it does come out, you can bet I'll have it on Spotify AND iTunes.

Happy listening!

Ryan Adams - Ashes & Fire

Who is Ryan Adams, anyways? Well, throughout his career, he's been lots of things. He's been dark and heavy, and he's been light and twangy. Ryan Adams is the perfect example of a well-seasoned rock-star. In only eleven years, he's come out with 13 albums, some with a band called The Cardinals, which broke up in 2009. His history of fame, substance abuse, and Ménière's disease, a painful inner ear disease, has marked Ryan Adams' career as a long and colorful one. He went through a two year hiatus from music altogether, and some people thought he would never return to the stage. Ménière's disease made it hard for him to keep his balance or stay in tune, and many people thought his days were over. However, Adams claims to now be drug free and completely healthy. When considering his new lifestyle and recent marriage to Mandy Moore, it's no surprise that his new album, Ashes & Fire is quite a bit "happier", and returns to the classic Ryan Adams twang we all remember in albums like Easy Tiger, but with a mellower, more easy-going sound.

Ashes & Fire is perhaps the most soulful and low-key album ever from a new happy and clean Ryan Adams. The album starts out with a low southern tone with "Dirty Rain". Benmont Tench, on loan from Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers features in several tracks, including "Dirty Rain." I'm hoping he works with Adams on future projects, because I nearly passed out listening to this one. The title track, "Ashes & Fire" is what I would consider a "road trip song", but I would consider most of the songs on this album as such. Old timey piano and a three-quarter beat make this song a great western feel-good. His wife, Mandy Moore, makes several appearances on the album, adding fresh, high harmonies to his songs. Also, one of my favorite artists, Norah Jones, is featured on three songs. "Come Home", "Save Me", and "Kindness." This is yet another dream come true for both Ryan Adams and Norah Jones fans... and mostly me.

This album definitely takes a turn from Adams' previous works. Lyrics like "Do you believe in love?" and "I will shelter you with my love, and my forgiveness" show that perhaps ol' Ryan really has taken a turn for the better. It's definitely an easier listen, but it still retains the classic carefree Adams guitar, and deep meaningful lyrics everyone loves. For those who miss the more edgy, angry Ryan Adams, don't worry. We have faith he'll be back, and even more intriguing. Besides, he's allowed to have a honeymoon record, right? I applaud this album because it expresses Ryan's life. In my opinion, that is what music should be. A reflection of what's going on inside.

Ashes & Fire gets 8 out of 10.

Ashes & Fire hits the shelves on October 11th. If you don't have Spotify, then your life hasn't become quite awesome enough yet. I suggest you get it. It's about $10 a month, unless you get invited. In that case, there is a free version that's... well, free. If you don't feel like being awesome in that way, you can be awesome by actually buying the album, along with others by Ryan Adams, on iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/ryan-adams/id1010602.

Happy listening!

Upcoming Album by... The Shat?

That's right, Captain Kirk never lets us down. On October 11th, William Shatner is scheduled to release a metal album called Seeking Major Tom.  When I first heard this, I thought "Aw crap" because I knew I would have to listen to it. I mean, it's Shatner! Then I found out some of the people he planned to feature on his album. Brad Paisley, The Strokes' Nick Valensi, Zakk Wylde, Wayne Kramer, Manuel Göttsching, Johnny Winter, and others. I found myself thinking, "Well, maybe there's hope. Maybe it will be legitimate."

My hopes were short-lived. Not long afterwards, The Priceline Negotiator released his tracklist. It turns out this album, Seeking Major Tom, is simply a collection of space-themed covers such as  "She Blinded Me With Science" by Thomas Dolby, Elton John's "Rocket Man", and everyone's favorite, "Bohemian Rhapsody". Now, I'm going to be honest and say that I've always wanted to hear Shatner sing "Bohemian Rhapsody", and I know you have too, but will that be enough to reconcile the rest of the album? You never know. It sounds like an adventure either way.

You can bet that once this album gets into my hands, I'll tell you if it rocks... and also if it doesn't. Until then, however, I have faith that it could be something worth listening to. Never underestimate Captain Kirk. He's made it this long.


Once again, this album will be coming out on October 11th. I can't promise it will be on
Spotify ($10 a month, get one), but I'm pretty sure you'll be able to find it on iTunes. When it comes, I'll let you know how it all goes down.

By the way, the final track is an original song called "Mrs. Major Tom" featuring an unannounced female artist. My money is on Lady Gaga.

Until then, uhh... live long and prosper?