posted September 02, 2010 at 11:00
Skeptical is the one word I would use to describe the Goo Goo Dolls latest album “Something For The Rest Of Us.” I was very wary of weather a band that hadn’t released an album in four years and hadn’t recaptured the success of earlier albums such as “Dizzy Up The Girl.” One factor that led to my skepticism was the first single which had recieved limited air play on satellite radio over the last few weeks. The song, “Home” is the third song on the album and is one of the hardest song to enjoy.
What makes the Dolls great is their true understanding of the contemporary rock genre. From a fast paced start with songs “Sweetest Lie” and “As I Am” the album seemed to suck the listener in. Although it could of fell appart with track three, the single “Home,” there was something for the rest of us (people who like good music) after that low point. There were points in this album that really harkened back to the Goo Goo Dolls of old. “Notbroken” is a soulful, overproduced song that goes out of its way to sound perfect. The melodies in the chorus are brilliant and it really gives us a reason to continue listening. Continue reading ‘Album of the Month: Goo Goo Dolls Shock With First Album In Four Years’ >
posted September 01, 2010 at 21:58
This is serious. For the first time in quite a few years I have a song permanently stuck in my head. Even when I’m on the verge, humming a new song at work I eventually revert back to this weeks song of the week, “Brian Wilson” by Barenaked Ladies. Although I cannot for the life of me remember where I first heard the song this summer, it has been on constant repeat in my head, at work, at home, in the morning and at night. It’s enough to drive someone crazy. Continue reading ‘Harris’ Song of the Week: Brian Wilson by Barenaked Ladies’ >
posted August 26, 2010 at 08:00
It seems like every single time Five For Fighting release a song and label it a “single,” I fall in love with it. Despite my hatred for their albums, the singles seem to always rock. This song takes a modern look back at the Don Mclean classic “American Pie” with cheese ball lines like: “There was a time a long, long time ago, Chevy’s and levees played on the radio” and “We were more than just a slice of American pie.” Despite cliches of string cheese proportions, John Ondrasik’s gorgeous tones with piano to match make this the songs in my head. Continue reading ‘Songs In My Head: “Slice” by Five For Fighting’ >
posted August 25, 2010 at 08:00
As far as pop stars go, I’m usually pretty open to new music and hearing sounds evolve over time. In the summer of 2008, the music world was shocked by the straight forward nature of Katy Perry’s first single. “I Kissed A Girl” was a fun party song that didn’t really tell the entire story. What started as a quirky first single, evolved into one of the better albums of that year, producing five solid singles. They ranged from deep ballads like “Thinking Of You” to pop hits such as “Waking Up In Vegas” and “Hot n Cold.”
It is now 2010. Perry has spent most of the summer wetting our appetites for a new album with two mega singles. The second single, “Teenage Dream” shares its name with the album while the first single reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 weeks before the album release. Now the challenge begins for Perry. Can this album carry on her legacy as America’s sexy girl next door who can belt it, or will her albums be relegated to the discount racks at Walmart. Continue reading ‘Review: Does Katy Perry’s Album Satisfy Our Teenage Dreams?’ >
posted August 24, 2010 at 10:30
Download the Free Single of the Week “I Don’t Wanna Dance” by Hey Monday on iTunes now
Another solid single of the week for iTunes, this track helps to support Hey Monday’s recently released EP, “Beneath It All.” With a lot of previous success in the pop genre with songs like “Homecoming” and “How You Love Me Now,” the band is currently working on finishing an album to be released in 2011. In a recent interview with TAM, guitarist’s Alex Lipshaw and Mike Genitle said that the new EP would be “More organic, more diverse, every song is a little bit different. The music is more mature this time…”
Although the single itself doesn’t quite fit this description, there is more diversity as you delve into the album. One thing that I love about this band is their ability to stick together and be a real band. Although lead singer Cassadee Pope often steals the spotlight, they are doing everything in their power to never turn into an Avril Lavign type group. Genitle said that they never think of it like that, stemming from the fact that the guys, and gals in the band grew up together. “It’s like five really really good friends doing what we love.”
Check out TAM’s interview with Mike & Alex of Hey Monday from Warped Tour 2010 below: Continue reading ‘iTunes Free Single of the Week: “I Don’t Wanna Dance” by Hey Monday’ >
posted August 19, 2010 at 08:00
Although this song has been out for a few weeks, I only recently discovered it. Above all else, this is an amazing song. There is an incredible amount of energy provided by the three performers that took part in this collaboration. Aside from the song’s track artist, Flo Rida, David Guetta leaves the largest mark on this song. After producing the mega single “I Gotta Feeling” by Will i am and the Black Eyed Peas, he brings a similar style and sound to this song.
Second is Nicole Scherzinger, who is most known for her work with The Pussy Cat Dolls. Her Fergie-like tone goes a long way to giving “Club Can’t Handle Me” a similar feel to the aforementioned ”I Gotta Feeling.” Still, this song has the ability to stand on its own. It is an incredible club anthem and should go a long way on that curcuit. The song is also helped by its placement in “Step Up 3D,” the third installment of the urban dance movies.
Check this song out on YouTube but in order to really appreciate how great it is, head to your local nightclub and request it. With the lights flashing and the bass thumping, this is a can’t miss dance song that will continue to make Flo Rida a household name. Also, the video is excellent:
Continue reading ‘Harris’ Song of the Week: “Club Can’t Handle Me” by Flo Rida’ >
posted August 17, 2010 at 10:53
Download this weeks iTunes Free Single of the Week, “White Lies” by Stacy Clark here.
The last few weeks have featured absolute garbage when it comes to the iTunes free single. Finally as we hit the mid point of August there is another solid song back in the mix. I was pleasantly suprised to download this song by Stacy Clark, a native of Buffalo, New York. Her sound is similar to the hottest female artist of the summer, Katy Perry. For me, Perry’s sound has changed drastically from her upbeat, fun melodies in her debut album “One Of the Boys.” With far too much thought put into her new singles, I’m very down on her right now. Continue reading ‘iTunes Free Single of the Week: “White Lies” by Stacy Clark’ >
posted August 16, 2010 at 08:00
What do you get when you take an iconic lead singer and place him into his own side project? Well you’re left with the same band minus all the members you didn’t care about. There are only a handful of artists out there that can make this statement stand up. Brandon Flowers of The Killers is most definitely one of them.
With The Killers in a hiatus, Flowers hasn’t wasted any time putting together a self titled side project. When the first single was released in June most would be hard pressed to decipher the song from one of the many Killers songs Flowers had written during his tenure with the band. Listening to it time and time again I am still hard pressed to find one key element that makes the sound different from his previous band’s work. Continue reading ‘Opinion: Iconic Band Minus Iconic Singer Equals Iconic Side Project’ >
posted August 13, 2010 at 12:45
First, I would like to point out that I have never seen John Mayer live. My brother has. My friends mother apparently has. I was sent an email this morning from @barryjhansen containing a short review that his mother wrote in regards to a recent Mayer concert at the Comcast Theater in Hartford, CT. Despite previous reports that he is great live, this opinion wasn’t quite so positive.
I was looking so forward to his concert because I love his voice! He is a great musician/guitar player too. What was lacking was his willingness to play for his fans!
John Mayer only played 3 to 4 recognizable songs from his CD”s. The rest of the time he jammed with the band and highlighted his guitar playing-We know he is a great guitarist, but what made him famous is his songs. I was disappointed that he did not play more favorites like. “Your Body is a Wonderland” his claim to fame! “Daughters” “Georgia” “Heartbreak warfare” What did I buy a ticket for? TRAIN was really good!
Now we want to know what you think. Have you seen John Mayer live? If so was it great? Did you agree with the above opinion? Please let us know your thoughts on this important topic. Are bands playing live for their fans or for themselves?
posted August 12, 2010 at 08:00
Exited? I guess you could use that word to describe the upcoming album from pop/rock group Jimmy Eat World. After two amazing albums, the band degressed with their 2007 release “Chase This Light.” With the first decade of the century behind us, it looks like Jimmy Eat World is back and their first single from the upcoming album “Invented” gives me a lot of hope.
Although they did not completely abondon the sound that made them so great in the early ’00s, they have turned the sound on its ear giving it a slight ’90s grunge retrospective. You have to assume that the band would get sick of a certain sound after a while. Instead of hitting the drawing board again, they gave the sound a little more dirty guitar and just a tad more echo in the microphones.
This combination has made for a great first single in “My Best Theory.” Although I enjoy the single, the song represents more new music to come from Jimmy Eat World and that is what got me exited to hear this song. Continue reading ‘Harris’ Song of the Week: My Best Theory by Jimmy Eat World’ >
Skeptical is the one word I would use to describe the Goo Goo Dolls latest album “Something For The Rest Of Us.” I was very wary of weather a band that hadn’t released an album in four years and hadn’t recaptured the success of earlier albums such as “Dizzy Up The Girl.” One factor that led to my skepticism was the first single which had recieved limited air play on satellite radio over the last few weeks. The song, “Home” is the third song on the album and is one of the hardest song to enjoy.
