The Truth About Music

"What's hot, what's not, and whats next in pop music"

Author: Loren

Loren’s Song of the Week: “Wolf Like Me” (Live) by TV On The Radio

By Loren posted June 16, 2010 at 18:16

“Wolf Like Me” is probably one of my favorite songs by TV On The Radio and constantly has a high play count in my iTunes. So, when I recently ran across a live version of the track I had to give it a go, though I was initially worried because, as we all know, not all are favorite bands perform well live. Needless to say, they did not disappoint and though I haven’t seen them live I’m in love with their performance skills. The live version drips with the raw emotion that is dealt with subtly on the studio version. Front man, Tunde Adebimpe, wales on the mic his sweet lusty song and one of TVOTR’s many guitar players, I’m assuming original member, Dave Sitek, rips his guitar a new one in perfect keeping with the performance. I love TV On The Radio and its live performance makes me infinitely [...] Continue...
Review: She & Him’s Live Performance at Millennium Park

By Loren posted June 09, 2010 at 08:00

So, back in March when I first listened to the second album from She & Him, I was kind of disappointed. Not disappointed because the band, comprised of actress/singer Zoey Deschanel and composer/performer M. Ward, had let their quality slip, but because I was expecting a little more. I wanted Zoey to cut loose a little and show some growth and I wanted Ward to make a more notable evolution on the album. Volume Two was just ok for me. Redemption, however, is never far off the horizon for any band, especially one that actually enjoys performing. She & Him have been hopping around the country performing on their way to the big summer festivals, like Bonnaroo, starting June 10th. And, on a beautiful Monday evening at Millennium Park, I sat back and relaxed as Deschanel called for a sound check on her ukulele. Honestly, after days of rainstorms, it [...] Continue...
Review: Ratatat’s Latest Album “LP4″

By Loren posted June 08, 2010 at 13:00

Have you ever wondered what the soundtrack to your dreams might sound like? Or have you been looking for the perfect music to read to this summer? Pop in the fourth album from Ratatat, properly called, “LP4″ and listen for the possibilities. As the first synthesized chords of “Bilar” enter my eardrums, I feel myself wishing I was in some crowded house party, instead of sitting at my computer. By the time the third track, “Neckbrace,” closes, I am fighting the desire to start dancing around my room. Each of the first three tracks remind me of being at the perfect rave with all the lights hitting at just the right moment. The meticulous work of Brooklyn electro rock duo, Mike Stroud and Evan Mast, begins to shine even brighter as one starts to hear the strong influence of non-synthesized instruments present on tracks such as “Bob Ghandi” and “Mahalo.” Continue...
Bringing the Good Word: Reflection Eternal’s New Album “Revolutions Per Minute”

By Loren posted May 19, 2010 at 14:00

Are you comfortable? Better question: Are you ready to listen? On “Revolutions Per Minute,” the second album from hip hop duo Reflection Eternal, Talib Kweli and DJ Hi-Tek, are delivering the finest, smoothest, lyrics and beats you’ll listen to all year. As on previous albums, Kweli avoids the repetitive beats and empty words of modern rap music. On tracks like “Got Work” and “Ends,” he instead speaks about the pitfalls of pursuing fame and money. The effect of such tracks is to make the listener wary of pursuing a life in entertainment; a sentiment that is further realized on the track “In the Red,” which names star after star that has ended up worse off, in spite of their status as famous. While the message could quickly become dismal, Kweli’s words appear to simply be advising against the love of money being ones only interest in pursuing their dreams. Continue...
The Truth About Loren

By Loren posted December 18, 2007 at 07:28

I’ve always loved books, music and movies, but unlike most kids I never wanted to be on a stage or infront of a microphone. I wanted to be the person that gave them the words to say and at a very early age the writing bug bit me. A teacher once told me that writing chooses you and no matter how many times I’ve tried to put the pen down and stay away from the keyboard, I keep coming back. I majored in Cinema Studies and was a DJ at a radio station during my undergrad days. I just graduated and am in the pursuit of putting my name out there in the world. I remember listening to all my mother’s old Motown records or hearing her listen to Sade. My brothers would play Run DMC or Tupac. For my 13th birthday I was given a radio and the first [...] Continue...