Falling Awake in the Early Morning

17 Nov

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I remember years ago traveling in a rental car out west with my family while listening to music ooze out of my headphones. I had my favorites list pumping out a randomized selection of music, but I only distinctly remember listening to “Falling Awake” by Gary Jules as I stared out the window of the cloudy landscape and considered the vast contradictions in our world.

This morning I found myself staring out the window contemplating the incomprehensible evil that prompted the recent Paris attacks and, on that note, all recent attacks that serve to challenge the inherent safety individuals should possess. My iTunes was on, and Gary Jules’ familiar croon rose above his plucked acoustic guitar. I mouthed the words, as I have heard this song countless times, and I realized that it fit the questions spiraling around my head.

Jules, who most know because of his haunting cover of “Mad World,” which has been featured on countless television shows, has released four full-length albums. His blend of soft vocals and acoustic guitar is enticing, and his lyrics are focused and intelligent.

“Falling Awake” is a quintessential Jules song. Since first hearing the song, I thought the title and consequent sentiment of the song was fascinating. It is inherently oxymoronic, and such is life. As evidenced recently, events often happen that are perniciously paradoxical to humanity and we are left to question how such horrendous events could happen.

You Said, Tumbler Premieres With Beautiful Psychedelic Tunes

5 Nov

Sounds reminiscent of the English countryside, Tumbler manages to carry an interesting sound overall. Comparable to James Taylor and the Beatles, Tumbler demonstrates a lightness in their sound and lyrics as well. The beautiful mentioning of memories, nature, and the feelings of what it means to be home is also interwoven throughout You Said. The track, Bueller, stands out with lyrical metaphors “pouring in on porcelain skin”, and mentioning talk about “lover’s frown’s” and the power of sunlight. The overall sound of Tumbler is a mixture of subtle eagerness and reflective coolness. With their full sound carrying the almost magical lyrics, Tumbler provides more than just sound to one’s ears, they give listener’s an experience of painted memories.

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Ben Folds and yMusic Rocked That Paramount

2 Nov

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One of the reasons why Ben Folds has found consistent success over his now quarter-of-a-century-old music career is his musical malleability. Folds has now done everything from releasing successful albums with Ben Folds Five to collaborating with musicians like Regina Spektor and Weird Al Yankovich. He has created experimental literature/music compilations with writers like Nick Hornby and has even starred as an erudite judge in the NBC a cappella show “The Sing Off,” where he was able to show off his musical knowledge and pipes. Yes, Ben Folds has seemingly done it all. His next endeavor: combining forces with a classical music troupe with a penchant for modernizing orchestral music.

So There, released this past September, features several pieces with yMusic Ensemble, and might just be his best collaboration yet. Folds’ music, specifically his solo material, is adorned with elegant instrumentals that sparkle like bedizened clothing, but do not touch rococo overemphasis, instead including just the correct amount of tasteful musical goodness. In celebration of his new album, Folds just embarked on a tour with yMusic, and I had the opportunity to see them at the Paramount in Huntington, a beautiful club venue that is spacious and modern. The concert, like all Folds’ concerts, was conversational and effervescent; Folds is himself – like him or not – and this candor finds its way into his verbal ramblings and music theory rants.

Folds always garners a knowledgeable crowd and almost everyone in the audience was aware of Folds’ on-stage antics, which did not change – if anything they were highlighted – despite the appearance of yMusic, who created a U around Folds’ piano, which was set a little back on stage adjacent to the drums. Folds mused on stories that formed songs and the dangers of sleep deprivation, all while nailing every note and assuring that all members were held accountable, including himself – at one point he stopped the beginning of a song because he did not like his opening note. When improvising his always topical “Rock This Bitch,” he seemed to have fun challenging his panel of accomplished musicians with complex scales and pauses.

The highlights of the night were the band’s energetic performances of “Jesusland,” “Steven’s Last Night in Town,” “You Don’t Know Me,” and, of course, the crowd-aided, encore song about a LSD trip turned born-again Christian conversion, “Not the Same.” Each song was played with such eager ardor; Ben Folds loves what he does.

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Elessar Thiessen Wows With Newest Project, A Rainy Week In Paradise

31 Oct

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With Thiessen’s mesmerizing voice, it’s clear to see that he is becoming quite popular amongst the blues rock scene. Contrast to Jack Johnson and the beachy vibe that his music gives, Thiessen gives you the same feelings, but also gives you accompanying substance to go with his well thought out lyrics. Recently showcased at Winnipeg Folk Festival, Elessar speaks from the soul within A Rainy Week In Paradise. With tracks like “Lover Dear”, painting a picture of the feeling of love, and waving between lapses of melancholy, Thiessen’s album speaks to the soul’s core. Combining the sounds of nature and soft vocal harmonies, A Rainy Week In Paradise makes you pair unexplained feelings and telescopes them with his descriptions in his lyrical genius.

Where The Bees Come To Die Paints A New Look On Typical Rock N Roll

29 Oct

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Acclaimed band Boy From The Crowd recently debuted with their EP, “Where The Bees Come To Die”, and needless to say audiences will not be disappointed. Comprising of the duo of Vinny Pianna and Vegas Ivy, the combination proves brilliant. Vinny Pianna contributes as guitarist and keyboardist, and Vegas Ivy accompanies him on drums and percussion within Boy From The Crowd. Carrying an aura of blues and a dash of traditional rock and roll riffs, listeners will be content with the unique sound of Boy From The Crowd. The offbeat talents of Piana and Ivy finds fans on the quest of mystery trying to decipher soul from rock, and settling on the happy medium that the band’s sound delivers.

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