Truth Or Sarah
Archive for September 2011
Song of the Day: The Cinema “Banker”
Just thought this song was pretty cool. It’s weird though, because I’ve never thought that the words “loved you like a banker” would ever be considered genius lyrics.
The Dukes, “Don’t Call Me Tonight” and “Lazy Summer”
The Dukes have released their latest single, “Don’t Call Me Tonight” for free here. The song will be featured on their upcoming album, “Dreams & Regrets.”
The second single from their album is “Lazy Summer” and can be heard here:
Allstar Weekend “All The Way
Truth:
Allstar Weekend is ready to release their third album, “All The Way” on Tuesday, September 27. The album includes the previously released singles “Not Your Birthday” and “Blame It On September.”
Sarah:
After the drawn-out departure of ASW’s beloved guitarist Nathan Darmody, fans have a reason to put a smile back on their faces. “All The Way” is finally dropping and it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
The album opens with “Mr. Wonderful,” a song that was never released as a single, yet was known by most of the fanbase from live shows. The song goes electro-pop with its island-inspired beats. The lyrics are as adorable as you’d expect a young band’s lyrics to be:
You and me and the palm trees
We could lay outside on the beach all night
We can swim with the dolphins, go golfing
Baby girl you could be my life
Now don’t go fallin’ in love with Mr. Wonderful
And I won’t go runnin’ around with any other girls
The band is now affectionately being called Mr. Wonderfuls, though the point of the song is that girls should NOT fall in love with some idea of a perfect guy, because everyone makes mistakes.
“Bend Or Break”has a childish breakup message in it (“You’ll be the one to bend/ I’ll be the one who breaks”), but it’s insanely catchy. “Not Your Birthday” is the track that basically shows that while the band is still a pop-rock band, they’re definitely growing up from their Radio Disney days. The album version of the song features a rap by VA rapper Anth Melo, as well as a couple of non-Disney-friendly words and topics (ooh, they’re drinking! And they’re only 21! ;P).
The grown up lyrics continue with “Do It 2 Me,” in which lead vocalist moans about the mysterious way a girl (or woman) gives him butterflies (There’s something bout the way you sleep/when you lie next to me/ I don’t know how you do your thing, no/ but you Do it, you do it, you do it 2 me…”).
“Blame It On September” follows the formula for a hit ballad/breakup song. It’s got Bruno Mars-esque vocals, as well as relatable lyrics about the downside of summer romances.
*The video is a step up from their awkward dancing music videos from the “Suddenly Yours” album:
My personal favorite on the album has to be “Sorry…” Not only is it a darker side to the boys (sorry…men), but it’s ridiculously catchy. From the booming beat to the emphasis on the ellipsis, the band proves they know a thing or two about making a pop hit. It’s got the best pop lyrics I’ve heard in a while, especially considering the purposeful stuttering.
Dot Dot Dot
You keep calling me
up crying, saying I’m Sorry dot dot dot
Don’t call me, not not not
Sorry dot dot dot
Ain’t buying all your lying saying sorry ah ah ah
Don’t call me not not not
Sorry dot dot dot
Hey baby girl, I was stupid
Make you my world, would you excuse me
You keep insisting, saying you miss me
But you can’t miss me with the things that you do…
While I’m in love with this song, I hope it never goes on the radio for the sole reason that it will become overplayed and under-appreciated.
According to Zach Porter, “James (Never Change)” is about bassist Cameron Quiseng and the lyrics suggest that it’s about how Cameron/”James” doesn’t try (Quiseng was born adorable) yet he still attracts girls, despite his lack of “game.”
Known ya since we were younger and even now that we’re older
You’re still a kid so curious who’s peekin’ over my shoulder
You always drift around, but you never let me down
I trust that you’ll be yourself, don’t act like you’re no one else
And you can be a space case but you do it your own way
There’s a strange sincerity that make them girls go crazy
Maybe it don’t make sense, we don’t have to understand
James doesn’t try but still attracts the babes
All the guys say he’s got no game
We can laugh, but in the end now
Everybody’s on a date with my buddy James
Man I hope you never change
Slow and steady wins the game
“When I Get Paid” is almost irrelevant considering that this band has been touring with Disney princess Selena Gomez (and the Scene), has appeared on Sonny With A Chance, and are signed to Hollywood Records. That said, it’s a nice segue from the more mature tracks on the album into the cutesy poppy love songs. The notion of getting paid to get a girl “all the things [she] can’t live without,” isn’t exactly original (see “Every Single Dollar” by We The Kings), BUT it’s a well-written song and the falsetto in Porter’s voice is A+.
“Undercover” gives the band the opportunity to play the victim card, with them singing about how a girl only likes the relationship from friends. And even with the secret-relationship, it’s optimistic, with lyrics like “I’ll open up/ I think it will surprise you/how light my heart can be/when you’re only with me.”
“Be There” doesn’t let you forget the title of the song (or actually the message), as it emphasizes how they’ll ‘bend over backwards to be there.’ It’s catchy in that you quickly pick up that most of the song is saying the phrase “I’ll be there.”
The album ends with the acoustic ballad, “Teenage Hearts.” Like Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream,” it captures the essence of teen love, despite it being sung by a bunch of adults. Porter’s angelically innocent voice belts out:
I, I am in love
So much in love.
I am in love with you
You are afraid.
You pushed me away…
This album is pretty much a grab bag of songs, with each track sounding nothing like the other. And yet, you get the sense that they know who they are. It’s a perfect package of pop-rock music that are sure to get you moving. The band definitely matured from their last album, but it’s a good maturation in that the lyrics aren’t as cheesy (I love “Hey Princess,” but still…) and the overall sound fits the post-Disney pop-punk vibe they’ve been giving off.
Fans will love the album; not just because it’s Allstar Weekend, but because it’s genuinely good. It’s still dance-y pop sprinkled with heart-wrenching ballads. The only bad thing about this album is the fact that their faces on the cover. Allstar Weekend took a risk with the mature sound, but going “All The Way” was totally worth it.
Song of the Day: Work To Win “I Like Yoga Pants”
Ignore the title. This is the cutest love song I’ve heard all day. It’s infectious with it’s upbeat piano chords and the repetitive chorus to the point that you’re singing and dancing along after the first chorus. It’s so lovey-dovey that it’s hard to believe that it was written without any speciffic inspiration. But it does fulfill the whole “simple but catchy” love song they were going for.
Hello Headlights
Ok, so my finding out about Hello Headlights remains a mystery. I don’t know what link I clicked on and how I ended up listening to their music, but I’m glad I did because not only are they repping the tri-state area, but they have some pretty cool songs out.
The first song I heard was “I Must Be Dreaming,” which had this adorably catchy line where it goes –wait for it–”I MUST BE DREAMING!” As snarky as that came off, I totally meant it. If a song can get me singing along after hearing the chorus once, it’s a keeper.
The NoVa band turns into a group of pirates with the track, “Two Peg Legs Too Many.” It’s committed to the metaphor of a sinking ship, and the vocals are perfectly and ominously low (or as low as a semi-pubescent boy’s voice can get).
“Beauty Queen” is a fun acoustic song, with a twist-of-the-tongue chorus. It’s got the cute begging factor that will make fangirls squeal while the rest of us applaud the genius lyrics.
Hello Headlights is a cool band, and not just because of lead vocalist AJ Gruenewald’s Justin Bieber circa 2010 haircut. Nor is because one of them is bringing the sideways cap back in style. And it’s definitely not because one of them has the best red hair I have ever seen. No, these kiddos have potential to revolutionize acoustic rock music. And because Dustin Goddard is the Nick Jonas of pianists.
If you’re in the MD/VA/DC area, check out their show at Jammin Java!
Singles Mix: Days Difference, My Girl Friday Release New Singles
Days Difference finally pumped out a new track called “Down With Me.” The track is a step up from their older stuff, depending on how you look at it. It’s definitely a pop song–a dance-y pop song. It doesn’t have their signature angelic harmonies, but it does the same odd lyrics that set them apart from everyone else.
My Girl Friday released a track called “American Kids.” The country-ish, American-inspired song has the whole typical American summer vibe to it. If you’re too ashamed immerse yourself in the country genre, “American Kids” might be the perfect segue.
Song of the Day: There For Tomorrow “Hunt Hunt Hunt”
I just bought this song this morning because I love that its a high-energy pop-rock song. It’s like if Nick Jonas’s voice combined with Patrick Stump’s Fall Out Boy voice and created this unbelievably beautiful melody that is Maika Maile’s voice.
Listen for yourself:
Allstar Weekend Debuts “Undercover”
The pop-rockers distract their fans from the recent lineup shakeup with a new song from their upcoming album, “All The Way.” “Undercover” is definitely different from their older material in that the arrangement is interesting and unexpected, the topic is unique (aw, Zach is in an undercover romance), and Zach deserves mad props for the vocals during the chorus. Plus, I love the ironically chipper clapping and “oohs.” Its adorably optimistic even though he’s realizing that his relationship is being hidden.
Mali Woods “Outta The Woods”
Truth:
Neo-soul singer-songwriter Mali Woods has released her album, “Outta The Woods” on U-neon.
Sarah:
Who is Mali (pronounced “Molly”) Woods? Mali is a racially ambiguous, folksy/soul singer-songwriter that relies mostly on her voice rather than gimmicks to express her feelings. When you listen to her entire album, you notice that the most dominant feature is her captivating voice. If you remember the feeling you had when you first heard the undiscovered talent of Colbie Caillat, that’s the “wow” expression you feel when you hear Woods’s album.
The album opens with “Love Is,” a cute and upbeat love song with the infectious lines: “Why don’t you kiss kiss kiss kiss/more more more more.” You get a sense of her range of voice in the song, as she goes from a Lauryn Hill voice to a Rose Murphy just like that. “Step Lightly” is the dark, ominous-sounding track featuring lyrics like:
Avoid the ones who can’t remember their dreams
Avoid the ones who say things are what they seem
Avoid the ones who say things are random yea
You’ll hear them say you got one life to live…
Most impressive in the song is the beautifully composed ending on the piano. Honestly if there were five minutes of that piece alone, I’d buy it.
“We Are One” is a philosophical look at life and how people view it:
In the beginning of space and time
All the philosophers still wonder why
Everything is governed by man or god
Underneath these made up laws
The song captures the mystery of life and resolutions that “we all are one.”
*Watch the video:
My personal favorite is “Until We Love,” a practically spoken word track highlighting Woods’s beautiful lower range as she sings about the reality of love and how with it we’d have hate and war. It’s a beautifully written piece and her voice is hypnotizing, especially toward the end, as she echos “…don;t need guns.”
“Falling Up” is another guitar and vocal song with poetic lyrics and the chill, drawn out vocals are easy-listening material. The trumpet (I think), adds a fun surprise to the track. Again, Mali manages to end the song with a precious piano composition that makes you wish you hadn’t flunked out of keyboard lessons (or is that just me…).
The last track on the album is “Pushing Up Daisies,” a pretty-out there, but otherwise exquisite track, particularly when she has the full vocals in the chorus.
You get a sense that Mali is not just a girl who sings; she’s a woman with deep thoughts and a very unique view of the world. Her creativity is enough to power the music business and her lyrics would move anyone to think more than they have ever done. Her instrumentals allow for a chill, folksy/neo-soul vibe that you picture being a soundtrack to a beach scene. Her official site describes her vocals as being able to “soar flip rip dive and twirl through the air and then — in a moment — hush to a lull softer than the setting sky.” I wholeheartedly agree with this statement, as I find that her voice held me all the way through the album, especially hearing how raw and real it was. I’m just hoping the world will be able to see the talent “outta the Woods.” (I’ve been waiting to use the pun).
I cannot give enough praises to Mali Woods. All I can say is judge for yourself.
Never Shout Never “Time Travel”
Truth:
Never Shout Never is slated to released their latest album, “Time Travel,” on 9/20. The 8-track album is available for preorder on the official website.
Sarah:
I’m not the typical Never Shout Never fan. I pick and choose my favorite songs, I don’t know anyone else involved in the band besides the severely tatted up Christofer Drew, and I tend to snuff my nose at his gratuitous use of profanity. But somehow, “Time Travel” has drawn me in. Pretty much every song is a beautiful masterpiece.
I’m not feeling the title track, “Time Travel,” but I cannot deny that it does transport you to another world.
Nothing is real
I know this cause I made a deal
With the devil
He told me that I was just wasting my time on the moonSo I flew to the sun
Lost track of my soul on the run
Suffering 12 degree burns
I learned that the sun was no funSo I went back to earth
Tripped and fell in the glorified dirt
Honestly, gravity sees me as a liabilitySo I held my breath
Til my soul left my body for dead
I ripped through the clouds
To talk with the man in the sky
The lyrics have a dark fairy tale vibe to them and set the tone for the fantastical album.
By far my favorite track on this album (maybe favorite song EVER), is the second song, “Awful.” For the lack of a better description, it’s so…cool. It’s odd and sounds like if Plain White T’s took their last album (“Wonders of the Younger”) to the next level of dreamy sequence-like, “Awful” would definitely fit right in. I love the fast and quirky chorus is:
It’s an awful way to feel
You feel so low like you can’t go on
But don’t you feel, my dear
You’re the only thing that keeps me feeling anything at all
Close your eyes and ease your troubled mind
Sometimes in the middle of the night I wake up and roll out of bed
And wonder why I even woke up in the first place
It’s so awful
Then to make the matters even worse
I swear, my love, I have a curse
I can’t do anything quite right
I swear I try
It’s so awful
I’m awfully off today
“Silver Ecstasy” is a hypnotizing, deep love song. It’s obviously a bit different from NSN’s older material, but I love it. It’s a 3 minute trance with a precious message. It’s also NSN’s way of going from the solo yuppie on a ukulele to paying homage to Queen with the larger than life sound.
Speaking of trances, “Simplistic Trance-like Getaway” picks up a bit but doesn’t lose its trance quality. “Robot,” not only is a giant metaphor comparison to a robot trying to understand feelings, asking “Is it so wrong/to be in love?”
The band releases their psycho energy in the intro for “Complex Heart,” which upon closer listen, is exquisite, with its purposeful out-of-tune keys. The song is an internal battle with the self, continuing with the question of whether or not its wrong to be in love. The instrumentals actually get the heart pumping, as it goes from peaceful to angry. It is, in fact, a “complex” song.
The album ends with “Lost At Sea,” a sort of depressing but beautifully full track. NSN bids goodbye to family and friends, and past lovers in the case that one gets lost at sea. It’s an interesting way to end an album, but the vocals fill the speakers with its fullness and the instrumentals are oddly delightful.
With Never Shout Never being an actual band, and not just Christofer Drew’s solo project, the sound takes on a whole new life. It sounds more like Never Shout Never. I mean that it sounds like Drew finally put the pieces together to fulfill a sound he couldn’t have done on his own (especially with that ukulele of his).
