DAVE MATTHEWS BAND "AWAY FROM THE WORLD" ALBUM REVIEW

The Dave Matthews Band is my favorite band. They have been since I was about 12 years old. I've been teased, loved, laughed at, boned, and mostly made fun of for this. What it comes down to, is screw you, I probably don't like your favorite band.

I'm full aware of the stereotypes that this band is a victim of. You can thank your typical college aged doucher for that. I understand that this band isn't for everyone, but i'm not sure that I understand why people choose to hate or make fun of the band without ever really hearing their full catalog.

Now that i've got that off my chest, let's move on to the album review for "Away From The World", currently America's #1 selling album.  The band reunited with Steve Lillywhite for the first time since 2000. The last time they had released anything with him as producer was 1998's "Before These Crowded Streets". It's pretty clear he knows how to get the best out of the band in the studio, and it's validated with "Away From The World"

Broken Things-A pretty simple song, with an extremely catchy sing along chorus. It also features a violin solo in the middle, which is interesting because you could argue that Boyd Tinsley has seen his role with the band decrease over the last couple years.

Belly Belly Nice-Straight up sex. This song is this generation's version of "Too Much", except it's not about greed. It's about sex. This packs a punch and you get the funk and the jazz. Strong horns would be the dominating force behind the song, but it's got a pretty cool riff.  This song also has a horn section solo and a violin solo. "Gonna eat your belly jelly til' the kingdom come" is the lyric that sticks with you until the end of time. Sex, man. Sex.

Mercy-I understand the main stream appeal, but I just don't really like this song. I do like the horn fills, and the outro is kind of cool although it doesn't really go anywhere.  A good song, but definitely one of my least favorites on the album.

Gaucho-This song took a while to grow on me. It's got that whole "change the world" message.  Love the fuzzy bass in the middle of the song. This is a weird thing but I kind of like when rock songs incorporate choirs, and this song features a stop down with a children's choir at the end of it. Although calling them a choir is kind of offensive to actual choirs. It's more just kids screaming the chorus. It works though, along with a pretty mean saxaphone solo from Jeff Coffin.

Sweet-One thing about this record is that it's dominated by Dave. This song is mostly him playing a ukulele, but it really is one of the more celebrated slow/love songs. I really like it. When the full band comes in at the end, it really proves that this song was perfectly done in the studio. They knocked it out of the park here, even though it's one of the more dry songs on the album.

The Riff-I rank this one strong to quite strong. It starts out with Dave solo, playing a really difficult riff, although it's a classic Dave style riff. Of all the songs on the album, I really think Lillywhite's influence is evident on this one the most. This is a very well produced, 5 minutes. I love this song.

Belly Full-They sandwich a 1:45 song between two 5 minute monsters. Dave solo, with a really simple love song. The change of pace in the chorus is the highlight for me. Nice and quick.

If Only-The second single from the album, and it's the most bluesy tune on the album. A song of despair and hunger for a long lost love. Overall just a really good adult alternative song. Great work with the violin and horns at the end of the song, and really strong fills from Tim Reynolds on the electric guitar. This is a beauty.

Rooftop-Not sure really what to think of this one yet. It has a fast paced Dave guitar riff to begin the song, but then the chorus kind of comes out of nowhere to smack you in the face. Lyrically the chorus is extremely weak, if not lazy, but the payoff is there because it is a pretty rocking chorus. This one is the biggest question mark on the album to me. I think I like it though.

Snow Outside-Sounds like a country song most of the way with some really strong musicianship by all members of the band. The last two minutes it accelerates and turns into a full fledged jam session, to lead us into the final track of the album. Really like this song, and it has extreme potential when played live.

Drunken Soldier-There's a lot going on here. This one clocks in at 9:48, and you get a funky, almost country riff at the beginning of it. It then peters off into more of a classical guitar style part, before the horns and other instruments come in, for a pretty amazing song intro.  Boyd then plays one of the most beautiful violin pieces he has ever played in my opinion. The song then goes on a high speed blast until the 6 minute mark and it turns into a soft 4 minute segment that is a cross between something Neil Young might do, but it also had some Pink Floyd tendencies. The work by the brass section is phenomenal, and it's really a perfect way to end the album as it fades out, with the "that's not a star, it's a satellite" line.

Overall, I really like this album. I'm not sure where to rank it on the DMB totem pole, but I know that Steve Lillywhite definitely helped make this album sound as good as it is. Great musicianship, somewhat decent lyrics, and an album with not a single turd on it's ledger. Check it out, even if you're not a DMB fan.  Highlights are "If Only" "The Riff" "Belly Belly Nice" "Sweet" and "Drunken Soldier".

THE KILLERS "BATTLE BORN" REVIEW

Next Tuesday’s release of “Battle Born” marks the Killers first album since 2008’s “Day and Age”.  In 2010 we were presented with the largely underrated “Flamingo”, a solo project by Brandon Flowers. Last year, drummer Ronnie Vannucci completed a record entitled “Big Talk” by his side band under the same name.  They termed “Battle Born” their “difficult” fourth record, and the final product is something that is clearly distinct. The Killers have a meandering sound that’s usually indefinable, but take away the vocals and the casual fan could probably pick out that it’s The Killers. 

On “Battle Born” they turn everything up. Their first CD “Hot Fuss” had plenty of guitar live-action, but it was also heavily covered with the keyboard skills of Flowers.  Their follow-up and best work to date “Sam’s Town” was a pure rock record. “Day and Age” was a bit off the beaten path, but still a solid record. I kind of refer to it as the bastard step-child of “Hot Fuss”.  To me “Battle Born” is Sam’s Towns nephew. It looks up to Sam’s Town, like young kids might possibly look up to their uncle. 

They stick to what they do. Songs about America, cars, young love, heartbreak, and songs with powerful anthem style rock choruses. It’s The Killers. It’s what they do. It’s called the way it is.  Here’s the track by track…

BATTLE BORN

1. Flesh and Bone 8/10

A great opener, with a punch in the face of Roy Jones Jr. in his prime.  This song definitely has room to grow live.  I didn’t like the lead single “Human” from “Day and Age”, and I still don’t like that song, but “Flesh and Bone” is “Human” on crack with more guitar. 

2. Runaways 9/10

The lead single is definitely one that will hang out with “When You Were Young” when it comes to catching everybody’s ear. It’s a wonderful song, and probably a little simple musically, but it’s classic Killers.  Flowers probably urinates catch choruses.

3. The Way It Was 8/10

Remember how I was saying that when Brandon Flowers pees, a little bit of awesome chorus comes out? Well, yeah it must be true. Great song, and classic Killers format. Tease you with the verse, and suck you in with the chorus.

4. Here With Me 5/10

Not one of my favorite songs on the album, but I understand it’s appeal. I think a lot of people will like this, and it could have single written all over it. Of course, most Killers do.  I just thought it kind of dragged in the middle. It’s a pillow-puncher. It’s a tearjerker if you’re the emotional type…..not me………….

5. A Matter of Time 3/10

Sounds like something that would have been on “Sawdust”. I’m not a huge fan of this song right now.

6. Deadlines and Commitments 6/10

Not to be repetitive, but this sounds like something that would have been on the tail end of “Flamingo”.  I dig the song a lot, but it was less like The Killers than some of the other cuts on the album.

7. Miss Atomic Bomb 6/10

Pretty powerful track with a booming chorus.  It kind of reminded me of “A Dustland Fairytale”. Just another song on this disc that follows the mold of ramping up the guitars and vocals.

8. The Rising Tide 8/10

This low self-esteemed reporter thinks that this song is possibly a B-side from Sam’s Town, but one can’t really ever know that.  Quick, punchy, and good.

9. Heart of a Girl 7/10

A sweet song that ends up pretty extravagant.  More resemblance to “Flamingo” here.

10. From Here On Out 6/10

This one had an almost country feel with the slide effects on the guitar.  “Big Talk” influence is pretty evident on this one.

11. Be Still 3/10

Undoubtedly, my least favorite song on “Battle Born”.  It could be a grower though.

12. Battle Born 10/10

The title track is pretty much perfect. A great way to end the album, and a perfectly produced track all the way around.

BONUS TRACKS

Carry You Home 7/10

Love the themes of death, and being okay with death. The guitar riff is fantastic too.

Flesh and Bone Remix 8/10

I'm not dubstep/techno/dance club music guy really, but this remix was done masterfully.

Prize Fighter 4/10

Definitely a reason this song is an extra. Kind of silly, in fact really corny.

While it’s not Sam’s Town, and I won’t have it ranked higher than Hot Fuss, I do think it’s better than their previous work Day and Age. I like Day and Age, but it’s just my least favorite album of theirs. I like this CD. It took me a few listens, but I really like it. It’s just another group of songs that will translate well in a live atmosphere. I’ve always been amazed at The Killers ability to stay incredibly indie, while also being mainstream, but not to the extent of selling out and going with the current trends of Top 40 music. Now, more than ever, I stand back and am still amazed at this band’s ability to pump out powerful, infectious 4 minute pop-rock songs, while still not getting away from the meaning of the songs. Gwen Stefani’s “Hollaback Girl” was catchy, but it was pointless. That’s one example of many. The Killers’ songs are catchy, but there is a direction and a beauty to their craft.

For me, this album ranks in the lower half of their discography, but it’s still a creative work of art that I’ll spin until I die.

Mike from Breaking Bad has a New Role

Johnathan Banks, most well known for his role as Mike on Breaking Bad will be playing the role of Adam Scott's dad in Parks and Recreation this season. Awesome!

BREAKING: Jason Sudeikis in....for now

It was questionable that Jason Sudeikis would return for a 9th season of Saturday Night Live, but it's being reported today by Entertainment Weekly that the veteran is signing on for about a half season. He will likely be leaving the show in January.

That's good news for SNL. He plays the part of Mitt Romney, although his enthusiasm for the part was questionable. He also plays Joe Biden. I have to think SNL paid him a hefty amount, because I just didn't see any reason for him to stay. Saturday Night is the season premiere, with an election special next Thursday.

Parks and Recreation Season 5 Preview (WITH SPOILERS)

Season five will surely be the most challenging season that Parks and Rec has ever faced.  With a Ben (Adam Scott) and April (Aubrey Plaza) in Washington DC, and Leslie (Amy Poehler) fresh off her city council election win, this certainly appears to be a change of pace for the underrated NBC comedy.

Season 1 ended wonderfully, while Season 2's complete season worth of magic ended with the departure of Mark Brendanawicz (Paul Schneider) and the love triangle between Andy (Chris Pratt), Ann (Rashida Jones), and April. There was also Tom (Aziz Ansari) realizing that Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman) was dating his ex wife. Season 3 began with budget issues and the addition of Rob Lowe and Adam Scott, and it had the Harvest festival arc that brought us the greatness of Lil' Sebastian. The 3rd season's cliffhanger revolved around Leslie's relationship with Ben and if she would run for office or not, along with the appearance of a figure (hidden at the time) known as Ron's first wife Tammy.   In season 4 it begins with Leslie deciding to run, and the season ends with her winning the City Council election, but with her boyfriend Ben half-heartedly accepting a job in Washington DC.

So where do we go from here?

I'm not sure. I think the plan is to keep Leslie and Ben together no matter what, and you could definitely have many long-distance storylines. Next Thurday's (9/20) season premiere is titled "Ms. Knope Goes to Washington", so that kind of explains what's happening for the beginning of the season. Our good friends at Zap2it have the second episode information as well. An episode titled "Soda Tax", in which Leslie passes a tax on Soda, and also in the episode Chris helps Andy train to be a cop.

We know now Andy is going to attempt to be a police officer, a fine way to channel his inner Burt Maclin. 

Episode 3's information is available as well. In an episode entitled "How a Bill Becomes a Law", Leslie tries to pass a law to extend the community pool hours, while Chris thinks of a new way to solve people's problems around the city which leads to Ron fixing a pothole for a local mother (Lucy Lawless). Ben and April plan a road trip.

There's a lot going on here. First of all, it looks like they can have fun utilizing Leslie's new role to come up with a lot of new laws to pass or get rid of. Secondly, it appears Ron is going to be getting some action with the milfy hot Lucy Lawless! Mostly, i'm really looking forward to the forced chemistry of Ben and April on the road. 

I also have information for Episode 6, in which we meet Ben's parents.  From zap2it "The sixth episode of the season is titled "Ben's Parents." Yes, we'll meet Ben's dad, Steve, and his mom, Julia, as Leslie bends over backwards to make a good impression. The reunion goes a little sour when Julia meets Steve's much, much younger Hawaiian girlfriend. Her name, Ulani, means "cheerful." She isn't"

I'm excited. Are you? Why aren't you watching this show?

KT

3 ALBUM REVIEWS: Band of Horses, Avett Brothers, and The Divine Fits

Band of Horses-"Mirage Rock" 4/10

After being largely unimpressed by their 2010 album Infinite Arms, I was really looking forward to this Band of Horses session.  After receiving their lead single "Knock Knock" a couple months ago I was really excited.  Sadly, this CD just doesn't live up to the hype that "Knock Knock" created for me. It's probably likely that the allegiance of Band of Horses fans didn't like how poppy "Knock Knock" was, but for me it had created higher expectations that I probably needed to have. While many songs on the album have that typical Band of Horses folk sound, they came off rather directionless. I find myself enjoying more of their electric songs. "Feud" is a quick 3 minute cut that is clearly relationship driven. "Dumpster World" is my 2nd favorite track on the album. The raunchy cut about drugs and evil is a fun rocker. Other than that everything seemed really watered down. Maybe it wasn't ambitious enough for me, and maybe it'll grow on me, but for now I don't see this as an album that's going to get a whole lot of playing time. 

Knock Knock

Dumpster World

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The Avett Brothers-"The Carpenter" 7/10

I'll never pretend to be some expert on this band. I like them, and have liked them since about 2007, but that's really all I can say about our relationship. I've seen them twice live, but not as the main act. My earliest exposure to them came from my good friend Will Stewart, and at the time I was hearing the really wild-ass Avett Brothers material.  I really like it when they rock out, but I get very easily bored with some of their more beautiful slow songs. Maybe it's my disdain for country music, because I should really appreciate how they will never just play a song with a basic chord progression and leave that as the only substance to the song. No matter what there are always fantastic guitar fills that keep the songs from sounding bland.  In their last effort, 2009's "I and Love and You", they had once and for all cemented themselves in the conversation of indie/folk/Americana bands that you must give a shot.  While I had a few issues with just flat out getting bored during that record, it also had some gems that won't be forgotten.  Again, I was the victim of high expectations. They had brought in Rick Rubin to produce, a guy most well known for his rock producing background. I think I expected a more upbeat record.  With expectations out the window, I took in "The Carpenter" and it turned out to be quite the roller coaster.  I'm doing a track by track, because it's pretty good.

1. The Once and Future Carpenter 5/10

Definitely not how I would have started the album off, but I can definitely appreciate the musicianship and the religious undertones and death themed message. It just didn't do it for me though. I compare it to waiting in line to ride the Texas Giant or something.

2. Live and Die 10/10

The roller coaster is in motion. Excitement level peaking. Just a great song, and very fun. It might be too simple for some, but that is compensated for later on in the album.

3. Winter in my Heart 4/10

Kind of a hazy track. I compared it to getting off the roller coaster. Kind of dizzy. There's an emptiness in the lyrics, but a haziness in the song. Not a bad song by any means, but definitely nothing to remember.

4. Pretty Girl From Michigan 9/10

Continuing their "Pretty Girl.." series is this punchy song. Heartbreaking fun.

5. I Never Knew You 8/10

The background harmonies are so well placed and essential to this cut. I don't really know, I think the word i'm looking for is thumpy.

6. February Seven 3/10

This one bored me, but I think if I found the deeper meaning of the song I might dig in more. 

7 Through My Prayers 1/10

This one bored me even more.

8. Down with the Shine 6/10

I'm pretty sure this song is about Moonshine and the temporary effects. Who doesn't like moonshine?

9. A Father's First Spring 8/10

Yeah it's a slow one, but a good. It's clearly about being a father, and how having a kid suddenly removes you from yourself. 

10. Geraldine 8/10

It's under 2 minutes and is the perfect precursor to...

11. Paul Newman vs. The Demons 10/10

The Rick Rubin influence finally appears in this one. A hard rocking song, and I wish they would go this route  more often. So good.

12. Life 5/10

Sounds like something that would have been on "I and Love and You". It doesn't pack a punch, but it's a decent way to end an album on a gentle note.

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The Divine Fits-"A Thing Called Divine Fits"

Spoon's Britt Daniel leads an effort with Dan Boeckner of Wolf Parade, and Sam Brown of New Brown Turks. It's not overly ambitious, but it's a record that is simply good. It's not great, it's not particularly memorable either, but it's also not a turd or anything resembling a turd. If you like Spoon, then I have no doubts that you will like this album. I'm glad this record exists, just for the sole reason that it is the album that contains "Shivers". I really, really love that song.

Highlights: "Shivers", "My Love is Real", "Flaggin A Ride", "Baby Got Worse", and "For Your Heart"

Shivers