Please, use this song

Jon Lajoie strikes back.

Ed Sheeran sees fire

The second Hobbit movie will arive in a month and a few days and the trailers look very promising so far. The big news today is, the title song has just been uveiled. The reactions vary, but personally, I like it. Your thoughts?

Paul McCartney: New

I am a huge Beatles' fan, and I've always been. But I have to admit that, unlike with George or John, I've never really got into Paul's post-Beatles stuff. Nothing that he released either as a solo artist or with Wings did excite me very much, that is, with the notable exception of the 1973 album Band On the Run. Well, to be perfectly honest, it's not like I've listened to everything he's ever released. Not even remotely. Fortunately, though, the release of New has been generating a lot of buzz and I for once fell victim to it.

I am listening to the album for the first time as I am writing this post, because much to my surprise, I have been enjoying it a lot right from the very start. When approaching a record from a music bard like Paul, you do it with a certain idea of what the artist will sound like, and more often than not, he falls right into that box. Not this time around, though, because New sounds amazingly fresh and contemporary from the opening riff of Save Us to the last note of Road. (And then some more...) Yet, this is the same Paul he was when Please, Please Me came out. He's effortlessly a churning out tunes with such an ease in the way only he can, and you will hear hints and echoes of many Beatles' songs, from Love Me Do to A Day In the Life. It's an absolute joy to listen to. The album is a clear statement that the now 71-year-old McCartney has many tricks left up his sleeve and still a lot of things to say.

Best tracks: Alligator, On My Way To Work, Early Days, New

Strangeland

I'm a little behind schedule with these...

After Perfect Symmetry and the Night Train EP, I honestly didn't have high hopes for Keane's upcoming album. I feared they would go even further in terms of experimentation with synths, other weird sounds and collaborating with rappers such as K'naan. I was afraid they would eventually spiral out of my interest like a broken toy (which, I think, was the case with most of their fans). Fortunately, though, as the lead single suggested, they've put the weird stuff behind them, went back in time and released an album that is much alike their first two.

However, the record mixes certain elements from all their previous albums, which gives it a rich, complex sound. The fast and upbeat songs sound fabulous, the ballads are powerful and there isn't one weak track. As a whole, this is a very cohesive effort, not "going bananas" in a studio.

Strangeland is a welcome return to form. Keane is, once again, the band we used to love, fully understanding what their biggest assets are and acting like Night Train was nothing but a bad dream. Some may consider it a step back, a safe return to the comfort zone, but as I see it, fans couldn't expect an album better than this. It's no coincidence the band scored fifth number one on the UK album chart in a row (the EP counts too), an achievement only surpassed by the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, ABBA and Eminem. Hopefully, this is not the last time. Keane put themselves back on the map and showed they are still a force to be reckoned with. While Strangeland might not be a creative milestone for the band, it gives them an opportunity for a fresh start of sorts.

Best tracks: Silenced By the Night, Sovereign Light Cafe, Neon River

Born and Raised

Remember the time before st. tropez started his journey into the history of '90s and '00s music? There was an album we all talked about and were looking forward to... Yes, the latest John Mayer effort. Here are my thoughts. Don't consider this to be a proper review, though, because I'm no John Mayer expert...

Firstly, I just love the artwork.

Anyways, half a year ago, I wasn't exactly a John Mayer fan. The amount of praise his albums were getting repelled the little hipster in me. Besides, this solo singer/songwriter stuff was never my cup of tea. But then a friend of mine forced me to actually give his albums a shot and I did. Well, I didn't love it, but I liked it enough to give it a few spins and enjoy it for the while. Then suddenly, as the release date of his new album approached, I found myself looking forward to Born & Raised.

It's the folkier sound which I find most appealing about the new album. Many great musicians go folk eventually, and hardly ever there comes anything bad out of it. This isn't the case either. Although it wasn't that big of a change for Mayer as he still stays clearly recognisable and never wanders outside his own niche...



...with a notable exception, of course. The song Walt Grace's Submarine Test, January 1967, as st. tropez already mentioned, isn't like anything we ever heard from Mayer. So let's give the man some credit for that. It's a fantastic song. If only he did something like that more often, because it shows everything I miss in the rest of Mayer's music. If only I knew how to put it in words... Stronger melodies? More passion? Probably. Nevertheless, when Mayer hits the strings, you know it's always worth the time. In the end, this is an all-around great record and the folkier sound shouldn't put anybody off.

Best tracks: Queen of California, Shadow Days, Walt Grace's Submarine Test, January 1967

Queen of California

Listen to the new John Mayer song. His next album, Born and Raised is due out May 22. To read a track-by-track review, head over to st. tropez's blog.

Older albums revisited: Flamingo

Later this year, The Killers will realease their first album since 2008. Since the news emerged, I've been revisiting their older catalogue, from Hot Fuss to Sawdust. Then suddenly, Brandon Flowers' solo album came to my mind.

...and I have to admit, I like it much better now than I did when it came out. Back then, it was too poppy. It had everything I didn't like about Day & Age. Too many synths, piano and no guitars. Well, listening to it now, I actually enjoy it for the same reasons I love all the Killers' albums. Even on his own, Brandon Flowers can still write big melodies. Besides, the lead single Crossfire hasn't aged a day and is still absolutely fantastic.



Nevertheless, here's to hoping that the new album's gonna be a lot more like Sam's Town. I can't wait...

Disconnected

Keane's beautifully shot brand new music video. They're back, everyone!



Just a reminder, the new album, Strangeland is due to be released on May 7th.

Silenced By the Night

This new deserves its own post.

The new Keane album will be out in May. The band have stated that they were inspired by The Vaccines' debut record also that the album will have the vibe of their earlier songs. I am stoked.

Meanwhile, their brand new track appeared on the webs. Personally, I think they still got it. It's only about the path they'll take. Your thoughts?

The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy

At last, we've been given a chance to listen to the newest Nada Surf album, and words can't describe how much I was looking forward to this. It's without a doubt one of my most anticipated releases of the last few years, since, well, their latest album, Lucky. So this is a suitable and welcome opportunity to try a new thing on the blog. From now on, I would like to post more original content, short reviews mostly, not just music videos here and there. Or at least such is the plan...

So how good is the album actually? Reeeaaally good. Well, at least from my point of view, the view of an adoring fan. The first and foremost fact about "Stars..." is, that the band returned to their classic sound in the vein of the first three albums. No more Death-Cab-For-Cutie style, they've fastened up significantly and the guitars are distorted again. The rest is still Nada Surf as we know and love them, Matthew Caws' likeable voice, great melodies, anthemic choruses. In its approximately forty minutes, there isn't a single weak or boring moment.

They churn out the tunes with such an ease that it leaves me with suspicion they didn't even try too much. And frankly, that's the only problem I have with the record, because on Lucky or The Weight is a Gift the band tried to push themselves musically, shake things up a bit. And while this is still an extremely enjoyable record, it sort of leaves the bitter aftertaste of a band lacking progress. Nada Surf are situated in a similar position as Jimmy Eat World, both cult bands that can do almost no wrong, but struggling to come up with something particularly new and exciting...

...but who am I kidding, The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy still is a fantastic album and thankfully, we don't have to wait any longer to hear it.

The opening track Clear Eye Clouded Mind

As always, feel free to express your thoughts in the comments.

Introducing: Alpha Rev

After months of wondering what to post about, trying to find the right band and the right amount of time needed to post something, I have finally figured out who to share with you guys. I figured from time to time i'd drop in with a band I enjoy that I hope you guys will enjoy as well. Some you may have heard of, others of them you won't know anything about. So, here is the first installment of st. tropez section titled "introducing".

Alpha Rev: In 08, during the myspace boom, they were ranked as one of myspace's top unsigned bands, and were even given the crown of top unsigned band in all of Texas. In 2010, Alpha Rev released their first major label CD, New Morning, to critical praise. The lead single, "New Morning" saw success on VH1, peaking at 7 on the countdown, and peaked at 100 on the Billboard Top 100. However, due to horrible push from their record label, Hollywood Records, the disc went unseen by many, even though a number of the songs were picked up by American television shows, and even the computer game The Sims. The band, since the release, has opened up for acts like Pete Yorn, The Script, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Staind.

"New Morning"


"Phoenix Burn"

Called Out In The Dark

Watch a new Snow Patrol music video for the song Called Out In The Dark, which will be released as a single track and as part of an EP on September 4. I find it highly addictive, your thoughts?

His racing thoughts

Check out new Jack's Mannequin's song...

Drown

Finally, brand new music video for the first single from the upcoming Carolina Liar's album. I love it, both the song and the video. Your thoughts?

Carolina Liar

Aaaaand here we go again, free download of Carolina Liar's new song. Their sophomore album, Wild Blessed Freedom, is due out September 27 and it's one of this year's  most anticipated for me.

What I know

Parachute's new record, The Way It Was, is certainly one of the pop rock highlights of this year and everyone should check it out. You can stream a new song below...

Gin Blossoms

At the request of our friend and collaborator Sam, here's the discography of this group of rock in the best quality (320 kbps).



Band's Myspace

ALBUMS

(1989) Dusted + (1992) New Miserable Experience + (1996) Congratulations I'm Sorry Link

(1999) Outside Looking In - The Best of Gin Blossoms + (2006) Major Lodge Victory Link

OneRepublic

If a group like us all without exception this is undoubtedly OneRepublic. It's amazing how he knows how to combine the sounds and how he can make you feel intensely melodies, both the sad and the joyful. I know that everybody have their albums, but this is their entire discography to 320 kbps, which I'm sure you will miss something. You enjoy it! Olé!

Band's Myspace

EP/Singles/Others:
(2008) Live Session (iTunes Exclusive) / (2007) Apologize + (2008) Mercy + (2008) Say (All I Need) + (2008) Stop And Stare + (2009) All The Right Moves + (2009) Come Home (feat. Sara Bareilles) + (2009) Everybody Loves Me + (2009) Good Life + (2009) - Secrets / 4 Tracks Link
Albums:
Dreaming Out Loud (13 tracks) + iTunes Extended Version (8 extra tracks) + Japanese Edition (7 extra tracks) Link
Waking Up (11 tracks) + International Edition (3 extra tracks) + Target Deluxe Edition 2CD (4 extra tracks) Link

Stanfour

Looking the other day a group similar to one recommended by Sparkle I found this group. I love their sounds, their melodies, their ... In a word: AWESOME. I hope you enjoy too.

Band's Myspace
ALBUMS: Rise And Fall + Wildlife Link

Aleksander With

Hi Sparkle. A little birdie told me that this guy you really like, so here's my special gift for you: his discography in the best quality.

Band's Myspace

Aleksander With - Coming Home Link
Aleksander With - Still Awake Link