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Earn more money back on your textbooks with USD Radio and the Better Bookstore!

April 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment

 

Sell your textbooks back at The Better Bookstore, and earn an additional 5% back thanks to USD Radio!

USD Radio is proud to endorse and support The Better Bookstore. As a business started locally by USD alumni, The Better Bookstore has been providing students with better deals on textbooks for the last two and a half years. Priding itself on being a student advocacy group, The Better Bookstore urges students to visit them before buying, renting or selling books, because they will always tell you the best way to handle your textbook needs, even if it’s not with them!

Additionally, The Better Bookstore has teamed up with USD Radio to offer a terrific deal. On top of getting more money back for your books than offered at the on-campus bookstore, The Better Bookstore will give students an additional 5% back while giving an additional 5% back to USD Radio. Furthermore, The Better Bookstore has pledged to take proceeds from donated, valueless books and support local causes like Shelter San Diego.

The end of the semester is approaching and we hope that our listeners will support USD Radio, and themselves, by selling their books to The Better Bookstore. Please support us!

The Better Bookstore is located across from the bottom entrance to the USD campus at 5433 Linda Vista Rd. Ste. C, San Diego, CA, 92110. www.thebetterbookstore.com (619) 800-3873.

Filed Under: Events, USD Radio

Phish Holiday Run 2010: A Week Long New Year’s Celebration

January 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Trey Anastasio alongside Phish at DCU Center (Photo: Sarah Jorgensen)

Can you name any bands touring today that play over one hundred different songs over a five day run? Though Phish shows retain the stigma of a Grateful Dead-esque hippie fest, much of the music Phish plays is intricate and complex and should be given a chance by anyone who truly appreciates the art of simply making music.

With lengthy jams fully improvised on the spot and no bells and whistles- just guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, and vocals- Phish is a breath of fresh air in a music climate populated by autotune and synthesizers.  The band’s dedication to its live performance is also admirable. If you are new to listening to Phish, stay away from studio recordings- the live shows truly showcase their talents.

Phish’s five-day Holiday Run, an expansion of their tradition of playing a New Year’s Eve show, took place December 27-28 at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA and December 30-31 and January 1 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. I had the pleasure of seeing three of these shows live (the 27th, 28th, and 1st) and watched the live webcast of the New Year’s Eve show from the comfort of my couch. All of the shows are available for download at LivePhish.com, if something in particular strikes your fancy.

December 27, DCU Center: A good kick-off to the run, Worcester’s first night was filled with snow-themed songs- “Cool it Down,” “It’s Ice,” and “Seven Below” – references to the blizzard that had hit the Northeast just the day before. Surprisingly, it was also filled with many of Phish’s most radio friendly songs, including “Farmhouse” and “Wading in the Velvet Sea.” The MVP of the night was truly bassist Mike Gordon, who, in addition to playing excellent bass throughout the show, especially during “Weekapaug Groove,” picked up the slack for Anastasio’s hoarse voice, as the band played more songs that depended on Gordon’s soulful voice as the lead vocal, including “Mike’s Song.” Other songs of note included the rare Ween cover “Roses are Free,” the second “Mound” since 2002, and a rousing “Cavern.”

December 28, DCU Center: The band continued to move into more exploratory, jam-oriented territory on night two of Worcester. Set One remained relatively tame, but did include a funny introduction to “Alaska,” during which Anastasio played Sarah Palin quotes into the microphone using a voice recorder. The highlight of set one was absolutely “Stash,” which hinted at the intensity that Set Two would bring. The set ended with a special barbershop quartet rendition of “The Birdwatcher,” a true treat. Set Two began with a bang as the band played an unexpected and highly intense “Carini,” a personal favorite of mine. Another treat was the rare and eerie “Frankie Says.” The set came to a close with one of the best, most powerful “Harry Hood” renditions of 2010 as well as the joyful closer, “Bug.” The show left me assured that the continuation of the run at Madison Square Garden would be very special.

December 31, Madison Square Garden: Though I watched the show live via the band’s official webcast, it is unfair of me to make full judgments of the show without actually being present. However, it was certainly a special New Year’s Eve, including one of the band’s most intricate New Year’s Eve pranks to date, which you can watch at http://vimeo.com/18358933. Other show highlights include “You Enjoy Myself,” “Ocelot,” “Sand,” and “Piper,” another personal favorite of mine.

January 1, Madison Square Garden: On the heels of the excellent New Year’s Eve show, it was easy to anticipate an out of this world show, and Phish delivered. This easily is one of my favorite Phish shows I have ever attended. From  funky “Tube,” which I have never heard live, to an incredible and simply beautiful “Divided Sky,” it was clear that the band was feeling extremely polished after the past four shows. The end of Set One brought the winning combination of “Reba” and “Walk Away.” Set Two opened with a song many fans had been hoping to hear that night: the always fun Talking Heads cover “Crosseyed and Painless.”  The rest of Set Two followed this fun format and kept the crowd dancing the whole set with a funky cover of Robert Palmer’s “Sneakin’ Sally Through the Ally” with a vocal jam, a very special “Simple,” and a particularly dance-worthy“David Bowie.”

As an admittedly very passionate Phish fan, I was left feeling pretty fulfilled from these shows. Though I missed seeing the big New Year’s skit, I heard the band play songs in total top form. Each night had a totally different vibe and overarching theme. I am eager to see what else Phish has up their sleeves for this year- they certainly started it with a bang.

Filed Under: Concerts, USD Radio Tagged With: , ,

Top Ten Videos of 2010- Haley Earl-Lynn & Kristiana Lehn

January 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Staff DJs Haley Earl-Lynn and Kristiana Lehn have collaborated to put together a list of their top ten music videos from 2010. Enjoy!

Baths (Live), myspace.com/bathsmusic

10. Tennis- South Carolina

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMMxi3xdb30&has_verified=1

Yes, there are some breasts, sequins, birds, and dancing women in this video. YouTube flags it as inappropriate for viewers under 18. Luckily we are all mature here. This black and white video with dancing, scantily clad women has an old world feel and so does the tune. Tennis is on the rise and I can’t wait to catch them on their current tour.

9. She and Him- In the Sun

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ3cTwI9bIw

No one can deny- Zooey Deschanel is precious. M. Ward is lucky to have her in his band and Ben Gibbard is lucky to have her as his wife. She and Him’s In the Sun video plays up Zooey’s cute factor. That is why it is tops. I would imagine if Zooey were to stare on Glee it would look something like this video.

8. Health- We Are Water

http://vimeo.com/10818338

It must be stated that this video is amazing because it is terrifyingly creepy. Health turned over the creative duty to Eric Wareheim (of Tim and Eric) and he certainly went all out. Given the fact that I shoved this in many of my friend’s faces after first coming across it, I know firsthand that many people have not had the most positive reactions to We Are Water. I take full responsibility for this. I should have allowed these viewers to finish their lunch first.

7. Sebastian Tellier- Look

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2McbnUWjyw&feature=player_embedded

It’s obvious the dairy-air is an asset both women and men hold in high regard. Men write songs all about this one special body part, so why wouldn’t Sebastian Tellier allow it to take up his entire music video for star track Look. Baby got back!

6. The Growlers- People Don’t Change (Blues)

http://vimeo.com/8536900

Jack Coleman’s film skills are top notch. In his video for People Don’t Change everything great about living at the beach in California and being young come together. This video was filmed in Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz while Coleman was hanging out with the band from Long Beach. I have only been away from my beachy home of San Diego for a few weeks and watching this video takes me right back.

5. CocoRosie-Lemonade

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tu3EcAHdHlE&feature=artist

While I am a bigger fan of CocoRosie’s 2004 album, La Maison de Mon Rêve, their 2010 album has grown on me over the year. It is strikingly somber; maybe that is why it takes longer to appreciate. Regardless, the video for Lemonade, the most popular track on 2010’s Grey Ocean album, is noteworthy. As a girl I struggle to grow a beard, and frankly, even if I was capable of growing one, I would feel quite self conscious. Lemonade features an array of bearded-women. How can I argue against singing women with such nice beards?

4. Toro y Moi- Blessa

http://vimeo.com/8636454

Blessa illustrates the feelings one might feel when one has reached the perfect stage of, let’s just say feeling good: everything glossy and soft around the edges; everything a little bit more beautiful and of course beer flowing out of measuring cups. I would love to be at the Blessa party and that’s what makes this video so great.

3. El Guincho- Bombay

http://vimeo.com/15247292

El Guincho, or Pablo Diaz-Riexa, creates electronic beats by blending elements of African and Latin music. His 2010 album, Pop Negro, sounds much like his first album, Alegranza; however, Alegranza was missing a music video equivalent to this year’s Bombay video. El Guincho’s video is a strange array of mostly sexual, violent, or straight up bizarre clips. All are intriguing and perplexing. While one girl licks a tree branch another smashes eggs on her face and one man shoots a stuffed panda. This video pleases many senses and is worth a watch.

2. The Hundred in the Hands- Pigeons

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAfEvvnzlwQ

Sometimes you just feel stifled. It has happened to me before at parties and social things; however, I have NEVER gone out to get air and projectile vomited fire. I wish I could acquire this trait only because of how glamorized it is in The Hundred in the Hands’ Pigeons video. Not only is projectile vomiting glamorized, but also the complete loss of balance. The Hundred in the Hands just hit the music scene this year after getting signed to Warp Records and I am definitely a fan. Glamorizing two traditionally embarrassing side effects of drinking definitely helped.

1. Baths- Lovely Bloodflow

http://vimeo.com/14402009

Kristiana Lehn put it best when she explained Bath’s Lovely Bloodflow as the closest thing to a religious experience she has ever had. There is simplicity and oddity wrapped up in the same video here with Lovely Bloodflow. It is harmlessly creepy and comforting at the same time.

Honorable Mention:

Die Antwood-Evil Boy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbW9JqM7vho&feature=related

Caribou- Odessa

http://vimeo.com/9568937

Flying Lotus- Kill Your Co Workers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPLNK3mn7zE&feature=artist

Filed Under: Favorites, USD Radio Tagged With: , , ,

Top Ten Songs of 2010–Justin Marini

December 31, 2010 By 3 Comments

As we toast the memory of 2010 and ring in 2011, it would be foolish not to consider which songs made 2010 a special. I’d like to welcome everyone to the new section of the USDRadio.org known as “Favorites.” This will be a space for DJs to make top ten lists of some of their favorite genres, songs, albums, concerts…well, basically anything. This is an opportunity for our listeners to get a taste of what we all love over here at USD Radio. Below I have listed the ten songs that I believe made the music that came out of 2010 special. Enjoy!

Mumford & Sons, clashmusic.com

10. “Tighten Up” – The Black Keys – This is a far cry from what we have come to expect from the rockish-blues group, but I can’t help but love it. While “Tighten Up” may sound a little more mainstream to Black Keys fans, you cannot deny the raw guitar textures we have all come to love and expect from the Akron, OH based group.

9.“Nothin’ On You” – B.O.B. feat. Bruno Mars- Yes, “Nothin’ On You” was definitely one of the most overplayed songs of 2010, but who can’t love this song? The lyrics are definitely a little cliché, but they’re nevertheless irresistible.  The smooth rhymes of B.O.B. accompanied by vocal standout Bruno Mars make for a very distinctive sound. Besides, what would a wrap-up of a year in music be without one sappy love song?

8. “Only the Young” – Brandon Flowers- Okay so maybe Brandon Flowers as a solo artist will never carry anywhere near as much glory or hype as The Killers’ Hot Fuss ever did, but “Only the Young” shows a lot of promise. In a year that will probably be remembered best for the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, an earthquake in Haiti, obscene Arizona immigration laws, and Snooki, it is nice to hear an uplifting song with some depth every once in a while. “Only the Young” contains a message of reflection and redemption, giving hope to a generation of music that often lacks substance.

7. “Black and Yellow” – Wiz Khalifa- The Pittsburgh based rapper hit the scene with his breakout mixtape Kush and Orange Juice in April of 2010, and has seen tremendous success ever since.  “Black and Yellow” is the sort of song that at a first listen may not seem all that special, yet hours after hearing it for the first time, I found repeating “black and yellow, black and yellow…” like a mantra to myself, and came to love it.

6. “Not Afraid” – Eminem- Quite possibly the most controversial album of 2010, Recovery conjured up a wide range of emotions upon its release. While many found the album to be a positive breath of fresh air, others were critical of Recovery’s often-repetitive sound in what the Houston Chronicle referred to as “…a relentless, exhausting listen.” While that may be so, let’s give Em’ some credit. To me, “Not Afraid” is an indication of growth in Eminem as not only a rapper, but also as a person. While his message may not be as negative and he’s no longer on drugs, there is no question that the tight wound lyrical genius we have all come to love still thrives deep within “Not Afraid.”

5. “Down for the Count” – Girl Talk- One of the most overlooked albums of 2010, Girl Talk’s All Day may be his best release to date. The Pittsburgh based musician’s new song “Down for the Count” is an incredibly tight mash-up of sounds including (but not limited to) Eric Clapton, B.O.B., Usher, and even the late, great MJ. This is a track perfect for anytime you may need that extra jolt of motivation—in the gym, on your way to the bars, or just to kick start your day.

4. “Senior Skip Day” – Mac Miller- 2010 has been a great year for Pittsburgh based artists, and Mac Miller is no exception. While Mac Miller (aka Malcolm McCormick) did not see the same commercial success as fellow Rostrum Records standout Wiz Khalifa, his sound is nothing short of refreshing and new. “Senior Skip Day” is a glimpse into a day of sleeping in and enjoying the simple pleasures of doing nothing.  It is a subtle reminder that sometimes we need to let loose from the stresses of daily life and breathe easy. I have high hopes for this 18-year-old hip-hop prodigy in 2011. If you haven’t already, check this guy out!

3. “Laredo” – Band of Horses- The name Band of Horses has become synonymous with upbeat rock anthems, and “Laredo” does just this. I find this sound to be a mix of the upbeat vocals of The Magic Numbers (listen to “Forever Lost”) mixed with the classic sound of the Stone Temple Pilots (“Interstate Love Song”). I have yet to be disappointed by the Seattle based rock outfit, and have high hopes for these guys in 2011.

2. “F**k You” – Cee Lo Green- Picture this: your girlfriend has just dumped you for some jerk, a long list of homework which you have yet to attend to is waiting for you in the other room, and best of all, you’re broke. If this remotely describes you at any point in your life, then “F**k You” (I know, I wish I could just say it too) is the song for you. Albeit overplayed, Cee Lo Green takes the pent up frustration many of us face daily and puts an upbeat, soulful spin on it, sure to improve anyone’s mood!

1. “Little Lion Man” – Mumford & Sons- At the start of 2010, I never would have picked that an English folk-rock band would top my list. Of course, a year ago I doubt I would have imagined even publishing a top-ten list of songs for 2010. Mumford & Sons are not your average band. Rooted in the assertive yet enticing vocals of Marcus Mumford, it is the swirling sound that echoes out of instruments including the banjo, mandolin, and string bass (to name a few) that really ties together the unique sound of Mumford & Sons together. “Little Lion Man” says it all in one track. Lyrically addressing the self-loathing misery of pushing loved ones away, the positive air embedded in the instrumental backing suggests fixing the problems of your past and becoming a better man tomorrow. We could all find some truth in “Little Lion Man” as we ring in 2011.

Honorable Mentions:

“Every Day” – Girl Talk

“Stereo Love” – Edward Maya & Vika Jigulina

“Live Free” – Mac Miller

“Runaway” – Kanye West

I am looking for feedback on the “Favorites” section of USDRadio.org, so please don’t be shy. Maybe just go easy on me for my choices? Anyways, Happy New Year’s everyone!

—–Justin Marini

Filed Under: Favorites, USD Radio Tagged With: , ,

Music and Manliness: An Interview with Zach Gill of ALO

February 8, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Source: alomusic.com

I had the opportunity to speak on the phone with Zach Gill, lead vocals and keyboard player among other instruments for the California based jam band Animal Liberation Orchestra (ALO). Along with drummer Dave Brogan, bassist Steve Adams, and guitarist Dan Leibowitz, the “rapturing funkateers” new release Man of the World hits stores Tuesday, February 9, 2010.

Zach discussed with me the maturity of ALO as a whole on this album. From their humble UC Santa Barbara roots to the band they are today, one can hear tremendous growth in the sound of this band. Now that members of the band have had time to settle down and form their own unique careers separately, ALO has reconvened to produce an album that Zach assures me is something not to be missed. Everyone has grown up, settled down, and started families. They have truly become men of the world.

Source: alomusic.com

Man of the World was recorded by the band all at once, all in the same room, providing a much more raw, live, and nostalgic sound. This method of recording produces a more authentic sound quality, the way music was recorded years ago. There are no separate recordings, voice enhancements, or use of any of the other multitude of devices many artists use today. This is real music. The final product is mind blowing: a more harmonic sound, where the band can actually hear each other and adapt to the unique dynamic that they create during a song.

ALO starts their West Coast “Tour D’Amour IV” with a free show at Fingerprints Record Store in Long Beach, CA on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 7:00 pm. Proceeds from the “Tour D’Amour” dates benefit both Haiti relief and the support of music education. You can also check out ALO live alongside Stripes & Lines in Solana Beach, CA at Belly Up this Thursday, February II, 2010 at 9:00 pm. This is a 21 + show, and we will be giving away a pair of tickets to the show this week. If you’d like to be entered in a raffle to win these tickets, please email [email protected]. We’ll email the winner on Thursday morning. This is a live show sure to appeal to a wide audience. In the words of alomusic.com, “It is the sound of a band living, creating, loving, and growing together. It is the sound of ALO.”

To hear the full interview, click here:

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

For a full list of tour dates and more information, you can check out ALO at:

www.alomusic.com

www.myspace.com/alomusic

www.twitter.com/alomusic

Filed Under: Interviews, Upcoming Shows, USD Radio Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

The Middle East Reigns Supreme in Australia

December 1, 2009 By 1 Comment
The Middle East (Luckybuster.com)

The Middle East (Luckybuster.com)

A short silence, a whispering count, and then a swirling melancholy acoustic guitar lulls the listener into a state of painful reflection. This is the folk inspired sound that is Townsville, Australia’s brilliant new seven piece band The Middle East.

The debut release on Spunk Records Recordings of the Middle East- EP is not a band to be missed for any fans of Fleet Foxes, Sufjan Stevens, and Iron and Wine. The lonely, spaced out guitars of Jordan Ireland and Rohin Jones is pure brilliance. From start to finish, this five track EP shows promise for the emerging Folk-Indie scene.

While the music alone is enough for any fan of quieter sounds is enticing enough, it is the artfully crafted lyrics that raise up skeletons of sorrow left idly in the deepest reaches of one’s mind. The opening track “The Darkest Side” notes, “When I lose I find my identity.” This seems to be the fuel for The Middle East, that there is a great deal of hope found in painful experiences in life.

I recommend The Middle East to anyone and everyone searching for a sound not yet found in music. Though they are just starting up, there is hope yet for 21st century folk. Unfortunately, it seems as if The Middle East is touring extensively in Australia for the time being, but be sure to look out for an American tour in the near future.

Filed Under: Album Reviews Tagged With: ,

Album Review: The Avett Brothers Mellow Return

October 26, 2009 By Leave a Comment

The Avett Brothers, allknowingforce.com

The Avett Brothers, allknowingforce.com

Every so often, a band comes along that seems to pour its heart and soul into every track. The Avett Brothers seem to be one of those bands.

From the first pained piano chords of the title track off of The Avett Brothers newly released EP I and Love and You, the listener is placed into a state of sorrow. By the time the soothing caress of the cello enters, the listener is swept away, placed into a state of of sorrow and hope simultaneously.

The North Carolina group seems to show a softer side on this album, and this is saying something. Prior to I and Love and You, The Avett Brothers had over fourteen songs with the name “pretty girl” in the title. While at times the songs might sound slightly sappy, it is crucial that the listener slowly considers the complexity of the songs. From a steady bass to slow banjo strumming, a relaxed guitar, and a quiet drum that seems to tie it all together, there are a lot going on in these tracks.

Beyond the actual tune, quite possibly the most unique facet of The Avett Brothers are their lyrics. This album seems to intensify their lyrics while slowly down their tempos. The track “Laundry Room” describes love in quite a unique way stating, “I woke with a head full of songs/I spent the whole day/I wrote ‘em down but its a shame/Tonight i’ll burn the lyrics, ‘cause every chorus was your name.” This expressive way of stating a deep infatuation shows the unique creativity of Seth Avett.

Critics of this album might say that The Avett Brothers are leaving their unique style behind for a more mainstream sound, I beg to argue the exact opposite. While perhaps some of the tunes might at time sound generic, the beautiful tangents of guitar picking and banjo lines will comfort any fan of the classic Avett Brothers sound.

The Avett Brothers begin an extensive tour of the East Coast and the Midwest starting October 29, 2009. Be sure to look out for The Avett Brothers to head out to the West Coast this spring. More information can be found at www.theavettbrothers.com .

Filed Under: Album Reviews Tagged With: , , ,

The Flaming Lips’ Darker Side Revealed

October 16, 2009 By Leave a Comment

The Flaming Lips, 2009, rockness.co.uk

The Flaming Lips, 2009, rockness.co.uk

At first listen, the Flaming Lips new album Embryonic might seem quite strange, and it is, do not get me wrong. But strange is what they aim for, and that is what makes The Flaming Lips so unique.


For over twenty years, Oklahoma City’s own, the Flaming Lips have opened up people’s minds to the idea that there is a great range that can come out of the psychedelia genre. This album is no different. While the peaceful sound of Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots is certainly something of the past, Embryonic is sure to please any fan of the “fLips.”


From the opening notes of “Convinced of the Hex,” the first track on the album, one might become concerned that the sound change is too drastic. Once the synthesizer enters, however, fears are over and the listener is placed into a slow trance. The heavier beat throughout this album seems to add a dark, dense almost Pink Floyd-like tone to the tracks on this album.

What has not changed in Embryonic are lead vocalist Wayne Coyne’s avant-garde lyrics. The real spice behind the Flaming Lips are the words, often overlooked by the spaced-out tunes of their songs. One might find the lyrics are scattered, non sensical, and nevertheless awesome.


One must dig a little deeper to make sense of Coyne’s unique style, which ultimately makes them that much more enjoyable to listen to. A highlight of the album is the song “Sagittarius Silver Announcement,” which beckons the listener, “We can be like they are/We can be free/Free to be evil/Free to believe/Free to be slaves now/To this silver machine.” In other words, do what you want to do, its your life after all.


Be sure to look out for a large scale U.S. tour to be announced later this year. Additional information can be found at www.flaminglips.com.

Filed Under: Album Reviews

Different Peaks, New Horizons for The Mountain Goats

October 15, 2009 By Leave a Comment

The Mountain Goats, 2009, 4AD

The Mountain Goats, 2009, 4AD

Despite having twelve tracks named after Bible verses, The Mountain Goats’ third album The Life of the World to Come is a far cry from Christian rock.


Lead vocalist John Darnielle carries The Mountain Goats into new horizons, trading in his trademark scratchy vocals (imagine a cross between Bob Dylan and Benjamin Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie) for a more refined (dare I say generic?) melodic voice. It seems as if songs like “This Year” and “Cotton,” are a thing of the past, yet, fans of the “old” Mountain Goats, do not fret, you will be pleasantly surprised.


Accompanied by a very mellow guitar, Darnielle’s lyrics take biblical passages’ themes, and make them incredibly dark, yet hopeful at the same time. The track “Matthew 25:21” includes a plane crash, a truck crash, and a case of cancer, yet  the song tries to redeem itself saying, “I won’t get better/But someday I’ll be free/Cause I am not this body that imprisons me.” Awfully morbid yet, strangely hopeful to say the least.


This is not the typical album one might toss in the CD player for serene sunny Sunday afternoon in San Diego, yet there is a strange comfort found in the steady strumming of the acoustic guitar. A staple of The Mountain Goats, which keeps the songs going, and ultimately seems to sooth anyone who can get past the lyrics. The tone of The Life of the World to Come seems like that of a lonely drive right after dusk, yet the album simultaneously hits the listener with a shot of hope.


Fans of The Mountain Goats’ The Life of the World to Come, check out Sondre Lerche’s  album Two Way Monologues or anything by Sufjan Stevens or As Tall as Lions.


The Mountain Goats begin their US tour on November 4th. Be sure to check them out at www.mountain-goats.com.

Filed Under: Album Reviews Tagged With: ,

“Zach Gill’s Stuff” Zach Gills album review

October 5, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Zach Gill (2008) Brushfire Records

Zach Gill (2008) Brushfire Records

From the moment the opening piano notes of “Family” begin to play, the listener is taken away from their surroundings, and back to a simpler time, when legos ruled and bedtime was 9:00 pm.

Zach Gill’s Stuff, the debut solo project of Animal Liberation Orchestra’s lead vocalist Zach Gill, is sure to please any fans of upbeat melodies and smooth vocals. Songs that stand out in particular are “Family” for its upbeat, positive message, and “Back in the Day” for its nostalgic easy going lyrics accompanied by a very smooth banjo progression.

This album seems constructed for someone in a very relaxed mood, possibly heading to the beach, something the Santa Barbara, California native is most assuredly familiar with. The lyrics are positive and hopeful, bringing people back to their childhood, when complication was not even a word in their vocabulary. “Back in the Day” comforts the listener by saying, “You know the world keeps getting stranger/But I still feel the same/I love you now like I loved you then back in the day.”

The major issue with Zach Gill’s Stuff is its repetitive melodies, a major problem the entire Brushfire Records label is familiar with. Any fan of Jack Johnson’s On and On or Donavon Frankenreiter’s Move By Yourself are sure to be immediately impressed, yet for us fans of variety, it is easy to get tired of this album. There are only so many times one can hear the same melody slightly altered. My advice is to conserve how much you listen to Zach Gill, but listen closely to the words when you do. You will not be disappointed.

Fans of this album, be on the lookout for Animal Liberation Orchestra’s next album, in the recording phases now and due out March of 2010.

Check out Zach Gill at www.zachgill.com for more information and tour dates.

Filed Under: Album Reviews Tagged With: ,