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I'm back in Cincinnati and wow it feels nice. Over the past few days I moved into my summer house on Villa and it feels pretty good as well. All the guys are sweet action Jackson and the summer is gonna go by too quickly. A lot of recording has been scheduled and a lot of audio goodness has been going down. Projects are plentiful and time is short. Once things actually start becoming official, I can write about them but as of now just know that hard work is good, God is better, and often times sitting outside can be the key to a good day. 

Coming into the summer, I have 3 classes, a hopeful job, numerous friend hangouts to catch up on (all of which got neglected over the past semester) and a mass of books to read. Will I get to all of my to-do-list? No way. I never have fully finished and one day if I did, I would probably die on the spot, peacefully knowing my life was complete. Anyways,  as I am waiting on my mother's dinner I am missing Nashville and a girl already. I am sitting outside, burning incense, my new found love which my mom thought was, and I quote, "only for pot smokers". My dogs are running wild and the practicality of Ohio is already setting in. It is going to be a good one week trip but after that I am back to Nashville, back to work, and back to fun.

Rising Up

This being their fourth original LP, Falling Up follows up 2007's Captiva with an even more adventurous sound than before and one that surpasses my expectation. From their beginnings as a typical 2000's rap/rock band, they have continually hinted at a more electronic and atmospheric sound and in Fangs! they hit full stride with a positive mix of airy vocals, ethereal pads, and a wide variety of styles of songs.

Fangs! could be seen as a monumental recording for Falling Up, partially due to some new band "members" as well as another attempt at making a record without Aaron Sprinkle at the producing helm. Allowing Casey Crescenzo, member/producer/engineer of The Deer Hunter, to take on many roles for this record (producer, engineer, guitarist, writer, mixing engineer, and vocals) was obviously a very good choice for Falling Up. Along with Jessy Ribordy, the lead singer and main writer of Falling Up, these two seem to make a great duo and Crescenzo finalizes a sound that Falling Up has seemed to be chasing on Captiva. Ultimately, the overall sound is more layered, more earthy, yet still melodic and story driven.

The album has good array of song styles to keep the listener, at least me, interested all the way through. The lyrics, which were all derived from a screenplay Ribordy wrote, certainly mesmerize with their complexity. After a few listens and overlooking the lyrics in written form, they still capture me in a story of which I am unsure of my level of understanding. This being said, after more time with this CD, I am confident in the lyrics' abilities to fulfill the overall story and concept.

Most impressive about Fangs! is the overall sound and feel. The specifics often get lost in an atmosphere so perfectly created and manipulated in this digital world. Often, this can be a problem for albums, as they fail to be memorable, but the feel of this album is too complete and appropriate to cause a cease of listening anytime soon. Hopefully, Crescenzo will continue to work with Falling Up in the future and even build his production repertoire, as he is only listed for producing three albums, including Fangs!, according to Allmusic.com.

Falling Up has never disappointed me before, but in this album they have even surpassed my expectations with their mastery of this particular vision and direction. The production value of this record is magnificent. Upon my initial listening sessions, I am extremely satisfied and hopeful that my enjoyment of this work will only grow as time and listens pass. This album is highly recommended for anyone that enjoys rock dashed with electronic elements, atmospheric textures, or a knack for catchy melodies.

Rating

4 out of 5 stars (With many chances to improve after time)

Key Tracks

A Color Eoptian

Streams of Woe at Acheron

Swimming Towards Propellers

Links

Nashville

Ideas for Government

Pure Excitement

BREAD

Two posts in 24 hours. miracle. As expected, my mother automatically said "Israel is toooo dangerous" so that will take some convincing. And already had another self realization today. I am so lucky I stayed in Nashville tonight. I could have easily went home, and even thought about retracting my studio plans to go home earlier. I am also so lucky the 1st of my 2 sessions tonight got cancelled. If not for that session being cancelled AND me deciding to stay in Nashville for the night just for one 4 hour session, my spring break would have started on a very different note.

I did not think much of it at first, but tonight was monumental for me. It started out with a simple plea to join in on some friends dinner plans since everyone else was gone. (It is very easy to see how quickly my social life deflates once Brooke leaves) It ended up with the 3 of us sharing just the right amount of bread on top of Lover's Circle (it was also my first time up there. Pretty magnificent, a must see in Nashville). Now the time was certainly good. Two of my fellow friends (who I probably hang out with less than I should) and I just chilled after dinner. It wasn't planned. It wasn't forced. But it was cool. My second self realization of the day came to me on the top of that mountain. I, and others close to me, have known for a long time that I usually work too hard, too long, and too often. I do not give myself a break and often miss much of the fun times of college (and general life) to read a book or turn some knobs. Tonight was liberating in a way. I almost forgot what actual people, besides studio geeks and my gf, were like. I forgot how it felt to be in a true social interaction, not just a passing by, polite greeting. SB09 here I come. Let me relax. Let me renew. And let me rethink my priorities.

SB 09

As my friends depart for their spring breaks, some more exciting, some less exciting, I am looking forward to home very much. I realize my trip might not be very cool or college-ish but the break is much needed. This semester has been rough and basically burnt me out to the max. At the same time, I want to travel. My list of places I need to go is long, but my list of accomplished trips is basically zero. I've been to Hawaii and the Tri-state area of Ohio. Exciting. At the moment, I'm talking to my friend who is readying to drive to Denver from Nashville. Denver is top on my list... Right next to an Israel trip my church is hopefully going on next year. It's just a realization that I need to get out there in the world..... Meaningless post, with a meaningful self realization.

The Day Has Come!

Hot and Fresh (Click and Download):
Cu$$ Word Part 1
Cu$$ Word Part 2


Hat and Hot Sauce. An odd duo to say the least. It all began one day in Cuba at a cigar shop. While Hot Sauce was working there to make ends meet, a certain customer complimented him on his Bon Jovi concert t-shirt. The American public now knows this cigar customer as Hat. Born Lavernius Bones, Hat hailed from South Africa and happened to be in Cuba on vacation. While stopping in to get a world famous Cuban cigar, Hat noticed Hot Sauce and his drive for excellence. After making some small talk about music, they both realized they had a passion for Rod Stewart, Hall and Oates, and Skid Row. After getting coffee and chatting more about music, life, and trading mailing addresses, Hat and Hot Sauce parted ways never realizing the importance of such a meeting. Fast forward to 1991. After almost five years of not seeing each other but keeping in touch via snail mail, both Hat and Hot Sauce decided to move to New York City in search of a music career and a record deal together. They began working on their debut EP, Cu$$ Word, in 1993. With a slight complex of perfectionism and a workaholic attitude, Hat and Hot Sauce finished their debut EP after 15 years of work in the studio, even topping Axl Rose’s dedication to Chinese Democracy. With collaborations with the infamous Poncho and Eazy D, Hat and Hot Sauce are set to take the music scene by storm. Dropping on January 19th 2009, Cu$$ Word is filled with #1 singles such as Hot Sauce and Tonsils Bout to Freeze. Hat and Hot Sauce are planning to continue their rise to prominence by hitting the studio in spring of 2009. Look for Hat and Hot Sauce on next week’s episodes of both The Hills and 106 and Park!

Tonsils Bout To Freeze

We find our heroes deep within a new year, in the throngs of a business in peril. Looking to produce an album that brings the music business out of its stupor, out of the cold and the rain. Can an album sell a record breaking number of copies anymore? I believe we have found an answer. Yes. With an early 2009 release, Hat and Hot Sauce bring us Cu$$ Word, a short EP that is only four songs surrounded by two skits. Despite its short length, Cu$$ Word delivers big time with the two rappers giving a concept so polished, so effortless, and so universal that they can win over any listener. This album is deep within the idea of a revolution, a change, and any other buzz word that encapsulates the American public.

The album's bread and butter comes within Hot Sauce's ability to lay down rhymes that make your head spin. He sprinkles his words of wisdom over Hat's beats like Mrs. Dash on a piping hot steak. His words hold content and substance while maintaining a flow thats unprecedented in modern rap. Combined with Hat's production and guest appearances from Poncho and Eazy D, Hat and Hot Sauce make an album ready for radio, MTV, NPR, and even BET. 

Although my review can speak volumes about this album, to hear it is to need it. This being said, the lead single is available for download below. Even though I got a promo copy of the album, the full and final record will be coming out soon and can be found where all music is sold. Look forward it coming out next week.

Key Tracks

Tonsils Bout to Freeze

(Click to download)

Skit 202

Stars 5 out of 5

Links

Instructables

End of the Year Analysis

As the end of the year approaches, I look back and realize it was a pretty good year for music. Many good releases came out, some higher profiled than others, and personally I expanded my boundaries exponentially. It always feels good to listen to some music that hurts at first but then becomes familiar and pleasing. The initial pain is only that of the mind stretching out of its boundaries. Below is my top ten albums of the year (in order) and some other odds an ends.

 

*This list was so hard because each album on the top ten practically encapsulated my musical ears for some slot of time in the year 2008. I included some EPs even though they are not full length releases. Too many EPs impressed me this year to not let them be on the list.

Top Ten List of 2008

1. The Raconteurs - Consolers of the Lonely

Jack White. Enough said. But I can go on. Recorded in Nashville, this lo-fi rock band took their jamming skills to a whole new level, capturing the raw feel of a real band. Using no computers during the recording process, Jack White and Brendan Benson take their band to a whole new level. It is obvious to see that the band has gotten more comfortable with each other as their CD tends to sound more like a jam than a planned out record. With catchy and quick simple songs and a mix of more intricate songs with horns, keys, and fiddle, The Raconteurs write songs with meaningful lyrics, rockin' instruments and some a little story telling, for flavor. Combine all of these elements and The Raconteurs release the best album of the year.

2. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular

One of the most interesting albums from a major record label artist. I can't say enough about the production vale especially after listening to their first record. The quality jumps tremendously thanks to David Fridmann, who also produced the Flaming Lips. Looking forward to see what else this duo can do in the future.

3. The Killers - Day and Age

With the addition of worldly instruments and a brass section, The Killers come out with an equally different album like as Sam's Town was. While overall it is not their best effort, it is such a beautiful stab at something new, one at which they pull off pretty well.

4. Thrice - The Alchemy Index 3 & 4

This half of a 4 part concept recording stands out just a little more than the previous half. This truly shows off Thrice's song-writing ability as well as their ability to move in completely new directions. With substantial lyrics and exploration of new musical feels, Thrice scores big.

5. Kanye West - 808's and Heartbreaks

Wait.... A truly mainstream rap artist has substance in his lyrics? Impossible, but Kanye did it. And to top it all off, it was super catchy and even though he used Autotune..... he sang the majority of the record instead of rapping it. This album is practically a completely new genre, not just for Kanye but for pop music in general.

6. The Avett Brothers - Second Gleam EP

In their last effort before landing in the hands of Rick Rubin, The Avetts craft up a handful of songs that show off their naked song writing talent and ability to write from meaningful past experiences. Lets hope this type of honesty and production does not change with the addition of major label support.

7. Astronautalis - Pomegranate 

This guy puts most mainstream rappers to shame. By implementing folk aspects into this record with a crazy knack for getting great drum sounds, this guy released one of the best kept secret albums of 2008.

8. Apes and Androids - Blood Moon

How have these guys not already blown up? In a random PureVolume search for music, I stumbled across these guys and enjoyed their very fresh sound. It stuck with me for so long, longer than expected, and somehow made the top ten list. Definitively, the most creative record of the year.

9. Little Joy - Little Joy

This cute and short CD is strictly a great indie/folk record. The vibes coming off this album are just so uplifting its hard not to sing along and possibly even dance a bit. I hope these band continues even if Strokes' duties call Fabrizio Moretti away.

10. Kopecky Family Band - Embraces EP

A band that is not even out of college yet. Their dualistic vocals and amazing song-writing allow for the audience to be captivated in their amazing folk rock five song EP. The only question is when do they record more and how do I get a hold of it?

Honorable Mentions 

Death Cab for Cutie - Narrow Stairs

Beck - Modern Guilt

Old Crow Medicine Show - Tennessee Pusher

Jack's Mannequin - The Glass Passenger

Panic at the Disco - Pretty. Odd.

Noah and the Whale - Peaceful, the World Lays Me Down

Lil' Wayne - Tha Carter III

Notable (Yet smaller) Artists of 2008

Judd and Maggie

Into It. Over It.

The Morning Of

David Mead

Mugison

Johnny Flynn

Biggest Disappointments 

Metallica

Weezer

Guns N' Roses

Coldplay

Ben Folds

Best Books I've Read This Year

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey

The Alchemist by Paul Coehlo

Ishmael by Daniel Quinn

The Reason for God by Timothy Keller