#48: Andy Grammer - Andy Grammer (2011)

Andy Grammar rose from obscurity on his singles, "Fine By Me" and "Keep Your Head Up". While there's no doubting just how catchy and solid those two singles are, I was curious to hear the rest of the album. Surely there has to be more gems inside, right?

Keep Your Head Up
Despite the whoa's that start the track, I really enjoy this every time I queue it up. A decent bass line and bounce of the piano on the verse gives way to a huge chorus. The o's and ah's on the chorus keep the track feeling good with the upbeat lyrics. It is awfully catchy but what makes it such a good track is the bridge. "Only rainbows after rain, the sun will come again..." It breaks it down a bit which makes the transition back to the chorus as smooth as possible.


Fine By Me
Best track on the album. The sweet guitar keeps an almost hawaiian feel while the piano rumbles down a broken beat. I love vocals, they aren't deep but the melody and lyrics provide a good enough story line to go along with the good vibes. Of course, it's a big hit because of the big chorus - however, the more I listen to the song the more I like the verse.

Love, Love, Love (Let You Go)
This track was spotlighted because it sounds like the least like anything else on the record. However, it's not all that different. The bass carries the song and the album could use a lot more of that. Synths throw in some fills to round out the song, however, there's nothing really over special about it. It's a great song to relax to and would fit in nicely on a beach mix. It's got a backbone but everything else is loose.

All in all, I think Grammer could write a great summer album but he needs more variation. It sounds like that was his intent, all the songs are vibrant, upbeat, and catchy - but it wears you down. None of his songs are all that different from each other. Lyrically it never gets deeper than the words he sings and the phrases never require any thought. I can't tell if the poor production got in the way of good songs or if it's the other way around. The acoustic version of 'Biggest Man in Los Angeles' tends to point toward poor production but the entire album can be summed up in a word: formulaic.

Tomorrow's album: Elvis Presley's Elvis is Back!

#47: Joan Baez - Joan Baez (1960)

Joan Baez is an American folk singer. During this record she plays guitar and sings with a very strong vibrato. This record marked her début and includes 13 folk songs.

The House of the Rising Sun
Wow. I had no idea this song could be this powerful. Dynamics play a huge part in the success of this recording. Baez has such a beautiful falsetto that sets up her belting it out perfectly. Instead of playing the verse and chorus the same way every time, she instead creates a much bigger curve to create a much bigger journey. Best track on the album.

Rake and Ramblin' Boy
The album is full of great stories, but I especially enjoyed the melody and the picking on this track. Baez is a honey badger, she doesn't care if she has to sing, "Now I married me a pretty little wife." She's going to do it, and really breathe life into it. It's surprising how entertaining the album is considering it's just a guitar and a vocal

Henry Martin
It feels a little like 'The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald', but then again folk songs about ships do have a particular sound. The picking/singing is phenomenal, but I really, really enjoyed the story. Rarely do I listen to lyrics on the first few plays, but the song forces it in your ear. A guy (Henry Martin) decides to become a pirate to support his two brothers. He threatens a merchant ship with sinking his ship unless he sails underneath him, they fight, and Martin wins. Then London weeps for the men lost at sea.

All in all, it's a very good album. While I don't see this going in the rotation, I'm sure I'll hear it again at some point. Any young girl with a guitar needs to listen to this record. The songs didn't run together despite the lack of variation in the instrumentation. Even if after this review you have no interest in listening to this album, you should absolutely check out, 'House of the Rising Sun'.

Tomorrow's album: Andy Grammer's self titled debut album.

#46: Darwin Deez - Darwin Deez (2010)

There's multiple people in the band 'Darwin Deez' including it's lead singer Darwin. At times I talk about bridge songs (songs that change and break up the rest of the album) however, this is kind of a bridge album. I've listened to quite a few albums in a row, but this has such an abnormal, distinct sound - it sets itself apart from everything else. There's hints of the 60's through the 90's, but where it really finds its groove is with the low-fi drums and catchy guitar licks.

Constellations
Such a sweet rock/funk guitar part. While the guitar doesn't change for the duration of the song, the vocals and the harmonies keep it on it's feet. Just after you realize that it's slightly repetitive it changes it up. It grooves so well and the low-fi drums add a 'hip' sound to set it apart from everyone else.

DNA
Well written lyrics coupled with a super catchy riff make up on the of the best tracks on the record. It has no issue with rocking out, yet it has no qualms with keeping that same feel and slowing it way down. It's a pretty awesome song to drive to, sing along with, or bob your head to while relaxing on the beach.

Up In The Clouds
Best melody, best riff, best feel, best lyrics, best chorus, and best song on the album. While it may sound formulaic, the riff is again repeated throughout the song. However, this time the rest of the music continually keeps it fresh. Such a good ride from start to finish and I struggle to find one person under the age of 70 that wouldn't totally dig this. It's modern, it's a throw back, and it's the reason I fell in love with this album.

All in all, it's an album full of super catchy riffs. Not one part of the music would be considered all that difficult to play but that doesn't matter. It inspires me to go home, grab my guitar, and record five of these songs. It's got to be just as fun (if not more) to play than it is to listen to. It's an album absolutely worth listening to. I'm glad I have it in mp3 form, if it were a CD or on vinyl then it'd be completely worn out by now.

Tomorrow's album: Joan Baez's self titled debut album.

#45: The Dave Brubeck Quartet - Time Out (1959)

The only thing I knew about Mr. Brubeck before this album was that he wrote 'Take 5', which is written in 5/4 time, and is completely awesome. I was surprised to hear other songs written in odd time signatures.


Blue Rondo A La Turk
I really dig the super quick piano lick that serves as the head. The solos are tasteful and they mix is up enough to keep it interesting. Plus, the solo section is nothing like the head, thus creating a much more receptive environment due to the drastic change. I really liked the recording and the tone of the bass. You can listen to each facet of each hit or just enjoy the walk.



Take 5

Awesome piano part. The bass follows beautifully but the melody by the horns may just take the cake. There are plenty of songs out there with odd time signatures (for instance Pink Floyd's Money), but none of them are nearly as cool. Also it includes my favorite drum solo (save Radar Love). It's got such a perfect snare sound - I want that. This is one of my all time favorite jazz recordings and it's impossible to think of much better. Beyond a shadow of a doubt it's the best track on the album.

Kathy's Waltz
Excellent recording quality; the piano is vibrant, the bass is rich, but it does not lack on the higher frequencies. The brushes on the drums are brilliant but not overpowering. The song itself is enjoyable, the solos are short and sweet, and the chords are thick and juicy.

All in all, it's incredibly solid. I've enjoyed and appreciated most of the jazz albums I've reviewed thus far, but this has had the best moments. It's considered a timeless record and I understand why. This is a band. Dave Brubeck may have his name on the marquee, but the other members carry their weight. A must listen for any jazz fan.

Tomorrow's album: Darwin Deez's self titled album.

#44: Kate Miller-Heidke - Curiouser (2008)

It's a drastic change from her earlier albums, while she draws more inspiration from Cyndi Lauper than anything. However, it doesn't sound anything like Lauper. It pulls from several different genres but at it's root is still a pop record. Kate brings her distinct vocals (operatic yet modern) to a fresh setting. Lyrically nothing's too deep - but it's fun. That could sum up the entire album, really fun. The more I hear Kate's voice the deeper I fall in love with it.

God's Gift to Women
What's cooler, the opening lick or Kate's deep question mark breath? "Used to being the guy that gets the girl, but if we were the last two people in the world, the human race would face extinction..." Then in comes incredibly cool and effective harmonies for the next lyric, "Before we'd get it on, honey." You knew the lyric was coming, but it's more blunt and much more entertaining than you though it could possibly be. I love the bridge - big percussion, muted guitar, and harmonies. It rocks, it grooves, it's fun. This woman knows how to sing, growl, and everything in between.

Caught in the Crowd
It won song writing awards but not nearly enough of them. It's a story that could be told in a cheeky/cheesy manner, but Kate finds the appropriate tone to keep it grounded. Let's not forget about the music - it's simply amazing. Great harmonies and a rich bass hold it down, but it's the story and vocal performance that made this song so good. Absolutely one of the best written songs I've ever heard. It tugs at the heard strings, which is nothing like...

Can't Shake it
The most fun track on the album. The pre-chorus, the chorus, the verses - it all rocks. While the verses breaks down, the humorous lyrics and excellent vocal performance by Kate keeps the listener engaged. If you don't bob your head, tap your toes, or sing along I'll question if you're human. "I execute the moonwalk like I stepped in shit - I just can't shake it, shake it, shake it."

All in all it's a shame more people haven't heard this album. While I enjoy her more folksy albums, this is absolutely my favorite. In terms of just fun pop records, this album is near the top of the heap. It's not shy to poke fun of itself nor does it run away from doing something interesting in a pop setting. Is it catchy? Pretty much. Is it fun? Pretty much? Is it worth listening to again and again? Pretty much, pretty much, pretty much.

Tomorrow's album: The Dave Brubeck Quartet's Time Out.

#43: Marty Robbins - Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs (1959)

Many of the songs could be the opening/closing credits of western movies. I wouldn't be surprised if half of them have had that honor. Some of it has very country roots while others have some Spanish influences. I don't generally like country, but I think I can make an exception with this album.

They're Hanging Me Tonight
It's (oddly) a ballad, considering the content. The lyrics and story really carry the song. It's got a standard, simple country sound - nothing too complex. There's little to no variation in the instruments, however the vocals are soulful and exceptionally sung. The story is something we've all been through, his girlfriend Flo is leaving him for another guy. The only sound in the room is the sound of his own tears. So he does what every man would do, he kills Flo and her no good boyfriend. "They'll bury Flo tomorrow, but they're hanging me tonight." I enjoyed the song so much, I replayed it as soon as it finished.

El Paso
I don't know where, but I've heard this before. Spanish guitars are featured on an otherwise country song. The harmonies are exceptional on this track. It's yet another song with morally questionable lyrics (kidding). Despite all the songs about guns and shooting people - you'd think it'd get old (it doesn't).

Big Iron
A big song about a big gun. The harmonies just make the song for me. They start high, curve down, then down again. It's such a classic feel - maybe even cliche for the genre, but it works to great effect. All I have to say is that Texas Red is a bad ass, but not quite as much as the ranger. It's stories like this that make the album worthwhile.

All in all, I'm surprised how much I enjoyed it. You can hear how songs like 'Riders on the Storm' was influenced by music such as this. The stories were excellent, the harmonies spot on, and while the instrumentation at times lacked - it added character and simplicity to the music. It makes me want to record one or two of these tracks.

Tomorrow's album: Kate Miller-Heidke's Curiouser.

#42: Ingrid Michaelson - Human Again (2011)

Ingrid is one of my absolute favotrites. In her past albums she employed more of a singer/songwriter feel to it, with a lot more acoustic tracks, and even some cheeky/cheesy lyrics at times. She's a great songwriter but she's becoming a pro at putting together top notch albums. It's been a gradual process to get to where she is today and while I love her previous works, she's really coming into her own. I absolutely adore where she is and where she's heading.

Fire
Very quick strings add urgency, but there's a odd calming effect apparent in the song while the sparse drums and big hits keep you on your toes which leads perfectly into the chorus. It's poppy, it's catchy, it rocks, and it's full of emotion - it mixes a whole lot in the pot. It's a track that shows considerable growth from her past albums and hopefully it's a glimpse of what's to come.

End of the World
Such a simple concept, and while the lyrics are good - it's the music and the weight it carries (coupled with Ingrid's powerful performance) that pushes the track over the edge. The live version she posted is just her and a piano and somehow it even has more impact. "At the end of the world will you find me? So that we can go together?" Strings, guitar, bass, drums, and a little piano consistently add more and more layers which creates waves of emotion for the best written song on the album.

Save Me
This is my favorite song on the album. It's not afraid to do something different. Synths add in to a quick guitar and it's the chorus I live for. 'Save Me, why don't you save me tonight?" The bass carries the song to create a very memorable song. It's fun, it's a little cooky, and it's extremely entertaining. It's the perfect song to follow 'End of the World' and that's how most of the album is. It shows you something awesome and then shows you something different.

All in all, this album is full of really solid tracks. I wouldn't hesitate to spotlight any one of them over the others. They have different feels, ideas, and sensibilities that keep the listener engaged throughout. My favorite moment of the record is the bridge on 'In the Sea'. The album is full of very cool moments, especially in context of the entire song. Ingrid is one of the best artists out there right now and it's a shame she's not more popular. With this album she's proven that she's only going to get better.

Tomorrow's album: Marty Robbins' Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs.