Mona Bone Jakon - Cat Stevens

So I've been super busy and haven't had time to do reviews. So I figured I'd do an album I could knock out pretty fast. So I picked the third studio album by beloved singer/songwriter Cat Stevens. Released on April 24th 1970, this was recorded after he almost died because he contracted TB. No really, look it up, he was in a hospital for like a year I believe, and he wrote songs there.
Also as a side note, Who Can I Be Now? [1974-1976] is fucking great.

1. Lady d'Arbanville: This opens the album, with a completely different Cat Stevens. A much more mature and grown up version. sort of dirge, there is a Spanish feeling to the song. I really like the percussion in the track and this is one of his best. The song is very bare and it really has a close feeling, there is a driving force with the percussion that I love and the two guitars sound fucking great together. I love the organ, I wanna say, that accents the guitar later on in the song and how it progressively gets louder. I think it's a pipe organ. This really is a fucking great tune and it you just feel the feeling in it. I also dig the double tracked vocals, and it just takes you there you know.
2. Maybe Your Right: This feels like a bit more of a busy version of say, If You Wanna Sing Out. Now I dig the piano in the track, and I think this is a solid tune none the less, it's just I feel there's a lot happening and there's stuff that can distract maybe. It's not like it adds to it though, I think it kinda is just there. I do like that piano roll though, fucking nice sounding. I do like the brushes used and I like the strings. While this is decent enough, I feel like it's a deep cut more than a stand out.
3. Pop Star: From what I've read, this is a satire about the triviality of celebrity and what not. I can get with that, I mean fuck everyone. Now because I'm not fucking retarded, I know satire isn't usually funny and it more points out the short comings of people. Based on the lyrics, I guess I can say it's satirical. I like the song, though it kinda reminds me a bit of Six String Orchestra, especially the part where the band comes in and plays. I also wanna say, Fuck! that double bass... I love it. This is a solid tune, thought I wish maybe it was a different take. Like it doesn't feel as confident(?). There something missing from keeping this phenomenal you know, but I'm thinking it's probably the fact this is the first time they've done this.
4. I Think I See the Light: The second this starts I go, White Stripes? This so could be a White Stripes song, you know a piano or more novelty try songs. Not to say this is a novelty song, but that's to get in your mind. I mean this is way more interesting and has a ton more going on than one of theirs would have, but it's pretty great. I also like the motif that plays as an instrumental during the choruses. I also gotta say, great organ solo. It's a solid track.
5. Trouble: A soft song, also one of my favorite songs he's ever written. Elliott Smith did a great cover of this, but I gotta go with the original. So I guess this song is written about death, and pushing it away. I could see that, there is a very somber feeling to this track. The harmonies in the background are great, and I love they mostly guitar and vocals. The double bass and drums are there, but they aren't as prominent, I wanna say.
6. Mona Bone Jakon: Slang for a hard on, I really like the percussion in this track. There is some type of bongo or animal skin thing being played. And there sounds like he might be hitting his guitar. This song is kinda filler, and it's a bit disorienting, but I still can dig it.
7. I Wish, I Wish: This song is just okay, I mean it isn't anything new but there is a bit of a different feeling to it. I do think the highlight though is the solo that is either double tracked or a duel lead. It's pretty great. The piano also sound pretty great, this has a nice energy to it.
8. Katmandu: Fun fact, that flute was played by Peter Gabriel. There is a great relaxing, sort of Moonshadow feeling to this song. That flute is really great by the way, but I think this is a pretty romantic sounding track. I think this is about the town or city, but I could just as easily see this being a love song. I also love the atmosphere. It's pretty beautiful and one of his best I think.
9. Time: This is an introduction to the next track, and I really like the sort of Pink Floyd vibe to the track. Like maybe a slightly less progressive version of something like Dogs. Like the acoustic part or something like that. I do dig this though and I love how it's so short and sweet. Plus that ending, damn.
10. Fill My Eyes: While I wish the chords held over into this track from the last, this is a great second part to it. Maybe it's just my copy but it didn't do that well with it. I mean it worked, but not perfect. But that aside, this is another solid tune Cats. I love when the piano comes in, thought I wish it didin't leave as quick as it came. I would have possibly rearranged the track, but that's me.
11. Lilywhite: Closing the album is a ballad, that to be honest isn't anything you haven't heard earlier in the tracklisting. I mean the strings really work well here, but it isn't anything that crazy. But that being said, I gotta say, this still works. I love the feeling of the strings and how they play and could almost be floating. The vocals are a great and I think I'm out of things to say :D. But It's solid. The best part tough, is the ending with the string arrangement by it's self. It kinda reminds me of minimalism a bit. With the droning one.

Overall I have to give this album an 8/10. This is a solid record, and I think you should check it out. Really good singer/songwriter tunes and it's not a boring listen. It kinda moves pretty fast and has memorable songs. It's pretty damn good if I do say so myself.

Brand New Morning - Bob Seger

This is the first solo album by American singer/songwriter Bob Seger. Released in October 1971, this is his fourth overall album, the first three being by The Bob Seger System. This is an acoustic album and its one of the early records he seems to not really like. I know everything I've heard from this period I like, so lets hope this is as good as the others.

1. Brand New Morning: This song opens pretty interesting. I mean if you'd hear him before, its odd to hear him with an acoustic guitar. Now I do think the vocals here are great and I like the up feeling of the song. I mean this is a pretty simple song, but it works. And this sets a feeling that this might not be that bad of a record. 
2. Maybe Today: This opens with him playing piano, and for whatever reason this reminds me of Cold Spring Harbor. I like what I'm hearing, I mean it isn't as grand as some of those songs, but its pretty bare. I do think this works here though and 2 for 2. I like the vocals and damn that guys doing a great job on piano. 
3. Sometimes: This is a ballad, with acoustic guitar. This isn't anything to write home about, but I do like it. For whatever reason I could picture Cat Stevens singing this. Maybe it's late, and I've got a buzz, but I can see that. I guess the only complaint is I wish it wasn't so sparse. Like the song gets louder, I wish there was a bass or percussion or piano. Something to add an extra texture to this specific song. 
4. You Know Who You Are: Alright, maybe I'm a sucker for this CSH sound, but I really kinda wanna cry. I mean this is kinda sad, and I really like the song. Though I do really appreciate how the song gets uplifted. This is a solid tune and I like the changes. 
5. Railroad Days: This song has a nice acoustic feeling to it and I like how it could be a folk tune. Like I could very easily picture this, maybe with some different instrumentation, being a song that the rail road men would play on their banjos or whatever while they were on break. The only real complaint is the guitar kind of over powers stuff, and when he sings with his soul its muddy. I mean I'm listening to a vinyl rip, but I wish it was clearer. But then at the same time then it'd lose some of the atmosphere. I don't know, maybe turn the volume down a but would fix the problem. It does feel a little long. Maybe cut a verse, but I still like it. I get why it became popular after he blew up. Plus I feel some chord progression similarities to Still the Same? Maybe I'm wrong, but who knows. 
6. Louise: I really like the rock and roll feeling to this song. It's a nice change of pace and I like the foot stomp. It's fun and works so much better than that one song on that one album. *cough* Open All Night *cough*. This is also nice and short and sweet. 
7. Song for Him: This kinda feels, to me, a proto-We've Got Tonight. I do dig this, and like how its quieter. There is a nice atmosphere to it and it works. The only complaint is it would be so much better if the album wasn't like this.  It gets louder, but whatever.
8. Something Like: This is a good way to end, and feels like the end. Other than that I've kinda of ran out of things to say about this album if I'm being honest.

Overall I have to give this album a 7/10. Okay, so this things pretty great. Now I read on wikipedia it was compared to Nebraska. These songs are not only better, but they are also far less samey than that fucking album. Check this thing out if you can, I recommend it. If I find it for the right price, I'll probably pick up a copy.  But if I don't then I won't be too disappointed. Hopefully I'll have Pet Sounds, Torture Time!, Born to Run and possibly Blood On the Tracks out this month.

Stay Gold - First Aid Kit

This is the third album by First Aid Kit. I listened to the LP front to back the day it came out. As I did with Lazaretto and Ultraviolence and The Hunting Party. To be honest, this is slightly not on par with those subpar albums. This is slightly lower.

1. My Silver Lining: They are kind of cute. There's one thing. Also where is the Man and the Mountain. Also is there a play book that can help make this track better?
2. Master Pretender: Question, is this guy an expert at exploding also. 
3. Stay Gold: Stay hopeful Danny, you can do it. 
4. Ceder Lane: I've heard of the lake, not the lane though.
5. Shattered & Hollow: I wonder how Sleepy Mick & Phil are? He's getting older, they probably need a naps.
6. The Bell: Lou Reed is a Stupid Man in 1979's The Bells.
7. Waitress Song: What?
8. Fleeting One: I wonder if this is a cover of the Children of Bodom collab with Fleet Foxes.
9. Heaven Knows: What, this album was made?
10. A Long Time Ago: In a galaxy far away. 

Overall I have to give this album a 3/10. My biggest problem is it gets boring fast. Also there aren't any surprises here at all. Hebrews I think was an all around better album then this, and it kinda sucked. To be completly Honest I began tuning ithis out upon first listen. 

John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band

This is the "debut" solo album by John Lennon. Now we all know, hopefully, about Unfinished Music No. 1, Unfinished Music No. 2, The Wedding Album, and Live Peace in Toronto 1969. So, actually, this is album no 5. It was also released, December 11th 1970, the same day as Yoko's solo "debut" album Yoko Ono/Plastic Ono Band. I'vent heard that yet, but I kind of want to. I like Unfinished Music No. 1 a lot. I like how it is really not amazing. It's musique-concrete, kind of like Revolution 9 off the 1968 Self-titled album. Which Two Virgins also came out that year. (Unfinished Music No. 1: Two Virgins). Now, John wasn't as weird of a guy as everyone thinks. He didn't name an album after a particular type of shower, one from which you gain sexual gratification. I'll review that album some time in the future, maybe this month. Well anyway, I don't have time to rant, let's just get this review going. Note; I did this through my iPod, so I might not have everything annotated when this goes up right away

1. Mother: This song is a good song. I don't know why, but this. The drum beat on this song is solid. Johnny is singing pretty solid on this song. This is a pretty emotional song if you listen to it. It is kind of touching. I know he had a messed up childhood, but you know, I think he could have learned from his past and been a better person. And that scream at the fade
2. Hold On: This is kind of a seductive song. I like the way the guitar sounds. It has this jazzy feeling to it.
3. I Found Out: This song reminds me of Gimme Some Truth or Yer Blues. I love the distortion. The verses remind me of his 1975 Rock 'N' Roll album. I don't care much for that, but it has some good songs on it. This is a pretty solid song though.
4. Working Class Hero: This is my favorite song off this album. I think it's actually, not probably is, the most relevant song of his today. When your in the working class you might not be looked as highly upon as the rich, but at least you "try". You aren't living off the government  you aren't a Democrat. No but in all seriousness, you need to take care of you and your family, not rely on some group of people to do it. If you can try to take care of the family, that will make you a hero. "If you'd like to be like the ones on the hill", "The Fool on the hill". Is that a Paul dig.
5. Isolation: For some reason I forget about this song. And, well, it's probably one of the best. The beat and the piano makes this a song that I feel touched by. This song, a stretch, reminds me a tad of Happiness is a Warm Gun. One of my favorites off the Self Titled.
6. Remember: I can't remember the last song. No but seriously, you know, I am not nuts about this song. The chorus is solid though. I don't know, this song just seems like its just there, for me at least. There's a surprise at the end.
7. Love: This is probably a song most people know. You know, this reminds me of the Real Love acoustic demo. But without the chorus.
8. Well Well Well: This is a bluesy song. I feel like this isn't as interesting as Hold On. It's kind of annoying. He does make a Revolution reference though.
9. Look At Me: I can't say I remember this song either. It's been a while since I heard it last. And this totally reminds me 100% of Julia. It is a pretty song though.
10. God: You could argue this is the most quotable song by John's solo material. Either this or Imagine. This is the song where he says "I don't believe in Beatles", and David Bowie's response 31 years later was "I believe in Beatles" from the 2002 song Afraid. He also lists a bunch of things that he doesn't believe. He only believes him and Yoko. It's kind of poetic. At least he has some type of faith.
11. My Mummy's Dead: For being the shortest song it's kind of a weird way to end the album. With a radio type of feeling. I like it. But you already talked about your mom.

Overall I really don't care for Johnny. I kind of don't like the type of person he was, and I think Post-Beatles, he wined too much. But this album, this album is different. I don't exactly know why, but the complaining doesn't get too much for me on this album. I think that Paul was a better poet, but that's just me. But this album gets a 8.7/10. I feel like this is Overrated, but it is still a good album. The next album, thought from 1974, is a new favorite of mine. The hint to you is that it's referenced in the above paragraph with the intro. And it's not a Beatles one. FYI, Band On The Run is better Rolling Stone Magazine.

Ram - Paul & Linda McCartney

This is, depending on how you look at The Family Way, the 3rd solo album by Paul McCartney. This is also the only album credited to Paul & Linda. This was from 1971 and is one of my favorites. I though that this could be the first review of my favorite month of reviews. May is my favorite month, so I'm gonna do a bunch of my favorite albums and reviews of them this month. I am not really gonna do one a day, but I will do a bunch. I've picked out the ones I want and I'm ready to post these. Most of these will be classic albums too, but yeah. Like older albums. And also, this album came out May 17th, 1971. This month is May. I know it took 4 days to get this up, but #2 WILL be up tomorrow. One last thing, he is my favorite member of The Beat Brothers.

1. Too Many People: This song is supposed to be about Yoko. He is kind of saying, through my interpretation, "hey John, it was originally just us 4 and now we got this chick telling us what's up". She's a Hilary Clinton. This is honestly an exciting way to start this album. I think that it kind of draws you attention in and makes you wanna check out the rest of the songs. This is a very catchy song too. The chorus is so pretty sounding. And the harmony vocals Linda does with Paul, just perfect. I love the tone on the guitar too. I had to check who did the solo on this song
2. 3 Legs: This is more of a country song. This song reminds me a lot of the same kind of set up, for the most part, as Bip-Bop. This is an awesome song, and shows that Paul could also write some pretty sick country songs.
3. Ram On: If I'm correct James Paul uses the ukulele on this. This was before it was cute to use one. By that I am referring to Zoey. This song is still good though. The main part, without all the other instruments, reminds me of Dance Tonight off his 2007 album Memory Almost Full.
4. Dear Boy: This is actually a pretty sad song. It makes you kind of "depressed" after hearing it. It is kind of like the feeling that I get when I listen to Tomorrow off the Wings debut album Wild Life that came out later that same year as this album. Actually, if anything, I could see this being a psychedelic Beach Boys song. This song kind of reminded me of the "trippiest" part of Good Vibrations. But it is no where as emotional as Wild Life album.
5. Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey: This song, ah this one. This is definitely my favorite song on this whole album. I think that this is one of the most experimental songs that Paul did through out his solo career. I mean 1970's Kreen-Akrore, or 1973's Loup (1st Indian On The Moon). There are obviously some more I didn't mention, but I wanted it to be more relevant to this release. You know, McCartney to Red Rose Speedway. This song is so catchy, and so odd. I mean, I've heard odder, example Boredoms or Naked City, but for the most part, any Beatles. This is an actual song though. Unlike concrete experiments. I love the rain that they used in the song.
6. Smile Away: This is a harder song. By that I mean it's more "rock oriented". It actually kind of reminds me a little of Oo You off McCartney. I like this song, but I really don't know what to say about it.
7. Heart Of The Country: This is a good song to maybe get into McCartney solo stuff. This is a pretty fun song. It's a country esque song and it's fun to sing and play along with and listen to.
8. Monkberry Moon Delight: This song, when I first heard it, is different. I don't know why, but I thought Paul's singing on this song is just kick ass. This was actually kind of a scary song. If you think about it, the last song was upbeat country song. Now this one is him yelling. I like the way it sounds too. I don't know what they did, probably not what they did with David Bowie's voice in "Heroes" but he is yelling and it isn't overpowering. The guitar distortion is also sick on this song. And Linda's voice kind of gives it that aspect of a female presence, but you still feel Paul's energy in the song.
9. Eat at Home: This is a pretty cool song. I am not as crazy about this song, as some of the others, but I still do like the solo tone on this song.
10. Long Haired Lady: I love this song. The ending where it goes "Love is Long" is one of the coolest things. This is another experimental esque song. I love that Paul wasn't afraid to experiment. And when he did experiment, it was good. The ending with the whole fanfare type feeling. EPIC! 
11. Ram On (Reprise): I can't imagine that this isn't a great way to fade into from the last song. There is also a lyrical quote from Big Barn Bed in the ending. Which that song wouldn't come out until 1973's Red Rose Speedway. It's kind of like the end of the song Cry Baby Cry off 1968's album The Beatles.
12. The Back Seat Of My Car: When I was younger and heard this album for the first time, so about 4 years ago, I thought this was a cool title for a song. I was 14 and I thought that "SEX" was the coolest thing. I'm more mature and don't really think it's as cool as I once did. I won't just be whipping it out any chance I get. I think this is a good way to end this album. This is a song I would play if I was in the back seat of my car. If you catch, what I'm saying..... SEX! The horns in this song are pretty epic too. This is just an awesome ending to an awesome album.

Overall, this album, gets a big fat 9/10. The way that Paul made this album. It just sounds this is a very good album to hear. If you like The Beatles and you wanna hear any of the solo albums I'd check out Ram, All Things Must Pass, Concert for Bangladesh, Band on the Run, Imagine, McCartney, Wings Over America. And for, well my next review, I'll be doing another Beatles solo album. One that I didn't mention up above there. Here's my quick hint, it came out in 1970 and was, overall, his 5th solo release.

The Chapin Sisters E.P.

This is the debut release by the sister trio known as The Chapin Sisters. They are related to the Harry Chapin, you know, Cats in the Cradle and the silver spoon. I think they are his nieces. Well anyway, I saw them live when I saw them open for Eisley in February, 2011. I didn't think much of them until after a while and coming back to the group. Note: When I saw them the one left making them the duo. One more note, I haven't been doing many reviews because I've been getting into Jazz. And Jazz is over my head, that's why I'm trying to get into it.

1. Shady River: I think that this song kind of sounds like the others. I don't think there is anything special in this song that stands out. I'm not putting the song down, but I think it's consistent with the other songs.
2. Don't Love You: This song has a different girl singing this track than the last one. This song is a decent song. 
3. Hey: This is another pretty decent song. I like it.
4. Girlfriend: This EP doesn't have a very wide variety of sounds. The songs are basically the same. So to say. Two is more of a ''mature'' album I guess. There is more experimentation, ie Digging A Hole and other stuff too.
5. Bird Song: I like the arpeggios and the finger picking on this song. That's part of what I like about this group. They finger pick really good. At least I think so. This reminds me of Palm Tree on their 2nd album. But less arranged or worked out. Like a demo version.
6. Long Journey: This song is more country than folky. I don't care for this one.
7. Toxic: This is one pretty cool cover of the Britney Spears song. They played this song when I saw them. I like the way they did this song. This is definatly the best track. Thought I do like Don't Love You and Bird Song.

Overall I have to give this a 6/10. I think it's Ok, but I don't think it's amazing. I haven't heard their Lake Bottom LP or the other 2 Eps, but I have heard all of Two. I wish I'd bought that Cd when I saw them. It's actually pretty good. I think this is an, you like it or you don't.

The Sister - Marissa Nadler

This is the first time that I've ever heard of this girl. She is based in Boston and released her first album in 2004. I found out about her via ListenBeforeYouBuy. I remember when, right before the album was released earlier this year, seeing the choice to stream the album. I think that I don't exactly know what to expect, especially since the album are is kind of cool. I think that it would be cool to have on vinyl to see the album cover. I'm not saying that I'm gonna buy the vinyl because I haven't heard it yet. I can honestly say I don't really know anything about Marissa except that she has like 6 other albums. Well lets get down to it.

1. The Wrecking Ball Company: The beginning of this song kind of reminded me of an acoustic version of Because by The Beatles and Wicked Games by The Weeknd. I really like her voice in this song. So far this is pretty decent album. But you can't judge an album off one song. After the rest of the instruments come in it reminds me of The Chapin Sisters on their second album Two. I don't know exactly what song, but one of the songs on that.
2. Love Again, There Is a Fire: This kind of reminds me of a more Eisley-esque version of Sucré. They way Marissa is singing kind of reminds me of Stacy's voice. It also kind of reminds me of the Eisley Family Christmas EP they released in 2010 for free. And added two new tracks for Christmas 2011. 
3. Christine: This kind of reminds me of The Chapin Sisters cover of Toxic on their Shady Lake Ep. It also kind of reminds me of the legendary song Elvis tried to buy off Dolly Parton..... Jolene. So far this thing is awesome.
4. Apostle: Sorry I kind of got lost in the song. It is a very pretty song. I think that it's pretty cool sounding too. It's kind of like how I get lost in the Elliott Smith 1995 self titled album
5. Constantine: For some reason I feel like I kind of am hearing Dolly Parton singing this song. Either her of Olivia Newton-John. Not necessarily their style of music, but their vocals. This also kind of reminds me of Irish Music. I'm Irish and I can't stand that music, I try hard to even listen to Van Morrison. But I like this song. This also reminds me a little of 2005's Room Noises by Eisley.
6. To a Road, Love: The way she is singing reminds me a ton of Stacy on the Sucré song, I wanna say The Cliff Waltz. I could be wrong so I'm gonna check. Actually it almost reminds me more of Wake the Earth by The Honey Trees off their 2009 Wake the Earth ep.
7. In a Little Town: I don't really know what to say about this
8. Your Heart Is a Twisted Vine: This sounds like basically what I said before.

Overall I have to say this should rightfully get a 8.5/10. This kind of reminds me of a mix of The Chapin Sisters with Eisley with Merriment (just a little) and probably every other Female Singer Songwriter that is in the field of like "Indie Folk". I don't know why it took me so long to listen to this. Box of Ceder is the Record Label. Shit man, they have a Vinyl version of this. I know what I'm doing when I get a credit card/debit card. I do feel like this will probably only grow on me.

Elliott Smith

This is the sophomore solo effort by singer/songwriter Elliott Smith. I found out about this guy by google searching albums that came out on July 21st. One other album was Appetite For Destruction, and though I think it's a good album, I like this one more. I actually think that this is a really good, solid album. But I listened to it and, well, I'll explain more in the review. I've been pumped to do this thing since I first started doing reviews, and I have planned on doing this one on my birthday.

1. Needle in the Hay: This is a depressing song, and along with the others, have Elliott playing acoustic guitar and singing. This is a dark song, and it is kind of pretty to. This song is a good song, and honestly remember able, at least for me, chorus.
2. Christian Brothers: This song kind of makes me think that the name fits it. Like the music that goes along to the album. This song has a country flavor that kind of makes me think of Simon & Garfunkel.
3. Clementine: This song could actually be a song that was composed by Paul Simon. Like maybe be on his Paul Simon Songbook from 1965. The album that was released after the first "break up" of Simon & Garfunkel duo. It was released after their 1964 debut Wednesday, 4 A.M..
4. Southern Belle: This song kind of reminds me of a song on 1966's Sound of Silence. That is also one of my favorite albums of all time. I really dig the vocals on this song and how it has an aggression the rest of the songs don't really have. The best part is the ending with the vocals where he sings loud and almost enraged, in his whisper quite vocals. 
5. Single File: This is also another songs where it is kind of reminds me of the 1966 Sound of Silence album.
6. Coming Up Rose: This sounds like other people are playing on the song. I think that it might have accordion in it. The guitar solo in it is also really cool sounding. This song sounds like there is an entire band playing. This song has a type of, after thinking about it, a Grateful Dead vibe kind of. Like one of their softer songs.
7. Satellite: I think that this is a pretty sounding song. I don't think that there is much for me to say beyond that 
8. Alphabet Town: I think that there is a harmonica in this song.
9. St. Ides Heaven: This songs sounds like it feature a full band.
10. Good To Go: This is also a pretty song. It sounds like this is a heartfelt feeling, if that makes sense.'
11. The White Lady Loves You More: I don't know exactly how to explain this song. This is a songs that sounds like, at least to me, a weird chord progression. I don't know, I might be crazy. 
12. The Biggest Lie: I think that this is a good way to end the album. Also a good song.

Over All I have to give this a 9/10. This thing is like a more depressing, solo album of a guy whole sounds like the Simon & Garfunkel duo. It's a shame that he died, I wish that he didn't. I almost feel bad for how dark sounding this is, not evil, but dark. This thing has textures and isn't just one recording. He made it sounds very pretty. I couldn't think of it at first, but it kind of has this folky Grateful Dead vibe going on in it too.

No Secrets - Carly Simon

I'm been completely and utterly obsessed with Carly Simon. I've tried to listen to all of her 70's album, and plan on listening to her 80's and 90's and 2000's stuff to. This is her third album and this has one of the sexiest album covers I've ever seen, in my opinion. She is fricken beautiful, not so much today, but this picture is one of my favorite album covers of ever. Nobody Does It Better is my cousin's favorite Bond theme. And after hearing it a couple times and seeing The Spy Who Loved Me, with the beautiful Barbra Bach, who is the wife of Ringo since 1980, I've been obsessed with Carly's discography.

1. The Right Thing To Do: This song starts out as an easy listening song. I could see this being played in a bar scene in a movie. I could actually see this being a Bond theme. This song is a pretty song that also kind of reminds me of Linda's vocals and the music to Get On The Right Thing off Wings 1973 sophomore effort Red Rose Speedway. This song came out first though.
2. The Carter Family: This song reminds me of Red Rose Speedway but without Paul's vocals. Kind of like a cover off that album. It's actually bizarre how similar theses albums stylistically sound and resemble each other.
3. You're So Vain: The song starts out with this bass riff thing. It surprised me when I first heard it, and I thought that it was a different song. Its kind of creepy sounding. But then the song starts up. This song is a really cool sounding. It's a country song, but it has this Bad Ass feeling to it. It's supposedly about one of three people. I don't know exactly if that's true, but I love the idea about it. And during the chorus if you listen you can hear an uncredited Mick Jagger backing vocals. The lyrics in the song reference a solar eclipse. That's insane to me. Most country artist would reference like a beer or a breakup, nothing really special. She referenced a fricken' Solar Eclipse and where it occurred at. The more I hear this song the better it gets.
4. His Friends Are More Than Fond Of Robin: This song is a pretty song. It is more soft and pretty sounding than You're So Vain. There is this synthesizer sound that sounds really sweet. I don't really know how to explain it more than just it's a pretty sounding song.
5. We Have No Secrets: This song starts out, and kind of reminds me of, T Swift. The guitar part. This is more of an upbeat song, but it's kind of eerie to me. Especially since it is upbeat and its about sharing secrets in a relationship, and that she didn't want to know all of them. I think that's a neat angle to look at. I don't know anyone else who has a song about sharing secrets, and kind of regretting knowing some of them.
6. Embrace Me, You Child: I think that this song is a pretty beginning. It kind of reminds me a little of the beginning of Uncle Albert off 1971's Ram by Paul & Linda McCartney. Just the beginning though. I think that the chorus to this song is really cool to. I think that the strings help make this song sound calm. The line "The Devil Doesn't Get To You" in the chorus is sick, I love the way it does that. This song lyrics are pretty to. This song has a type of epic feeling. But the level of epic isn't achieved as much as it could have been
7. Waited So Long: This is a honky tonk vibe to it. It kind of reminds me a little of Honky Tonk Woman. I think that the way her vocals sound in the chorus is pretty cool. I guess it says that James Taylor did backing vocals for this song. And supposedly James Taylor is one of the three in the You're So Vain song could be about.
8. It Was So Easy: This is a sweet and cute little ditty. I could see a little kid walking in the park or something like that happening in a movie to this song. Like a possible reflection about her childhood. I think its a cute song, and I like it for that.
9. Night Owl: Funny enough, you know how I've made some Red Rose Speedway comparisons, well Paul and Linda actually did backing vocals for this track. James Taylor made another appearance to this album. He wrote this song. This is a cool song. I think that James did a good job on this. You can tell Paul and Linda in there. This is a gospel type of song. This song reminds me a little of Roadrunner by Bo Diddley. Just the way the chorus is and the song is. I don't not like the song for that, but I think that it's a good song. Not amazing though.
10. When You Close Your Eyes: This song is a good way to wrap up the album. I think that this is the best way to end an album like this. I think that this is one of my favorite songs on the album. I don't think that it's an AMAZING ending though. I wish there was a tiny bit more excitement going on here. This is a pretty song though.

Overall I have to give this album a 7/10. I like this thing. This is the 2nd time I've heard this in full. And I think it's better the second time through. This is a solid listen, and a decent album. I don't think that you have to necessarily like country to like some songs on this album. I think it's funny that I've made a few Wings comparisons. Another funny fact is that this album has Klaus Voormann on bass for all but 3 tracks on the album. Klaus helped out John, George, and Ringo, among other artists. He even did the artwork to The Beatles Anthology's and 1966 album Revolver's album cover. I am still going to buy this album on vinyl though. Maybe over time this will grow on me more.

Wounded Healer - The Followers

This is the first time that I've ever heard of these guys. I saw a link to download this album off NoiseTrade for free. And the album cover is also intresting, so why not give it a try. It said that these guys are from Portland Oregon. It also said that the genre, that was there when I put it on my iTunes, was Neo-Gospel. I don't exactly know what that means but they started at a Church.This was released May 5th, 2012. And one last thing, if you like this you can buy it at their bandcamp page. I started this review on the 15th, and I am going to review another free album today, but upload it the 17th. Either that or I'll do a free album every day this week.

1. Wounded Healer: This song starts out pretty promising. It is kind of getting my hopes up for this to be good. The guys voice sounds like a mix of Win Butler, and maybe like a Bob Dylan. I kind of like it. Then a girl comes and sings on this song. This almost gives me a more electric John Wesley Harding combine with Arcade Fire. This sounds a lot better than I thought it would.
2. Waiting To Find You: This gives me this M. Ward's newest album A Wasteland Companion vibe to it. You know, like this has this Novelty Music feeling that I am getting from this. This also kind of reminds me of The Band with the way the keyboards are being played. This has more of a country sound to it vs the last song.
3. Overwhelmed: This song gives me a big feel to it. The one thing about it is that I feel like it might begin to overwhelm people that don't care for the message. I like the message, but the theme is beginning to take it's toll. I still like this, but I hope I can withstand this album.
4. Enfold Me: This feels like a gospel song. This one is ok, but I'm afraid of what is to come for the rest of this album.The first song had promise and this one is decent, but it's progressively gotten worse from track 2.
5. Morning Star Rise: This song has the same vibe as the title track off this album. This is a nice change. I thought that the rest of this thing was going to be a bummer. This song is pretty decent.
6. Sweet Submission: This song gives me this feeling that I picture getting from the cover of Let It Be Me that Dylan did off 1970's double album Self Portrait. Something like that or maybe off of a Music from Big Pink vs Nashville Skyline. I might just be crazy, but that's what I picture in my head for this song. And for that fact decent chunk of this album
7. Just A Closer Walk: This sounds like a gospel song. I don't think that I can really say much more.
8. Take Me To Your Side: This is more of a Wasteland Companion song. This song is pretty cool. I like this song, and it is one of the better ones.
9. You Did Everything: The beginning of this song has like falsetto vocal or something on it that made me chuckle. This song is a good song that defiantly adds to the rating score. The instrumentation on this is cool, and suprised me.
10. God's Eternal Now: The beginning of this song has a like acoustic thing that reminded me of the song Angels off, originally, the 2002 Live album by comedy duo Flight of the Conchords. This song is a good way to end this album. I thought that this song is enjoyable.

Overall I have to give this a 6.8/10. Now, I'm a Christian, but I can't listen to Christian music. I don't know why, but it's too repetitive for me and just... boring :(.  This is a little bit more of a change for me. I found this more interesting and when it said that it was influenced by 70's gospel sounds, you can tell, but in a very good way. The thing is that I went back and forth on this. I didn't love it, but I thought it was enjoyable. I recommend this to anyone who likes the Bob Dylan albums when he did stuff with The Band, or to anyone who likes 70's Gospel music. I do want to buy this album, hopefully there will be a CD version. I'm definatly reviewing their next release.

Blunderbuss - Jack White

This is the debut album by blues/garage rock giant Jack White. He was on of the two members of the now defunct White Stripes from 1998-2011. He is also a part of The Raconteurs since '05 and Dead Weather since '09. This album is set for release on April 24th, 2012. That is the same day as the debut album I'm looking forward The Money Store by Death Grips. This has had a lot of hype and I am going to review this bitch. In the end all I know for sure is that I will still want this for my CD/Vinyl collections. Oh yeah, one last thing, I heard this on ListenBeforeYouBuy.com

1. Missing Pieces: This song starts out the album. This kind of gives me a White Stripes vibe, but with more going on. This seems like more of a White Stripes/Raconteurs mix up. I really like the keys on this song. It gives it this warm welcoming feel to it. The solo in this song is also awesome in it. This is a good intro to the album.
2. Sixteen Saltines: This sounds like Salute Your Solution. Seriously I could see this being one of the AC/DC style songs off the Back In Black album. On that one they reused the same riff, just different time signatures and beats. But the way this is sung sounds like it to. This song is pretty solid, but it kinda hurts that the solo in the song even kind of reminds me of it.
3. Freedom at 21: I found out about this song via Rock It Out Blog! And I wasn't sure what to think. That's a weird name for a song, especially a blues/garage rock song. This song starts out pretty cool.The drums are awesome. They make this song sick. I personally think if not for the drums this wouldn't be as good. An example of a song that was kind of made by the drums is 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover off Paul Simon's 1975 Grammy Award Winning album Still Crazy After All These Years. Because of the drums and beat it makes Jack sing a little faster, which sounds sick. I think that the solo sounds like any other solo. It isn't bad, but it isn't anything that sticks out to much.
4. Love Interruption: This song is a duet with a female singer. This has more of a folk feel to it. I could see Paul Simon singing this song, minus the lyrics. This is a solid song. There are like oboes and keys on this song accompanying it. This song is really cool. {8/10}
5. Blunderbuss: For the title track I don't really like this song. It has this bluegrass country feel. I could see this being a White Stripes song, but at the same time I couldn't. If you minus the instrumental parts and focus on the verses that's what I meant by being a Stripes song, but not.
6. Hypocritical Kiss: This my friend is a White Stripes song that people probably want. This isn't that bad of a song. Anyone who likes the Stripes will like this song.
7. Weep Themselves to Sleep: This is like a new take on some type of White Stripes/Raconteurs song. I don't think that this is anything that I haven't really already heard before.
8. I'm Shakin': This song reminds me of a mix of soul backing vocals and a song off Broken Boy Soldiers. This song isn't bad, I don't love it, but I think that it's kind cool. It gives me this other kind of feel of something off possibly the 1999 self titled White Stripes album, or 2002's
9. Trash Tong Talker: There is like a drum roll in the beginning. When the vocals come in this goes into a total White Stripes song off Icky Thump. But the only thing is that there is a piano solo in the song. This is a fun song.
10. Hip (Enoymous) Poor Boy: The very beginning of this song, for some reason, reminded me of Teardrops On My Guitar. Only the beginning, the rest of the song reminds me of like a 70's song.
11. I Guess I Should Go To Sleep: This song has this skiffle feel to it. I could see this being a traditional rendition of folk song. This sounds like it would be really fun to play. It also has this type of western feel to it.
12. On and On and On: Twang...... NO!!!! This song isn't bad, but it seems like a filler. This isn't bad, but I don't really like twang, it hurt Tonight The World Dies by Avenged off 2010's Nightmare for a while for me.
13. Take Me with You When You Go: This kind of feels like a continuation of On and On and On. This has this like '70s feel to it almost. It isn't half bad. And it has some pretty cool keyboard fills. The the song picks up and it gets heavier. It is kind of, in a way, like his Stairway on this album. They don't sound at all like, but that is so it helps you get the idea. This is a good song. This is a good way to finish up this

Overall this gets a 7.4/10. I have to give it to Jack. He wrote some damn good songs. Thought I'm not as huge on them as I wanted to be, that doesn't make them bad. Sorry this is so short, its just I wanted to also do other reviews today, for later dates to update. I don't think I'll return to this, with the exception of tracks 1, 3, 4, 6, and maybe 13. 

A Wasteland Companion - M. Ward

I am subscribed to the She & Him email list, so I got an email that informed me about this album in an email dated 1.27.12. This is probably the same day that he made it public, like it's not anything exclusive. I did thought get an email about a week ago that said there is a website were I could stream the album in it's entirety. Well I was too lazy to do it. So when I finally decided to listen to it. This is the review I gave it. But before the review here is some background info. This is M. Ward's seventh solo studio album. It's set day for release is April 6th in New Zealand and it's release date in America is April 10th, the same day as Stacy from Eisley's solo album A Minor Bird. Now in all honestly I didn't think much of this guy. I really didn't think I would be that impressed in this song. I thought that it would get an average, probably a 6/10. Oh one last thing. I didn't listen to the album in order, because it wasn't like a... what ever. Just thought I'd bring that up.

1. Clean Slate: This song starts out with this skiffle type of feel to it. This song is a very country vibe going through it. His voice is very clear in the mix and is over everything. This song has twangs and banjos. This song is a pretty song, but it just doesn't blow me away. I think that this song might grow on me, but as for now it is not.
2. Primitive Girl: This song has this sixties up beat feel to it. I could see this song being in a movie set in the 60's. That's not really my type of movie but still.
3. Me and My Shadow: The vocals on this, in the beginning, sound like they are being played on the radio. This song is a pretty neat song, I with that this was a little better but it has parts that kill it. The instrumentation, at parts, are cool, but the whole idea of the radio/non-distorted vocals doubled hurt this song. This song is a good song, if you over look that. And another thing is the distorted guitar just sounds not good. I think that it might sound better as a live song, but not as a studio album. This is a well needed change on the album. It's faster and more exciting. This is my 2nd favorite, behind the title track. {7.4/10}
4. Sweetheart: This song reminds me of Arcade Fire. I think that this song could be on The Suburbs. It sounds like Zooey is on this track to. This also kind of sounds like it could be a She & Him song. It has all the things that are present in on of those songs. I'm not huge into them, but I'm always willing to listen to something new. I do think it fits that she's on the song though. It is called sweetheart after all.
5. I Get Ideas: This song is kind of like a Bob Dylan song that would be on Highway 61 Revisited or maybe Bringing It All Back Home. It has this electric folk feel to it. His voice even kind of sounds like Bob's voice on something off Self Portrait or Nashville Skyline. I like that this is a different feel to the album, so to say.
6. The First Time I Ran Away: This song starts out with this acoustic feel. I don't like the feel of this song. This also continues that atmospheric feel with the strings and keys and everything backing him up. The things though is. I just don't like it that much.
7. A Wasteland Companion: This song kind of starts out with the type of a feel that I would get from the acoustic songs off The legendary 1968 album known as The White Album. This song also gave me, in the beginning, a feel of For You Blue off the 1970 Let It Be album, by that same band. If you don't know what band shame on you. And go crawl in a hole and don't come out till you know who The Beatles are. In the middle of the song there is the atmospheric feel to where it sounded like people cheering, but it was just wind. This song is perfect for the title track, and for the name of the song. So it think it gets a {7.6/10}
8. Watch the Show: This song is defiantly a song that has movie feeling lyrics. I could see this being a follow up album, or at least this song,  by Jed Whedon & The Willings. This song also has that Arcade Fire lyrics that are memorable on The Suburbs.
9. There's A Key: This song reminds me of a song that would be on the radio. This son is kind of pretty, but it continues that Arcade Fire feel but in a bad way. I LOVE Funeral, I haven't really heard many songs of Neon Bible, and I only like a couple songs of The Suburbs. But I could never sit through that album front to back. It's just painful to try to stay awake. Like I want to fall asleep to that, and I don't see how this is any different.
10. Crawl After You: This is just like the rest of the song on the album. I noticed more piano on this song, I might just be crazy, but still who knows, what ever. I know that I don't really like this song and that's all that matters. I guess... This is not terrible, but it's just not very interesting to me. There is like a violin solo in the song. With songs like this I could see Ward making a really popular album with this, if this was the soundtrack to a movie.
11. Wild Goose: This song has this country feel to it. It kind of reminds me of the title track. I'm not huge on this track. I don't really like the way it sounds like. It kind of reminds me of The Suburbs, and as of yet I'm not into that album.
12. Pure Joy: This song is the ending, and would make a very good ending to a movie. I can see this playing along with the credits of a movie. This would probably be a movie I wouldn't be crazy, but I might enjoy it. It has that ending feel to it.

Overall this is the first M. Ward solo album I've heard, so it's the first one to get a 6.4/10. This was defiantly different than what I expected. I had never expected any thing that I could compare to The Beatles. FYI those Beatles are, well.... MY FAVORITE BAND OF ALL TIME. Unfortunately it didn't live up to the White Album comparisons. Like the strings and the atmosphere in this album is pretty, but I am just not really into that. I do think that this would be a good novelty soundtrack to a movie. It is in that same type of thing of History of Things Forgotten by Jed Whedon and the Willings. I reviewed that album before in February of this year. It was for my friends birthday. The production of M. Ward's album really kills this thing for me. It is just like new novelty, but in a bad way. I just have to say this would work as the soundtrack to some coming of age movie, as I said the same for Jed's album. I'm glad I got to hear it early so I don't waste my money on this album. Sorry M. nothing personal, I'm just not into novelty music so much.

Rubber Soul - The Beatles

This album is very meaning full to me. I originally bought it just to have it. It was the fourth Beatles CD I bought. I still wasn't a huge fan. This album eventually grew on me and is now one of my favorite albums. The feel that I get from this album is one of warm, loving, comfortable winter. The kind that is what makes you feel like what it is like inside and bundled up and warm. There are many, I mean many, factors that led to this being one of my favorite albums. One being that, it reminds me of 9th grade when I bought this. During winter and listened to it like crazy. I was in love with this along with all the other Beatles albums. This album has some of my favorite songs and memories built on to this so... here we go

1. Drive My Car: The introduction riff to this song grabs my attention. The use of the piano in the chorus and the use of cowbell is perfect. The dual vocal harmony is tight, and the solo. The sound they guitar makes during the solo is one of my favorite distortions to a guitar. The feel I get from this is... yeah
2. Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown): This song is completely different. This is, from my understanding, the first commercial pop song to feature a sitar. The Acoustic Guitar/Sitar playing at the same time makes this perfectly emotional, and makes it seem more impact. John's vocals are good, but when he sings the chorus with Paul it fills that little gap in the vocals and makes it whole.
3. You Won't See Me: This is an 'iffie. I like this song, but it depends on what mood I'm in. This song is a very pretty song, which as I understand again, Jane (Paul's then girlfriend) and their ''Failing?" relationship. The backing vocals give it a doo-wop feel to it.
4. Nowhere Man: This song makes me cry. I found more respect for it after seeing the Yellow Submarine movie. The part with Jeremy, the nowhere man, realizing that he has lived a life of nothingness makes you contemplate. Though this song was about John's. And the solo what can I say beside beautiful. The Guitar distortion in the song fits perfect, and the bass adds an backup to the acoustic guitar and drums. This song helps me sometimes think about the decisions I've made and the choices I should make and if there is really a point to wasting time.
5. Think for Yourself: George needs as much props for this song as he can get. This song is vocal harmony wise tighter than Drive My Car and also the guitar is even cooler on this than that one too. The whole atmosphere of this song, the bass, drums, guitar, tambourine, maracas. I really think that it should be on a Beatles greatest hits album. This deserves to be on my list of favorite songs
6. The Word: The song lyrically is ok. But the instrumentation is great if you take the time to listen to it. The chorus in the song feature one of the coolest sounding guitar riffs on the album. And in the verses the little screech is awesome. The vocals on this song are another tight vocally.
7. Michelle: This song is EXTREMELY important to me. Not because of the memories that it brings back, but the fact that this was one of the most important all around songs that helped me change my view on music as a whole. Before this I only like Metallica and other old metal. Now since this album it changed my views on that and this song helped make my favorite band The Beatles. I spent so much time trying to learn the french in the song perfect. I also tried to learn this to impress my first person I'd ever been in love with. Obviously nothing was really there, it was just my emotions running off. The vocals/lyrics make me cry. The acoustic guitar makes me cry. The very prevalent bass guitar helps the beauty of it all. Now the distortion on the guitar in this song is my favorite on the whole album as a whole.
8. What Goes On: A ''cute'' Ringo song. It fits and sound like a fun up beat song. A perfect ''filler'' in between two of the most beautiful songs on the album, Michelle, and the most depression Girl
9. Girl: I remember sitting in my kitchen alone in the middle of the night, during finals week freshman year, probably at like 2 or 3 am. I was listening to this song and trying to write songs based off this one. This song is an awesome Lennon ballad. Johnny's vocals and lyrics fit perfect, a word I use alot (but it works and fits, with my opinion). This song literally makes me cry when I listen to it. The chorus is, if anything, makes it harder to not let it hit. The inhales he takes it seem like he is well, he's a bum and this girl he's singing about ruined his life and his everything.
10. I'm Looking Through You: Another cute song. Upbeat, like What Goes On. Now the added affect of its fun is added by its claps in the song. This is a fun song to listen to just for funzies, a
11. In My Life: This song hits, not like girl, but still hits. I remember being a freshman and thinking about everyone that I'd ever met and everything that I'd ever done and if I'd ever get married, have a family, have a job. What you should be concerned about growing up. I wrote a song, which is just more like a poem. I remember calling talking to my friend Annette on the phone and asking her what rhymes with some words. And I also think of my cousin Stevie who read the lyrics to the song for a speech. So it is completely full of memories for me. This could be the same way for you to. This is another good contemplating song
12. Wait: Fun, upbeatishly down? I like this one a lot. The vocals sound like one person. The songwriting on this song defiantly deserve a shit load of praise. The effects and overall atmosphere of this song is one of raw but not. It feels rough, but at the same time it feels clean cut and mastered and that it's shit is together.
13. If I Needed Someone: This song is good. The chorus is very pretty. The verses are also pretty. This is an overall pretty song.
14. Run For Your Life: This song is ok. This is probably my least favorite song on the album. I used to like it more, but there is just no real reason I don't. It's just that I lost interest in the song? What ever, it's still good, just not as good as the others. But it is a perfect closing song to this album.

Over all Rubber Soul deserves an 100/10. I love this album, it's the shit and it deserves it spot on Rolling Stones 500 greatest albums of all time - NOTE I'm gonna add stuff and fix this review. So it won't be a 10 forever, also I don't really regard most of the reviews from 2012 or possibly 2013 as really accurate anymore. Very far and few in between still work.