For the first music post of the summer I thought about making a playlist to unwind to, or maybe share the collection of awesome songs I’ve been road tripping to the beach to with my windows down, finals a memory already long forgotten. But as I haven’t even had the chance to do those things yet, I decided against it.
Instead I’m leaving you with one song: “Carpet of the Sun” by Renaissance, that my dad suggested I listen to after treating him to Florence and the Machine’s, “Seven Devils,” on my first day back in South Jersey.
I haven’t decided whether or not I adore Annie Haslam’s vocals, or if I need to be slightly more intoxicated (or perhaps in another decade) to enjoy them thoroughly. Regardless, this song is the perfect cheesy soundtrack to the ideal weather we’ve been having, and is hopefully one that I’ll be able to keep coming back to all summer.
“Come into the day
Feel the sunshine warmth around you
Sounds from far away
Music of the love that found you
The seed that you plant today
Tomorrow will be a tree
And living goes on this way
It’s all part of you and me.”
- Kelly Barton
By Caleb Rechten
If you aren’t familiar with Jack White, I’d advise you to become acquainted.
White has just released his first solo album entitled Blunderbuss. This is off the beaten path for the beloved White Stripes rocker, and it has created a ripple in the music world.
Jack White shared in an interview with Rolling Stone, “I’ve put off making records under my own name for a long time but these songs feel like they could only be presented under my name. These songs were written from scratch, had nothing to do with anyone or anything else but my own expression, my own colors on my own canvas.”
In many ways Blunderbuss is good old Jack White with another solid album, which is why I didn’t think to write a review of Jack’s album until about halfway through his song, “I’m Shakin’.” The song got me because of how different it was from the rest of the album, and most songs I’ve heard from Jack. It definitely has a different sound to it, raunchy in feel and deep in soul.
As always with Jack White, his lyrics cannot be ignored. One of his singles, “Love Interrupted,” creates such a conflicting concept that the entire time you’re thinking, “No!.. but yes!”
Blunderbuss starts out with the song, “Missing Pieces,” that I can’t think of any better way to describe other than saying it has a dorky sound to it, but in the best way possible. “Sixteen Saltines,” Jack’s other single off the album, has a bit of that dorky sound to it, but roughens up some. “Freedom at 21,” gives you a good, “I-don’t-give-a-fuck,” feel. Right after is, “Love Interrupted,” a slower and balancing switch from the previous song. It then swirls into a mourning sound with the album’s title track, “Blunderbuss,” which feels as if it would require everything to happen in slow motion. “Hypocritical Kiss,” puts some life back into the album, with a whimsical feel, while still managing to posses some angst and sadness through the piano accompaniment. “Weep Themselves to Sleep,” continues in this direction with an even more upbeat feel, continuing to hold a complicated set of emotions. Then, what is currently my favorite song on the album because of the revitalized, upbeat, uproar of old dance, rock, and soul: “I’m Shakin’.” The next song, “Trash Tongue Talker,” helps slide out of that upbeat feel that “I’m Shakin’,” brought into the classic sounding, “Hip (Eponymous) Poor Boy.”
I love, “I Guess I Should Go To Sleep,” for the little piano bit dispersed throughout to make sure you’re definitely not sleeping. The thing about Jack’s music, and something I’ve noticed while analyzing the album, is that it’s so hard to place some of his songs because he switches sounds so often. Even in the first few seconds of a song like, “On And On And On,” you go from thinking you’re in the deep south to chilling in a jazz club while someone mixes you a folk and Jack. and then finally the mix of both with an addition to folk and Jack himself. “Take Me With You When You Go,” has a plethora of sounds: slow, fast, deep, upbeat; it’s a good representation of the title and concludes the album splendidly.
The entire time I was writing this description I was thinking, “Just go and listen to the blasted album!” But I realized that would be rude.
Although if you haven’t listened to Blunderbuss yet, I really don’t know why you’re still reading this.
Go.
Now.
By Louis Coutoufos
In keeping with the musical style, I’ll keep this short and sweet. A recent conversatio with my housemate left me with a demo tape of his band, Ugly Parts, a local New Brunswick punk outfit. I was eager to pop this one into a tape deck. Yeah, they went old school putting out actual cassette tapes, a great touch. I found a working tape deck, which turned out to be a little more difficult than anticipated, and popped in the tape.
I was instantly greeted by a familiar sound; crashing cymbals and primal screams. My mind took me back to those early college semesters when punk was all that emanated from my headphones. I liked this. What followed were five songs full of rapid-fire guitars and lyrics. Think the Circle Jerks. And much in the vein of the aforementioned Jerks, almost as soon as it had begun it was over. Five songs in under five minutes. Classic punk form and classic punk sound. It was refreshing, and almost washed the bad taste of modern “pop” punk from my mouth. Here I was, thinking punk was dead, when it turns out it was alive and well, right in my own house.
If you can find a tape (and tape deck), and five minutes of time, you’ll be thoroughly pleased. If you’re not one for dead recording formats, go to their site, where you can listen to the entire tape as well as find out when they’ll be playing a show near you (chances are if you’re reading this, they’re all near you).
http://uglyparts.bandcamp.com/
By Louis Coutoufos
The Dear Hunter is a band known for putting together elaborate projects, and this collection does not disappoint on that front. The indie rock outfit most known for its series of Acts has undertaken one of the most unique musical projects I have ever seen. With “The Color Spectrum,” the band has created a nine part EP set which takes the listener through all the colors of the rainbow (along with black). Each color symbolizes an emotion, and the listener is taken on a rollercoaster ride from the despair and chaos of Black all the way to the serenity and hopefulness of White. Stops along the way include overzealous joy (Yellow), contemplative sadness (Blue), and even a brief four song musical (Violet). Whatever you’re feeling, I guarantee there’s an EP that captures that emotion.
While capturing such a broad spectrum of emotions would be impressive all its own, what really makes this collection so uniquely amazing is that the band essentially created nine different sounds. Each four track EP has its own musical style, to the point where sometimes you aren’t even sure you’re still listening to the same band. Everyone will find something in their wheelhouse in this collection, as every genre is represented. There’s hard rock with Orange, a folksy style with Green, industrial with Black, and musical theater with the aforementioned Violet, just to go into a few. But what’s surprising is how well each EP flows into each other; the changes between musical styles are never jarring.
My only caveat is that if you’re a fan of the band’s previous work, don’t go into The Color Spectrum expecting more of the same sonically. This a standalone project, and the band pretty much did away with its sound from the Acts for this collection. Not a bad thing at all, it’s just different. Also, not every track is a winner, but that is to be expected for this large a collection. For those who are wary about undertaking a listening experience this large (it will take you roughly two and a half hours to go through all 35 track in one sitting) there is a sampler platter of sorts also available. This eleven track version gives the listener one track from each EP with two each from Green and White.
Final Verdict: 4.8 of out of 5. Damn near perfect.
Songs:
Let’s be blunt: I never liked the Grateful Dead. I really didn’t want to know the story behind those psychedelic dancing bears, so I avoided finding out anything at all for most of my life. When I finally did hear the Grateful Dead, it was when my very own deadhead housemate named Joe moved in. My room was directly above his, so his speakers were my speakers in that special, thin-walls kind of way. I am pretty sure that Joe fell asleep to the Dead every single night. Sometimes I’d be concerned for his safety. Most of these times he was already asleep. My floorboards leaked lost flower children for six months straight. Looking back, I actually don’t know how I survived, considering what I now know about myself.
This year, on a different street, in a different house, I have a deadhead neighbor named Matt. Matt is a sweet guy, real nice, smart, English major, and he’s got this great beard. (Ladies?) In January, Matt offered me ride to a Splintered Sunlight show at the Blockley in Philly. My new years resolution also happened to be to stop flaking out of plans. When these two forces collided, I found myself staring the very thing I had always feared directly in the face. It was that thing that Matt and Joe had so elusively referred to as “really awesome.” I was at a Grateful Dead tribute show, far from home.
The first thing I learned was that when Splintered Sunlight plays a cover of a Dead song, it’s not a cover. But when Splintered Sunlight plays a cover of a Beatles song or Elton John song or Beyonce song (I wish!!), it is a cover. I learned this from a woman that laughed at me for telling her that Splintered Sunlight was the name of the band playing. What I thought was a public fit of confusion was actually a cute game for Deadheads in the know. She was guessing the song. Personally, my cover was blown, and I stood naked in my lack of Deadness.
There was another guy selling crystals outside the door in an ode to the Shakedown Street tradition. Nice guy. His dreads were divine. I asked to take a picture and he said no. “If you take my picture I’ll sell less.” Did he think my camera would steal his soul? His response sort of haunted me all night as I sat in a booth drinking Bud Light. I ended up putting my camera away altogether because I felt like a voyeur; I realized that I couldn’t participate in the experience fully because I just don’t respond to the Grateful Dead’s sound in any visceral way. It’s happy and cheerful like a soft meadow in a dream and everyone dances wildly, especially the old dudes on acid. I don’t move to that beat.
To me, artful music is sublime in happiness as well as sorrow and anger and passion and whatever. I like new sounds and pretending I’m from the future. Mostly, I tend to be a cynic sick with America and I want my music to respond to that in some way. Listening to the Grateful Dead truly is a trip in itself because it attempts to transport the listener to some imaginary happy place. That’s probably where those dancing bears live. I can’t relate.
Musical taste aside, everyone at the show was really nice. Considering I had been called a faggot outside of a 7/11 (Philly’s mean!) just 50 yards next to the venue, I was surprised by just how pleasant everyone was. This was a real community built on the legacy of a single band, and it was made up of all types of people, old and young, all dressed up in tie-dye. Matt was so taken away by the music that he went for a run when he got home. He really felt that energy of the show within him. I’ve felt that way before and it’s wonderful.
However, it’s safe to say I won’t be going to another Grateful Dead tribute show. Like Anime and Harry Potter, I think the ability to enjoy the Grateful Dead is some sort of biological predisposition. I love pickles. My grandma wears hats. I hate the Grateful Dead. It’s just one of those things. No big deal.
A BAMBOOZLE PREVIEW
by Sonia Karas
It’s that time of year; the flowers begin to blossom, the rain clouds become familiar friends, and The Bamboozle Festival comes to the New Meadowlands Stadium. For many of us, The Bamboozle has become a yearly tradition, combined with goods friends, rocking out and maybe some parking lot liquor festivities. I check my email frantically for the confirmation; this year I am more than just a fellow music lover, I am going as a working member of the press. I do the expected “Oh my god I’m so excited!” dance, then proceed to collect myself and get back to work. Now being a part of the event, I sat thinking about how much The Bamboozle really means to the music community, and New Jersey in general.
From its inception in 2003, Bamboozle has been a platform for many emerging artists, such as Paramore, Fall Out Boy and My Chemical Romance. This is a festival that truly embraces upcoming and popular music and creates one of the most highly anticipated stages for artists. Take My Chemical Romance for example. They hail from North Jersey, making their way to the top of their underground genre through hustling and sheer determination. The Bamboozle offered the ultimate prize; recognition under the national magnifying glass. It was an omen of finally “making it”. This year, newcomers The Air I Breathe, Man Overboard, Black Veil Brides and many others join industry giants Wiz Khalifa, Bruno Mars, Taking Back Sunday, A Day To Remember, Lil Wayne and the infamous Mötley Crüe. Part of what makes this such a special festival is the dynamic and diversity of the artists performing. For where else can you find the best in alternative and metal-core amongst the greats of rap and hip-hop?
However, there’s a lot more than just music awaiting you at this festival; featured this year are The Temple of Boozle, a who’s who of the hottest DJ’s in the game mixing it up all weekend. The B-Boy Battle and The Break Contest return this year, proving to be staples in the line-up. I was pleasantly surprised to hear that this year the festival is taking on something called the “BoozleTwist”, which is a fan appreciation program where kids can interact and earn points by participating in promotional activities. The points can be used for awesome prizes and VIP experiences, and honestly, what is better than having the opportunity to hang out with your favorite artists? It really is about more than just playing good music; it’s about appreciating the fan for all that they do for the music community and embracing artists to make the best and most inventive music possible. Bamboozle is reaching out to the pulse of the music community and injecting it with a much needed sense of community and appreciation. It’s a nurturing yet fun environment for people to not only express themselves, but to form bonds, relationships and memories that will last a lifetime.
As I sit here writing, I can’t help but to be fascinated that I get to be a part of such a powerful and inventive event. Many people will say, “Oh, well I don’t like this band, why should I go?” or, “I hate hip hop, it’s taking over! I refuse to go!”, but that’s the beauty of The Bamboozle. The diversity of the lineup this year allows the Lil Wayne fans to mesh with the Veil Of Maya fans and the LMFAO crew to see what Conditions is all about. I’m looking through the lineup and instead of cementing my plans to see all of my favorite old bands, I’m pushing myself to go and see something new. Nowadays in music, we tend to confine ourselves to what we know, partly due to the over-saturation of artists. So festivals like this are the perfect time to see some of the best talent out there.
What was once a “must attend” event has often been cast to the back burner by many college students, primarily for its close proximity to finals. But did anyone ever consider that we all stopped trying to have fun? Looking back and remembering the days when friends would come together for a weekend of music and fun, isn’t this something that should transcend age? We are never too old to lose ourselves in music, never too busy to appreciate artistry.
Rarely is there such a big musical event right in New Jersey’s backyard, only joined by a scattering of Warped Tour dates mid-summer. Go ahead, blame it on studying or school work, but I definitely saw you at a party last weekend. You can try to excuse yourself by claiming that there are too many bands you don’t like. But I’m pretty sure if you click to your iTunes, you’ll find that Ke$ha, Senses Fail, Miley Cyrus, Emarosa, or a combination of such artist all peacefully coexist. There’s no excuse not to be at the New Meadowlands Stadium on the final weekend in April. So grab your rain boots and your favorite band tee. I’ll be seeing you at The Bamboozle.
Baths show review by Leah Rodriguez
No line formed outside Baths’ sold out concert. Scalpers didn’t loiter or profit off the 10 dollar show outside Mercury Lounge, in New York City’s Lower East Side. Maybe with age, obtaining the best floor spot doesn’t matter anymore and psychic late show prediction powers develop.
On February 16th, a 21 and older crowd trickled through a dark dive bar beholding a stage amidst cushioned bench-lined walls.
True Womanhood (the odd band out amongst plural noun named acts) opened andHouses followed. Braids calmly wailed their way through trippy dream pop harmonies.
New York City crowds don’t tend to dance, and they hardly made an exception for Will Wiesenfeld, vocalist and DJ, a.k.a. Baths. The crowd lost enthusiasm when Weisenfeld’s nasally voice made appearances in tracks off his 2010 album, Cerulean.
Patches of dancers, (mostly tectonically grinding couples) complied with Wiesenfeld’s request to “act excited,” especially to his newer club sounds. Everyone swayed to “Hall,” a track Wiesenfeld introduced as “cute.” The crowd dwindled prematurely. Humble Wiesenfeld, easily mistaken for a recovered Jersey scene kid (he’s from California), sold his own merchandise while Braids (were they even old enough to be at Mercury Lounge?), casually sat across the bar.
Bummer Sanders Interview by Joe Zorzi
Back in early February, I had the pleasure of watching the band, Bummer Sanders at Fuck Mountain in New Brunswick. I went to the show expecting little and left the show completely impressed. With their distorted surf rock sound and energetic presence, Bummer Sanders’ live show is quite exciting. Cameron (Bass) took the time to answer a few questions about the band.
Joe Zorzi: Hey Cameron how is everything?
Cameron Black: I’m sick at the moment, but besides that all is well!
How long has Bummer Sanders been together?
A little longer than a year.
Have you guys played in bands before Bummer Sanders?
Harry and I played in the post-neo-industrial band, No Outlet in 8th grade.
What are some of your influences?
Les Rallizes Denudes, Eleven Pond, The Shadow Ring, Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Strapping Fieldhands, My Chemical Romance, Olde English Spelling Bee, chillers, vibers.
You guys have a very energetic live set. Where have you guys performed? What kind of setting do you guys find ideal for a good show?
We have played all around New Jersey, a couple times in Brooklyn, and twice in Ohio. We like basements and rooftops…and wherever the party is at!!! We want to play frats if any of the brothers are down for it. We love the brothers almost as much as we love the ladies! A keg lasts one night but brotherhood is forever. Let’s make it happen.
Who is in charge of writing the songs? Or is it more of a collective process?
We can’t answer that question. Top secretions.
If your band had a mascot, what would it be and why?
A TCNJ Tsi Chi frat brother.
Who would win in a fight, Bummer Sanders or Chuck Norris?
Jason Millazzo
If you could play a show with anyone who would it be?
I would wanna play a show with this kid, Marshall Stacks from Chicago. He just smokes DMT in his parents’ basement and listens to Steve Miller Band. Either him or the Rockin Berries. Vibes.
What are your feelings on the New Brunswick basement scene as of late?
Too much pop-punk. Fuck Mountain is next-level…clearly. Other shout-outs to The Laundromat, The Woods, Camp Crystal Lake (RIP), and the Nicholas Cage.
Any upcoming shows or tours coming up?
We’re touring with our pals Slow Animal this summer. They are great musicians and even better drinkers.
Do you guys have any new releases coming out soon?
We are in the midst of recording right now, and we have a split tape coming out this summer with Wavves and Yo La Tengo.
