My Top 5 Music Videos Of 2013 Thus Far

Some really great music videos have been popping up this year, and I figured I would lump them all together in one post chock full of awesomeness. Some of these videos have been making the rounds for a few months, while others are on the newer end, but all have been released this year of 2013. I am ranking these music videos based on their artistic characteristics, and mind you, this does not necessarily have to do with my opinion on the song (although to be noted, all of these songs are great). Let’s get crackin’…

5. Scrape The Sky – Can’t Stop Won’t Stop (feat. Fresh Big Mouf)

This catchy song is co-written/performed by a buddy of mine as seen in the Orioles hat. The acrobatics and dance moves deserve credit, as do the wardrobe choices.

4. Sun Gonna Lemme Shine – Kingsely Flood

The airy vocals complete this pop tune. And the feel-good ending of this video keeps it rolling around in my head, many times after watching.

3. Keep The Wolves Away – Uncle Lucius

It pains me to put this at the number three spot because the video is so beautifully made. I am especially fond of the continuous wind-swept, slowed down look and the extra-dark sepia, rustic tone to the video.

2. Roots & Vine – Sons Of Fathers

The color transfer to black and white and back again is clever, the split panels makes this video more interesting than it could have been, and the similarities and ironies in both sides of the story are striking. Plus, who doesn’t like a happy ending?

1. Baby I’m Yours – Breakbot (feat. Irfane)

Really, there’s no competition here, when it comes to overall creativity and imagination. The idea to do a psychedelic ever-changing watercolor animation is fantastic, and I’m sure the process was long and painstaking, though definitely worth the effort.

Sons Of Fathers: Burning Days Album Review

This past Monday night, one of Austin’s best music groups, Sons Of Fathers rocked out at Vienna, Virginia’s Jammin’ Java. It may have seem like a dreary, rainy Monday in a strip mall, but inside the band treated their company to one heck of a night. The band, who last played D.C.’s Hill Country last May (see here) has been touring the country to introduce its second album entitled, “Burning Days.”

This album is upbeat and rockin’ which delightfully makes you want to dance, clap, and stomp, compared to their more mellow, twang off their first, self-titled album, Though the disc boasts a mere 10 tracks like the first, this one seems to take off in a more courageous manner. Let’s get down to brass tack, shall we?

The first track, Hurt Someone, is a fair introduction to the sound you can expect from this album. It’s electric with a straight-forward song structure. Co-lead singer, Paul Cauthen’s hallowing soulful vocals which carry this tune, are especially noteworthy.

The album’s title track, Burning Days follows with more soothing vocals than the first track. I am especially fond of the keyboard part which sounds kind of giddy and bubbly, especially compared to the depressing lyrics: “I put you out like a match in the rain. It took a while but you’re out just the same.”

Next up is, Roots & Vine, an ode and celebration to wine, which I’m told the band is quite fond of. This melody sounds more like Sons Of Father’s first album, which showcases the duality of David Beck and Paul Cauthen’s different vocal tones. Also unique to this piece is Bryan Mammel’s accordion playing, which adds a great sound, especially to the end of the song.

The fourth track is, Not This Time, is very sweet and gentle. The vocals sound airy and easy-peasy-breezy. This acoustic number has a bouncing rhythm also joined by the accordion which helps to bind all the instruments and voices together.

Possibly the album’s most innovative and eclectic song, O.G.C.T.A.W. follows next. The acronym stands for, “Only God Can Take A Woman.” According to the album’s liner notes, this song incorporates an electric sitar, an instrument I wasn’t even aware exists. This song is a fine example that the band can think outside of the box.

Selfish Mind brings you back to Sons Of Father’s more mild sound. This song is a fantastic piece for steel guitar lovers, like myself. This song has plenty of twang in the guitar lines as well as a special fluidity to the vocals.

My favorite song of the album is the next track, Feel The Fall. This piece has a unique beat which to novices, might throw you off. The unexpected twist to the rhythm is especially noteworthy and reminds me of something The Grateful Dead might explore. I also can’t get enough of David Beck’s whoopin’ and hollerin’ throughout the piece- it really shows how much fun the band is having.

Our next song is, Almost There. This song swells in and out with ghostly sounding backup vocals. This piece has interesting percussion that sounds barren, yet at the same time, is also a strong and key piece to this track.

To Whom is a lovely ballad who’s overly syrupy lyrics seem a tad out of place on this album. Nonetheless, this sweet song still manages to stick to Sons Of Fathers’ ideal, with a strong guitar part and Beck and Cauthen’s notable harmonizing.

The album ends with, The Mansion, a melodic tune that I’m under the impression is about Washington, D.C.’s own Mansion on O St., a fantastic fun-house of a hotel that the band has been known to frequent. Or I could be wrong about the inspiration. Nonetheless, this song is more on the rock n’ roll end of the band’s spectrum, with not much country or twang to it.

Overall, Sons Of Fathers’ album, “Burning Days” has more to it than the more stripped-down sound of their first album. This album brings more experimentation to their repertoire as well as unexpected twists and turns. It’s exciting to see that this band is pushing forward, though they haven’t strayed too far from themselves.

Dr. Facilier Drawings

Next month I will be taking a trip to New Orleans. The last time I was in New Orleans was a decade ago, a few years before Hurricane Katrina hit the area hard. Ever since the movie, “The Princess and the Frog” came out, I have been itching to return to New Orleans, the city in which that fantastic movie takes place.

I’m pretty excited for this trip. So I have created a series of illustrations based on the villain of “The Princess and the Frog,” a Voo-Doo man, Dr. Facilier; potentially my favorite Disney villain. The drawings are all based off a part in the song  the character sings, “Friends On The Other Side” which can be seen below (Check it out around 3:15)…

Wheeler Brothers: Gold Boots Glitter Album Review

Last weekend I had the time of my life, celebrating my birthday at The Wheeler Brothers‘ album release show in D.C. at The Hamilton. The Wheeler Brothers (a band I previously saw back in December at the same venue) are currently touring the country, for the release of their new album titled, Gold Boots Glitter, which is officially released April 2.

Upon listening to The Wheeler Brothers’ second album, I hear a strong resemblance in sound to a number of bands, which to make clear, is in no way a bad thing. But it does give you a sense of what you might come to expect before giving the album a listen.

“My Time” starts the album off on a cheery note, with bright guitar strumming and a glimmer of the slide guitar. This song reminds me much of the earlier, “Portraits,” only sunnier.

Next up is “Straight and Steady,” a song that explores a sharp, staccato (as us music folk like to say) take on vocals. I’m not sure I have yet bought into the too-cute “doo doo la doo’s” and “uh oh uh oh woah’s” but this is another good example of why pieces of this album are reminiscent of Vampire Weekend or even The Cat Empire.

“Heather” is the third track. It takes a longer introduction to get you into this piece. I kind of hate to make this comparison, but there are lines such as the one at the 2:37 mark, “No one needs to try. / Everyone is just happy to be hitching a ride ” where the melody seems too similar to Fall Out Boy’s “Sugar We’re Going Down.” (Sorry, I had to.)

“Cigarette Smoke” comes at you next, with some entertaining talking to start the track off with, much like something you’d hear on The Beatles’, “Let It Be.” Actually, as much as I love the rock solid beat this track has, it seems so much like a mix of The Beatles’, “Get Back” and a tad bit of OkGo’s, “No Sign Of Life.”

I was very pleased that “Sleep When I’m Dead,” a song I’ve associated with their older music (only because I’ve heard it much before I even heard anything of their new album) has found a place on Gold Boot Glitter. This tune might be the most country, “honky tonk” you will get on the album.

Next up is a potential new favorite with, “You Got A Lot Of Love” with a beautiful Hawaiian sounding, rich guitar riff that thankfully repeats through the piece. This song can truly be described as lovely and even incorporates an orchestral string section. One of the best parts of this piece is the deep percussion of the bongos, which sounds so much like Uncle Lucius’ “Set Ourselves Free.” This one really takes you to paradise.

“Struggle With It All You Like” has some of the most memorable lyrics on the album with lines like, ”Ain’t nothing wrong growing up in the suburbs. / Don’t let nobody tell you otherwise.” Some of the guitar lines also reminds me of something I would have listened to in the 1990′s (-that is not necessarily a bad thing!). This song stretches the band far from its Austin, country rock roots, lending a slightly more urban tone.

The tune, “Under A Bridge” sounds much like another piece either OkGo or Weezer might turn out. It has also got some “la da da’s” which brighten up an otherwise more “punkish” tune. And like what I’m calling it’s more lighthearted cousin, “Straight and Steady,” also shares in some of the “oh oh oh’s”. These two songs, might sound a little similar.

As I’ve previously stated, “I’ve Been Around” definitely resembles a Jack Johnson song. Although I definitely prefer this a capella version, it’s important to note that the studio version nicely integrates an organ part which adds great character and depth to the piece.

The sweet tenor vocals and chill guitar lines on the next track, “Yukon” sound similar to something Vampire Weekend or Cake might produce. This piece sounds very cute with the highlight role of the glockenspiel as well. To note, my Favorite Lyric Award goes to the line, “Drunk sleep is not real sleep” because it’s so true.

The piano and guitar parts on “Gold Boots Glitter” sounds like it could be taken right out of a Harry Nilsson tune. My brother and I also noted that this song could potentially make a successful mash-up with U2′s, “The Sweetest Thing.”

And finally on “Outro,” the playful ending to the album resembles something you might hear from The Beatles, a la, “Her Majesty” from Abbey Road.

The Wheeler Brothers’ new album is overall ultra-catchy and a fun listen and good time. Unlike their last album, Portraits, which had a nice country flavor, Gold Boots Glitter takes the band out of the country, and brings them rockin’ into the… suburbs. (Note: Ben Folds is not the only one who can do it.)

Art Deco Makes A Statement At The 2013 Oscars

Just like most everyone I know, I too, was not only watching but scrutinizing this year’s Academy Awards. I may not have seen all the nominated films, but I did make sure to watch out for the pre-show red carpet to see who was wearing what. Because you know, if you don’t win an award for the movie-making business, you might as well look darn hot while attending the swanky event.

I’m not going to do a Fashion Police run-down of the best and the worst of the night, but I do want to spotlight my two favorite gowns of the night. Not only did these two dresses take the cake, but surprisingly, they looked similar to each other.

First up is Halle Berry. Her sparkly, striped number was ultra chic and slinky and looked oh so very Art Deco. The sharp, tailored shoulders and top grounded the rest of the vertical look, and the lines go in all the right angles and places. Plus, who doesn’t love her fun, sky-scraping hair up-do?

Halle Berry in Versace

Next up is another pleasant surprise of the evening, none other than the First Lady of the United States. Unfortunately, due to standard video-ing, we were treated mostly to seeing the top part of Michelle Obama’s gown. But in the brief full-body shots, we saw a magnificently shiny, metallic dress, also heavily inspired by the Art Deco movement. This was a fantastic departure from Obama’s usual glam, though not necessarily “party fun” looks. And let me say, I was wowed.

For more of the FLOTUS, check her out presenting, here and a dual article about her dress here.

Michelle Obama in a custom-made Naeem Khan gown.

 

New Music 2012 Brought Me

Last year was such an amazing year for me, and each time I look back on all the successes it brought me, I feel like it will be hard for any other year to top 2012. One of the major highlights from the year was learning of and loving so many new musical groups to my repertoire. I have tried to compile a list of the most memorable new bands I discovered in 2012 which I feel so fortunate to be able to share with you. In no particular order, here are 10 new bands I fell in love with last year:

1. The Cheaters – I wrote about them here, when they performed at Hill Country. Upon seeing them a second time recently, they played an almost identical show, but the band members are genuine and very friendly, which was welcoming. 
2. Sons Of Fathers – Though I only saw them once, I have grown to be quite friendly with the band members who live way down in Austin. This is the first of many Austin bands I have come to love.
3. The Wheeler Brothers – These raucous boys tore the place down when they played in D.C. last December. They definitely helped end my year of a high note. I am becoming friendly with this band as well. Like the previous band, they are a discovery through my adoration for Uncle Lucius. This marks Austin band number two.
4. Deadman – Though I may never have seen this band live, I also discovered them through their touring with Uncle Lucius. I’m a big fan of their music and hope to one day see them perform in person.
5.  Whiskey Shivers – I saw this ultra-fun folk band open for Uncle Lucius back when I went to Austin over the summer. Another Austin-based band I have been fortunate enough to discover through Uncle Lucius.
6. Not In The Face –  One last Austin-based band for the list, I was also introduced to this band when they opened for Uncle Lucius’ album release concert in Austin. These hard rockers put on quite a show, somewhat reminiscent of The White Stripes. A definite good time.
7. John Lee - This jazz whiz was introduced to me through a friend who has become a die-hard fan. Not just jazz, this musician also melds California surfer tunes with dazed jams. He’s a guitar master!
8. Givers – I happened upon this band when a friend and I followed Uncle Lucius to Mountain Jam last summer. I also discovered that an old high school friend is their sound manager, which is pretty nifty! This band is best described as an indie pop mix that lies between Vampire Weekend and Paul Simon and somewhere else.
9. Mariachi El Bronx – First captivated by their performance on Conan O’Brien’s late night talk show, I was happy to learn they were playing at Mountain Jam. Unfortunately I missed them play twice this summer, though my admiration for this unique Mariachi-plus-rock band has not weaned.
10. Rizzle Kicks - Thanks to a collaboration they did with one of my favorite musicians, Mayer Hawthorne, I learned about this British Hip Hop duo. Equally impressed with their other tunes, this band earns the tenth place on my list.

 

My True Ghost Sighting Story

It may be Valentine’s Day today, but I don’t care. It has been due time since I last posted, to which I am regretful, but to “celebrate” today’s holiday to which I could care less about, I would like to share a story that has no relevance whatsoever to Valentine’s Day…

Last month, I took my third trip in a year back to Savannah, this time splitting our vacation with Charleston. My friend had never been and I had been once prior, back when I was a child, so we were in new territory, unlike in Savannah, which we have gotten to know quite well.

On our last day in Charleston, we took a tour of the Civil War fort-island, Fort Sumnter. We were strolling around the fort and decided to check out the inside perimeter. My friend and I were captivated when we both saw a man run through a dark doorway. Curious, we went to the door to see where it led. Much to our surprise however, we were unable to open the door. Both of us tried our hands at pushing, pulling, and trying to maneuver the doors open, as we had just seen a man run through them so swiftly. We had even heard the doors rattle as he exited.

Confused, we decided to explore the other side of the doors. What we came upon was a total shock. Apparently the doors were padlocked closed:

How then could this figure be explained as running through the doors so quickly? There was no way anyone could get through these locked doors, yet we were sure of what we had seen. At that point my friend started second-guessing herself, but I knew that since forts have seen a multitude of deaths, that we were in a likely place to have just witnessed a ghost.

The ironic aspect of this story, was that our ghost sighting came to us in Charleston, a side trip from Savannah, which is known as the most haunted city in America. Actually, my interest and love for Savannah all started when I discovered it held this such title. Even after spending so much time in Savannah and going on three ghost tours, we never saw any ghost remnants. Nonetheless, I’ll take this real ghost sighting and treasure the moment. It was surreal!