I Can Feel A Hot One...

Alright, so as I promised upon creating this blog, I shall now recommend what will soon be your new addiction.

MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA

I was first introduced to this band by a good friend of mine, and ever since he handed me that bright pink burnt disc (NOTE: BUY DON'T BURN! SUPPORT THE ARTIST!- and yes I did end up buying the album) I instantly fell in love. This indie rock band was formed in Atlanta Georgia in 2004, however it was not until 2007 that their debut album I'm Like A Virgin Losing A Child, was released. Since then their fan base has been spreading rapidly, and if I had it my way the whole world would know about these guys. Singer Andy Hull's voice is incredibly distinctive, and his lyrics are catchy as hell. The song Wolves At Night starts out to the sound of drum sticks counting the band in, which is quickly followed by upbeat drumming and intense guitar riffs. By the time the vocals start, the song is already a hit. In fact, someone in the video game world liked this song so much that they made sure it appeared on NHL '08. My personal recommendation off this album if you're going to take the time to check them out, is a song called I Can Barely Breathe. This is the song that captured my complete undivided attention. This is how I came to love Manchester Orchestra.

Then, at a time when I thought my life was complete thanks to have being introduced to Manchester who were in all aspects perfect (and I realized that then you were perfect), they released Mean Everything To Nothing and somehow managed to outdo themselves. This album has played more time in my CD player than any other album to date. EVER. COMBINED. I could recommend a particular song to check out, but that wouldn't be fair considering the album in its entirely is astonishing. PLEASE, IF YOU ARE EVER GOING TO DO ANYTHING I SUGGEST, PLEASE LISTEN TO THIS ALBUM-- I PROMISE YOU, YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT. Opening with The Only One, composed of an alternative country sound, the album then bursts to life whilst exploding into Shake It Out which consists of power chords and angsty lyrics. This album is totally all over the place in terms of sound. The song In My Teeth has been compared to the grunge sounds of Nirvana, while The River creepily resembles the voice of Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes. The song 100 Dollars is strongly comparable to the sounds of Neutral Milk Hotel, yet is nonetheless still a wicked authentic song. TWO ABSOLUTELY MUST CHECK OUTS ON THIS ALBUM ARE "Pride" AND "I Can Feel A Hot One." Pride is definitely one of the heavier tracks on the album, the combination of guitar and vocals create a grave southern rock vibe. On the other end of the spectrum, I Can Feel A Hot One was played on an episode of Gossip Girl...(ha..I think this song is too good for that kind of a reputation...) The first time I heard I Can Feel A Hot One was last winter. I was sitting on my friend Ted's bed after experiencing what at the time felt like the end of my life. The song came on, and I was honestly so completely moved by it that I had to leave. I remember getting up, putting my shoes on and running down the street through the snow just so I could get home and listen to it again and again and again. I can't really put into words what it did or how, but then again, that's the magic of music isn't it? If songs are not meant to move us like that, then what is the point in even listening? Even after all this time, that song still gives me goosebumps... the build up...the lyrics...the violin...it is a masterpiece. I swear by that.

Anyways, I'll post the link to the Manchester Orchestra website where you can find all their videos and a bunch of other sweet stuff so seriously check it out!

http://www.themanchesterorchestra.com/ca

AND for those of you who are already familiar with these guys, just an FYI that they will be opening for Brand New this Friday night at the Fillmore in Detroit, tickets are available at Livenation.com

I WILL BE THERE, AND YOU SHOULD ALL GO TOO!

Well folks, I really hope you enjoy this band as much as me, and as always leave me some feedback on what you thought.

lovelovelove, jessspoto.

SICK + UNINSPIRED!

Dear Blogspot,
Why must I get sick on what seems like the busiest week of my life? I mean, I only have 3 papers, 3 blogs, and 2 tests to do.. ON TOP OF packing everything I owe up into boxes to move on Thursday, working anddd going to Detriot to see MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA WITH BRAND NEW. What's that you say? DEATH CAB CURES ALL?
I think so.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with Death Cab For Cutie pleaseeee get to know them as they will most likely be coming up frequently in my blogs seeing as they are my all time favourite band.

So, after an eventful weekend which included drinking my body mass in Gin, attempting to make Veggie Thai Burritos the same way as Prince Als does, The Wortley Roadhouse, a crazy walk home, a hungover twelve hour shift then doing it all over again at a birthday kegger, it is no wonder my immune system finally caved and let this cold I have been fighting all week get the best of me. So this morning when I woke up to being voiceless and shivering with a pounding headache, I can't really say I didn't see this coming.

In between periodic naps, large doses of cold medication, and attempting to get some school work done, the one and only thing that makes me feel better is my Death Cab <3>

I drove out to Ohio last summer to see Death Cab For Cutie, it was perfect. I managed to miss them everytime they came to Toronto, it was like the universe did not want me to ever encounter their shows. BUT THEN, I realized why I hadn't gotten the chance to experience what was to be one of the best moments of my life- IT WAS BECAUSE I WAS MEANT TO WAIT FOR CLEVELAND OHIO! On a warm summer night in June, on a dock in the water, with lights reflecting and the stars glowing... out they walked. Ben Gibbard. Chris Walla. Nick Harmer. Jason McGerr. I have never in my entire existence felt my heart beat so fast. They played a set that I couldn't have perfected myself. Even trying to write this now I'm speechless (not even from all the cold medication I am jacked up on) but just thinking about that show is pure bliss. Actually now that I think about it, that entire trip was amazing. Cleveland is an absolutely beautiful city and if you ever have the chance to visit, I highly recommend it. While you are there make sure you check out the Rock n Rock Hall of Fame (that alone was worth the trip there) and what better way to end the trip off then getting dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe, I mean, why not stick to the theme? BESIDES, THE CLEVELAND HARD ROCK CAFE IS WAY BETTER THAN THE TORONTO ONE!

Last April I lucked out and got to see Death Cab again in Toronto. Again amazing, but it was no Ohio. Anyways, I'm going to keep this one short seeing as I need to rest up and hopefully make it to campus tomorrow. BUT I CAN ASSURE YOU, YOU WILL BE GETTING A MUCH BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF HOW INCREDIBLE DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE IS ONCE I HAVE THE ENERGY TO PROFESS TO THE WORLD MY UNDYING LOVE FOR THIS AMAZING BAND... but in the meantime if you need something to make you realize the world isn't as f***ed up as you think it may be, check out some death cab, you won't be disappointed (unless you choose their latest album Narrow Stairs, but we will talk about that another time). I will however leave you with some pictures from the show in Cleveland, and lyrics as well :)

Goodnight world <3

-jessspoto

And when i see you

I really see you upside down

But my brain knows better

It picks you up and turns you around

Turns you around, turns you around

If you feel discouraged

That there's a lack of color here

Please don't worry lover

It's really bursting at the seams

Absorbing everything

The spectrum's a to z

This fact not fiction

For the first time in years

And all the girls in every girlie magazine

Can't make me feel any less alone

I'm reaching for the phone

To call at 7:03 and on your machine I slur a plea for you to come home

But i know it's too late I should have given you a reason to stay

Given you a reason to stay

This is fact not fiction

For the first time in years

BRAND NEW. Blog or Band?

Since this is a BRAND NEW blog, I decided that the first band to be at the mercy of my fingertips should be someone pretty important. This being said, since their newest album released just five days ago (September 22, 2009) is completely off the wall, and seeing as they are one of my favourites, why not start with BRAND NEW! However, before I get too far ahead of myself I just want to take a minute or two to fill you in on exactly what this blog is going to be all about.


OKAY, so I am going to be using this blogspot largely as a place for me to fill your minds and inspire your words with the music I have fallen for. It will be a space for my musical opinions, album reviews, band updates, concert listings... really, it will be a space for me to express MY thoughts regarding that which I could not live without -MUSIC-. For me, on a daily basis I make connections between songs and memories, sounds and events. I have been creating a soundtrack to my life for years now, and since it consists of a never ending play list, the best I can do is share with you some of the great artists who have strongly influenced and moved me in some sense or another. Although i don't necessarily know these individuals on a personal level, their music and lyrics have been my life support through some of the happiest and hardest times of my life.
**NOTE: I IN NO WAY THINK THAT I KNOW EVERYTHING THERE IS TO KNOW ABOUT MUSIC, AND I AM NOT IMPRESSED BY PEOPLE WHO THINK THEY DO. Wanna impress me? ADMIT THAT THERE IS LOTS YOU DON'T KNOW!** I have been working in a record store for the past 4 years, and yeah well i do know my share of music, I also know my share of tools who think they know everything there is to know. (Socrates: "All I know is that I know nothing") --THINK ABOUT IT ALL YOU SO CALLED MUSIC DISCIPLES. KILL YOUR EGO.
THIS ALL BEING SAID- those of you who do check out my blog regularly will also be seeing a lot more than just music related material.

WELCOME TO MY MIND.

Brand New formed back in 2000 and have since put out four albums. The first of these was Your Favorite Weapon, which while introducing the boys to the scene as American pop-punk angst filled beginners, also threw at the world a bitter sweet 12 track album lyrically detailing the highs and lows of teen experiences, harsh breakups, and Jesse Lacey- singer/guitar player LYRICAL GENIUS. Despite the immaturity of the album, the super authentic high school vibes found in Your Favorite Weapon can help but make you smile and wanna jump around. Thee best songs on this album include Jude Law and a Semester Abroad, Mixtape, Failure by Design, and Soco Amaretto Lime... anddddd the other 8 tracks I didn't just mention.
*I'm apologizing in advance, the video upload would not work, I will hopefully have it figured out by my next positing, but in the mean time I will leave you with some video links for your enjoyment :) CHECK THEM OUT!
http://www.videocure.com/video/136328.html

Deja Entendu, Brand New's second album released in 2003, turned out to be a way bigger album. Better? YES. Drummer Brian Lane said "Jesse wrote a lot of the lyrics about different things than 'I just broke up with my girlfriend' for the new record." Deja is the product of a range of influences vs. their amateur perspective found in Your Favorite Weapon. Their matured sound and stylistic leap can be heard in hits The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows and Sic Transit Gloria...Glory Fades, but even more important- this entire album is a sing-along. IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO CHECK OUT "OKAY I BELIEVE YOU BUT MY TOMMY GUN DON'T"...if you think I'll let you down, well I wont.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKDc2lkt_mE&feature=PlayList&p=11E50352CE67D7E1&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=11E50352CE67D7E1&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=11


The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me is hands down Brand New's greatest album to date. Opening with Sowing Seasons the album blows my mind every single time I listen to it. The attention to detail is incredible, and lyrically it is Jesse's most poetic piece. Released Novemeber 20th, 2006, this emotionally aggressive album is Brand New's masterpiece which not only is in my opinion the pinnacle of their career, but clearly shows their progression from merely boys of the music scene to kings of the industry. The overdose of inventive percussion, multi guitar tracks, and forceful harmonics connect each track, providing the perfect high of energy which is mostly dark and assertive. The creativity of the album makes it an instant classic, straight up- this album is pure art!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5mm8ex8Vd4


AND NOW...WHAT YOU HAVE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR...DAISY!
Brand New's latest album is all over the place in terms of direction, and to be completely honest I really did not like the album in the slightest when I first heard it, all I could think of was the Used (not good Used, but like, "Take it Away" ? ughh) HOWEVER, it has grown on me a fair bit since. The weird thing about Daisy is that unlike every other Brand New album, it does not seem to flow due to the fact that they didn't pick a sound and stick to it. Every track sounds different, and i mean DIFFERENT DIFFERENT. Sounding heavily influenced by bands such as Glassjaw, The Cure, and even Morrissey (..and I'm stick of your tattoos, and the way you always criticize The Smiths, and Morrissey). Daisy is a super thrashy and elegiac, I'm still trying to figure it out myself. I mean, in the midst of jumping around sound wise, they managed to squish in way more samples and electric drums than ever used before. GOOD? BAD? YOU DECIDE! A quote from Jesse in regards to Daisy, "it's a pretty exhausting record. It's quite dense and I think some of the decisions we made don't always go in the most obvious direction. We were thinking a lot more about what we'd want to play when we were up onstage rather than actually what you'd want to hear on a record." ...Ummm, thanks guys?..
Anyways, DEFINITELY CHECK OUT "AT THE BOTTOM" AND "YOU STOLE"-- so far I'm voting these the best new tracks, but if you beg to differ, please let me know.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTt46ZTVCPU

**ALSO, CHECK OUT BRAND NEW'S MYSPACE AT www.myspace.com/brandnew

BRAND NEW WILL BE PLAYING IN TORONTO AT THE KOOL HAUS
NOVEMBER 22 + 23
$40.00/ DOORS AT 7PM
TICKETMASTER.CA OR SUNRISE RECORDS OUTLET (where you will also see me!)

Well, that is all I got in me right now, and to be honest that was kind of painful seeing as it is my first blog... lets hope my mind comes back to me soon and I lose this mental block.

-jessspoto