Bomb In A Birdcage: Song By Song

I have, for a few months now, been utterly entranced by the dreamy lyrics and milky tones of Alison Sudol aka ‘A Fine Frenzy’. So when I discovered she had a new album out, ‘A Bomb in a Birdcage’ (a title taken from the song ‘What I Wouldn’t Do’), I was downloading it quicker then said bomb could blow that birdcage to smithereens- and I was not disappointed. The age old cliché that a second album is never good as the first here is completely thrown up in the air. It has been described by critics as “closer to mainstream pop, with less of the singer-songwriter feel and more synthy sounds and bouncier beats. A Fine Frenzy's second album isn't a huge change of direction but more an evolution of sound”. But here’s it broken down, song by song:

1. What I Wouldn’t Do – Whilst not being my favorite song on the album, ‘What I Wouldn’t Do’ is a happy, refreshing way to start an album. It kicks off with a cheerful guitar sequence with the occasional tinkling of the ivories before slipping effortlessly and beautifully into the sweet vocals of Alison Sudol with splashings of pretty harmonies. A nice start.

2. New Heights – This song is closer to her old stuff that we saw in ‘One Cell in the Sea’. This song appears to be care-free, but if you slip past the smooth vocals and happy-go-lucky piano score, you can hear Sudol’s lyrical genius. Beautiful.

3. Electric Twist – Officially one of those songs that tattoos itself on your mind, and before you go comparing it to the likes of Black Lace’s Agadoo or some of the awfully repetitive corporate stuff you get nowadays, give it a listen. ‘Electric Twist’ is some of those songs that make you smile or, in my case anyway, actually get off you chair and do some electric twisting- and I thought only Bill Haley and the Comets could do that!

4. Happier – Perhaps my favorite song on the album. Sudol’s vocals are hauntingly beautiful, the lyrics filled with the stark realism of any break up when although neither person wants to part, you know it’s for the best. Definitely, definitely, definitely worth a listen.

5. Swan Song – A soulful tune with beautiful lyrics. Not my favorite; the one song on the album that I skip on shuffle, but if you’re into melancholy ballads, this is the one for you.

6. Elements – this song starts with a slow, almost military-like drum beat before slowly layering on the synthy sounds, before kicking into the actual song. I really like this song, it feels like it has many layers – an onion, if you will – that need to be broken down. Magnificent.

7. The World Without – This has a very pop-y feel about it; sweet, happy listening for when you're feeling down.

8. Bird of Summer – Here Sudol retracts into the singer-songwriter aura that we saw in her first album, with a truly beautiful piano score. However, that's not what I love about this song; it’s the happy chirps of wind instruments in the introduction, a fun way of reacting to the calls of birds without following down the route of other artists and layering on some sound clips. Plus, it’s always good, because it means I don’t glance out of my window wondering where all the birds are (Your Only Doll – Laura Marling: I just never learn!)

9. Stood Up – Definitely one of my favorites, ‘Stood Up’ has a more powerful, independent feel then the rest of the album. Rather then the sweet dulcet tones we hear on the rest of the album, here Sudol’s voice is synthy and interesting.

10. The Beacon – Actual pure lyrical genius! With the repetitive, monotonous words of mainstream chart-toppers today it’s refreshing to actually hear a metaphor. ‘The Beacon’ is absolutely bittersweet and beautiful, a song for the soul.

Somehow I have a feeling that me and ‘A Fine Frenzy’ will be carrying on this love affair for many years to come...

Source for review: http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/3530822107858794824/

Chloe x

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Vampires Attack! (And 'Horchata')

Vampires- they're bloody everywhere.
Whether they're in every teen fiction book you see at the moment, or in that abominable 'True Blood' show that's just skulked up onto British shores, or luring indie musicians to jump onto the bandwagon and sign up for the 'New Moon' soundtrack, you just can't avoid the blood-sucking buggers. At least there's one sort of vampire I'm glad to see at the moment...
Vampire Weekend.
You'd think after being whisked into fame and fortune after making one of 2008's must-have albums, the little bloodsuckers would want a break. But oh no- they're back in the studio already, crafting some more melodic tunes for us to sink our fangs in to.
And if this new song, 'Horchata', is anything to go by, it's going to be a corking album. Pity we have to wait until 2010, really.

FUN FACT TIME! Horchata is a traditional drink made from ground almonds, sesame seeds, rice and barley. Aren't I good to you, really?

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Song by Song: 'Humbug' by Arctic Monkeys

Time for another Song by Song, in which I take you through my thoughts upon my first hearing of a new album, so you can pick it up for yourself if it sounds like your cup of tea, or avoid it if it sounds like a big puddle of crap. So much fun it should be illegal.

So, my speakers are turned up, I'm sitting in my comfy chair, and the album's been inserted- let's begin, shall we?

Humbug by the Arctic Monkeys
1. My Propeller
An alright track by anyone's standard, but compared to other Arctic Monkeys' openers ('View from the Afternoon' and 'Brianstorm', for example), this is kind of weak. No brooding minor-key tones or hideously obvious sexual undertones can save you now, I'm afraid- hope this picks up...

2. Crying Lightning
I really do like this song- intriguing lyrics, chant-able chorus, and the way there's something darkly exciting about the whole composition. This song is going to be stuck in my head for the rest of the week now.

3. Dangerous Animals
Ooft, more double entendres? You saucy little primates! Seems like the vibe for this record is going to be 'dark, brooding and ridiculously sexual'- particularly if the S+M-esque lyrics are anything to go by: "Sharpen the heel of your boot, And you press it to my chest and you make me wheeze".

4. Secret Door
Love the eerily tranquil opening. This is a song of contrast for me- the overall sound suggests that the Arctic Monkeys are maturing like a fine cheese, and leaving behind the joyful, carefree days of 'Topshop princesses' and such. But, then the immature lyrics say otherwise. In a word: confused.

5. Potion Approaching
The thing that always slightly puts me off from the Arctic Monkeys is that the vocals and the melody (particularly in the verses) don't quite mesh together, which is evident in this song. However, this is the only song thus far that I've found this with. I like the change of tempo around 2 and a half minutes in as well.

6. Fire and the Thud
This track features guest vocals from Allison Mosshart (The Kills, The Dead Weather), which fits in quite nicely with the spooky vibe goin' on in this song, and the entire album thus far. Not as strong as the other tracks thus far, but it's surprisingly quiet. Are we going to get a song that's comparatively peaceful throughout, and still good? Wait, no, it's got loud. I forgot the Arctic Monkeys can't stay quiet for more than three minutes- they're kind of like hyperactive kids.

7. Cornerstone
Wow- now this I like. The subject's a wee bit creepy (trying to get a girl to effectively become an ex-lover), but it's weirdly beautiful. And quiet! There's no shouting, or electric guitar solos loud enough to make your ears bleed... Maybe the really are growing up.

8. Dance Little Liar
Same dark vibe still prevailing. Echoing sounds, backing vocals that sound like ghosts, and some pretty damn awesome drumming. Not as in your face as their previous work, but they appear to have slipped to the other side of the spectrum- some of these songs aren't catchy enough to be memorable. I'm probably not going to remember what this song sounded like when I proof-read this review.

9. Pretty Visitors
Hey, it's catchy! Much more like we've come to expect from the Arctic Monkeys. Strong, compelling chorus. Lyrics are a little ropey at times- 'What came first, the chicken or the dickhead?' Really?

10. The Jeweller's Hands
Not too shabby, but doesn't really stand up as a closer. For a last song, you want something that's a bit of a triumph, but doesn't sound like you've left all of your talent for the final hour. It doesn't really present a conclusion or a finale, and isn't a stand out song for me.

Overall, this is definitely a different direction for the Arctic Monkeys. Less a collection of potential indie anthems, and more of a dark pysch-rock record, that's seductive and downright creepy in equal measure. I think I quiet like it- not the best I've heard this year, but still a bold record with a clear concept. Good stuff.

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Song by Song: 'Far' by Regina Spektor

A new feature, in which I break down a new release, song by song. This review was also written during the first time I heard this album. Ok, so next up: a woman who Culture Bully says could be described as 'either another Starbucks-friendly piano chanteuse or as another ultra-quirky indie-folk weirdo.' It's Regina Spektor- and it's 'Far'.

1. The Calculation- A very jolly way to start any album. It appears Spektor's been refining her sound- it has all of the playfulness and imagination of her previous work, but the execution has a little more finesse- particularly evident in the vocals. Good stuff so far...

2. Eet- More proof of Spektor's vocal prowess- her voice still has that slightly hiccup-y ebb and flow that make it so original, whilst still being technically very strong. The sort of soaring piano song that we saw on her fourth album, 'Begin to Hope'- keep it coming.

3. Blue Lips- As the title suggests, this one has a slightly darker edge to it- organs, string instruments- not dissimilar to the sound of 'Soviet Kitsch'. However, I think that a little less production and a little more subtlety could've made this song a little more haunting.

4. Folding Chairs-If you've heard about a song off this album already, it's likely to be this one- yeah, it's the one with the random dolphin noises. I don't really know what to make of the dolphin noises- fun, or just stupid? But, as I Guess I'm Floating said: 'at least it's 100% Regina Spektor with all her quirks and inventive perceptions of the world around her'. Too true.

5. Machine- It starts with percussion and piano that have a slight ring of jazz about them (good, if you know how much I love jazz)- then lyrics that seem to be part autobiography of a woman/robot from the future, and part cautionary tale about the dangers of technology. Not a big fan of the chorus, but that's more personal taste than anything else.

6. Laughing With- Not a massive fan of this song, but it is tragically pretty- soft vocals, teamed with a slightly foreboding melody. A song about God is a little unusual- particularly when Spektor mocked religion in 'Baby Jesus'. This song could be much more powerful if there wasn't that drum beat behind it- once again, as with 'Blue Lips', less could've been more.

7. Human of the Year- A little slow to start, but it's quite triumphant eventually. I'm always partial to a good bit of religious imagery, too, which is particularly apt with this song which does have that church-song feel to it.

8. Two Birds- Another piano song. Admittedly, there are some horns, it is a pretty song, but there are usually some pianos or dance elements by this point in her albums. I'm doubting the guitars are ever going to arrive, considering how delicate the previous tracks have been.

9. Dance Anthem of the 80's- Finally, a change in direction! Everyone, to the dancefloor! Admittedly, I think I kind of prefer this remix, but a breath of fresh air nonetheless.

10. Genius Next Door- A tale of suicide turned into folklore. Moving- I love that at the point the boy supposedly dies, you can hear an almost angelic chorus in the instrumental. It's the lyrics that make this song stand out. Even the first line sets this up as a fable- 'Some said the local lake had been enchanted...' Moral of the story, kids: don't drown yourself.

11. Wallet- Basically, 'Ode to a Lost Wallet'- a song about how the small things (in this case, a wallet, surprisingly) in life can hold such significance. A lovely message.

12. One More Time With Feeling- Joyful, lots of pianos. A lovely song, once more, but this album lacks the different levels- the high and lows, the peaks and troughs- of some of her previous albums. Still, the closer could be a roaring masterpiece- it might even have some guitars.

13. Man of a Thousand Faces- Nope.

Overall, it is a beautiful album. Gorgeous imagery, full of Spektor's usual kookiness and tall tales. It's also good to see that the production of Jacknife Lee, David Kahne AND Jeff Lee haven't overpowered the spirit of her music. However, it's not as diverse as I would've hoped- her quirky vocals and superlatively imaginative vocals could've been set to backdrops of guitars and orchestras- but, instead, there's just her and a piano on this stage. And, occasionally, a horn and a dolphin. Could've done with more in some places, and less in others- but very good, still. Read More......

Song by Song: 'Middle Cyclone' by Neko Case

A new feature, in which I break down a new release, song by song. This review was also written during the first time I heard this album. First up: 'Middle Cyclone', by everyone's favorite country-singing, flame-haired vixen, Neko Case.

1. This Tornado Loves You- Solid guitars, usual silky-smooth vocals, nice lyrics. Good, but nothing outstanding.

2. The Next Time You Say 'Forever'- One of my favorite tracks on this album. Short, sweet, swollen with sound and emotion. A rare mix of beauty and comedy: "The next time you say forever, I'll punch you in your face..." A wonderful offering for the insecure lover in all of us.

3. People Got A Lotta Nerve- I'm a man-man-man, man-man-man-eater! The song that lead me to this album. Joyous, bouncy, catchy- I'm having a hard time typing and not dancing right now.

4. Polar Nettles- Something a little different from Ms. Case- a little electronic, a little depressing. Seems a little strange to put this next to 'People Got a Lotta Nerve', though- they don't quite flow from one to t'other.

5. Vengeance is Sleeping- Very, very pretty- there's something about her voice that rings like a deeper, richer Jenny Lewis.

6. Never Turn Your Back on Mother Earth- Pretty good song all in all, but it sounds a little middle-of-the-road. A little slow, and doesn't really offer anything new to the album.

7. Middle Cyclone- Painfully country, in a good way. The vocals at their prime- soft in places, formidable in others. Speaking of which, does anyone else feel this is an odd cover for a country album? I can't decide whether or not that picture of Neko Case brandishing a sword on the top of a car is genius, or shite.

8. Fever- I'm beginning to love the recurring jangly sounds- they definitely add something to the percussion, particularly in this song. In fact, all of the sounds in this song work beautifully together. Some nice wordplay as well-lovely.

9. Magpie to the Morning- From 'doves' in Fever to magpies, she certainly likes her bird imagery. Sleepy and beautiful, with some lovely harmonies, but I'm getting a little miffed about how short the songs are.

10. I'm an Animal- Ok, the songs are too short. I want a little more bulk, a little development, a little more. I think the shortness of the songs makes the album sound a little premature. The length of the songs compromises this album's potential.

11. Prison Girls- The deep, brooding side of Neko Case at it's best- appropriately named, I feel. What's striking me about the album is the exquisite lyrics: 'I love your long shadows and your gun powder eyes...'

12. Don't Forget Me- Here's one for the lovers- choc-full of pianos and powerhouse vocals. Lovely jubbly.

13. The Pharaohs- The most commanding vocals of this album thus far- and that's saying something. 'I want the Pharaohs, but there's only men'- looking for a sugar daddy, clearly- some Pharaohs are, like, 5000 years old, afterall. Love the slightly fairground ending.

14. Red Tide- Something a little different- this song packs more of a punch than the rest of the album. This song has a little more back bone, and the kind of instrumentals that can actually contend with Case's vocals. Love it.

15. Marais la Nuit- Translates to 'The Night Marsh'- literally half an hour of frog noises from Neko's farm in Vermont. I guess I should've seen this coming, since the album is packed with natural imagery. Pitchfork said this track shows: ' just how thoroughly Case has imagined her own little world on these three albums and how thoroughly she rules that realm.' Really, I think it's a little unnecessary- it's like whale music, but without the relaxing part. In short: a little pointless.

All in all, a very good album. Could do with revising timing (make 'Marais la Nuit' shorter, and everything else longer), but remarkable vocals and a very strong sound nonetheless.

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