I got one word for you this month, new. N-E-W! Every song mentioned has come from a CD released within the past year. Throwbacks are all fun and good, but new music exists for a reason, and there is nothing wrong with showing it a little appreciation. How else are you going to stumble upon your new favorite band?
MONIQUE'S 2 CENTS
My American Heart – “Fantasy”
For some strange reason My American Heart never reached their star potential. This band seems to be doing everything right, and still no one is jumping on their bandwagon. “Hiding Inside the Horrible Weather” seemed to come and go unnoticed, despite being one of the better albums released in 2007. “Fantasy” is a fun and airy song that just feels carefree. There’s no stress, or drama while the song plays, just chill breezes. If you pay attention to the lyrics, it’s clear that the song is telling the story of being in a band, not the hardships or anything to that nature, just the idea of living your dream each day. Living the life that others call a fantasy.
Line of choice: “And all I know is that I'm a crazy boy, just trying to, just trying to, just trying to be someone.”
Listen and pass it –“Hiding Inside the Horrible Weather”
Other notable tracks: “Tired & Uninspired”, “The Shake (Awful Feeling)”, “Boys! Grab Your Guns” & “Moving On”
The Cool Kids – “One Two”
Don’t be surprised when you start to see The Cool Kids popping up everywhere. They are slowly gaining recognition and acceptance into a variety of music scenes. They have said themselves that they are the black version of The Beastie Boys, but personally, I think they bring more to the table than just that. The urban style and chill nature separates The Cool Kids from the collective. Similar to Gym Class Heroes it’s hard to put them in one genre box. “One Two” is a hip hop spin of the classic “This Old Man”. Because of The Cool Kids nature, it may seem drawn out but if you’re into songs with swagger and a little more chill, you’ll dig this tune.
Line of choice: “Find a rock to kick or a bridge to jump off, I'm popular and you not.”
Think The Beastie Boys of 2008 –“The Bake Sale”
Other notable tracks: “Bassment Party”, “88”, & “What Up Man”
The Matches – “AM Tilts”
First and foremost let me just say that the album title “A Band in Hope” is absolutely brilliant. Not only does it sound like but also the album art makes it look like it says “Abandon Hope”. This great word play is only a small glimpse into the wittiness and originality of The Matches. This uniqueness has a way of turning off people but if you are willing to take a chance on a different style, you just may fall in love with The Matches. “AM Tilts” is a prime example of what The Matches does best lyrically, stylistically, and rhythmically. For someone new to this band, this song is an excellent introduction. The end bursts out into unexpected instrumental insanity that is unlike any other portion of the song. Very hard to describe but after a listen you’ll completely understand.
Line of choice: “Come now, what's your name again? I'm not implying come morning I'll need to know it, but you never know.”
Originality at its best –“A Band in Hope”
Other notable tracks: “We Are One”, “Point Me Toward the Morning”, & “Wake the Sun”
Every Avenue – “Think of You Later (Empty Room)”
If you remember a few months ago I said “Think of you Later” was my favorite song at the time but not my favorite of the EP, I can now say that it’s my favorite Every Avenue song period. I’m glad this song was included on “Shh, Just Go With It” because it’s by far one of my prettiest, realistic pop ballads I’ve heard. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the aftermath of a breakup; when the fighting is done and all is left is the lonely feeling. “Think of You Later” is a sum of the things most people don’t get to say but wish they did.
Line of choice: “I miss the long drives, the car rides, the bad fights, the good times.”
Not quite like everyone else –“Shh, Just Go With It”
Other notable tracks: “Chasing the Night”, “Between You and I”, “Trading Heartbeats”, & “Days of the Old”
Ashlee Simpson – “Ragdoll”
Straight up late 90s pop. At first listen, “Ragdoll” reminds me of the pop diva era, which featured Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, when I close my eyes I totally picture the music video having the traditional hip-hop inspired choreographed dance steps. Fun with a touch of sexiness is the best way to describe “Ragdoll”. With “Bittersweet World”, it’s apparent that Ashlee went back to her rebel punkish feistiness. There is still a lack for a good soulful ballad, but for the first time in years, it seems that she just may start caking on the makeup and dying her hair yet again.
Line of choice: “Can’t find my way through your maze, and in my mouth you put the very bad taste.”
Back to her roots –“Bittersweet World”
Other notable tracks: “Outta My Head (Ay Ya Ya)”, “Little Miss Obsessive”, “Murder”, & “Rule Breaker”