The first Flowerland release in 15 years comes on October 16 and is bringing back the old school energy of the 90s. Flowerland formed in New Haven, CT, in 1991, and is presenting the original line up composed of vocalist Roger Guimond, guitarist Steven Christofor, drummer Jon Lichatz, and bassist Jef St. George. The band has now returned to the scene with The Caffeine Disk EP, containing six Flowerland classics  remixed by John Agnello, producer of Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr. and Kurt Vile just to name a few.

Core part of the East Coast independent music scene in the 90s, Flowerland stays faithful to the counterculture releasing the EP via the independent record label ‘Gypsygarden records.’

Opening with the roaring ‘Crazy Horse,’ the EP instantly feeds the listener with raw and outflowing energy. The record goes on with ‘Glass i,’ which maintains the magnetism already expressed in ‘Crazy Horse’ adding a darker feeling to it, with vocalist Roger Guimond delivering an admirable performance.

‘(Jim Brown’s) Military Country’ starts off on the same page as the previous tracks, and then develops a sweeter touch, which cuddles your more instinctive feelings from the first two tracks. The highly adrenalinic vibes are taken back by the agitated ‘Low’.

‘Kill Alice (slowly)’ might be the best track of the EP. Angry, violent, but with sparkles of a fragile attitude, it brings the listener into a hypnotic atmosphere. The bass awakes the deepest thought of the listeners, Christofor’s guitar is magnificent and Lichatz’s drums exceptional, almost delirious.

Finally, the track ‘Flow’ becomes the perfect closing to the EP as it wraps up all the agitation and bass of its predecessors and releases the build-up although keeping the power.

Clearly influenced by the Grunge movement of the 90s, Flowerland mostly takes from it the punk instinct and its raw and natural inspiration which translates into passionate creation. The band then mixes this with a more classic-oriented rock approach, creating a delightful result.

The EP is easy to listen to, almost half an hour of genuine hard rock. It goes on smoothly and does not get old; it seems to acquire quality after each listening instead. It is a tornado of emotions, surely not a record to play as a background activity. It wants and deserves attention, and easily gets it. The biggest merit is probably to be able to show how relevant those sonorities still are.

Rating:  EXCELLENT 4/5

http://youtu.be/Pkw59s6JjdQ

The article Flowerland’s First Release in Fifteen Years Reviewed appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

‘Little Broken Hearts’ is an album all about jealousy, heartache, betrayal, and all of the emotions that come with a tough break-up. It is Norah Jones fifth solo album and it is wonderfully beautiful and dark. Those who have been through a relationship that has met its end will love this album.

The record is produced by Brian Burton also known as Danger Mouse. He has collaborated with artists The Black Keys, Gnarls Barkley, and Beck, among others. Burton and Jones make an excellent team as they together wrote and composed all twelve tracks on the record. ‘Little Broken Hearts’ also marks the first time that Norah wrote or co-wrote all of the songs on the album and it is different from anything that Norah has ever done in the past.

For starters, take a look at the amazing cover. It differs from previous album covers with its striking photo of Norah. The cover art was inspired by the poster to the film ‘Mudhoney’ from 1965. The story behind is that while recording the album at Brian Burton’s studio, Jones saw the poster on the wall as Burton has a collection of Russ Meyer posters in his studio. The poster was right over the couch where she would sit everyday and she thought it would be a great visual with herself as the vixen.

As always, Norah’s vocals are excellent. Her voice is darker than her previous albums, and this album reflects a woman who has gone through an emotional ordeal and as a result is damaged and dangerous, but ultimately in a happier place. The songs are fraught with sadness as she pours out her heart but the album is excellently build around the stages of coping: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.

The songs on ‘Little Broken Hearts’ are raw and emotionally charged as Norah wrote the tunes after a rough break-up. The compositions are experimental and unique. There is a mixture of jazzy and upbeat tracks, all the way down to somber, stark, and low sounds.

Brian Burton is truly a master of sound and knows how to woo the listener - the track “Good Morning” is beautiful and elegant, while the track “Miriam” expresses an “I know what you did and you’re gonna pay” attitude with its angry vibe. “Happy Pills” is the most upbeat track on the record with its catchy and jazzy sound. It tells the story of Jones realizing that she is better off alone after being free from a relationship.

In all, ‘Little Broken Heart’s is an excellent album and fans will be pleased. Norah has taken the off beaten path and in doing so has created an amazing piece of art. The album was released May 1 and Norah is currently touring. Visit her site to find out when she’s going to be in a city near you.

Rating: 5/5

Image Courtesy of   asterix611

The article Norah Jones Takes Beautiful Dark Turn With Little Broken Hearts appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

Not since 2007 has the world heard from The Shins. It’s been nearly five years, but The Shins have finally released a new album. Fans of the Shins may find things slightly different though; a lot has changed. The lead singer of the Shins, James Mercer is, and always has been, the driving force behind the band.

The way that he goes is the way the band goes, and that is part of the reason for the hiatus. Following the highly regarded 2007 album Wincing The Night Away, Mercer felt like he needed a break from the world of the Shins, and he decided to take some time off to work with side projects.

Mercer went on to work with the band Modest Mouse, singing back-up vocals for their album We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank. He also collaborated with his friend Brian Burton, better known as Danger Mouse. This team-up with Danger Mouse led to the formation of the band Broken Bells.

Together, they released a self-titled album, which garnered much acclaim. The success and touring of Broken Bells led to much speculation over the continuation of the new constellation. They did release an EP titled Meyrin Fields in 2011 but ultimately, Mercer decided it was time to return to The Shins.

The Shins were finished with their previous record deal with Sub Pop Records after their album in 2007, and for their new album, Mercer decided to release it on his own label, Aural Apothecary.

But before fans could get excited for The Shins working on a new album, there were some changes to the band. When all was said and done, Mercer was the only remaining original member of the band and under the new lineup, the shuffled Shins went to work on a new album. Eventually, they were all set to release Port of Morrow. 

Released on March 20, Port of Morrow is a 10-track album, plus two bonus tracks, that has received mostly favorable reviews so far. The Shins still sound like The Shins, but die-hard fans may be able to notice some differences.

The album features many beautiful instrumentations, both upbeat and mellow, and vocals undeniably gorgeous from Mercer. The first single release was Simple Song, a track that will fit in with any mix of Shins hits. No doubt fans may be upset over the lineup changes, but no one should be upset that The Shins are back.

Image Courtesy of   http://www.theshins.com

The article After Five Years, The Shins Return appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

Even though Beyonce may be rather quiet about her love life in interviews, she has no problem airing out her feelings in her track, “I Care”, off her studio album 4, released June 28. Produced by Jeff Bhasker, the track finds the captivating songstress singing about a relationship turned sour over some ominous notes. Beyonce puts all her cards on the table; however, the one who has her heart has swept them to the side. She belts out, “I told you how you hurt me, baby/But you don’t care/Now I’m crying and deserted, baby.” This song is a power ballad that recalls slow jams like the ones Phil Collins used to spill his heart in. She lets her voice own the song as the instrumentals crescendo around her.

MTV says it perfectly: “Lady Gaga is political, Britney Spears loves to party, and Beyonce knows all about matters of the heart.”

Her second track, “Party,” featuring Andre 3000, is the song that would have most likely been played at a house party in the mid-90s, As Beyonce sings, “So in love/I’ll give it all away/Just don’t tell nobody tomorrow,” listeners will be transported back to a time when pop princesses cared more about the heart than anything else. “Rather Die Young,” another track off her album has more of an “old-school” groove to it. Beyonce collaborated with Luke Steele of the electronic group Empire of the Sun.

The song is about how you can’t fight what the heart wants, even if it isn’t right. Comparing her lover to James Dean, it’s all about the “sexiness” of bad boys and the good girls who love them. But, she still keeps the sound soft. This track is really something beautiful, as Beyonce sings about being completely devoted to her man.

However, the most surprising song on her album is “Countdown.” Beyonce gets a bit sassy and futuristic on this track, which isn’t like the other songs on the album, but still has a “check on it” vibe. As MTV says, the singer gives fans a musical kick to the head during “End of Time,” a bombastic track, complete with “in-your-face bass line and a marching band. Beyonce keeps things melodic, sharing lines like. “Take you away from here/There’s nothing between us but space and time.”

Metacritic gave 4 an overall score of 70, saying that her fourth album has both “dance-floor-ready jams and down-tempo tunes that are a bit tamer than those in the last album.” Consequence of Sound said “between doing more of the same old goodness and boiling everything down to its most essential lethality, Beyonce also makes room on the album for more grandiose tracks that would sound right at home in Broadway musicals”, giving 4 a score of 90. On the other hand, both NOW Magazine and The Guardian agreed with a score of 60.

Now Magazine asserts that on 4, Beyonce’s missing a real sense of vulnerability but steps out from “behind club jams with beautifully nuanced mid-tempo production. Likewise, The Guardian had only statement about this album “it’s hard not to feel that what it might have been sounds better than what it is.”

Beyonce’s new album is a definite change of pace for this R&B queen. 4 is more relaxed and personal and emphasizes ballads and showcases the singer’s nuances. An album like this comes in a singer’s career when he or she feels like she has nothing left to prove. 4 is definitely the album where Beyonce pours out her feelings, expressing breakups, love, and her most intimate feelings of her love life.

She is not afraid to let the world know what she has been going through. Every song has power behind it. Beyonce sings her ballad songs beautifully and with feeling, guiding listeners through the pain and joy that is her life.

Track list
1. 1+1
2. I Care
3. I Miss You
4. Best Thing I Never Had
5. Party (featuring Andre 3000)
6. Rather Die Young
7. Start Over
8. Love on Top
9. Countdown
10. End of Time
11. I Was Here
12. Run the World (Girls)

Image Courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/28722563@N05/5892994892/

The article Beyonce’s “4” Soulful Singing appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

Simple Plan are back again with their fourth studio album Get Your Heart On! released June 21, 2011. If the album can be described in two words, it would be “feel good.” The album has catchy and songs with hooks that will be stuck in your head for days.

Before any specific information was released about the latest album, two demo tracks: “Famous for Nothing” and “Just Around the Corner” were leaked. However, when the album track listing was officially announced, the record company had confirmed that neither leaked tracks would be on the album. Prior to the release of the album, Simple Plan began playing the song “You Suck at Love” live during the Bamboozle Roadshow Tour in June 2010.

One year later, the band released a preview clip of the studio version of their song on its website and YouTube page. On March 30, the band launched a new official website until the “actual new website” is launched, with a new video discussing the first list of their new song “Can’t Keep My Hands Off You.” On April 20, it was announced that the first single off the album would be “Jet Lag” featuring Natasha Bedingfield. To help promote the song, a program was set up on the website titled, “JetLag Airlines,” which released news, lyrics, track lists, and videos regarding the album.

Simple Plan has been known to produce songs while “keeping up with the times,” but has not been known to drastically change its style of music. Since the release was just this week, there haven’t been many reviews. According to Metacritic, Alternative Press gave Get Your Heart On! a 70 stating that while the album may not be “the true return to form the band envisioned, it is ultimately worth the wait.” All Music Guide said that the album is every bit as tuneful as the group’s debut, giving the score of 60. On the other hand, Sputnikmusic gave the album a 40 claiming that while the album is the poppiest release yet, it is also the band’s least catchy, indistinct and forgettable.

“This Song Saved My Life” is a powerful song, which is about everyone who stood by the band over the years. The song begins with a nice piano intro and ends with what sounds like a group of Simple Plan fans.

A noteworthy track is “Can’t Keep My Hands Off You,” which features Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo. This song has the “summer” vibe to it, painting a picture of sitting in the backyard enjoying some beers and BBQ. Get Your Heart On! has a plethora of guest singers, from Alex Gaskarth of All Time Low to Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo to Natasha Bedingfield. This is definitely a summer album by a band that sounds like it was made for the summer too. If you love pop-punk bands, then you will surely love Get Your Heart On!

Track List

1.            You Suck at Love

2.            Can’t Keep my Hands Off You (feat Rivers Cuomo)

3.            Jet Lag (feat Natasha Bedingfield)

4.            Astronaut

5.            Loser of the Year

6.            Anywhere else but here

7.            Freaking Me Out (feat Alex Gaskarth of All Time Low)

8.            Summer Paradise (feat K’naan)

9.            Gone Too Soon

10.          Last One Standing

11.          This Song Saved My Life

Image Courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/theswami/

The article Simple Plan shouts to Get Your Heart On! appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

“Have you ever heard of [insert band name here]?”  You can probably answer “yes” to this question eight times out of ten, whether it was on the radio, on the internet or something of that sort, and if you haven’t heard it, you have probably heard something that sounds just like it, i.e. the generic pop song.

So when I was faced with this question a few weeks ago, I was hesitant about the conversation that would take place after my answer. Long story short, after initially not wanting to listen to it, AWOLNATION some way found its way from the speakers to my ears that night.

AWOLNATION is unlike anything that’s happening right now. You can say it sounds like MGMT just to realize, further on in the same song, that it doesn’t remind of you MGMT at all. As a friend of mine put it, lead singer Aaron Bruno sounds like “Little Richard mixed with the guy from Queen.”

Aaron Bruno. This name may sound familiar to you. AWOLNATION is his latest project (third time’s the charm?),  and he has been the lead singer of both Home Town Hero and Under the Influence of Giants. AWOLNATION is his solo project.

In the single year that AWOLNATION has been an “official” band, it has produced not only an EP but also a full-length album. The 2010 EP, Back to Earth, features five songs, three of which were later featured on the album. Back to Earth was only really a preview of what was to come less than a year later.

In March 2011, Megalithic Symphony dropped. This album is the perfect mix of rock and electronic beats partnered with themes you can apply to your own life or gain an understanding of Bruno himself.

The song that sums this up the most is “Jump on My Shoulders.” It has an excellent backing that you can’t help just dance along to. The verses of this song have a pretty basic sound behind them, but the chorus definitely is built up… to get people excited!

“I say we rob from the rich and blow down the door / On to the next to dance with the poor / Jump on my shoulders / You can jump on my shoulders,” Bruno sings along with some background singers singing “La-La-La,” creating probably one of the best sounding choruses right now.  To put it simply, this song pumps people up, and even your grandma would dance to it.

If electronic beats isn’t necessarily your thing, AWOLNATION still has your back. The song “Burn it Down” still has the electronic components to it, but drums as well as guitar are a much more prominent featured. That being said, this song will still get your feet moving. It’s a fast-paced, upbeat song about people who feel the same way coming together (to dance), and asks questions that listeners can ponder deeply. And if you are into heavier beats, check out the “Burn it Down” remix on the EP. It will blow your mind.

Even better, AWOLNATION streams the whole album on their website www.awolnationmusic.com. You probably should check it out. They’re going to be the next big thing, and it will be interesting to see this band’s future endeavors.

Image Courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/dsalerno/

The article AWOLNATION: Jumping on the Shoulders of Heroes and Giants appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.