Happy 40th Anniversary, "Born To Run"

Albums come and go, but some stick around forever. Forty years is a long time for a career in any field, let alone music. Bruce Springsteen's Born To Run is forty years old today, and the Boss is still out rockin' and rolling with the E Street Band! This anniversary made me think a lot about my own musical journey and how it came to be.

My first memories of Born To Run originate from car rides with my father. My dad is a New Jersey native, and a huge fan of Bruce. (Both of my parents schooled me early with their favorite artists, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, the Beatles, and so on.) I can remember my dad pushing the cassette tape into the car stereo and hearing the beginning of "Thunder Road." To this day, "Thunder Road" is one of my favorite songs from Bruce's catalog.

Eventually, my dad felt that I had been taught enough from Born To Run, and graduated me to Bruce's under-appreciated Tunnel of Love. Without the iconic album that is Born To Run, I wouldn't have experienced Tunnel of Love. The story is much the same with many other artists. Without these commercially successful, life-changing albums, we may not have much of the music we drool over today.

I look at music as the soundtracks to our most distinctive memories. I know that through guidance of my father, playing Bruce Springsteen tapes, and my mother, teaching me to listen to Billy Joel with reverence, I have a deep appreciation for music and what it does to the soul.

As a humble salute to the Boss, I give you the greatest cover of "Born To Run" that I was fortunate enough to experience live. Throwback to March of 2011 with Ocean Grove and the Prigs, and all four thousand band members on stage (I might be off by a few members).

I had the pleasure of seeing Clarence Clemons perform the National Anthem at a Jets' game in 2010, and then saw Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band in 2012. Though I saw Bruce without the Big Man, I could connect the two performances in my mind and imagine the magic of the duo that had been. Both musical powerhouses were as electrifying and mind-blowing as you'd expect.

Artists like Bruce and the E Street Band are something to genuinely appreciate. They represent more than just the music you listen to. They provide living proof of what it's like to go after your dreams. 

Albums like these don't just happen or come around often. They are labors of love and outpourings of souls. Take the time to listen to Born To Run, and really feel it. Feel everything that this album of eight songs is trying to give you. I promise you that you will not regret it.

In short, thanks for the music, Bruce and company.

New/Trending/Popular: "Straight In No Kissin'" by Big Talk

Album art by Kristina Collantes

Big Talk is the brainchild of the Killers' drummer, Ronnie Vannucci. With the release of their first album in 2011, Big Talk unfortunately reached little to no acclaim outside of the Killers' fanbase. Aside from their one TV performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, the band had no major publicity. Big Talk's eponymous rock debut was lost in a sea of pop, including "Party Rock Anthem," "Rolling in the Deep," and "Born This Way." 

Fortunate for us, Big Talk recently came out with a new album, Straight In No Kissin'. Albeit the album name, artwork, and promotion have been fairly comical, (the album art includes each member of Big Talk in drag), the musical content is nothing to joke about. Big Talk's lineup this time around includes talented musicians from other bands, including drummer Brooks Wackerman of Bad Religion.

Straight In No Kissin' starts off roaring with "Hold That Line." If this tune doesn't get you pumped for the rest of the album, are you even alive? My only issue with the song is that it makes me want to get up and dance at work, which isn't entirely appropriate. I'll stick to air guitar in the office. "Animal Husband" is slightly reminiscent of Big Talk's debut album, but in a warm and fuzzy, nostalgic sort of way. "What Happened to Delisa" was the first single from the album, and gave a fairly accurate taste of what was to come. I'd like to know what actually happened to Delisa...

"La Rue d'Awakening" might just be the most clever song title I've ever seen. The song is the angsty, punk-infused song on the record. "Cocktail Party" has hints of "There She Goes" by The La's, but enjoyably so. "I've Been Sentimental Lately" is the song you'll be singing into a hairbrush while you're hanging out with friends in your apartment (you're getting insight into my life goals). Or hey, why not scream-sing the song! It has lyrical and instrumental simplicity that soothes the soul, while still giving you those "good tune feels."

Normally, it would be strange to say that minus the roaring guitar tone, "What the Night Can Do" sounds like a missing track from The Killers' Battle Born. Alas, it's not that strange because DING DING DING RONNIE IS IN THE KILLERS! Need a laid-back tune for an easy, breezy Sunday afternoon? Check out "All My Luvin'." "The Void" initially sounds a bit like Muse, but less preachy and then segues into a refreshing rock song. 

"Another Satellite" has a twinge of country guitar, but the fast-paced tempo of a punk song. Maybe even some metal influences here? Have you ever wanted to start a mosh pit in your room and jump on couches and such? This song should encourage you. If "Neon's Not Enough Light," then what does Big Talk expect to be bright enough?! I listen to this song and furiously nod my head along with the drums. It's an odd sight to see, but the song is way to infectious to not join in. I'm head over heels in love with the guitar tone in this song. 

Big Talk recently performed "I've Been Sentimental Lately" on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Below is the video, featuring wigs, heels, dresses, and Big Talk. 

What I love about this album is that I can listen to it without getting tired of either the lyrical or instrumental content. With each listen, I notice something new about each song. Straight In No Kissin' is leaps and bounds above Big Talk's previous release. Big Talk raised the bar from their great first album, and absolutely did not disappoint. 

Rating: 8/10

New/Trending/Popular: "Currents" by Tame Impala

At the beginning of 2015, there were a few records that topped my list of highly anticipated albums for the upcoming year. Tame Impala's follow up to their 2012 masterpiece, "Lonerism" was certainly at the top of that list as the year began. And after hearing the 7 minute electronic delight that was the opening single, "Let It Happen", my excitement grew even higher. Even though I was relatively happy with the following singles, "Cause I'm a Man", and "Eventually". There was a part of me that was still thinking, where are the epic guitar riffs and psychedelic jams that made me fall in love with their first two LPs?

With that being said, this album is certainly one that will grow on you. Without a real 'radio-friendly' single, nor a single lead guitar riff, this album does not exhibit much of the old Tame Impala we all knew and loved. But after a few listens through the record, one can certainly see where Kevin Parker takes synths and bass guitar to fill this massive void. And if Parker succeeded with one thing on this record, it was certainly his masterful production. Each minute overlapping synth that seems to jump out at you near the tail end of most of the tracks provided a moment that I began to look forward to come the fourth and fifth listens to the record and are what really fill out what could have just be a basic pop album, instrumentally. And bass lines in tracks such as "The Less I Know The Better", ended up being some of my favorite moments on the record.

Lyrically and thematically, Kevin Parker does not miss a beat on "Currents". Each track feeds into the next musically and lyrically, as Parker kind of goes through a transformation of his own personality throughout the album and even takes a break to explore his own subconscious on the track "Past Life" near the middle of the record. Though Parker has always self-recorded and produced every Tame Impala record in the past, this is the first record Parker has made where he was able to fully pit his own psyche into the art behind the album. Beginning with the album artwork. We see the mere representation of Parker's mind metaphorically depicted as a marble that is shooting through a sea of straight lines or 'currents', maybe, and making a mess of everything in the process of trying to just get by or  possibly create a legacy as not only an artist, but also as a human being. Looking back at the initial single, "Let It Happen", Parker begins the album with a seven minute ballad about going with the flow of life, letting all the bull shit that comes with it occur and hoping for the outcome won't end up in you having to apologize to your mother. After the moment this track ends, Parker keeps moving closer and closer to finding the answer to something, whether it being the perfect high, the meaning of life, or true greatness, he uses each track as a segue in to the next on his emotional adventure of his sort of 'pursuit (or denial) of happiness'. Along the way he changes, "Yes I'm Changing", gives up, "Eventually", gets heartbroken, "The Less I Know The Better", then seems to turn a new leaf in the second half of the album where he begins to come to terms with his mistakes in, "Cause I'm A Man, and the peaks thematically and musically in track, "Reality in Motion". During this track he seems to finally step back, take a deep breath, and come to terms with the idea that all of the soul searching and drugs he takes cannot help him to be the perfect being, but he can simply accept what he's done and keep trying to to get better. He concludes the album with track, "New Person, Same Old Mistakes" by essentially noting that although he and every human undergoes a sort of metamorphosis in life, we will always have the old parts of us dwelling inside our subconscious. We can either spend our whole lives fighting to try and be someone wish we could be, or merely accept that we are good enough.

My first and only major critique of this album is that it brought little nostalgia of the old Tame Impala records that I love dearly. I know that without its predecessors, no critic would have even taken the time to listen to "Currents", let alone give it an outstanding review. But this album is truly a culmination of what Kevin Parker has accomplished not only as an artist, but as an human, trying to survive in a chaotic world where he feels as if he does not belong at times. A feeling that most anyone can relate to at one point in their time here on Earth. Where this album lacks a true hit, it thrives in its ability to captivate the listener allow them to ride its emotions from start to finish. The musical change in this record brings a new start to Tame Impala, but it is certainly just another attempt by Parker to see if a change will work out for him. In this case, I would say it worked relatively well.

Rating: 9/10

What We're Listening To: "Antemasque" (Self-Titled)

The Mars Volta goes punk. 

Antemasque is Cedric Bixler-Zavala’s and Omar Rodríguez-López’s latest project since The Mars Volta days were brought to a close in 2013.  The album was released in 2014, and for those die hard Volta fans, may have come as a bit of a disappointment.  It’s a far cry from the overtly progressive, experimental rock fans are used to hearing in their previous projects, both in At the Drive In and The Mars Volta.

               That being said, I LOVE this album.  And yes, I am a very big Mars Volta fan.  It’s as if they fused the intensity of Volta with catchy punk rock, and what resulted was an album you can show most anybody and not have them run the other way.  Admittedly, Volta’s style can take some getting used to, a problem Antemasque does not partake.

               The self entitled album starts off with a catchy 4/4 rock tune, bringing listeners in with ease.  From there, the style becomes slightly more progressive, while still punky, and does not threaten to turn people away.  The progressive style peaks with the track, “In the Lurch”, before it eases back into catchy 4/4 punk rock with “50,000 Kilowatts”.  Omar even dares to break out an acoustic guitar in the track “Drown all Your Witches”.  The album concludes with a driving tune titled “Rome Armed to the Teeth”, complete with a catchy pre-chorus and chorus. 

               My fist thoughts when I heard this album was…Volta with training wheels.  You get the drive, intensity, and distinct vocals, while still being able to predict the progression of the song and move to it.  It’s slightly less intense than their previous work, but doesn’t fall into repetitive nonsense as if they tried to sell out to a larger audience base.  While keeping to their roots, Omar and Cedric were able to tap into a much larger audience while keeping many (but not all) of their original fans satisfied and waiting for more.

               Do yourself a favor a check out this album.  Once you think you’re hooked, check out some of Volta’s classic albums (I recommend “De-Loused in the Comatorium” and “Frances the Mute”).  Rinse and repeat until you can’t put either band away.

Rating: 9/10

10 MUST-SEE Bands at Musikfest

Musikfest is my favorite "season" of the year. Ten days of music in a city that I love. If you don't know what Musikfest "is," here's a link to explore, and then come back to read this. I'll wait...

Time's up!

I've been an avid 'fester essentially since birth, so I like to consider myself an aficionado of the ten day festival. If you trust my musical taste, or are in the mood for something new to listen to, I highly recommend checking out the ten bands below (in alphabetical order, the most logical way to format this list).

1. Bronze Radio Return
I discovered this band a few years ago on Noisetrade and have been hooked ever since. I'm so happy that they're coming back to the Valley. This americana, roots rock outfit from Connecticut is a must see at Musikfest.

Monday, August 10 @ Americaplatz (10pm)

2. Ceramic Animal
Labeling themselves as "mirage rock," this Philly group has sonic elements of several familiar bands, but manages to stand out as its own powerhouse, deserving of praise. I missed Ceramic Animal on their last trip through Bethlehem, but definitely will not miss them this time. Check out their song "Edgy" below!

 Friday, August 14 @ TD Community Stage (11pm)


3. Igor & the Red Elvises
I would remiss if I didn't include the Red Elvises on this list. Russian Surf Rock. Need I say more? No, but I will. Time and time again, the Red Elvises draw HUGE crowds at Musikfest. If you venture out to see them, don't plan to just sit back and enjoy the show. Igor is very big on crowd participation, so you'll definitely want to be up on your feet dancing.

Thursday, August 13 @ Volksplatz (9pm)
Friday, August 14 @ Americaplatz (9pm)
Saturday, August 15 @ Volksplatz (9pm)

4. Kristian Bush
You may recognize him as "that guy" in Sugarland. Labeling him only as "that guy" is a disservice to Kristian Bush's talent. With the release of his solo album in April, he has been gaining more and more deserved recognition as a star.

Wednesday, August 12 @ Americaplatz (9:30pm)

5. Levee Drivers
Self-described as "country sleaze," Levee Drivers hail from Bucks County. You'll definitely want to check out this band before they hit the big time.

Tuesday, August 11 @ TD Community Stage (11pm)

6. Love Canon
I had the pleasure of seeing this band perform last year at Musikfest, so I'm glad that this unique group is back. They perform 80s hits with a bluegrass twist. Have you ever imagined what "Danger Zone" from Top Gun would sound like as a bluegrass tune? No more need to imagine, because Love Canon made it reality.

Friday, August 14 @ Leiderplatz (9pm)

7. Start Making Sense
Start Making Sense may be my favorite cover band of all time. I never had the chance to see Talking Heads live in their prime. I settle for seeing Start Making Sense, but is it really settling? With perfect instrumentation and strikingly similar mannerisms, this Talking Heads tribute band is every bit as impressive as their predecessor.

Tuesday, August 11 @ Plaza Tropical (8:30pm)

8. Summer Scouts
I first heard Summer Scouts on Radio 104.5's "Live @ 5" program. My interest peaked when I heard that they were Lehigh Valley natives. If you're in search of some indie rock at the festival, Summer Scouts is definitely a great option to check out.

Friday, August 14 @ Plaza Tropical (5:30pm)

9. Wild Adriatic
I consider Wild Adriatic to be in that coveted, ever-expanding group of my favorite bands. This bluesy, alt-rock band wowed me at Oktoberfest, and just played this year's Bonnaroo! You'll get hooked on their album Big Suspicious.

Saturday, August 15 @ Plaza Tropical (6:30pm)

10. Yancarlos Sanchez
Yancarlos blows me away every time I see him live. He has a talent like no other. You cannot sit absent-mindedly, "watching" his show. If you don't actively watch him, you'll be deceived into thinking there is an actual trumpet on stage, when in fact, it is one of Yancarlos' vocal talents. Are you intrigued yet?

Saturday, August 8 @ Hotel Bethlehem Platz (1pm)
Thursday, August 13 @ Lyrikplatz (9pm)

Tell me what you think about these artists! And maybe I'll even see you at Musikfest?

P.S. All of the above shows are F R E E so you have no excuse not to check these artists out.