album of the year. so far.

fun. - aim and ignite

The much anticipated fun. album is finally out and it was worth the wait. With Ruess' former band, The Format, it was difficult to tell which half of the band (Ruess or Sam Means) was behind the artistic wheel, but now, after the break up and the formation of a new band, it's clear that Ruess was then and is now, the man behind it all. Though he and the lead singer of Kings of Leon have much in common in terms of dress, Ruess and fun. don't have much in common with any other band on the airwaves today. A blend of gospel, emo, punk, rock, pop, with a dose of strings and/or brass mixed in give listeners a heavy dose of what was once The Format, but fun.'s sound is cleaner, tighter, more developed and the lyrics more mature. In the past Ruess made a killing on songs about his ex-girlfriend, the infamous Becca, and now, the topics are broader. Relationships and disease are still a part of some tracks, but there's more storytelling, more religion, more of a step-back approach to each track than ever before. Instead of lamenting about his situation, he now seems to have evaluated it and is now looking back on it. It appears the new start with a new band has given Ruess a new outlook on life, or, at least on songwriting. Though the album has only ten tracks, they take you on an entertaining, winding road full of fun (no pun intended) and emotion on different levels, and after a couple listens, have you blasting the music and belting out along with Nate and friends.

Top tracks on the album: "Be Calm" and "The Gambler."

Divorce, Chocolate and Oranges.

Ground for Divorce by Elbow.
Tremendous song, just featured on the latest episode of Rescue Me. It helps that the lead singer looks nothing like one would expect him to based on his voice....a bit like David Brent.....


Chocolate by Snow Patrol
Nowhere near a new song, but one that's been on a heavy personal rotation lately. The sound that starts the song is one of the best notes in all of music....so much energy, so many expectations packed into a couple seconds of sound...and then the music slams into you. The original song and also an acoustic version.





Bowl of Oranges by Bright Eyes
Another song that dates back a few years. Conor Oberst is truly a genius.

Upward Over the Mountain (sped up)

Dave at his best (with Tim)

Dave Matthews has, for many years, pleased the ears of a generation with his music. He's taken risks, and depending on who you talked to, some of them were successful and some were complete failures. Through it all, he's one of a few artists that has challenged himself through his music, not settling for what he knew would be popular, or what would make him rich (though he got rich anyway). He kept digging through new genres, taking pieces here and there and implementing them into his own songs. Though when he and the whole DMB band play they are a hot ticket, it's long been clear that Dave is at his best when only Tim Reynolds it at his side. Stripped down, their stellar guitar skills (especially Tim) and Dave's unique vocals provide for amazing performances. Together they have the ability to take Dave's own tunes to a new level, as well as cover other artists songs and produce a version better than the original. Below are three cover tunes they took personal and in turn, gave listeners songs worth putting on repeat.

The Maker (Daniel Lanois)

Angel From Mongomery (John Prine)

If I Had a Boat (Lyle Lovett)

As always, listen hard, sing loud and enjoy.

NOW! That's what I call women on the mic...

Ani DiFranco - 32 Flavors

Top 5 Ani songs in my book....great live version.

Patty Griffin - Long Ride Home

Griffin has a ton of songs worth listening to, mulling over and soaking up. This is one of them.

Alanis Morrisette - So Unsexy

Lyrics everyone can relate to.

Lori McKenna - Written Permission

A good McKenna song....though not her best....but youtube didn't offer great versions of her top tunes.

Lisa Hannigan - Venn Diagram

The best track of her new album, thought there are plenty. Terrific lyrics.

Phoenix - "1901"

Phoenix's latest album, Wolfgang Amadeus, has been on a heavy personal rotation lately, and below is the album version as well as an acoustic version of the top track from that album, called"1901." If you enjoy, get the album. An accurate description would be a mix between Arcade Fire and the Secret Machines. Enjoy...

Album

Acoustic

From my ipod to this blog to you

Matt and Kim - "Daylight"
This tune was passed on by a friend and it's one of those that you need to turn up, roll your windows down and then bounce around. The video is awesome.

Joe Henry - "God Only Knows"

A track AMC used to show tribute to those in the film industry who died in the year 2008. A song that should be played at a funeral, for sure.

Leo Kottke - "Rings"

One of Kottke's best tracks that he sings on, though it's not one that shows his true guitar prowess. He's one of the finest guitar players ever...a must see live.

The Features - "Temporary Blues"
This is a live version of their track that is all over public radio....in particular, FPK. Their newest album, Some Kind of Salvation, is one you should pick up.

Band of Horses - "The Great Salt Lake"
The best track off their debut album. They'll be at Headliners Louisville on August 5. Go.