wintersong

No Christmas music collection is complete without Sarah McLachlan's Wintersong. Start to finish, this album is simply beautiful. Wintersong fully indulges McLachlan's melancholic vocals and opens your heart to Christmas. Her version of Joni Mitchell's "River" is absolutely stunning. Her voice sounds incredible and her interpretations stick pretty close to the originals while still expressing her own artistic individuality (with the exception of "What Child Is This", in which I think her version is better and has more depth than the original). Add this holiday album to your repertoire and you'll find yourself listening to it over and over again.

trans-siberian christmas

For this festive holiday season I've decided on the wonderful pick of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. This group is an eclectic mix of progressive rock, symphonic metal, and classical music. TSO is best known for its renditions of traditional Christmas songs. I discovered this group about six years and instantly fell in love with their music, especially their Christmas albums. They have three Christmas albums, but my favorite is Christmas Eve and Other Stories. It's a concept album: all the songs are built as chapters of a book, each telling part of a larger story. The plot here is of a young angel sent down to Earth to find and bring back to the Lord "the one thing that represents everything good that has been done in the name of this day." The angel's quest takes him all over the world, through Russia and Sarajevo, until he finally hears the prayer of a father. This last piece is the strongest moment on the album and makes for a miniature story within the larger story. It's basically told in a trilogy of songs: in the first, "Ornament," we hear the father's prayer, explaining how he hasn't seen his daughter in many years. In "Old City Bar," the angel finds his daughter, standing alone outside a bar, and talks to the bartender who, out of a random act of kindness, takes all the cash from his register drawer and gives it to the girl so she can go home. The third song," This Christmas Day," tells of the father praising God, thanking him for bringing his daughter back to him on this night of all nights. It's a very touching story and the message that if "you want to arrange it, this world you can change it" really hits home for the holidays. Add Trans-Siberian Orchestra to your holiday music collection and you'll find a very stunning and impressive album filled with energy that blows you away.

nightmare

One of the most brilliant, in my opinion, soundtracks that accompanies an equally brilliant movie. Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas has become a cult classic. It tells the story of how Jack Skellington, the pumpkin king of Halloween town, becomes fed up and tired of his usual hum drum life that revolves around Halloween. When he discovers Christmastown, he decides that the holly jolly spirit is just what he needs and plans to take over the Christmas holiday, but things don't go exactly according to plan. If you haven't seen this movie, put it on the top of your list, it's especially perfect for this time of year. Danny Elfman did a fantastic job with the music on this film, as he always does. Take a listen and enjoy The Nightmare Before Christmas.

feist

Here are the things you need to know in order to fall in love with Leslie Feist: she’s much more than just the torch singer leaning against the ballad with a lone spotlight on her. In a past life, she was a shouty battle of the bands teen queen in a Calgary punk band. She’s made bashful indie boys swoon with her brash riffs playing guitar with Toronto rock band By Divine Right and her shout-out fronting of Canadian indie rock genre definers Broken Social Scene. She’s stubborn and meticulous about things like the EQ level on the stereo and her long honed guitar tone. She’s been placed in the role of the most unlikely fashion icon, but mostly she’s a tomboy who doesn’t really do make-up. Onstage she can pivot between being the solo singer captivating a room with her guitar or take on the role of leading a band of three brothers. It’s hard not to be floored by the staggering breadth and depth of the material on Feist's albums. You can hear the sound of every facet of Feist– the punk kid from Calgary, the T.O. indie rock poster girl, the Parisian ex-pat who taps the cobblestone. The lost and the found – without the slightest bit of compromise. Add Feist to you music library for a refreshing new sound.

dmb

The captivating and enthralling music of The Dave Matthews Band is up next. Led by lead singer/guitarist Dave Matthews, the five-some blends a mix of soulful grooves and eclectic percussive rhythms to create a majestic portrait of musical art they can claim as their own. Each member of this group seems to be a gifted virtuoso at his instrument. LeRoi Moore, educated in the art of jazz, lights up the beauty and richness of the sax. Carter Beauford deepens the band's texture with an overwhelming but alluring presence of rhythms. Boyd Tinsley is both elegant and colorful on violin. Stefan Lessard jams with shimmering brilliance on bass. South African-born Matthews brings some of the rhythmic traditions of his native continent to the mix, but his group's sound embraces Celtic and American folk elements as well. Both Moore and Boyd add particulalry vivid flashes of color to the group's flowing, supple sound. Matthews' vocals-gnarled and snarling on some songs, caressingly tender on others- bring urgency to his individually peculiar lyrics.

 LeRoi Moore, saxophonist and founding member of Dave Matthews Band, died unexpectedly Tuesday afternoon, August 19, 2008, at Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center in Los Angeles from sudden complications stemming from his June ATV accident on his farm near Charlottesville, Virginia. LeRoi had recently returned to his Los Angeles home to begin an intensive physical rehabilitation program. We had tickets to attend their concert on wed the 27th, but the show was cancelled because of the funeral services. The musical world has lost an amazing talent.

badly drawn boy

This review is directed towards Badly Drawn Boy, more specifically the About A Boy soundtrack. It's a match made in heaven: the lovable, childlike songs of Damon Gough (aka Badly Drawn Boy) and the lovable, oddly childlike characters of NIck Hornby. Badly Drawn Boy's soundtrack to About A Boy achieves  the rare trick of complementing the movie's moods and themes while standing nicely on it's own, thank you. The production polishes some of the eccentricities from Badly Drawn Boy's scruffy lo-fi sound, but that's ,mostly a good thing. The melodies are gorgeous and instrumentations lush. Even doubters will find it hard to resist the upbeat, hooky "Something To Talk About," while "Silent Sigh," with its delicate piano and wistful, sighing vocal, is four and a half minutes of sheer aural pleasure. Unusually for a soundtrack, nothing about this project caries even a whiff of filler. Even the incidental music beguiles, and the more full realized songs suggest that Gough's brilliance benefits from a bit of restraint. This is a start to finish listen that leaves you wanting more.

the white stuff

The White Stripes use a low-fidelity, do-it-yourself approach to writing and recording, stressing a stripped-down, raw, minimalistic simplicity of composition and arrangement mostly inspired by early punk rock, blues, garage rock, folk and country music.  They were formed in 1997 by vocalist, guitarist, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Jack White and his wife Meg White, who have remained the consistent line-up. If you're looking for something a little different with some edge, add The White Stripes to your line up.

americana

As this is the month to celebrate America and all the great things that go along with it, like family BBQs, fireworks, and backyard parties, let's not forget great music that inspires that feeling of patriotism. This is just a small smattering of music that does exactly that.

flashback

This music review is a dedication to my youth, the music I grew up listening to and loving. For some reason, I always add 80's music to my summer repertoire. The music from the 80's was able to get away with so many things that I'm not sure would cut it today. The top two that come to mind are, of course, all the synthesizers and all the ridiculous band names. I'm pretty sure there was a competition in the industry to see which band could produce the weirdest, most abstract name. Some of my personal favorite names include: Men Without Hats, Oingo Boing, Franky Goes To Hollywood,Kajagoogoo, Wang Chung, Echo and The Bunnymen, Fine Young Cannibals, and Bananarama. Sit back and enjoy this tasty gathering of 80's music.

summer sounds

Well it's officially summer today and that means it's the season for all those great summer sounding tunes. Next on the review, as per request from one of my biggest fans Staci, is Bob Marley. His music takes me away to a wonderfully relaxing place where I'm always in a hammock. Reggae in general incapsulates summer, but the music of Marley takes the cake. Marley died nearly thirty years ago, but remains the most widely known and revered performer of reggae music, and is credited for helping spread Jamaican music to the worldwide audience. His compilation album, Legend, released in 1984, three years after his death, is the best-selling reggae album ever (10 times platinum), with sales of more than 12 million copies.

the diamond

With a four-decade long career that has seen more than 125 million records sold worldwide, thirty-six Top 40 hits, a Grammy, a Golden Globe and thousands of sold-out shows all over the globe, Neil Diamond remains one of the most vital and innovative forces in modern music. His new album, Home Before Dark, hasn't lost any potency that we've come to love and expect from "The Diamond".  All of the arrangements are stripped to the core and have nothing frivolous about them. Neil really trusted his innate talents and focused on presenting a complete collection of songs that put forth a consistent message and tone.

juno? yes

Another soundtrack has what it takes to make it on my review. Not only is Juno a delightfully refreshing flick, but songs in the soundtrack fit perfectly with the movie. They are quiet, folksy, slightly eccentric, and capture the emotional aura of the film's story, characters, and message. This little gem of a movie is balanced by a very well chosen score weaving in and out of folk-indie pop and manages to pull off a sophisticated and engaging sound that reflects a childlike sense of wonder. A number of songs are contributed by Kimya Dawson, formerly of The Moldy Peaches, which contain her simple, open-eyed whimsy sounds. Also, an amazing cover of The Carpenters Superstar by Sonic Youth. Enjoy Juno and let go of the stress. Check out some songs on meg's music treats.

a floydian slip

Pink Floyd was making music and playing sold out shows long before I was around, but I stumbled upon them at a early age of ten or eleven. I was immediately drawn to their unique sound. Like most, I started out with the basics; The Wall and Dark Side of the Moon, but then progressed to lesser known works like Piper at the Gates of Dawn, Obscured by Clouds, and Meddle. My absolute favorite album is The Division Bell. Pink Floyd are known for philosophical lyrics, sonic experimentation, innovative cover art, and elaborate live shows. One of rock music's most successful acts, the group has sold over 200 million albums worldwide including 74.5 million albums in the United States alone. One of their most successful albums, Dark Side of the Moon, spent over 14 years at the top of the album charts. The depth and intellect of Pink Floyd has certainly made them an all time favorite of mine.

Pink Floyd Discography

• The Piper at the Gates of Dawn (1967)
  
• A Saucerful of Secrets (1968)
  
• More (1969)
  
• Ummagumma (1969) 
  
• Atom Heart Mother (1970)
  
• Relics (1971)
  
• Meddle (1971)
  
• Obscured by Clouds (1972)
  
• Dark Side of the Moon (1973)
  
• Wish You Were Here (1975)
  
• Animals (1977)
  
• The Wall (1979) 
  
• A Collection of Great Dance Songs (1981)
  
• Works (1983)
  
• The Final Cut (1983)
  
• A Momentary Lapse of Reason (1987)
  
• Delicate Sound of Thunder (1988) 
  
• Shine On (1992) 
  
• The Division Bell (1994)
  
• Pulse (Live) (1995) 
  
• Is There Anybody Out There? / The Wall Live 1980-81 (2000) 
  
• Echoes: The Best of Pink Floyd (2001)
  

Pink Floyd Album Art

she & him

She & Him is a story of musical serendipity. The She & Him story begins when in 2006, renowned one man band M. Ward, recorded a duet with a girl named Zooey Deschanel. A delightful recording session, the experience lead to a dialogue between the two about collaborating further. This, in turn, led to Zooey admitting to secretly making dozens and dozens of home demos and hoarding them like acorns for the winter. Sick and tired of being stingy and secretive about music, Zooey realized that if songs were acorns then this was indeed her wintertime: she sent the recordings to Ward and these demos became the basis for their first record,entitled Volume One. Embracing the warm sound of classic analog recordings, Volume 1 is more than just a showcase for Zooey’s rich and alluring voice; it’s a distinctive and endlessly charming album. The songs themselves - 9 originals written by Zooey and 2 cover versions - give a respectful nod to the likes of Dusty Springfield, Patsy Cline and The Zombies while M’s production gives them just the right amount of golden era sheen. I highly recommend the entire album, you won't be disappointed. I find myself not being able to get enough of Zooey's enchanting voice.

ol' blue eyes

Next, is the classic sound that is Sinatra. Frank Sinatra was the first modern pop superstar. Following his idol Bing Crosby, who had pioneered the use of the microphone, Sinatra transformed popular singing by infusing lyrics with a personal, intimate point of view that conveyed a steady current of energy. Almost singlehandedly, he helped lead a revival of vocalized swing music that took American pop to a new level of musical sophistication. In the 1950's he recorded with Capitol Records which, for many, are his best and were also instrumental in establishing a canon of American pop song culture. After all, he conquered Hollywood, lit up Vegas and, on vinyl, delivered the finest cuts of his career.

passing fancies

This entry is a dedication to all those songs that swept the radio stations, MTV, and VH1. The songs that everyone knew each syllable and sang along with. The songs with artists that ended up on VH1's "Where are they now?" program. Of course, I'm talking about One Hit Wonders. Those great songs that came out of nowhere and seemed to disappear just as quickly, but when we hear them again we can still remember every single word. This is just a small collection of some of the best One Hit Wonders.

the king

It's all in the name. Someone often referred to as "The King of Rock 'n' Roll" or simply "The King" is certainly an artist worthy of making it onto my review. Of course, I'm talking about Elvis Presley. Elvis was an American singer, musician, and actor. He was a cultural icon. He had a sound and style that was unique and paved the way for musicians later to come. Elvis and I first started our relationship when I was very young. I grew up listening to his music, particularly his Aloha From Hawaii album which is still my favorite among the many great to choose from. Besides that album some of my other favorite songs include Fools Rush In, In The Ghetto, Kentucky Rain, Viva Las Vegas, Fever, and Are You Lonesome Tonight. Besides being a pop culture legend and a very talented musician, Elvis has accomplished a feat that no other person has done. He is the only person to ever successfully fake his own death. Congratulations Elvis.

music & lyrics

Next on the music review will be the first soundtrack I've talked about.  Now this particular soundtrack encompasses, for many of us, the pop culture of our childhoods. Of course I'm talking about Music and Lyrics.  The fantastic story of an 80's has-been re-surfacing in the music industry and realizing he can no longer live off his former glories.  The best song on the album is, without a doubt, Pop! Goes My Heart.  I've taken it a step further this time, not only can you hear the song, but you can watch the music video.  So sit back, relax, think about spandex & crimped hair, and enjoy Pop! Goes My Heart.

yael's new soul

To be honest, I don't know a whole lot about this next artist, except she is a French-Israeli singer and her song "New Soul" is the delightful music on Apple's new commercial for the Macbook Air.  Yael Naim is her name and her debut self-titled album obviously got the attention of the people at Apple. I've listened to her album and, all in all, it's a nice bit a music. The single from the album,  "New Soul", is the kind of song you can listen to over and over again, and it makes you happier every time you hear it.  You can check it out in meg's music treats.

sondre who?

The Norwegian singer, guitarist, and songwriter, Sondre Lerche, is our next musician up for review.  It's obvious that Lerche has an appreciation for eclectic music styles.  I first stumbled upon him when I saw "Dan In Real Life".  He did the soundtrack for the movie and it is a refreshing breath of air.  Light-hearted listening, upbeat themes, and catchy lyrics are characteristics that all of Sondre's songs possess.  He has five full length albums out and all are enticing and unique.  Duper Sessions definitely has more of a jazzy feel to it, but certainly doesn't disappoint.  Among my favorite songs are: Human Hands, Modern Nature, Everyone's Rooting For You, and his fantastic cover of Let My Love Open The Door.  

jack attack

Our next artist is the Hawaiian grown Jack Johnson. I've decided to pick Jack due to the fact that he released a new album today entitled, "Sleep Through The Static". This is his fifth full length album and he has certainly kept with the mellow acoustic grooves and laid back approach that has won so many listeners. Jack Johnson produces feel good music. Period. His lazy harmonies and acoustical twitching draws you in and evokes a happy, peaceful sense that fills you up, but always leaves you wanting more.

irish boys

Next on the music agenda is an iconic group from Dublin, Ireland. The amazingly talented U2. The band consists of Bono, The Edge, Adam Claton, and Larry Mullen Jr.  The band formed in 1976 and by the mid-1980s had become a top international act, noted for their unique sound, Bono's passionate vocals, and The Edge's textural guitar playing.  The members of U2 have collaborated with other musicians, artists, celebrities, and politicians to address issues concerning poverty, disease, and social injustice. When I was young, I got my hands on Achtung Baby and fell in love with it, it's still my favorite U2 album.  Among other faves are The Joshua Tree, Rattle & Hum, The Unforgettable Fire, Under A Blood Red Sky, and Zooropa.  If you're looking for music with meaning and depth, U2 will not disappoint.  Be sure not to miss U2 3D, coming to iMax theaters this year.

first cut is the deepest

I was pondering on which group I would start with and I decided to begin with one of my favorites. The Beatles. Without a doubt, one of the best musical talents of all time! The impact of the Beatles upon popular music cannot be overstated; they revolutionized the music industry and touched the lives of all who have heard them in deep and fundamental ways. The Beatles’ buoyant melodies, playful personalities and mop-topped charisma are just the tonic needed by anyone in need of a little pick-me-up. Among my favorite Beatles' albums are Yellow Submarine, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, and their Anthology albums, which have a lot of previously unreleased cuts, demos, and recordings.