24.10.08

My New Find...Jill Barber

I fell in love with this Canadian girls music through the wonders of Itunes. In the (Canadian) Itunes store this week they had a free download. So I checked it out. I was surprised. The classic feel of her music made it feel more sensual and just brought me back to the good ole days. Here is the song that made me feel those warm and tingly feelings.

I'm Back

Hey Readers! I'm back from the ashes. Sorry I haven't been able to post, school has been so crazy and I had the flu. So I will post something tonight! And some more before that!

11.10.08

The Troubled Amy Winehouse


It's called baby making music for a reason. The sensual vocals, the heavy breathing all make R&B. But it's not only baby making music. It can be political like what Marvin Gaye did with "What's Going On" or Aretha Franklin track "Think". The versatility of R&B is never ending.

But the resurgence of R&B is desperately lacking that special feeling. The closest anyone has come being great is Amy Winehouse. Her personal life has been a tabloid favorite. But its her music that should be appreciated. Her song "Love Is A Losing Game" is lyrically magical. And "Back to Black" in my opinion was one of the best tracks of 2007.

The future for Amy Winehouse has been unclear for a while now. She is apparently is in a house surrounded by close friends and family trying to detox from drugs. But whatever the future holds for this diva, her footprint will be implanted in music history. As the fallen star or the greatest comeback in 00's.

4.10.08

The Killers - Human


The Killers are known to have quite the cocky attitude in the past. An example of this was their previous release Sam's Town. Which lead singer Brendan Flowers said was "one of the best albums of the past twenty years". But it was mediocre at best. So what do they do? Do what they did best in the past. Make synth-pop to crave any of our sweet tooth.

It was produced by master producer Stuart Price (Madonna, Seal...). Who is one of my favorite producers ever. So for me this is just a great song. It has one of my favorite guilty pleasures and favorite producer all wrapped up into one. Finally they've backed up that mouth of theirs.

(The only thing is...does he say "are we human or are we dancer/denser"? Which one is it. Just out of curiosity.)

Rating: 79/100 (The Killers best single since Mr. Brightside)

Out With the Old

Most of you have probably noticed that lately have been slacking off. By not doing all the albums I promise. So I will not be having any more 'This Week On Amplifer Review...'. From now on I will just reviewing albums and giving at least 1 special feature a week. So I wanted to tell you guys.

Thanks, Espo369

1.10.08

Kings of Leon - Only by the Night



When was the last time you heard a first single of an album to be "Sex On Fire"? Probably never. Well you have now. And just in case your wondering who it is. I have an answer. Kings of Leon. Hailed as Southern rockers who are edgy. This album doesn't really do anything for that.

I hate to say this but, on some songs they sound like Hinder. I know right "No Way!". But I think its kind of true. Its always a disappointment when a great first single turns into an album of the same old, same old.

Their are some great spots of the album like the first single ("Sex on Fire") and "Manhattan". But I just think this album is kind of average.

Rating: 57/100 (It just doesn't have enough "Umph")

Jenny Lewis - Acid Tongue


It seems Jenny Lewis can't get a break. She's been arguably the best songwriters of the 00's yet she never gets the attention she really deserves.

Her songwriting really comes out on her solo album "Acid Tongue". Especially the track "Pelican Bay" where an unconventional chorus surprisingly works. On several tracks she even reminds me of Loretta Lynn the way her vocals sound ("Acid Tongue"). But this doesn't take a way from her originality. Which really makes this album special.

The one negative thing about the album is some tracks sound the same. I would usually hate this but it's kind of charming.

Rating: 75/100 (A diamond in the rough)