Best 10 in '10

It's that time, again. The time when all good and lousy bloggers alike sit down and compile 'Best of...' lists. Best Books, Best Movies, Best New Shows, Best Syndicated Episodes of Shows That No Longer Air... There are many people who loathe people and publications who believe themselves to be popular/well-rounded/objective enough to compile a fair list of anything. However, I, audiodaughter, dearly love 'best of' lists. I love making them and I love reading them. Most importantly, I love making sure I own everything on everyone's list! I was recently quite boisterous of the fact that I owned almost every album on The Observer's list (picked by some of my favorite musicians). Worse yet was when I sat down this week with Rolling Stone's Playlist Issue. I made a list of any album mentioned by my most respected musicians that I didn't already own. Then I added all of them to my Amazon shopping cart. (If someone would like to donate $753.97 to the "Expand audiodaughter's Music Collection Fund," please email me.) Basically, I live for lists. Now that I'm currently watching through my bedroom window as the snow falls out on the lawn, I'm reminded that this year is almost over and I know it's time for me to make my own "best of" list. Hopefully, you already own all of these. If not, be sure to check them out.

Best 10 of '10

10.) Rolling Stones-Exile on Main Street (Deluxe Edition)
While absolutely nothing on this album was recorded in 2010, I still thought it was one of the best things to be (re)released. To begin with, Exile is far and away the best Stones album our there. I don't care what drugs they were on or which parts of the songs may have been redone after the Nellcote sessions. All I know is that the raw power in Richards' voice is overwhelming. He's wild and uncaring and he immediately pulls me in with him. Exile is the essential album for when you feel like dancing around with a glass of whiskey in your hand. And how else should a Rolling Stones album make you feel?

9.) Zac Brown Band- You Get What You Give
It took me a little longer than most people to be swayed by ZBB's easy-going attitude, but this album changed that for me. 'Martin' draws such a perfect picture of how greatly musicians depend on their instruments, their friends. It's a song of sheer beauty. 'Who Knows,' meanwhile, is a ten minute demonstration of what that relationship sounds like when it's nurtured properly (that is, with an insane amount of practice and lots and lots of time jamming with friends). You Get What You give may be laid-back and fun, but it's also, quite possibly, a work of genius.

8.) Trombone Shorty- Backatown
If all jazz was this catchy, had such an amazing bass line, and could make me dance like Backatown, I'd listen to a lot more of it. This is an essential album for anyone who isn't quite sure how they feel about jazz. This will definitely make you rethink your feelings.

7.) True Love Stories I- Alan Pownall
Despite not being met with a lot of press attention, Pownall's first album has gotten plenty of love from my speakers this year. Full of toe-tapping beats and catchy melodies, this album should have made it a lot further in the mainstream than it has so far. I'm hoping 2011 will bring better luck for this Londoner and his music.

6.)The Suburbs-Arcade Fire
The least favorite album I bought in 2010, The Suburbs has spent most of it's time in existence annoying me: I'm the only one in my group that wasn't initially impressed. I liked it, but I didn't think it was worth all the "sheer genius" tags it acquired. I love mellow, less-than-happy music-Honest. What I don't love, though, is music with no passion. Everyone else seems to hear that the band feel every word being sung, but all I hear are the lyrics they think they should be singing at their ages to the guitar rifts they think their fans will appreciate. I don't hate it (like I did on first listen), but I don't absolutely love it, either. It's a great album-Much better than most things released this year. In fairness, I'm most likely revolting against it because I like to be difficult.

5.) Brothers-The Black Keys
Why don't hipsters love this more than The Suburbs? There's something so basic and dirty about Auerbach's voice-Every single play sounds like a live concert. Remember when you were sixteen and you worried about what your music taste would be like in your twenties and if it would be as lame as the taste of that one twenty-something you knew at the time? This is exactly that funky sound-But I think the sixteen year old you would be okay with it, too. The entire album reminds me of Beck in the late '90s. And who didn't absolutely love Odelay? (No. Seriously. Listen to it, again.)

4.) Contra- Vampire Weekend
This album makes me want a disco ball. It's VW's typical fun and peppy, but still smart sound & lyrics. Not much of a stray from the first album. But why mess with a good thing? Vampire Weekend's popularity may be the best thing to ever happen to parents' of teenagers. This is an album that parents don't have to be ashamed of buying...or enjoying.

3.) I Speak Because I Can- Laura Marling
Miss Marling's sophomore album is her most popular so far and was even nominated for a Mercury. Less pop and more somber than her first (Alas, I Cannot Swim), I Speak Because I Can is the album of the year for the heart-broken or cynical. With not a single uplifting lyric sticking out, it's great for anyone who prefers to be left alone with their misery, annoyance or general darkness, without the effort of trying to cheer up. Yet, Laura's rich voice is somehow comforting and will never leave you any deeper than when you began. After awhile, you'll sing about your tongue being cut out and the corners of your lips may even turn up just slightly in a way that tells everyone else, "That was awhile ago." (Marling's usually with the addition of, "...and now I'm dating someone much more successful & good-looking.")

2.)Live, Volume 3- The Avett Brothers
Their best live album yet, it's the perfect mix of old, new, popular & obscure songs. My favorite is the false start for 'The Ballad of Love & Hate.' It's been a long, uphill road for the brothers and it was Starbucks that finally made them popular by constantly playing their latest studio album, "I And Love And You." It really puts all their shouts of gratitude into perspective and makes the album that much more enjoyable. If you don't love them yet, you will after this album.

1.)Sigh No More- Mumford & Sons
With no apparent defining emotion, Sigh No More is the best roller coaster you can ride for ten bucks. You can go from enraged to ecstatic not just in a matter of tracks but sometimes in a matter of beginning to end in one song. Is there a plethora of religious undertones? Yes. Is that a bad thing? Absolutely not. Believing in God, yourself, loved ones or humanity is not always easy. The members of Mumford & Sons have found ways to write beautiful lyrics about just how frustrating the effort of belief can be to the common man. It's not all dark, depressing and ...literary. They'll also pluck the banjo, hammer at the kick drum and harmonize their way into a joyous chorus of what can happen when you finally find someone to believe in, too.

My best 10 gigs of 2010? They all belong to Mumford and Sons. They're not just my pick because of their level of musicianship, lyrical prowess or insane harmonies. This band has defined my year with their ability to make a good record, put on a fantastic show and help me make friends where ever I travel on the road to more gigs.

three weeks=three lists

I know I haven't updated in a while. I've been spending money on Christmas presents instead of on myself. (Totally new concept, right?) Just so we're clear, though, a good portion of my Christmas presents for other people will come in the form of CDs. Since I don't have any new music I want to review, here's a couple lists:

Music I've Purchased Recently
That's All-Genesis (MP3, but while in Chicago for a concert, I actually also bought...)
Genesis-Genesis (vinyl)
Lights-Ellie Goulding (MP3)
Go To Sleep-Avett Brothers (MP3)
Blue Skies (The Twelves Remix)-Noah & The Whale (MP3)(...okay, fine, it was free)
Antidotes-Foals (CD)
Jazz Super Hits Vol. 2 (vinyl) (It's got Coltrane, Charles, Yusef, & many more)

Music I Requested For Christmas (Don't judge me!)
Animal- KE$HA
Abigail Washburn & The Sparrow Quartet -Abigail Washburn
Song of the Traveling Daughter-Abigail Washburn
Teenage Dream -Katy Perry
Blind Man Walking- Cadillac Sky

Upcoming Releases I'm Stoked For
January...
21- Adele
The King Is Dead- The Decemberists
Mission Bell- Amos Lee
Eventually...
Blink 182
Fleet Foxes
Mumford & Sons
Atoms of Peace
Foo Fighters
Radiohead

Ramblings from a Tired Traveler

On Wednesday I calculated that, during the past weekend, I'd driven twice as many hours as I had slept. This coming weekend will be much the same. Once I make it through, I'll work on collecting my thoughts, memories & emotions enough to blog about my time following Mumford & Sons (again), but for now I thought I'd share what I've been listening to during all my time on the road.

Laura Marling, I Speak Because I Can
I've owned this album roughly 6 months but I already know that it will be a timeless favorite in my collection of music. There are certain times of the day when I feel the overwhelming urge to sing. Sometimes I start with Sugarland or Patsy Cline or Pink but I always come back to Ms. Marling. It's so rare for a female vocalist (or any vocalist, really) to be able to sing of anger and heartbreak and still come out sounding, well, pretty and soft. She does an excellent job. Her songs crack open old wounds the way they sometimes need to be, to feel the pain again and give you the reminder you need to never let it happen again. This album takes me back to my dark places in small intervals, always leaving my current place looking brighter than it did at the beginning.

Cadillac Sky, Letters of the Deep
It's new country/bluegrass for old souls and young hearts. This has been on a lot lately. They're opening for Mumford & Sons and since I'll have seen them 6 times in two weeks, I knew I needed to learn the words. I had no idea when I bought this album as research for the road trip, though, that I would end up loving it as much as I do. 'Trash bag' is absolutely beautiful. 'Ballad of Restored Confidence' turns me both bitter and triumphant at the same time. And 'Hangman' is pure, unadulterated bluegrass at it's absolute finest. I simply adore Cadillac Sky. They're a "must-see" on the live circuit, too. The boys put on an excellent, energy-packed show.

The Complete Million Dollar Quartet
There are very few people I love in this world more than Mumford & Sons. Johnny Cash is one of them. And on my very long list of favorite musicians, JC, Elvis Presley & Jerry Lee Flippin' Lewis are all at the tip top. This album caught my eye a few weeks ago and I'm still unsure how I missed it until now. It's the entire recordings from a set that Cash, Presley, Lewis & Carl Perkins did at Sun Records over 50 years ago. From 'Jingle Bells' to 'Brown Eyed Handsome Man,' it's sheer joy. They tells stories and make fun, just like all boys do, tinker & tune and make my heart swell with each passing second. It's the closest I'll ever come to being there in the room with them, but the recording makes me feel like I'm pretty damn close.

Also getting a lot of airtime in the car: All the new, still unreleased, songs by Mumford & Sons. This brand, brand new one (made-up, partially, of one of their much older songs) has me tied in knots every time it starts. I hope it makes it on their second album. Broken Crown.

Mt. Desolation

Every now and then, words completely fail me. (All over the city, my co-workers are gasping in disbelief) Such has been the case with Mt. Desolation's self-titled first album. I keep tweeting things like, "Listening to Mt. D, AGAIN!" and "I can't wait to sell this!" Both those statements are true and, in some ways, accurately reflect how much I love this album. But they don't really explain why I love it because I can't seem to form complete sentences when speaking of Mt D. Everything comes out in sighs and swoons. So, instead of complete sentences, here are a few mutterings.

Heartbreakingly beautiful
Rich in musicianship and chock full of the sounds of '60's Folk
A great tribute to American music, by being more than what American music is currently
Way, way better than Keane (and I really like them)
Quite possibly what the lovechild of Thom Yorke & Joni Mitchell might sound like if they sent it off to be raised by farmers in the 1800s
'Sigh No More' has been my album of the year for two years now, but this year 'Mt D' comes in a very close second

Favorite songs:
Annie Ford kills my soul-It's so sad. But I listen to it most.
Bitter Pill is the taste of leaving home for "something better" and never finding it. So perfect & true.
Platform 7. No reason. I just love it. A lot.

Links:
Bitter Pill
State of Our Affairs

Come Around Sundown (On I-75)

AD has this belief: Every road has a soundtrack. It changes & grows and is dependent, sometimes, on both the weather and the time of day. You'll often hear her say, "This song reminds me of 1-10, going through Mississippi & Louisiana" or "Definitely a good A1A song!" When first listening to the new Kings of Leon album it was no different.

Come Around Sundown has a highway & a time of day. Just like the hills & mountains that I-75 South carries you over, the album has peaks & valleys. Sundown isn't for sunny weekend trips in August & definitely not the calming music you need in icy January at 7 in the morning on your way to work. No. Come Around Sundown is June at 3 a.m., with patches of orange fog so thick you can't see the semi's break lights just in front of you. Basically, it's two parts a relaxing drive, hopeful of reaching a much better destination, and one part awakening. Granted, it's not the stuff AD has spent hours bouncing around in her room to (Most notably: Four Kicks from Aha Shake Heartbreak), but it'll keep you from dozing on that long drive southbound.

And this album is definitely most appropriate going south & heading "home." Whether it's home to Nashville, where the Kings hail from or, in AD's case, home to Florida. Come Around Sundown is constant propulsion toward somewhere warmer, more fun and better.

Of course, none of this seems to relate to what everyone really wants to know. AD knows what you really care about and it's not that she wishes this album had been out for her trip down to Bonnaroo. She knows you're curious of how it holds up to their previous albums Does it sound like their last album, that many of their fans described as "too commercial?" Or does it sound like their "old stuff?" Audiodaughter's Audiodad would look at you, blink & say, "No." (But he's really snarky & likes to yank people's chains.) Audiodaughter, though, says, "...No?" Come Around Sundown is a great album. It's different-And it's great. Does it sound like Only By Night? No. (All the bitter hipsters can breath again.) But it doesn't sound like Youth & Young Manhood, either. And, honestly, why should it? AD is not the same person as she was in 2003-Why should she expect the boys from Kings of Leon to be the same, either? But it's still a rockin' fun album. It's at least a few miles down the road, a little bit closer to where they started and a little bit closer to home.

Moral of the story: AD likes it. It's new, good & different. And, if you're heading south on I-75 to escape whatever plagues you up north: Take this with you, and pop it in...you know, around sundown. (Or around sun up...just so long as it's still dark.) That's all she's got for you.

Drums, Flowers, Shorty's & Oh My!

I've been slacking on my reviews lately. Here are a few that are much shorter than usual, but hopefully still helpful.

Coming Tuesday 9/14

The Drums-Self-Titled
I heard The Drums a few months ago when a friend from far away sent me a link to the video for "Let's Go Surfing." I've waited months for their album to be available here and I'm beyond stoked that it finally is. I cannot wait to share this with everyone. This album is full of tracks that will make you dance, sprinkled in between with songs that require nothing more than a beach towel and swishing feet. It's light, fun, and full of soft, pretty melodies that make it easily lovable by all. The worst part of this release is definitely the timing. For a 'summery' album-I can't believe they waited until mid-September for the release. Sending it out in the spring would have really boosted sales-The album is deserving of sunroofs back and windows down. With any luck though, the early Fall release will also give them time to pick up momentum before next summer's booking ends. These guys should hit the festival circuit big time!
Favorite Tracks: Skippin' Town, It Will All End In Tears, Forever & Ever Amen and (of course) Let's Go Surfing.

Brandon Flowers-Flamingo
I've been swooning since the epic opening track, "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas." I'm barely through my first listen, honestly, but I'm already excited to sell this the rest of the week. The second song, "Only The Young," has a bit of a Sting vibe to it (and I mean that in the best of ways). Slightly tribal sounding drums, bits of synth & Brandon's oh-so-pretty voice makes make it the most heart-starting song I've discovered in months. I could talk about each and every song on "Flamingo" with just as much giddy love as I have with these, but I'll spare you the drool-fest and leave you with this: Buy the damn album. Run out to your local record store & buy a copy for you and a copy for your best friend. Buy it, love it, share it.
Favorite Tracks: All of them. Honestly. But definitely check out 'Hard Enough' with backing vocals by the fabulous Jenny Lewis.

Everything else...

Trombone Shorty-Backatown
My knowledge of Jazz wavers somewhere between non-existent and minimal. I can name the jazz musicians I'm vaguely familiar with on one hand, and I'm not experts on any of them. The guys I work with are on a never-ending quest to broaden my horizons and it's always much appreciated. I'd heard about Trombone Shorty a few months ago when I was cutting reviews to post at work. I decided I'd check him out..eventually, and then abruptly forgot. A job switch this week led me straight to his CD, sitting on a co-worker's desk. I took it home, threw it into my computer and immediately began to dance. This isn't the unpredictable, cymbal tapping jazz of our fathers. It's got a funkier bass-line, a pop-like followable beat and a somethin'-somethin' that both new kids & old fogies can appreciate. I love this shit!
Favorite Tracks: Right to Complain, Neph, In the 6th

Other semi-new releases I love:

Jenny & Johnny-Great driving music!
Lissie-She's on her way to becoming my new Laura Marling. (Meaning my love for her grows with each listen.)
David Gray-Is he married? If he's not, will you tell him I'm available?
Mt. Desolation-They're debut album isn't out for another month, but from everything I've heard-I'm stoked! I'll see them in Michigan on Oct. 29th. If you're in the area-You should come out.

The Long Forgotten Bonnaroo Experience

As I drove from Manchester to Nashville on the evening of Thursday, June 10th (the first night of Bonnaroo), I began to think of all the witty, snarky comments I wanted to make when I sat down to write this post. That day, over two months ago now, I was bitter with disappointment and my stomach churned with hunger. Most of my snark has died and now I'm just left with some, hopefully helpful, insight tinged just slightly with frustration. This post isn't even barely funny. Still, a long time ago I promised a blog on Bonnaroo...and tonight I shall deliver.

Things I learned by NOT going to Bonnaroo

1) Don't Go Alone.
It’s not being pillaged or plundered that has me concerned. Festivals mostly evoke a community vibe and people look out for each other. The real reason you need a friend with you is because you’re going to need someone to watch your back while you pee in the woods. After seven hours of waiting in my car, I was still 16 miles from the entrance gate. There was no guarantee that I wouldn’t be in my car waiting for another seven, possibly fourteen. As a matter of fact, I had a sheriff tell me that waiting 14 more hours was actually extremely likely. The movement was sporadic and both the car in front of me and behind me held people who were just as antisocial as I was. I had to pee, but there was no way I’d trust my car to a complete stranger while I ran off into the woods like so many other people. I also knew that if I abandoned my car long enough to pee, there was a good chance that if the traffic began to move again, people would go around me. I was too stubborn to let that happen. A friend could have covered me if I wanted to pee closer to the car or could have been in charge of rolling the car a quarter mile down the road while I ventured into a cow pasture. By myself, I was miserable and soon delirious. It was not a pretty sight.

2) Go Early
I’d read on a message board that people who showed up before the opening time would be turned away. For this reason, I planned out my journey so I would arrive exactly at 7 a.m. Except tens of thousands of people didn’t read that message board and had gotten there hours before I did. If I ever go again, I will go early.

3) Putting Your Cooler in the Back of Your Trunk=Not as Smart as You Think.
In an effort to save gas on my 6 hour drive down to Manchester, TN, I pushed my massive cooler to the back of my trunk, over my rear wheel axle. I took Physics…I know a thing or two about weight distribution and I knew this was the best move for the long journey.

What I didn’t consider was the hours-long wait once I got to the line at the entrance. It took me three tries and one eighth of a mile to clean out the rest of my trunk enough so that I could pull my cooler forward and get out a cold Dr. Pepper and a package of crackers. Not only did this make me more irritable, but it also turned my once organized car into a disaster zone of epic proportions. I’m still finding stuff that I tossed carelessly out of my trunk and through my sunroof. Things rolled all over the place and hid from me…only to reappear each time I slam on my breaks.

4) Don't Tweet About Your Horrible Experiences
At the time, ranting to the entire world about the unpreparedness of the Bonnaroo staff seemed like a great idea. But coming back home to a dozen “It’s worth it!” replies made me want to gouge my eyes out. Was it worth it? I’ll never know. But I do know this: Twitching (Bitching + Tweeting) didn’t accomplish anything. No one from Bonnaroo apologized and sent me any of my money back. All that really came to be was a bunch of replies that made me homicidal. Not cool.

5) Don't be Afraid to Change Your Plans
Those seven hours were the worst seven hours of my life. Far worse than the 18 I spent on a train from New York to Ohio. Even worse than the 3 hour plane ride from New York to Ohio when my mother was in the hospital. I’d been promised amazingness! I’d been promised that if I showed up early, I would get turned away. So I showed up on time and was punished for that, as well. I was hot and my blood sugar was low. The more time I spent on line, the more shows I missed. It was an awful way to start my first ever festival experience and I knew it would taint the rest of the weekend. I sold my ticket for about half the price, got off at the nearest exit to get some McDonalds and then spent the night hanging out in Nashville. It was definitely the right choice for me.

That's all I've got for you tonight! Don't ever say I don't keep my promises!

How Scientists Created Alan Pownall & Why I Love Him

I think I’m in love.

I’ve had a rough time deciding if I wanted to write this entry or not. Blogging isn’t exactly top-rate journalism, but I still like to approach my reviews with an open-minded and objective mind. When the Alan Pownall album finally arrived, I didn’t even consider blogging about it-I knew I was already partial to loving him. After all, he’s good friends with one of my most favorite bands. Now that I’ve listened to this album approximately a million times in the last few weeks, I know…I KNOW that I must share it (with a very tiny audience, sure. But still.).

Say some amazing scientist could figure out a way to mix the less douche-y and uncomplicated parts of John Mayer with the tweaking chillness of Jack Johnson to create the perfect musician. Are you with me? You’d probably get a guy with a great hairstyle and a tweed coat, leaning against a brick wall and strumming a guitar. He’d play the sorts of songs that are two parts toe-tapping and three parts finger snapping. Since he’d be half the amazingness of John Mayer, he’d have far more reach and variation than Jack Johnson. But since he’d also be half the surfer God chic of Jack Johnson, he wouldn’t take himself too seriously, his lines wouldn’t seem as cliché and his vibe would be much less pretentious. He’d be…perfect. He’d be Alan Pownall. Also, he’d be English. Swoon.

True Love Stories, Alan Pownall’s debut album, is filled with songs that make you move. Whether you’re listening to the lamenting “Turn Me Down” and nodding your head in solemn understanding or kicking your feet to “Take Me,” you’re never standing still, never bored. Tom Hobden (Noah & The Whale) makes a couple appearances throughout the album-My favorite on the waltzing “The Others.”

The only time I cringed was on the Jack Johnson-esque “Life Worth Living.” However, just like with Jack’s songs, I can’t help loving it in spite of itself. It makes me swish my hips, beat my head and smile. I think I could have a life worth living with Alan Pownall…or any of his friends, really. How can I not like it?

Still, his two more popular singles: “Chasing Time” & “Colourful Day.” Are both popular for a reason: They’re catchy, fun, and understandable. Why he’s not as popular as his mates from Mumford & Sons is beyond me. I’m certain, though, that it’s only a matter of time.

Despite my making him half-Jack, "True Love Stories" has been getting some serious spinning time in my car. Only a privileged few make into onto my visor and this album is worth it's space.

Definitely take a listen and then buy the goods.

-AD x

PS-As an added bonus, check out Pownall's awesome cover of "Love Lockdown."

Don't Worry, David Gray-I Still Love You

This a placeholder for a blog in which I will do nothing but dote on David Gray. That blog with not happen tonight, though, as there is a migraine currently wreaking havoc on my thought process. I will say THIS, though:

Foundlings, the new album by David Gray, comes out in about 30 minutes. It's just as beautiful as anything else he's done. Buy it, Bathe with it, Soak it in. You won't be disappointed.

This time I dare you to disagree.

Showing My Roots

No reviews today, but I felt the urge to blog none-the-less.

I've been listening to a lot more country music than usual. That's not to say I don't usually listen to country-I actually listen to quite a bit. My nights tend to hold a large variety of music. Lately, though, I've been all country, all the time. It might have something to do with my lack of foot-stomping concerts. Either way, here's a list of my most played songs recently.

Tortured, Tangled Hearts, Truth No. 2, and White Trash Wedding- Dixie Chicks
These are all so rowdy and fun. I love a good fiddle and banjo!
Simple Life-Carolyn Dawn Johnson
This has been a favorite song of mine for quite awhile. I just love it.
Crazy Little Thing Called Love- Dwight Yoakam
One of my mom's favorite songs, it's recently become one of mine, too. It's so danceable! (See: That Gap commercial circa 2003)
Johnny & June-Heidi Newfield
Who doesn't want a love like Johnny & June's?
Getaway Car-The Jenkins
This song is old and pretty much their only hit, that I know of. But I love it. It's so tragic and sweet.
Rhythm of the Rain-The Judds
I can't describe my love for this song properly. I've known it practically all my life and nothing beats rockin' along to it and pretending I can sing.
American Honey-Lady Antebellum
I know half the girls in America probably say the same thing, but I don't care: This is my song.
Nothin' Better to Do-LeAnn Rimes
If I had a fluffy white skirt, I'd wear it and swish around while dancing to this song.
New Strings, Airstream Song, The House That Built Me-Miranda Lambert
Interesting Fact: I don't think there is a sing song Miranda Lambert has done that I haven't loved with all my heart. These are just my three favorites.
Runaway-Love & Theft
If I had to pick a song that currently describes my life, this would be pretty close to perfect.
Trials & Troubles-Old Crow Medicine Show
This song makes me long for a beat-up pickup truck so I can hang my feet out the bed and pretend to play guitar.
The Entire Sugarland Catalog
I love Sugarland. Fin.
Bury Me Under The Weeping Willow-Roseanne Cash
Johnny Cash was right, this song fits her voice perfect. I adore it more than I ever imagined I would.


So, there you have it. That's been my playlist for the last week or so. A few things were missing, but I think that's the basics. As you can see, though, my list is made up of mostly female singers. My only explanation for this is that it's easier for me to sing along with girls. But, I also think the music industry in general is female heavy, so I think that also explains it.

Know of something that's not on my list, but should be? Share it. Please.

Four Boys, Four Weeks, Four Shows pt. 2

Mumford & Sons (and The Middle East) Live

When I left you in Columbus, I was still hungover. This time, I wanted to take time to let the dust settle before I reviewed my last two shows. After the amazing show in Columbus, I headed home to Cincinnati and went to work on Sunday. All the while, I contemplated my options. The show at Lincoln Hall in Chicago was completely sold out and had been for weeks. I was told, though, that I might be able to get on the venue's list. As of Monday morning, I wasn't on any lists. I was desperate, though, so I struck out anyway.

I scooped up my best friend from a Chicago suburb and we fought the traffic into town. I think we may have illegally parked in a hospital's parking garage, but no tickets were found, so I feel okay about it. We got there early and still weren't on the list, but I was only slightly concerned. The good news about having my best friend with me was that she is the least shy person I know. If anyone could get us into that concert, it would be her. Or so I thought.


As it turned out, after an hour or so of asking absolutely everyone if they had an extra ticket, I got us into the show using my own wits and charm. I'll never tell you how. It's top secret. But I will say this-I didn't go through the same door as everyone else. That aside, I can also say that several people who still didn't have tickets twenty minutes before the show managed to find us inside, excited they'd got in. Note to All: Get there early, lie about where you're from, and buy food. I'm sure you'll get in with the rest of them.

The venue itself was less than impressive. Honestly, I feel bad saying so. I've heard they recently did an overhaul that may have included getting the place air conditioned. The stage was tiny and cramped, especially for The (seven-member) Middle East, who like to romp and traipse around on stage. Also disconcerting was the waitresses wandering through the crowd during the show taking drink orders. At one point I looked from one side of the stage to the other and found the flat side of a tray in my face, completely blocking my view. Plus, the crowd was just a bunch of drunk people who were barely attentive during The Middle East. That alone made Chicago my least favorite show.

In pure M&S fashion, the boys still hammered it out. They'd had the day before off and had went sailing and they used those experiences to butter up the crowd with compliments on the city. After the aforementioned sucking up period, they played an awesome set that, sound and heart-wise, was perfect. One of the best things to see at the previous concerts was when front man, Marcus Mumford, plays drums for the rousing, "Dust Bowl Dance." At the very end, he gets up and dashes around from behind the drum set. Back at the mic, he picks up his guitar, strums out a few last chords and softly sings the last few lines of the song. Due to the confines of the stage, he was unable to do that. The crowd, made up almost entirely of first-timers, had no idea what they were missing. They roared with approval. But I knew, and I think the band was disappointed, too. With the close-quarters, it lacked the same energy. Personally, Chicago will be memorable because of my entrance into the show and the company I kept. As a concert-goer, though, this was far from my favorite show.

Next up was supposed to be Bonnaroo. I feel like I've talked this one into the ground and I don't want AudioDaughter to become a place of negativity. I'll say only this: I was tired and delirious. I didn't quite make it. AudioDaughter doesn't believe in regrets, but if she did-Missing Bonnaroo would still be quite low on the list.

Instead, the day after Bonnaroo, I met back up with my new concert buddies, and my favorite band in the very tiny town of Bloomington, Indiana. Here's what I knew of Bloomington before I left: That's where Mumford and Sons was playing on Monday night. Oh, fine. I'd also been told that IU was there and that, apparently, IU was considered a "public ivey." I'm still only vaguely certain of what that means. Here's what I've found out since: Bloomington is pretty much BFE, but it's still awesome.

The gig in Bloomington was at a little place called The Blue Bird. Even Marcus commented on the inside's resemblance to a barn. It was a cool, dark hole with low ceilings, a low stage, and a great crowd. It's no wonder that John Cougar Mellencamp frequented the place back in the day (or so I was told by an IU Alum just a couple days ago). The whole thing felt like a hoedown, and the energy that was lacking in Chicago came back three-fold to the band and the crowd. With my two friends from Columbus and Cleveland, and two new friends we met that day in line, we lined the stage, pulled out our cameras and had a blast.

Here's one surprising fact about the band you may not know just by listening to the CD: They all play a lot of instruments very well. At any given show, you can find Ben Lovett (usually seen on the keyboard) tickling the plastic ivories, playing accordion or, so we found out in Indiana, hammering on the drums. (Usually in the new song, "Whispers in the Dark.") Marcus, who you'll most often see singing and playing guitar all while alternating kick tambo and kick drum, also gets some decent licks on the drumset for "Lover of the Light" and "Dust Bowl Dance." Winston (Country), I'm pretty sure, can play anything. I've seen him with a guitar, a mandolin, a dobro and a banjo. He plays all of them insanely well and all while showing off his sweet dance moves. Ted, who usually sticks to the upright bass, can also play a regular bass (duh) and drums (We saw him play for "Thistle and Weeds"). I also happen to know he's dabbled with the Ukulele and guitar. They're amazingly talented lads and I'm thrilled to say I've seen them four times.

I'm also certain that I'll see them many, many more times.

Be Still, My Country Heart

(And, yes, I have purposefully skipped over Bonnaroo)

Sometimes it feels like with each Tuesday comes a new "up-and-coming" female vocalist. There's always the next Patsy Cline, the next Janis Joplin, the next Edie Brickell (That may just be wishful thinking on my part). I cringe to think that two, three or four decades from now, someone might be called "the next Miley Cyrus." It's not that all the females out there are irritating, and I certainly don't find new music or young musicians to not be worthy of my time. It's just that there's so damn many, I can't keep up! Most of the time, they just get lost in the shuffle for me. I'd say it takes something amazing for me to take notice, but in this case, it took absolutely nothing. It took me glancing to my left, as I shelved an old Phoenix CD and noticing that we had eight copies of an album from some girl I'd never heard of before.

And then it took a second glance at the cover. With it's picture of a girl in a dark cotton dress with lace, sepia wash and that ...thing in her hand, it reminded me of those pictures you get at the state fair. The kind where you get dressed up in old clothes, sit on a bar and point pistols at each other. I always wanted to do one of those-Perhaps I was just jealous and wanted to hate the album.

Except I couldn't-Because she's the next big thing on my playlist.

Her voice is this astonishing throwback to the women of the past with the strength and power of the women now. NPR described her as "Sweet" and "Smooth" but I think she's the opposite. There's something fierce, nervy and wild about her voice. It's dirty in the best of ways. Her music, in my opinion, may be too country to ever make it big in the new American country scene and probably the same for pop, too. She's got the sort of sound, though, that I think fits nice and snug into the current folk scene in London. That scene, of course, is still earning tons of hype in the states...just not to the same effect, it seems.

Still. I think Audra Mae is one girl worth a serious listen. Here are my top three tunes off her album:

The Happiest Lamb- This song seems the most mainstream to me. It's got the sort of beats deserving of a hand out a rolled down window. It's sassy and easy to relate to for even the most sheltered of souls. Who hasn't realized they're a sheep after the same shepard?

Millionaire- This song is like a new version of 'Coal Miner's Daughter.' "Barbie dolls and lemonade, we sold it all and all we made was gone so fast" reminds me exactly of when Loretta Lynn sang about selling the hog to get shoes for winter. Life is rough, of course. But Audra Mae begs the question that Ms. Lynn's pride always gave way to: "Who wants to be a millionaire?" It's soft, aching and earnest but still slightly hopeful. She'll be okay without all that money, and she knows it.

Bandida- I could just be partial to songs about war (okay, I am), but I love this song. First, I should state the obvious: I love the guitar. It's softness offsets her battle cries so perfectly I want to weep. Second, oh, yes-There are battle cries. Then there are these amazing lines, "What would I do to find you? I'll cloak my face and hide. I'll veil myself in black and steel and battle at your side." Tell me you can't picture it-Tell me you don't see one rough, enraged girl and tell me you can't feel her desperate love. Tell me. I won't believe you. (Here's a really short snippet-I hope!)

Here's a link, though, for a live performance of a fourth song called "The River." This is actually the first song I noticed once I put her disk into the player. When it was over for the first time, I immediately played it again.

That's all for now. As always, investigate her, buy the album, and definitely share your thoughts.

-AD

Bonnaroo! Woohoo!

As some of you may or may not know, a week from today AudioDaughter will be at Bonnaroo. It's pretty flippin' exciting. There have been tons (three) pleas to hear the AD schedule and today, while recovering from a fierce stomach bug, it's time to share. One thing is for sure: Between the schedule and the heat, AD is bound to come back a few pounds lighter. No Time for Food: Must...See...Everything. As always, if you think there's something that's been looked over that's a must-see, share your thoughts.

Thursday:
1:45-3:30- Corey Haim Rules!-The Lost Boys (Cinema Tent)
4:15-5pm- The Postelles (That Tent)*
5:30-6:30- Diane Birch (That Tent)*
7pm-8pm- Local Natives (That Tent)
8:45-9:45- NeedToBreath (Other Tent)
10pm-11pm- Temper Trap (That Tent)
...or 10:30-11:30- Mayer Hawthorne (This Tent)
11:30-12:45- The xx (That Tent)
...or 11:45-1am- Lotus (Other Tent)

Friday:
1pm-2pm- Conan OBrien (Comedy Theatre, Cinema Tent, Lunar Stage)
...or 1pm-2pm- Tokyo Police Club (Other Tent)
1:45-3- Carolina Chocolate Drops (That Tent)
2:30-3:30- Edward Sharpe... (Other Tent)
4pm-5:30- Danien Marley & Nas (What Stage)
5pm-6:15- She & Him (This Tent)
...and 5:30-7pm- Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (That Tent)*
7:15-7:45- Lotus (Sonic Stage)
7:30-8:30- Steve Martin... (That Tent)
...and 7:30-9- Les Claypool (Other Tent)
9:30-11:30- Kings of Leon (What Stage)*
12am-1:30- The Black Keys (That Tent)*
2am-2:45- Kid Cudi (That Tent)
2:30-4am- LCD Soundsystem (This Tent)

Saturday:
(1:30-3:15- World Cup (Lunar Stage)...I'll have to make a couple appearances)
12:45-1:15-The Postelles (Sonic Stage)
1-2:30- Conan OBrien (Comedy Theater)
1:45-2:45- Brandi Carlile (That Tent)
2:30-4pm- Norah Jones (Which Stage)
5pm-6:15- Mumford & Sons (That Tent)*
6:40-7:30- The Middle East (Troo Music Lounge)*
7pm-8:30- Weezer (Which Stage)
7:50-8:50- The Decemberists Movie (Cinema)
8:30-10:30- Stevie Wonder (What Stage)
11:30-1:30- Jay-Z (What Stage)
12:30-2:30- Footloose (Cinema)
2:15-3:45- Deadmau5 (This Tent)

Sunday:
(1:30-3:15- World Cup (Lunar Stage))
12-1pm- Ingrid Michaelson (Other Tent)
12:30-1:30- Japandroids (This Tent)
3pm-4pm- Blues Traveler (Other Tent)*
4:30-5:45- They Might Be Giants (Other Tent)
5pm-6:15- Dropkick Murphys (This Tent)*
6:30-8pm- Zac Brown Band (What Stage)
...and 6:30-8pm- Miranda Lambert (That Tent)
7:15-8:45- Phoenix (Which Stage)
9pm-11:30- Dave Matthews Band (What Stage)*

*Will NOT be leaving early to catch the next show

The worst part is going to come on Sunday when AD has to figure out how to see the Zac Brown Band, Miranda Lambert & Phoenix all at almost the same time.

Well, there's the list. More to come. Until then, here's the rest of the line-up

Jack Johnson- To The Sea (Out 06.04.10)

I'm completely underwhelmed by this coming week's releases. But a new blog was promised and the album I had hoped to review is currently on lend to someone else.

You know, music fans are fickle. If a singer puts out too many albums that sound similar, we complain about how they only know four chords and we're over them. If they change too much, we immediately whine that we like the old stuff better. We're a tough crowd to please. That probably explains why there are so many one-hit-wonders and so many bands we're all embarrassed to admit ever liking. We all have a shoebox of CDs we only pull out when we're alone. We all lament about certain bands' second albums-They changed so much and it sucked. But there are also plenty of bands that have evolved over time and whom we adore for it. The difference, no doubt, is that the change wasn't made for the sake of making a change but for the fact that life had changed. So, how do you explain a band that hasn't changed at all, then? Is their life not at all different than it was when they recorded last year's album? What about the year before that? Or are they just afraid that changing things up a bit will cause some fans to turn away? I guess what I'm asking is this...

Are you a chicken, Jack Johnson, or is your life really so stagnant that your music couldn't possibly have evolved since your debut album in 2001?

I popped in 'To the Sea' an hour ago and expected something great. Instead I got recycled "Sleep Through the Static." To be fair, I was also entirely disappointed by Tift Merritt's new album, too, so maybe I'm just in a funk. But, it all sounds exactly the same. The only song that even remotely warmed my soul was "The Upsetter." I'm pretty sure that it's only because I like the drums.

Here's my plan: I'm going to post this (for the sake of posting) and then take the album to my car. If my opinion changes, and I hope it does, I'll do a second look blog post in a couple days.

For now: Here's my really simple review...

If you like Jack Johnson and absolutely love everything he's done so far then I have no doubt in my mind that you'll love this album. ...Because it sounds exactly like everything he's ever done.

Four Boys, Four Weeks, Four Shows pt. 1

Mumford & Sons (and The Middle East) Live

I still have to take deep breaths every now and then. When I think about the last two days and the possible third day on Monday, I get a little overwhelmed with excitement, tiredness & a hint of Jameson. Here's the thing: Great bands turn me into a squirming 13 year old girl (though, my lungs aren't as awesome as hers). Honestly, I think it would have been hard for me to NOT enjoy this show-I'd been looking forward to it for far too long and I sincerely love Mumford & Sons music. Still, I think I saw an amazing show and I met some awesome, AWESOME guys. Here's a little about my adventure.

First stop, Cleveland. I drove four hours to get to the show and after a quick detour to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, I drove through a faintly sketchy neighborhood to get to a little place called, "Beachland Ballroom." Ballroom is both truthful and yet it's still an overstatement. You do, actually, stand in something very similar to a Ballroom. But with the metal trashcans near the speakers and the bar back behind the stage (sort of), the typical "Ballroom"-esque qualities are definitely lacking. Still, it was cool and the drinks were cheap. Getting a drink was the best thing I could ever do. I'm a very solitary person, but I love the crowds at a concert. I don't, however, enjoy talking to them. One drink was enough to loosen me up enough to talk to the insanely tall girl in front of me. That worked out to my advantage because she let me in front of her and then I was only behind one person. The semi-low stage afforded for people pop their butts up and sit down before the show started. Once things began all the girls in the front threw their purses on the edge of the stage and they stayed their for most of the show. One thing I knew, right away, was this was going to be far different from my days at arena shows. I was also pretty sure that it was going to be better.

The line-up was supposed to be The Middle East & Mumford & Sons. As an added bonus, they decided to throw Adam (from a band called Albatross, that I WILL do research on later) up on stage first and make him sing for us. No one knew any of his songs, but most of the crowd was already too drunk to not have a good time. He did a pretty decent job and if he was nervous, it didn't show. What he lacked in equipment (he was borrowing the boys' guitar and pedals), he made up for in stage presence. He had a sweet personality and was entirely gracious that so many drunk people wouldn't boo him off the stage. And, how could we? He was great! I wish he had an album. Someone make it happen.

Next came The Middle East. I had very little idea what to expect. In the weeks leading up to the show, I kept telling myself to check them out on youtube and get familiar with their songs. Time got away from me and it wasn't until the night before that I listened to a single song. I thought I liked it, though, so I was hopeful. They didn't let me down-They were great. The Middle East seems so different (both musically and personally) than any of the bands I've seen lately. They're all at once calm and yet amped to be onstage for us. The only bad part of their set was the crowd. At this point, preparing (read: drinking) had reached peak levels and most people stood around and chatted through The Middle East's set. The only time anyone shut up was when they leaned over to toss a glass beer bottle into the metal trash cans. Still, the seven members soldiered on and played a fun show. There was a guest appearance by some of the M&S boys and that simmered everyone down for a song. It was a short set, but I knew I liked them. (Sadly, I'd already used my cash for a t-shirt)

The long awaited and most-sought after Mumford & Sons took the stage next. With a tired/drunk silliness, Marcus tried to get the crowd excited a bit by mentioning LeBron James. The best comment came from a drunk guy on the left who bellowed for a change of subject. That earned a smirk from the lead man and a grin from Winston. The music was, of course, amazing. But I'm pretty sure that even more than that, the crowd was won over by the silliness of the boys in front of us, who shifted between twenty-somethings throwing back beers to twelve-year-olds with mischievous grins. It was hard to watch them and not end up with a major crush on each of them. The set was awesome and the crowd was rowdy, just like the band. It made for a fun night. I can vaguely remember walking out the back door and texting my best friend to tell him it was the best night I'd ever had.

But that show seems more like a frat party in comparison to the Columbus Show...

The Wexner center is a little intimidating. Upon walking around and then up to the main entrance (I may have accidentally parked on the wrong side of the OSU campus), I became overwhelmed with the sudden sense that this crowd was going to be much, much larger than the night before. I was stressed and excited. It was great to see my most favorite band earning such a huge following. It was a bummer to think I might have missed out on more of the smaller, intimate gigs. Like always, I worried for nothing. A jog over to their trailer and a nosing about as Tom (who is some sort of tour manager/merch sales guy) chatted with a security guard informed me the gig had sold out to about 550 people. That was only 50 more than the night before. I let out a huge sigh. ...And then flirted mercilessly with their pink-cheeked friend as he tried to get the t-shirts organized. I'm pretty sure he thought I was stalking him, but I think he deserved the ego boost.

So, the Wex set up a "black box theater" which I'm now going to try to explain in the most nontechnical terms EVER. Some stage-tech guy is going to read this some day and cringe. Basically, in the main auditorium there was a huge stage and tons of seats. M&S fans aren't the seat sort of people. So, on the left side of the massive stage, they built a smaller stage. They dropped the front curtains down (on the smaller stage's left side) and created a curtained off room. The crowd then stood on the massive stage, in front of the smaller stage. I had the best of intentions of taking pictures of the set-up, but the place filled up fast. This time, I was a girl with her purse on the stage. The best part about actually being on the stage (aside from the great noise we made when we all started stomping our feet) was the overhead rigging that afforded the hanging of (what have now been dubbed as...) Little Lion Man Lights. (See the video at the bottom to get an idea of the lights I'm talking about) Talk about ambiance! It definitely changed the mood. Then again, so did the lack of bar.

This time the Middle East's show was insanely different. The crowd was a 180 degree turn-around from the night before. With no liquor and an obvious sense of respect, the crowd simmered down and listened to a band that most of them had never heard before. Seven friends, from a small down in Northern Australia sang their hearts out for us on that stage. At one point, one of the two lead-singer thanked the crowd for being so quiet. I'm pretty sure that most of the audience thought he was being sarcastic. The front row, though, filled with five girls who had been with them the night before, knew they meant it. It was a complete turn around. Even with minor technical difficulties, the show was ten times more fun and engaging this time. The only girl in the band, Bree, has an absolutely beautiful voice. As much as I love to hear the guys, I really enjoyed the songs where they let her sing more. They've got an interesting dynamic that is one part awkwardness and two parts laid-back that easily turns the crowd into a staring, nodding cult. They're beautiful. I adore them. And you can tell them I said so. Maybe some day they won't have to clear their own gear off the stage.

Of course, up next was Mumford & Sons. I'm going to try to put the show in words because...that's why I'm here. But I'm fairly certain that nothing I'm about to say can do justice to their Columbus show. Granted, two of the girls I met up with swore one of their east-coast shows was better-I only know what I've seen. What I saw, was a Saturday night concert that kicked my arse. First, I'd like to suggest the following, in case they ever read this: Give Benji a shot before he goes on stage! TheWex was dry, so the boys weren't drinking. That meant Ben, the guy at the keys, was a lot quieter. There definitely needed to be more headbanging on my left. Second, as funny as they were the night before, they topped it tonight. Once they caught on that screaming "O-H" would make everyone scream back, "I-O" they had a lot of fun with that. They make you laugh pretty easily and try pretty hard to win over a crowd that's already mostly huge fans. I'll gladly take the ass-kissing, though, because it's much better than the bands that look out over and past the crowd and never really at anyone.

Here's the set list (written on my arm and completely different than the one I scored from Adam after the show): Sigh No More, Awake My Soul, The Cave, White Blank Page, new song (I can't remember the name right now. BUT-Excellent), I Gave You All, Lover of the Light (this song isn't on the album, but you can find it on youtube. It's one of my favorites. Even people who don't know the song start to enjoy screaming "LOVER OF THE LIGHT!" at just the right time.), Thistle & Weeds, Timshell (so nice not to have drunk people screaming during the song this time), Roll Away Your Stone (The Middle East comes out for this one and dances around and pounds on extra drums. It's loud, wild and insanely awesome!), & Little Lion Man.

Then...they walked off stage. The Obligatory Tease, if you will. The most amazing thing happened, though. The crowded always starts doing the clapping thing, but this time, the crowd started to sing the "Ahhs" from Little Lion Man (It's toward the end of the song and, seriously, click the link already). Over and over, faster & faster, we sang to the guys back stage until they had to come back out, even if they weren't already planning. Apparently, it was the first time a crowd had ever done this and the band was pretty thankful. To thank the crowd, and because the group was a lot quieter and respectful, the guys did something they hadn't done in quite awhile-They did a number unplugged. The four members, Ben, Marcus, Winston & Ted stood in a line on the stage and sang out "Sister" to the crowd with no pick-ups or mics. They just belted it out, and it was..spectacularly heart-wrenchingly perfect. They closed with an old song called "Feel The Tide" which is hard to get your hands on but worth the effort, as it's really flippin' awesome. It was the perfect ending. I bought another t-shirt and said good-bye to the flustered Tom before going out back with my new friends.

The night lasted a wee bit longer. Some wandering the street was involved, in search of a frat party or a bar. A few, "Hey, Man! Awesome Show!"s were bellowed and always charmingly and graciously accepted. There were rounds bought, and talks of the music industry and show comparisons. There may have even been some ceaseless flirting (it's what AudioDaughter does best!). For all of which, I say "thanks." Last night was definitely the best night ever and one I won't soon forget.

...Until Chicago...or Bonnaroo...or Indiana.

Little Lion Man

Adele-19

I hadn’t written my first official “review” yet because I was having a hard time deciding who I deemed worthy of being first. I felt like the first post could potentially say quite a bit about Audiodaughter. If I go with a classic album, I could end up only pulling people in who are obsessive about classics. I also didn’t want to do something too new and alienate people who are into the oldies but goodies. Didn’t want to go too folkie and hipster, either. Obviously, I finally made up my mind. As I write this, I’m watching Adele on ‘Unplugged’ on MTV’s channel, Paladia. (I discovered the station last week and have watched it pretty much nonstop.)


I first discovered Adele when her album played incessantly over the loud speakers at my place of employment. We have a five disc spinner and I’m there at least eight hours a day…so I usually hear each album at least twice a day. I tend to grow tired of even stuff I love long before it makes it into my bag. Adele, though-It seemed like every time ‘19’ whirred it’s way into the playing position, I had something new to discover about a song. The album goes from the most dire, sad songs to the most beautifully uplifting-All while Adele stays in this deep, soulful place. By ‘soulful,’ I don’t mean warbling or screaming sorrow (which seemed to be what so many artists consider to be “soulful,” now). I mean that the album transported me from my lovely, warm workplace to someplace I’d never been before, but long to see. ‘19’ took me to a dark, dank club in the dirty part of a large city. It sat me in the corner by the stage and made me shiver in the suffering cold draft. It was worth it, too. She’d yet to become very popular here and I felt like I had been the one to discover her…in that rundown club in my head. Of course, I hadn’t. The moderate radio play that she got here was nothing in comparison to what she’d been getting for months across the pond. Still, I bought multiple copies of ‘19’ last year…it became a staple for my hostess gifts, birthday presents and dinner party mixes. So, because she’s young, because my mother likes her as much as I do, and because I feel like everyone should love her as much as my family does…I bring you Adele…

Here are some high(er) spots (the whole album is an amazing high, but these are the best):

The album starts off with ‘Daydreamer.’ First, as you’ll soon know, I’m a sucker for an acoustic guitar. When this song first started with the soft, slow plucking of the guitar, I knew I’d end up hooked. For lack of a better word, the music behind her voice is so, so pretty. Next is the fact that the song sits pretty perfectly into what, I think, most single girls daydream about. There have been a million future husband songs written and performed. Some of them are good, some of them are lame. But they’re all set to horrible, uplifting music and the “perfection” other songs call for all seem so…trite. With lines line, “He can change the world with his hands behind his back” and “With eyes that make you melt,” Adele asks for things that are both mostly unrealistic but still exactly what we all really want. Sure, when he “lends his coat for shelter,” a girl will swoon. But what we really want? What we daydream about, is definitely more of a “jaw-dropper, looks good when he walks, is the subject of their talks,” sort of guy. If anyone knows Adele, tell her I said “Thanks.”

Next is “Best for Last.” Again, the music is my favorite part. It starts out with slow, low guitar, then the guitar speeds up, then, at the chorus, the piano comes in, speeds things up and makes things just a bit angrier. Just when you’re swishing your hips, the piano drops and you’re back to just the guitar and that steady, walking beat. All the while, her singing stays right on track with the guitar, word for pluck, word for pluck. Each syllable so rounded, so perfectly shaped to the note that you can’t help but believe every single word she spouts. And the chorus? She gets just as angry as her guitar-Without all the shouting some people prefer. The lyrics are also fun. Who doesn’t love a girl who can put a guy in his place? On one hand she’s telling him, you can’t hurt me because I’m going to hurt you-This never meant anything to me. (“You should know that you’re just a temporary fix.”) On the other, she’s still hurt. She’s put up her front, but she was still hoping for bliss. (“The meaner you treat me; more eager I am to persist with this heartbreak”) We all get caught up, even if we don’t mean to.

I’m going to wrap up with “Right as Rain.” Unlike the first two, this doesn’t start off with an acoustic guitar. This music is zippier and poppier-I can almost picture her on Great American Bandstand with this song. If I knew how to do the Mash Potato, I’d do it to this song. As far as the lyrics-Here’s the chorus:

Who wants to be right as rain?
It’s better when something is wrong
You get excitement in your bones
And everything you do’s a game
When night comes and you’re all alone
You can say I chose to be alone
Who wants to be right as rain?
It’s harder when you’re on top.


I could hear someone else doing those lyrics-Putting them so a steady, repetitive beat and whining the whole thing. Not Adele-I can hear her smiling. Or maybe it’s because it makes me smile?

That’s it for now. I’d review the whole album, but it’d be another month before this goes up. I’ve not done this before-So don’t judge too harshly. If there’s something you want to know. What could I say that would make you want to run out and buy the album? Tell me. Like another song that I left off? Share it.



Here’s an illegal link!

Audiodaughter Begins

After one too many lectures about how digital media is killing the music industry and how vinyl is the only way to listen to music, I, audiodaughter, had the most overwhelming sensation to scream. "What did you want to shriek?" You ask. Well, something along the lines of this...

"MUSIC WILL LIVE FOREVER!"

or

"MUSIC IS ABOUT BEAT & LYRICS...Not Mono or Stereo!"

...but those were really long sentences to shout. Plus, I'm not exactly a screamer. So, I've started a blog. It's a place for my definition of real music lovers. Real music lovers are...

People who love almost everything
People who buy vinyl, CDs & digital recordings because they NEED the music and they buy what's closest or cheapest.
People who sink deep into lyrics & rise up for a good beat.
People who are obsessive about what they love...and who love A LOT.

Real music lovers are not audiophiles. They don't hate something because it's not on vinyl. They don't necessarily own absolutely the best sound equipment for listening to music. They don't decide what counts as good music or bad music. They care more about the words and the harmonies themselves than how they were recorded.

Most importantly, though, real music lovers are just that: They're lovers, not fighters.

How'd I get my name? Simple: I gave up trying to find a better one. Plus, this is fitting because I am the daughter of two music lovers. I am the daughter (and granddaughter) of decades of music that I love very, very much. And, in more ways than one, the music I've listened to since before birth has shaped me into the person I am today...with the help of my parents.

And the tagline? Well, let's face it: Audiophiles don't exactly like people who say, "I don't really care where it came from or how it was recorded: I buy it where I can find it, in whatever format is slipped into my hands first." Why? Because all that's important to me is that I HAVE it.

So, here I am. Audiodaughter. And here you are: Audiodaughter reader. Here's what you can expect: Reviews and Ramblings. I'll tell you what I think of new stuff. I'll give you my take on old stuff. Sometimes, it'll be a whole album that's playing as I type. Other times it may just be one song with one great memory. Here's what I expect from you: If you agree, disagree or have a music moment-tell me. I want to know what you think. I want to know who you are and why you're that way.

Listen with me. Bond with me. Take over Audiophiles with me.