After almost 20 years in existence, Dave Matthews Band has been around the block and back again, and the backbone of their success is their unimaginable ability to perform live and keep it fresh and exciting every time. Their newest live release is proof positive that they are the best at the live game, and they have returned to the top of their game. The sound of this album and the energy of the show, which was recorded in July 2010 at Citi Field, is of a brand new band. They sound as if they have just made their first album and are loving life. The live album is the first full band live release (not including the "Europe 2009" box set) to include cuts from their critically acclaimed album "Big Whiskey & The GrooGrux King." The set features the band's single "Funny The Way It Is" as well as fan favorites "Squirm," "Seven," and "Spaceman." Tim Reynolds has been playing live with the band during their post-GrooGrux shows, which helps the band sound just as good as they did back when they were pushing "Under The Table And Dreaming," "Crush," and "Before These Crowded Streets." Favorites and hits from all three of those albums all make the mix including "Satellite," "Crash Into Me," and "Stay (Wasting Time)." The band works in killer renditions of some of their live staples as well, such as "Warehouse," "Dancing Nancies," and "Two Step" which includes some opening lyrics from "Time Bomb." The fans get treated to a few of Dave's solo songs ("Gravedigger," "Some Devil), some super old tunes ("Seek Up," "One Sweet World"), and even a new song that the band has been kicking around for a while ("Blackjack"). The bottom line is that they are as good as they have even been and are having more fun playing music than ever before, and now fans can experience it form themselves. It's too bad that the band is taking 2011 from touring, but at least they are taking a break during one of the highest points of their career.
For a while, Arcade Fire has been impressing critics and fans alike with their own brand of indie rock that is orchestral and complex. For the first time, the world can take notice of the greatness that is Arcade Fire. Their first two albums were met with critical praise, and spawned countless recognizable songs and even some placement on television. This time, radio and television have taken notice and turned Arcade Fire into a household name. Modern rock and AAA radio have been playing singles like "We Used To Wait" and "Ready To Start" and they showed off their stuff on Saturday Night Live with a stunning performance of "Sprawl II." One of the years best songs, both lyrically and musically, is "Modern Man," which, once it receives massive airplay, is sure to be the band's biggest hit song. Album of the year recognition is in the future for this collection, and the rise of Arcade Fire is going to be one of the biggest music stories of 2010.
Neo folk artists Elephant Revival continue with more of the same mastery on their latest album. Once again the songwriting duties are shared amongst all five members, who collaborate with instrumentation that is unlike what typical bands perform with. The songs contained within the new album are incredibly reminiscent of artists like Dave Matthews Band (early in their career), Dispatch ("Silent Steeples" era) and the Avett Brothers, but have their own soul and energy that is unique to Elephant Revival. With banjo, cello, violin, djembe, and mandolin spearheading the music, songs like "Point Of You," "Go On," and "Feathers Rise" all take on an almost magical quality and you find yourself lost in the music. The band and the songs are not as indie hippie folk as Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, but they follow the same type of musical path, making music that connects to the listeners on a variety of levels. Elephant Revival is part of a movement of music, both in their home state of Colorado and nationally, that has artists tossing aside the normal expectations of what is popular and what sells, and getting to the heart of creating music that has meaning, sincerity, and artistry. On this latest album, Elephant Revival has proven that the heart and soul of the musicians involved are the stuff that makes music wonderful.![My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (Deluxe Version) [Explicit] [+Video] [+Digital Booklet]](http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B004CA2HVE&tag=thisismodernn-20)
With his fifth album in six years, Kanye West has returned with a truly dark mix of tunes. While his two previous albums may have been musically his best and turned out some of his most popular and well received songs, his latest is by far his most artistic and abstract. Kanye West sees himself as a visionary and makes that known throughout the album, and not just with his cunning lyrics. He leaves no stone unturned and pulls out all the stops creating a collection of songs that have some interesting beats, incredibly excellent use of instrumentation that is not traditionally used in hip hop, and a who's who of guest appearances. The most notable of the appearances are by his usual suspects, Kid Cudi and Jay-Z, both who appear several times and throw down at the top of their game. Kid Cudi's appearance on "Gorgeous" is dark and spooky like this album and on "Monster," Jay-Z's verse is as good as anything he's released on his own. The craziest of guest spots is from Justin Vernon (aka Bon Iver) who sings on "Monster" and is sampled on "Lost In The World." Comedian Chris Rock handles a comical outro on "Blame Game" which also features guest vocals by John Legend. "Monster" is one of the album's best, featuring a stunning verse by Nicki Minaj, and could be Kanye's "Thriller." "Power" most closely resembles his previous work, and the song "Runaway" is the backbone and the most artistic of the album, clocking in at over 9 minutes. Finally, on "All Of The Lights" Kanye supplements his own lyrical genius with guest background vocals by practically everyone including Rihanna, Kid Cudi, John Legend, Alicia Keys, Drake, Fergie, and even Elton John. He may be controversial, but he's edgy, talented, and always at the top of his game, and although his latest may not be as pop accessible as some of his previous releases, it stands as one of the best pieces of artistic music released in 2010. It will receive huge critical praise, and rightfully so, and just forces Kanye to keep elevating his game even further.
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The other half of the duo Angus & Julia Stone, Angus also recently released a collection of his music under the name Lady Of The Sunshine. This album, however, is a bit of a departure from his normal gig, as the entire set consists of songs heavy on electric guitar and alternative rock grooves. It still follows the same map as the folk music he creates with his sister, but it's got a bit more girth to it. "White Rose Parade" is a good bridge between his folk stylings and his rock chops, showing off his lyrical prowess as well as his new instrumentation. Angus Stone as Lady Of The Sunshine takes a different approach to his folk roots, and shows off that change a bit with the inclusion of the song "Big Jet Plane" which was made incredibly popular as a hit single from his last album with his sister. Being that this album was actually recorded prior to Angus & Julia Stone's last, it's actually the first incarnation of "Big Jet Plane" and the single was the updated version of it. Needless to say that it's excellent that the song was included on both albums. Lady Of The Sunshine still holds true to the folk and roots rock that is at the core of the music with a healthy dose of alternative flavoring up each and every song.
Power pop is in the blood of this quartet that used to be just a duo. After having released an incredibly potent debut album (under their new name), they have returned with a digital EP to follow up that successful set. The EP features a handful of new tunes that were destined to see the light of day, and it's better that it's sooner rather than later. The EP leads off with the radio ready "Models/Dancers" that, despite their head turning performances, is sure to have them becoming a household name. The standout of the album is "Every Impulse" which bridges the gap between their former and their current identities more than any other track up to this point. The song is fully plugged in but had the energy of a Pete & J performance and the lyrics are simple and to the point, showcasing the band's musical abilities to the max. Harper Blynn are one of those indie bands that understand themselves so well you feel like they have been around forever, and this new collection of songs reinforces just how excellent their music is, despite how short (or long) their career may be so far.
The White Buffalo keeps outdoing himself with each subsequent release of new music. This time it comes in the form of a five song EP released on Ruff Shod records, run by pal and musical cohort Chad Stokes of State Radio and Dispatch. The new EP features more dark and deep folk songs from the White Buffalo, showcasing his incredible and powerful vocals, intense lyrics, and Johnny Cash like guitar strumming. "Into The Sun" is an instant classic and sends give the listener chills throughout their body with each lyric and plucked string. He includes "Love Song #2" which may or may not be a sequel to his previously released "Love Song #1." The White Buffalo shines on the track "Darlin' What Have I Done," which is as close to Cash as the White Buffalo has ever come. This new EP proves that the White Buffalo is a force to be reckoned with and he is truly unlike any musician out there today. His angst, his power, and his delivery have him at the top of his musical game.
Jason Spooner epitomizes the areas of the world he comes from. He is a true folk artist in ever sense of the world. While he may not sound or play music like Bob Dylan or James Taylor, he treats ever song like an organic organism with feeling, substance, and life. On his newest, and best release to date, Jason Spooner pulls out all the stops and proves why he should be recognized and celebrated as an artist. His ability to blend traditional folk with funk, jazz, and blues has this album standing out amongst others in his genre. "Seed In The Ground" is a folksy tune with emphasis on the lyrics, while the radio friendly "Half A Mind" is funky and bluesy, showing off the fun side of Spooner's music. Fans of Amos Lee, Ryan Montbleau, and Ray LaMontagne will all be able to get into each and every song on Spooner's latest, and on the heels of this album, he is poised to become just as well known and influential.
Jake Smith's progression across each set of new music that he releases truly showcases his abilities as a musician. His latest album sounds like something that a seasoned veteran of the music industry would have released. True, it is his third release in a young and short career, but the music makes him seem like he's been at it for twenty years already. Smith tackles a wide array of musical styles on this album while staying true to his New Orleans roots. Funk, blues, reggae, R&B, and rock are all present throughout the album. The album features heavy influence by artists such as Maroon 5, John Mayer, and fellow NOLA native Marc Broussard. "One False Step" is the song that is going to help Smith to blow up all over the place. It's catchy and has a great soulful Maroon 5 style beat that many music fans will fall in love with. Jake also revisits one of his best previously released songs "Once Love" and shows off a bit of reggae flavor on "By My Side." Jake Smith is a true talent that is poised to become a household name with his latest self released independent album.
Matt Hartke is one of those singer/songwriters that knows his craft well. Hartke has returned with a short selection of new music that showcases his songwriting more than ever before. Essentially the EP is about love, and with two songs both named after girls and another entitled "Awakening Hearts'" it's easy to see that writing songs about this subject come easy to him. The EP is also incredibly organic, with the simplistic and stripped down sound of the music, highlighting the lyrics and Matt's guitar playing at every moment possible. Matt Hartke is a poet that sings, and this EP proves that point so well.
![Man On The Moon II: The Legend Of Mr. Rager [Explicit]](http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B0049Z0MCS&tag=thisismodernn-20)
Kid Cudi has reinvented the hip hop game to suit his own twisted form of musical delivery. He is a lyricist like no other, but his strongest element is his incredible production style. He mixes what is essential electronic music and indie rock with simple hip hop beats for an out-of-this-world and unmatched collection of songs. The new album features guest appearances from a range of musicians including 2 tracks featuring Mary J. Blige, the single "Erase Me" with Kanye West, and indie songstress St. Vincent lends her vocals as well. This album is the second in a trilogy, and by trilogy standards seems to be just as dark and twisted as second installments need to be (for example: The Empire Strikes Back or Matrix Reloaded). Kid Cudi does hip hop his own way and he has mastered his craft, with imitators staying away, it seems he's got the market cornered.
Being that Mutemath relies heavily on an electronic element in their alternative rock music, it's easy to assume that the live interpretation of their music would be lacking is some way. That couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, Mutemath translates their music from studio to stage so well, that it is like joining the band inside their studio. The band includes the hits "Spotlight," "Typical," and "Control" in a set that encompasses their entire (albeit short) career. The band gets amped up on the energy from the crowd, elevating their game and intensifying the experience for everyone involved. It's always nice to experience live music from an alternative rock band that sounds as good as their studio work.
Bleu is a warrior. After having been on hiatus for some time (as a solo artist - he wrote songs for tons of other musicians) he cranks out his second album in as many years. Aptly titled, this is his fourth album and brings us back to the time when he was embraced by the world after the release of "Redhead." This album featured Bleu once again doing what he does best: quirky power pop rock song with substance, quality, and grace. "B.O.S.T.O.N." is an instant classic, with its clever lyrics and Weezer-esque delivery, showing why we fell in love with Bleu and why we should all over again. Other standouts include "Evil Twin" and "Singin' In Tongues." Some surprises on the album are "In Love With My Lover" and "Dead In The Mornin'" which showcase sides of Bleu that have been few and far between in other recordings, with lyrical content and musical delivery that he has usually given away to other musicians and not kept for himself. Needless to say it's one of the best of the year, and quite possibly the best independently released power pop record of the last five years.