After having been thrust in to the limelight after their critically acclaimed self titled album (aka "Bleed American"), Jimmy Eat World have been a mainstay atop the alternative rock charts with each album since. Their newest has them back at the top again, spearheaded by the single "My Best Theory" which is classic Jimmy Eat World. However, the album is not so classic, as it has the band branching out to a more lyrical approach and less in your face rock and roll. Many of the songs are emotional and heartfelt, and an instant connection to the pain and joy of the singer can be felt throughout.
The most surprising song of the album leads it off, as the band breaks into an acoustic guitar driven rocker called "Heart Is Hard To Find." The album finds itself mimicking and drawing comparisons to Death Cab For Cutie and Dashboard Confessional, which is excellent company to be in. The entire album shows the growth and maturity of the entire band and the music they create, which these days is hard to find.
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.
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.
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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.