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Nick Hornby is a well known and very cutting edge author of such classics as "High Fidelity" and "About A Boy." Both books were turned into movies that featured equally incredible soundtracks. Now, coming full circle, it's time for Nick Hornby the songwriter. Nick coupled with Ben Folds to release this new album featuring the words of Hornby with music written, played, and sung by pop rock superstar Ben Folds. Folds, known for his quirkiness, poignant lyrics, and distinctive piano playing, did Hornby right and turned his lyrics into a musical masterpiece. The entire album sounds like a soundtrack to a Hornby novel, and features some of Folds' best performances since the breakup of Ben Folds Five. "Your Dogs" and "From Above" are the definite album standouts. The bottom line is that Ben and Nick have combined their distinctive and incredible talents to create a musical collection unlike anything released before, and they did it with style.
Coming full circle, the latest EP released by Matthew Mayfield features return to rock music. With his new band, The Blue Cut Robbery, Mayfield cranks out some rockers that have not been heard from him since he began writing and recording music as a solo performer. "Swamp," "Shotgun," and "Good Girls" are Matthew Mayfield at the top of his rock game. He translates his folk rock roots and lyricism into pure rock and roll gold, proving that at the core of every great rock musician there is a singer/songwriter. It's doesn't matter the delivery system that is chosen, because Matthew Mayfield has the true makings of a superstar, and the songs on this new EP are proving that point well.
Matthew Mayfeild's "Man-Made Machines" shows elements of his rock and roll past in his folk rock recordings. Although Mayfeild has found new life in creating singer/songwriter music, the rock lives inside him. "A Cycle" and "Safe & Sound" show off hos Mayfield two musical worlds mesh together with precision. Matthew Mayfield is a truely talented musician that has range and depth. Listening to his music, such as on this EP, you can hear the level of emotion in his lyrics and the dedication to the creation of beautiful songs. Hard work and passion have proven to be great qualities of Matthew Mayfield, and with the release of each of his EPs, you get a sense that these principals are what drive the creativity.
This EP continues along the same lines as Mayfield's previous collections. On this EP you can hear the influence of folk fork heroes such as Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, and even James Taylor. Mayfield wears his hear on his sleeve throughout each and every song on this EP. "The Last Ride" and "Fire Escape" are two of Matthew's best compositions, showing off his fluidity and ability to mix music and lyrics in a way that transcends typical folk rock delivery. Matthew Mayfield is a warrior in the studio, and unlike many musicians who write and write and shelve many of their tunes never to be heard, Mayfield has involved the listener in the creative process, letting them into his world through his songs and allowing them to hear all the various intricacies.
Matthew Mayfield is a true folk pioneer. The reason he is a pioneer is not because he is doing anything new or exciting that is so different she should be commended. Rather, he is doing something so natural and so well and he is doing it so often that it is uncanny. This EP, just one of many Mayfield has released this year features his signature lyrics in their most raw nature. His subtle delivery and an almost demo-like production showcases the natural side of his music. He is organic and his music is touching. The title track is one of Mayfeild's best and the EP closes with a live performance, featuring Matthew Mayfield is his most important setting.
Bands come around once in a while breaking stereotypes. UK based Mumford & Sons is the newest to take the US by storm, casting aside all notions of what a four piece from across the pond should be. These guys sound like they probably come from the midwest or the south, and they have a folk band quality that is something out of the 50's or 60's. "Little Lion Man" and "The Cave" have traditional folk energy with a bit of an alternative rock skeleton. Using instruments like the banjo and the upright bass are not typical for an indie rock or alternative rock band, but Mumford & Sons do it with grace and ingenuity. The standout on the disc is "Winter Winds" with its sing-song lyrics and blazing horns. Mumford & Sons are a great new band doing something different with their music that has already proven its excellence by landing at the number one spot on many radio playlists across the country.
Sister Hazel are not only road warriors, but they are kick out albums full of hit songs like nobody's business. Their latest has them flirting a bit with country music and making an album that is full of songs that are perfect for a road trip. "Heartland Highway" is as good as anything they've released in the past, if not better. The songs contained within the album they may not be embraced by commercial radio or music television, but they will surely be recognized by countless fans as some of the best written by Sister Hazel. "Great Escape" and "Stay A While" are highlights of the album which will have you fixated on listening from beginning to end, preferably while cruising the open road.
It's been quite a while since Dexter Freebish graced our ears with new music, but the Texas alternative rock band is back with an incredible new album. The album is filled with hard hitting rockers with an updated modern alternative sound. Alternative rock bands don't always pay incredibly close attention to lyrical content, but Dexter Freebish has always been one that does. Their last few albums were a little bit more subdued, but they come at us hard on this one with music that is both familiar and edgy. Dexter Freebish have reignited themselved with their new album and it seems as if they are back to make a statement.
Kings Of Leon just keep getting better. While their last album still stands strong as their best, their new one comes in a close second. Building on the success of singles "Sex On Fire" and "Use Somebody" the band reinvigorates their arena rock sound, while pulling elements of their first two albums back into the mix. "Back Down South" has an updated southern rock sound that is more My Morning Jacket than the Allman Brothers. "The End" and "The Immortals" rely heavily on syncopated rhythms, ambient bass lines, and incredible rock and roll energy. The first single "Radioactive" is not as hard edged as previous singles, however, it's the biggest rocker in the set. "Pickup Truck" is quite possibly the best album closer released this year. "Beach Side," "Pyro," and "The Face" are all highlights of an album that is sure to hover around the top of the charts for weeks to come and surely make its way onto some best of 2010 lists.