The Dodos - Time to Die

Artist: The Dodos
Record: Time to die
Label: Frenchkiss Records
Release Date: September 15, 2009
Skippable Tracks: 0
Stars: 3.5

Even though the album has yet to be released, a digital copy has leaked on the Internet. According to the all knowing Wikipedia, the album leaked on July 8Th, 2009 and is produced by Phil Ek who has produced other amazing albums by The Shins, Fleet Foxes, Band of Horses, and Built to Spill. So you can imagine that I was expecting a different sound from the Dodos on this release. I was wrong. It was not that much different.

The sound can probably be described as a tame folk rock sound with a high concentration of drumming beats. While concentrating on drum beats more than any other instruments the band makes the songs sound a little repetitive. This can be too much at times, for I can not imagine listening to more than one album at a time. I currently only own the album Beware of Manics and I believe I might keep it that way for now. I feel like owning one album is like owning them all.

I SHOULD say some positive things about the album, since it is quite a pleasant listening experience and has some great tracks such as Acorn Factory, and Fables. I believe I'll just be using a few credits on this album and downloading only select tracks (If its made available on Emusic). I do recommend you listen to it and pick out the tracks that you enjoy the most.

Not too complicated of an album since the band only consists of a couple of dudes, and at times 3. Enjoy the tune below!

Paolo Nutini- Sunny Side Up

Artist: Paolo Nutini
Record: Sunny Side Up
Label: Atlantic Records
Release June 2, 2009
Skippable Tracks: 0
Stars: 4.9

I was pleasantly surprised with this album right from the beginning, straight through to the end. I really under estimated the talent of this artist after listening to the album released in 2006. This is not to say that the album was a poor attempt, but rather that it was very simple pop-rock album with one great single. The album is something that James Blunt would probably release, which is why I was expecting something similar from him this time.

The CD art caught my attention, and I could tell something was up. "What is this guy up to?!" I asked myself, and popped into the CD player.

The album starts with the song 10/10 which is a Ska/Rock-steady kind of song, and followed by a Soul song called Coming up Easy. I posted the third song in the album called Coming up Easy which and absolutely great love song followed by the track Candy. Both of which are my favorites on the Album. The album is peppered with soul, country, blues, folk,and even a Maddi Gras type of song. The styles used in the album are too vast to name completely, so you'll have to check it out for yourself below. As far as lyrics, he mostly talks about his love experiences.

This album was produced by Nutini and Ethan Johns, who has helped Ray LaMontagne produce a few albums. With that said, there are a couple of tracks that definitely remind me of his sound on here. I should warn you that Nutini's voice is not loved by everyone, and it may take you a few songs to get used to, but once you do, this album will only continue to grow on you with every listen. I'm interested to see what other tricks this guy has up his sleeves.





Sunny Side Up

My Portable Device EP12

Random tossing of songs PT2

My Portable Device EP11

Random arrangement of songs PT1

Rocky Votolato - Makers (2006)

Artist: Rocky Votolato
Album: Makers
Released: January 24, 2006
Label: Barsuk/Second Nature
Stars: 3.0
Skippable Tracks: 0

Just when you thought there wasn't going to be anymore posts, you get one more.
I know I am a whole lot late reviewing this CD. Truth is that when I purchased this CD I only downloaded selected tracks since I ran out of credits on my e-music account. This month I remembered that I had some tracks missing and decided to complete the album.

Makers is about the 7th album/lp released by the Seattle born singer Rocky Votolato. Votolato is one of the founders of the band Waxwing, which gained a bit of success during the late 90s and early 2000s. Votolato's solo stuff is very singer/songwriter and extremely mellow compared to Waxwing.

Rocky Votolato gets to show off his amazing guitar picking skills in songs as Uppers Aren't Necessary, and compliments it with his soft soothing voice. Although a lot of the lyrics are what you might call slightly depressing, you do know what to expect from the tone of his voice and acoustic melodies. Lyrics like "Heaven or heavenless, we're all headed for the same sweet darkness" and "Death keeps calling me, she's gonna set me free" are pretty good examples.
Other tunes have a heavy country influence, and are slightly more upbeat. A good example would be the songs Tennessee Tracks, and Tinfoil Hats. If you are in the mood for something relaxing, Elliot Smith kinda mood (Not that he's at the same level), Rocky Votolato is a great choice.

As an album, I don't think its going to be remembered as a masterpiece, but individual tracks are absolutely amazing to listen to in a mix. Try listenining to a couple of tracks first, and then decide. Personally I can never seem to get through the whole album, makes me wanna hit the bottle, and hey!, life ain't that bad.