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

Decemberist

Album: The Hazards of Love
Label: Capitol Records
Release Date: March 17, 2009
Stars: 5
Skippable Tracks: Zero

This album is a perfect example of why I love to listen to an album from start to finish with no breaks. It was love at first listen, and I think it feels the same way towards me too; so that’s awesome.
The album was released March 17th, and I have listened to it straight through about ten times by now. I believe the band’s original plan was to make this album into a musical, but later decided that it was not going to work out. This amazingly artistic masterpiece is arranged in a way that a love story develops from the first track to the last, taking the listener through many different genres of music. Even the tracks become characters, re-appearing throughout the story.
There are probably only a couple of tracks that can be played on their own, so I’m posting the complete album below. Put aside one hour to listen to the tracks and try to follow the story. It begins with a short interlude that sets the mood; it’s dark, mysterious, and intriguing. After the interlude a folkie song begins to play introducing the main characters William and Margaret. They toss in some power cords on the next track, followed by some baroque music, some riffs right out of Black Mountain, and so on.
I can only imagine how much work it took the band to put together something like this, so it is being labeled a masterpiece on my part. William and Margaret’s relationship develops throughout the album, and the music perfectly compliments this.
The best Album released this year, and may possibly be one of the top 5 albums of 2009 according to Smigs Reviews.

The Hazards of Love