The Return of the Matt... once again... Return of the Matt

It has been an extremely long time since I have posted. Mostly because I have been uninspired to do so. However, the urge to blog again has finally overtaken me. Not to mention, a butt load of good music has been making its way towards me. Okay, maybe not a butt load, but the quality of the albums have left their mark on me.

First, I will go quite a while back. The Chris Walla solo album, Field Manual, was the first in this line. The songwriting is nothing short of amazing. "Sing Again," "Geometry &c.," and "St. Modesto" were three of the best songs on Field Manual.

Next, Sun Kil Moon's new album, April, came out. The dark and dreary sound of the album does not hinder it from being simply superb. The feel of April is a reminiscent one. It is also a testament to the genius that is the music of singer-songwriter Mark Kozelek. It is hard for one not to fall into a world that radiates of a more simplistic and natural existence. The imagery that April is one that takes over the imagination. "Lost Verses," "Unlit Hallway," the dark and foreboding "Heron Blue," "Tonight The Sky," and "Moorestown"are some of the can't miss songs of this album. My advice is to just press play and fade into the world that is April.

I feel that this is enough rambling for the moment. I hope those are a little helpful. Don't let great music pass you by.

Not Much To Report

I don't have much to say this time around.In fact, I have even less than when I usually say that I don't have much to say.

I have picked up the new Drive-By Truckers and Bullet For My Valentine. However, I have been so busy I haven't had much time to listen to them.

It just seems that music has been rather bland and boring lately. Although, I will say that the new Bullet For My Valentine album will definitely wake you up, and the new Drive-By Truckers album has great promise from the tracks that I have heard so far.

I have also been listening to Falling Up's newest album, Captiva. It starts out amazing, but it doesn't hold up through it's entirety.

It has been very slow in music here lately, but it seems that it might be picking up. The new Mars Volta is out as well so hopefully that will help on top of the other CDs that I have picked up.

To all you music fans, happy hunting for good music this next month.

Holding my breath....

That is correct. I am back. Though I am not in the same position I was in at the paper, I have returned to speak my mind. I guess in a way I have been holding my breath. I haven't said much for a while, but I haven't heard anything that moved me to speak. However, I recently found some things that caught my interest. I guess its what you could call our generation's oldies.

I stumbled on an old Now 2 CD at my house the other day. That CD brings me back to the days of old. The days of Semisonic, Robbie Williams, Everclear, Fastball, Tonic, Spice Girls, Sugar Ray, Matchbox Twenty, Blink 182, Eagle Eye Cherry, Marcy Playground, and the list goes on and on. Some of the songs by theses bands still put me in a good mood.

Finally, the other day I decided to get the newest Matchbox Twenty CD, Exile on Mainstream. I loved it mostly for the second disc. It is a greatest hits CD. I realized that, as much as I would like to say that I have grown past their music, I still love some of this old music. I think I like it either because the music is catchy or maybe just because I associate with a fun time in my life. Either way, I have found that we have some interesting oldies.

Most of the songs are still very fun to sing along to with friends. For instance, a coworker and I listen to and half-way sing "Closing Time" by Semisonic nearly every night that we close together here lately. I guess there are some bands that have songs that hold up after all this time.

All bands that have songs that have aged well please step forward-Not quite so fast Sugar Ray!

This is going to be a good semester my friends!

"These are a few of my favorite things..."

As the semester comes to a close, I can't help but begin to reflect on the past year. Since this is a music blog, I figure it is good to talk about some of my favorite albums of the past year. So, here it is.

Matt's Top Albums List
Rilo Kiley Under the Black Light
Lovedrug Everything Starts Where It Ends
Bruce Springsteen Magic
Blackfield Blackfield II
Coheed and Cambria Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Vol. 2: No World for Tomorrow
Riverside Rapid Eye Movement
Shout Out Louds Our Ill Wills
Porcupine Tree Fear of a Blank Planet
Porcupine Tree Nil Recurring
Sarah Blasko What The Sea Wants, The Sea Will Have
Maylene and the Sons of Disaster II
Umphrey's McGee Live at the Murat
!!! Myth Takes
One Republic Dreaming Out Loud
Falling Up Captiva

So there you have it, those are some of my favorite albums of the past year. I hope you go out and pick up some of these, and I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

12 Minutes until Deadline

It's that time again. And once again, I have had trouble thinking of what to talk about on here. So, I guess I will talk about something I experienced this week.

This past week I helped host a Guitar Hero III tournament at work. I watched some awesome guys play the game. I was sitting there amazed by people hitting five colored buttons, a fake whammy bar and a switch while watching colored circles scroll down on a screen. Later in the week, I played some guitar hero with one of my friends for a little while and couldn't even do a good job at it on medium difficulty.

This leads me to my point. We can get so amazed by someone playing something like that (though it does take a whole lot of talent), but we forget how much effort that goes into properly learning how to play a real guitar. Even if you don't necessarily like a certain band, you have to give them credit for learning to play their instruments. Now that is not to say that all bands are good either. I am not saying to not be amazed. I am simply saying give credit where credit is due and don't take good musicians for granted.

Guilty by Association (Caution: Maybe a Little Too Nerdy for Some)

I was wondering what to talk about this week. It finally hit me today. (Warning: This may sound a little nerdy, but please stay with me.) Kevin, our managing editor, said something about playing Mario 64 and getting so into the music that he did his own renditions of the songs while playing.

However, isn't that what music is all about? Music hitting you in a certain way that you begin to get a certain association with other things. Whether it makes you feel a certain way or it makes you think of certain things, music is partially about this association.

My Confession:
I have this certain feeling towards some games as well. Final Fantasy VII, Legend of Zelda, and Wild Arms 2 all have music that I still hum every now and then. Every time I think of the music from these games I get certain feelings from them. I dare you to find another character that has as bad @$$ a theme song as Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII or a game that has more memorable music than Zelda (or any Mario game for that matter). I can still remember the music from wandering the fields of Filgaia in Wild Arms II.

However, I find this association the same as when you think of music from the soundtrack of a movie. Everyone can recognize the theme and music from Star Wars or the music from Jurassic Park. I mean who doesn't recognize the James Bond Theme? And you know what's coming when you hear the music from Jaws (people get out of the water! Don't you see the huge fin?! Don't you hear the freakin' loud music?!).

As far as music outside of soundtracks, people often associate songs with certain emotions and instances. I have heard several people talk about how certain songs or albums helped them to cope with rough times, or how when they hear a certain song it reminds them of this party they went to.

People have these certain associations. And for that reason, music is an important part of every one's life. And honestly, who wants a world where Mario doesn't have a theme song (insert Super Mario Brothers theme here)?

A little bored? The Beatles can HELP!

Sometimes you find yourself strapped for cash, but you find something you feel like you just have to get. Today was one of those days for me. I found a movie that I have been looking for for what seems like forever. I found the movie HELP!

For those of you who don't know what movie I am talking about, it is an old Beatles movie. It is cheesy, but it is also very funny. The Beatles are possibly the only band that could have successfully pulled off such a movie. Also, this movie shows just why The Beatles were so dearly loved. They are very witty and fun throughout the whole movie.

Ringo: There's more here than meets the eye!
George: Ho ho.
John: Ho.
George: Ho ho.
John: Ho.
George: Ho ho ho
John: Ho ho!
George: Ho ho.
John: Huh ho.

George: I'm always getting winked at these days. It used to be you didn't it Paul?

Ringo: The Fire Brigade once got my head out of some railings.
John: Did you want them to?
Ringo: No, I used to leave it there when I wasn't using it for school. You can see a lot of the world from railings.

Ringo: Look, John, I've had some great good times with this finger, and how do you know I wouldn't miss it?
-movie quotes found on imdb.com (an awesome site)

It also has some of my favorite music by The Beatles. Two of my absolute favorites are "Help!" and "Ticket to Ride." However, the whole soundtrack of this movie is simply amazing.

I must say the movie helped my mood today.

P.S. I apologize for any grammatical errors, but I was very tired when I wrote this.

3rd Times A Charm

I usually dread Mondays, but this past Monday was different.

I went to the Porcupine Tree concert at the Roxy in Atlanta. This was my third time to see them in concert.

When we got there, the line to get inside was extremely long compared to the last two times I saw them. However, we were able to squeeze up to the front of the stage.

The concert was opened by the American experimental/progressive rock band 3. They played a solid set with loads of extraordinary riffs. The bass player, Daniel Grimsland, was nothing short of outstanding. You could almost feel your heart step out of its rhythm and get in sync with his playing. Then later, the drummer, Chris Gartmann, and keyboardist/percussionist, Joe Stote, went at it with each other in what seemed a battle to see who would crack first on their rhythms. Going in to the concert, I was afraid that I would be bored to death while waiting for Porcupine Tree to take the stage. I was wrong. I was blown away.

Finally, the moment had arrived. One of my two favorite bands of all time took the stage. Opening with "Fear of a Blank Planet," PT set the mood for the rest of the show. The crowd proceeded to go crazy. At first, the band seemed a little reserved in their actions on stage, but Steven Wilson eventually confessed that the Atlanta show was one of the shows being recorded for some material for a live album. As if the crowd wasn't excited enough, we all went crazy over this announcement. PT continued to play without falter the rest of the night. They even pulled out some much older and rarer songs out for the crowd.

I guess I have a few reasons for wanting to go to see Porcupine Tree each time they come to Atlanta. First, they never put on the same show. The solos are played a little different and a little better each time. The atmosphere is always a little different. The fans and concert-goers are always courteous. And, you almost feel like you are part of an elite group that knows about one of the best kept secrets in rock music. If you haven't seen a Porcupine Tree concert, you don't know what you are missing and you won't be disappointed. I know I am never disappointed, and last night was no exception.

Escape from the Busy Planet

Here lately, I have been extremely busy. This has left me extremely tired.

However, I have found time to listen and, in some cases, review some pretty good albums.

I have went back to listening to some old faves. I have been listening to Black Holes & Revelations and Absolution by Muse. Particularly, I have been listening to "Knights of Cydonia" off of Black Holes to help me wake up for those early morning classes. The song just gets you pumped up for the day when you hit just a little past its four minute mark. If you haven't heard it, you need to take the time to give it a chance.

Muse Black Holes & Revelations

Muse Absolution

I have also had the chance to do several reviews for The Chanticleer. Last week, I reviewed the new Riverside album, Rapid Eye Movement. I was simply blown away by the level of complexity of the music. This week, I reviewed the new Coheed & Cambria album, No World for Tomorrow. If you want my review on it, you have to check it out when it is printed out in this week's issue of The Chanticleer or on The Chanticleer's website on Thursday.

Riverside Rapid Eye Movement

Coheed and Cambria No World for Tomorrow

Music is by far one of my favorite escapes from the hustle and bustle of my life. Thankfully, I have had plenty of music to help me escape. I welcome with open arms an escape from this fast moving world.

Cover It Up

Have you ever just seen the cover of an album that just drew you in towards it? I have found myself being mesmerized by an album's cover many times. However, I sometimes find that you can't judge an album by it's cover. I have made that mistake all too many times.

Every once and awhile, you will find that the album covers that draw you in encase what will one day become one of your favorite albums.

Lovedrug Everything Starts Where It Ends

Then, you can also find album covers that just seem to fit the album perfectly.

Sun Kil Moon Ghosts of the Great Highway

Also, some album covers become simply iconic.

Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon

If you are like me, you also have you have certain album covers that are your favorites.

Pink Floyd The Division Bell

Porcupine Tree Deadwing

For me, a good album should be accompanied by a good album cover.

P.S. If some of this does not make sense, it will help to know that I wrote this on very little sleep.

It's a bird! It's a Train! No, it's Pat Monahan!

Normally I write about my opinions on music but something happened that caught me off guard. I went to my desk at the office, and it happened!

I had been Monahan-ed!

Pat Monahan, known for being the frontman for Train, was everywhere. My desk was surrounded by Pat Monahan stuff. As if that weren't bad enough, when I turned on my computer, his new album was on my itunes. When I got online my homepage had been set to the Youtube page of the music video for Train's "Drops of Jupiter."

I will never forget the day that Pat Monahan invaded my desk.

I'm in the mood for...

It happens all the time. You come home from work, school, a date or something else and you are in a certain mood. You're depressed. Heavy metal won't fit the mood. You've went out with the most amazing person you have ever met. You've got to find some music that will help you stay in that place of splendor.

I often find that my mood dictates what I want to hear on my computer or radio.

When I just want to think and relax, I often put in Sun Kil Moon's Ghosts of the Great Highway or David Gilmour's On An Island.

If I am going to go out just to ride around just for the sake of riding, I may put in Rilo Kiley's Under the Blacklight, Lovedrug's Everything Starts Where It Ends or Porcupine Tree's Deadwing.

If it's one of those days that I just need to get some motivation to get going, I may crank up Foo Fighter's In Your Honor or anything by Billy Idol.

If I am in an affectionate mood, the Rolling Stones' "Beast of Burden" always hits the spot.

If I am just in a romantic mood, Eric Clapton's "Wonderful Tonight" is always perfect or else "When the Stars Go Blue" by The Corrs and Bono.

I believe it is just human nature to connect so deeply with music. From an athlete listening to Patera's Vulgar Display of Power to get pumped up for a game to a guy trying to be sexy with his lady by playing Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On," people love to have music that reflects what they feel at the time. However, the guy that tried to use "Let's Get It On" might soon find himself listening to "How Could This Happen To Me" by Simple Plan.

The Guitar gods Shine Down

A great guitarist is so hard to find. Yet, mighty Zeus has bestowed upon a select few the ability to create pure magic out of this often misused instrument. David Gilmour, legendary guitarist of Pink Floyd, and Steven Wilson, the superb guitarist of Porcupine Tree, have both been given this amazing ability.

Recently, I bought the David Gilmour live DVD, Remember That Night-Live from the Royal Albert Hall. At the ripe age of 61, Gilmour has not skipped a beat. He can make the guitar sing. This is a talent that most musicians can not begin to comprehend. Though age has caught up with him as far as looks go, his musical talent remains unscathed. Listening to his smooth sound can take any listener on a journey. He is by far one of music's immortals.

Steven Wilson is another example of a great guitarist. Though nowhere near the legendary status of David Gilmour, Steven Wilson has brought back a spark to the music scene. The way he is able to manipulate the intricate sounds from his guitar is nothing short of amazing. Not to mention his halo of influence is quite a large one. He has several side projects. Bass Communion, No-Man, and Blackfield, a collaboration with Aviv Geffen of Israel, are all some his side projects outside of his main band, Porcupine Tree. He has also helped with such bands as Opeth, OSI, Marillion, and Dream Theater.

These two guitarists are from two very different generations, but their music is simply timeless.

Ratings Come And Ratings Go But Immortals Never Die

I am the photo editor for the Chanticleer and have done several reviews for new albums. In order to really get a grasp of what I consider the best of the best, I decided that my first blog would be a list of some albums that I consider to be worthy of an A+ ranking.

Porcupine Tree Deadwing
Blackfield Blackfield II
Dave Matthews Band Before These Crowded Streets
Dave Matthews Band Listener Supported
Pink Floyd The Wall
Pink Floyd The Division Bell
David Gilmour On An Island
The Cure Show
Death Cab for Cutie Transatlanticism
Donavon Frankenreiter Move By Yourself
Jamiroquai Funk Odyssey
Jars of Clay If I Left The Zoo
Jars of Clay Jars of Clay
Lovedrug Everything Starts Where It Ends
Metallica Ride The Lightning
Oasis (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?
Stone Temple Pilots Purple
Sun Kil Moon Ghosts of the Great Highway

Those are a few of my A+ albums. I tried to not include any compilations or any greatest hits albums. However, I did include two live albums due to their exceptional quality. That being said, I hope that this will shed better light on the standards I hold all albums against.