All Time Low-MTV Unplugged

This is just a super quick write up for All Time Low's MTV Unplugged performance. I'm writing this partly because, I was a bit disgusted by the lack of attention this performance got (the CD/DVD was released in January) and also in anticipation for Straight To DVD to be released May 25th. Their 6 song set is nicely divided by 2 songs from each Put Up Or Shut Up, So Wrong, It's Right, and Nothing Personal. It's not that this recording went completely ignored, but for a band of their status (or any status for that matter), MTV Unplugged is a pretty big deal. I didn't expect their MTV Unplugged recording to get the same amount of attention as Katy Perry's, but still. As all All Time Low fans know, there's nothing better than an All Time Low interview, so yes, the DVD includes an interview. Though this is a recommendation for people to check this performance out, I have one complaint (sorry!). I'm sure most would say I'm overreacting, but in my opinion Kate Voegele's performance as the guest vocalist on "Remembering Sunday" was unbearably boring and dull. Of course, she's disappointing compared to Juliet Simms (Automatic Loveletter), but couldn't Alex have helped her a little? When they perform that song live, Alex changes the part stylistically so that it's not so dull when sung down an octave. I don't know, but Kate Voegele managed to make that one really epic part... simply boring. To end this on a better note, I highly recommend this CD/DVD and though it's more entertaining when watching the DVD, the tracks don't feel incomplete without the visual.

myspace.com/alltimelow
purevolume.com/alltimelow

<3Becca

Envy on the Coast- Lowcountry

This may just be the best band for me to write about after such a long hiatus, because as you can tell they're my favorite and Lowcountry was just released recently. Besides the obvious as to why I'm excited to write this post, there's something else. That something else would be describing the genre and title. Even without Brian Byrne's writeup on the definition of "lowcountry", what it means to him, and how it became their album title, I'd still take the time to mention how it fits so well with this record. It's not often I hear the word "lowcountry" used in everyday language, but it already has a significant importance to me. Lowcountry may just be a whole new genre of music entirely. It's most certainly not country, but more of alternative rock with a hint of country influence. When the boys first announced their title, I believe the first thing that came out of my mouth was "Wow. A bunch of Long Island boys are gonna pretend they're from the south?", but it was done well. Ryan's not bullshitting us with a country twang, it's still the same wonderfully aggressive rock vocals I love, but now with a slight country influence in the guitar riffs, percussion, and bass lines. Even if other bands don't follow suit and the genre "lowcountry" doesn't start an entire movement, there are plenty of other bands and songs that touch on this similar rock genre, and Envy on the Coast fit well in this alternative rock scene anyway.

People hate change. Even if the change is for the good, no matter what, people will throw a fit about how they miss "the good old days". I'm extremely happy to report, that though I can't speak for everyone, envy fans seem to be pleased with this album. I highly recommend everyone checks out their four bonus tracks (on iTunes), "Bad News," "Spinal Cords," "Clergy,"and "Company of Men." I'm honestly still confused as to why "Bad News" isn't on the album though... I really can't choose favorites, but "The Great American T-Shirt Racket" and "Made of Stone" have special places in my heart. I'm just plugging random facts now, but their 'hidden' track after "Clean of You" is called "Just South of Heaven," though the title is not in the name anywhere. Their first single is "Head First In The River," but I'm hoping either "Southern Comfort" or "Numb" will be singles in the future :).

It's been absolutely wonderful to watch this band grow and evolve over the past years and I truly hope the best for them, but for now... I can't fucking wait to see them April 24th at Irving Plaza.

myspace.com/envyonthecoast
purevolume.com/envyonthecoast

<3becca

Is this a comeback?

I try to keep my blog about myself as little as possible. I want it to be music recommendations with my opinions, but that's it. As you can tell, I took a year's hiatus. That was never my intention, but I soon found it harder and harder to brainstorm and to find the time to write. I wish I could jump right into this and have an album to review off the top of my head, but unfortunately, I still don't know where to begin. Trying to give as little away as possible, I was extremely busy for a while with auditions. Auditions are over and I'm happy to report there was a good outcome from it all, so now I'll try to give this site more of my attention. Just today someone told me they visited my site recently, downloaded two albums I recommended, and fell absolutely in love. Oh. Right. That's why I do this.

Let's try this again.

<3Becca

Forgive Durden- Razia's Shadow: A Musical

I don't think I've ever been this excited to write a review on an album. I've been listening to it non-stop, and the only reason why I didn't write about it sooner, is because I really wanted to take the time to study it and appreciate it. I'm aware that many people will listen to it and think to themselves 'What kinda fucking musical is this?' I'm not sure if Razia's Shadow can still be considered a rock opera considering it has a narrator (Aaron Weiss from mewithoutYou), but it's still close to one. I admit, following the storyline can be insanely confusing, but it's entertaining and creative no matter how much you're able to comprehend. I'd hate to give the story away, so I'm just going to write about the basics of the album. I find myself falling in love with bands/albums/songs with multiple singers, so Razia's Shadow is pure heaven for me. Danny Stevens (lead singer of The Audition) makes me shake and gives me goosebumps in the beginning of The Oracle. Who knew his falsetto could kill? Any Max Bemis (Say Anything) fanatic will love The Spider and the Lamps. Brendon Urie (Panic At The Disco) is excellent and simply made me scream at the dramatic ending of The End and the Beginning. Meet the King is far from rock, but very entertaining. And who's a better princess than Greta Salpeter (The Hush Sound)?! Greta's simply perfect. Thomas Dutton (Forgive Durden) has created an album unlike any other, but if you have difficulty appreciating such a theatrical album, I recommend listening to Forgive Durden's debut album Wonderland. Wonderland is very very different, but incredible none the less. Thomas Dutton WINS my heart in The Exit (and other songs) when he comes in with such inspiring lyrics. No matter what your favorite part of Razia's Shadow is, the inspiration of it all is greater than anything. "Don't you ever feel like you've been destined for something bigger than your skin?"

O the Scientist- Casey Crescenzo (The Dear Hunter)

Ahrima- Thomas Dutton (Forgive Durden)

Nidria- Lizzie Huffman (Man In The Blue Van)

Barayas the Spider- Max Bemis (Say Anything)

Toba the Tura- Chris Conley (Saves The Day)

Gargul the Oracle- Danny Stevens (The Audition)

Adakias- Thomas Dutton (Forgive Durden)

Sangara- Dan Young (This Providence)

Pallis- Brendon Urie (Panic At The Disco)

Princess Anhura- Greta Salpeter (The Hush Sound)

King Malka- Nic Newsham (Gatsbys American Dream)

Baruka and Baba, The Bawaba Brothers- Kris Anaya (An Angle) and John Gourley (Portugal. The Man)

Doctor Dumaya- Shawn Harris (The Matches)

Narration- Aaron Weiss (mewithoutYou)

myspace.com/forgivedurden

purevolume.com/forgivedurden

<3Becca

The Curtana Veil- The Curtana Veil EP

I first saw this band December 2007 at their CD release and was quite impressed. It wasn't till this past Sunday that I was able to see them again and was reminded how great they were. Their music is pretty mellow and nothing hardcore (it's still rock though). But it's not just their great music and performances, they're super nice guys too! I'm glad they've been doing shows in the city, but it's about time to show LI some love! I'm gonna make use of the set list they gave me and say that they played Know By Now, A Scenic View, Where Ocean Meets Sky, a new untitled song, and You Sleep When You're Dead. The new stuff sounds great, it's just too bad that I don't know the words ;). You Sleep When You're Dead might be my favorite song of theirs, but honestly, it's so hard to choose. Can't wait to see 'em again!

myspace.com/thecurtanaveil
purevolume.com/thecurtanaveil

<3Becca

Sing It Loud- Come Around

In my opinion, Sing It Loud is truly an underrated band (and while we're on the topic, Mayday Parade is insanely underrated). They were on the Sassyback Tour with Cobra Starship, Forever the Sickest Kids and Hit the Lights and their next tour will be with Ludo, This Providence, and The Morning Light. Say what? You can't catch them on their next tour? No worries. They'll be playing Warped '09! Thank god. Their album, which was released 9/23/08, was produced by Motion City Soundtrack guitarist Josh Cain. One of my favorite songs off the album is Come Around, which also sounds amazing acoustic, so I suggest everyone checks out both versions. And not that they need an incredible guest vocalist to make No One Can Touch Us super catchy, but it doesn't hurt to have Alex Gaskarth (All Time Low). I always try to convince people to buy CDs when possible rather then downloading, so let me just say, that the album art is so much cuter in person. So, if you're looking for a great pop-punk band to dance to (maybe a lil bit of moshing) that your friends might not know of, I suggest getting this album.

myspace.com/singitloud
purevolume.com/singitloud

<3Becca