Inner Voice

Passion Pit - Love Is Greed

Happy Valentine’s Day kiddo’s! While I’m not back in full review writing force at this time, it’d be a shame not to take advantage of the timeliness of my recent adoration of Passion Pit’s album Gossamer and their somewhat anti-love song “Love Is Greed”. Passion Pit’s popularity has definitely been growing over the last year after their release of Gossamer in July 2012. Gossamer, the follow up album to Passion Pit’s 2009 debut album Manners was named #39 on Rolling Stones Top 50 albums of 2012 and received an 8.4 out of 10 on Pitchfork. The album’s earnest sound and eclectic mix of rock, pop, and electronic beats has garnered Passion Pit some well deserved praise as we roll into 2013.

While many of the songs on Gossamer stand out (such as the single “Take A Walk”, as well as tracks “I’ll Be Alright”, & “Cry Like a Ghost”), the song that seems fitting for today’s celebration of love, or lack thereof, is “Love Is Greed”. The track starts out with some light flair before diving into a steady beat that sets the tone for the remainder of the song. Lead singer Michael Angelakos warns of the pitfalls of love and how, in many ways, it can be “selfish and mean”. With that being said, he does bring it back around and confirm that romance is something that can be cherished and encourages us to share it. 

So if you’re with the one you love today, I hope you’re enjoying some of that oft sought after romance. However, for the rest of us, don’t worry. As Passion Pit says in “Love Is Greed”, “Better off being a lonely road/Cause there’s beauty in being alone”. 

R.E.M. - It’s The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)

While the video is nothing specifically noteworthy (it depicts a teen rummaging through an abandoned home), R.E.M.’s classic doomsday song “It’s The End Of The World As We Know (And I Feel Fine)” is an extremely fitting anthem for today, hence this post. Now if you’ve never heard this song before (and if you haven’t, it’s probably because you’ve been living in a cave since before 1987), you’ll know that its frenetic energy can get any party going.  Also, the easy-to-remember-and-sing-along-to chorus makes it a fan favorite. However, knowing, understanding, and trying to sing along to all the lyrics from the rest of the track is really quite a difficult feat. My first memory of hearing this song is actually with my father, who has always been a music buff, telling me he knew one specific lyric from the song. We then proceeded to listen to the song and finally he chimed in at the singular line, “Leonard Bernstein”. Oddly enough, he has passed this onto me, as I often only sing along only to that one line, as well. Like father, like son I suppose. Originally appearing on R.E.M.’s 1987 album Document, the song has been immortalized over the years and often played somewhat jokingly during supposed doomsday’s of the past, which brings us to today.

12.21.12 is supposed to be the date the world as we know it ceases to exist, because that’s when the Mayan calendar ends. But let’s take a minute and think about this logically, why are we using this calendar that the Mayan’s created thousands of years ago before modern day science to dictate our anticipated fates? While the Mayan’s definitely had a remarkable understanding (considering this was created around 5 BCE) of how the sun’s cycle created seasons and how many days were in a year, it is pretty naïve to believe the world would end because a new calendar wasn’t created (no matter what a shitty John Cusack movie tells you). However, perhaps we should take a minute and look at this in a different light.

While I have never been one to believe in fate, horoscopes, or fortune telling, I do find the subject matter intriguing. As it just so happens, I had received a book from my mother about my specific birthday when I was a teenager that stated my lucky number would be 13 (it already was at that point, which freaked me out a bit), that my astrological sign was a Leo (which I very much embody the characteristics of a self-described Leo) and that my tarot card was Death. Now, upon first glance, one would think that this would spell terrible doom for me (again, if you believe in that kind of thing, which I do not). However, the tarot card for Death is often misunderstood. It is not about actual, physical death, but rather a lot of other things. Pulling straight from the Wikipedia article on the Death Tarot card:

“Some frequent keywords used by tarot readers for the interpretation of Death are:

· Ending of a cycle——Loss——Conclusion——Sadness

· Transition into a new state——Psychological transformation

· Finishing up——Regeneration——Elimination of old patterns

· Being caught in the inescapable——Good-byes——Deep change

According to Eden Gray and other authors on the subject, it is unlikely that this card actually represents a physical death. Typically it implies an end, possibly of a relationship or interest, and therefore implies an increased sense of self-awareness—not to be confused with self-consciousness or any kind of self-diminishment”

Keeping this in mind, I think that perhaps there is some good coming from today’s supposed end of the world. So rather than looking at this as a negative thing, I think we all should look at ourselves and the world around us as it is and decide to make a change for the better. Now this may be a bit too optimistic, but I believe that we can all change for the better. [Without getting too political]When we look at the state of our world, a change for the better is truly what we need. After the horrific events that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School, the raging wars we continue to fight, the ever present negativity that festers in our societies, and the slow ecological destruction of the only planet we call home, it truly does feel like it is time for the Death card to be played. Let’s end this cycle of destruction, become more self aware of our actions, and use this psychological transformation to bring more good to the world. Even if it only begins with a simple act of kindness, it will be a step in the right direction.

“If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him…We need not wait to see what others do.” - Ghandi

Sean Fournier - Graveyard Heart & Broken-Heart Red

As the year draws near a close, colder weather and holidays start to creep up on us all. However, along with these changes comes more new music from Sean Fournier’s ongoing music project Brace Yourself, and that’s a good thing. For the months of October and November, Fournier released two more tracks, both full of energy and layered with symbolism. 

Graveyard Heart

For October, Fournier decided to stick with a song fit for Halloween. “Graveyard Heart” is a never before revealed, fast paced track that is energetic from start to finish. Singing about a girl who sounds like she has more tricks than treats (come on, I had to), Fournier warns of her misdeeds and what it’s doing to him:  “Whoa (Hey)/Where do I start?/I get the feeling like I’m falling apart/But she’s got a graveyard heart/Cause’ people (cause’ people)/They die to get in”. The piano heavy song is a quick 2 minutes and 36 seconds long, but that won’t keep it from getting stuck in your head all day long. 

Broken-Heart Red

For November, Fournier switched gears to a song that is rooted in the light pop style that he has become known for. Sticking with the theme of tragic women, “Broken-Heart Red” is a cautionary tale of a girl that enjoys breaking the hearts of men. The song theme plays off the concept of a color by number painting, focusing on the made up color of “Broken-Heart Red” (well, that is until Crayola hears the song and starts putting out a new line of crayons aimed at hopeless romantics). “Broken-Heart Red” is a welcome return to Fournier’s classic sound, easily taking the frontrunner as one of my favorite releases from the Brace Yourself project.

With only one month left for the Brace Yourself project, Fournier has us all on the edge of our seats waiting to hear the final song that will finish off this project. Make sure to check back in December for the final song off Brace Yourself!

Bracelets

As always, each new song has a new bracelet to accompany it. The bracelet color for “Graveyard Heart” is Brown, while “Broken-Heart Red” is Light Green. To order a bracelet for yourself, as well as download these tracks for FREE, check out Fournier’s website.

Jared Salvatore – Compass Out

On Friday, September 21, The Boston Hard Rock Café’ was the place to be. On top of performances from bands Satellites Fall (a band that sounds like a cross between Angels & Airwaves and Daughtry), The Naked Stills (who will be releasing their new album, Cochecho on November 10^th), and Tasker (the electro-dance project of Eric-Jon Tasker), the night was the CD pre-release of Compass Out, the new album from Boston based musician Jared Salvatore. Playing tracks off the new album, as well as a cover or two, Salvatore packed the house and kept everyone on their toes throughout the entire night.

Compass Out is named for the first line of the third track on the album, “My Love”, a steady paced song that is reminiscent of fellow musicians Josh Kelly and Matt Kearny. “My Love” is a truly heartfelt song that Salvatore’s musical stylings are perfectly crafted for. However, “My Love” is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Salvatore’s breadth of musical talent. In fact, Salvatore has the rare talent of being able to cross several genres without missing a step. This talent can be seen most evidently in the varying disparity between songs like “Grounded”, a piano heavy ballad that Salvatore carries with his strong vocals and heart wrenching lyrics and “Oh, Modesty!”, a song so catchy and full of life that it makes you want to get up and dance (and at the pre-release party, that’s exactly what happened).

Throughout the entire album, Salvatore seems to draws inspiration and sound from a variety of artists like Gavin DeGraw, Robin Thicke, Gordie Sampson, Jeff Buckley, and even Prince (just to name a few). Salvatore even gets some vocal help from singer Rebecca Muir on the track “Fire”. Their chemistry is evident during their back and forth lyrics and builds the intensity between the two singers before it explodes at the end of the second verse.

In addition to an already standout album, Salvatore even has a treat for his hometown of Boston. “Back to Boston”, essentially a love song dedicated to the great city, weaves Boston staples like the T, Fenway’s Green Monster, and “Dirty Water” into a track that any Beantown lover will immediately fall in love with. Being a Boston resident myself for the last five years, “Back to Boston” is easily my favorite track on the album.

Overall, Compass Out is an album that truly delivers. Whether you are looking for songs reflecting on past loves, new beginnings, or something that will get you singing along and moving your feet, Jared Salvatore has got you covered. While the album is not yet out on iTunes, (Salvatore will be officially rolling out the album in January) you can hear the new tracks at any of Salvatore’s live shows. To see when he’s playing next, simply check out the links below.

Favorite Tracks: Back to Boston, Oh Modesty!, and Learned My Lesson

Jared Salvatore Myspace
Jared Salvatore Facebook

Sean Fournier – Origami & Frost

Due to an overloaded work schedule and a small dose of writer’s block, I’ve had to take some time off from keeping up with my music reviews. However, the world stops for no man, especially when it comes to new music being released. This statement could not be truer than when referring to Sean Fournier’s ongoing music project Brace Yourself. Sticking with his one new song per month plan, Fournier has released a new song for both August and September.

Origami

One of the most exciting feelings for fans is when one of their favorite artists releases a new song that they’ve never heard before and almost instantly fall in love with it. For those of you keeping track, Sean Fournier is a long time friend, so it is very few and far between that he is able to sneak a fully completed new song by me before I’ve already heard several renditions of the unfinished product. However, in the case of “Origami”, Fournier has done just that and I got to experience that small moment of euphoria as I instantly fell for this new tune.

“Origami” is an instantly catchy song that easily fits Fournier’s upbeat style of music that is laced with metaphorical lyrics. The track tells the story of someone who is a social chameleon, changing their demeanor and style every time they start to date someone new, “Cause every time you’re falling in love/you change who you are from your head to your feet”.  Along with this story, the song also has the underlying message of being true to yourself. Relying heavily on an ever-constant bass line, “Oragami” is a structured song that grows with each second, culminating with a steady drum beat, hand claps, vocals, and electronic beats that tie everything together. While the character in Fournier’s tale is found “left in the cold” by the end, Fournier has done exactly the opposite, delivering a strong new track that will keep fans feeling warm and fuzzy on the inside.

Frost

While September is still a fairly warm month, it seems Fournier is already preparing for the chill of winter, releasing the new track “Frost”. “Frost” is a bit different from Fournier’s usual acoustic guitar and cheery sound. Instead, “Frost” is slow and steady, growing more dramatic as the song builds momentum. Each word that Fournier sings sounds thought out and purposeful.

A song about losing someone, “Frost” has a somewhat heartbreaking feeling to it. Keeping things very simple, each verse is only accompanied by a barely present electronic keyboard, allowing Fournier’s vocals to take center stage. Only during the chorus does the song build and include a horn and some slight bass to add to the dramatic feeling of the song. All in all, while the track veers away from familiar territory, Fournier delivers a heartfelt song that may just produce a tear or two while listening.

Bracelets

As always, each new song has a new bracelet to accompany it. The bracelet color for “Origami” is yellow, while “Frost” is orange. To order a bracelet for yourself, as well as download these tracks for FREE, check out Fournier’s website.

Streight Angular – Everyone is Syncopated

On Wednesday, July 18, web-based, free streaming Alternative Rock Radio (offshoot of UNregular Radio) hosted a night of music at McGann’s Irish Pub in Boston. Of the acts playing that night, which included the delightful Eric-Jon accompanied by pianist/vocalist Shannon Corey, drummer Marcos Valles, and Bassist Shon Gordon, the funk/punk/rock band Streight Angular truly stole the show. Prior to Streight Angular taking the stage, there was a heavily bearded fellow hanging around the bar tables wearing a trucker hat, sunglasses, a vest with patches, and neon orange shoes. Perhaps against my better judgment, I assumed that this man may be homeless and prepped myself to be asked for a dollar so he could buy a beer. Therefore, you can imagine my surprise when said suspected homeless fellow proceeded to go onstage and rock his face off as the lead singer/guitarist of Streight Angular. It just goes to show you that you really can’t judge a book by its cover.

So who (or what) is Streight Angular? Basically, they are a Boston based band signed to Boston based record label Polk Records. Streight Angular pulls influence from bands like The Smiths and The Ramones, resulting in music that is loud, has lots of distortion, and can be most likened to The White Stripes and, for those who are familiar with the movie Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, Scott’s band Sex Bob-Omb. This is most evident on their very recently released (June 2012) EP Everyone is Syncopated. However, Streight Angular isn’t all about only providing a loud hard rocking sound (although they do excel in that area). On their debut album, After and Before LP (released in February 2010), many of the tracks have more of an indie vibe to them, making the new EP a foray into hard[er] rocking territory.

If there is one thing that can be said about Streight Angular’s live show, it is that they are dedicated to the theatricality that they bring to the stage. Prior to their set, the band set up black lights on the stage to better highlight the neon colors they were all wearing. The lead singer/guitarist definitely seems to be the emphatic character of the group, as he displayed with such acts as jumping off the stage and playing guitar on the floor, as well as including some hilarious banter and random questions to the audience such as, “Has anyone here ever f***ed on a washing machine before?”, prior to jumping right back into the music again.

If you have a chance to catch Streight Angular live (and your chances are pretty good since they seem to be touring right now), I would highly suggest doing so. Both the EP Everyone is Syncopated and After and Before LP, as well as the single Muhsheenz, Machines, Muhsheenz (We Were Machines) are available for Free Download on Bandcamp, so you can familiarize yourself with their discography before heading out to the show. There is no doubt that these guys are having a blast, so why not join in on the fun?

Favorite Tracks (from all releases): Everyone is Syncopated, In My Bed, Not My Head, Muhsheenz, Machines, Muhsheenz (We Were Machines), Streight Angular, Girl With A Tambourine,and Open Your Eyes/Take A Picture

Streight Angular website
Streight Angular Facebook
Streight Angular Twitter
Streight Angular Bandcamp page