Saturday, February 28, 2009

Album Review: "New Blood Old Soul EP" by Endoxi

Good thing I'm writing this about a month later than I said I would.

>>Endoxi, a band I've briefly written about before, released their New Blood Old Soul EP in October of '08, but I just managed to get my hands on it last week. From the first time I heard the band, I loved their sound. They're unique as a band, but each song is a bit different from the previous one, making it very easy to listen to them for hours without getting bored. Looking back at what I wrote about them before, I realized that not only did I not acknowledge how their songs have a saxophone because they have a sax player in the band, but I just made a brief comment on 3 of the songs. Not very thorough, I must admit. Honestly, looking at the stuff I wrote a while back I'm realizing that I should add more details, about the band, the songs, anything that relates. I suppose I'll start here, going through each track from the EP in order; The band definitely deserves more recognition than simply, "I could see myself listening to this song at the beach." Way to go, Kate.. Let's see how this goes.


>Track One: "I've Come A Long Way"
I honestly can't help but bob my head like an idiot whenever this comes on. The song has a really fun, almost ska vibe to it [See Less Than Jake]. It's pretty mellow, but not in a "puts-you-to-sleep" sort of way. On the contrary, the saxophone in the song seemingly adds a burst of energy every time Joe (Cardillo; the sax player) hits a note. I'm seriously in love with the vocals on this track, something about it makes me happy. I think it's a great kick-start to the EP; It makes you really want to hear the other tracks. Lyrically, it makes me wish I could write like this:
"And it's all for the beautiful panic, It's all for the heart and soul of it. High ceiling's hovering over me always, And if it's all I had, I'd end up dead, for that Old time Rock n' Roll, To feel that fever around me and what is cold, So tell me those long, hard days will be gone."


>Track Two: "Whiskey On The Wound"
This song might tone down the energy a bit, but it definitely isn't lacking in quality. This is a song for a day when you don't really know what kind of mood you're in. It's chill, and quite enjoyable. It might not be as energetic as some of the other songs, but that's what makes this track stand out. The lyrics really hit me, too. Here's a look:
"Can't take more of the same old tailspin. Descending into the grind. So I fled for ventura, the worst was over; That's where she waited for me.. The color, the sights, Got one good hold of me. Just enough to make it easier, One time feel of ease. I'll leave it all behind, Like whiskey on the wound."
Just putting it out there, I listened to this song for almost an hour straight on repeat yesterday. It's a track that lets you do that without getting absolutely sick of it, like oh-so many of the songs on the radio.. Then again, I think you could say that about every Endoxi song.


>Track Three: "I'm Bipolar"
This might just be my favorite track from the EP. It's somewhat relaxed like the second song, but with the same energizing qualities of the first. The lyrics in this song are probably tied for my favorite with the last track from the EP, "Still (Better Days)."
So I'm undecided, do I live or die? But I still try hard, hard as hell. Breathe in water, diving deeper. Aint my life, I aint the weaker one, But I've come undone.
I feel as though, in a way, that describes my life. It's really relate-able, for me at least. It's a song that will always be a classic in my mind, joining the ranks of older songs by The Used, Taking Back Sunday, The Academy Is..., and many more. It's just one of those songs you want to hear; It complements the feeling of being overwhelmed lyrically, and helps you escape it all melodically. I don't think I can say much more about it than that, otherwise I'll just be going on & on about how much I love it.


>Track Four: "Turn The Other Cheek"
The intro to this song made me think it was going to be a heavy song, and compared to the other tracks I guess it is. It's different from any other song, and I love how it stands out. It trades in that upbeat, 'let's just have a good time' vibe for a more intense tone, more serious than the others. The sax in this song might be my favorite, the solo is to die for. It's definitely still got the energy consistent with any song by Endoxi. The beginning probably has my favorite lyrics:
I'll be the winter of your soul, That follows you when you are cold. I'll be the "ice" you feel tonight, And then that sun comes beating in. It takes control and never ends, I'll be the "fire" you feel tonight.


>Track Five: "Still (Better Days)"
This song is tied with "I'm Bipolar" for my favorite song, and for having my favorite lyrics. This one is quite chill, and something about the vocals just shows the most genuine emotion that clearly went into writing this song. And again, epic score with the sax, but I think the guitar's my favorite part aside from the vocals. The band just knows how to put songs together that make you want to listen to them over and over. This is a song I can really relate to, and I love that feeling. My favorite part of, and almost the majority of, the lyrics:
I've seen better days, I've seen a shocking transformation, so pardon me for this. I've watched this betting game become a lifestyle for you lately. Now you're waist deep in muddy waters. I've been here all along, you held my hand I sang my song, We were like puzzle pieces, fit but missed the emphasis on true life.
I can remember when we used to talk for hours, About nothing special and then suddenly the world was ours. Never so high as when you're getting back what your giving away, And I know you're thinking of me, still.
This is just an epic song, I really can't say any more than that.


>>Overall, I think Endoxi has hit a major home run with their New Blood Old Soul EP. It's one of those records you can just listen to for hours and not get sick of it. Each song is different from the last, but they all share the energy and passion that went into writing & performing them. I hope to see the band live someday, because something tells me it would be an epic show.


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Saturday, February 21, 2009

Name Dropping 101 ; Mae



This is the Mae Widget.

Each month, Mae is coming out with a new song. In order to get each month's song download, you're required to donate at least one dollar. Your donation goes to Rhonda's House. Check the description by clicking 'About This Charity' on the widget. You can get more information by visiting Mae's website, which you can find HERE. That's where I got the widget, feel free to post it anywhere & everywhere. While you're on their site, check the calendar. Where are they playing tomorrow night? THE CRAZY DONKEY, perhaps?! Yeah. I'm stoked. Also, be sure to look into their older songs, my favorites being "Somewhere", "Just Let Go", "Ready and Waiting to Fall", and of course, "The Everglow". Those and more are on iTunes, but more importantly, check their website for updates & be sure to make a donation. If helping people in need isn't enough of a motivation, think about the amazing music you'll get in the process as well. 




>>Stay tuned for my review of the New Blood Old Soul EP by Endoxi!

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Thursday, February 19, 2009

Video Killed The Radio Star: Watchmen

3.6.09


[Starts after the 'ad', begins with the green 'This Preview' screen]

*MTV Spoilers
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Tuesday, February 17, 2009

News, News, News: Twitter, Rocket, & Bamboozle

>> Twitter is my new obsession. I thought it was bad when I got a Facebook, but nooo. I don't think I've gone more than an hour or two without checking fer updates. I added a handy "Follow Me On Twitter" function to my site, it's right under the "About Me" crap. Also, I found the Twitteriffic app for my iPod Touch, so now I'm basically just feeding my addiction. It's kind of sickening. Wanna follow me? Go for it.

>> CLICK, Read, LOVEEEEEEE. A Rocket To The Moon is coming out with a FULL LENGTH ALBUM ?! I can't wait. No, really.. I wish I could see them on the AP Tour, but the date closest to me is on a Tuesday. Like that's gonna work out.. no fairr. The AP Tour features Rocket, 3OH!3, Hit The Lights, The Maine, and Family Force 5. AP stands for Alternative Press, my FAVORITEEEE magazine. The next issue, coming out March 3, has 4 covers. The ones featuring 3OH!3, The Maine, and Family Forcce 5 will be available in stores, while the fourth featuring the singers from all of the bands is exclusively available to subscribers. SCOREEEEE. Concerning the tour, I reeeaaaaallyy want to go; It looks epic. At least I've got Bamboozle.



>>Speaking of, that picture I posted about a week ago was the latest update on the Bamboozle site. It split the bands! In normal person language, this means that rather than just listing which bands are playing, they're being listed based on which of the two dates they're playing. For example, Fall Out Boy and All Time Low, among many others, are playing on the Saturday date (May 2nd) and are therefore listed on the left side of the picture. No Doubt, The Used, and Taking Back Sunday are playing the Sunday date (May 3rd) and are on the right side. Everyone probably got that the first time, I don't think you're retarted, I just don't think people understand me when I speak sometimes. My bad? Check their site, I'm so freakin pumpeddddd.

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Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Get Hyped: Bamboozle 09 set lists




The bigger I make it, the less you can read...
Click here, and understand why I'm so damn PUMPEDDD right now.


02-08-09 : Gang Vocals from Glamour Kills Clothing on Vimeo.
This Video = My Current Obsession
(Other than the return of BLINK-182)

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Monday, February 2, 2009

Hip-Hop goes 80's?

Does that make sense?

>>Lately, I've noticed a trend in the hip-hop scene that both bothers and intrigues me. Actually, I noticed it a while ago but it's becoming more frequent as the years go by. Various Hip-Hop artists are coming out with singles that basically take over the radio for weeks at a time because they're so damn catchy. All of the radio/MTV addicts become obsessed with the song, and then you realize it's EVERYWHERE. But what they don't always tell you is that they're basing these songs on those from the eighties. A few years ago ( in '06 I believe ), Rihanna came out with the song "SOS". I personally love that song, but from the first few notes I realized that it was oddly familiar, even the first time I heard it. As it played I realized the beat was from one of my favorite songs from the 80s, "Tainted Love" by Soft Cell. Rihanna acknowledged that she based her song off of that one, so I was okay with it.. & it didn't hurt that I liked her song too. Recently, Flo Rida came out with "Right Round", which is ever so slightly reminiscent of "You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)" by Dead or Alive. Even though it came out in '85, it has been covered several times over the years. Flo Rida didn't cover it so much as sample it fer the chorus of his song and as an influence of the beat. He changed the chorus to better "fit the times" I guess, but it's pretty different. I like his version, but not in comparison to the original.

What do you have to say about this trend?
Into it? Over it? Let me know.
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