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The mighty popular hit phenomenon Weezer recently released their 5th album in 10 years,this band have become one of the most influential bands in modern rock history with their mix of post-grunge and powerpop.
"Make believe" is a safe album for the band,they know what the kids like and want so give it to them they said and wrote the latest hit "Beverly hills" plus 11 more sunny arenapoprockers.
With songs like "This is such a pity" and "Perfect situation",the listener will fast and easily hum along to these new Weezer tracks - together with fame producer Rick Rubin they have created a much more polished album than the previous "Maladroit" that was rawer.
These guys walk hand in hand with Everclear musicwise,a real cool record this is. |
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After being quite dissappointed with the last few Weezer albums (except for some tracks) the band returns to their colored self titled albums. June 3rd marks the pushed up release date for The Red Album brings us back to the fun and weirdness we all love in the band and the closest thing to The Blue Album and Pinkerton (I know everyone was watiting to hear that.) Even though it doesnt look like Matt Sharp is ever coming back to the band, they still show they have that classic Weezer still inside, just took them a few albums for it to come out.
The album opens with Troublemaker which is the basic upbeat Weezer sound but with a new, almost rapping in the verse. Its different and exactly what we needed to hear from the band as the last few albums were kind of a mesh of the same sounding tunes. The gang vocals in The Greatest Man That Ever Lived is an eye opener as the breakdown leads into the highest vocal range Rivers has hit in a while, probably since Hash Pipe. The end of the song can easily be compared to Holiday. The first single from the album, Pork & Beans proves Weezer still has it. The Cake-like acoustic beginning that kicks into the heavy guitar tones and soolid production by Rick Rubin again makes our head spin and feel like were in 1994 all over again.
The aocustic follower Heart Songs is probably one of the best Weezer tracks i have heard in a long time. The song has all the melodies and swing accompanied by Rivers soft vocals. Could be a perfect single with a lot of musical references in this tune. Everybody Gets Dangerous could be straight out of a Red Hot Chilli Peppers album, as it has that beat and the vocals are very reminiscnet of Anthony Kiedis. The song kicks into a melodic frenzy at the end making it really hard to guess the next single on the record as there are so many great contenders. Dreamin´ has all the classic elements of the swinging Buddy Holly-like songs that we have all heard before in the band but again, its what they do and is top notch.
Tracks Thought I Knew and Automatic are not sung by Rivers but by the other members of the band which is an excellent refreshing move for the band. It complements the tone of the record and puts the perfect touch on it. The last track is a slower tone and an that emotional vocal sound we wanted for so long in Rivers on The Angel and The One. All in all, I cant find too much wrong with this album as its the frist Weeezer album that I was blown away with in a while. Dont get me wrong other recent albums are good but not as good as this one. My new top three order is The Blue Album, Pinkerton, then The Red Album. The band is coming up on the time of a Greatest Hits which would be killer album. Maybe the next one? |
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Some Weezer fans say that Rivers Cuomo took a nose dive off the crazy tree and hit every branch on the way down. Others say he just went into a pure genius state. I am one of those in the pure genius state. The band is about to release their new album "Ratitude" and from one look at the cover, we can say this is going to be a killer Weezer album. From the release of the very poppy single "If Your Wondering If I Want you To (I Want You To)" you should know that this is going to be a very catchy and very commercial album for the band. I would have to say this is the most commercial CD the band has release yet. Do not take those words in a negative way, as this is one of the best albums the band has release in the past few years. Make Believe started it with Beverly Hills but did not fully grab me. The Red album had some great killer and experimental tracks but yet again overall wasn´t the best. Ratitude on the other hand has basically Every element the band is known for and just goes for it straight on this one.
If you think about it, Weezer has always been commercial sounding, The Blue Album is very very commercial. Songs like buddy Holley and My Name Is Jonas. Yes, they were heavier but still in that pop vein. Once you realize that the band is not going to write another Blue Album, you can easily except this one. Cuomo and the gang just take it a stpe further into the mainstream on the release. Cuomo did the main part of the writing and had some help from his friends like Butch Walker, Patrick Wilson (Weezer), Jermaine Dupri, Tyson Ritter (All American Rejects) and Jacknife Lee. With songs like "The Girl Got Hot" and "Cant Stop Partyin," the band is just secrign their status on the mainstream charts, Its all in good fun which is what the band is all about. Lil Wayne is featured on "Can´t Stop Partyin" which is a great pop song. If this song was released on modern radio it would probably explode. With references to "Patron" in the chorus, rivers is ready to start the party. You get slow songs as well, "Love Is the Answer" and "I Don´t Want to Let You Go" really show off Cuomo´s passion and vocal ability. "In The Mall" is probably the closest thing we will get the Blue album is its driving heavy guitars (almost Kiss-inspired) bring us back to the straight forward rock from the early days.
Weezer has been around the block. Partying is actually what is presented throughout the album and that´s what the band is ready to do. Pop or Rock, Weezer is having fun again and it shows in their songs. Great hooks and solid songwriting. This should appeal to most Weezer fans and the fans of pop in general. Great job on this one guys. |
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| In recent years, Weezer has suffered from severe age complex and often seemed desperate. But the cover of the eighth album kindled a new hope. An awesome cover of an aging man ... Recognizing that he is just that. On "Hurley" there are no weird experiments, only classic power pop and alternative rock happy with choruses that lasts all the way to LA. When you look at the songwriters you understand why ... In addition to Rivers Cuomo, he has help with the songwriting including Desmond Child, Dan Wilson, Linda Perry, Ryan Adams and Rick Nowels. So instead of trying to be like today's 20-year-olds, Rivers Cuomo embraces today's realities and accept that they have grown older, and it allows them to also do their best album since "Pinkerton". And a tip ... Buy the deluxe edition because then you get a brilliant version of Coldplay's Viva La Vida. It is just a tip. This CD is a really fun surprise! |
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Welbit is a new interesting band from Washington D.C in the modern rock league. These guys reminds very much of another act I reviewed recently called Weszt.
In 2002 these guys were chosen by Hard Rock Caf? as the best Unsigned band in America. This 4-track EP is a pre-taste off their full-length album "My Own Addictions" that is produced with multi-platinum producer Murdock in L.A and will be released in December.
"24 Hours" is a great up-tempo acoustic rocker in the Lifehouse vein with a brilliant chorus that gets to you right away.
Nickelback sounding "Anthem" is the strongest song on the EP. I love the guitar riffs on this one and the hooks are great.
The acoustic ballad "Remedy" is a typical modern Rock ballad but a very good one. This is a song that should have plenty of airplay on the rockstations in the States, also a song that could break into the rock charts.
"Spiderweb" is also a ballad with more darker feel over it and has Soul Asylum written over it.
I?m really looking forward to hear their full-length album after hearing these 4 tracks. These guys are not far from behind the big leauge with bands like Nickelback, Lifehouse, Matchbox 20 and Soul Asylum.
So I would not be surprised if Welbit
is a band that will break out to a bigger audience. The singer Nate Ihara is a fantastic discovery with a strong voice that lies somewhere between Chad Kroeger (Nickelback) and Jason Wade (Lifehouse), excellent singer.
This is great stuff that this band has created and I dig this. |
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Not so long ago I reviewed Welbilt?s 4-track EP that was a pleasant surprise. So I was a bit eager to get my hands on their full-length debut album and hear if the EP just was a phenomenon.
So after the first spin I gladly have to say that these guys have managed to record a great 12-track modern rock album
with the Godsmack producer Andre "Mudrock" Murdock behind the board.
They open up with the straight ahead rocker "Everything?s Alright" that is laced with electric/acoustic guitars in the best
Lifehouse style, great start.
"Only" is more laid-back acoustic midtempo song with nice melodies that reminds of The Calling.
Up-tempo rocker "Enough" is one of the strongest tracks on this album with a chorus that hits you hard and loud with Nickelback in mind.
Imagine Matchbox 20 mixed with Nickelback and you will get "Down In Flames". This is an awesome song that starts slow but when the chorus arrives they turn on the heat, brilliant.
The 4 tracks from the EP 24 Hours,Anthem, Remedy and Spiderweb are on the album too.
Welbilt has recorded a very strong debut album that should please every modern rock fan that are into The Calling, Nickelback, Lifehouse and some hints of Matchbox 20.
These guys are not in the same leauge as the acts I mentioned but they are not far behind and if they get a proper promotion they can go far.
The singer Nate Ihara has a strong and melodic voice that gives the songs an extra touch.
Great album guys and keep up the good work. |
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Welbilt has a new 4 track EP out which is their 3rd release including a self titled EP in 2003 and the full length album "A beautiful mess" (2004).
This time they have worked with Scott Spelbring who has produced bands like SR 71,Plunge and Sinch - the band continues to write straight forward modern rock with light postgrunge vibes in the same league as Cherry Monroe,Tantric and 12 Stones.
The guitarsound and axework has that typical Fender stratocaster sound a la Stevie Salas over it,all 4 tracks are quite good where 3 are rockers and one rockballad in "Oxygen" - strong chorus!
The song "December" is on their mediaplayer on myspace,I suggest you check out this radio ready track.
A solid EP! |
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Welcome To Wasteland is a Swedish alternative rock band that takes their influences from various genres such as pop punk, hardcore, new wave and indie rock. Their debut EP "The very concept of control" shows a band with potential, I really like their approach of blending atmospheric rock with emo but also with traces of new romantic 80´s rock which comes out for the best in the song "Unbreakable". You could say this one sounds like Spandau Ballet mixed with Nick Kamen and Angels and Airwaves, the song "Live" is a more traditional alternative rock song that belong in the Panic and Action roster.
I don´t care that much for "Untied endings" where I think singer Martin Lissel bring out his weakest vocal performance on the EP but "As if the world was ending" is so lovely 80´s retro with a touch of Armor For Sleep´s rock. The band is currently recording their 2nd EP, and things look promising from here so we just have to wait and see what they´ve got in store for us next time. |
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Here comes another album from a talented female singer-songwriter. This time it is Wendy Jans. Simple as a Song is an album filled with songs influenced by Norah Jones and Colbie Calliet to name a few. We are talking about soul-influenced pop songs that would be perfect on a sunny summer day.
The best song on the album for me is the third track, "Wonder Wonder" with its smooth jazzy sound and a Wendy that sounds adorable. It has got me nodding my head and singing along with the chorus. Another standout track is the fifth one, "Today Again" which also has got me tapping my foot and smiling.
Overall this album is a very nice piece. My only issue is that there are few other songs than the ones mentioned before that stands out. Sure, it sounds nice and all, but it gets a bit bland. This kind of music has been done before and the album does not manage to keep the same level of quality throughtout the album. Please do not think that this is a bad album though, it really is not. It just does not reach the top players in the same genre.
Wendy has a voice that is very smooth and enjoyable. Even though one might be able to hear some of the influenced mentioned earlier, she still sounds fresh and she has a voice of her own. If you are into music that makes you relax and feel like you are lying on a beach on a summer´s day, this is an album for you. I am looking forward to hear more of Wendy in the future. |
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| Wes Charltons music is quite easy to explain actually... Take a spoon of Ryan Adams, spice it with some raspy Matthew Ryan and Tom Waits, add some beautiful Sparklehorse vibes, and put some tabasco-Springsteen on the cake and you know where we have parked the car. And Wes is doing his stuff good. I have enjoyed this sort of americana music for many many years and have tons of albums, where the stories are a huge part to the music. And Wes lyrics are very nice and the songwriting is solid. His voice is mighty fine and the third one out "Red Eyes Blue Lights" is lovely, the last one out "Change Will Come" could have been a Shawn Mullins-track and the almost eight minute long "The Wait" could have been a track on the "Nebraska"-album with Springsteen. High class stuff. |
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Location:Ontario,Canada
Discography:Aphelion (2002),Love and comfort in a time of confuse (2005)
Bandmembers:Mordy Harroch - Vocals,Steve Andrews - Guitars.Jeff Kenny - Guitars,Brandon Robinson - Bass,Dan Walker - Drums
Influences:Jimmy Eat World,Our Lady Peace,The Juliana Theory
Will appeal to fans of:Wave,Swirl 360,Taxiride
Album tracks Total length:21,37
1.For the last time (3,20)
2.Drown Sara (3,00)
3.Searching for autumn (3,23)
4.Somewhere in between (3,46)
5.When I?m with you (3,25)
6.Somedays (4,40)
Kaj?s final words:If you?re looking for vocal based modern rock where 3 way harmony vocals makes an important part of the sound,then you have come to the right place coz Westpoint from the Toronto area delivers top class AOR-ish modern rock.
I bet they come up with these brilliant melodies while watching Mats Sundin of Toronto Maple Leafs,you can?t find a better influence since he also won the olympic gold medal with the Swedish hockey team!
You can easily fall in love with a delicate song like "Searching for autumn" or why not get in a good mood early in the morning to the rocking "For the last time".
And if we?re talking mixtape songs,then I suggest you use "Drown Sara" coz it will get you hooked right away. |
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| Thinking about what musicians that is behind this hardrock group makes me feel that one can expect more than the final result of the three albums they have done. Cyberdreams is their third and nothing has been improved since the selftitled debut in 99! Like on that record,there are a few good songs really worth the time listening to but overall a halfdone story I?m afraid. I have loved Tony Harnell?svoice since the first day I heard him sing on T.N.T?s Knights of the new thunder and beeing a huge T.N.T fan,I always have high expectations on the works he?s been involved in. Maybe he?s doing just a little too much these days with this album,his own project Morning Wood together with Al Pitrelli and a new record with T.N.T that will be out later next year. I have never been a big fan of guitarist Mark Reale from Riot that have some truely boring solos on this album and the songwriting has never been his strong side. But with Bassplayer Bruno Ravel from Danger Danger,I think we can settle for more than the softie kinda melodic hard rock with minor exciting refrains that Westworld is giving us. Ohyeah I like the T.N.T sounding "When I come home" and "How good it feels",if it had been a few more of those classy songs I have been a whole lot happier. One thing that speaks for the whole album is a tune like "What if" that has a splendid riff on the verse but a bitter grey chorus or "Righteous one" with it?s lovely cool refrain melody but a zzzzzleepy verse. No you guys,I know there are many who loves this kinda hard rock but I?m not. OK is the two letters that makes the final rating. Oh did I mention the dry and thin production that they?d handled by themselves....no?!,well now I have...just listen to the drumsound,now where?s that mosquito hammering....dink dink! |
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Weszt is a new Alternative/Modern Rock act from the States that released their debut album in May this year and it?s called "Darkness Shines".
Weszt delivers powerful sung melodies with heavy guitar rock grooves. Their sound is impressive and if you took a tiny bit of Lifehouse, Matchbox 20 and VonRay, then you have the sound of Weszt.
This is an album that takes you for a ride from the first song to the last one and the variation is really good.
Just listen to the opening track "Pretty Vampires" that is a big sounding modern Rock song with a superb chorus that reminds of Lifehouse meets VonRay.
Or the more guitardriven Alternative pop/rocker "Gunns" that reminds of Matchbox 20, nice song.
If you put Matchbox 20 and Open Skyz (remember this superb group fronted by Hugo?) in a mixer then you would get "Crawl To The Outside", great acoustic song with lovely melodies.
"Kathyra" is a darker rocker that reminds of Lifehouse debut album.
"Rest Is Hollow" goes pretty much in the same style as "Kathyra" but the chorus is more catchy.
Well, if you?re into modern Rock with quality then I suggest you to check out this new rock act called Weszt.
This is maybe not as good as Lifehouse and VonRay but they are not far behind.
"Darkness Shines" is a great debut from these Florida rockers that will surprise many, because it took me by surprise .
Good work guys. |
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Weszt gave us a pretty good debut album a few years ago but have grown as songwriters on their new 5 track EP, this is so much better and not that traditional modern rock album I thought it would be.
Sure we get our share of post grunge influenced modern rock but this time they have developed their sound with a touch of 70?s rock.
The album is produced by James Paul Wisner (Fireflight, Lorene Drive), the opening track "Burning man" breathes both Dave Matthews Band and Blue October - awesome!
2nd track "Can?t erase you" could be the result of a collaboration between Default and Closure, the riff on the Led Zep-ish powerballad "I rely" goes in the 80?s hardrock vein - very cool.
Great EP! |
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The first album from John Wetton and Geoff Downes since "Astra" with ASIA back in 1985 will hit the stores in May.
It?s called "Icon" and is a true majestic pomp adventure in the best ASIA vein,Wetton did a mighty fine album with "Rock of faith" in 2003 but this new one is even better and the best piece of work since "Battlelines" (1994).
Downes and Wetton already collaborated on a few songs on John?s solo album "Rock of faith" but they wanted to do a whole album together and in my opinion - "Icon" sounds more like classic ASIA than ASIA does today with singer John Payne.
It?s a pretty laid back album but the songs are magnificent and so wonderful that you forget about that only a few are uptempo.
The outro on "Let me go" reminds a lot of Buggles where Downes started his musical career,how delightful!
The winds of pomp are sweeping over the earth and the year of 2005 belongs to Wetton and Downes. |
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Did you know that?
When "Stairway To Heaven" is played backwards, you can hear the phrase "oh here´s to my sweet satan..the one who´s little path would make me sad, whose power is satan..he´ll give you give you 666 there was a little toolshed where he would make us suffer, sad in the part of "if there´s a bustle..."
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