|
|
|
   |
|
|
|
First when I heard this canadian guy with two songs from this album on a mixtape that I got from a friend,I didn?t pay so much attention to it. The songs were good but did?nt heat up my blood,now when I?ve heard the whole album I must say the guy has a terrific voice and some wonderful pop melodies like the male opposite to Susanne Vega and Traci Chapman(he does a cover on her hit "fast cars" which is really cool). The music is acoustically driven but some songs rock it up like the splendid powerpoptrack "Blinded".
This is his 2nd album and he is quite big in Canada where his latest single "Black black heart" goes very well. Maybe overall the album feels just too comfortable and nice,I needed to hear a few more rockier guitars to raise the rating like the magnific tune "Alone in the universe" but it?s a strong album anyhow and I like it a lot. So welcome aboard on the ship of POP with your captain David Usher and you will have a nice trip on the SS Morning Urbit. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Canadian Captain of SS Morning Urbit is out on the seas of acoustic pop again but this time he?s sailing with "Hallucinations" as his load, David Usher must have listened to Matthew Good and got influenced on this new album.
2nd track "I?m coming down" sounds like a softer and not as progressive version of Matthew Good,but the title track is one of the best songs on this record...it?s too bad that he couldn?t record more of that paradisian poptune.
David has his moments when he sounds like a male version of Traci Chapman and the song "Time of our lives" shows that best,the whole record is very laid back and never really takes off!
The Tori Amos smelling "Devil by my side" is a real goodie,a true romantic waltz just made for the moonlight.
Want something calm and relaxing?,then David Usher is for you |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Kaj have raved about this guy on two albums before (he used to be the frontman for cultband Moist) here at the net and now I got hold of his new (released in april this year) album and whatelse can I say than a big f****n bravo... This is a typical Winberg-album and I´m completely blown away by the atmosphere, voice, songs and quality this man sits on. If I should compare it with some other artists I would like to mention names like Jump Little Children, Howie Day and Athlete. Its always hard to put other names as comparisons but there you have some names so you know what were talkin about. This album contains some songs that easily will be on my top 20 list over the best songs of 2005 when we sum this year later in December. The best song which is a pure masterpiece is called "Love Will Save The Day" and is a classic modern singersongwriter song which sounds like a soft sort of Matthew Good-tune (this beat all stuff that man have done though - so you can understand the quality of the song) and phew... mon dieu... what a refrain... god damn... this is why I´m a musicmaniac. To get these sort of kicks out of music which seldom occurs these days. There are plenty of more really good songs on this little piece of plastic with beautiful modern singer songwriter pop. Anything to complain about? Hmmm... just a tiny winy little thing... there are two songs that smells a little to much "Belle and Sebastian - acoustic brittish melancholy" - but these songs aren´t bad, but compared to the others they?re boring. The other stuff on here is more or less pure magic all through and as I said, the atmosphere is perfect for a night in the sofa with a glass of wine beside your beautiful wife. Take a listen yourself at his beautiful homepage (www.davidusher.com). And remember what I said about the song "Love Will Save The Day"... (which you can see the video of). I´m jealous to all of you who haven´t heard it yet. You guys who?ll put on the tune for the first time and will get this kick and this years biggest smile over the face. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What can I say? The man who gave us “If God Had Curves” back in 2005 is here with another killer album. Beautiful produced personal sensual modern singer songwriter pop in a world class costume. Byron Wong is once again behind the production and what a production. Hallelujah! Sixth out “Science” is the perfect David Bowie on his way to Howie Day combo there is and the beautiful and more acoustic “Life Of Bees” smells a great Angie Aparo tune long way. And tenth out – the Marillion (Hogarth era) smelling “Blue” is a brilliant piece of work. These are just three examples. David Usher is one of the coolest artists around and he once again proofs this with his new album which is released this week. If you don’t trust me – check out his homepage and you will afterwards. 4 bright shining stars.
PS - And did I tell you about the last one out "Some People Say"? Nope - I didn´t and that is probably the best song on the whole album. Unbelivable. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David Usher has won 5 Junos including 2002 Pop Album of the year and has had multiple #1 and Top Ten radio singles in Canada.
He´s also the former frontman for the Canadian band Moist that released 3 albums between 1994-2000, "Wake up and say goodbye" is Usher´s 6th solo album and the most upbeat and happy sounding record so far.
David has a certain sense of making beautiful pop melodies that puts him in the major league of artists in the same genre, he´s a brilliant singer and should be famous to the world just as big as Daniel Powter if you ask me.
"I am the weapon" is made for the big arenas while "Kill the lights" sounds like the perfect hit trip.
Who can anyone not love Usher? |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
  |
|
| David Usher has one of those voices that can spellbind you from the very first second he starts to sing, I have been a fan for many years and still think he should be bigger outside Canada where he is a star. "The mile end sessions" is his first acoustic album with new unplugged versions of songs from all his previously released albums except the 2005 album "If god had curves" which he overlooked of some reason. This album also contains 2 new tracks in "Fall to pieces" and the single "Je repars" that is Usher´s first song in French, two really nice songs that fits in very well with the rest. I think the best new renditions in this acoustic mood are "Black black heart" and "Sparkle and shine", highly recommendable! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
It´s all about the voice, it´s not often when you get to hear a singer that is the main reason why an album becomes a friend for a lifetime but that´s the case with Justin Unger.
Justin was a part of the Word artists Across The Sky where the band toured with Mark Schultz, Downhere, Nate Sallie and By The Tree.
Their song "Everywhere she goes" appeared on the Warner Brothers TV show "One Tree Hill".
You can ofcourse hear traces of the AOR/Pop of Justin Unger´s former band ATS, in some moments I think of these songs as a softer Petra which only makes me happy since I am such a huge fan of Petra.
"King of glory" is majestic and surely an anthem for any fan of christian rock, the title track "Disengage" sounds like the perfect song for a long ride in the car while the stunning "I will go before" made me speechless with Justin´s soulful voice.
"Your life in me" is huge and the upbeat "Take me back" sounds like it´s made to conquer the airwaves.
Let yourself fall into the world of Justin Unger and get an hour of quality time with this superb record.
Live versions of "In you alone" and "Sing to the king" closes this wonderful album.
For fans of : Michael W.Smith, Across The Sky, Petra, Steven Curtis Chapman |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Keith Urban have been a big favorite on the countryscene for me since his last album. Cause he have the touch of AOR/Westcoast that pleases me, so it was some expectations I had on the new album for sure. And they were even bigger when I heard that Dann Huff was the guy producing it. So what about it then? Well what do you think? Nothing new under the sun for sure. Oh no. But Keith have one of the better voices around and an ability to keep a little cool acosutic-touch over the sound on some songs. I really like this album and in songs like "Whenever I Run" were up on the same level as the masters in Blackhawk and Lonestar. So for all you lovers of modern country - here is another guy to spend your money on. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| The Former Ultravox singer shocks us all witha new album. Didnt have a clue that he was going to release a new album. Anyway - here it is and what do I have for thoughts about it then... Well - its sure pomp-esque and theatralic. A little less low-key and thoughtful than Ultravox. Imagine Peter Kingsberry with Midges voice and were quite there. The track "Beneath A Spielberg Sky" is a GREAT tune and there are more. Im actually pleasant surprised by this CD. Unfortunately I think this album will pass without any attention at all in media. Its a pity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Another new discovery who delivers a CD with modern singer songwriter based pop/rock tunes. Any comparisons? Hmm - well sure there are plenty of names to mention like Replacements with a softer edge. Wallflowers on a more acoustic journey and John Prine a little less folky (musicwise thats it). Well - I think youll get the grip. Its good and solid, but a little lack of originality, but on the ther hand - who the hell have originality in this genre. Fifth out "Looking Back" witha cool hammond in the back is my fave track. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We´re far from Summer (at least in Sweden) but here´s a rather nice CD which makes me think of warmer times. RASMUS UHLIN was the lead vocalist and guitar player in an Eskilstuna based band called BIG TALK in the 90´s. They delivered a mini-CD back then, and Rasmus later gained success as a BRYAN ADAMS clone in a Swedish TV show.
BRYAN ADAMS is the key here. Welcome to an album of straight-forward melodic rock! This is music totally free from complex arrangements, but full of life and warmth. I think of not only BRYAN ADAMS but also artists like JOHN MELLENCAMP, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN and STATUS QUO. And the opener "Coming Home" even brings him rather close to HOUSE OF SHAKIRA. There´s a small vibe of country/rock in "I Don´t Need Nobody", and this song could easily have been picked up by Swedish girl JILL JOHNSON. Any fan of Bryan Adams or BRETT WALKER & THE RAILBIRDS will like this CD a lot. Occasionally there´s one or two vocal parts slightly out of key and the CD ticks in on only 32 minutes, but other than that it´s a more than decent album! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Upper Class Bastards is a rock band from Turin, Italy. They play rock similar to fellow Italian bands Killer Klown and Cherry Lips. One other thing they have in common with Cherry Lips is the use of a female singer. This of course adds a different flavor to the music since the majority of the bands has male singers today. Although the band is Italian there are no language problems on this album, the English is perfect as far as I can tell.
The music is glam rock with garage influences, some good ol´ dirty rock ´n´ roll! Singer Charlotte has a raspy voice that makes her sound very cocky almost like Hayley Williams in Paramore. Yeah, maybe Paramore is a better reference because some of the songs sound very much like something they could have recorded. One could say that UBC are a sleazier version of them. Are they as good as Paramore? I think not but there are for sure some good songs on here.
"Slash" is probably my favorite, just listen to that brilliant guitar solo."Idol of Myself" and "Lust for Life" are also songs worth mentioning. There are too many fillers on here for it to be a great album but the guitar work on this one is excellent. No ballads are found on this one and fans of Paramore, Danko Jones and, why not, Jet might want to investigate this as it is a solid bit of rock music.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4 years of silence from L.A Power Grunge rockers U.P.O will be shattered March 30 with the release of the new album "The Heavy" which is just what the title says.....a real heavy effort from this band that parted ways with EPIC after their debut "No Pleasantries" in 2000.
Rick Parashar produced that album and has also done the mega heavy sound on the new album as well. I must admit that I wasn?t too fond of the first album since it?s too much of a post grunge record in my eyes but U.P.O has put in more numetal with a hard rock vibe on the new record.
Their debut contained a couple of real nice songs and to my joy, there are even more songs on that level on "The Heavy".
Singer Shawn Albro has a typical grunge voice and the grunge influences from bands like Pearl Jam and Soundgarden are still there on their 2004 effort but a minor dose.
The songs "Go","The Fall" and "The Underground" could?ve been on the 2000 album with a more laid back Seattle rocking vibe over them.
Then they get heavier with a mighty approach on tunes like "Murder At The Movies" and "Free", gosh how I love these devilshly rocking tracks.
Guitarist Chris Weber brings out the best of himself when he gives us the six string shock on the uptempo rockers "Lies","It?s Alright" and "N.Y.W.M".
Thumbs up for the awesome drum/bass production.....HEAVY INDEED! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U2 must be one of the most influential bands of all time,there are thousands of modern rock,punk,emo and pop bands out there that has been influenced by this Irish million selling band.
"How to dismantle an Atomic bomb" is the first album in 4 years since the melodic "All that you can?t leave behind" from 2000 that featured the melodic.net fave "Beautiful day" (marvellous tune).
The new album is also their 10th studio album and just like the previous record,a more easy listening affair coz the 90?s with albums like "Achtung baby","Zooropa" and "Pop" showed a more avantgarde side of the band and I didn?t like that complex sound.
If you like their classic works "War","The unforgettable fire" and "The Joshua tree" - you will probably not have a problem with the 2004 version of this band coz the new album is filled with songs that could?ve been taken from that era.
Just play "City of blinding lights","Sometimes you can?t make it on your own","Miracle drug" and "Original of the species" and see for yourself - classic U2 it is.
But there are also stuff that doesn?t reach up to their normal standard like the Rattle and Hum sounding "Love and peace or else" and the rocking "All because of you" with a real boring chorus,the new single "Vertigo" is quite ok but not as good as the marvellous "Beautiful day" from the last album.
Their fans will be pleased,no doubt! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"No line on the horizon" is U2´s first album in 5 years since "How to dismantle an atomic bomb" (2004), they recorded "The saints are coming" with Green Day in 2006.
The new album is more electronic and less rock, it´s a shame that the band uses more keyboards in front of Edge´s stellar guitarplaying.
There´s a great start of the album with the ambient "No line on the horizon" and the very melodic "Magnificent", 3rd track "Moments of surrender" has a Moby-like sound and it´s certainly not one of their best songs.
I love U2 for being so unpredictable but that also means that their albums can be a little too experimental, the new single "Get on your boots" is truly not what I expected from Bono and the boys - way too industrial and garage rocking.
The arena rocker "I´ll go crazy if I don´t go crazy tonight" is a hit single contender and one of the best songs on the new album, unfortunately the main part of this album is a disappointment!
I am no fan of albums like "Achtung baby" (1991) and "Zooropa" (1993), I prefer the first 5 from "Boy" (1980) to "The Joshua tree" (1987) and the latest two before this one.
The 2nd half of the album reminds just too much of their early 90´s records so I cannot give this more than 2 stars. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
