Boys Like Girls - Crazy World

Ever have an album that you just can't stop listening too? Well of course you do, we all do! I always have moments with certain albums and obviously I move on eventually but my most recent obsession is Boys Like Girls latest creation Crazy World. Seriously - I'm addicted. Release on December 11, 2012 by Columbia Records it was a perfect Christmas gift to myself and I was not disappointed. 

While in the past they've gone for a more pop/punk/rock vibe, this time around it's just a little different. Coming off as more of an acoustic/country/pop sound it's refreshing and as I said before, crazy addictive. I'm obsessed and hopefully if and when you listen to the album after this crazy awesome review, you'll  go and listen and then feel the exact same. 

I normally don't do a breakdown of songs but I feel like I should do something different and write something about each song. Sound good? Great because you don't have a choice other than to stop reading and why would you do that? 

1. First Time - The great thing about BLG is that they're right in my age range so this song is on par with my life at the moment. This song is about growing up and never getting the "first time" back. Reminiscing on the past and going back to see what has changed. Is it crazy that I can kind of relate when I go back to my old hometown? I know I only live a 1/2 hour away but it just seems to fit. *Well you know they say that growing up is hard? Well it's so hard to think about we almost got so far*

2. Life of the Party - I love the beat in this song. It's so catchy and you can't help but start to dance along to the music. The song itself is just about taking life by the reins, being the life of the party and having a little bit of fun because you never know when the worlds going to end. *Be the life of the party you won't be sorry, Tell me who are we if we ain't without friends. It's the end of the world, all you boys and all you girls put your hands together let me hear an amen*

3. Crazy World - Another song I can't get enough of. It's catchy and you just can't help but tap your foot along to. This one is a little more along the lines of country. I don't know if it's the entire song but hearing the harmonica just makes it seem like it. This song is more about slowing down and enjoying life instead of getting caught up in what's not important. *I just wanna slow down, it's a crazy world. I wanna hold you now, just a boy and girl*

4. Be Your Everything - I first heard this through their lyric video they posted on their facebook page. BLG may have been laying low the last couple of years but this song changed everything. The sexy vocals, the lyrics and the music just tied everything together. This is very much a "couple" song and it's okay. Love it! *Your perfect for me, and more than just a friend. So we can just stop pretending now, gotta let you know somehow*

5. Stuck in the Middle - I think anybody can relate to feeling this way. Feeling like nothing's going anywhere, you're basically stuck where you are when everyone else around you is moving on. This one spoke to me as I currently feel a little like this song. You just gotta believe that it's going to get better in the end! *You fight until you're free, you're down on your knees. Hoping some day you'll make it it out, if you just believe*

6. Cheated - Not something I can relate to but I know many others can. Cheating is not cool! *This is gonna haunt you, every guy that wants you is gonna see a scarlet letter*

7. Shoot - Definitely another favourite of mine from the album. It's all about doing what you love and not letting life getting you down. Doing something for you and not for anybody else. I really should take this into consideration! *They say the life is like a long and ragged road, well I've been falling asleep at the wheel. My nine to five has got me numb and feeling old, it's time to live for the things that are real*

8. Leaving California - A little melancholy will always find itself onto any album you listen to and it seems as if this is the song that hits the spot. Singing about broken dreams and leaving it all behind and starting new.  *'Cause I' leaving California and I'll never look back. I took a picture for you but I painted it black. One more dream around the run away drive, now there's one less burned out star in the sky*

9. Take Me Home - Changing your ways after realizing you're one step from going over the edge. *Wrote you a letter, I never sent it, it doesn't matter now. All my intentions went out the window, don't let me hit the ground.*

10.  Red Cup - This is the girl I want to be. Carefree, in love and knows how to have a little fun. This to me screams like a summer song you can fall in love with and have a little fun. I don't exactly know why I enjoy this song so much but every time I hear it I catch myself dancing (and I can't dance) and singing along. *She's crazy, I don't care. I'm crazy about the girl with the red cup, hands up, long brown hair*

11. Hey You - I know I said I have favourites previously (just look up) but this one has to be one of my favourite songs in general. The mix of the raw voice, the piano the STRINGS and the lyrics - ugh, I just can't get enough! It's sexy. There I said it. *We don't have to say forever, I'm cool with whatever, if it's cool with you. We can just sit here at night, just two strangers in the night, ain't that what we're supposed to do?*

Okay so now that that's done with, you're intrigued right?! Trust me, it's totally worth the listen and you will NOT be disappointed!

On one final note, if anybody from the BLG camp ever decides to read this little ol' blog of mine, I just have one thing to say. If you find yourselves touring (which I KNOW you will) and you find yourselves north of the border in a pretty Canadian city by the name of Toronto, consider this: I can see myself rocking out to the tunes on this album in a beach-y setting. So if you're considering booking places to perform you should highly consider Echo Beach - just saying.

Anyways, that's all for now!

Much Love.

-Taryn

Two: Jesse Labelle Releases Second Album

Album Cover for Two, photo courtesy of Wax Records.

Okay so this is a long time in the making but as I've had little time over the last few weeks (started a new job position which is taking up a LOT of my time lately), it's been kind of hard to keep this site up-to-date!

SO! That being said, I spoke to Canadian cutie Jesse Labelle a few weeks back as part of his promotion of his new album Two. After listening to it numerous times (and still listening to it obviously) I have got to say that it is a fantastic piece of work!

It took a little over two years and and two attempts but he finally released an album that he was proud of. He said in our interview, "The record label didn't think the first one I wrote was quite right so I had to re-write a second second version and that became “Two”.  After I wrote it I was so proud and so happy with it and I was glad I had the opportunity to write it again."

The writing process was a lot shorter this time around and the album itself is more about getting back to who he is. While his first album Perfect Accident was written over a span of seven years (from the ages of 18 to 26), this time around it was an album that was more cohesive and something that suited who he is now.

"The record is all about human interactions and both sides and connections. It’s really about the good, the bad, the ups, and downs. It starts with an honest and happy song and it ends with a kind of sad song...I really believe it does have a beginning, middle and an end."

You start with an emotionally powerful and heart-tugging song that is full of hope and promise. "Let You Down". This one is probably my favourite off of this album. The line that got to me the most would have had to be "There's two to every story; two sides of a heart. One that fears the ending, and one that fears the start". It may only be 21 words long  but it probably has the most impact. 

The song that seemed the most playful had to be "One Last Night". While playing up the romantic side of the "impending" end of the world in December, he still manages to make it light-hearted and fun. I really liked the fact he added a rap portion of the song by featuring artist Nixon. It was a nice contrast and made the song just a little bit different than the rest of the album - it was a nice touch!

Other noteworthy songs (in my books anyways) would have to be "Something to Feel" and "Kryptonite". The lyrics are special and I believe a lot of people are able to connect with them. I definitely give this album two thumbs up and I look forward to seeing Jesse perform live in the near future! 

You can find his album wherever they sell albums and most definitely online at itunes! Pick it up if you know what's good for you!

That's it, that's all! Stay tuned for my Celebrity filled day while I tried to hunt down Ryan Gosling at this year's Toronto International Film Festival!!

- Taryn

Maroon 5: Overexposed? Heck No.

Some people may not hesitate to agree that Maroon 5 has been around the block one too many times, but those people would be wrong - or right? Depends on their perspective...but that's besides the point. Overexposed is actually the title of Maroon 5's new musical masterpiece.

I've been listening to Maroon 5 for more than a few years now and they've always been catchy, upbeat and addictive. Pretty sure front man Adam Levine is the object of many women's sexual fantasies as well - which helps A LOT in my opinion as to why the band is so successful. Anyways, the album is exactly what you expect: pop-tastic, sexual-tension releasing, delicious music to your ears. No lies.

I think the only two songs that you may have an issue with would be "Moves Like Jagger" and "Payphone". And the only reason that could be possible would be that you listen to the radio way too much...or it's on a CD at work that's on repeat constantly (like me).

The rest of the album have a mix of dance addictive, catchy, and even heartfelt tunes that will definitely get you moving and/or swooning to the beat. Adam's voice is smooth and sounds as good as ever, and the music behind the words is cohesive and melds together well with everything.

As with every good album, there's always a mix of smooth, ballad-like songs that go along with the dance-y, upbeat music and this album is no different. Songs like "Sad" and "Beautiful Goodbye" are good examples that remind me of Maroon 5's Songs About Jane album and make me love the songs even more.

Overall the album is addictive, and definitely on my summer playlist and it should be on yours too. It's currently available for pre-order on itunes (it's available June 26th!).

Happy Listening,
Taryn

P.S. Check out the video below of their newest video for "Payphone" ft. Wiz Khalifa (warning it's got swear words...so if your sensitive, get over it!)

CD Review - Storms by Hedley

I know this is long overdue but I have a quite a few reviews that will be going up over the next few days that will hopefully get you open to listening to some new music!

Hedley-Storms Deluxe Edition (Universal Music Canada.)
Released Nov 8, 2011

Track Listing:
1. One Life
2. Invincible
3. Heaven's Gonna Wait
4. We are Unbreakable
5. Young
6. Beautiful
7. Bullet for your Dreams
8. Hot Mess
9. Stormy
10. Last Call
11. I Won't Let You Go (Darling)
12. Hiding Place
13. Carry On
14. Heaven's Gonna Wait (Acoustic Remix)

As we all very well know, I can rarely say a bad thing about Hedley. I do realize this makes me a little biased, but I will try my best to show you why this album is one of the best that they've produced since becoming a band in 2005. Even if this isn't your type of music, you'll come to learn why I believe it's a great album.

It is always a great and inspiring thing to see any musician/band grow from humble beginnings to filling arenas with hundreds, if not thousands of fans every night.  It's amazing at how much their music can grow and become apart of anybody's day when just a few years ago they could barely fill a tiny club. Far too often you'll also see bands who get stuck with their music, always sounding the same and always having the same type of lyrics. I can name a top Canadian band (or two) right now who still has the same sound even though they've been around since I've been in high school. Now, they are still great (well, okay ONE of them is) bands but they still have similar lyrics and sounds to when they first came out into the music world.

If I were to listen to all their past albums, it is easy to hear the differences Hedley has made since the beginning. Yes I admit some of their songs sometimes have the same sound as others but over all the difference is remarkable. The lyrics are more cohesive, making sense and creating a story that people can relate to. The music has always been spot on and it continues to be throughout this album. I also enjoy that lead singer Jacob Hoggard also takes on more piano in the songs as well. He plays it rather well and it adds a more melodic feel to the slower songs.

While all of their albums produce catchy and meaningful songs, Storms seems to have the most inspiring. Throughout the album you'll hear songs about heartbreak yes, but you'll also hear lyrics about living to the fullest, finding your dreams and not letting people knock you down. In a world full of hate and bullying, there are songs that people can relate to on multiple levels and songs that will leave you with a smile on your face.

Their most recent singles Invincible and One Life can be heard all over Canadian radio and the band will kick off their tour in British Columbia in the following weeks.

If you're looking for songs to listen to before downloading the album off of itunes, or buying the physical album, my favourites (and since I can't say the ENTIRE album) would have to be I Won't Let You Go (Darling), Hot Mess, and Bullet For Your Dreams.


Happy Listening!
Taryn

Pee...ess...Check out their new video for One Life below!

Listen to Me: Buddy Holly

Although I'm sure a lot of you have no idea who Buddy Holly is, I am 100 per cent sure you've more than likely listened to his music or a cover of his music at one time or another. Holly  may have only  been successful for a short time before his untimely death in a plane crash in 1959, it has been said that he was pioneer of rock and roll.

Listen to Me: Buddy Holly is a compilation CD with a variety of musicians coming together to sing tribute to one of the great musicians of the past. From Lyle Lovett, Jeff Lynne and Ringo Starr, to The Fray, Zooey Deschanel and Cobra Starship. If you think about it, most of these artists would be an odd combination when it comes to most situations but as they are coming together to celebrate the life and music of a singer it almost seems fitting.

These artists manage to capture the essence of Buddy Holly while adding their own unique touch and making it their own. It's interesting and enjoyable to listen too even though I was unfortunate enough not to be around in the 50s when he made his debut and met his tragic end. CDs like this are a great way to introduce music from the past to people in the present. It's hard to get kids and even people my age to listen to music that was not from their generation (or in some cases even their parents generation). Using popular artists from today and mixing them with artists from the past generation allows people to get a taste of what music was like in the past while listening to artists they know from today!

CD Review: Eclipse Soundtrack

The Twilight Saga movies are notorious for mediocre films and a huge fan base that’s grown like a weed since the release of the movies in November 2008.  Critics are quick to discourage people to see the movie and fans are quick to defend at all costs. The music has been one of the only things that have been a highlight of the films. Although, I must say, “New Moon” was better than “Twilight” and by the looks of the “Eclipse” trailer, it will be better than “New Moon”. Maybe by “Breaking Dawn”, it’ll be Oscar-worthy...Okay, so maybe I’m dreaming a little bit.

I am a fan of the books first and foremost. I was introduced to them before the “Twilight” hype took over the media and the world and I’ll always love the books more. The movies are amusing at best. They are able to put a face to the name and allow the imagination to widen and become more open to new ideas. I will be one of the first to say that the movies aren’t that great (at least the first two). The acting is just okay, the directing is mediocre (with the exception of Catherine Hardwick – I was really not impressed with her directing style for “Twilight”...it could have been done so much better), and overall, it was just rushed.

A movie is never a movie without music. Whether it’s just instrumentals in the background that aids an intense moment or urges a superior fight scene, or it’s a song by a popular artist, it adds to the movie. All can agree that without the background sounds and music a movie produces, the movie would just be moving pictures. Yes, there is more than one component that makes a movie what it is, but one of the most important (or so I believe) is the music.

Music has always been essential to a lot of people’s lives. It’s the music that tells the story of their life or what’s happening in the world. The beat gives substance and the lyrics add meaning to something that otherwise cannot be described. I for one rely on music a lot of the time to try and make sense of what my feelings are. It’s a part of me as it’s a part of a lot of other people in the world. It’s a voice that otherwise won’t be heard.

Now, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse movie is not due out until June 30, 2010 but a preview of the new  soundtrack was made available for 24 hours on inmusic.ca (among other websites), and has given a glimpse into what fans can expect to hear during the movie.

Overall the music is a lot more upbeat and promising then the last movie, “New Moon”.  Due to the content of the book and now the movie, Eclipse is supposed to have a more upbeat feel that is full of love, conflict and drama.  I’m excited to say that they picked a stellar line-up for the soundtrack and am excited to see how they put the music to use.

Keeping with the themes of the other two films, the music is a mix of bright, happy tunes and sad and depressing. It also sticks to the theme of using artists who don't sound like your average "pop" band. They carry a folksy-art tune that is eccentric and exciting. Strong beats and a steady rhythm is consistent in all the songs and allow the listener to create story lines for the songs. It will be interesting to see where they choose to incorporate the songs throughout the movie (if they use them IN the movie at all). It's easy to picture certain moments in the book with certain songs. Here's to hoping the directors will be able to do the same thing for the movie.

Fans can expect to find music from Canadian talent Metric with her song “Eclipse (I’m Yours), Vampire Weekend, Muse, The Black Keys and of course Howard Shore who has written the score for the past two films (among many other talented artists). The entire album has an eccentric feel to it and suits the film just as the other soundtracks have suited “Twilight” and “New Moon”.  I can tell you that the majority of the music on here isn’t normally something I’d listen to, but it’s definitely a soundtrack that I believe is worth remembering.

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse soundtrack will be released to stores on June 8, 2010 while the movie will be released worldwide on June 30, 2010. Check out the preview at www.eclipsesoundtrack.com/preorder

Written by: Taryn McElheran

photo courtesy of shutterpillar (flickr)

CD Review: Jesse Labelle - Perfect Accident

Laid-back and mellow are the words that come to mind when listening to "Perfect Accident". The Toronto Ontario native Jesse Labelle isn't a household name as of yet but with his debut album that hit stores April 26th and being on the road constantly, he is sure to break ground very soon.

His boy-next-door good looks and sweet sounding voice is appealing to girls and women of all ages. With the classic pop/folk vibe and solid lyrics, the sound is something that everybody hears on the radio today but with a twist of something just a little bit different. It's almost as if the folksy vibe adds the bit of "different" that people are looking for when searching for new music. Instead of overproduced music numbers that takes away from the vocal prowess, Labelle's album boasts strong acoustic guitar instead and allows the emotion in his voice to be heard to be loud and clear.

With so many musicians trying to make it in the music industry you're bound to hear the same thing time after time. It's to be expected and almost always accepted in the music industry and to those who listen to the music. Labelle's music is the same in so many ways as other artists out there but with something that stands out as well. His music was surprisingly light and refreshing. Even in songs like "Australia" and "Fledgling" have a positive outlook even though they're about heartbreak and longing for something different. Searching for courage to move forward, but at your own pace.

Due to the content of Labelle's songs, the assumption is that the majority of his fans will be in between the ages of 14-25 (with exceptions of course). While some of his lyrics deal with heartbreak and bad times, they are performed in a way that brings out a positive side to things. There are too many songs nowadays that promote bad outcomes. With so many people relying on music as an outlet and a relief from everyday stresses, they need something positive and uplifting that will put a smile on their face and make them believe tomorrow will be another day.

Since before the release of his new album, Labelle has been touring constantly, playing for anybody who was willing to listen. You'll be able to catch currently touring with other Canadian up-and-coming bands Faber Drive and The New Cities . This summer he'll be participating in Much Music's SodaPop Tour with the likes of The New Cities, Danny Fernandes and Hannah Montana's Emily Osment.


Songs like his first single "Perfect Accident", "Don't Leave Now" and "November" are just a few of the tracks that can be heard on the new album, "Perfect Accident". To sample some of the music and for tour dates, visit www.myspace.com/jesselabelle

The CD is available in stores across the country (Canada) as well as on itunes.

Written By: Taryn McElheran
(As posted originally on www.suite101.com)

Photo courtesy of Warner Music Canada (image.net) 

CD Review: The Show Must Go - Hedley

Returning for their third consecutive album, titled The Show Must Go, British Columbia’s Hedley ditches their known edgy-pop vibe for a more traditional pop. Something Hedley fans can be familiar with but something that’s also a little bit different than anything else they’ve done in the past.
Lead singer Jacob Hoggard goes back to his Canadian Idol days in a sense, using his raw vocals that got him noticed and into the final three back in 2005. He uses his unique and powerful vocals to make his mark on all the new songs on the album. He channels his uniqueness and turns it into something that everybody can’t help but love.
The first two colourful tracks on the album are their first and second singles off the album. Cha-ching and Don’t Talk to Strangers helps the band vocalize their views about the commercialization and obsession with fame these days as well as the ever popular “cougars” – those obsessive older women who love to seduce the younger generation of males.
All songs have a steady beat and strong instrumentals. Guitarist Dave Rosin has amazing finger skills on the guitar and improves every time I hear him play. He has a way of engaging the audience every single time he picks up a guitar. I can’t help but smile when I hear him play.
Other songs boast an almost reggae like sound. Songs such as Friendsand Shelter have a lighter drumbeat and a stronger emphasis on the guitar. The lyrics are upbeat and happy but come with a message of friendship and being there through anything.
No CD wouldn’t be complete with out a few power ballads and Amazing and Perfect are just that – power ballads. Both leave you with chills and a realization that everybody can relate to the songs more than they care to admit. Perfect is one of my favourite songs and I must admit, I often have it on repeat!
The last song I would like to mention, purely on the fact that it’s unconventional in today’s music world, is called Sweater Song. Pretty much written in one big grouping, the song portrays the story of a musician going away on tour and leaving his sweater behind for the one he loves. The song itself lacks a chorus, bridge or anything else that resembles the traditional structure of a song.
All in all this is the best album that has yet to be released by Hedley. It’s soulful, the lyrics are full of compassion and love, and the overall powerful sound is almost overwhelming – almost.
Seeing Hedley grow up throughout the years has been somewhat of an honour. Seeing them go from a band struggling to get out of the shadow of Canadian Idol and touring non-stop for months on end to producing a third album and headlining in their first stadium tour in the spring of 2010. It always amazes me what musicians/bands can accomplish when they set their mind and give all their heart.
Hedley’s new album The Show Must Go is available everywhere and on itunes.
For more information on Hedley and their up-coming tour across Canada please visit: http://www.myspace.com/hedley
♫♫♫♫ (out of five)
Written by: Taryn McElheran
(Originally posted on Dec 10, 2009 on www.sugarcainentertainment.com)

♫ (horrible) ♫♫ (meh) ♫♫♫ (it’s okay) ♫♫♫♫ (worth the buy) ♫♫♫♫♫ (must buy)

CD Review: CKAS- Faber Drive

When Faber Drive (FD)’s first single G-get up and Dance hit the airwaves, there were more than a few sceptical fans out there (a.k.a. Facebook ) who felt that the band changed their sound and became a little more mainstream than they’d wished. Before they had even heard the album most were critisizing and judgmental - which, to be honest, pissed me off.
It irritates me when I hear people judge something before they know whole story, or have heard the whole album. I understand people have opinions, but at least keep them to yourself until you’ve had the chance to hear what they’ve got! Every band/writer/musician has a right to grow and expand their horizons, so what makes FD any different?
What most fans don’t understand though is the fact that like every band, while wishing to some extent to stay the same, also need room grow and test the waters to create new masterpieces. It’s exactly what FD did, and I am happy to say they’ve succeeded in creating a fantastic new album that any artist would be proud of.
With a mix of new and old, FD created a sound that was unique to them but are also able to please their old and loyal fans while bringing in new. With songs like By Your Side, You and I Tonight and I’ll Be There, listeners will be able to enjoy their more traditional sound – if you care to call it that.
But on the opposite end of this musical spectrum, songs such as their first single G-get up and Dance, or Give Him Up and Just What I Needed you’re able to hear the experimental sounds when they use the synthesizer, and keys to produce a different vibe. I think it’s the use of these instruments - to an extent - are what most fans aren’t used to when listening to the new tracks.
Overall, you can tell by just listening to the new music and lyrics that they have grown up as individuals and as a band. Going through a few ups and downs as well as the switch-up of some new members has given FD the strength to create a great album with some powerful tunes and memorable music.
Being a follower of Faber Drive for quite awhile now, my expectations were high because I knew they could do it – and they did! I’m thoroughly impressed and I can’t wait to hear these new songs when they hit the road in November/December to promote their new album.
Can’t Keep a Secret is available in stores across the country as well asitunes
For more information about Faber Drive’s new album and tour dates, visit: http://www.myspace.com/faberdrive

♫♫♫♫ 1/2 (out of five)
Written by: Taryn McElheran
(originally posted on Nov 17, 2009 on www.sugarcainentertainment.com)

CD Review: 1UP - Illscarlett

For those who are comforted by things that are familiar, Illscarlett fans will be happy with the band’s brand new album 1UP!

Although there was new music and new lyrics, the overall sound of the band has stayed the same as heard on 2007’s All Day With It and 2006’s EPdemic EP. In that fact I was happy to hear that they stayed true to themselves, I was a little bored sometimes and found myself either fast-forwarding through a song or skipping entirely.
The reggae beats that are so familiar to their sound intertwines through the whole album mixed with a solid drumbeat, steady voices and acoustic guitars. It’s their familiarity that brought me to listen to their new album but also had me tuning them out, to a certain degree.
Their opening track and single “Take it for Granted” is a song I seem to have heard more than once these days, which isn’t good for a band whose set on setting themselves apart from the rest. But nonetheless I moved to the beat and would find myself singing the chorus hours later.

“Funky Rep.” and “Milkshakes and Razorblades” are definitely dance worthy and as a person who enjoys the slower songs, appreciated the tracks “Sorry”, “Can’t Sleep”, and “Freezing”. I think I’ve always been keen on any song that uses an acoustic guitar as an instrument of choice.
This Mississauga, Ont. band co-produced their new album with Grammy Award-winning producer Robert Carranza (Bjork) in Los Angeles after working on All Day With It in the same city with producer Matthew Wilder (No Doubt, Natalie Imbruglia).
Let’s hope that with IllScarlett’s meaningful lyrics and funky tunes will keep the loyal fans satisfied and new ones knocking on their door and buying their album.
1UP! can be found on itunes and in stores across Canada.
to get more info on Illscarlett please visit: http://www.myspace.com/illscarlett
♫♫♫ (out of five)
Written by: Taryn McElheran
(Originally posted on Nov 15, 2009 at www.sugarcainentertainment.com)

photo courtesy of Sony Music Canada