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) 

Film Review: The Last Song

Ronnie Miller didn’t want to be there. The last place she envisioned herself for the summer after graduation was spending time with her estranged dad and brother in Georgia. What she really wanted was her freedom and her friends. The unforgettable story of Ronnie and her rollercoaster summer that will forever change the way she views her life and her father. The Last Song, directed by Julie Ann Robinson features Miley Cyrus in a role different from anything she’s ever done before. A coming-of-age story set on the coast of Georgia that will test the limits of growing up, a loss that will forever change everything and a love that could last throughout the time.

While visiting her father, played by Greg Kinnear, for the first time since he left their family she is bitter and angry with what he’s done. Then she meets Will (Liam Hemsworth), a local boy who’s set on winning Ronnie’s affection. Though their meeting was anything but fairytale, after a bout with saving sea turtles, their affection grows for each other and becomes a love story for all. Throughout the course of the summer she experiences her first love, heartache and heartbreak as she comes to term with what’s happening with her world and everybody’s around her.  While dealing with a shop-lifting accusation, and the unwanted company of an outsider, Ronnie and her father become closer and her love for the piano slowly returns.  After an incident at Will’s sister’s wedding, Ronnie finds out something that could change her and Will’s relationship forever. On top of her father becoming ill, Ronnie isn’t sure she’ll be able to forgive him – until she realizes her love for him runs too deep to ignore.

Miley Cyrus surprises a lot of people when it came to her portrayal of Ronnie. Even though popular author Nicholas Sparks originally wrote the novel and the screenplay with Cyrus in mind, there were doubts. Overall, she was able to capture the spirit of Ronnie, a teenager who’s confused and angry with the way her life is going. The emotions were present and prevailing as the audience becomes fully enthralled with the love story she is presenting to her audience. This coming-of-age film allows Cyrus to step out of her Hannah Montana franchise and make her way towards a potentially career orientated film role. 

For Australian actor’s Liam Hemsworth’s debut in a major movie, he did a superb job in bringing the character of Will Blakelee to life. With his Hollywood good looks and small-town appeal in his personality, he has girls of all ages swooning. His character portrayed a guy that anybody could fall in love with – as well as Cyrus herself. Although Greg Kinnear and Bobby Coleman's characters as Steve and Ronnie’s little brother, Jonah, were secondary, they rounded out the film and brought in the humour that had everybody laughing out loud. Jordan’s cute comments and little-kid attitude had the audience wrapped around his finger from the beginning and had them in tears by the end of the film.

The cinematography is always something that I look at, whether it is intentional or not. It’s hard not to notice when scenes are cut short, characters aren’t fully developed and there are unanswered questions. Although the dialog is definitely crucial in films, so is the execution of the camera. Although this is British director Julie Ann Robinson’s first time directing a big time movie, her vision is clear cut and precise. She doesn’t miss a beat as she captures the gorgeous coastal scenes of Georgia, the evolving love between Cyrus and Hemsworth’s characters, as well as the conflict that arises in the end. She is able to capture everything that is important and leave out the stuff that isn’t.

Although this movie is very well done, there are still a few setbacks that must be acknowledged. Viewers may beg to differ, but speaking for those who have read the novel, there were key elements that should have been addressed in the film. For one, the character of the “Reverend” in the novel was a key part of what made Greg Kinnear’s character tick. Their friendship was meaningful and a big part of what made Steve’s character memorable. Another thing that seemed to define the book as well as what kind of person Will was, was when the character Blaze gets into some serious trouble with her ex boyfriend – when Will comes to the rescue, saving her from harm.  The last is the ending. Although not amazingly different, I feel that the impact of the ending in the movie would have made for a more romantic setting!

Overall, the movie is well done and I was definitely more impressed then I thought I would. To be honest, I wasn’t entirely sure Cyrus would pull off the role as well as she did and there were often times I waited for her to screw up. Although her acting wasn’t pristine, she’s come a far cry from her day’s on Hannah Montana, and it shows. Her transition from teen star to an established adult actress is coming along nicely, and if she keeps picking roles such as The Last Song, she may possibly have a long and healthy career in the film industry. 

I couldn’t help but become caught up in the romance and brought to tears at the end. With the help of a great cast and a great script from Nicholas Sparks, the book was brought to life in more ways than one. Anybody who’s a Nicholas Sparks fan or a fan of Cyrus will fully enjoy the movie and in turn recommend it to every girlfriend they know. A “chick flick” through and through, the movie will have you laughing, bring you to tears and make you want to go home and hug your family.

**** (out of five)

Written by: Taryn McElheran

*(Not worth anything) ** (Possibly rent-worthy) *** (Theatre worthy –at least once) **** (Must see) *****(Must see if your life depended on it)

Evanescence song goes Platinum

“Bring me to Life” from the Grammy Award winning band Evanescence has been certified platinum. The single was released on July 18, 2006 and was from their debut album Fallen on Wind-Up Records.
Released in April 2003, Fallen has sold over 15 million copies worldwide. Evanescence received two Grammy Awards that year for Best New Artist and Best Hard Rock Performance for Bring Me to Life.
Amy Lee, the front woman of Evanescence, confirmed recently that Evanescence is going back into the studio to work on their third album with renowned Grammy Award winning producer Steve Lillywhite.
“I can’t explain how excited I am to make this record,” said Amy Lee. “Over the past year and a half these songs have become the center of my life, and I can’t wait to hear what they grow into in the studio. I think our sound is evolving into something that will surprise people, in a very good way. I feel, as always, that growth can be an incredible, limitless thing if you let it. I never want to make the same album twice.”
Their new album is slated for a Fall 2010 release.
Posted by: Taryn McElheran

Photo courtesy of Wind Up Records

100 Monkeys at Tattoo Rock Parlour

March 14, 2010 was the first time I’d ever stepped foot into The Tattoo Rock Parlour on Queen St. West in Toronto. The lighting was low, the music was loud and the crowd was just right. There were no mosh pits, no dirty drugs, and no crazy fans trying to push to get to the front. The overall vibe was cool, laid back and the excitement was through the roof. Every single person in the room was waiting for 100 Monkeys. The band that hails all the way from L.A., who I’m fairly sure hasn’t had any Toronto or Canadian (besides Vancouver) dates since their creation, were the one thing they were all waiting for. The anticipation was high.
And you could feel it.
Now, we all know that 100 Monkeys aren’t exactly mainstream, nor will they really ever be. With their unique sound and stage presence, this is one band that you won’t see win a radio award for most played song.
Nonetheless, they are the most original, unique and inspiring group of musicians I’ve heard in a very long time.
The band consists of five members: Jerad, Jackson Rathbone (yes ladies, he IS the one and only Jasper Hale as seen in the ever popular Twilight), the two Bens (Ben G and Ben J) and finally Uncle Larry. Each of the guys bring a distinctly different personality to the stage but somehow manage to co-mingle and become synchronized as one when it comes to their music. It’s something that can’t be described. I was impressed beyond belief and frankly, once the music started, you forgot who Jackson was and you just heard the music.
I was blown out of the water. Their music on their current CD Grape (Seedless), as well as their former EPs, do not do them justice. Don’t get me wrong, the music on the CDs are fantastic but they have this aura on stage and it’s unbelievably compelling and alluring. Their stage presence is in a league of its own and even when you could see the exhaustion in their eyes, they still carried on as if they had all the energy in the world.
With the set list including Ugly Girl, Gus, Looker, The Monkey Song, Wings On Fire, and Orson Brawl , they played a wide variety of songs that made you want to dance and sway to the music. Ben G has an an incredible voice that’s powerful and magnetic, while Jerad’s suave style gives him that cool edge. Jackson’s personality and voice wouldn’t be considered as normal but all the same it was extremely charming. Ben J is quiet and laid back, but don’t let that fool you and Uncle Larry, who was adopted as the “Monkeys Uncle” was yet another element in this very unique band.
What caught my attention was the fact that they alternated instruments for each song. You would find Ben G playing the lead guitar one song, and next he’d be on bongo and chime duty. Jackson was all over the place playing guitar, bass, drums, keys, and finally the trumpet. There was no end to the talent that seeped out of this group. If counted correctly, by the end of the show there were eight different instruments - yes, eight.
The final thing I’d like to point out about themselves as a group, is their improv skills. At every venue they perform at the band asks the audience what they should sing about, and who should sing it. The topic this time around? Dental floss. Jackson was chosen to sing the blues about dental floss. With not even a minute to spare, he started belting out a song that went on for a good five minutes. I think that anybody who can do improv, and do it well, has talent. To be able to do it in front of an audience, and create music to go along with the words, is pure genius. I think that it was one of the best parts of the night!
Overall, the night was a success. Maybe the success at this year’s CMW showcase will show them how passionate their Canadian fans are and will prompt them to do more shows in the Great White North!
For more information about the Tattoo Rock Parlour or 100 Monkeys please visit the following links:
http://www.tattoorockparlour.com
http://www.100monkeysmusic.com
http://www.myspace.com/these100monkeys

For a video of The Dental Floss song please visit my YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xK7elYie_cY
Written by: Taryn McElheran Originally posted March 15, 2010 on www.sugarcainentertainment.com)

photo courtesy of Taryn McElheran

Indie Pick - Bury the Bully

I came across this band Bury the Bully (originating from Toronto) while driving to another band’s show with one of my friends. We had talked about them once before but I never really gave them a listen until that night. After hearing a few tracks, I quickly snatched up their CD lifedeath&wonder from her and ever since then, I’ve been listening to it on a regular basis.

Now, I’m not entirely sure what made me tune into their unique style, but I knew what I liked, and I definitely thought there was something special about Bury the Bully. It’s hard to decide why I like them exactly but it’s probably a tie between the lyrics and the lead singer, Rich McPherson’s, sultry voice that hooked me. I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’m a sucker for a sexy voice and lyrics that actually mean something other than a mash-up of random words and phrases.
With their sound reminding me of Jimmy Eat World and Jack’s Mannequin, but still uniquely their own, I feel that they deserved to be heard by more than just my ears. They’re not like any other band I’ve come across in awhile and their lyrics are solid and have great meaning. There’s been one too many times I’ve listened to a band and wondered what the heck they were saying and what’s the purpose of their words.
Bury the Bully’s first album has been out since 2007, but rumour has it that they will be releasing their sophomore album sometime in 2010!

Intrigued? Check them out at their myspace: www.myspace.com/burythebully

Their first album lifedeath&wonder is available on itunes.

Written By: Taryn McElheran
(Originally posted on Mar 1, 2010 on www.sugarcainentertainment.com)

photo courtesy of Bury the Bully

Beauty Review: David Babaii for WildAid

As well as David Babaii for WildAid hair products being all-natural, these beauty products are healthy for the environment and healthy for you. With too many ingredients to list, I narrowed it down to the following: rich Cupuacu butter from the South American Amazon, super volumizing volcanic ash from the Vanuatu islands of the South Pacific, Blue Algae, and Polynesian White Ginger, just to name a few.
Their products are free of sulfates, parabens, petrochemicals, and animal products. And of course, free from all animal testing.
When I first used theHydrating ShampooandConditioner, and the Bohemian Beach Spray, I was amazed. It left my fine hair light, soft and clean. There’s no definite way to explain it, but instead of the residue that some shampoos and conditioners leave behind after washing, David Babaii’s left my hair feeling super clean and healthy.
I’ve always had issues keeping my hair looking healthy instead of it greasy and unkempt. Finding products that don’t weigh it down has always been a challenge for me. From what I find working in retail, I’ve noticed that the majority of people stick with a shampoo that they like (if they ever find it). I have to switch mine up almost every time because I find something wrong with it.
I was pleased when the shampoo and conditioner left my hair feeling soft and luxurious. The smell is pleasant and the lather was nice and rich. Just by feeling the texture of the shampoo and conditioner you can tell it’s natural compared to a lot of the other brands out there these days. The color was neutral and texture thick. You only need squeeze the size of a quarter to get enough lather.
Now for the Bohemian Beach Spray , I found it a little overwhelming. It works fine for me at first but by the end of the day it left my hair a little greasy. When I used it on my natural curls though I thought it was more manageable and kept the curls from going frizzy.
Overall, the products have definitely impressed me. Being the animal lover that I am, it pleased me to see the effort and commitment that has been put towards WildAid. With actress Kate Hudson on board with this great cause, let’s hope more companies will follow suite and leave animals out of the picture.
For more information on David Babaii for WildAid please check out the website www.db4wildaid.com
To purchase the products mentioned and for others please visit The Shopping Channel
Written by: Taryn McElheran (Originally posted Dec 2009 on www.sugarcainentertainment.com)
photo courtesy of The Shopping Channel

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)