Belle & Sebastian’s sixth studio album was released in October of 2003. Although, this was released 15 years ago, it is worthy to provide a review here for music fans who may have missed out on this excellent album. Belle & Sebastian is somewhat of a misnomer. From the name, one may assume that this band is simply a pop duo, however, nothing could be farther from the truth. Although originally formed by Stuart Murdock and Stuart David, this is indeed a full band which currently consists of seven members. Their name was inspired from a French novel about a boy Sébastien and his dog Belle.
Dear Catastrophe Waitress should not to be missed by music fans of all genres. This is a collection of 12 rather bubbly and sweet-sounding pop tunes. Yet, lyrically, there is more than going on than simply sweet melodic sounds. Many themes are addressed here, from missed opportunities at love, regret, feelings of abandonment, and issues regarding self-esteem, to name a few. Yet, there is a lot of positivity here as well. Hope and empathy are general themes that tie these songs together. This is an album that builds and feels somewhat different to you depending on what life issues you’re currently going through. There are no bad songs here, and plenty of good ones. Standout songs include: Piazza New York Catcher, Dear Catastrophe Waitress, and the pure gem If You Find Yourself Caught in Love.
Overall, the songwriting is strong and the musicianship is top-notch. Belle & Sebastian have created a pleasant album with a lot to offer listeners of all backgrounds.
The new record by country artist Thomas Rhett was released on September 8th, 2017. Thomas Rhett, the son of country star Rhett Atkins, got his start being a songwriter for numerous other country artists including artists such as Florida Georgia Line and Jason Aldean. Yet, Thomas Rhett has now established himself as, not only a strong songwriter, but also a top performing musician as well.
Life Changes is a powerful country-pop album consisting of 14 well-crafted songs. Rhett has a way of grabbing the listener with his powerful voice. Life Changes contains a collection of radio-friendly pop songs with insightful lyrics. Nearly every song on the record features pleasant melodies that are rather easy to sing-a-long to. Every song on this record is strong. The title track, Life Changes, reflects many true aspects of Rhett’s life, including a proclamation of his longtime love to wife Lauren Atkins, who has known for over 20 years. In fact, this same song gives a little background regarding the true story of how he had two daughters at roughly the same time. The best song on the album is Marry Me, which has a hypnotizing melody which leaves you wanting more. The second-best song is Sixteen which is accessible to audiences of all backgrounds, and causes flashy imagery to be created within your mind.
Overall, if you haven't listened to country in a while, or you're hesitant to see what country has to offer, this album is a good place to start. This is a strong album full of inspiring songs that truly impact the listener.
I recently heard the song Keep Your Hands To Yourself on the radio, and I immediately began to blast in it the car. However, none of the others in the car had ever even heard of it before. I knew a review of a record from one of the best southern-rock bands to ever walk the planet was in order. And, what better record to review than their major label debut, the self-titled release that started my personal fascination with this band.
This band, originally formed primarily by singer-guitarist Dan Baird and guitarist Rick Richards, in Atlanta Georgia in 1980, under the name Keith and the Satellites. After cutting their teeth participating heavily in the local music scene, and after going through a few different personal and name changes, we get to January 1st, 1986, where Dan Baird, Rick Richards, Mauro Magellon, and Rick Price team up and release their self-titled debut album.
This album includes 10 amazing southern-rockin’ songs that seem to instantaneously energize you. They take you up, and down, and all around—until your left feeling amazing, contemplative, happy, and sad—all at the same time! This record creates a thousand mental images in your mind—some of them good, some medium. It inspires you to think about where you are in life, what you want, and where you came from. It’s the type of record you can listen to over and over and over again. And, with each listen, you get a taste of something new—a new perspective, a new lyric you didn’t notice the first time, or a new way of applying these sounds and themes to something you’re going through. Yet, there is also stability, familiarity, and peace presented in each song. It’s as if this band has come to grips with the things of the world that can’t be changed, and they have recognized their place. They are now, and have always been sharing that perspective with the world. The best song on this album is Every Picture Tells a Story, followed closely by the Myth of Love. There are many amazing albums out there that everyone should experience at some point in time: Guns N’ Roses—Appetite for Destruction, The Cure—Disintegration, Nirvana—Nevermind, Motley Crüe—Shout At the Devil, and Jay Z—The Blueprint 3—just to name a few. If you are a fan of an overall complete record that sounds like the songs flow effortlessly from one to the other, then I would strongly recommend you add The Georgia Satellites’ self-titled debut record to this very list.
It’s often hard for an independent band to set themselves apart from the rest of the crowd. Just imagine. First, there’s pressure to be different and original, but then again, if you stem too far away from the known and comfortable path, it becomes less likely for someone to actually take a chance and listen. So, there is a need to find that much needed “sweet spot” where one can find the best of both worlds. And every now and then a band comes along and does just that. Well, Southern California rock group Dizzy Box Nine seems to have discovered the formula.
I first came across this band in 2019, and quickly found there was a lot to like. They are basically a pop/punk-inspired alt-rock band, with a nice dose of Southern California melodic stylings, and yet there is something more going on here. They write with depth, meaning, and clarity—and, I would argue, they also write with very interesting and appealing sounds. In fact, with their latest release, Last Call Before the Fall, there are certain songs that just seem to captivate you with their musical melodies. For instance, take the song “Fire” for example. Within seconds, the listener realizes something important is going on. The musical introduction to that song is truly remarkable. I was, in fact, caught off guard for a second or two. I almost didn’t realize they had it in them to do a record quite like this.
They have a very appealing sound, which almost catches you by surprise initially, and then you realize, this is not just a collection of 3-chord pop songs...there’s actually an interesting level of depth, melodicism, and authenticity to these songs. In fact, there’s not a bad song on this record. Every track is appealing in a different way. For instance, consider the song “Name.” There are like three or four melodic changes that occur, and yet it all fits together quite nicely. There is also some nice lyrical depth on display. The best song on the album almost depends on what mood you’re in. That’s the thing about Last Call Before the Fall, there are 12 solid tracks here—some of which remind you of the good times in life, and others seem to transform you into a trance-like contemplative state where you seem to have permission to feel kind of good and bad at the same time. There’s often pain in reflection (check out “1978,” “Coca-Cola,” or “Check-in” for example), but that same reflection is ironically comforting. The best songs on the album are “Show Me Everything That You Are” and “Everything.” The first is more of an upbeat number, while the latter will definitely take you on a ride inside the depths of your mind.
Overall, I continue to be impressed with Dizzy Box Nine. Last Call Before the Fall is a complete album packed with 12 interesting, surprising, and authentic songs. This is the band to watch in 2022, and this latest effort is their strongest release to date. I see many good things coming their way.