Yeah, My Mom LOVES The Cure

You heard right friends, The Dear Hunter, City And Colour, and Owl City have all released new albums recently. I have acquired so much music lately, sifting through it has been the most pleasant of chores. One gem in particular is The Cure’s Album Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me. My mother has some old pictures of her showing off her The Cure shirt and makeup to boot. Now she can’t get distressed at me for donning my extreme black eyeliner and skull-baton when I join The Black Parade! I have reviewed, for your reading pleasure, the three most recent albums from my favorite bands.

 Sadly, Owl City has once more ruined my teenage illusion of dreamy electro pop. Why can’t all the albums sound like Maybe I’m Dreaming and Of June? The latest discharge: All Things Bright And Beautiful made me yawn, (that’s why it’s on my sleep playlist.) Adam, you must be joking with me, “Alligator Skies?” “Sugar-maple wings?” “Reality is a wonderful place, but I wouldn’t wanna live there?” Yeah, I wouldn’t wanna live in reality either if all my fans were now between the ages of 5-14.3. I liked his music better before he knew what he was singing about; it was a lot more surreal.  He released an EP and a full length before he even went on a tour, before he even physically said “Hello Seattle”.  I now listen to Owl City only to look for subliminal messages. There are a few: “I’ve tasted honey, but I’ve never seen the hive” yeah I bet you haven’t seen “the hive” Breanne Duren! “I’d rather swim with great white sharks than wade in romance?!” “Dip your toes in the galaxy, because it’s your to explore tonight” huh. Sounds sexy, Adam Young.  Regardless of what he is singing now, it’s how is he singing it. His voice is completely different, and his vocabulary is substandard. Not to mention it’s much more theatrical and dramatic. All Things Bright And Beautiful in one word: predictable. It’s a huge production to make up for what the lyrics lack, if you will. If Dreams really Don’t Turn To Dust, then hopefully my dream of old Owl City will come true.  Next time I see him and the gang in July, I’ll let him know of my wishes, I’ll whisper them in his ear like he’s Santa Clause. He might as well be, I mean, he’s a magical mystery.

At least The Dear Hunter had something new to offer, and in the best way possible. I mean, The Color Spectrum is definitely no Battesimo del Fuoco, but I can feel the folksy-Italian vibe in the intro of "She’s Always Singing" and the old-school country twang and guest vocals in "Things That Hide Away." I think more people need to ask, "Why? Why? Why?" This album isn’t named Act IV: The Color Spectrum for a reason, Casey Cresezo has really outdone himself this album. Every song is inspired by a color of the spectrum; not only was it an enjoyable listen trying to guess which is which, but that’s what makes every song on this album unique. Each song shares the same theme, but at the same time don’t coincide. It’s an awesome paradox. My favorite song will always be Red Hands from Act II: The Meaning, And All Things Regarding Ms. Leading. A local band covered it recently, and… ahhhhhh it just flipped my pancake! On one hand, I quite enjoyed the songs about civil war soldiers and dissembling prostitutes who need to "take off your sweater, your shoes, and your shirt and get to work". The Color Spectrum in one word: modern. This can be looked at in a bad way as well as good. The vintage vibe was what I originally admired about The Dear Hunter, and this album is a big production like the others, but in another way. With electro vibes and Americana rock roots instead of ethereal, eerie violins and choir vocals, The Color Spectrum is worth your buck if you’re a fan looking for different subject matter and progress as a band. If you’re a new fan, pick it up, but don’t be surprised if this album sounds nothing like the others.

Little Hell, the most recent stroke of genius from City And Colour received a "hell yeah." It’s about time Dallas Green had graced my ears with something new from his acoustic guitar, and electric guitar, and drums? What? The full band sound is a new thing to come from City And Colour, and I like it. Not expected at first, it works. Some tracks like Silver And Gold, Sorrowing Man, and Natural Disaster cross the line in the sand between folk and country. I can pick out instruments like an organ and cello, but I miss the banjo-like tone from the second album Bring Me Your Love. Fragile Bird throws me off completely with the bass and drums and electric guitar. It’s a great song, but not coming from City And Colour. At least his falsetto coos and soft lyrics are still the same. Little Hell in one word: Americana. Which is kind of sad, because Canadian Acoustic is a genre worthy of recognition, and City And Colour did it right. Northern Star and We Found Each Other In The Dark are most reminiscent of his previous work. Dallas does love songs best, and this album is titled Little Hell. Do I sense some heart break? Not enough of it, because only a few tracks are apparent love songs. If Dallas were to continue in this new direction, I wouldn’t discourage it because his old songs would be nostalgic of the good times. Evolution and experimentation are keynotes throughout the album, and I recommend it to any City And Colour Fan.



Oh How Indie Of Me!

This was a week of indie adventures! Not only did I finally acquire a bicycle, but MISS INDIE OGDEN incorporated the RayDo Show into her blog. I mean, not only are Drew and I the cutest Ogden couple ever, but we’re indie as hell!

The Ray Show Bicycle Club: So I have at last gotten a bike. It is stupid, and I hate it. It’s a Mongoose “mountain bike”. So in other words, it’s pretty douche-core. I wanted a bicycle that was simple and light, preferably with a basket of the front. (So I can fill it with kittens and ride around Ogden!) My father got this for me at a yard sale last year, and I discovered it in the shed in my parent’s yard. Ugghhhh. The tires are flat, the seat is contraction inducing, and the frame is sooooo ugly and heavy. Won’t someone help me? I need a new bicycle. I am willing to trade my old one and cookies as well. ;)

ugh.

RayDo Show Photo shoot: Ah I have never looked prettier in a photo in my life ever! Miss Indie Ogden had the greatest idea, a picnic photo shoot that showed off all the secret places to picnic in Ogden. They are still, of course secret. There is a contest for all you positive thinking people out there, (just manifest the prize through positive thought.) And the prize is awesome. Go to i heart indie ogden for more information and to see more photos.  Mikaela’s daughter, Hunter, was such a delight. I will babysit that child any day. Take her on walks, show her the sights, and teach her about life. Drew was getting hot and sassy, my heels were sinking into the hot and humid grass, and I loved every minute of it. The balloons were my favorite touch, they matched my lipstick!

Necromaniac Final Summer Show: Thank god for metal music, it really gets me through. Especially Drew’s death core band Necromaniac. The theatrics were incredible this time; I swear it keeps getting better and better. Cameron picked an innocent bystander from the audience, our friend Mary, and made out with her on stage. I couldn’t believe it! This will be the final show of the summer because “Hunter From Hell” is leaving to Costa Rica for two months to be with amigos or something. The fashions put on by the boys were St. Joseph’s finest school uniforms. I’m talkin the famous plaid skirts, bloody white shirts, and face paint, (well only Cam) shaved legs, (well only Drew) and cow boy boots, (well only Devin).  I drew on Drew’s upside down cross with my red lipstick. Brutal, dude!

Next week should be pretty indie as well, although I have no set plans. Besides Wednesday, in which Drew and I will attempt to have a slightly enjoyable time in Salt Lake City, oh how I hate that wretched city.  Lately I have been faced with the stupid decision of Weber State vs. SLCC. What on earth is a girl to do? Suffer through math in order to receive a higher quality education and keep my job and stay on Ogden? Or suffer through finding a place to live, a new job, and hopefully receiving a cheaper degree in journalism in 2 years instead of 4? Sigh.