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Friday, March 26, 2010

CD Review: The Classic Crime "Vagabonds"

Matt McDonald. How I love your voice. Seriously, Matt has one of those unique voices that can capture an immense amount of emotions that few others can replicate.

I loved TCC's last album The Silver Cord and was anxious to hear new music from them. Vagabonds did not disappoint. It's once again a collection of honest songs dealing with faith, love and the struggle of life. One thing that is a little different on this album is the amount of songs that are "corporate." And I don't mean "corporate" like a church setting, but in a concert setting. I can already hear people chanting back the my, oh my, what a beautiful day parts in "Solar Powered Life."

The album starts off with "A Perfect Voice." Matt's declaration of who this album is for and why he does what he does. I may not sing your favorite songs, but I don't sing for you, cause if I did I would have been done long ago.

There isn't one bad song on the whole album. An easy listen from beginning to end. I would list song highlights, but I can honestly say that I love each song for a different reason. Whether it be the realization in "My Name" that they can take away everything I have but they can't give me my name, or the guitar riffs in the opening of "Vagabonds," or the beautiful depiction of Christ's love for his bride, the church, in "Broken Mess" or maybe just the fact that I might be like one of those girls sittin' there sippin' smoothies with my sunglasses on in "Solar Powered Life"

This album confirms all of my beliefs that the guys in The Classic Crime are truly talented. I just hope more people find out about them even though Matt says, he's tasted fame but never fortune and he still couldn't care less for both.

★★★★★★★★★★

(this review provided by Intern Andrew Jones)

I may not have a perfect voice but I still sing at the top of my lungs.” These opening lyrics about not letting the world dissuade you from being what you want to be really set the pace for The Classic Crime’s new album, Vagabonds. This album is the first I’ve heard from The Classic Crime, but with its upbeat music and relevant lyrics, it has me completely sold. I especially liked the songs "A Perfect Voice," "Four Chords," and "Different Now."


Between the songs and the knowledge that the money is going to a good cause (all the pre-release proceeds from Vagabonds are going to the Haiti relief effort) I could definitely feel good buying this disc.


The Classic Crime claims that “even if (they) die tomorrow, these four chords will keep (them) living on,” and I would have to say that I completely agree.

★★★★★★★★★☆

Find out more about The Classic Crime here:

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Sunday, March 21, 2010

CD Review: Queens Club "Young Giant"

Queens Club is comprised of former members of The Chariot. Upon hearing that you might have a notion of what Queens Club is going to sound like. Well, you're most likely wrong. Queens Club is evidence that individuals musical taste can vary, greatly. Fortunately, Jacob Ryan (drummer) and Dan Eaton (vocals & guitar) have very good taste.

Queens Club is pop and dance music in all of it's glory. Highlights on Young Giant include "Issinair" and "Dust" which is by far my favorite track on the album. The beginning is absolutely beautiful (and for a girl that doesn't really care for techno/dance music, that's saying something). The techno fades away as the song progresses into a more rock/punk sound. One of my favorite songs not only sonically, but lyrically too with lines like - ever since the day I was born I filled the void by crawling in arms, I think he swore to never let me go. And just because you run from the norm, I think he's saying, don't be alarmed. Other songs to check out include "Less Talk" which they recently released a video for. "Upstart" could be the theme song to a television show. It just has that feel to it.

Queens Club's Young Giant demonstrates that these guys want to have fun. I hope that with some time and experience maybe the songs can be more than just fun sounding but also have equal depth and longevity too.

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Find out more about Queens Club here:


Sunday, March 14, 2010

CD Review: Fair "Disappearing World"

As a fan of Fair's debut album, The Best Worst-Case Scenario, I'm finding it hard to find any dramatic difference between that album and their sophomore release, Disappearing World. Don't get me wrong, I am in no way saying that it is a bad thing, since I was absolutely in LOVE with their first album.

This album is great in the fact that it seems to be more piano driven than their last album mocking the sounds of bands such as Copeland and Deas Vail (including the light, higher pitched lead vocals of Aaron Sprinkle). The album also feels to have more depth using a stronger guitar presence and additional production to enhance their already kickin' sound.

Overall, another fantastic album from Fair! I look forward to seeing what they will come up with in the future.

★★★★★★★☆☆☆


(this secondary review provided by intern andrew jones)

Before being asked to write this review, I hadn't listened to any music by Fair. Now, having listened to this album I feel a pressing need to add some of their songs to my personal collection. There are a few songs, such as "Anymore" that I couldn't quite get in to, but I enjoyed some of the others like "Wayside," "Walking In My Sleep" and "The Escape Artist." All in all I found myself liking Disappearing World. It's songs are laid back and would be easy to listen to at pretty much any time of day. I look forward to seeing what else Fair has to offer.

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Find out more about Fair here:


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