The First Music Review: KOL

Hello All

As promised in my last post I am going to talk about some records we have been listening to while making the new record. I thought I would start off with a band that when I first heard them I didn't like, but grew to not only appreciate but enjoy: Kings of Leon

To be honest the only thing I knew about the Kings of Leon was that I hated their singers voice! haha I think there are lots of people that feel that way, but I'm glad I got past it.

I really owe listening to KOL to Jimi. He has been a big fan of there's for awhile. He made me promise that no matter what I would give them a chance.

He gave me a copy of their first record Youth & Young Manhood to listen to. At first listen I liked the rock n roll sound and the style of music. The lyrics and melodies to the music, or lack of melody depending on your back ground, were quite different to most of the music I listen to. I'll have to say it took me several listen throughs before I started to understand why so many like this band.

I think it was the raw nature of their music that caught my attention. It's simple but well put together. The song that really got me interested was a song called 'Trani'. If you have never heard the song it is a slow building jam/ballad style song that ends in pure rock n roll bliss. I think the ability to create such a tune really earned my respect for them as musicians.

It wasn't long before I was asking for more of their records to listen to. Each one seemed to really develop far past the former and take full steps forward in songwriting and musicianship.

Their latest release 'Only By the Night' really grabbed me. The use of thier instruments as tools more then anything caught my ear. Be it a simple bassline with only a snare to accompany a vocal line or a collage of sounds, the thought they put into everything they do and how it is played is very inspiring.

I think that's what I have taken away from KOL more then anything, the simplicity in which they use everything they do to help mold & shape a tune into a great song.

Since discovering them it has made me think a lot about how we use all of the instruments we use and their placement in songs. Do we really need a crazy bassline or brutal guitar attack to get a point across? Could we just use a kick drum and shaker along with a vocal line to do it better.

All in all the Kings of Leon have made me approach music creation with a different view. A much more defined view. I hesitate to call it simplistic. Their music is anything but that. Maybe a more natural way of listening to music without all of the baggage so many bands try to throw in.

I Should Leave This Blank

I am starting to really like the blank messages.
I have begun to send them myself.
We get lots of them now from everyone.
Maybe this is a new fad myspace is trying to start.
Before long people will send blank emals & texts.
Then the whole world will watch blank tv screens.
Books will be sold with blank pages.
Everywhere you go you will see blank billboards and advertisements.
Soon road signs will be blank too.
Magazines, fliers, newspaper and print will all be blank.
Maybe we will walk around with blank looks on our faces.
Soon blank will become the new bling.

I left the above line blank.
It will be so wonderful!

Music Blog

As with the new year come new resolutions and ideas. For us comes a new record or two this year as well. All of this newness got me to thinking. As we are making our new records we have been listening to a serious amount of new and old music alike. Some we becuase we like it and it inspires us. Other becuase we don't like it but we for some reason lots of people do. Whatever the case, lets just say our ipods are on overload. I thought why not share with you what we have been listening to and what we think about. We have always been band that has loved outside input and opinions. Why stop now?

I would start today by listing just the records I've heard this past week, but I think I better get my thoughts together and have them alittle more focused. If I start to ramble or talk to long about one thing or one band you will stop reading and that will miss the whole point.

I don't know how much or how often to update either but I guess i will do as my thoughts come together and I have something interesting to say.

Please let us know what you think too. If you hate what we are listening to let us know. If you have suggestions you think thyat would be good, let us know that too.

When it comes down to it, we just really love music. Good music, bad music and everything in between. I have been inspired lately by artists I would never have dreamed of before. Thats the power of music you know. One day you hate a song, the next, it's your favorite for the rest of your life!

Until then....

Happy New Year!

Is it really 2010? Hard to believe. Seems like 2009 had just gotten started.

Another year has come to an end and another one is just starting. We all get a fresh start to do whatever and be whatever we want. Some of us have finally become who we want to be and some of us don't even recognize ourselves anymore. Maybe we've given our hearts to the wrong people or maybe we're running from the ones that love us most. Whatever the case, it's never too late for change.

Don't be afraid of change. Sometimes change is a good thing. Sometimes change will save your life. Embrace good change and turn into that beautiful thing that has been hiding just below the surface. Learn from the mistakes you have made. Learn from the mistakes of others. Always keep stepping forward in a postive direction.

If nothing else, in the past year I have learned 2 things: Don't take life for granted and don't take love for granted. Both are the most valuable things you will ever encounter. Follow your heart and when you find love, embrace it. Fall in love and hold nothing back.

Walk around with joy in your heart. Love everyone you pass. Forgive yourself. Forgive others. Shine brighter than you ever have. View the world through different eyes,through eyes of love, not eyes of hate. Be thankful for each breath you take and be thankful for each other.

I'm thankful that I'm alive. I'm thankful I have a God that loves me. I'm thankful for all of you. You all make the world go around.

Let's make this best eyar of our lives!