ScarJo album surprisingly decent

9/16/09 2:14 PM

Pretty much typifying short, sweet and to the point, Break Up, a Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson collaboration is good for a couple short car trips, but I’m not convinced of its long-term viability. The whole album clocks in at less than 30 minutes, which is way too short for my personal taste. By the time you really get a feel for the music, it is over. I’m sure the question you are all wondering is: “How terrible is Scarlett Johansson at singing?” The answer: not really all that bad. Her voice is a bit reminiscent of Norah Jones: a bit deep and almost raspy, but not in a bad way. Musically, the album gives off a very chill feeling. It isn’t something you’d want to play at a party, but if you are driving home and need some background music, it is...

VMAs coverage

9/13/09 8:07 PM

For live coverage, go to www.twitter.com/CFF_LinerNotes. Keep checking back here for updates on performances and awards!   Best female video: My prediction: “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga Winner: "You Belong With Me" - Taylor Swift I cannot believe this happened, but I am thrilled. I, personally, think that was one of the best songs to come out this year, hands down. Best hip-hop video: My prediction: “Love Lockdown” by Kanye West Winner: "We Made You" by Eminem It's been awhile since he's won a VMA. Good to see him back, I guess. Best male video: My prediction: “Love Lockdown” by Kanye West Winner: "Live Your Life" by T.I. Meh. Best new artist: My prediction: “Don’t Trust Me” by 3OH!3... 1 comment

I promise I'll stay away from ska for a bit after this

9/9/09 12:44 PM

I don’t want this to turn into the ska-blog, and I promise at least the next three reviews will be non-ska music, but I really felt the need to write about another album I have all but fallen in love with.   Fluent in Stroll by Big D and the Kids Table could easily be my favorite release of 2009. Nearly all of the songs have such positive lyrics and fun, bubbly music, that it is really difficult to not enjoy them.   I’m not going to get as specific as I did for the last review, but I definitely need to hit on the high points.   The second track, “Describing the Sky” has a very summery, happy, ska feel, which is something that I really enjoy about Big D. If you’re looking for a song that typifies this band, this track is a good one to...

"These songs have turned to anthems again"

8/31/09 1:10 AM

I know that reviewing a CD that came out nearly seven years ago is a little ridiculous, but I recently happened upon an album that I’m not entirely sure how I lived all these years without. (OK, I didn’t happen upon it in some strange twist of fate. I was introduced to it by a very wise friend.)   Anthem by the band Less Than Jake is easily in my top five albums of all time. This is saying a lot, especially if you’ve paid any attention to my music taste, which tends to be pretty mainstream girly rock.   In fact, this album so amazing, the only way to review it without just saying everything is awesome is with a track-by-track review.   “Welcome to the New South”  This really isn’t the strongest track to pick to start off the...

Save the scene

8/29/09 5:36 PM

The scene is dead to me. Yes, yes. I am melodramatic. I always have been. But after the hell I endured at the Cobra Starship show last week, I think it is safe to say that this fall will mark the end of my time as a Fueled By Ramen fangirl. I pretty much enjoy every band on FBR, and lots of others in that same fun, pop-punk genre, but it has gotten to the point where the crowds at these shows are so obnoxious that I just can’t take it anymore. I can’t decide if the fan base has gotten younger over time, or if I am just growing up and moving on from my high school music tastes, but the amount of 13-15-year-old girls at the Cobra show was astounding. This in and of itself isn’t really a problem, but there is concert etiquette, and it seems like this particular set of...