Tribute: The King of Pop

In music there are certain genres that people themselves defined. Paths have created by this man. Future careers and fortunes would not be had if it were not for this man. In the past decade, Michael Jackson’s tremendous influence on modern music has been over shadowed by his person life and court trials. Though many of you might not realize it, the music that he made shaped Pop music and many of your favorite artists today would not be here if it were not for him. His music video for “Thriller” paved the way for the flashy vids you (not very often anymore) see on MTV. So I suggest you go buy yourself a copy of Thriller (if you can even get your hands on one right at the moment) and pay your respects to the King of Pop.

Album Review! Taking Back Sunday- New Again

Sunday’s are great days to take back. Over the time period between Taking Back Sunday’s last album Louder Now and their new album New Again a lot has happened. The band went through a very public loss of a member, and words were exchanged as he immersed himself in his solo project. A replacement has founded. Band members tied the knot (though not with each other). It is no wonder this new album was entitled New Again.

Ironically enough, with all this talk of new beginnings and change, New Again sounds like a b-sides compilation to Louder Now. The track “New Again” starts off the record with a mediocre approach. There is nothing about this song that instantly stands out for me.

The next song however is my favorite, even upon the first listen to the album. “Sink Into Me” is musically more up beat than pervious TBS songs. My favorite thing about this song is the lyrics because even with the catchy music, the lyrics maintain a sense of desperation and pleading.

The rest of the album flies by under the radar. “Lonely, Lonely” might catch your ear with its appealing choruses. Though most of the songs fall through the cracks. My least favorite song off of the album is “Where My Mouth Is” simply because I do not think TBS fairs well with slowed down acoustic songs; this is definitely the sore thumb if there ever was one.

“Cut Me Up Jenny” is the last song that holds any punch. Lazzara’s vocals have always made girls (and some boys) swoon everywhere. This is the song that will be stuck in your head days after you have listened to it.

Over all Taking Back Sunday did not do too badly with New Again. I was disappointed though because I thought the band would have come up with something a little more creative because of the large time span between this album and the last. The only minor difference is most of the songs seem to be a bit faster than the majority of Louder Now. Original Taking Back Sunday fans might think of this as a snack just to keep them full for the next album.

You Can Check Out Songs From New Again and other Taking Back Sunday Albums by visiting thier myspace: http://www.myspace.com/takingbacksunday

Top Four Summer Albums! Summer Is Here Kids!

Top Four Summer Albums

Songs are dedicated to it. Kids in school fight each other off when the last bell rings to be the first one out. Teachers often dream of it too. All for three months of relaxation, tans, swimming, and vacations-- all in the name of Summer. Not one word has brought more joy to children since "Christmas". Below I have compiled a list of four albums I am encouraging you to go out and pump through your stero speaker this summer. Who knows, I might end up writing your summer soundtrack, I know I already have mine written.

4. 3OH!3- Want

This album is pretty much the definition of a party album. What's a bigger party than summer? 3OH!3 somehow mange to create thier own genre of music by mashing together thrash, electronica, and hip-hop. The smart lines they drop will leave you rethining what it means to be "dope as hell". Recommended Tracks: "Richman" and "I Can't Do It Alone".

You can listen to 3OH!3 by visiting thier myspace:

http://www.myspace.com/3OH!3

3. Death Cab For Cutie- Plans

To slow things down a bit I choose Plans. THis is the perfect ablum to put on during bonfires to chill the mood. Death Cab maintains a certain sense of laid back-ness without putting you to sleep. Nothing is more relaxing than this ablum through your headphone while you work on your tan. Recommended Tracks: "Soul Meets Body" and "Summer Skin".

You can listen to Death Cab For Cuite by visiting thier myspace:

http://www.myspace.com/Deathcabforcutie

2. Blink-182- Take Off Your Pants and Jacket

Nothing has made this album mean more to me than the recent announcement of Blink-182's summer tour with my favorite band Fall Out Boy, and they are coming near me! After this hiatus, the band got back together this year. Though this is not my favorite Blink record, I still appreciate its humor and pop punk sound. It is one of those ablums to turn your car speakers up while you are driving with the windows rolled down on your way to Warped Tour (see you there!). Recommended Tracks: "The Rock Show" and "Rollercoaster".
You can listen to Blink-182 by visiting their myspace:

http://www.myspace.com/blink182

1. Lady Gaga- The Fame

This, hands down, is the best pop album I have heard in a long time. Lady Gaga is so inventive and new she sometimes suprises herself. There is not one skipable track on this alum. The Fame represents everything summer is- fun and exciting. Each song on the album has dance beats and Gaga's singing make her a power house. While serveral tracks from this album have already produced hits for the singer, the album as a whole hits the mark and raises the bar. Recommended Tracks: "Summer Boy" and "Starstruck".

You can listen to Lady Gaga by visiting her myspace:

http://www.myspace.com/ladygaga