The Body, the Blood, the Machine

Yea, I know I know..this is an older album. It came out back in August, but I feel compelled to write a review on it. From the very first song, the musical portions of the CD follow a basic structure and the drumbeat for the more upbeat songs stick to the traditional punk 1 &2 beat. Produced by Brendan Canty (Fugazi), "The Body, the Blood, the Machine" is comforting, energetic and karate chopping good. I find it hard to believe that Death Cab actually found them, but that’s what happened. However, it is probably not hard to find a good band in Portland, Oregon.... aka. home of the indie! Seriously though, The Thermals are refreshing, but I would not necessarily consider this a concept album. Their website stated this CD being an album that "tells the story of a young couple who must flee a United States governed by fascist faux-Christians." Yes, all the lyrics seem to relate to some biblical story, counter acted by another sarcastic statement. I would call it more of a themed CD, since it doesn't really follow a set story. The repetitive lyric style is catchy and Harris Hutch's uneven vocals fit in perfectly. The writing style is simple. The Music is simple. But the energy is not.

10/10

Mary's favorite tracks: An Ear for Baby, Here's your Future, Test Pattern, St. Rosa and the Swallows
For the listeners of : anything modern punk
Should also check out: The Hot IQs

"passing our enemies
passing our friends
passing the means we use to tell the difference between
it's subtle"

Four Winds

Is Conor Oberst the new Ryan Adams*? His newest EP "Four Winds" brings a whole new sound to Bright Eyes. A slight difference than "I'm Wide Awake and Its Morning" and a whole different planet from "Digital Ash..", this album focuses a lot around an alternative country sound. You can definitely tell Oberst has been listening to a lot of M. Ward, more then Simon Joyner, of which his earlier albums resembled. This 6 song EP shows a little more upbeat musical style for the band, possibly because of the newest permanent additions, Mike Mogis and Nate Walcott. The first two tracks are upbeat, while track three entitled "Smoke Without Fire" is slower, and reminds me of something Johnny Cash would have on one of his albums. His obvious influence, M. Ward, features his vocals on this track as well. The last track, " Tourist Trap" has a more older Bright Eye's sound than the rest of the songs, though still very alt. country. That is probably why Saddle Creek let this song leak first. People are sometimes reluctant to change, and may not accept this new Bright Eyes. Oberst's writing style has developed and changed, but somehow still stays true to what Bright Eyes is all about-capturing a story and making the listener relive it. Yes, "Four Winds" is different, and is only a preview of what his new album, "Cassadaga" is going to bring. He may hide behind more fiddles, harmonicas and whistling, but its still the same Bright Eyes. Let's face it-Bright Eyes could make a hip-hop album, and it would still be good.

10/10

Mary's favorite tracks: Four Winds, Smoke Without Fire, Cartoon Blues
For the listeners of : M. Ward, Bob Dylan
Should also check out: M. Ward, Simon Joyner

"Why do I envy the ending right from the start?
Just get it together to take it apart."

*Just in case you aren't familiar with Ryan Adams, he is a great alt. country artist, but his sound changes a lot.

Lynn Teeter Flower

From Azure Ray, to her first solo record "11:11", Maria Taylor has shown to be unstoppable. "Lynn Teeter Flower" is just what it ought to be...a good record. I think the thing that is really drawing me into this record is a little more mature sound then "11:11". While some of the songs stay true to the techno/synth sound used a lot in "11:11", she has more acoustic/alt country sound on "Lynn Teeter Flower." More natural instruments (what I like to call anything that’s not computer generated) are used. Once again, Taylor brings fellow Saddle Creek artist, Conor Oberst, on the CD (which put a smile on my face). He contributes to the song "The Ballad of Sean Foley" with his voice and acoustic guitar. But don't expect to hear him blasting over Taylor. Even though Conor is great, we must remember whose album this is. The lyrics follow the pattern of changing, and getting over (or at least trying to) a relationship. It’s about growing and finding out about yourself. A very nice continuation of "11:11", Taylor's storytelling and music make her a strong solo artist.

10/10

Mary's favorite tracks: A Good Start, Clean Getaway, Small Part of Me, The Ballad of Sean Foley
For the listeners of : Azure Ray, Sarah McLachlan
Should also check out: Azure Ray, Bright Eyes

"I never said that it was mine
I was just holding it
If i was lonely all this time
Well, i didn't know it
And if i tried too hard
I'd probably blow it
The rest is just a guess"-Maria Taylor

Hopeful Thoughts

The Science of Sleep

3 and a half stars

*Spoilers*

After reading 2 1/2 star reviews on Michel Gondry's (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) newest film, The Science of Sleep, I decided I needed to state my own opinions. Stephane (Gael Garcia Bernal) clearly does not have a full grip of reality. He lives partially in his head, performing on his own show and turning situations into how he would want them to go. He has moved back to France after the death of his father (maybe a reason why he lives as a recluse in his head). Unexpectedly, Stephane gets a new neighbor across the hall—Stephanie (Charlotte Gainsbourg). He meets her and her friend, Zoe´, and develops a small attraction for Zoe´. Zoe´ is stereotypically the prettier one. However, Gondry's child theme is captured in Zoey. She lies and acts immaturely throughout the movie. Zoe´ portrays the girl who knows she's pretty, and who takes advantage of others. Though she acts immaturely, she would never be able to see into Stephane's world like Stephanie. Stephanie is the more reserved girl. She seems perfect for Stephane. She is creative and likes to make things with her hands. Her name is also oddly ironic. Once Stephane sees this, it is too late. He has unknowingly slid a note under her door, asking for Zoe's number. Stephanie will not let this go. Like a child, she cannot seem to forgive and forget. There has been a lot of talk of how Stephane acts too "Childish", but isn't that what Gondry is trying to show? And if you think Stephane is the only one acting childish, then clearly you have not paid attention to the other characters. His co-worker, Guy(Alain Chabat), is a grown man, still acting like a teenager. His immature acts, such as making silly sexual references and farting, contradict his stereotypical older male appearance. Stephane's two other co-workers also act childish by "taddle tailing". Stephane does act childish in his feelings for Stephanie, but it is because he wants her so badly. He feels defeated.
Gondry's film is so captivating...it is like getting lost in Stephane's head, which is what Gondry wanted--Not some solid plot. There is no solid plot in Stephane's life. Perhaps it was his father, and his father is gone. His dreams and imagination is all he has, and perhaps Stephanie.

"Everything will turn out the way you want, if you stop doubting that I love you."-Stephanie