The Get Up Kids - There Are Rules

^There Are Rules Amazon Link^

The band first teased the release of an album in the summer of 2009. The band posted photos on their Twitter  showing them working in a recording studio. At this time there was much speculation as to whether or not the band was working  on an album. While they were on the European leg of their reunion tour, TGUK confirmed that they were writing songs and would be playing at least one of the them on the tour. During a session with

Next, the band's front man, Matthew Pryor confirmed that they have recorded nine new songs, and will be recording another twelve to release on three 7-track EPs, most likely on limited-run 12" vinyl.


Then, On February 15, 2010 the band announced that they would be self-releasing a new EP entitled Simple Science, their first studio release in six years. The 4-song EP was released on 12" colored vinyl and CD in April.

On October 29, 2010, The band officially announced their fifth full-length studio album, There Are Rules, to be released on January 25, 2011. It was also released at that time that the album would not be released on Vagrant Records, the label that had been the band's home for their past three records, but on their own Quality Hill Records. The album was produced by Ed Rose, who has worked with the band many times before, and mixed by Bob Weston, the producer of the band's album, Four Minute Mile. Several of the tracks were recorded during the same session as the Simple Science EP, the track "Keith Case" appears on both releases.

The Verdict

The album is a step in a new direction for the band. They traded in their soft melodic sounds for something noisier and edgier. They have written an album that incorporates that sound's of all of their side projects creating a new sound. The band has come back with new energy. I enjoyed the album very much and like where the band is going. The new edgier sound adds a layer to their work that was missing before. I hope to see more releases like this from the band.

Listen to...

Rally Around the Fool - Nowhere on the album is the bands new darker sound more apparent   than this morose tune that opens up with noisy and ends beautifully. This song would not have fit on any album    the band has released thus far. 

Keith Case - Loved it when the band released it on their Simple Science EP and still enjoy it now. The song gives a sense of the energy that the band brings to the table when writing songs. The lyrics and sound play together perfectly to make for a great song.

When It Dies - This song starts off with powerful drums screeching guitar and softly sung lyrics and swells into a torrent of sound. I listened to the song twice in a row because I enjoyed it so much.

The Rating: 4/5

The album is a step forward for the band, but that is not to say that this step is in any real direction. The band comes up short when it comes to showing any real direction on this album. The album is easy to listen to and well written, but the songs do not seem to fit in any way. The band has made an important step and I hope to see where it takes them in future. For now I am happy to listen to this album.

What had to be spoken was.

Sufjan Stevens - The Age of Adz

Pictured Above: Sufjan Stevens

This newest effort comes from Sufjan only a few months after the All Delighted People EP which premiered earlier in August of 2010. The Age of Adz displays a powerful new side of Sufjan's work. The music is multi-layered as usual, with the multi-instrumentalist taking up as many as possible to fill out the sound of the songs. Each song has its own personality. The instruments build to chrashing crescendo and then ease up to allow soft piano strokes greet the listener with a soft reproach. The music flows at a nice pace and the songs seem to follow one another. So now to the verdict.

When I first got my hands on this album I found myself underwhelmed with the sound of it. I pushed it off to the side and paid it no mind. I gave it a few more listens recently and it has come back into my daily listening. I feel like the songs are well written and enjoyable. The album has great flow and depth and showcases Sufjan at his best. I would recommended this anyone that enjoys Sufjan's other works or wants something mellow and new in their  collections.

This is a song off of Sufjan's 50 States Project from the state of Illinois. This song is a lot simpler than the songs on Age of Adz and may be an easier listen for first time Sufjan listeners. I enjoy both.

Amazon Link to this album.

 

Kevin's Latest effort.

This is a video of Kevin Devine's new song, Between the Concrete and Clouds from his upcoming album of the same name. The video is live from the Basement in Columbus, Ohio. I saw him earlier on this same tour and it was excellent. He is a great performer and person. I would recommend that you go see him if you have the chance. His shows are very personal, entertaining, and you will most likely meet him. He runs his own merch table and he and the band are always hanging around. Ask him anything you want and don't be shy. He talked to my girlfriend and I for ten minutes because hardly anyone was paying him any mind. The show was great and this video showcases the feel of his live shows and the music. The vocals on the video aren't that great but trust me Kevin can really belt it out and grab you with his music. Check him out.

Kevin Devine- "Between the Concrete and Clouds"-Live


The speaker keeps on speaking,


p.s. Thanks to everyone that has been checking out my blog and commenting I really appreciate it.

The Statement of My Mission

The goal of this blog is to introduce those of you with a limited taste in music to random artists that tickle my fancy. I hope to explore more deeply the careers of artists that I already know and love and others that are new to me. I will update as much as possible to keep the artists fresh and so that we can all learn. Comments are welcomed and encouraged and suggestions for new artists are very very welcome. 




I look forward to experiencing new music with you and for you.

Godspeed and good luck,
The Speaker