evans blue:
Few bands come onto the scene with something as strong as Evans Blue's "The Melody And The Energetic Nature Of Volume." Their debut combines both a familiar, radio-ready sound, with an inventive style all their own. Sure, listening to a few songs, you're going to be reminded of bands ranging from Staind to A Perfect Circle to Taproot (whom they've also shared the stage with) but there is also something different about Evans Blue. There's an edge to these songs that most bands don't have. Some songs are just as interesting and unique as their titles (i.e. "A Cross And A Girl Named Blessed"). The vocals are just as big as the music, without being drowned. The songwriting is engaging and relateable, without sounding like a retread. They are cryptic at times, and at others, accessible.

The first few songs of the album probably have the biggest potential for big hits, with "Cold ("But I'm Still Here)" being the most recognizable of the bunch. To me, the mid-section of the album remains the strongest. "Possession," a Sarah McLachlan cover, comes unexpected and is pulled off effortlessly. The original remains unrecognizable under Evans Blue's sound. "Eclipsed" and "Beg" are possibly the best of the album, as they manage to wrap all things Evans Blue into one package. "The Quote," being the closing number, obviously sends the album out on a high note. A song that you will probably remember the lyrics too after just a few listens. Overall, it's a really strong album, but I feel that something is missing. Maybe just a little shred more of originality? But as it stands, these guys are onto a great thing. Fans of the genre who are looking for a little refreshment are urged to look into Evans Blue and their album "The Melody And The Energetic Nature Of Volume."

levon helm:

67 of 83 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars The Woodstock Soul, October 30, 2007
By prisrob "pris," (New EnglandUSA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)

Levon Helm is listed as 'Americana Roots' in some music charts. That is the perfect description of his music. This CD celebrates the American Way and Levon's roots in his music. A member of The Band, all those years ago, that glorious group that made the music we would sing, dance and love to. When I hear 'the Weight' I think of Levon, it is really his song, no matter whose name is on the label.

Levon Helm lives in Woodstock, NY, and this is where he makes his music. He has a home and an old barn that he has converted into a stage, where he and his friends sing. Every week he has what he calls a 'Midnight Ramble'. I receive his monthly mailings and one of these days I will see Levon in all his glory. Levon has recovered from throat cancer. It has been a struggle. For a while it was questionable whether he would ever speak or sing again. He has made it and this CD is a celebration of his recovery and his roots. His voice is throaty but it is Levon and his music. His daughter, Amy has been the driving force behind this CD, and she and Larry Campbell both contributed in voice and music. Levon Helm has dedicated this album to his parents. Levon, the only real American in 'The Band, was born in Arkansas and started his career in the South. He met up with other musicians on the road, and they came to form 'The Band, and the rest is history. Levon is my hero. Nate Chinen says, In singing the song 'Wide Rover To Cross' "I've come a long, long road," Mr. Helm sings in the chorus of that song, "but still I've got some miles to go." Coming around to the point -- "I've got a wide, a wide river to cross" -- he sounds like the voice of experience, humbled as well as emboldened."

Several of the songs on his CD, 'Dirt Farmer' are from his childhood. 'False-Hearted Lover Blues', 'Single Girl, Married Girl' and 'Blind Child'. 'Dirt Farmer' title song is a story of a farmer who has lost his crops and can't pay off his loan. He only is able to make stone. It has a Cajun beat and we can feel the misery and loss in the voice of Levon. He has the weight of the world on his shoulders. 'The poor old dirt farmer fell off his tractor and it rolled over his head.'He ain't got a loan and he can't grow no corn'. He sings about 'The Mountain' and 'The Girl I Left Behind'. 'Cavalry', Anna Lee' and 'Got Me A Woman' are the songs of life and love. 'Feelin' Good' is one of my favorite tunes. It seems to set the stage for the philosophy of the CD- and a tune to go out into the night with.

"Dirt Farmer seizes the southern pastoralism that always lurked in the Band's music and blows it up full size, in all its gritty, rollicking, joyous, melancholic, and even absurd wonder." Richard Marcus

This is a remarkable CD and is a rolling stone for the American south land and the roots of Levon Helm.

shinedown:

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars THIS is music at it's finest. , April 24, 2007
By jl1823 "a gamer" (somewhere) - See all my reviews
Firstly, I'll start by mentioning the fact that I have not gone a day without listening to at least one of the tracks from this album - in three years. Yes, it's really that good.

Shinedown is not your average mainstream rock band. They are mature. They know music. People here have attempted to describe this album, and usually unsuccessfully. Therefore, I'm not going to try to do so, because I just can't define what makes it so GOOD.

Here's the overview:

Fly From the Inside - What a way to kick things off! This is the most upbeat and fast-paced song on the album. The lyrics are uplifting and inspiring. My third favorite song on the album. 10/10

Left Out - I never really listened to this song as much as some of the other tracks. It is very meaty, with a lot of solid guitar and bass backing it up. The lyrics are so-so. 8/10

Lost In the Crowd - I love this song. It's a slower track, yet it heats up during the chorus. The style reminds me of Alic In Chains somewhat. It's a very dynamic song, great tune and easy to listen to. Includes a small guitar solo. 9/10

No More Love - Great, rough song. Lot's of blazing guitar intertwining with loud and in-your-face vocals. The chorus can start to get somewhat repetetive, but not nearly so as to ruin the song. 8/10

Better Version - For some reason this song appealed to me most when I first listened to the Album. In reality, it's an okay song, but nothing smashing. The lyrics are very clean and to-the-point. Can also become slightly repetetive, but a very good listen overall. 8/10

Burning Bright - THE song of the album. A slower song, but written and performed beautifully. Extremely melodic, a song that you can really get into. The lyrics are amazing, and the song itself is very focussed and directed. 10/10

In Memory - This song is on par with Better Version. It's a good song, but not amazing. (All of the tracks on this album are excellent, so keep in mind that I am being very picky with my ratings.) Very solid song, with a great bridge. 8/10

All I Ever Wanted - This is an awesome song to just listen to, very catchy. Not a whole lot to say about it, other than mentioning that it's, like every other song on the album; really solid, with good lyrics. 9/10

Stranger Inside - I rank this song and "Crying Out" in the same exact category. Both are amazing songs, both have well-written lyrics, both are well-performed. Yet another solid track.(Bet at this point the review is starting to sound robotic, eh?) 9/10

Lascerated: To break the cycle, this was my least favorite song on Leave a Whisper. In it's own light, I have a feeling I would have liked it more, had it not been in such great company. Guess the rest of the album spoils you. It's a deviation from the solidity of the rest of the CD, you can tell they were going for a different style. 7/10.

Crying Out - See Stranger Inside above. 9/10

.45 - (Also known as "Colt .45".) This is My second favorite song the album. The lyrics, the simple guitar, and the beautiful vocals, all really merge to make this a memorable one. 10/10

Bottom line: Best Album I own. If you like a mix of southern, classic, and modern rock, you will love Leave A Whisper.

plain white t's:

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Solid Emo-Pop, July 13, 2007
By e. joyce fitzgerald "Book Aficionado" - See all my reviews

Plain White T's delivers a solid cd of emo & pop-punk tracks. My favorites include "It's Our Time", "Making a Memory", and "Hey There Delilah". The best aspect of this cd, to me, is the perfect "warm-weather drive"-ness. It is an excellent cd for rolling all the windows down and singing along with when you are driving about. Every track has a great sing-along aspect. It has catchy, upbeat songs, and a few slower acoustics. It's a very enjoyable cd, but nothing groundbreaking or remarkable that sets it apart. For the current price ($9.99), there is no harm in picking it up and keeping it in the cd case for those summer days!

texas renegade

Finger Eleven's career shifted suddenly and significantly when their 2003 emo-hit "One Thing" turned the band's career on its axis. At that point, they went from being known as 'the boys from Burlington who used to call themselves the Rainbow Butt Monkeys' to a group whose anthemic slow rock song went Platinum in Canada and Gold in America. So how does a band respond after its widespread fame is the result of just one song? In the case of Them Vs. You Vs. Me, Finger Eleven have consciously stayed away from anything remotely resembling their past and put the focus on the straight-ahead alt-rock formula that they've consistently excelled at. There are certain old-school rock influences that bleed clearly through their music, from Rush-isms in the form of frenetic time changes ("Sense of a Spark") to "Talking to the Walls" and "Lost My Way" which evoke Peter Gabriel-era Genesis. Frontman Scott Anderson's voice is impressive throughout, but when he sings ballads, especially "Window Song" and "Easy Life," something enables him to appeal to a whole different audience than traditional alt-rock fans. There is no 'one thing' on this disc that will allow them to reach the heights of their self-titled CD, just a consistency that will provide longtime fans reason to appreciate the band even more. --Denise Sheppard