Lupology

Where do i begin?! Well I’ll start from most recent and work my way back. Lady Gaga “Bad Romance” video….freaking amazing. I liked her when she first surfaced, didnt like the whole album but most of the singles played on my system quite a bit, especially paparazzi, poker face and just dance. But with this new song, I think I love her in a whole new way. She has quite a vision and puts it together so well. I still cant ignore the similarities between her and Roisin Murphy. However, I will not say gaga is ripping her off..but there are some things that make you go hmmmmmmm. Bad Romance is an epic electronic pop song where she intensely showcases all sides of her artistry..her voice, her quirks, style and sexuality.

Imogen Heap at The Henry Fonda Theatre. Was pretty awesome! Tim Exile killed it opening up for her using his home made instruments and doing the sing then sample, make a sound then sample thing that Imogen is known for. Imogen herself was a bit awkward at times, she admitted to having the show tight then a week before bought a bunch of new gear and still wasnt familiar with it. She forgot lyrics the new songs often, had some tough to follow audience participation moments with Just For Now and had trouble keeping track of where to start a song. I, personally, enjoyed watching her figure it all out.

3oh!3…like their Dont Trust Me song, but fell for them even more with Starstrukk with Katy Perry. Its such a hot, fun song! Their album is pretty solid, its got sick beats and synths and they actually have decent rapping skills! Its different and energetic.

MASSIVE ATTACK “Splitting The Atom” EP!!!! Its gotten some poor reviews, but I really dig it. Here is my thing with massive attack…they may not be making groundbreaking music like they did with blue lines or mezzanine and people tend to shit on them for that, but they do continue to make solid, true to form music that is still quite listenable and very interesting. As a huge fan, they have yet to disappoint me…well aside from not coming out with music often enough. The EP contains two songs original versions and two songs reworked by the fever ray producers. I am excited to hear what Psyche sounds like on the actual LP, because I am a bit obsessed with the version on the EP. Martina Topley Bird and Massive Attack..shouldve happened a long time ago!! Also, Hope Sandoval from Mazzy Star is set to be on the LP as well….now we have to wait til February for that!

Fever Ray at the Henry Fonda…quite the experience! A bit monotonous at times, but she set such a solid vibe. At times i felt like i was in the woods at some pagan rave watching the high priestess perform. Such a great live show! If you get the chance you must see her…for the lazer usage alone!

Thats it for now…hopefully more to come soon! Listening to the new Flyleaf and obsessing over Florence + The Machine as well…Florence is a MUST get for ANYONE who likes my recommendations! She deserves her own post cause I saw her live too and it blew me away!!

Shelley Harland. Its looooong over due, but here is my review of the album, Red Leaf. Its obvious Im a huge fan and she has done no wrong in my ears, this is no exception. So I will try to keep the gushing to a minimum. From the opening song Wonder, to the closing title track, Red Leaf, this album does not disappoint. I cant help but see the beautiful changing leaves of Fall in my mind with every note of this album. Its such a powerful, crisp piece of music magic. Shelley shines with her lyrics and melodies more than she ever has. She has grown so much, I cant wait for her to dominate the US! Every song will get stuck in you head and your heart, they will trade places selflessly. Different moments of each song stand out with every listen, moments you didnt notice the last time. For me, the stand out track…which says a lot because each and every song on this album could be a single…is Panic To Control. Its been years since I’ve hear such a personal anthem. This song makes me feel strong and capable, its reassuring. If you ever feel doubt about yourself or something you want to do, listen to this song. You’ll be holding your head up with your shoulders back! Its a powerful song about, taking risks, believing in yourself and fighting for your dreams! It has hints of some of her earlier work in the “programming”…the approaching echo of her hum in certain bits give me chills. Wonder, Hourglass, Blue Bells, Sorry and Stranger(the new single) are all stellar songs. Youd be doing yourself an injustice by not getting this album. I am naming it THE PERFECT FALL ALBUM of 2009. Even though “Friday” was one of my summer jams…the LP as a whole just breathes Fall. Shelley, if you read this, ONCE AGAIN..thank you for putting out such an important album. You are one of a kind and a force to be reckoned with.

PS…the melodies and lyrics people!! I cannot stress their brilliance enough…I just cannot!

You can buy the album here(its WELL worth every penny and comes from Australia..one day itll be out in the states, but I dont recommend waiting!):

http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/music/pop-rock/red-leaf/437479

I heart shelley harland!

The new song premiered..of course not here in the US…but on Zane Lowe on Radio 1. Its called Splitting The Atom…and WOW is it different for massive! Im a bit sad, it seem slike none of the 8 songs they played last year are gonna make the new album(due out feb. 2010)…but interested to see what they come out with! The is The Splitting The Atom ep due out in October…two new songs and 2 remixes of new songs. I really hope Harpsichord ends up on the album, but the listed vocalists dont include the chick who sang the song live and she killed it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TvLsJY-X0w