Ceremonials

Words cannot describe how in love I am with the new Florence and the Machine album, Ceremonials. I listened to the first single, What the Water Gave Me, months ago on the way to Biology camp. It was an icy, early morning that only promised more work as the day went on; but my Florence, Piano Man and Boss infused playlist got me through. Stay with me, there is a point here. Ever since hearing that first single, I awaited the arrival of the full album and I am happy to say it did not disappoint.

The album opens with the gorgeous Only If For a Night, which has become a favourite. I am always a fan of Florence's layered voice on studio versions of songs, but I also love the strong drum beats heard in this song; similar to Drumming Song, or I'm Not Calling You a Liar. Shake it Out is another great song from this album that sounds amazing with more great drums and an upbeat sound. Breaking Down kind of makes me imagine looking out a frosty cafe window in Queen Street, looking at the rain. Florence truly has an amazing voice and her singing adds beautiful depth to this song. If I'm not mistaken, I hear some strings that make this song the perfect mix of indie and folk.

I'm loving the creepy, Halloween-sounding Seven Devils that has this gorgeous, dark sound to it. There is harmonious vocal layering in the chorus and a bass drum mixed with some windy, creepy sounds à la Bewtween Two Lungs. It's genius. All This and Heaven Too belongs in an indie love film like (500) Days of Summer, and it sounds a bit like a hybrid of Cosmic Love and Between Two Lungs. The album Between Two Lungs brought us the live at Hammersmith rendition of the quirky, chemistry infused song Strangeness and Charm, that I immediately fell in love with. The studio version is here! I love it just as much, and actually understand the lyrics more. It is as described, strange and charming; and has that distinctive drum beat that I love in Florence songs. What the Water Gave Me also makes an appearance, but it appears to be a slightly different version than the single release but I still love it. I hope you too are enjoying the much needed new Florence goodies. Enjoy and comment if you've got a favorite yet!

Dannielle

They Said the Mets Could Play, One More Game At Shea

It's finally here! The much anticipated release of Billy Joel: Live At Shea Stadium has finally come! The best part? You can enjoy it in Blu-ray. And may I say: it is spectacular. Oh, the clarity! The sweat on Billy's forehead can be seen in individual beads. Enough about the clarity (it speaks for itself) this review is about the music! The amazing music. This concert at the iconic Shea Stadium in New York City, built in 1964 and home to the New York Mets, is packed with brilliant songs and more guest artists than you can poke a baseball bat at. The location has hosted some of the world's greatest acts including the Beatles, The Who, The Clash and the Boss himself Bruce Springsteen.

The packed stadium shows you that Joel is simply an icon. The Piano Man is still as popular as ever. Billy opens with his classic "Angry Young Man" and "My Life" combo. I am always inspired and amazed by Joel's amazing skills in "Angry Young Man". The whole crew is there too; Crystal, Mark, Tommy and Carl, the Trumpenator. Joel plays to his NY crowd with an amazing rendition of "Summer Highland Falls" (Turnstiles), then proceeds into the usual "Everybody Loves You Now" (Cold Spring Harbour). I love that this concert is not about the hits; it's about the brilliant, often understated songs that separate the true, die-hard Billy fans from the rest. One word; "Zanzibar". It is amazing, in particular Carl's (The Trumpenator) brilliant, skillful trumpet solo.

Next, you're in for a treat. "New York State of Mind" with Tony Bennett! The duet is brilliant, with Tony's great voice and icon status. Even Mark is starstruck, mouthing to the band after his beautiful Saxophone solo: it's Tony Bennett! The crowd then enjoys amazing live renditions of Allentown (The Nylon Curtain) and The Ballad of Billy the Kid (with a full string ensemble, absolutely brilliant!).

During "She's Always A Woman" (The Stranger), a lucky woman in the audience is proposed to and Billy remarks, "Are you gonna marry him? Get a pre-nup!", then requests she show us the ring after the song. A brilliant, moving and beautiful rendition of Goodnight Saigon follows, which includes serving marines to sing with Billy. Miami 2017 follows, where Billy substitutes a line for "They Said the Mets Could Play, One More Game at Shea" for the crowd. Two more guest stars leave the crowd cheering for more. Country star, Garth Brooks performs a great version of "Shameless" and the amazing John Mayer plays guitar in "This is the Time". A favourite of mine, "Keeping the Faith" follows in true Billy style.

The next rendition of a song that was in no way a hit, has changed my view of it forever. I always listened to "Captain Jack" (Piano Man) in passing, but never gave it much thought. But the epic performance, live is just amazing. The energy in the chorus has the audience putting their whole body into their dancing and had me utterly captivated. My words do not do it justice, you have to see it, hear it!

Live versions always give something more than their studio counterparts and this is true for the live versions of some classic Billy. "Lullaby (Goodnight My Angel)" and "The River of Dreams/ Hard Day's Night" (The addition of Hard Day's Night is inspired! It just makes it lively and iconic!), "We Didn't Start the Fire" (Storm Front; my favourite! Includes "Then they built Shea" in the list of events) and "You May Be Right" (Glass Houses). Then he plays two of my favourites from The Stranger, "Only the Good Die Young" and "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant". I love these classics, the sound, the fact that the crowd knows every word; it's just brilliant. The skill that Joel has taken a lifetime to master is evident in both songs and never fails to blow me away (what else do I have to say!).

The final guest star is announced, and it's a winner. PAUL McCARTNEY!!! He performs the lively and catchy "I Saw Her Standing There" and "Let It Be" as the finale. He is iconic, brilliant and Billy's influence for his music. The crowd cheers at their luck. Before the finale, the classic Piano Man is played (always amazing) with a bit of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" and the crowd, like true New Yorkers, know every word.

The concert is a true pleasure to watch and made me wish that I was there, cheering with the rest of the die-hard Billy fans. For all you Billy fans, you will not be disappointed by this absolutely brilliant concert that reignites some of Billy Joel's best songs! Enjoy.

Dannielle xoxo

Lungs

Florence and the Machine is my new favourite thing. While I express an undying love of the classic musicians, I love me a bit of new music. What makes Lungs, the debut album of Florence and the Machine, so good? So many things. The fact that Florence Welch has a beautiful voice that doesn't sound like just another Top 40 pop tart; the catchy and well written songs that have taken the music scene by storm and maybe it's the awesome album cover which demonstrates that even in this era of iTunes that musicians can still make seriously crazy artwork.

"You've Got the Love" is one of the most popular tracks which shows off the gorgeous voice of Florence Welch. The remix version "You've Got the Dirtee Love" (which is a collaboration with Dizzee Rascal) is also available.
My personal favourite is "Dog Days are Over" which has become popular as a soundtrack song for shows such as Gossip Girl and was covered by the Glee Cast (a true marker of success). The song sounds different but distinctive and has great depth. The song is vocalised with passion, as is evident in many of Florence and the Machine's songs.
"Rabbit Heart (Raise it Up)" is another great addition to the album. It's sound would not be out of place in an Alice in Wonderland movie. The chorus has beautiful harmony which gives the song a gorgeous, sugar sweet sound.

I can't wait for the next release from Florence and the Machine, as their songs are beautiful, distinctive and become hits among lovers of all kinds of music. I urge you to listen to this album, you will not be disappointed if you're looking for something different.
Dannielle :)

Springsteen Goodies Part 2: The Promise

The Promise: The Darkness on the Edge of Town Story is Bruce Springsteen's latest creation. It celebrates the anniversary of the release of Darkness on the Edge of Town. The Boxset includes a notebook with Springsteen's epic lyrics and thoughts while creating the album. The remastered version of album Darkness on the Edge of Town is included, as great as the day it was released.

The two disc cd "The Promise" (the actual album, pictured), includes many songs that Bruce didn't get to include on Darkness on the Edge of Town. Some highlights include the '78 version of Racing in the Street, Bruce's personal rendition of Because the Night (written by Bruce for Patti Smith), Candy's Boy and the upbeat track Ain't Good Enough for You. The title track, The Promise is also a beautiful song, in the league of Backstreets or Racing in the Street.

The informative and intuitive documentary that explores the making of Darkness on the Edge of Town is another inclusion in The Promise. It takes viewers through the process, insight into Springsteen's decisions about songs and their inclusion on the album. The documentary is another great addition, as it is always interesting to hear the reasoning behind decisions made by artists.

Also included is Bruce and the E Street Band playing the Darkness on the Edge of Town album to an empty Paramout Theatre in Asbury Park, New Jersey. The live rendition of The Promised Land is particularly amazing, in my opinion, and I always enjoy a live performance of Badlands (no crowd chanting in an empty theatre, its different). The performance is fantastic, as live music always brings out the best in each song.

The final inclusion is "Thrill Hill Vault": Springsteen and the E Street Band Live in Houston in '78. It opens with Badlands and Streets of Fire (not often heard live). The songs are those that are not often regulars in live concerts, such as Independence Day, It's Hard to Be a Saint in the City, Fire, Candy's Room, Point Blank and Because the Night. Roy and Clarence never cease to amaze me during live performances and a live performance of Jungleland is not missing from this collection. Clarence and Roy rock the crowd with their amazing skills (Clarence's sax solo, backed by Roy's elegant but fierce piano is epic). Rosalita also comes out, another song that is made great by Clarence's sensational sax skills.

The Promise is by far the best Bruce release of 2010, if not the best release by any musician. I urge you to check it out in any way you can! You will not be disappointed by the sheer talent of The Boss.

Dannielle :)

Bruce Springsteen Goodies That I Love

Bruce has been busy creating music that his fans are loving, including me. This week, you'll hear about London Calling and The Promise. This blog will be devoted to London Calling, so stay tuned for Part 2 on The Promise later this week.
London Calling is the two-disc DVD of Bruce's live concert in Hyde Park London. Named for the epic hit by band The Clash, that Bruce covers as the opening song of his concert spectacular. The concert is amazing to say the least, and is one of Bruce's most entertaining performances. Bruce launches into Badlands, Night and She's the One to get the crowd pumped (successfully). Outlaw Pete, from Bruce's latest album Working on A Dream becomes an epic anthem when performed live with the E Street Band. Working On A Dream and some classic Bruce (Youngstown, Bobby Jean, No Surrender). I love the renditions of songs from Darkness on the Edge of Town (Promised Land, Racing in the Streets), these never fail to impress the crowd.
Disc Two kicks of with The Rising and Born to Run, with the classic crowd chanting. Rosalita usually only comes out when democrats are in the White House, but perhaps Bruce's buddy Obama convinced Rosie. Rosie didn't disappoint, as usual with a fantastic performance from the whole band. What concert would be complete without the epic Jungleland? Bruce delivers a performance that is, as always, epic and beautiful. The amazing concert ends with some classic Born in the USA tracks: Glory Days and Dancing in the Dark. The reaction of the crowd is nothing short of amazed, inspired and thoroughly content with the amazing performance they have just witnessed. Bonus tracks include The River (Glastonbury 2009) and Wreckin Ball (Giants Stadium 2009).
Stay tuned for The Promise and keep on listening...
Dannielle

The Only Boss I Listen To

My favourite song/album/artist changes daily, if not hourly, but if I had to pick one album I couldn't go past Bruce Springsteen's Born to Run. Even the cover art is worthy of favourite status! Just look at that guitar and flip to the back to see Clarence's leather pants and tell me that's not cool.

One of the things I love about Born to Run is that there are no weak songs. On some albums you get "power songs" and hits, then you have the others. If you're in a hurry those are the ones you skip over. There is no skipping in Born to Run.

The title track "Born to Run" is an energetic rock anthem. Oh the energy, the guitar and Max, who may look like an accountant but can make a wicked sound, who keeps the song alive. The lyrics make you want to run a marathon, but for those of us who can't let's stick to our treadmills.

The two epic songs on Born to Run are without a doubt "Backstreets" and "Jungleland". "Backstreets" is a indescribable. It has to be heard. I love Roy on piano and Bruce's raw emotion in the lyrics. "Jungleland" is similar to that of Billy Joel's "Scenes From An Italian Restaurant", in that it has different sections with different melodies and sounds. The beginning has beautiful strings and piano which soon descends into fast paced drums and guitar. But it is Clarence's saxophone solo that truly makes the song epic.

Another song that made me fall in love with this classic Springsteen album is "Tenth Avenue Freeze Out". The song seems to capture the sound of the twenties saloon but with the epic rock sound of it's time. Trivia: "The Big Man" is Clarence.

So for a musical experience you'll never forget, listen to one of Springsteen's best albums. Tune in for my review of Florence and the Machine's Lungs. Coming this week :)

Dannielle xoxo

Playlist of the Week

1. Sometimes A Fantasy- Billy Joel
2. American Skin (41 Shots)- Bruce Springsteen
3. The Wake Up Bomb- R.E.M
4. Rabbit Heart (Raise it Up)- Florence and the Machine
5. Space Oddity- David Bowie
6. Knight of Wands- Au Revoir Simone
7. 1901- Phoenix
8. Gold Dust Woman- Fleetwood Mac
9. Black Fingernails, Red Wine- Eskimo Joe
10. Generation Why- Kisschasy