Category Archives: artists
Neon Trees create buzz in the music scene
By Alison Sikes NYU
Utah. A state known for its outdoor activities and scenic views, not for flash and bright colors. Alternative band Neon Trees hopes to electrify their home state’s reputation. Self-described as post-pop punk, Neon Trees’ sound is infectious, entertaining, and dance-worthy. Lead singer Tyler Glenn accredits bands like Passion Pit and The Big Pink as well as French DJs to their enthralling music. These influences are apparent in their first single “Animal.” The catchy song is a solid debut about comparing the start of a relationship to…well, to an animal. The upcoming video for “Animal” also takes from an interesting source of influence—Batman. As a teenager, Glenn loved superheroes like X-Men and of course, The Dark Knight. The band drew from their love of the Tim-Burton-directed Batman and paid homage to the Joker scene in which he and his cronies wreak havoc in an art gallery. Whether inspired by caped-crusaders or by electronic tastemakers, prepare for Neon Trees’ forthcoming album, Habits, to be filled with seductive vocals and hard-edged tracks about the habits of a relationship. Be sure to give Habits a listen when it is released on March 16th!
Reviews from Sami
By Samantha Ponoroff
LMFAO’s ‘Party Rock’ Review
I have to admit that when I listened to LMFAO’s newest album, I did so with a pompous attitude. I expected their usual, tacky and sell-out-ish style, similar to Weird-Al. And although the first few songs were lackluster, I overall did like ‘Party Rock.’ Yes, their lyrics were womanizing and meaningless, but they are also fun and catchy. ‘Party Rock’ is PERFECT for a workout or party. And although ‘Party Rock’ does not have much staying power, its short lived reign should be fun-filled.
‘Party Rock’ is PERFECT for a night out, and carefree dancing…but, it does not have potential to be talked about in 5 or 10 years time.
Celeste Starchild “The Witch is Dead” Review
Celeste Starchild’s song “The Witch is Dead” is strange, playing like a laundry list of Starchild’s conquests. And as one watches the video that goes with it, it’s almost hard not to laugh. The style of animation mixed with the immature lyrics gives one a feeling of accomplishment, because you were not the one who created that “art.”
As the video begins there is a cute moment as the first boy makes Starchild “loose her heart” (Starchild is actually carrying the heart in a suitcase for usexplained reasons). But, Starchild sooner dumps her first boy-toy and moves on. As the video progresses, Starchild goes through a slew of boys, all the while repeating their names and listing their memorable qualities.
The only thing that can be concluded from this video is that Starchild is attracted to criminals, liars, and other types of felons. Not only did Starchild write an impressively horrid song, but she managed to find a directer (Brian Bear) to accompany it with a just-as-horrid video.
You can check the music video and song out here.
Yeasayer’s “Ambling Alp” Video Review
As Yeasayer’s video for “Ambling Alp” begins one gets a visual of what appears to be bubbling lard. Confused, the viewer watches the video, searching for any explanation. This is where Yeasayer got it right: they managed to hook their audience in the first few seconds of their four mintue video.
As the video continues the viewer is shown flashes of different visuals, in true hipster-music nature, and has to wait some time for sort of resolution concerning the yellow bubbly liquid.
As the bubbly liquid finally reappears one sees the band covered in a hardened version of it. At this point, the video begins to get a little weird. The next frames consist of naked looking individuals removing the hardened yellow material, and what seems to be a massive orgy.
Although the video seems to be pointless, it is definitely interesting, and the music is great.
You can check the video out here
Hot Chip was On Fire!
It was a freezing New York night. The temperature was well below 20 degrees and the wind was at least 17 miles per hour. I, like 600 fans, waited in this unbearable weather to see British electro-pop band Hot Chip perform their first show in over a year at the Highline Ballroom. Thanks to MySpace Secret Shows, the concert was free but honestly, I would have paid my entire salary to experience that concert again. I have never been more impressed by a band. Let me start off by saying that prior to the show, I knew two Hot Chip songs, “Ready for the Floor” and “Boy from School”—which they played incredibly. It’s safe to say that I had no expectations.
When lead singer Alexis Taylor walked out in all yellow and orange dress shoes, I knew I was in for a good time. Beginning with “Thieves in the night” off of their latest release One Life Stand, the audience and I were immediately enthralled and instantly felt compelled to dance. . For two hours, we jumped and gyrated and did not stop until show was over. Hot Chip sounds as great, if not better live, than they do in your iPod. Incorporating synths, a steel drum, and your basic rock instruments, their music translates into a heavy-dance-laden rock that sends you into a sensory-overload. After the show, I downloaded their entire discography and can’t stop listening to them. One Life Stand is a fantastic album, be sure to check it out. If Hot Chip ever comes to your town or you’re invited to one of their shows, do not hesitate. GO! You will have a great time.
Owl City-A Show Review
by Melanie Hemminger
Like pictures, music an have a powerful effect on a person. Music can bring you back in time or strike up a memory of someone you love or hate. For most when Owl City comes to mind we think of the single “Fireflies,” and the music video , directed by Steve Hoover, with childhood toys; allowing the audience to feel youthful once more. Creating music that is truly one of a kind.
A insomniac with a imagination through the roof, Adam Young began Owl City in his parent’s basement in the little town of Owatonna, Minnesota. The synthpop musical sensation has the world wide web to thank for such great success. His Myspace player reached over a million plays, and youtube star Mitchell Davis could only help by adding the fun visual of glow sticks to the hit song “Salt Water Room.”
His talent was recognizable and Universal Republic was not about to pass up an opportunity to work with one of pop’s next hit artist. Owl City released there major label debut album “Ocean Eyes” on July 14, 2009 on iTunes followed by the store release on July 28, 2009. The album was a success reaching number 27 on the Billboard 200.
There has only been good things said about Owl City’s live shows. I attended Ft. Lauderdale’s show at Culture Room, and the show sold out in the first two months of ticket sales. The hype about the live show did not fail either. The line up was a new one for most onlookers with three girls and three boys on stage. A violinist and cello player would do synchronized dance moves while Adam Young sang in harmony with Breanne Duren. It was a fresh line-up to the typical synthpop boy bands.
For anyone attending an Owl City show, be prepared to watch one of the most unique live shows of today. You will not leave disappointed.