Album Review - Lifehouse "Smoke & Mirrors"

Lifehouse has been gracing the world with their music for ten years. Their decade anniversary kicks off with their 5th studio album, Smoke & Mirrors. This album, in the band's opinion, is supposed to carry the essence of their live show into the studio and capture what they do on stage and what they do in the studio. I think they've achieved this, and more.

It's hard for any band, especially those who have been under a label's thumb, to continually create an album that is different from any previous album they've produced. The more albums a band or artist makes, the tougher this becomes, and I don't believe musicians truly understand this until it's happened. Smoke & Mirrors, still sounds like Lifehouse, but with a twist of Americana, upbeat dance tempos, and collaborations with different songwriters.

1.) All In

"I spent a week away from you last night."

The kick off song into this album is true Lifehouse. High energy, pure emotion, and a great sound. I recently saw them perform this song twice live, and it's a great set opener as well. A song that's about being fully committed to a person, or situation in your life and not sitting on the sidelines any longer. All the energy of this song proves this idea.

2.) Nerve Damage

"I see through clothes. Your nerve damage shows."

My favorite song on the album that reminds me of songs off of their sophomore album, Stanley Climbfall. The soft, sensual whispered verses set you up for the pounding chorus that makes up want to jump out of your chair.

3.) Had Enough

"Lost my mind thinking it through. The light inside has left me too. Now I know what empty is. I've had enough, had enough of this."

At first listen, I thought this really sounds like a Daughtry song, which makes since Chris Daughtry co-wrote this. I like the sound of it more and more with each listen, and then I looked at the lyrics, and the song clicked. The lyrics are the most important thing for me, and every word in this song says what I'm feeling every day. Great sound and great lyrics.

4.) Halfway Gone

"You've got one foot out the door, and choking on the other."

The first single off of the album is catchy with a great tempo that will make you want to dance along. This song had to grow on me a little. It's a typical radio-friendly song, but this what Lifehouse is good at, making singles, and this is no exception. This song live, blew my mind. Lifehouse is a tremendous live band, and I hear more people say so after they view them for the first time.

5.) It Is What It Is

"You said it, I get it. I guess it is what it is."

This is a good song about a relationship at that point where it's uncomfortably comfortable. Both parties have been with each other so long, that they deny the problems they have. This song is still growing on me. I like it better live; it sounds more pure. The album version has background vocals and effects I'm not fond of.

6.) From Where You Are

"I miss the years that were erased. I miss the way the sunshine would light up your face."

This song was written for an Allstate commercial on teen driving. I really think it's a beautifully sad song that is used to wake teens up about safe driving. That being said, I don't like that it's on this album, especially right in the middle. It's really the only song on the album that doesn't go with the theme. I think it should have been a b-side and one of the extra songs put in its place. Good song, but not for the album.

7.) Smoke & Mirrors

"And we are with everything we ever wanted. But now, we're together alone."

The title track is a nice salute to Americana music that tells a story of a couple who moves away from everything they knew and were, wanting more and more. Now they have everything they wanted, but end up missing the old days. I love this song. I think it's very true of not just relationships, but what we want, in general. We're so convinced if we have all these things, we'll be happy...until we actually get them and find out, we're still lost.

8.) Falling In

"Every time I see your face, my heart takes off on a high-speed chase."

A very nice love song. Jason is very good at these, and Falling In is no different. Not one of my favorites on the album, but fits in just fine and is there for all the people in-love to rock to.

9.) Wrecking Ball

"And through it all, I gravitate to you."

This is the first time a Lifehouse song is not being sung by Jason Wade. Bryce Soderberg, the band's bassist, steps up to take over lead vocals, and he does a wonderful job. This is a fun song lyrically and musically. One of my favorites. (Side note: The random claps at the end are the guys cheering Bryce on for singing lead for the first time.)

10.) Here Tomorrow Gone Today

"You're all talk and nothing to say."

This is the song to divide Lifehouse fans. I have to say, it's probably the most different from what Lifehouse usually sounds like, which depending on your opinion, could be a good or bad thing. I find you either like or hate it. It has a dance-beat in the background that make it perfect to hear in the background of a dance club. It took some time, but I actually like it. Lifehouse took a pretty big risk with this song, and I for one, love that they aren't afraid to try something new. It has attitude and harsh vocals from Mr. Wade. I'm really, really, really curious to hear this live, and will probably have to wait till the headlining tour, but that's okay.

11.) Be By Your Side

"I will be by your side, when all hope is died, I'll still be around."

A nice song that was actually written and dedicated to a fan who was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The band invited her into the studio and played this song for her. Sadly, she passed away two weeks later. She is described as a friendly positive person. I love this story because it shows the kind of people Lifehouse is comprised of.

12.) In Your Skin

"Wake up, take a breath, remember why you're even breathing."

The closing track is pure Lifehouse. The lyrics speak to life and picking up the piecing and starting over. The melody is infectious, and the lyrics true. This is what Lifehouse does best, and it's a great way to close the album.

Concert Review - Switchfoot

2009 - A Bad Year...

...And hardly any live shows. It came to the point where I was searching every venue in Philadelphia looking for someone I remotely knew. Fortunately in November, I discovered that Switchfoot would be releasing a new album, Hello Hurricane on November 10th with a tour to follow, and there was a Philly date. Thank God. Now I wonder, "Why have I never seen these guys live before?" I have a couple albums (I need to get the rest) and I love them. Before tickets even went on sale, I was planning to go. I needed to hear live music again.

I received a copy of Hello Hurricane in the mail and proceeded to listen. Let me tell you something, if you haven't listened to it yet, what are you doing with you life? Best album of 2009 for me.

The day of the show came, and ended up being a very cold day. I went to the venue around 5 to start lining up. I really wanted to get front row, but for some reason this venue doesn't like us. I've only had it once and Kate has never had front row at TLA. Tonight would be no different. I asked the man at the box office if we could start lining up and he informed me that because of a fan club privilege, about 80 people would be allowed in before doors. What? 80 people? That's ridiculous. I have a problem with people paying for front row...but that's another topic. So I called Kate and told her the bad news. We decided to go up in the balcony that we were in for Jack's Mannequin; it's a nice view of the stage and has great sound quality. She picked me up at my apartment around 7 and we went to park her car in a garage. We waited in the regular line for a half an hour and then went in at 8. We got a nice spot in the balcony and eagerly awaited the show. NO OPENER! 2 hours of Switchfoot.

The set was incredible. Switchfoot is an amazing live band, and Jon Foreman is an extremely talented songwriter, performer, and musician. He started the show on the back wall dividing an over 21 area from the GA. Throughout the show he walked through the many bodies (very brave) and even came up to the balcony to sing. He covered that venue very well.

Setlist:

(the entire HH album start to finish)

Needle and Haystack Life
Mess of Me
Your Love Is A Song
The Sound
Enough To Let Me Go
Free - video
Hello Hurricane
Always
Bullet Soul
Yet
Sing It Out - video
Red Eyes

Jon said, "That's the end of the album. We'll be be back!"

Second Set:

Chem 6A
Stars - a couple guys from the audience had a sign that asked if they could play stars with the guys, so they brought them up on stage. they were really good.
Oh! Gravity
Let That Be Enough - love this song - video
Evergreen - first time they've ever played this live - video
This Is Your Life - Jon came up to the balcony and sang
Dare You To Move - stayed up and sang down to the audience

Encore:

Awakening
Love Is The Movement/ Meant to Live

The concert was amazing. I only wish I was closer. There's always that connection that's missing when you're not up front, and that's my only complaint of the night. I'm 2010 is much better in general, but especially for live shows.

Switchfoot - Hello Hurricane

This semester, well, this entire year, has been a bit slow in the concert department. I've spent many hours scouring the Internet for any show near me, but always came up short. I was lucky enough to see that Switchfoot is coming to Philadelphia in December. This is a band I've been listening to for a while, but never had the opportunity to see live. I saw that they are in support of a new album, Hello Hurricane, that was released November 10th. Most people recognize Switchfoot from their monstrous hit album The Beautiful Letdown that sparked hits such as Meant to Live, and Dare You to Move. The band has released many albums over their career, and after listening, and listening, and listening some more to their newest release, I have to say that this is truly one of their best.

1.) Needle and Haystack Life

"You're a needle girl, in a haystack world."

The kick-off song on the album stresses the hard times in life and getting through them by finding someone to share the burden with. A strong start full of heavy guitars and energy.

2.) Mess of Me

"I am my own affliction. I am my own disease. There ain't no drug that they could sell, there ain't no drug to make me well."

The first single off of the album, Mess of Me is another heavy guitar-based song that is determined to fix one's life after all the mistakes that have damaged the soul. This change can't be reached by simply taking medication, it needs a deeper change from within.

3.) Your Love is a Song

"Your love is a melody, underneath me, running to me. Your love is a song."

Although it's hard to pick one, I'd probably say that this is my favorite song off the album. I could easily see it being a popular single. The song is a gentle, yet strong love song that is unlike any other I've heard of recent years. The narrator is completely consumed in love with another person, and can see his love in everything around him.

4.) The Sound (John M. Perkins' Blues)

"The static comes alive, beneath the broken skies. John Perkins said it right, love is the final fight."

A punchy fast-paced song with a great beat that will make you dance around your apartment and annoy your neighbors (trust me).

5.) Enough to Let Me Go

"All I know, I still got mountains to climb on my own."

A slow song that asks the question, 'do you love me enough to let me go?' I think a lot of people become so wrapped up in being with someone that they forget to find out who they are. This is a wonderful song expressing that you should tackle your own problems before adding those of another person into the mix.

6.) Free

"Inside this shell is a prison cell."

This is my second favorite on the album. Amazing guitar and percussion. This is all about being tied down by problems, insecurities from within and waiting for the day that your chains will be broken open. Waiting to be free.

7.) Hello Hurricane

"I've got doors and windows boarded up. All your dead end fury is not enough. You can't silence my love."

The title track states what this album is all about. Despite all these problems discussed in other songs, this one acknowledges the storm in life and says, I'm not going to let you ruin my life. A fun jumpy beat that will please anyone who listens.

8.) Always

"Every breath is a second chance."

Another slower track with a beautiful melody. This song speaks to the beginning and origin of people's pain, and being there for them.

9.) Bullet Soul

"I want to sing one for all the dreamers."

A fun, fast, and rocking song that praises those who have passion and dreams. We're all in this battle together.

10.) Yet

"If it doesn't break your heart, it isn't love. If it doesn't break your heart, it's not enough. It's when you're breaking down with your insides coming out, that's when you find out what your heart is made of. And you haven't lost me yet."

This is a truly beautiful song about hanging in there when you feel so completely lost and heart-broken. I love the above section because so many people think they're never going to get over a heart-break, but they do. Was it love to begin with?

11.) Sing It Out

"Sing it out. Take what is left of me. Make it a melody. Sing it out. Sing out-loud. I can't find the words to sing. You'd be my remedy, my song. I'll sing with what's left of me."

And here we have my third favorite song. An absolutely amazing song. Slow, with a final climax that is the climb we've been reaching for the entire album. This song is how music makes me feel; it's a release of so many emotions that I can't always express, and yet, I'll find the perfect words in song. Anyone who feels this way should listen to this song.

12.) Red Eyes

"Every now and then I see you reaching, reaching for the other side."

This is a great closing song with a sort of back and forth questioning and answering. 'What are you looking for?' is the common question that I feel describes many people, including myself. We have to go out and make things happen, even if we're alone and haven't the faintest clue what we're doing.

Hello Hurricane is an album about struggle, love, determination, and hope. It's about getting through the hard times and knowing that eventually the storm clouds will disperse.

I'm very excited to see Switchfoot live in December and will report my thoughts...to myself.

MoZella - Belle Isle

So it's been a while since I've posted anything on here...but that's perfectly alright since I'm pretty sure no one actually reads this. In conclusion, I'm the only one affected by this, and it really hasn't affected me at all. But, I've picked up a few new albums over the months and would like to share thoughts--with myself.

MoZella (Maureen McDonald) is a wonderful artist and person in general. Her music is soulful, playful, and delightful. She released her sophomore album, Belle Isle, on October 2oth under a new studio, Universal Motown Records.

1.) Freezing

"And the dark­ness out­side is a mir­ror to my eyes, ‘cause my soul won’t reflect any light."

This song is all about being lonely and out in the cold. It's probably one of my favorite songs on the album. It's quiet and mysterious, but completely identifiable. Makes a strong start to the record.

2.) Stay

"Before you take off running away, I have got something to say. Why don't you stay?"

There's a common theme of relationship woes on this album, and this song is one of the heavy ones. MoZella must've had many bad relationships to be so inspired. The beat is smooth and catchy and instantly becomes a memorable track.

3.) Luv Sik

"Doctor, doctor, you don't have to cure me from this pain that I'm feeling."

Another song on relationship woes that leave the narrator feeling literally, "luv sik." Catchy, spunky , and fluid. I like the song, but I tend to forget where it is on the album, so it's not one of the more memorable or original tracks, although I understand what she's saying, completely.

4.) More of You

"You're a door I can't close without running late."

Immediately, you'll listen to this song and find yourself doing upper-body side-to-side rolls, (if you can understand what the hell I'm talking about). A song that basically states attraction to a person you wish you weren't attracted to, but every time you see them, you want more.

5.) Manhattan

"I've got $200, a guitar, and a coat. Yeah, I hear it gets cold there, but I'm already froze."

A song about picking up and starting over. It includes an infectious chorus and basically tells everyone 'she's moving to Manhattan, and never looking back.'

6.) Let's Stop Calling It Love

"I guess I had a choice. Boys will be boys, and this girl's annoyed."

Here's good advice for anyone in a crappy one-sided relationship just for the sake of being "with someone." Just stop. Get out.

7.) 4 Leaf Clover

"Always just a friend, never a lover. I'm the one they call for good advice."

This song came out around the end of her first album. I liked it then and absolutely love it now. Not only is it catchy, but so true. From a girl who's always been the friend, if that, I love this song. But that's not the end; she's gonna step up and go for someone instead of waiting for him to come to her.

8.) Hurry Up & Choose

"If things were good at home, you wouldn't come to me with those loving eyes."

So we all know what it's like to be interested in someone who's already involved with someone else. Story of my life. Here, he's with someone else, but has feelings for the narrator. Now he has to choose.

9.) Uh-Uh

"Oh, wow, what a surprise you're out all night. I neatly threw your stuff on the lawn. Hope that's alright."

Lovely lyrics and back and forth pandering between MoZella and guest vocals from Marty James of One Block Radius. To put it simply, she's not taking his shit anymore.

10.) Thank You

"You fight off my enemies. You take a bullet for me, and you know I'd do the same for you."

A fun catchy song that you've probably heard in a commercial or two. A very nicely arranged song for simply saying 'thank you' to anyone who you love and who's been there for you.

11.) Twilight Girls

"I'm so sorry that it's come to this. I'm so sorry that the world is such a mess. But God don't love you any less."

The slowest and closing song on the album. I real look at the world and violence going on all around, even in quiet communities and the 'twilight girls' who are trying to protect their families from it.

Overall, a very strong, soulful, and poppy record. A great build from her debut album I Will. I recommend both, and be sure to check MoZella out live, she's a sweetheart.

Concert Review: The Fray

The Fray @ Time Warner Cable Amphitheater

I knew about The Fray's summer tour for a while and wanted to attend very much since I hadn't seen them for two years. I have to admit though, when I heard Jack's Mannequin was one of the openers, I was a tad nervous. I've been feeling really dizzy in public places as of late, I'm pretty sure my crowd phobia is escalating into a anxiety disorder, and I know how bitchy Fray fans are and pushy Jack's fans can be---so I wasn't sure if I should go to this or not. Also, money is tight, even more so now that my roommate left me, so paying over $50 for a ticket wasn't looking to hot. I was flipping channels on the radio and heard an ad on 106.5 to win Fray tickets on their website. I thought, 'what the heck' and did it that night. The beauty of it was you could enter your name as many times as you wanted. I checked back on Monday and discovered that I was one of the winners. I asked my friend, Danielle, who saw them with me the first time 30 rows back. She had to work until five, but would meet me afterwards.

My mom dropped me off at the amphitheater around 3pm, and there were a group of people already in line. I figured there would be. I had to wait for my tickets, since the box office said the station hadn't dropped them off yet. I mostly just sat and waited, ate some food, drank some water, eventually picked up my tickets. The gate opened about 5:30. I was happy to hear that they were allowing cameras because the last time I saw The Fray there, they weren't allowed and I had to give the staff my batteries...grrrr. I rushed to the stage---safely rushed, of course---and got front row towards the left. I was happy to have open space in front of me and something to hold onto so people couldn't cut in front (which fray fans are notorious for) and in case there was a lot of pushing. Danielle was having some trouble finding the place. She finally arrived right before the first opener came on, and I was able to save her a spot.

Richard Swift came on at 7 and played for half an hour. He was pretty good. Nothing too memorable, but not bad.

Jack's Mannequin came on about 8. I would say half the crowd was there to see them. They are always wonderful to watch and listened to--great energy and sound. I've never seen them from front row, so this was a treat. And the fans weren't pushy! yay! They played for a good hour.

The set up for The Fray was relatively quick. They were set by 9:15, but of course we can't just go when we're ready (one of the main annoyances about concerts I don't understand). After waiting what felt like an eternity, they came out at 9:30.

They played (not all in the right order):

Intro of Happiness

Over My Head

She Is

Absolute

Say When (my fav off the new album)

How To Save A Life

UnGodly Hour

Enough For Now

Little House (amazing live omg)

Syndicate

We Build Then We Break

Look After You

Never Say Never

You Found Me

E:

Heaven Forbid (joe alone)

Heartless (amazing cover)

All At Once

Happiness

For half the show, Isaac just sang without playing the piano. I thought this was very cool, and he could come to the edge of the stage and sing out to the audience. It was crazy to be that close. The lighting was phenomenal. They always have very creative lights and sound. It was really a great show, and for free? Even better. Afterwards, we went to get something to eat. The only thing open was IHOP, so we got some grub and headed home. Great show, and I'm glad I got to go.

Concert Review: No Doubt

No Doubt @ Blossom Music Center

I've been a fan of this band for a while and always wanted to see them live. Then they took a time-out and Gwen did a solo career. I was so happy when I heard that they were getting back together for a summer tour, and knew I had to go.I invited my friend Angie, who's also a big fan of theirs, and of music in general. Strangely enough, we'd never been to a concert together--many trials and errors, but tonight work out.

Angie picked me up a little after four, and we headed out. Blossom is in Cuyahoga Falls which is about 45 minutes from Parma. It took us a little longer due to difficulties with directions. After going back and forth on country roads, we stopped at a gas station and the woman there was a big help. We finally arrived closed to six. I got us lawn tickets because they were only $10. Deal. Blossom is set up with the stage and pavillion seats under a huge covering and then lots of lawn space. We waitied around a little bit before they let us in at 6:30. Swarms of people flocked to their seats and stretched across the lawn. We made a spot for ourselves around the middle. We sat and caught up on each others lives. We went to high school together and we agree that there are two types of people; high school and college people. These people make long lasting friendships in either/or. We have a very close group of friends from high school whom I love seeing whenever I can. College...not so much. My friends from college are people I go to shows with who don't attend my University. Ha.

At 7:30 on the dot, the first opener, Bedouin Soundclash, came on. They were pretty good. I'd describe them as Jamacian music meets rock. But after a while, all the songs started to all sound the same.

At 8:15 Paramore came out to a very excited crowd. I'd say about half the crowd (of 22,000 people) were hardcore Paramore fans. They were good. I know a couple of their songs from the radio, but that's really it. Their female lead singer had great stage presence and was very thankful we were all there.The clouds were rolling in all night, but luckily we only experience minor drizzles.

No Doubt came on around 9:30 to a roaring crowd of 22,000 music lovers. I'm forgetting some songs but they played:

Spiderwebs

Hella Good

Excuse Me, Mister

A Simple Kind of Life

Ex-Girlfriend

New

Bath Water

Underneath It All

Hey Baby

It's My Life

Running

Just A Girl

Sunday Morning

Don't Speak

and three or four songs I'm forgetting.

They were amazing. The stage was all white with a front drop at the beginning. They each came out one by one so their shadows showed up eventually together and then was pulled down. The back screens played images and music videos they had created for the tour. Lots of color. Gwen has amazing stage presence---actually they all do. At one point she was talking to the audience and saw a sign a guy had that he wasn't leaving without a picture with her, so she told him to get on stage and they took a picture. We had fun in the back, and they were very good about acknowledging us. It was really incredible to see that many people in one place.They played for a good two hours. We made our way through the sea of people and back over to our car. After a very frightening ride home of wrong turns and near death side collision, we made it back home safe and sound. Thank God.

Cavashawn (White)

Cavashawn released their much anticipated sophomore EP, Cavashawn (White), June 17th. The EP includes five new songs recorded in Santa Monica, CA earlier this year. With the help of producer Jim Wirt, Cavashawn has spawned yet another cluster of musical cohesion that continues where their first EP, Cavashawn (Black), left off.

1.) All The Lonely Girls

"All the lonely girls, all around the world, sing the saddest song tonight."

The song kicks off the EP much like Out of My Mind did for their first. Heavy guitar and a great rhythm makes any lonely girl rock out to a song honoring her plight.

2.) Keep The Light On

"I've been gone the longest time. It seems that you're no longer mine. I told you that when I return, the love I have for you will burn."

A punchy rock ballad with vocals and melody that reminds the listener of love songs from the 50's. Easily the best song on the EP with a rhythm one will find themselves slowly swaying their their hips and other such body parts.

3.) Secret Satisfaction

"I'm your secret satisfaction. Short on words, but long on action."

A song about what every guy should want in a relationship; all action. Yet the narrator's opinion seems to shift in the middle asking, "Am I your man? Or just another good time?" A highly fun and intriguing song, smartly written with a surprising twist that maybe even guys want more to a relationship than just "high action."

4.) The Day You Forgot About Me

"It was sometime last September, when the leaves fell down from the trees. Yeah, the only day I remember is the day you forgot about me."

This is some bad week. Going from day to day knowing the person you're with is, to steal a phrase, not that into you. A strong vibrate song, with melancholy themes. Who could ask for more?

5.) Back To Me

"The sun fades, I'm too late. A boy in a man's game."

While I think the songwriting in this one is intelligent and catchy, I have to say it's my least favorite on the EP. I like it, but can't find a connection with the story going on. The melody is good, but basically remains at the same level throughout the song. But that's strictly my opinion.

All the hard work that went into making this EP stands out in these five songs. This band has something major to offer the music scene, and it's only a matter of time before some big music guy/gal takes notice. Until then, catch these guys at local spots in the Midwest and East Coast.

www.storenvy.com <--- purchase their EPs and merch