April 2014 – News on Shuffle

Old 97’s – Most Messed Up

First off, this is going to be just as much a review about Rhett Miller as it is about Old 97’s new album Most Messed Up. Now, to business…

I think the first time I ever heard Miller was when he had the hit “I Need To Know Where You Stand” on the radio (I believe that was 2009). I was in college at the time and the song was very appropriate for a situation I was in (let’s just leave it at that). Point is, I identified with it and went searching for more from Miller. That is when I discovered the Old 97’s…

Fast-forward to present day. I currently work at a music venue in NYC that Miller plays quite frequently. His last trip there he played a lot of new songs from Most Messed Up (which he had teased it’s production the visit before). So, as I listened to the finished product, it was more like hearing from an old friend than the average review would.

As I mentioned before, Miller played a lot of songs off this new album at the last show I saw him at. One of the most memorable parts of the night was a comment he made about a trend in the album of songs being about drinking and women. With songs like “Let’s Get Drunk & Get It On” you can see what he means. (Side note: this was one of my favorite songs I got a preview of that night, and still held true when I listened to the album). That should show you that I don’t find the focus on drinking and whatever to be a bad thing. Yeah I’m a female, but my X chromosome likes whiskey just as much as my Y chromosome does.

No doubt about it, this album is a fun alt-county romp from the eyes of one of the best musicians I’ve seen roll through the doors where I work. (Seriously, Miller’s guitar playing and personality will never cease to amaze me). You can only imagine how much more blown away I was hearing these songs with the full sound the band delivered (I’m used to just seeing Miller solo on his guitar). This glowing review comes from someone who doesn’t typically listen to the genre, but there’s just so much good old fashioned rock n roll mixed in with that country twang that I can’t help but love it. Makes me want to roll down the windows, feel the wind through my hair, and KRANK THAT SUCKER UP.

Most Messed Up will be available for purchase April 29th, but you can pre-order it on the Old 97’s website.

Via Audio – Natural Language

At first I wasn’t sure what I wanted to say about Via Audio’s most recent album, Natural Language, which was released March 25th of this year. I knew I liked it, but a review needs to be more than “me like-y, you buy now please”. While staring at the album cover it hit me… this album is prefect driving music for a road trip (or walking around music on a nice day). It’s got electronic sounds that somehow are both soothing and uplifting, which I can’t even describe how they achieve that bit of magnificence. That’s the problem I guess. See, I’m used to the kind of electronic/pop music that mentally places me at a dance club, not roaming around in nature. But that is what Natural Language achieves. I guess that just means the title fits… so take a break from the daily grind and enjoy the sights and sounds of spring with Via Audio.

Go Big – The Story From Our Side

A little background before I get started on this one…. As I’ve mentioned before, my guy is in a ska band called “The Pandemics“. Someone in the band got the idea one day to start a Touring Ska Bands group on Facebook. This is exactly what it sounds like, a place where touring ska bands can get help either filling gaps in their touring schedule or finding other resources (like someone to write an awesome review of the new album they just released). That’s where the lead singer of Go Big found my contact info and emailed me about doing a review of their new album “The Story From Our Side“. What makes this even better (and proves everything is connected) is that these folks were already on my radar from a gig they did with The Pandemics over the summer. Since I already knew I was going to like what I heard, I obviously was excited to do this review. Now that I’ve actually listened to it, I can honestly say I was not disappointed…

The beginning of the album is as if someone vocally took a running start and dove right into a crowd of people. The energy stays high throughout most of the album (the only song not running a million miles an hour is the closer) and leaves you with a great big grin on your face. Oh, and I defy you to not start dancing in your room while you’re listening to this… by yourself… with no one there to witness your lame dance moves.

Not only is the music full of energy, it also has a lot of variety. There are 8 people in the band playing more instruments than I care to list (unless you feel like reading a novel), plus two vocalists (one male, one female). Altogether it creates a great package that will make your ears happy.

After you’ve taken a moment to enjoy their new release, take the time to see them live. Upcoming dates include May 3rd at Evenflow Bar (LI) and May 9th at Santos Party House (NYC). If you can make the Evenflow show then DO IT. That’s where I met this band and fell in love. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

Breaking News: Stephen Colbert to replace Letterman

It’s official, folks – rumors that Stephen Colbert might be taking over for Letterman at the Late Show have finally been confirmed. I know I’m supposed to be excited about the news, but I have mixed feelings about it. Negatives first, so I can end on a positive note.

Really I only have one problem with this announcement, and that is Colbert seems like he is better suited for his current show on Comedy Central than he is for one of the late shows on basic cable. There are certain restrictions he will have at his new home that he wouldn’t have on CC. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure he couldn’t get away with whatever he wanted, but I’m also sure he could get away with a lot more. I would hate to see some of his creative energy stifled because of this change.

Now, having said my one concern, let’s move to the positive. This move means that Colbert is really moving up in the world. He’s got some big shoes to fill replacing Letterman, but I have faith he will do great and win over a lot of new fans. I was also happy to see EW reporting that he plans on moving his creative team from The Colbert Report over to his new show. It’s good to know he doesn’t plan on leaving behind the team that helped him get to where he is today. Kudos Mr. Colbert for keeping it classy (while still remaining brutally honest AND funny). I truly wish you the best in your new endeavor.