Author: Shaun Smith

Real Estate hits home with “Atlas”

Real Estate from Ridgewood, N.J. (Courtsey of the band/ Shawn Brackbill)

Why can’t it feel like summer? I’m not just longing for beautiful weather and endless days spent wandering the miles of New Jersey shoreline. “Atlas,” the latest release by Real Estate, has given me a new perspective on summer fun. As I waded into immersive sound that comprises the third album by the band that hails from Ridgewood N.J. I found myself seeing the entire world through the warmth of summer’s glow.

Real Estate has a modern rock ‘n’ roll sound. Leading off with a sultry and bluesy guitar intro, “The Bend” is among the best songs on the album and features some of the best guitar work including a very Zepplin-esk outro. One of my favorite aspects of this album is the jammy riffs that are prominent throughout the 10 tracks here and is a signature of band.

Music Reviewsrock

Beck gets better with age

"Morning Phase" by Beck released Feb. 21 on Capitol Records.

Beck‘s latest album, “Morning Phase,” has steadily grown on me like a new haircut since its release on Feb. 21 on Capitol Records. Sonically, this mellow and folky album paints a pastoral landscape of twisting hills divided by ribbons of asphalt and old cars. That’s the world that Beck has created with his first album in six year.

Music Reviewsalt rock

Fanfarlo shows evolution with ‘Let’s Go Extinct’

"Let's Go Extinct" by Fanfarlo was released Monday, Feb. 10 by the band's own New World Records in the United Kingdom. — “Let’s Go Extinct” by Fanfarlo.

Fanfarlo takes listeners on a musical and philosophical journey into the future with its third third full-length album, “Let’s Go Extinct.” The album is an adventurous leap in the time machine both back to 80s by incorporating synth melodies and into the future with progressive, futuristic themes by the London folk quartet.

Released Feb. 10 on the Fanfarlo’s own New World Records label in the United Kingdom and by The Orchard in the United States, the 10 tracks of “Let’s Go Extinct” were enjoyable and weird. I fell in love with the eclectic band after hearing the heavily trumpeted “The Walls Are Coming Down,” from its first album, “Reservoir” released in 2009. Although I didn’t find “Rooms Filled WIth Light” from 2012 until late last year, Fanfarlo has held a warm spot in my inner-ear.

Music Reviewsindie-rock

“So Long, See You Tomorrow” is an enjoyable ride with Bombay Bicycle Club

The members of Bombay Bicycle Club with a poster announcing the release of "So Long, See You Tomorrow." (Courtesy of the artist.) — The members of Bombay Bicycle Club with a poster announcing the release of “So Long, See You Tomorrow.” (Courtesy of the artist.)

With the bitter chill of February rattling windows throughout the northeastern United States, there is a hopeful reprieve found in “So Long, See You Tomorrow,” the latest album by Bombay Bicycle Club.

Music Reviewsholiday

Songs for the Christmas season [Spotify playlist]

The eve of Christmas is upon us and it’s time to start feeling jolly. Some of Santa’s elves need a little extra pep. So, step on it reindeer, we need to deck the halls for tomorrow. Whether you’re doing some last minute shopping, decorating, baking Christmas cookies or preparing a holiday feast; The High Note has picked its favorite tracks to help everyone get into the mood this holiday season.

Open this link or click on the Spotify playlist at the bottom of this post to take these tunes with you into the kitchen, car or party as we celebrate the season with the best holiday songs.

New Musichip-hop

Kendrick Lamar and Eddie Peake express cinematic vision on “Sing About Me” Part I

Courtesy of the artist's website - www.kendricklamar.com — Courtesy of the artist’s website – www.kendricklamar.com

Kendrick Lamar is a very deep rapper. The complex storytelling album that introduced him as a forward-thinking artist, “good kid, m.A.A.d. city,” has earned acclaim from music professionals and nominations for seven Grammy awards. Lamar is adding layers of artistic perfection to “Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst,” one of my favorite tracks on the album.

Lamar has teamed up with artist Eddie Peake and director Darren Romannell for the gritty and cinematic “Sing About Me,” Part I; released Friday, Dec. 20 as the first of two installments. (Video after the jump.)

Concert Reviewsrock

Phish rides “Wingsuit” into Boardwalk Hall

Trey Anastasio performs Oct. 31, 2013 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ (photo credit: Shaun Smith)

By SHAUN SMITH

ATLANTIC CITY – As they streamed out of Boardwalk Hall, concert-goers were high-fiving security and whooping it up into the night Saturday, Nov. 2 following the last night of a three-night stand. The historic convention center on the Boardwalk was submerged with strange sights and sounds as Phish closed out its fall 2013 tour beginning on Halloween.

“The ‘Jibboo’ last night was worth the price of admission,” one fan said leaving Saturday evening. The band last played “Gotta Jibboo,” 19 shows prior, on July 30, 2013 in Lake Tahoe, according to Phish.net.

New Musicrock

Remembering Ray Manzarek

One of the founding members of the Doors, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, died this week at the age of 74 on Monday, May 20. Manzarek’s influential work on the keys was equally responsible for the band’s […]

Music Reviewssinger-songwriter

Musgraves makes country music better

Kacey Musgraves isn’t necessarily the spokesperson for modern country music but her debut album, “Same Trailer Different Park,” is powerful enough to shift the direction of the genre. This album captures the untamed spirit of […]

Music ReviewsFolk

She & Him have old soul sound

M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel have created yet another timeless collection of pop songs on She & Him “Volume 3,” released Tuesday, May 7. The retro sound is as authentic as it was on their […]