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.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Listen to every album reviewed on the High Note with Shaun Smith through the Spotify playlist. Each week it will updated and so long as Spotify hosts the song, it will be available to you. Check out […]
