Watch, Look and Listen? Sorry Bonnaroo I Can't Afford the Tickets

So I had what appeared to me a semi-brilliant idea. I was going to make the highlight of my summer the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. Held since 2002 in Manchester, Tennessee and is hosted by Superfly Productions and AC Entertainment. When I had a chance, I snooped around Bonnaroo's website and found ticket information. And that is when my semi-brilliant idea crashed to the floor.

For the four days in June that the festival is held (June 12 through the 15), ticket prices begin at $209.50. However, the tickets are released in stages, and once one stage sells out, the price goes up without notice, and by the last stage will be an astounding $244.50. Add in the service and shipping charges ($22.50 and $12.00 respectively) and you could be paying $270 per ticket until all is said and done. And where do you stay once you get there? Well, you can pitch a tent on the facilities ground, stay in a nearby hotel, or park your RV for an extra $100, but tack on an extra $25 if you bring another vehicle along with.

I have to admit, they have thrown some pretty great names out there this year, including Pearl Jam, Jack Johnson, Kanye West, Willie Nelson, Tegan and Sarah, B.B. King, Vampire Weekend, and Iron & Wine, plus seventy-two other acts, they put together a lineup that gives a little something for everyone there. Throw in a comedy theater, a tent just for the kids (ages 6 & up are required to have tickets), an onsite hair salon, a yoga center, and the Bonnaroo Fountain and Market, and you're pretty much set for the whole four days you're there.

Maybe I'm overly upset about the ticket prices (and I probably am), but after all of the money that I could potentially put into this, I'd at least like to see part of the money pumped into this four day extravaganza put to some good use. However, the current website mentions nothing of the sort, but that $1 (wow, one whole dollar) of your ticket will go to a charity. While 80,000 people attend the festival annually, that's $80,000 to a charity, but compared to how much money they're making off of everything else, that's an insignificant drop in the bucket.

Hopefully I'll get to Bonnaroo one day. Not just to say that I went, but for the chance to be around music that I love and be surrounded by 80,000 other people who feel the same way. But until I'm no longer a poor college student, I'll keep complaining about the steep prices and the fact that I can't go. Just my bitching isn't going to change anything, I realize that, but maybe if the hosts took a little time to realize that 'hey, maybe people won't want to be here for four days, let's sell individual day passes at a less jaw dropping price.' Until that happens though, I'll just buy the compilation DVD for $30. It might not have everything, but hey, it's better (and a lot cheaper) than nothing.

A 3D Listening Experience...That's Like, Candy For My Ears

I waited impatiently for October 2nd to arrive. I had pre-ordered the new Dashboard Confessional release, The Shade of Poison Trees, and could't wait to get my hands on it, and the free t-shirt that came along for the ride. So imagine my surprise when another CD entitled Sorry Vampire fell out of my long awaited package. Now here's where my brutal honesty comes into play: I took one look at the cover, didn't recognize the name, and threw it into my desk drawer. And now here comes the part when I get to tell you that I could kick myself for doing such a thing.

This sophomore release is a gem in so many ways. Mixed with Charles Dye, who has worked with artists like Ricky Martin and Aerosmith, Sorry Vampire was engineered to have a 3D sound, unique enough to give the listener a new experience with each repeated listen. Over the course of two years and numerous studio sessions, the record was born. And truly, no two songs on this album are the same. While each song contains layers (sometimes up to 25 or more, like the track 'Beautifully Disarmed") the time and patience it took to completely finish each track is astonishing.

And that's before you even bring the lyrics into play. If I could write songs, I'd want to write them how John Ralston does. His ability to play on words allows for witty and genius songs that you can't compare to anything that anyone has released in a while. His ability to leave tracks open to personal interpretation coincides fantastically with his instrumental openness, and so allows for difference in opinions to each listener every time they find themselves bobbing their heads to one of the tracks.

If anything, I learned a big lesson. Don't toss the unknown CD to the side. You never know when it could happen to be the disc that you can listen to over and over and over again (yes, it gets three over's, it's that good). I'd advise you not to make the same mistake, so listen to the tracks posted to the right or scurry over to his myspace page and give the tracks some well deserved attention.

The Universe & Your Blue Eyes

Like any girl, I'm a sucker for lyrics that are guaranteed to make your heart melt the instant that the words hit your ears. I'll admit to having songs like 'My Heart Will Go On' and power ballads from bands like Styx. Not that there's anything wrong with a good power ballad, don't get me wrong, but there's something about an indie love song that for some reason or another just makes me turn my head and smile. So even though I'm nine days too late, you could be right on time with this short and sweet ten song mix tape.


Track One: 'Could Be Anything' by The Eames Era - This punchy little number was featured on the the TV show Grey's Anatomy (known for using unknown artists to provide their soundtracks) and the song has been widely played on college radio stations around the country. It gives fun lyrics with a melody to match; it's a great kick off for a mix and a new relationship.


Track Two: 'The Ocean' by Mae - Mae has a pretty amazing library of songs to choose from, so this was hard, but it's lyrics like this that really get you. 'You come over unannounced/Silence broken by your voice in the dark/I need you here tonight/Just like the ocean needs the waves./Fall around me now/like stars the shine and brighten the way./I need here tonight/just like this night needs the rain.' Okay, so maybe I put a bit much for that, but if somebody was telling you that, I'm pretty sure that you'd be smitten rather quickly.


Track Three: 'The Way I Am' by Ingrid Michaelson - In this short little number, Ingrid bares her soul to let this person know exactly how she feels. Insert some handclaps for good measure and you've got the perfect song to hum along to when you've got a certain someone on your mind.


Track Four: 'Halloween' by Matt Pond PA - I'm not going to lie, I listened to this song over and over again during the fall. As a friend of mine said, 'it reminds me of leaves falling, pumpkin patches and cuddling in sweatshirts.' I don't think they could have put it any better.


Track Five: 'Blue Eyes' by Cary Brothers - Featured on the Garden State soundtrack, this song is enough to make even those with brown pupils fall in love all over again. With a strong acoustic background and a scruffy voice, he pulls together a fantastic little number. The lyrics aren't half bad either, 'Fess it up, dot on the palm of your hand/I can help you to stand/Saved it up for this dance/Tell me all the things you can.' Note: you may not want to use this song if your significant other doesn't have blue eyes, they may become irritated or think that you forgot their eye color.


Track Six: 'Passenger Seat' by Death Cab for Cutie - I've talked about them before and I'll talk about them again. 'Passenger Seat' is Ben Gibbard and a piano, paired with amazing lyrics about letting your guard down and includes one of my favorite lyrical lines ever, 'when you feel embarrased, then I'll be your pride/when you need directions, then I'll be the guide/for all time.' Yes, as usual, Ben Gibbard wins me over with this one.


Track Seven: 'Sleep' by Azure Ray - This song itself means a lot to me. I found it at a time when I was at a huge fork in the road, and to say it helped me make my decision on which path to go would be an understatement, it simply pulled me in the direction, and I'm glad it did. It features haunting lyrics ('And so I'm reaching out for the one/And so I've learned the meaning of the sun/And all this like a message comes to shift my point of view/And watching through my own light as it tints the shade of you') and amazing key changes, this song leaves you feeling surprisingly warm and fuzzy inside.


Track Eight: 'Wait' by Get Set Go - In less than three minutes, the band clearly lets you know that if you wait for things to be perfect and just right, you might actually blow it. Thank goodness somebody said it. The cute little 'la-la's and oo-oo's' also add to the charm of this number.


Track Nine: 'Love, Love, Love (Love, Love) by As Tall As Lions - This song is clearly full of love, and is perfect for anyone who just wants to scream (or...sing melodically) off the highest building. Being the light and airy tune that it is, it is just perfect for telling someone exactly how you feel without putting any added pressure into the mix.


Track Ten: 'Universe & U (Acoustic Extravaganza)' by KT Tunstall - Okay, no grammar lessons on the title please. This song is the perfect way to end this lovely little mix. Tunstall's voice paired with amazing lyrics and her guitar playing lead you into one fantastic and low-key song about you can feel about someone, even if your miles away from them. With lyrics like this, 'You know there's no need to hide away/You know I tell the truth, we are just the same/I can feel everything you do/Everything you say/Even when you're miles away/Cos I am me the universe and you.' I can almost forgive her for singing that horrible 'Black Horse and A Cherry Tree' song.


I'm going to attempt to find a website that will allow me to make a playlist and post it on here. I know that they're out there, but finding the songs might take a bit, so hold tight. However, feel free to listen to theses songs by clicking on the links provided: here (Matt Pond PA), here (Get Set Go), here (Cary Brothers) and here (Azure Ray).

Til next time, keep it real kids.



P.S. I'm also not responsible for any claims of stalkers, post-mix-tape-giving break-ups, or any other relationship problems that may ensue after the handing over of the mix tape.

'Oh Mandy' (Warning: This is NOT Your Mother's Favorite Barry Manilow Song)

Haling from Wilmington, Delaware, The Spinto Band is a currently unsigned band of six that has been together since 1997. Since then, they’ve recorded and released six full length albums, two E.P.’s, three compilations and numerous singles. Most of the previously mentioned albums were released under Spintonic Productions, but the rest, including their most recent release Nice and Nicely Done (2005, re-release in 2006) was released under the label Radiate, a subsidiary of Virgin Records founded in 2001.

The band formed when Nick Krill, one of the guitarists for the band found lyrics written on Cracker Jack boxes by his relative Roy Spinto, thus giving the band it’s current name. While attending American University, Krill turned his bed into a mini recording studio which held all his equipment while he slept underneath. The remaining members of the band attended colleges on the east coast, including Syracuse University and Bennington College.

While they’ve been busy recording and releasing music for over a decade, the band hasn’t always had it so easy. Their scheduled release of the single ‘Oh Mandy’ was set to come out in 2004, but was overshadowed by another bands E.P., and was never released. However, since 2006 things have turned around for the band, and they toured extensively with the Arctic Monkeys and The Kooks. The bands newest single, “Oh Mandy” along with their current tour to clubs and bars is snagging them attention and fans around the country.

But don’t take my word for it, check out the video for yourself and see why people are going crazy for these guys.

Everybody On...Board That Is

The release of Chris Walla's first solo venture was anticipated and for good reason. Walla, known for his work as guitarist, producer, and co-lyricist for Death Cab for Cutie, embraces his political side for Field Manual, which was released on January 29, 2008. For Walla, this was a chance to step to the front after playing a secondary role to that of Ben Gibbard, and with 12 explosive tracks, he certainly did the job.

The albums first single, "Sing Again" is the third cut off of Field Manual, and has a seemingly light hearted pop-ish feel to it while employing darker lyrics (We'd sing together with firey eyes/our anger alive in our chests). "Sing Again" was featured as NPR's Song of the Day on January 28, and has since then seen the release of a video produced by Nicholas Harmer and Bernadette Spear.

Follow suit with it's first single, there are some songs reminiscent of DCFC tracks off of Transatlanticism (2003), including "Two-Fifty", "The Score", "Everybody On" and "Geometry Et Cetera", which is a quirky love song that states: 'you don't need to speak just now/you should keep it down and let that ticker pound/let your heart keep the time.' However, the wholre album isn't all that light, in fact, one track in particular "Everybody Needs A Home", is a politically charged number in which Walla refers to FEMA railers and floods, and obvious referenceto the Hurricane Katrina tragedy that affected New Orleans in 2005. The most notable (and original title track until it was later changed) "It's Unsustainable" is Walla's attempt at an 'end of a relationship' song, and his attempt is well recieved. At nearly 6 minutes in length and with guitar riffs similar to that of DCFC's song "Stability" (The Stability EP, 2003) and lyrics that tell of his regret for how things have ended, the delivery couldn't be any better, and it pulls ever so slightly at your heartstings.

Overall, the record left me feeling quite satisfied. It was a mix of everything I had expected it to be, and then some, proving that even without his Death Cab For Cutie front man, Walla is quite capable of putting together some great and original songs that allow him to forge his own path of artistic expression.

With So Many Music Communities, Where Do I Begin?

While basically the entire world has turned to the internet for communication, the music scene is clearly no exception. Multitudes of online music communities have popped up all over the internet, and while some cater to people who enjoy specific genres, others allow for people to communicate and share their tastes with other people. Personally, I’m a member of five online music communities, each with their positives and negatives, but all allow me to communicate with other people in some form or another.

Last.fm is an international music community that takes tracks “scrobbed” from your personal music library which allows other music lovers to compare music compatibility. People can view your top played songs, artists and albums and leave comments on your musical tastes. Likewise, you can view their tracks, and offer suggestions that are relevant to their tastes. Not only can you communicate with others, but you can search for artists, record labels, and events happing around your area that coincide with your musical interests. You can get all of these features for free, and the people that you meet are full of musical insight.

For users of MOG, the idea is pretty simple, ‘discover people through music, and music through people.’ MOG doesn’t really stand for anything specific, but the concept is the same in some ways to that of Last.fm. However, users of MOG are encouraged to write blogs about music they love or hate, and even some noted musicians including Ben Gibbard (Death Cab for Cutie, The Postal Service) update their MOG pages weekly and communicate with everyday people on their musical opinions. Like Last.fm, MOG uses a downloaded feature to categorize your likes and sends weekly recommendations on artists (known and unknown) that you might enjoy, as well as users that share similar musical compatibility with you. However, MOG is a bit more personable and easier to use, and they allow for more personal opinion than that of Last.fm.

MySpace Music is pretty simple, and expanding every day. Anybody around the world who has a MySpace account can take advantage of the music community that features artists that are signed with major record labels, minor labels and unsigned bands. It’s pretty uncommon to find a current top 100 artist without a page, which includes some of their songs, pictures, informational blog, tour dates, and a comment section for fans to post their thoughts. Although it’s possible to be ‘friends’ with these bands, the chances that they monitor and respond to you is slim, and not everyone on MySpace is as keen on being friends for the sake of music, so this source is mainly to discover new bands and check in on old ones.

For people more into a local or unsigned music scene, I suggest that you check out PureVolume. While they endorse up and coming bands, their main focus is the small local scene which they tailor to your location when you as a listening sign up. Meeting friends is a lot harder, since this site isn’t as popular, but if offers up good information on when local shows or festivals are taking place. It happens to benefit the bands more than the listeners because smaller record labels search the sight looking for new prospects, so if they get a good following on this sight, they might be heading for that next big break.

Pandora Radio, or the “Music Genome Project” is a pretty new and cool idea put together by a group of music lovers who wanted to build a massive music library and open it up for anyone who wanted to listen. Once you join, you can enter a certain artist, song, album or genre, and the site will custom make a radio preset based off of your entry, and finds things that relate specifically to what you searched. You get some songs that you may know, but it’s mostly to broaden your musical awareness and let you know that there is more out there than what you’re just listening to.

This has gotten rather lengthy rather quickly, but just a few notes before I finish. All of these sites that I mentioned are completely free, and easy to use. The accounts can be cancelled at any time if you find that you’re not happy with the service, or simply don’t have the time to keep up with it. I encourage everyone to at least try one and see what happens, and the links are posted on the right hand side of the blog site. You’ll never know when you could discover your new favorite band, or meet someone across the world with the same musical interests as you.

I’ll be back Wednesday, but this time I’ll be tackling my first review of Chris Walla’s freshman solo release, Field Manual, as well as discussing indie-pop favorites The Spinto Band.

So long, dear friends.