Quickies-Episode 1: Everything Under The Sun

Welcome to Quickies! In short, mini album reviews. We're starting it off with an album that I had on repeat for pretty much the entire summer.

Everything Under The Sun

Released: September 7, 2010

Label: Yep Roc Records

Look at that cover. Doesn't it just scream summertime? Now, Everything Under The Sun is the sophomore effort from Jukebox The Ghost. And who are Jukebox The Ghost? One of the best up-and-coming indie bands today, with a sound that focuses as much on piano melodies as on driving electric guitar. From beginning to end, this album brings the good times and runs the full emotional gamut from wanting to run around in a field and spin in circles to sleepy nighttime melodies and everything in between. 

The vocals are incredibly well-expressed. Take Schizophrenia, the album opener, for example. Ben Thornewill (the group's pianist and main singer) delivers the lyrics in a way that perfectly matches the upbeat, yet crisscrossed tempo. Other songs emote different expressions: Mistletoe brings out the Christmas spirit in all of us, while also being a pseudo-love song. Empire has Thornewill realizing that he's finally found the girl of his dreams after holding back for so long. Even guitarist Tommy Siegel gets into the fun as well, contributing vocals to several tracks, most notably Half Crazy (another one of those indie-pop romanticisms found on this record).

But perhaps the most surprising piece on here is The Popular Thing. Of course, the piano is present, but the song structure sounds more like a Broadway composition than anything else (think High School Musical or Hairspray). While there are some weak points (The Sun{Interlude}feels a bit too short to properly measure, and So Let Us Create's intro piano line gets repetitive at times), this is by no means a lacklustre LP.

On the contrary, this is a spectacular piece of work from a band that I hope will only grow bigger with time. Everything Under The Sun is quite literally a perfect representation of its title, and nothing less than that.

Final Rating:

9.5/10

Recommended Tracks: Schizophrenia, Half Crazy, Empire, The Sun, Mistletoe, Summer Sun

What did you guys think of this format? Let me know by posting in the comments down below. 

And remember, there's a lot more to music Beyond The Liner Notes. Rock it out, and I'll see you all next time.

"And you're a far cry from an empire at peace"...

Back In Action!

Hey all, just a quick update.

I will be making reviews still, and after all the experimentation of the last few months, I hope to do reviews on a weekly basis.

On that topic, the first written review on this site will be up by the end of the day.

BTLN is back!!!

Josh

New Episode!!!

Happy 4th of July! Episode 2 is up, at last.

Next review coming up within the week. See you then.

Josh W.

This Is War Album Review

Voila!!! A new episode. Next review coming in a few days.

This Is War Review Update

Alright, so I'm in the process of finishing a review on This Is War from 30 Seconds To Mars. I should be done by Friday at the latest. So expect that review and possibly a second one by the end of the week.

The second review will be revealed (in due time). Feel free to join the recently created Facebook group or email me if you have any questions or comments.

You can also guess what album/track I'll be reviewing after This Is War, if you so choose. Here's a small hint: While not their biggest album commercially, it spawned one of the biggest songs of the 90's.

Later.

Josh W.

Quick Update...

What's up? It's Josh here, and I'm planning on doing my first album review for this blog. But, I'd like to get some ideas from you, the readers. So, post in the comments what album you'd like me to review, and I'll hopefully have the review up by the end of Monday. 

Thanks for your time, and remember to spread the word!

Josh W.

Beyond The Liner Notes: Cool Songs For The Summer

Hi again, Internet!  It's Josh here with my look at 3 great songs that instantly transport me to that hot, sunny paradise otherwise known as summer vacation. Maybe they might do the same for you.



#1. Schizophrenia-Jukebox The Ghost

This Philadelphia-based indie band is slowly creeping above the radar here in North America. Having performed at the renowned SXSW(South By Southwest) music festival in Austin, TX both in 2010 and 2011, this track from their sophomore album "Everything Under The Sun" is a fantastic way to get into the summer mood. With a mellow keyboard riff, a guitar sound that keeps things interesting and a vocal delivery that seems to tell a story about a man seemingly having symptoms of bipolar disorder/schizophrenia (hence the song's title), this song just makes you want to kick back in a hammock and sing along. Yes, is IS that catchy.


#2. Homesick- A Day To Remember

The title track from this Ocala, FL. based band's 3rd studio album effectively combines the chugging breakdowns and brutal feel of metalcore with the catchy hooks of pop-punk. The lyrics really describe the singer's concerns about leaving his home (whether physical or spiritual) and knowing he won't be returning for a long while. The album itself is a great listen from start to finish, but this track starts to have a dreamy feel around the bridge-breakdown.



#3. Platypus (I Hate You)-Green Day

Yes, this song may be from 1997, but it's fast punk music. That kind of stuff is welcome any time of the year. Coming off of Green Day's fifth studio album, Nimrod, this song clocks in at a mere 2:21. The lyrics and instrumentation is typical of 90's punk, but Billie Joe Armstrong's delivery is strong enough to keep up. The melodies are very strong as well, and don't be surprised if you find yourself nodding your head and air guitaring along when you hear this song.


Well, that's it for the first full installment of Beyond The Liner Notes. If you guys have any questions or requests for topics to cover, e-mail me at justjoshin92@hotmail.com. Speaking of which, here's today's question for you: What's YOUR favorite summer song? Is it something poppy, or maybe some well-known piece of classical music? Whatever it may be, let me know and I'll be sure to feature some of your comments in the next post.

Thanks again for reading and remember: If it's relevant, I'll be sure to talk about it!

Josh W.

Welcome To Beyond The Liner Notes

Hey everyone, my name is Josh and I'd like to welcome you to what will be the first of many posts on this blog. First thing's first, I'm calling it Beyond The Liner Notes as I want to talk not only about music, but about the stories behind particular albums and artists (both major and independent) as well as help you (the readers) get into new bands and tracks that you may not have otherwise known of.

In my next post, I'll formally kick off the blog with a look at some hot new tracks that have a very summer-esque vibe to them. Be sure to comment on what you liked and didn't like, as I want to gauge the initial interest in this project before I continue further with it.

With that said, here goes nothing!

Josh W.