Part or Execution by Boots Factor

Boots Factor, drummer for Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers, recently put out his first solo full-length album. He had previously released 2 EP's online under his given name Brian Factor. (These are available on itunes) Having owned and listened to those EP's for 2 years, I feel that this new LP has moved forward in such a way that the change in name for the artist is appropriate. Those previous EP's are good for what they are- a side project of a drummer who is seeking a creative outlet. They lacked a focus in songwriting. The tempo for each song was similar enough that the albums themselves tended to drag, and without the lyrical chops that many expect from a singer/songwriter, the albums fell flat. (If you are a SK6ers fan, you will also notice one other important difference with this album vs. the Sixers albums, Boots' voice. These EP's have taken away some of the nasal qualities that many fans have become used to. He has such a distinct voice that it seemed that the post-production sought to eliminate the uniqueness of his voice.)

This new album, Part or Execution, has none of those problems. The album starts out with the track, Trying to Try, which is an upbeat song featuring banjo that shows off the new Boots. Other highlights on this album include the song of a man's life, Grow. This song was written during the Sixthman songwriting retreat by Boots, Tyrone Wells, and Scott Romig (Dexter Freebish). After hearing this song on the Rockboat, this is one of the songs that I was most looking forward to hearing. It showcases songwriting, Boots' voice, and subtle harmonies. This song is definitely a highpoint on this album. Other gems include Right Right Now and Lover's Past. The only song that doesn't resonate with me is North of Pearl. It has a slow tempo that feels very one note. The album ends with a track that is completely different than the rest of the album. The Killing Kind showcases an honest man plainly stating, "I wanna steal your fucking girlfriend." While this may seem harsh, the song is such a driving force of harsh lyrics and rhythm guitar that somehow the listener finds themselves enjoying the song. You may not feel good about yourself afterwards, but the song reaches something within everyone.

Overall, this album is such a step forward for Boots that one can't wait to see what else he has up his sleeve. Playing the banjo, mandolin, drums, and guitars, Boots musical talent is showcased on this record. His songwriting and vocals have also come such a long way from previous EP's. I would highly recommend this album to anyone- it's the perfect album to keep in your car and have as the soundtrack to your daily commute to work or just a nice drive on a summer day.

Lady Antebellum, Need You Now

Almost 2 years ago, I was researching a charity that I was interested in supporting and came across the names of artists that were associated with this particular orgainzation. Lady Antebellum had partnered with Mocha Club for a job creation program in Africa. At the time, I didn't know anything about the band other than they were in country music and had started to get some play on country radio. I started listening to their first singles and loved them so I purchased their first cd. I fell in love with this band and have been eagerly anticipating their sophomore release, Need You Now.

The band certainly didn't disappoint with this album. They created an album that shows off the very clear harmony that they display as band while showcasing strong emotional sentiments that leave you feeling like they are writing about you. This album does a good job of mixing soft ballads with the stadium anthems- a dichotomy that has become essential to country music over the past several years. In Hello World, the soft and sweet lyrics combine with the underappreciated harmonies of Dave Haywood to give the listener a realistic picture of life around them. From the little girl in the car next to you to praying for something, the words come to life through the calming and soothing voices of Lady A.
Capitilizing on the back and forth dialog that won fans over on their first album, Lady Antebellum uses that same tactic on When You Got a Good Thing. The verses are a sweet love song while the choruses build to a mantra of truth- hold on to your good thing. Charles Kelly has said that this song was brought about by his recent marriage, and the lyrics clearly refect this deep love that is meant to last through thick and thin. "Hold on tight, don't let go, hold on to the love we're making, cause when the ground starts shaking, you've got to know, when you got a good thing".
The title track, Need You Now, and Something 'Bout a Woman bring the old country feeling back with the use of fiddle and honest lyrics that speak to the heartbreak and love that everyone experiences. Add to these songs, Ready to Love Again, which adds piano and strings, and the album starts to become more a well rounded album musically that takes instruments and fuses them with the meanings of songs to make each song a carrier of a message that the artists are trying to give. Sometimes the songs can miss such as on Ready to Love Again with melodies that are hard to follow.

Even with these small misses, the album really resounds with the listener in ways that country has been missing. Songs such as Perfect Day and Stars Tonight remind me of early Rascal Flatts. Stars Tonight is an anthemic party song that has to be a crowd pleaser during a live show. Over the past several years, country artists have given in to tired characterizations of what songs they are supposed to be producing. Every new Rascal Flatts song sounds like a Rascal Flatts song (the same is true of Keith Urban). These artists have had so much success that they rely on what has worked in the past instead of working to create a perfect song that tells a story. Hopefully, Lady Antebellum never falls into that trap, but for now, this is an album that all modern country fans needs to buy.

Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers, The Bear

The first cd I ever bought was the Beach Boys, Greatest Hits and the first vinyl I ever purchased was The Band, Brown Album. While this is insignificant in and of itself, I have to say that I have a thing for guy bands with sweet harmonies. The newest album from Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers (SK6ers) is just such a record. The Bear combines the best of their previous records, the harmonies of Bulletproof Heart and the lyrics of Glassjaw Boxer. It starts off with the title track, which is a raw and real tune that gives the theme of the record, "Sometimes you get the Bear, sometimes the Bear gets you... in the end, there's no apologies." In all, the album is a story about how there are moments in life that seem like it's the best it's ever going to be, but sometimes life gets in the way & we let it tear us down.
I marvel at their ability to take simple melodies & pair those with emotionally-driven sometimes complex lyrics that shoot straight through to your heart. For example, A (With Love) tells a family's story in a way that makes you understand the pain and the hope that each member feels. Oh Adeline combines the love for a child with the understanding the limits a parent can reach in their protection of a child. In contrast to the family-themed songs above, Dying Wish of a Teenager and Lonely in Columbus show the inner workings of people who are depressed and can't see the light at the end of the tunnel. This dichotomy between depression and loving family shows that each person is at a different level of emotions at different times and music should show all those emotions. The album ends with the song of a love lost and a wish for tomorrow in Born in the Spring.

While this cd wasn't recorded with the hottest producer of the day with the auto-tune and the best studio musicians, it has something better- authenticity. When you listen to the final 30 seconds of Born in the Spring you feel the desperation in the voices. Satisfied Man brings you the break in the voice of a man who wants to spend time with his family but must be on the road. Without these moments, the cd would feel like the Sixers were trying to create characters instead of living their lives. So as Stephen Kellogg would say, "It isn't always pretty, but it's real."

The Alternate Routes "A Sucker's Dream" - Bethany freaking LOVES it

I have never had the opportunity to fall in love with another human being, but I have had my fair share of falling in love with music. Most recently, I have found myself hooked on a little band with gigantic talent, The Alternate Routes. I have heard their name tossed around for almost a year now, but have been putting off getting to know them. On New Years Eve, I had the chance to see them live, and I was blown away. This under the radar band of friendly, sweet guys from the fabulous state of Connecticut (my home state!) just released their second cd, "A Sucker's Dream," and I can't get enough.

When I saw them for the first time, I loved their vibe. They sang one song, "On and On We Whisper," and it was a sentimental ballad that spoke of the need to create something that would impact the world for the better. This song starts the cd off, and it is NOTHING like I first head it. It's a driving rock number that made me stop and say "what the fuck is this?!" After thirty seconds of the "new" version, I turned my back on the slower arrangement and became a convert to the cd version. The fast tempo rushes the neediness of the song, echoing the overpowering desire to make a difference.

The following songs build on the silent theme of the CD, the famous statement from circus guru P.T. Barnum : A sucker is born every minute. The Alternate Routes tie in gentle hints of circus life through each song, but nothing comes off campy or ridiculous. Instead, the metaphor holds strong as lead singer Tim Warren wonders aloud, "When did my life start to mean starving on a sucker's dream?" in the eponymous title track.

"Ain't No Secret" is my personal favorite track, about a guy wanting to know his love isn't vain and declaring how tired he is of pretending to not care. "The Future's Nothing New" features one of the most creative instruments ever though of -- a toolbox. If you don't believe me, download the track and you will fall in love.

The disc features some slower songs that are equally intense and optimistic. "Desdemona" [feat. Patty Griffin] is a song about Warren's sister, "Already November" tells about a broken home and lost dreams. "Never Gonna Be Rich" a song that is about a deserted mining town, but hold greater implications of not living life passively.

The CD ends on a pensive note, "Better Way." The band reflects on their efforts to change the world, and decide that there has to be a better way of living than "starving on a sucker's dream." It waxes optimistic, and you know that in their search of the better way, only more amazing things lay ahead.

In all, "A Sucker's Dream" does not disappoint. The songs are easy to relate to, Tim's voice is haunting and effortless, Eric's guitar playing is celestial, and the band's vibe is hard to ignore. Good luck getting the songs out of your head -- I have yet to figure out how.

Scale of 1 - 10? +9

Yarn-- Sarah appreciates the Intention

After reading Bethany's post, you may have thought, "Wow, that was one awful band. How could anyone willingly go to see their show?" Well, let me elaborate on the circumstances behind this particular show. The Alternate Routes were the opening act and had 9 (that's right) fans for the show. When Yarn came on stage, 6 of those fans left, leaving 2 fans, 1 merch girl, and the Alternate Routes duo. With only 5 people in the audience they started by playing some new songs. What do you do when you are playing new songs for the first time to people who aren't there to see you. Well, jam sessions are part of how you arrange music for new listeners. Many performers have used low capacity crowds to fine tune arrangements; its the nature of the business.
Yarn is a Bluegrass band with heavy instrumentation. If you do not like bluegrass, do not go see them. If you do, they have a mandolin player who will blow your socks off. He takes solos on both the mando and the electric mandolin, that will make you rethink any other mando performance you have ever seen. While Bethany was correct in her observations about the amount of improvisation, the quality was unparalleled. The lyrics were the troublesome aspect of their show. All of the songs dealt with sex, random hookups, or relationships in general. The depth in the lyrics was not there. Better songwriting would go a long way in their upcoming albums and shows.

Scale of 1-10: 4

Yarn -- Bethany Thinks They Suck

We had the unfortunate opportunity to see the band Yarn in concert. Let me tell you, they are no good. Not even decent. They hit suck and kept on plummeting down.

First, they stole all the opening act's jokes. And bombed them horribly. (poor bartender)

Second, I will concede that there is good reason to admire the true musicianship of a truly phenomenal band member. However (and listen carefully my dearests), there's a difference between a 2 minute guitar solo, and a 20 minute jam session during the interlude of each song. I'll expound:

Each member of Yarn was given the opportunity to play a 2 minute solo in the interlude of every. single. song. And there were about 6 people in the band. THAT'S 12 MINUTES of interlude. Word to the band that sucked harder than a freaking Hoover: You are not that good, and this is not even CLOSE to as good as "Stairway to Heaven." No, you're a crap-ass blue grass band that doesn't know when to give up the self-indulgent BULLSHIT and get on with the show.

If you're ever tempted to see Yarn, do yourself a favor and kill yourself first -- it'll be less painful in the end.

Scale of 1 - 10: -45