OK this is not an album I thought I would review, but Jackie Evancho has received so much YouTube buzz, I had to throw my two cents in. She has released her first full length album “Dream With Me” produced by David Foster. This follows her success on America’s Got Talent and the release of her first EP “O Holy Night.” So what do I, a closest operatic vocal lover, think about this album. Let me first start with the accompaniment. Produced by David Foster it sounds to me, well, very David Foster. A bit canned and to quote Rolling Stone like “pop kitsch.” I feel it could have used more dynamics and liveliness. This album, of course, is not about the back ground pieces, but Jackie’s vocals. Let me come out upfront by saying, Jackie is brilliant and a wonderful young singer. She inspires and will move you as she sings. With that said, her heart is bigger than her lungs, and I don’t think it’s all her fault. As I listened to “Dream With Me” all I could think was, I wish they’d let her be an 11 year old girl. I feel they were much to ambitious with this album. Songs like “Nessun Dorma, “O Mio Babbino Caro,” and “Ombra Mai Fu” are perfect examples of this; the poor little thing just doesn’t have the lung capacity. This is no more apparent than in the song “A Mother’s Prayer.” Susan Boyle effortlessly belts out her lines and Jackie struggles to keep up, again not to her own fault. Let her be who she is, a brilliant 11 year old singer. There are two tracks on this album that this was allowed. On the song “Angel” it appears she was instructed to be youthful and whimsical. Also, in “Imaginer” she’s allowed to be herself. She removes the proverbial tennis ball from her mouth and even at times allows the vocals to slide to the back of her throat. These tracks have wonderful emotion and give you a peek at a star in the making. In my opinion Jackie is amazing, but let her grow naturally, there’s plenty of future for her.

Tracks worth a listen:

1. When You Wish Upon a Star – Yes
2. Nella Fantasia – Her best operatic piece
3. A Mother’s Prayer – Susan Boyle is brilliant
4. Nessun Dorma – Yes
5. Angel- Wonderful, you may tear up
6. O Mio Babbino Caro – Yes
7. Somewhere – Yikes, Barbra Streisand
8. All I Ask of You – The future is bright
9. Ombra Mai Fu – Yes
10. Lovers – Too dark and powerful for Jackie, but yes
11. Imaginer – Wonderful
12. The Lord’s Prayer – Yes
13. To Believe – Yes, very good
14. Dream With Me – Co-written by Jackie

Reviewed by: A-Side

Foster the People have released their first studio album Torches. We’ve all heard, and possibly, over heard their song “Pumped Up Kicks,” how does the rest of the album compare? On the whole, pretty well. Their indie pop/rock sound reminds me a lot of the Limousines, a light, fun, and upbeat kind of sound. Just like with the song “Pumped Up Kicks” much of the album Torches will end up stuck in your head for days. Since listening to this album I’ve found myself cursing Foster the People’s name. Their songs are at least three octaves above my range which makes me look ridiculous as I hum their melodies that have entered my brain like an infectious disease. That’s all I need is more issues with my brain, but I have to say, for the most part this album is worth it. The album begins with “Helena Beat,” an electronic song that you would swear was fronted by a ‘70’s disco female. Right about the time you want to make fun of it you realize your foot is tapping and you’re humming along. You don’t realize it, but Foster the People has begun to enter your brain thru your ears like a ceti eel. (all non-dorks do a Star Trek Google search for reference) They follow “Helena Beat” with “Pumped Up Kicks” and now the small critter from a foreign world has fully borrowed into your brain. “Pumped Up Kicks” has to be the most addictive song of 2011. The rest of the album could be total garbage, but it doesn’t matter because you’ve become a complete Foster the People zombie. Luckily the rest of the album is just as good. For example “Houdini” will have you walking with your arms straight out searching for a brain to eat. This album does have its misses, but once you think you’ve overcome the FTP disease you catch the next track and relapse. Go ahead and check this album out if you think your immune, but I have warned you. Let me know what you think in the comments.

Tracks worth a listen:

1. Helena Beat – Beginning of the disease process
2. Pumped Up Kicks – The ceti eel is deep in your brain
3. Call It What You Want – We’ll call it the FTP disease
4. Color On the Walls – Yes, you’re a zombie now, what choice do you have
5. Waste – Temperature dropping, throat clearing
6. I Would Do Anything For You – Head ache is gone, no more nausea
7. Houdini – Relapse
8. Hustling – FTP disease has taken hold once again
9. Miss You – Feeling a little more like your normal self
10. Warrant – You can’t escape the FTP

Infectious review by: A Side

The Fleet Foxes have released their second full length album “Helplessness Blues.” Their first album “Fleet Foxes” received notable acclaim, will “Helplessness Blues” also? Let me first recommend this album being bought on vinyl and played thru a fully tube state phono pre-stage and amp. I say this because this album is meant for the true audiophile. It’s not a big cup of grape juice, it’s a glass of fine wine, meant to be swirled, slowly tasted, and enjoyed by all the senses. If you’re looking for the big cup of grape juice this album is not for you, go buy a Nickelback album. The album it’s self is eloquently arranged folk music reminiscent of the late ‘60s. The harmonies harkens back to Crosby, Stills, and Nash, and the overall feel of Cat Stevens. There is nothing complicated about this album, its simplicity is its genius. The album uses few voicing’s but through its harmonies and complimentary rhythms it takes you away to your own dream land. After a hard day’s work I recommend you throw this album on the turntable, reclining in your favorite listening position, and let the rest of the day slip away. The only negative I can find is this album is very much the same from start to end. If you love the first song on the album, you’ll love the entire album. Conversely if you hate it, you’re going to hate “Helplessness Blues.” If you approach this album as a fine wine, by opening all your emotions and allowing yourself to be engulfed by its sounds, you will not be disappointed. Otherwise, buy the new Lady Gaga album and vacuum while it plays in the background because this album is not for you. Now I’ve got to go, the Stanley Cup finals are about to begin, and I’ve got to see dudes knocking the teeth out of other dudes heads. Let me know what you think in the comments.

Tracks worth a listen:

1. Montezuma – Yes, for the lyrics alone
2. Bedouin Dress – Sip this one, not big gulps
3. Sim Sala Bim – Yes, very powerful
4. Battery Kinzie – Yes
5. The Plains / Bitter Dancer – Could have been on The Moody Blues album “Days of Future Passed”
6. Helplessness Blues – Please take a listen, will have you asking “who am I”
7. The Cascades – Musical filler but enjoyable
8. Lorelai – Like a wonderful carbernet
9. Someone You’d Admire – Weakest on album, but yes
10. The Shrine / An Argument – Will take you for a ride
11. Blue Spotted Tail – Yes, simple and great
12. Grown Ocean – Most commercial and very good

reviewed by : A Side