For the Record

"$5 Foot-Long" - Subway Restaurants

2008-04-18T20:44:00.000-07:00

This tune is seriously sweeping the nation. As the advertisement plays, one phrase is reiterated over and over again:

"FIVE-DOLLAR FOOTLONG."

How could it get more simple? The song has a very trancy, BRAINWASHY feel to it. I applaud the Subway advertising geniuses behind this commercial. they knew what they needed to do, and delivered. They even had the idea to add in the last line, "It's ca-ca-catching onnnn." This is true stuttering material, suitable for for the stuttering gods of David Bowie and Roger Daltrey. I guess what I'm trying to say is that this is by far the best subway-sandwich-godzilla-related advertisement I have ever seen.

"Sleep Through the Static" - Jack Johnson

2008-03-29T18:33:00.000-07:00

5/10 Thumbs Up

Jack Johnson's effort "Sleep Through the Static" was exactly that. Sleepy. Johnson's attempt to write about more serious matters was not a failure. But when the listener is slowly being lullabied by Johnson's melancholic laid-back voice, it's awfully hard to pay attention. The first four tracks were classic Jack Johnson for me. The chill-out song, The title track, The pop-enthused song, and the song about a lady. From songs 5-14 though, it grew too slow and uninteresting to listen to, with only 3 and a half or so songs having really up beat tempo's. When I listen to Jack Johnson, I'm looking to hear something that will make me feel good and positive. The album as a whole just didn't offer that for me. I do value his slower more serious songs, but only in moderation. This time, it was just overkill.
Despite my opinion as you know it now, I do think that in time it will grow on me. Maybe I haven't listened to it enough, but for now It's on the "sleepytime..." playlist on my iPod. We'll see 15 listens from now.

Bright Spots

Hope- A classic JJ track. Great chorus, and the song that you'll be humming for days.
Adrift- A very sweet, romantic song. A testament to the amazing songwriter that Johnson continues to become.
Go On- Jack Johnson offering new perspectives! Amazing! Taking the role of a man telling his lady to go on and leave him. Great instrument work also, I'm happy to know that JJ continues to use the simple drum-guitar-piano combination. Other people need to drop the synth and relax.

Dark Horse

While We Wait- This pint-sized 1:26 track might be forgotten, but Johnson's voice sounds most vulnerable and tender in the song.

Forget It!

They Do, The Don't- A bit too "311-ish" for my liking.

"We Are The Pipettes" - The Pipettes

2008-03-08T20:29:00.000-08:00

This sassy polka-dotted girl group was exactly what i expected. Catchy harmonies and not much more. The group was started purely as an experimentation of reviving the girl group pop of the 60's, and it definitely succeeded. With a 16 song, 38 minute riot of an album, it's reminiscent of Be Your Own Pet's self-titled album in the fashion that it is a great representation of a genre. The album is consistent, but lacks difference between tracks. I found myself wondering when a new song would start, and then finding that 4 had already past. Bottom line; a good listen, but a complete novelty.

Standouts
Pull Shapes- The catchiest of all of the songs. Major chorus that will make you get up out of your seat. Nice string additions as well.
Dance and Boogie- Another catchy song, there's not much more to their music that catchiness. Strong vocals, and some sweet synths.

As for dark horses or songs you should skip, i really can't decide. EVERYTHING SOUNDS THE SAME.

6/10 Thumbs Up

Wow.

2008-03-08T20:20:00.000-08:00

Did I say that i was lazy? I don't think there could be a better representation of that fact then a 2-week break right after creation. I plan on writing at least 2 reviews every week now, so stay tuned.

Just Created!

2008-02-18T15:07:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time coming. Mostly because I'm lazy.
Basically, I'll be reviewing all of the films and albums that happen to cross my path during my day to day life. Reading so many reviews myself, I've had a growing pet peeve of how they are written. Usually, i come out of it with nothing more than i started with. I decided that I'd had enough. It was time to start over. Kind of.
Things will be reviewed in a very easy to understand structure: ___/10 thumbs up. For each album review, I'll recognize a couple songs that i feel were bright spots, some that don't sound very good at first but get better with time, and songs that you flat out should not spend your time on. And of course, There will be an obligatory summary paragraph.
If you've ever got any movies or albums that you think i should review, don't be afraid to speak up! I'll be happy to write about it. Just don't feel bad if i trash it.