ROISIN O - THE SECRET LIFE OF BLUE

So Roisin O came to my attention through a promotional release and I put the disc in not sure what to expect.  I'd heard 'Hold On', but I wasn't sure what to make of it.  Then I decided to go for it and let me tell ya...  I've been listening to the disc now for a few weeks.  I've lived with the music and I've tried to think about it without feeling so much.  Mostly because the music on this disc causes you to respond involuntary.

I remember reading one of Seal's liner notes and he wrote something about not printing lyrics because sometimes what you hear in your head is radically different from what the actual words are.  And this disc is a prime example of that notion.

Roisin O is one of those vocalists with the ability to emote her songs.  And in my opinion, that's the most success you can achieve as a musician.  If you can make people internalize your music, relate to it on a personal level, you succeed.

The first track on the disc is 'Here We Go' and it's a fun, bright pop tune worthy of a place on any pop chart.  Without diving into the world of electronic blips and whirls, Roisin jumps out at you with a lively number that would make anyone jump out of their seat.  It's followed by the slower paced, 'Synchronicity'.  It doesn't drop the bottom out of the momentum of the disc.  In fact, it softens it and prepares you for a more in depth experience.  The chorus is catchy and it's one you can enjoy singing along with.  With the breathy "ahs" towards the end of the song, it's easy to see why this number is so infectious.  

The next track is one I found extremely powerful.  The first time I heard it, I was listening to the disc as I was driving in my truck.  It reminded me of Ani DiFranco's singing style.  But the music itself and the rhythm...  It made me think of my sister and in minutes I was in tears.  Roisin sings, "Strive to climb high", but I heard, "Strive to come home" and my heart broke.  No matter how often I hear the song, I hear the lyrics I want to hear.  Each time, I feel an overpowering response.  By itself, this song makes the album worth owning.  

She moves the record along with 'How Long'.  I hear a lot of folk instrumentation happening here.  I read online Roisin is an Irish singer and I hear a lot of that in this song.  But it's quite energetic and keeps you interested.  Next up is 'Filled With Snow' and at this point I started hearing Wendy & Lisa in the music.  Anyone who knows me knows how much I love them and when I hear artists who remind me of their unique style of composition, I get excited and enthusiastic.  This song is no exception.

Next up is the haunting single from the album, 'Hold On'.  This is another song that causes an incredible emotional response in me when I hear it.  Where so many ballads deal with losing love, devotion or other such ideas...  Roisin uses hers to encourage her audience.  She sings songs of hope.  More than once I've found myself listening to this song when I've had a bad day and needed someone to talk to.  To lean on.

'Let's Find Some People' is another track I can hear the timeless groove of Lisa and Wendy shining through.  There's a wonderful bop happening here and I love it.  Especially the organ pumping away under the guitars.  'Tea Song' is another one that reminds of Ani DiFranco.  In fact the opening few strums recalls a track from "To The Teeth".  When the organ cuts in again, I feel almost like I'm in the smooth arms of a Norah Jones lullaby.  It's followed by 'You Owe Me A Drink'.  A hurried number, this one kinda chugs along and includes an amazing arrangement of electric organ and guitar strumming.  This is one of the tracks where Roisin's vocals really shine through.  She's got an interesting range and she's fun to listen to.  At certain points, the song almost sounds like Country and you could swear Dolly Parton was singing backup.

Winding the disc down, 'Find The Light' is almost lost on the disc.  The interesting percussion mix is a highlight and the sounds are ethereal yet earthly.  She never seems to leave you behind.  Each word pulls you along and yet, if you're not paying attention, this little gem will slip past you.  Finally, the title track, 'The Secret Life Of Blue' winds up the disc.  When I hear it, I feel like I'm sitting on the porch of the house in North Carolina.  Up in the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Playing guitars on a summer night while a warm rain strums against the roof.  It's a peaceful and lovely way to end the record.  The harmonies are delightful and enchanting as they fade leaving you longing for just a little more.

There are so many sounds happening on this recording and all of them make me want to hear more from this vital exciting new artist.  I was fortunate to have this disc brought to my attention and I hope you'll take the time to discover it and enjoy it as much as I have.  My final words: BEST NEW MUSIC I'VE HEARD IN AGES!

ROISIN O - THE SECRET LIFE OF BLUE

01. Here We Go

02. Synchronicity

03. Climb High

04. How Long

05. Filled With Snow

06. Hold On

07. Let's Find Some People

08. Tea Song
09. You Owe Me A Drink

10. Find The Light

11. The Secret Life Of Blue

ST. PAUL - DOWN TO THE WIRE

St. Paul is the stage name of former Time and Family member, Paul Peterson.  My understanding of Paul is he's a member of a Minneapolis music family.  Various Peterson's contributed to all sorts of musical output from the twin cities.  Paul is just one of the bunch.  But he is the one who achieved the most notoriety.

I'm assuming his start was a short term stint as a member of the The Time during Purple Rain.  He was one of the members replacing Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.  After The Time disbanded, Prince promoted Peterson to front man for his next project, The Family.

After that short lived experience, Peterson struck out on his own.  It's not surprising he was scooped up with a record deal.  At the time, the Minneapolis sound was hot and in demand.  Anyone associated with it was spun off by record companies hoping to cash in on the green Minneapolis sounding groups were churning out by the bucket full.  I'm sure Paul was no exception.

This disc isn't his first solo effort.  In fact, I think it was his last.  It comes towards the end of the 80's, start of the 90's.  There's an odd mixture of material on this disc.  The first number sounds similar to the song he contributed to Donny Osmond, 'Soldier Of Love'.  Of course on his record, the track was the stand out number.  Here, it kinda fades into the background.  'Stranger To Love'...  'Soldier Of Love'...  yikes.  Too similar.

Paul Peterson doesn't follow the typical trend of Prince spin-offs.  He doesn't attempt to emulate Prince's sound, but he does incorporate the wide variety of production and sound coming out of Minneapolis at the time.

The two most distinct sounds at the time were Prince and Jam & Lewis.  Prince sound was dominated by a deep rhythm section and melodies played on the keys.  The beat was usually the driving force of all songs.  Jam & Lewis favored more melodic and a lighter sound.  There are a lot of chime sounds and bells on their productions.  St. Paul uses both on this record.  To Varying effectiveness.

There's even some heavier guitar driven funk Jesse Johnson was popular for producing.

It's easy to dismiss this record as generic 80's funk, and lyrically, it spends a lot of time in the shallow end of the pool.  You won't find any wisdom or depth in these tunes.  What you do find is a variety of interesting and engaging musical ideas.  Although the production and sounds can seem dated, they're still above the generic stuff flooding the markets.  You can almost take each song and map the musical influence.  For example, 'Next Time You See My Girl' sounds like something Scritti Politti or Tony LeMans would release.

In my opinion, the best track on the entire disc is the final number, 'Shooting Star'.  This little ditty settles into a very funky beat and chugs along at a great pace.  St. Paul, seems more expressive and relaxed on the vocals.  He gets caught up in a storyline not atypical for the time, but he commits to the tune and his conviction is translated in his vocal delivery.  Given a little different lyrical content, this track could've been a huge hit for him.

So in the end, it's a disc I didn't expect much from and surprisingly found quite a lot to get excited about.  My final words:  WOW, A PLEASANT SURPRISE!

ST. PAUL - DOWN TO THE WIRE
01. Stranger To Love
02. Every Time I Close My Eyes
03. Every Heart Needs A Home
04. Maybe In Another World
05. Heart To Heart
06. I Never Knew What Love Could Do
07. Nowhere To Run
08. Next Time You See My Girl
09. Only Reminds Me Of You
10. Shooting Star

ANDRE CYMONE - A.C.

Andre Cymone got his start playing with Prince while they were in High School.  When Prince signed with Warner Brothers, Andre was part of Prince's touring band.  Although he participated in jam sessions and writing sessions, he nursed aspirations of a solo career.  He continued to write music by himself and eventually left Prince's band to pursue his own record deal.

I don't know much about Andre's first two records.  I think they didn't fare well, but "A.C." garnered him a minor hit due to the inclusion of a Prince composition.  I don't think I'm overstating it when I suggest most people who bought the record were buying it for the Prince track.

After the mediocre success of "A.C.", Andre went on to produce for a number of artists and including Jody Watley; with whom he enjoyed enormous success.  His collaboration with Watley proved to be the high point of his success.  

So let's discuss the disc itself.  The opening track, and arguably best song on the album, is the sole Prince composition.  'The Dance Electric' remains on par with the stronger Prince material of the time including 'Let's Go Crazy' and '1999'.  Featuring background vocals by Wendy & Lisa, the song really sets you up with a promise of exciting and rhythmic Minneapolis sound material.  Sadly, the rest of the record fails to deliver.

Andre and Prince have a very similar writing style.  It's no wonder considering they share many of the same influences and grew up studying music and learning instruments together.  The difference is in the type of music both men wanted to compose.  Andre embraced the more New Wave, modern sound, whereas Prince favored the deep rhythms of funk and soul.  

I think what happened here is Andre knew he needed a hit and tried to write music sounding more like Prince.  What we end up with is a disc full of generic Minneapolis sounding music.  There are moments of interesting ideas in the music, but the lyrics are often sophomoric and simple. 

It never quite measures up to Prince.  I think Andre would've been more successful if he'd found a sound uniquely his own and pursued it rather than trying to emulate sounds he was hearing and the styles his close friends were using.

In the end, "A.C." is a cassette I've lived with for many years.  It wasn't until recently that I've found the album on disc.  I'm incredibly happy to have this music on a safer format.

Although I'd like to say this is one record I adore, the truth is it's a piece of music I can do without.  The Prince track is the one highlight of the entire disc.  But even it can be found in other formats.  Whether it's online through download or streaming media...  It's not going away.  Unfortunately, the rest of the disc will probably linger in obscurity forever.  My final words:  ANOTHER ONE TRACK WONDER.

ANDRE CYMONE - A.C.
01. The Dance Electric
02. Lipstick Lover
03. Pretty Wild Girl
04. Book Of Love
05. Satisfaction
06. Sweet Sensuality
07. Vacation
08. Neon Pussycat
09. Fallin' Fallin'
10. Red Light
11. The Dance Electric (Single Version)
12. Lipstick Lover (12" Club Version)
13. Satisfaction (12" Club Version)

ANDY ALLO - SUPERCONDUCTOR

Andy Allo is an artist Prince befriended and absorbed into his NPG label.  She has another CD called "Unfresh" but I haven't heard it.  I only ordered this disc because Prince writes on it.  Well and because it's on NPG records.

So let's be honest right off the bat...  I was expecting something similiar to Bria Valente or some of his other protegee releases.  He writes material, sometimes great stuff, sometimes mediocre for him...  And you get some semi-talented artist performing the music.  Prince often chooses his collaborators based on emotional connection rather than talent.  So...  I generally approach his collaborations expecting something less than worthy of his talents.

"Superconductor", it turns out, is one of the rare gems in his collaborative efforts.  Allo's writing style compliments Prince's arrangement and musical taste in such an organic way, the melodies just flow like rainbows on a rainy day from the speakers.  It washes over you in a soothing combination of emotion and sound.  You're absorbed rather than simply experience the music.

Of the 9 tracks, Prince gets credit for 3.  But they're not the only strong songs on the disc.  And to some degree not even the most interesting.  The opening track, 'Superconductor' is listed as a Prince composition and it's got some interesting similarities to music composed around the "Lovesexy" time period.  It's got a lot of scale piano bits and some vocal distortion happening in the mix.  It's probably the best song on the disc.  I love it!

The second track is written by Allo, but seems to be played by the entire New Power Generation live band.  It's a funky little workout putting Allo quite on par with most great funk artists.  It's a punctuated little number with some synth sounds harkening all the way back to Prince's "For You" album.  The next two numbers are also Prince compositions and 'Long Gone' starts off sounding very much like those early Prince numbers he played on acoustic guitar.  This record really sounds like a tribute to 70s and 80s Prince so far.  'The Calm' moves us in a different direction entirely.  About the only thing it has in common with 'Long Gone' is the fact both songs are ballads.  'The Calm' is aptly named as it washes over you like a gentle breeze, flowing through fresh laundered clothes hanging outside on a line to dry.  They billow and flutter in the air and will soothe you like airy sunshine!

'Yellow Gold' is an absolute show stopper and you can hear Prince in the arrangement, but it's another track that just stops you in your tracks and leaves you thinking, "Damn!"  'Nothing More' is a track I find simply indescribable.  I almost cry when I hear it because this is what I want in my life.  So desperately.  I want love like this.  The song reminds me of 'The Love We Make' which is a Prince track from "Emancipation".

Next up is 'If I Was King' and this is probably my least favorite track on the whole disc.  It's ok, but it's also such a hookey idea it doesn't fit in with the intensity of the other material.  There's the titilation of a lesbian affair hinted at, but it's hardley worth getting excited about.  It's actually kinda overplayed.  It's followed by 'Story Of You & I' which is an amazing ballad.  This song more than any other, showcases the sweetness of Allo's voice and her own style.  She's got a somewhat lilting tone and she uses it effectively to add anticipation to her songs.  This song completely demonstrates these talents and promises more from this vital artist.

The disc ends with 'When Stars Collide' and it's another track that seems to harken back to early Prince music rather than playing out in the here and now.  But it's got a great groove and is an extremely satisfying number!  The vocal arrangement alone makes this song worth hearing.  You can't miss with this track.  In fact, I think it would make an excellent single!  Consider it!

My final words: WITHOUT A DOUBT, WORTH EVERY SINGLE PENNY!  WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR???

ANDY ALLO - SUPERCONDUCTOR

01. Superconductor

02. People Pleaser

03. Long Gone

04. The Calm

05. Yellow Gold

06. Nothing More

07. If I Was King

08. Story Of You & I

09. When Stars Collide

CAMEO - SINGLE LIFE

Cameo is a band I have a hard time with.  As I mentioned in a previous review, I like songs they do, but I usually find their albums a bit on the boring side.  I don't know the entire history of the group, but I can put something together based on what I hear on the records.

I suspect Cameo was a product of 70s funk.  They came in on the coat tails of bands like Earth, Wind & Fire, The Temptations, Cool & The Gang...  They play a lot of traditional soul funk.  Their songs are almost textbook in composition.  However, when the 80s started, the lead singer, Larry Blackmon discovered a persona he started to employ on certain songs.  That vocal delivery and his attitude when using this voice changed the fortunes of the band.  I'm not even sure what you'd call him.  But it's quite different from his other material.  The music is more rhythmically centered like much of the Minneapolis Sound then.  'Single Life' is a great example of this.  It may very well be the first track Cameo employed this method of song writing.  Blackmon still sings somewhat in a more traditional R&B manner, but the transition is evident.  The beat and drum sounds are deeper, more prominent and the keyboard melodies are stripped down to serve as accentuation for the drums.

On subsequent records, the sound is more formulated and they deliver stronger material.  Here, the only song I find very appealing is 'Single Life'.  Of the rest of the songs, only 'Little Boys - Dangerous Toys' offers much musically.  'Urban Warrior' features an early rap.  Tame by more modern standards.  Half the record is mid tempo ballads.  Hardly worth spending much time there unless that kind of R&B is what you're into.

Arguably, the first track, 'Attack Me With Your Love' features Blackmon's vocals in the style I enjoy, but it centers too heavily on the other vocalists and still follows a more traditional style of R&B.  It's fine for what it is, but hardly the mind blowing strangeness of 'Single Life'.

I discovered Cameo when they performed 'Single Life' on Solid Gold.  It blew my mind.  I thought they were strange and freaky.  I ordered their tape at the local music store and actually had to wait for it to come in.  When I got it, I was singularly struck with the tune, but unimpressed with the rest of the cassette.  These many years later, even after purchasing the CD, my initial reaction remains my overall feeling for the disc.

My final words:  MIXED WITH STRONGER TRACKS FROM OTHER ALBUMS AND YOU GOT A WINNER.

CAMEO - SINGLE LIFE

01. Attack Me With Your Love

02. Single Life

03. I've Got Your Image

04. A Good-Bye

05. I'll Never Look For Love

06. Urban Warrior

07. Little Boys - Dangerous Toys

RHONDA SMITH - RS2

Rhonda Smith is probably best known as the bass player in Prince's band, The New Power Generation.  At least in the later incarnations of the group.  I picked up this CD because Prince worked on it.  I was in a phase where I thought I'd get music if he played on it, but I've since changed my mind.  I'll stick to composition work only.

Ok, so here's the rundown on RS2...  My first impression of the disc is mixed.  There were some funky grooves, but they sound almost imitated.  Like she's trying to copy Me'Shell Ndegeocello.  Or something like that.  The background sounds are distracting and don't really mesh with the music in the foreground.  For example, in 'To Get With You', a flight attendant is calling for passengers to board a plane and it just sounds completely out of place.

I'm not gonna break the disc down like I sometimes do...  I usually do it when I have good things to say about all the songs.  This album has some interesting musical ideas.  But the brilliance in the work is overshadowed by the generic.  It never achieves its full potential.  There are so many talented musicians working on the music, you can't help but be impressed with what you're hearing.  It's just not substantial or interesting enough to stand on its own.  Of course this is just my opinion and I'm sure there are plenty of people who will disagree with me.

I'm hearing a lot of sounds Prince was using at the time as well.  You can tell much of this was recorded using similar or same instruments.

The first time I heard this disc I wasn't impressed.  After all these years, this is only the second time I've listened to it and I'm not left with a different impression.  I just finished listening to 'Ray Of Light' and I'm not feeling it.

Don't get my wrong, Rhonda is a talented musician.  When I've seen her play live, she's absolutely aces to watch.  She kinda glides around the stage with that bass.  But she's not interesting on her own.  She doesn't have a sound she's matured into or a solo voice.  There's never been an identity for her outside of Prince.

There's a lot of promise here.  But nothing worth making this an absolute must have record.  My final words:  SKIP IT FOR NOW.

RHONDA SMITH - RS2
01. What Do They Think Music Is?
02. To Get With You
03. Lost Child
04. Time
05. Always 
06. Country Music
07. Gotta Believe
08. Sunshine
09. I27
10. It's You
11. The Hypnotic
12. Grind
13. Why Criticize
14. I Miss You
15. Ray Of Light

SKY SAILING - AN AIRPLANE CARRIED ME TO BED

I know it seems a bit wonky having a back to back like this.  But I figured since it was a different band name, it's legit.  For those of you who don't know exactly what I'm talking about...  Sky Sailing is the project Adam Young released before Owl City.  I almost wrote I like it more than Owl City, but I'm not sure that's truthful...  It's different in many ways but just as engaging and magical.

Right off the bat, 'Captains Of The Sky' let's you know this is something different from his Owl City material.  With greater use of acoustic instruments, the music leans toward a folk sound.  'Captains Of The Sky' doesn't offer many surprises as far as subject matter goes.  All of these songs feel like dreams.  Dreams Adam had and turned into mystical portals for the rest of us to peer through.  With an uptempo beat and an almost marching rhythm section, the song carries you along from start to finish.  It's followed by the breathy 'Brielle'.  This song is one of my personal favorites.  It's a lovely picture postcard of a blossoming but ill fated love and it's sheer poetry makes it one of the strongest songs on the CD.  

'Steady As She Goes' and 'Explorers' are both acoustic guitar driven numbers.  Both are wonderful, but 'Explorers' is the better of the two.  It tells the tale of two friends exploring nature and discovering they could breathe underwater.  They decide to stay in the sea and never come up for air.  The world up there falls apart without them, but they live in peace below the waves.  'A Little Opera Goes A Long Way' is a song I thought I'd hate when I saw the title; but the tune is actually catchy and the lyrics are fun!  It's another upbeat number and it's easy to get caught up in the music.

'Tennis Elbow' is the next song and it's my favorite on the disc.  Right off the bat, the lyrics are interesting and catchy.  There's a great play on words in this song.  But my absolute favorite part is toward the end.  He sings, "We are lost, in the sound
Close your eyes, and I will twirl you around"
A bell motif begins and actually twirls the music all the way to the end of the song.  It's simply lovely and a musical highlight for the record.

'Blue And Red' is a dreamy ballad.  The song makes me think of sleep.  'Alaska' is another acoustic number.  The first time I heard it, I thought of Sarah Palin because of Alaska...  But the song is so much more meaningful and it has the distinction of replacing a negative Sarah Palin association with a more positive one.

'I Live Alone' is a song that makes me think of being 21.  And being 41.  At 21 I was out to capture the world and at 41 I'm living alone.  It's a bittersweet number for me.  Filled with longing to connect and distance.  'Take Me Somewhere Nice' is another acoustic number.  It's a short and hopeful number.  It's followed by a lullaby: 'Sailboats'.  This song is absolutely magical.  The album title comes from this track and let me tell you, it's simply beautiful.  The piano is delicate, the vocals are almost whispered and the drums are an equal combination of increasing and decreasing intensity.  The tempo of this song changes a few times or seems to.  It's a musical illusion.  The build is in sound layers not actual speed.  It's followed by 'Flowers Of The Field', another great number, but 'Sailboats' is the better final track.

Oddly enough, the biggest fault I find with Adam's work is his choice for final track.  He has such majestic songs to end on and yet he chooses to finalize his discs with somewhat mediocre songs.  'Sailboats' is a better choice as a closing track and would leave the listener feeling whimsical.

Ok, that's my opinion...  and this is another CD I listen to from start to finish.  I sing along with every number, harmonizing each note.  I find it enchanting, calming and refreshingly different from what's happening in music these days.  Although I love Owl City, I'd certainly pick Sky Sailing as a project I'd like to hear more of.  I would buy a new Sky Sailing disc before I'd pick up a new Owl City.  My final words:  PEACEFUL AND PROMISING ACOUSTIC POP...  PERFECT.

SKY SAILING - AN AIRPLANE CARRIED ME TO BED
01. Captains Of The Sky
02. Brielle
03. Steady As She Goes
04. Explorers
05. A Little Opera Goes A Long Way
06. Tennis Elbow
07. Blue And Red
08. Alaska
09. I Live Alone
10. Take Me Somewhere Nice
11. Sailboats
12. Flowers Of The Field

MISSING PERSONS - THE BEST OF MISSING PERSONS

Although I'm not 100% familiar with the history of Missing Persons as a band, I am familiar with Dale Bozzio's subsequent material.  Mainly because she signed with Paisley Park and released an album on the label.  It wasn't one of the best Paisley Park moments, but it wasn't all that bad either.  What I was surprised to learn was how much of her back catalog I actually knew. Or at least was aware of.

Missing Persons was one of those 80s bands on the cusp of just about everything popular.  The teeny booper sound of Dale's vocals and the presence of synthesizers made the band iconic in every aspect of pop culture.  You heard their songs in movies, on television and on the radio.  I'm not sure how many people I knew counted themselves as Missing Persons fans, but we all knew who they were.

I picked up this little gem at a used music store in Las Vegas and it has everything I've ever wanted from the band and more.  From the chartbusting hits to the strange filler material, this disc has it all.  It starts off strong with 'Words', 'Destination Unknown', 'I Like Boys' and 'Mental Hopscotch'.  Dale's quirky vocals and the infectious pop arrangements playing behind her can get even the most hardcore couch potato up on their feet to dance.

Never fear, 'Walking In L.A.' is on this collection as well. Nothing worth having is left off.  This is an excellent Best Of compilation and one any casual fan of Missing Persons should have in their collection.  I may not be a die hard Missing Persons fan, but I like them enough to enjoy the CD and recommend it to others.  My final words:  DESTINATION: BUY IT!

MISSING PERSONS - THE BEST OF MISSING PERSONS
01. Words
02. Destination Unknown
03. I Like Boys
04. Mental Hopscotch
05. Hello, I Love You
06. Windows
07. It Ain't None Of Your Business
08. Walking In L.A.
09. Tears
10. Bad Streets
11. Give
12. Right Now
13. Color In Your Life
14. I Can't Think About Dancin'
15. No Secrets

OWL CITY - OCEAN EYES DELUXE EDITION

Wow, where do I start with this disc...?  A friend of mine suggested I check this group out.  He was really into them.  I checked out 'Fireflies' on Youtube and I thought the video was OK.  Wasn't really enthused about the music.  Figured it was another electro wannabe act.  Later on, I found out my niece, Danielle was really into them.  So one day, I was looking for some new music and I downloaded a couple of their CDs.  Needless to say, I started listening to them on my phone while I was at work and suddenly, I'm hooked.

Owl City is like Nine Inch Nails.  It's a band with a live line-up, but the studio work is essentially one person writing, arranging, playing instruments and singing.  So not really a band. But who cares...  Ultimately, it's the music we're interested in anyway.  Not the band photos. Owl City is actually Adam Young.  A guy from Minnesota.  And he's big on homonyms.  Lyrically and musically one of the first things you notice is how upbeat and positive the material is.  That's probably the main reason I'm into them right now.  I've got so many negative influences in my life.  Owl City keeps me in a more uplifted head space.

My niece, Danielle, calls their music magical.  Probably because of the chimes and light bell sounds he often uses.  Not to mention most of the subject matter is rather ethereal, dream-like.  He tells stories in his songs.  Stories that often sound like something he dreamed the night before.  The opening track, 'Cave In' seems to set the tone right away.  The song is about getting away from pressure and taking time to relax.  The cave in he refers to is actually a breakdown of sorts.  He needs to get out of the cavern or he'll cave in.  There's a lot of meaning in his music and it's often complex no matter how simple it appears to be.  You have some lilting starlight sounds on this number.  The real intensity comes toward the end of the song where the music breaks down a bit.  It's a very compelling number.

The second track is 'The Bird And The Worm'.  Right away, this song utilizes a live acoustic guitar.  For a purely electronic band, it's a bold move and sets the group apart right off the bat.  They're more than just a pop band.  The song is a sweet song about a courtship.  It doesn't get complicated beyond simple sentiment, but it's very enjoyable and wonderful to sing along with.  It's followed by 'Hello Seattle'.  This number is a track from a previous release.  I love it as well.  There's supposed to be a difference between this version and the original, though I'm not sure I hear it.  'Umbrella Beach' is a song with an interesting story line.  I read an interview once where Adam talked about it.  He said it was about a homeless man who made a home for himself in an underwater boxcar.  Once again, this sounds more like a dream than reality.  But it's a lovely concept and the song is very exciting musically.

'The Saltwater Room' is one of my favorite tunes on this release.  Again, it's a song appearing on an earlier release and was remixed or re-recorded for this album.  I adore the tune.  The chorus is beautiful and echoes many sentiments I've had with new loves in the past.  I'm experiencing it right now as a matter of fact.  I'm having feelings for someone and wondering if things are going to get more serious.  It's followed by 'Dental Care' a song I think is rather silly.  I consider it more filler material and I would've left it off the album in favor of stronger material.  There are a couple of songs like this Adam writes.  I do enjoy some of the lyrics and it's fun to sing along with.  But not in the vein of the rest of the disc.  'Meteor Shower' is quite compelling; though I'm not sure if he's talking about a love or God.  It's sometimes hard to separate Adam's religious nature with his sensitive side.  The two seemed intertwined.  I've always been of the opinion, when you make such intense statements religiously in music, you run the risk of alienating your audience.  I feel the same way about music and politics.

The next number is another number I believe is leftover from an earlier release.  'On The Wing' is a lovely piece of music.  It's whimsical and uplifting.  It's also very hopeful.  It's followed by the song Owl City is probably best known for.  'Fireflies' is a great track and there's not much I can say for it here.  Everyone surely is familiar with this number by now.  'The Tip Of The Iceberg' is next up and it's also a wonderfully hopeful number.  Adam has a female vocalist appearing on some of his work.  I believe her name is Breanne Durin and her voice is so complimentary to his.  They make an incredible combination harmonizing together.  I love hearing her on his music.  The next track on the disc is 'Vanilla Twilight' and this song is pure magic.  I'm so adverse to ballads.  They're such a touchy song type.  Very rare is the artist who can generate a truly amazing song in this format.  And using a ballad to round off an album is a risky but often rewarding decision.  Especially if it's successful.  Adam pulls it off with this number.  He says goodbye and makes you anticipate his return all in one song.  The video is absolutely enchanting.  I challenge people all the time to watch it and not smile.  It's such a subtle visual, but one that warms the heart.  And therein, lies the power of this band.  There's nothing jumping out and pounding you.  Just a quiet easy sound that creeps into your soul and makes you feel happy.  Truly hopeful and happy.  After 'Vanilla Twilight', 'Tidal Wave' is almost an afterthought.  It would've been better positioned before 'Vanilla Twilight'.

But it's over too soon.  And thankfully, the deluxe edition gives you some additional tunes to add to your collection of this "magical" music.  The first song on the second disc is 'Hot Air Balloon' and it's absolutely perfect!  The lyrics are bouncing and fun.  The story is full of color and imagination.  The beat is infectious.  You can't get better than this.  'Butterfly Wings' is another ballad and one that is also mystical.  He tells the story of two caterpillars dreaming of the day they wake from their cocoons with butterfly wings.  'Rugs From Me To You' is another joke song much like 'Dental Care'.  It features some accordion music.  Something you kinda expect from someone growing up in Minnesota.  It's followed by 'Sunburn'.  Once again, acoustic guitar is employed to change the sound making it more organic and friendly.

The remix of 'Hello Seattle' in my opinion is much better than the original version.  I love it when it comes on.  I crank the volume and freak out.  It has a soothing piano intro and then builds into an intense beat you can't help but shake your butt to.  The last two songs are both wonderful numbers.  'If My Heart Was A House' expresses a very gentle but sincere emotion and I think it's very powerful.  The concert I've seen, this was the song they closed the show out with and it was an absolute perfect way to end.  'Strawberry Avalanche' is another brilliant tune.  It's got that great energetic beat you're starting to expect from Owl City.  As well as a wonderful arrangement.  It's another song about a dream story.  This one takes place on an overnight sleepover.  Two kids in sleeping bags in the backyard.  

All in all, this album is very satisfying.  I love it.  I listen to it a lot right now.  Along with most of his other material.  If you don't own it, run out and pick it up.  But don't waste your time with just the regular edition...  Pick up the Deluxe Edition to get the bonus material.  They're worth it.  My final words:  TRULY MAGICAL MUSIC!!!!

OWL CITY - OCEAN EYES DELUXE EDITION
01. Cave In
02. The Bird And The Worm
03. Hello Seattle
04. Umbrella Beach
05. The Saltwater Room
06. Dental Care
07. Meteor Shower
08. On The Wing
09. Fireflies
10. The Tip Of The Iceberg
11. Vanilla Twilight
12. Tidal Wave
BONUS DISC
01. Hot Air Balloon
02. Butterfly Wings
03. Rugs From Me To You
04. Sunburn
05. Hello Seattle (Remix)
06. If My Heart Was A House
07. Strawberry Avalanche

ELECTRIC SIX - ABSOLUTE PLEASURE

I made Tyler order this CD for me online for Christmas.  I really wanted it and couldn't wait any longer.  I've seen E6 a number of times in concert and I've enjoyed seeing almost all of these songs performed live.  There are two songs in particular I've been wanting to see live and I was able to see them but I'm even more surprised and pleased to find them included on this release.  'Future Is In The Future' and 'When I Get To The Green Building' are amazing tunes.  It's so great to have live versions in my library.

It's also interesting to have a copy of the Osmond Brothers cover, 'Crazy Horses'.  Why on earth E6 decided to do a version of this song I'll never know.  But it comes out sounding just great and makes another reason to pick up this already exclusive release.

I believe this CD is a mix of two nights performances.  But it doesn't matter much in the end.  You can put the disc on and let it play without worrying about skipping unwanted tracks.  They're all gems.

There's a lot of conversation happening here as well.  Dick Valentine spends a good deal of time entertaining the audience with his witty humor.  It's a pleasure hearing it live when you're at the show.  Even moreso when you can keep a copy of it and listen to it over again.

The title of this release makes me think of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show".  One of the lasts songs Frankenfurter sings is that one where he goes, "Don't dream it, be it"  Another line from that song is, "Give yourself over to absolute pleasure."  In my mind, that scene inspired this incredible record.  I can picture Dick Valentine in corset drag with a pink feather boa and high heel shoes singing that line over and over.  It's a disturbing but happy image for me.  I think he's talented enough to pull it off.  Much like Tim Curry.  My final words on this release are: LONG OVERDUE AND WORTH THE WAIT!

ELECTRIC SIX - ABSOLUTE PLEASURE

01. It's Showtime!

02. Down At McDonnelzzz

03. Danger! High Voltage

04. Future Is In The Future

05. Dirty Ball

06. When I Get To The Green Building

07. Gay Bar

08. Infected Girls

09. Jam It In The Hole

10. She's White

11. Body Shot

12. Dance Epidemic

13. I Buy The Drugs

14. Hello! I See You

15. Crazy Horses

16. Dance Commander

17. Synthesizer

DEAD OR ALIVE - NUKLEOPATRA

I was a fan of Dead Or Alive when this record came out.  Of course for me, their highpoint was "Mad, Bad, And Dangerous To Know".  That was the first DOA tape I owned and loved.  Subsequent releases left me a little disappointed, but there was always something keeping me interested.  As much as I loved DOA during the 80's, these later releases are more difficult to appreciate.  Pete Burns moved increasingly towards a transsexual persona.  In fact, the title track of this CD is about his transsexual side.  'Nukleopatra' was a minor dance hit in some of the gay clubs in Vegas.  I remember hearing it and deciding I would pick up the record.  Of course, at the time, DOA wasn't going to release the album in America and I ended up picking up the Japanese version.  Imports always cost a little more and this one was no exception. I regret spending so much on it.

Track 2 and 10 are both taken from an earlier Dead Or Alive album called "Fan The Flames, Part 1".  The addition of them here, albeit with new music arrangements is disappointing.  I wasn't a huge fan of the music on that CD and finding some of it here is a major let down.  Neither one is particularly appealing.  In fact, that was the disc that kinda turned me off to Dead Or Alive.  However, the number 3 track is a David Bowie cover called, 'Rebel Rebel'.  There are two covers on this disc and both are phenomenal!  'Rebel Rebel' kicks in and you get all the angst and confusion Pete Burn's new gender bending look boiled down into one aggressive pop single.  The second cover is Blondie's 'Picture This' coming in at number 8.  It's not as good as 'Rebel Rebel', but it's a worthy attempt and enjoyable.  Almost as much as the original version.

I could go on with a track by track breakdown of the CD, but the truth is, none of the music is interesting enough to keep my attention.  I don't have anything to say about it other than, eh...  It all sounds half-hearted anyway.  Like they were just trying to get something together to release.  There's no real "Umph" behind any of it.  It's not completely generic sounding, but it doesn't have anything special in it either.  Edina from "Absolutely Fabulous" once called this kind of music, "Dull Soulless Dance Music" and that's exactly what I think when I listen to this disc.  There's not even enough energy to get you moving.  I actually played it for Tyler and he found it boring.

This album is listed as Hi-NRG and Dance music on most reviews and information releases I've found online.  Although I'm not sure what to classify it as, I know it doesn't live up to their earlier work.  Whether it's the departure of the Dead Or Alive band that left the group without original material or the movement towards becoming an image celebrity rather than a singer; I've basically come to the conclusion Pete Burns gave up.  Since he and Steve Coy went "Solo" as Dead Or Alive, the focus has been more on appearance and drag persona rather than music and entertainment.  It's like they went on to feast on celebrity and ignored the music.

There's never been a happy balance for this group.  And for me, this record was the last straw.  I stopped buying them after this one.  Every now and again, the group will release something and I'll look at it.  The most recent thing I saw was a remix or remake of 'You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)'.  That makes me feel bad.  I'd rather see them doing something innovative and new.  Instead, they're continuing to cash in on old material hoping to squeeze one more ounce of gold out of that dried up rock.

I'm also horrified by the personal appearances I've seen Pete Burns do lately.  He's become something I absolutely detest and hate among the gay community...  A bitchy horrible old queen.  I avoid them in real life, I think they give gay people a bad image and I won't continue to financially support one who can't be a decent human being as a celebrity.  I know I'll probably get a lot of negative feedback for this review from Dead Or Alive fans.  And all I can say is, wait cause I've got great things to say about other releases.  Just not this one.  My final words: TROUBLING TRANNY TRASH!

DEAD OR ALIVE - NUKLEOPATRA

01. Nukleopatra

02. Unhappy Birthday

03. Rebel Rebel

04. Sleep With You

05. The Right Stuff

06. I'm A Star

07. International Thing

08. Picture This

09. Spend The Night Together

10. Gone Too Long

11. Getting It On

12. Sex Drive

TEARS FOR FEARS - SONGS FROM THE BIG CHAIR

Here's another one from the 80's, folks!  There was a radio show called "Rock Over London".  I can't remember which station played it in Southern Utah, but I do remember it came on Thursday nights and I would sit in my mom's bathroom (cause that's the only place the radio would pick up the station), and discover all kinds of new bands and music.  That's where I first heard Tears For Fears.  Later, this record came out and the group exploded on the American charts.  You couldn't tune in a radio station anywhere without hearing one of their songs.  

I was familiar with the singles showing up on American Top 40, but one Sunday afternoon on the King Biscuit Flower Hour (I'm guessing that was the name of the show), I recorded an entire concert by them.  It was remarkable.  Still, I never picked up the album until many years later.  I stumbled across the CD in Vegas and bought it.  Brand new.  And I've never regretted that purchase.

The first track on "Songs From The Big Chair" is 'Shout'.  There's not much I can say about this song you don't already know.  It's an international hit single and just about everyone knows it.  The second tune is 'The Working Hour'.  There's already a developing theme here.  Oppression.  Whereas 'Shout' was about protest and standing up for a cause, 'The Working Hour' is about others benefiting from others efforts.  "This is the working hour, we are paid by those who learn from our mistakes".  Although our society is based on a barter system that supports payment for labor, most business' undervalue their workforce.  People are underpaid and unjustly compensated for their labors.  Still, companies endure because they know if one person quits, they can always hire another one to fill in.  Whoops, that was a bit of a rant and probably not at all what the song is about.  But it's what I take away from it.  

The third number is 'Everybody Wants To Rule The World'.  This is a straightforward piece about acquiring power and the consequences.  It's also a metaphor for the selfish nature of the human id.  Being controlled by the id is another form of personal oppression.  Having an id based personality can be extremely debilitating.  'Mother's Talk' is a song I remember from the live radio broadcast because it's got such a powerful beat and sound.  I'm not completely sure what the meaning of the song is, but it seems to me it describes the power of rumor.  "When the wind blows, when the mother's talk"... Implying words are as powerful as nature.  Again, gossip can be a form of oppression.  So in my opinion, the theme continues.  

'I Believe' comes next and even with the soft jazz rhythm, it feels like a light at the end of the tunnel.  It offers hope in the belief of another person while simultaneously calling the listener to think authentically and take control of their destiny.  Almost in response, 'Broken' kicks in and takes a huge steaming poop all over the music we've thus far enjoyed.  Roland Orzabal rebels against everything and tells you he doesn't believe things will be alright.  There's confusion, rage and uncertainty wrapped in one aggressive sound barrage.  If music were war, this song would be on the front line.

'Head Over Heels' begins and you suddenly have a new dynamic happening.  This is the one song you can actually consider a love song.  Of the bunch, it's also the most uplifting.  Still, the relationship it describes and the poetry of the piece continue the theme of oppression.  It's about being controlled by love.  I'm particularly fond of the line, "You keep your distance with a system of touch and gentle persuasion".  Whenever I hear these words, I picture a movie screen in my head and I see a couple courting like they would in older days.  When he would advance, she could keep him at bay with soothing touches and delicate arguments.  A much more subtle time.  One I wish we had today.  Too many people feel comfortable pushing and violating the personal space of others.  Even more frightening is how complacent we are about it.  We're so used to it, we don't care about privacy anymore.  That's a broad generalization to be sure and one I probably shouldn't be making.  But that's where this song takes. me.  It then goes on to describe the complexities of family relationships and how these expectations can be oppressive as well.  The song segues back into a reprise of "Broken" and ends in a firecracker burst.

The final song on the album is 'Listen'.  Although it doesn't resolve the theme of the disc, it offers a strange view of major world events.  Possibly in the hope of teaching.  Learn from mistakes.  Look to the future.  Whatever the function of the track, the music is sweeping and feels like a closing.

The entire offering is quite short, but packed with material both thought provoking and invigorating.  I truly enjoy this disc and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in this duo.  My final words: AN OPPRESSIVE THEME TO SET YOUR EARS FREE.

TEARS FOR FEARS - SONGS FROM THE BIG CHAIR
01. Shout
02. The Working Hour
03. Everybody Wants To Rule The World
04. Mother's Talk
05. I Believe
06. Broken
07. Head Over Heels/Broken (Live)
08. Listen