![[tonight] 05.11.12//dia frampton..churchill..the fray
see the fray at red rocks? cross that off the bucket list.](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3vcy9ZTAH1qc258qo1_500.jpg)
[tonight] 05.11.12//dia frampton..churchill..the fray
see the fray at red rocks? cross that off the bucket list.
[tonight] 05.11.12//dia frampton..churchill..the fray
see the fray at red rocks? cross that off the bucket list.
"Summer Is Over"
great duet from Jon McLaughlin and Sara Bareilles
Fun. “Carry On (Acoustic)”
Fun. ”Some Nights Intro”
[[I’m seeing them live on Tuesday.]]
The Fray, “Scars & Stories”
Artist: The Fray
Album: Scars & Stories
Release Date: February 2012
Being from Denver, I’ve got a bit of a soft spot for The Fray, and I [im]patiently anticipated the release of their most recent album, Scars & Stories. Then, when tickets to their show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre went on sale around the same time, I almost had a heart attack. I’ve only heard great things about their last show at Red Rocks (back in ’06), so my expectations are pretty high.
Here’s what I’m thinking – that whole “ten words or less for each track on the album” thing seemed to work pretty well, so I’m going to give that another go. Can you dig it?
[[“Heartbeat” – catchy intro, predictable melodic highs and lows, typical ‘Fray’ vibe]]
[[“The Fighter” – relatable and inspirational lyrics, great representation of Isaac’s vocal abilities]]
[[“Turn Me On” – unexpected lyrics and song composition, raspy vocals, upbeat, personal favorite]]
[[“Run For Your Life” – powerful, passionate, emotional presence, unique key change @3:00]]
[[“The Wind” – seamless instrumental transitions, pure and raw, captivating ups and downs]]
[[“1961” – typical content/song meaning, story-telling format, predictable ‘Fray’ song]]
[[“I Can Barely Say” – nearly acapela style singing, very emotional and untainted, raw]]
[[“Munich” – distinctive string instrument(?) intro, solemn mood transitions into raspy chorus]]
[[“Here We Are” – edgier and more aggressive tone, some variety and experimentation]]
[[“48 To Go” – play it safe with melody and harmony, lyrics lack variety]]
[[“Rainy Zurich” – ‘I’ll keep you warm, dancin’ in a downpour’]]
[[“Be Still” – highly religious undertones, feels like worship music, soothing, honest]]
Overall, Scars & Stories did not blow me away and was not much more than what I expected from The Fray. It’s an appealing album, but sounds just like How to Save a Life and their self-titled album, The Fray. This compilation of songs is rather predictable - I wish they took a few more risks on the album and pushed the envelope. Tracks like “Turn Me On” and “Here We Are” hint at the fact that they are capable of producing something other than the typical emotional, moody, tunes that lack inspiration and excitement… Here’s hoping that these songs translate well when performed live.
Artist: Donavon Frankenreiter
Venue: Aggie Theatre, Colorado
I should preface this by saying that almost a year ago, I had the pleasure of seeing Donavon Frankenreiter share the stage with Matt Nathanson and John Oates at the ‘7908: The Aspen Songwriters Festival’ in Aspen, CO. My point? It’s going to be hard to live up to that show.
That being said, seeing Donavon perform at a smaller venue was quite the treat. His laid-back attitude is contagious and radiates through every note, every word, infecting everybody at the Aggie, despite the disappointing turn-out. Then again, it was a Tuesday night…
And how can you not love that ‘stache?!
(Above video: ”Move By Yourself”)
NEEDTOBREATHE, “The Reckoning”
Artist: NEEDTOBREATHE
Album: The Reckoning
Release Date: September 2011
I’ll be honest with you, I hadn’t paid much attention to NEEDTOBREATHE prior to seeing them at the Ogden Theatre in Denver earlier this week. And I would’ve missed the show entirely had Ben Rector not been the opening act. (My appreciation for Ben Rector’s music will have to wait for another post, but I’ll just throw it out there – I drove 10 hours to Kansas City to see him perform. Yes, he’s that great.) Anyways, the show blew my mind – never have a seen a band that’s so real, so passionate, and able to make a sold-out venue feel so intimate. It’s clear that each note, each melody, each lyric, is carefully chosen after listening to the album, but seeing them in concert really solidifies the thought behind each of the songs written by NEEDTOBREATHE. I’m still unable to put into words how I felt after leaving that show (and my feet still hurt from all the tapping and stomping!)
Here’s what I’m thinking – in 10 words or less (each), I will tell you all that you need to know about each of the tracks on this album. Deal? Great. Here we go…
[[“Oohs and Aahs” – haunting, unexpected, great hook for the album, killer guitar transitions]]
[[“White Fences” – upbeat, unique mandolin/banjo intro, Bo and Bear harmonies]]
[[“Drive All Night” – fit to fill an arena, can’t help singing along (chorus)]]
[[“A Place Only You Can Go” – soothing, sentimental, emotional, stripped, personal connection]]
[[“Slumber” – ‘wake on up from your slumber, baby open up your eyes’]]
[[“The Reckoning” – relatable lyrics, open to interpretation, really solid title track]]
[[“Able” – acapela style intro, soothing, puts life matters in perspective]]
[[“Maybe They’re On To Us” – paranoia, questioning, surprising vocals and tune, yet still incredibly appealing]]
[[“Wanted Man” – reminds me of songs from previous album: calm yet upbeat]]
[[“Keep Your Eyes Open” – enticing intro, inspiring, eye-opening, “Oohs” make you want to sing]]
[[“Tyrant Kings” – intimate and personal, mellow, vulnerable lyrics, acoustic feeling]]
[[“Devil’s Been Talkin’” – foot-stompin’ beat, lyrics a bit repetitive, but oh-so catchy]]
[[“Angel at My Door” – showcases Bear’s vocal capabilities, similar to previous albums]]
[[“Learn to Love” – stripped instruments, raw, pure vocals, lyrics applicable to daily life]]
Well, that about sums it up. “The Reckoning” is an outstanding album, and I cannot stop listening! NEEDTOBREATHE, you’ve gained another loyal fan with this album!
fresh start
After a bit of a hiatus from the blogosphere, it feels good to be back. Previously, I used tumblr to re-post images others had already posted, or to share my thoughts and feelings. But something about that just didn’t feel right.
I had a revelation this morning on my drive into the office (singing and dancing…by myself…in my car) that I should use tumblr to share what I’m passionate about - music. Although I was not blessed with musical talent, I have a deep appreciation for a variety of genres and I attend my fair share of local shows. Because I can’t possibly keep up with all of the upcoming albums, latest and greatest concerts, you name it, I’d love your input and suggestions - if you’re a musician or know of a fantastic band, lead me to them!
So, here it goes…
