• “Rocketeer” by Far East Movement featuring Ryan Tedder: Far East Movement is an LA based electro-hip hop group that made their first big break onto the popular music scene with “Round Round,” which was featured in The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift. Many people didn’t recognize the group until 2010 when “Like a G6″ made it’s way to the #1 spot on Billboard and iTunes charts.  Although that song is still getting significant playtime on American radio waves, I am partial to “Rocketeer.” There is something about the song that keeps me turning the volume up and my body moving.  The simple beat is mixed with background keyboard and electric soundboards and it’s accompanied by easily understood lyrics.  It’s a great track to put on when you need a pick-me-up during a run or a feel-good boost during a workout. (Other songs that have potential to be made into singles: “White Flag,” “Don’t Look Now,” and “Fighting For Air“)

“Where we go we don’t need roads (roads), Where we stop nobody knows (knows), To the stars if you really want it. Got, got a jetpack with your name on it, Above the clouds in the atmosphere (phere), Just say the words and we outta here (outta here), Hold my hand if you feeling scared (scared), We flying up, up outta here.
Here we go, come with me.  There’s a world out there that we should see.  Take my hand, close your eyes.  With you right here, I’m a rocketeer.
Let’s fly.  Up, up here we go, go.  Up, up here we go, go.  Let’s fly, Up, up here we go, go.  Where we stop nobody knows, knows”

• “Buzzin’” by Mann featuring 50 Cent: A shout-out to one of my friends for sending me this song awhile ago.  I always found it catchy, but it has made its way to one of my favorite fun songs after it kept being played on my shuffled playlist.  This is one of the ultimate good mood songs.  It takes a good portion from the 1980′s Nu Shooz hit “I Can’t Wait.” Who doesn’t love a throwback with a new school vibe?

• “Champion” by Chipmunk featuring Chris Brown: This track contains two of my weaknesses: Brits and pianos.  The combination of the two create what may be my favorite current pop song.  (That’s hard for me to do with my taste of music being so far reaching).  Chipmunk is a hot British hip-hop artist that has been making a name for himself over the past few years after winning to MOBO awards in the UK in 2008.  This was a solid track for Chris Brown to be a part of through his work of reinstating his position as an artist after the social turmoil that became his life a few years ago.  One thing that sets this song apart from the others on this list are the lyrics.  They actually hold some meaning.  Bring yourself to be beyond your best, and live to the potential that you were born with.

“Work your own way to the top.  If they put you on a pedestal, they can take you off.  And there’s a higher level than the top.  You gotta make more, don’t make do with what you got.
Yeah, so go and get it in sonny. Not everybody get’s a second chance at getting money.  Or even getting lucky, So you gotta fill the hunger in your tummy.
I’m always pushing myself to the limit.  Making sure I stay ahead, You made me who I am, From the words you said.
Some people have to learn.  Some people wait their turn.  Some people, but not me.  I was born champion.
Some people have to fight.  Some people give their lives.  Some people don’t believe, But I was born a champion.  But I was born a champion. But I was born a champion.

Ok, no one wants to help, I guess you’re on your own.  Build the foundation with the bricks they’ve thrown.  In a black and white world true colours show.  Change if you want, everybody grows
And life’s like an ill, but try an’ get a hold.  Opinions ain’t facts take ‘em in an’ let ‘em go.  You made me who I am, From the words you said.
Some people have to learn.  Some people wait their turn.  Some people, but not me.  I was born champion.”

• “Show Goes On” by Lupe Fiasco: Chicago based hip hop rapper Lupe Fiasco stormed the scene with his Billboard hit “Superstar.” The single garnered nominations for multiple awards, from the BET awards, Grammys, VMA’s, MOBO’s, and Teen Choice Awards.  Lupe is releasing a new album, Lasers, at the end of this week, and this album is going to explode on the charts.  There are so many great tracks that it is hard to pick just a few to talk about.  “Shining Down“ was rumored to be the first single from the album, and even though it was released in 2009, I think there are other songs on the upcoming album that are going to amass a larger following.  The first track that really stood out to me was “The Show Goes On.” This song definitely has a mass appeal that will hit the pop/hiphop stations around the country.  The steady beat harvests and easy to follow chorus, but Fiasco steps up his flow in each verse.  I have loved running to this song for the past week.  ”I Don’t Wanna Care Right Now” (featuring MDMA) is another song from the album that I am really digging.  It exhibits Lupe’s signature rap flow, but it also has electric accents in the chorus that will bring commercial appeal.  I dare you to try to hold back dancing to this song.  It’s nearly impossible!  Lasers has the potential to hit the charts in a big way.  I highly suggest checking it out.  (“Coming Up” feat MDMD is also bound to be another party hit!)

Other songs that are big for the spring:

• “S & M“ — Rihanna
• “Higher“ — Taio Cruz
• “Blow“ — Ke$ha
• “Backseat” (Feat Cataracs) — New Boyz

It is only a few hours away from the Academy Awards, and many people are getting ready to tune into the red carpet extravaganza of beautiful gowns and perfectly tailored tuxedoes.  It is a night, some would say the night, of Hollywood glitz and glam where the best of the industry vie for the coveted Oscar.  While the headlining awards of Best Actor, Actress, Supporting Actor, and Supporting Actress may seem like landslide wins, I am curious to see what film will walk away with the award for Best Picture.  Although those awards are what guide most viewers’ attention to the Academy Awards, I am going to be focusing on who is going to walk away with the Oscar for the Best Original Score.  I personally think that it should be a landslide win for Hans Zimmer’s score for Inception.  He was robbed of the Golden Globe, having lost to Trent Reznore and Atticus Ross for their work in The Social Network,  and I believe that this Oscar is rightfully his.  This is Zimmer’s 9th Academy Award nomination, having won in 1994 for The Lion King, and while many people may believe that it is time to recognize a new composer for their work, I think that it is foolish to not award the work of a genius composer.  He has proven himself in the industry, having written scores for over 100 films and garnering over 50 award nominations for those.  If you’re still not convinced that the seasoned veteran should stand above the rest on that stage tonight, then you must listen to “Time.” It is the best part of Inception’s score, and it is safe to say that it has made it’s way to the list of my all-time favorite scores, which isn’t an easy thing to break into.  The 4:36 track starts with very sullen piano work, and it quickly evolves with the introduction of the strings and horns.  The french horn throughout the song truly seals it for me.  This moving piece picks up tempo and strength and has such pristine qualities that can really charge up the listener.  The horns are abruptly silenced as the soft notes of the piano carry out the final seconds of the song.  ”Time” is a true work of art.  Come on Hans Zimmer, it’s your time again!

Photo from ajc.com

Eric Clapton: The name should be enough to explain how great of a night it was.  I wanted to see the legend ever since I was little, and the 22 year wait was more than worth it.  Although some of the crowd was disappointed that Clapton didn’t play “Tears in Heaven” or “Layla,” the rest of the show made up for it.  I’m sure after performing the same songs for 20-40 years respectively, he felt that it was his prerogative to put together the set list.  The encore of “Cocaine” definitely made up for the absence of the other hits.  Not only was the music phenomenal, but watching a master of his craft at work was astounding.  My great seats allowed me to get the perfect view of the stage, and I couldn’t take my eyes off the insane guitar work that Clapton was exhibiting, especially since most of the time he was performing with his eyes closed!  There aren’t enough stars to rate this experience!

image from atlantamusicguide.com

David Gray: Despite the awkwardness of the venue the he played, David Gray put on a great show.  Most people know him for mellow songs such as “Babylon” and “This Year’s Love,” but he did a good job at mixing up the set and keeping the crowd on their feet.  Gray didn’t spend the entire show previewing the new songs from “Foundling,” but showcased a good variation of a few new songs with fan favorites.  There wasn’t a lull in the performance, which was unexpected due to the nature of his music, which was also helped by him taking very few talking breaks between songs.

photo from 929dave.radio.com

Sting: This concert was one of the highlights of the summer.  It didn’t matter that the summer heat could have melted me away, the performance was amazing.  It was part of Sting’s tour with the Royal Philharmonic, and the extra orchestral elements made all the songs a million times better.  The one thing that I noticed throughout the show is that Sting is a true story-teller.  He could share the background behind all of his songs, which brought meaning some of the more obscure lyrics.  I left the concert with a new appreciation of some childhood classics, as well as a mental list of some songs to add to my library.  I was excited when i found out that an album from the tour was released, “Symphonicities,” but one of my favorite ensembles from the show was left off.  ”Desert Rose” definitely left the best impression on me, so I was disappointed to find out that it didn’t make the record, but at least I have the memory of the live version.

Photo from blog.reviewartists.com

Something Corporate: After a 5 or 6 year hiatus, Something Corporate finally came back together for a summer reunion tour.  I had wished that it would happen for over a year, and I was jumping up and down when I got the announcement that they were finally reuniting and coming to my city.  The night was a perfect throwback to younger years, and it was even better because they played almost every song possible.  There isn’t a single fan that walked out of the show having not heard their favorite SoCo song.  Many of their hits had been redone and rereleased on a hits album, “Played in Space,” and the new renditions were just as good as the originals.  I don’t think I can pick a favorite moment from this show, although “Drunk Girl,” “If You C Jordan,” and “21 and Invincible” seemed to send the crowd into a frenzy.  I specifically loved seeing Andrew follow tradition by getting on top of his piano, and “Punk Rock Princess” was a nice touch to a throwback night.

image from teenmusic.com

John Mayer: I was able to see JM perform twice this year, and the two shows couldn’t have been more different.  I truly haven’t had a similar experience through all of the times that I have seen Mayer’s concerts, and 2010 was no exception.  The music of both shows was great, but the venues truly made the difference.  His March show was played in a huge indoor arena, which I think has the worst acoustics of any venue that I have ever attended.  Depending on where you are sitting, the sounds that are projecting towards the opposite wall echoed back.  In one ear you are hearing great live music, but in the other ear it sounds like a bad mumbled radio station.  Regardless, it was a great night and a great gift.  It was the first part of the “Battle Studies” tour, so it was nice to hear how the new material translated into a live performance.  I was so excited that he played “Assassin” and that the song was awesome live.  My favorite cover of the night was his version of “Ain’t No Sunshine,” but it is a personal bias because that song can do no wrong.  The second Mayer show was in the Summer at a large outdoor venue, and it was completely opposite of the March show.  The atmosphere and crowd were more laid back, and JM seemed to focus more on the music than the spectacle of the entire performance.  Since he had already done one go around of his newest material, he was able to mix in a lot of his old songs.  There was the classic Mayer story telling, which included a reference to a Situation doll.  He let the audience enjoy his notable “Free Fallin‘” cover, but I think I enjoyed his version of “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay” a little more.

image from clatl.com

Regina Spektor: Although this show was a long time ago, it left a good enough impression that I wish it was happening again tomorrow.  Most people know Spektor’s music to be very chill and mellow, but they would be mistaken if they were to see her perform live.  Besides her sparkly flats, she left all the glitz and glam to her music ability.  I have a lot of respect for somebody who will play every instrument on stage while maintaining the great vocals.  By every instrument, I even mean creating some of her own.  At one point in the show, she sent the rest of the band off stage as she sat at the piano with an old wooden chair to her right.  The crowd roared as she played the piano with one hand, kept the tempo by playing percussion with a drum stick on the chair, and sang her way through the lyrics.  I was very impressed.  She didn’t do a lot of talking, which kept the show rolling, and she really didn’t show any signs of tiring.  Her time between the main set and the encore seemed like a brief moment, short enough for the crowd to get their clapping a little bit louder.  I’m excited to hear what new music she will put out and what her next tour will be like.  I definitely recommend seeing her shows if you’re in the mood for a fun but slightly mellow night and live music without the body slamming.

image from farm3.static.flickr.com

Mae: This was the most bittersweet of my 2010 concerts.  The bitter part comes in that it was the last time that I would be seeing Mae perform, unless they decided to do a reunion tour.  The sweet part of the night was that the original band members all came together for the last tour.  I can’t count the number of Mae shows that I have attended, but I know it had been some time since I saw the originals all together.  I was expecting a complete blowup of energy, but it was the opposite.  It was the most mellow Mae show that I had been to, with the smallest Mae crowd that I have seen, at the most low-key venue that they have performed.  I have to say that it was a slight disappointment.  I had a inkling that the band would be breaking up after the (M)orning, (A)fternoon, (E)vening endeavor, however I excepted a band to leave everything out on the stage during the final tour.  Instead they seemed to lag through the set like they were completely burned out.  I hope that they do reunite in a few years, and the time away will recharge them on stage for a more authentic Mae experience.

image from concertshots.com

Earth Wind and Fire: EWF put on a great summer concert.  It was at one of my favorite outdoor venues, and despite the heat from the summer sun, those guys sure knew how to keep everybody grooving.  The show started off with a bang and these seasoned vets knew how to put on a performance, from the music, to the lights, and then the dancing.  My only gripe about the show was they played a mini set of all of their slow songs, which really seemed to take away from the great vibe.  However, they made up for it during their encore, which some people missed out on because they left early.  Earth Wind & Fire definitely saved the best for last, leaving the stage after performing “September” and “Let’s Groove.”

2010 was a big year of music, and that was just a little quip of some of the shows that I attended.  I’m excited to see what 2011 will have in store for me and what new stuff I will pick up on at SXSW in March!

image from wikipedia.org

Although this isn’t a post about any of the previous things that I had promised, I have to write about a current inspiration.  Sometimes the things that occur in a night can totally overwhelm you in a good way, and the vibes of what is and the spontaneity of what is to come can make the simplest things turn into bright lights.

It has been so many months that I have been sitting on Imogen Heap’s Ellipse album.  It’s not so much that I wasn’t sure what I thought of it because I knew from the first listen that it would be an album that I could listen to from beginning to end and even put on repeat.  There are so many elements to this album that I wasn’t even sure how to approach it in writing.  There is delicate piano, surprise acoustic guitar bars, intriguing synths, intelligent strings, and a 49 minute story that people from many walks can relate to…a true sign of an artist.

For tonight, I want to focus on what became my immediate favorite track with vocals.  It falls nearly directly in the middle of the album which tends to be where some of the best treats are placed.  Track 6: “Tidal”– There is something about this song that completely took me over at the beginning.  It is probably the strong strings that open the song that are immediately meshed into a beat that sways from the inside out.  Although that is followed by the simplest beat and tone, you just have to get 48 seconds in and the message is thrown out there for the taking.  It’s one that I feel everybody has experienced in a point in his or her life….”What do we have to lose?”  While this may not be the most technically advanced track on the album, it was one that struck a chord within me.

Other highlights of the album:

• “Wait It Out”–The intense bridge is an awakening in a song that carries a generally mellow tone to balance out the strong questions within the lyrics.
• “Earth”–The layered vocals add depth to certain areas of this song.  The melody that the song carries makes it a great for a drive.
• “Little Bird”–The variation between the light and the darker intensities are led throughout the song my the hypnotizing steel drums of the islanders.
• “Swoon”–Picks right back up on the energy that carries this album to different heights, although the “ghoul” sound reminds me a little too much of a sound bite from an episode of Scooby Doo.
• “Between the Sheets”–The combination of the light keys and vocals in the track are so soothing that you will feel like your surrounded by the comfort of your own bed.
• “2-1″–A darker track that dives into the intensity of deep bass and a darker image.  The combination of the bass, keys, and the strings is one to keep your blood pumping.
• “Bad Body Double”–A catchy tune that is more light-hearted on the surface.  The guitar work three-quarters of the way through is a nice addition.
• “Aha!”–Another upbeat track to keep the listener on his/her toes with the mystery between the abrupt stops and starts of the song.  The low tone strings mixed with the fast paced violins add a sense of beauty to a song that sounds like it is straight off a musical stage.
• “The Fire”–A definite favorite on this album.  The keys start slow and pause just long enough to keep you listening for more.  The range of high and low notes create a personal story for each individual listener.  While the song is only a second shy of two minutes long, its subtle beauty leaves you wanting more, and it’s the perfect introduction to the next track.
• “Canvas”–Opens with acoustic guitar work that is blended with a smooth beat, not so delicate bass, and striking keys.  The constant smoothness of this track just sends the listener through all of the many different elements that can be diagnosed over a few listens.
• “Half Life”–The brief bars from the orchestra accompanied the piano very well as this light exit song wraps up the story that Imogen Heap told throughout the entire album.

On a separate note: Another surprise came when I realized that the deluxe version was only a few dollars more, and that included a full instrumental version of the album.  It was a true home run.

So much has happened over the course of my absence, and I’m not even going to attempt to do a complete recap over the changes in music over the past months, but there are a few things that deserve mentioning.

What’s up next?  A collaboration of multiple concert reviews.  Breaking artists that have finally broken the barrier.  On the verge band that need the word to be spread.  A bittersweet good news, bad news on one of my all-time favorites.

Stay tuned.  I promise it will not be nearly as long this time!

After looking through the digital booklet that came with my download, I am very impressed with the great detail that John Mayer goes into creating more than an album by making it a true piece of art.  Besides the picture being one of his best, he  physically takes on the idea of a battle by wearing a classic WWII bomber jacket.  He also titles the booklet “Department of Mayer Music Field Manual” and has a military style code over it that says “ITLP JM-001.”  The album icon of a circle with a heart-broken.  The white space in between the two halves of the heart is a lightning bolt and the entire graphic is made to look like a unit patch or symbol that was painted on WWII fighter planes.

The table of contents of the album has a noun before each song (in italics next to the title of the song) that describes the main theme of the track, and they make the album read more like a book.  The listener dives right into the story and finds connection with the “characters” and their words .  JM made sure there was not much confusion about where he was getting his lyrics from and what was driving the meaning of his work.  Without further ado, here is the breakdown of Battle Studies:

1) Heartbreak Warfare (Combat): A great introduction to the album.  The song starts with a theater feel as you almost hear the sounds of an orchestra warming up for a big production.  Layered over that is the sound of people chattering, which is what has followed JM throughout his life, but more so the past two years of his star status.  Heartbreak Warfare dives right into an issue that everyone has battled with at least once, and it really addresses the problems that everyone has in relationships.

“If you want more love, why don’t you say so?“

Heartbreak warfare is a combat that we all face every day.  JM takes this issue that many have problems expressing, and he puts it into such eloquent words with a melody and rhythm that reflects the internal and external combat we have in trying to make relationships work:

“How come the only way you know how high you get me, Is to see how far I fall?  God only knows how much I’d love you if you let me, but I can’t break through it all.”

It’s a song with universal appeal, and it has taken over as a radio hit single:

“Disappointment has a name, it’s heartbreak, heartbreak.”

2) All We Ever Do Is Say Goodbye (Extraction): This next track follows up on where Heartbreak Warfare finishes.  It’s the place and time where your relationship has crumbled, and you finally think that you’re at the place where you can take the next step alone, but life works its mysterious ways, and something about that person enters back in your life.

“Just When I had you off my head, Your voice comes thrashing through my quiet bed.  You say you want to try again, But I’ve tried everything but giving in.”

All We Ever Do Is Say Goodbye takes a softer approach on the issue, and the emphasis on the acoustic guitar and slow melody plays the perfect picture of the trying to convince yourself to not give that second, third, or fourth chance.  It is about the difficulty of not giving in and extracting the negative relationship our of your life.  JM’s blues solo will impress and surprise everyone, and it was the perfect way to break up the repetitive chorus.

“Why am I gonna let you try when, All we ever do is say goodbye”

3) Half of My Heart (Evasion): The album picks up with a toe tapping rhythm that will have every listener moving his/her head or tapping his/her hand.  It tells a story about a free roaming man who gets halted on his free-spirit journey by a girl who will turn his world upside down.  JM talks about not being able to love anyone else and only loving yourself.  It’s a hard thing to “get a grip on the situation” when someone changes everything you know, and you can’t seem to get back to where you were because you like what you now have.  I think it’s a place that a lot people find themselves, but the important thing is letting that person in your life and realizing your lonely journey is supposed to come to an end.

“Lonely was the song I sang, ‘Til the day you came, Showing me another way, And all that my love can bring.”

On a sidenote: this song is a duet with Taylor Swift, which was a smart move on Mayer’s behalf.  T.Swift has become the biggest sensation this year, and if there is anyway to make a song a hit across multiple generations and genres, it is by including her on the track.  I think this song would be a hit regardless of Swift, but she adds the perfect female voice by stepping away from her country roots.

4) Who Says (Interrogation): The song has a folkish appeal that is peaceful and thoughtful.  As the original solo from the album, I think it really surprised people upon its release.  Many listeners got a sour tongue when they heard JM say the word “stoned.”  The people in that group need to lighten up and lay off a little bit because they will really miss a deeper message of the track by getting caught up on the idea of JM being high.  We are constantly feeling interrogated by people.  We are always being asked what we are doing, where we are going, who we want to be, what we want to do.  For a culture that is very narcissistic, we’re also very nosy about everyone else’s business.  JM takes this interrogation and questions it, and he basically says who is really telling me what I can and cannot do.  Society only dictates what you allow it to dictate.

“Who says I can’t be free, From all of the things that I used to be, Rewrite my history, Who says I can’t be free.”

5) Perfectly Lonely (Survival): Another pickup in tempo, but that doesn’t change the depth of the issue.  The song has a lot of intricate jazz and blues guitar work, which really brings JM to the heart of what he does really well.  The lyrics work well with the jazz/blues appeal, and it’s definitely a side step from the pop rock acoustic work that general radio listeners are used to hearing. 

“Nothing to do, no one but me, And that’s all I need, I’m perfectly lonely.”

Perfectly Lonely really is all about survival.  It is about finding the path that you want and taking it, but it also reflects the idea of trying to make yourself believe that you’re okay with being alone.  It’s the double edge sward that everyone will face; are you better off alone, or are you just convincing yourself that you’re okay by yourself?  There are times in life when it is better to be “perfectly lonely,” but be open to the idea of surviving with someone.

“And this is not to say, There never comes a day, I’ll take my chances and start again, And when I look behind, On all my younger times, I’ll have to thank the wrongs, That led me to a love so strong.”

6) Assassin (Concealment): My personal favorite on this album.  The song opens with some percussion work that many people aren’t accustomed to hearing in modern music.  JM doesn’t hold back with his voice on this track, as he keeps it fairly deep, alluring, and really natural.  This track is about meeting your match.  You may play games, take names, and have fun, but there will be a day when someone will beat you at what you do best.

“I was a killer; was the best they’d ever seen, I’d steal your heart before you ever heard a thing.  I’m an Assassin and I had a job to do, Little did I know, that girl was an Assassin too.”

When that person comes along, he/she will really be the curve ball that you never saw coming.

“Suddenly I’m in over my head and I can hardly breath, Suddenly I’m floating over her bed and I feel everything, And suddenly I know exactly what I did but I cannot move a thing, and suddenly I know exactly what I’ve done and what it’s gonna mean to me, meant to me.”

At this point you have a few roads to take.  Are you going to conceal your feelings and go back to your killer instinct or are you going to finally admit defeat and thank the other Assassin that changed you?  On a musical standpoint, the electric guitar work towards the end really brings out the intensity, passion, and frustration of the situation, while also showing JM’s range of technical expertise.

7) Crossroads (Navigation): I couldn’t have picked a better song for JM to cover than Cream’s Crossroads.  Many people compare JM to Eric Clapton, and this track really shows where JM follow among the ranks of the true greats.  Listen to both, and compare the new age genius to the original master

8 ) War of My Life (Determination): War of Life steps away from the jazz and blues appeal and brings a softer and steadier melody.  Determination is the perfect word to explain where JM is going with the lyrics of this song.

“Come out angels, Come out ghosts, Come out darkness, Bring everyone you know, I’m not running, I’m not scared, I am waiting, And well-prepared.  I’m in the war of my life.”

We are all in a war of life.  Stand up and be strong.

“If fear hasn’t killed me yet, then nothing will.  All the suffering and all the pain, Never left a name.  I’m in the war of my life, At the door of my life.”

We are constantly facing trials, tribulations, grief, and criticism, but JM sends a positive message that we need to take the reigns of life and make it our own war of life.  Take his advice because you will be a lot happier when you defeat instead of facing defeat.  Do what you love, be someone you will love, and be with the ones you love.  Don’t let anything stop you from getting there.

“At the core of my life, Got no choice but to fight ’til it’s done, So fight on, Fight on everyone, Fight on, Got no choice but to fight ’til it’s done, I won’t give up, I won’t run, I won’t stop for anyone.”

9) Edge of Desire (Induced Conditions): JM slows things down, but not without purpose.

“Young and full of running, Tell me where is that taking me?  Just a great figure eight, A tiny infinity.”

Life is full of frustrations, and one of the hardest frustrations comes with not knowing where you’re going.  We are constantly doing things to get somewhere, but do any of us really know where that “somewhere” is or if we’re really just moving and making circles that ultimately lead us to where we started.  Once we find that place, person, or thing, we become afraid of losing it; not by letting it go, but by it letting us go.  We are responsible for putting action to change or keep our conditions.  With that, we are constantly pushing the “edge of desire.”  Instant gratification can turn into no gratification at all, and it’s a thin line to dance on.

“Steady  my breathing, silently screaming, I have to have you now, Wired and I’m tired, Think I’ll sleep in my clothes on  the floor, or maybe this mattress will spin on its axis, and find me on yours, Don’t say a word, just come over and lie here with me,  ’Cause I’m just about to set fire to everything I see, I want you so bad I’ll go back on the things I believe, There I just said it, I’m scared you’ll forget about me.”

10) Do You Know Me (Reconnaissance): This song can go one of two ways with listeners.  They can take it very literally, and think that it is a song about two people meeting and one thinks the other is familiar.  The deeper approach dives into the idea of people really knowing who we are.  People going on a reconnaissance to actually know us as a person, who we are, what we stand for, what our passions are.  I like the second approach better because it goes deeper that the surface and hits a challenge that many people face.  Some of us spend so much time with people who we just create these comfortable situations.  Sometimes the comfort comes from the amount of time, or simply because it is something from the past that we want to hold on to.  Then one day we realize that neither person truly knows who the other is, what is in the heart of the other person, and what makes their soul fly.

“It’s just the strangest thing, I’ve seen your face somewhere, An early evening dream, A past life love affair.  Do you know me at all?”

JM takes a very soft, yet complex approach to this song.  Soft percussion symbols, deep keys, and technical acoustic picking all come together to exemplify the mystification that comes out of that “strange feeling.”

11) Friends, Lovers Nothing (Identifying the Enemy): Heavy keys, guitar work, and obvious percussion open this song with a fairly typical JM voice.

“Friends, lovers or nothing, There can only be one, Friends, lovers or nothing, There’ll never be an in-between, so give it up.”

A situation that anyone can relate to if they have ever had a friend of the opposite sex.  There is always a time where one of the friends wants to try something more than friendship, and it’s a rare occasion that the other friend agrees.  Many times this can put an end to whatever friendly relationship existed, but if you’re lucky, you will both be able to come to agreement and move on to build a stronger friendship.  Sometimes the other person will later get the same deeper feelings, and more confusion sets in.  So who is the enemy?  Is it the friendship, the love, or the friend that is stopping things from moving one way or another.

“Friends, lovers or nothing, there can only be one.  Friends, lovers or nothing, There’ll never be an in-between, so give it up.  Friends, lovers or nothing, We can really only ever be one, Friends, lovers or nothing, We’ll never be the in-between, so give it up, We’ll never be the in-between, so give it up.  Anything other than yes is no, Anything other than stay is go, Anything less than “I love you” is lying.”

We’re always trying to have our cake and eat it too and have the best of both worlds, but in a situation like this, the “in-between” is only messy and dangerous.  That “in-between” is something that doesn’t really exist because either way one person is being taken advantage and hurt.  End the games and choose a side before someone else steps in and makes the choice for you.  Don’t regret what you could have and should have had.

12) I’m On Fire (Appendix): This last track is a bonus for people who purchased the deluxe edition.  It definitely has a folk aspect with a very soft tone that has a lot of depth in the lyrics.  It is definitely worth the extra dollar to upgrade to the deluxe edition.  More John Mayer can’t hurt anyone.

Overall I have to say that John Mayer did not disappoint me with Battle Studies. He is a modern-day musical storyteller, and I really think that it is refreshing from the monotonous music that surrounds us every day.  He is not afraid to break down his own problems to help us break down our own.  This album will really humanize him to all the people who keep JM on a pedestal.  He reverts back to his true ways of songwriting and musical composition, and I have a lot of respect for someone who does what they love instead of doing what will please others.  If you haven’t already purchased the album, I highly suggest adding it to your collection.  Listen to his stories, and maybe you’ll figure out your own through his lyrics.  It’s not so much about the words that are written, but more of what is written in between them: the interpretation.  My interpretation is my own, shaped by my own experiences, so make your own stories, or just enjoy the music.  Either way, you won’t be disappointed.

A full album review will be up sometime between tonight and this weekend, depending on how much school work I can plow through in one afternoon.  Until then, do yourself a favor and pick up the cd, and give it a few listens before you get anyone’s two cents.

Now, as for the music, all of the tracks from Cycles translate so well from album to concert.  The energy was high, the crowd was smiling and singing along, and it was a great kickoff to the tour.  With a few inclusions of older fan favorite songs, Cartel really showed up, performed, and made a great Friday night for everyone that fronted the minimal cost for the show.  Good job guys.  I can’t wait to catch the nest show after Thanksgiving.  Thanks for the Cartel commitment.

On another note: Props to The Loft in Atlanta.  I’m really digging it as a small show venue with its easy access, close parking, and a chill atmosphere.  There are multiple bars and an ATM for those who don’t want to start a tab or carry a lot of cash while walking around downtown.  There are a few lounges with generous seating.  One of them is behind the side bar, and the other lounge is  opposite of the stage and is enclosed with glass doors.  I only have a few suggestions that would really make the place a hot spot.  1) Utilize your space!  The stages needs to be centered so half of the band isn’t against a wall in the corner and the crowds don’t have to be standing at an awkward angle in a narrow space.  2) Expand your stage.  The bands seemed to be crammed together and their movements were obviously restricted.  It was too visible with a high energy band like Cartel, who is known for jumping around on stage.

Image Courtesy of Mae's Myspace page

Mission and a Movement: 12 songs.  12 months.  1 goal.  Make a Difference.

And so far $55,000.93 has been raised for your communities.

It has always been difficult for me to choose a favorite band.  I like too many genres of music to pick an absolute favorite, especially because I listen to different music during different moods and times.  It’s always important to be diverse, and choosing favorites limits that diversity.  With that said, there is always an exception to the rule, and Mae is and will always be one of my favorite bands.  The great thing about Mae is that not only do they write awesome music, but they work for something that is even bigger than most people could imagine.

Last November, I received an email letter from Mae that described the new journey that they were about to embark.  Throughout 2008, Mark and Rob left the band, Mae left their management team and Capitol Records, and they returned to the place where everything began.  They walked back in the doors of the same recording studio in Virginia where Destination: Beautiful was created.  While many people may have thought that a return to the beginning was just a shot at recreating the past, that couldn’t have been more wrong.  The band returned to the heart and soul of music, the passion and fire that creates beauty, and the values that inspire to help others through music.  They were set with a plan, a course of action, and the pure passion read throughout the letter let everyone know that they were going to follow through with every promise they made.

The Plan: “12 Songs.  12 Months.  1 Goal.  Make a Difference”

Mae promised to release one song every month of 2009.  These songs would be made available on their website, free to listen and a minimum of $1 donation to purchase the song.  Every dollar raised would be used to help various charities, community projects, and just create strength through the power of numbers to make change for the better.  Three times a year, Mae will release these songs on three different EP’s; (M)orning, (A)fternoon, and (E)vening.  Each EP represents a different chapter in life, and each EP has a further breakdown of the MAE acronym to address the goal and meaning behind each EP.  Nobody can explain this better than what was in the message that I received, so the following is an excerpt of Mae’s message:

“(M)orning represents the beginning of the day, the beginning of the year, and the beginning of a life. It is our childhood. It is our fresh start. It is our new hope. It is the empty canvas of our minds and the beginning of our story.

(M)orning: [January - April] This is the season to focus on youth and help instill appreciation for music and the arts. Music is the world’s language. It has the ability to bridge nations and to connect people. We have been changed by the power of music. That is a gift we want to share. Art goes hand in hand with music as a powerful voice of expression. Art shows us the world from the people’s point of view. Art is the vessel of the human experience and it is a powerful weapon in the hands of truth. This is also the time to focus on education. Learning is what opens the doors to a better future. What aspects of the education system need our help? How do we educate ourselves to face the world’s problems as they become ours to solve? These are the issues of Morning:  (M)usic
(A)rt
(E)ducation

(A)fternoon represents the middle of the day, summer turning into autumn, adulthood, parenthood, and the time in life to take control and write the story we want to leave behind.

(A)fternoon: [May - August] This is the season to consider the challenges we face as adults. The world is shrinking. We are connected through technology, economy, and destiny. No matter how diverse we are, we share a common humanity. Our unique cultural legacies should be respected and celebrated. Our wealth and prosperity inevitably rises and falls together. Who among us can truly celebrate our own prosperity when our neighbor starves to death? When we experience the world’s poverty, it changes our priorities. Yet this economic progress must come with respect for the fragile and dynamic nature of our planet. We are building a future for our children and their great great grandchildren. What will their world look like? The choice is ours and we must consider this big picture with great respect for those who will come after us. These are the issues of Afternoon: (M)ulti-Culturalism 
(A)nti-Poverty
(E)nvironment

(E)vening represents the end of the day, the return of winter, looking back at the end of our life, and preparing for death. This is the one time in our lives where our perspective is clearest and we see the arc of our story as a whole.  (E)vening: [September - December] This is the season to step back and see the bigger picture. We work and then we check our progress. This is how progress is made. When we make mistakes, we correct our mistake and resume the journey. We all make mistakes. What sets us apart is how we react to them and move beyond them. One day the students will become the teachers. One day the children will become the parents. Think about how we will inspire those who come after us to continue on the path to hope for everyone. What is the story we want to leave behind? Are we writing it with our actions? What do we want to world to be like? How do we get there? These are the issues of Evening: (M)otivate
(A)ffect
(E)ngage”

In case you’re still not convinced of the work that Mae believes in, here are some more encouraging words of what they hope to do:

“This is a chance for you to take your love of music and make a difference in the world. You are the vital piece that completes this puzzle and we can not do it without you.

Our hope is that this music will inspire you to step back and look at the bigger picture we are all a part of. None of us are truly alone. Many times it feels like we are completely alone. In those moments, we hope that you find comfort in these sounds. We hope you remember that these words and melodies have been sung by many thousands of others, and their voices are tied to yours. We hope that your voice will sing along and find its place here in this community as we work together, as humble people, to make a difference in a world that needs our help.”