JockBoyMusic - What makes you Dance? | Music Blog

Britney Spears "Circus" [Album Review]

In Spears' 6th studio attempt Britney was able to channel those demons she was battling in her last album into a much more light hearted pop treat. "Circus" is more easy listening than "Blackout" filled with club and radio friendly pop gems. This is her comeback album, it had to be good and she knew it, and thankfully it is exactly what she needed.

The album opens up strong with her leading single "Womanizer" which, although a bit over processed, is a great dance hit. I especially love her little quip "You think I'm I crazy, I've got your crazy" it makes me grin every time I hear it, because this girlie has used that line more than once over the years. The second track, Circus, is actually really good too. Again, a bit over processed for my taste, but still really really good! 

My favorite track was "Out From Under" with it's haunting piano undertone throughout the verse that leads to a beautiful pop melody into the chorus. You can hear Britney's moment of becoming and moving on as she sings "I don't wanna dream about all the things that never were, maybe I can live without when I'm out from under. I don't wanna feel the pain, what good would it do me now? Maybe I'll get it figured out, when I'm out from under."

Another real gem is "If U Seek Amy" which reminds me of some vintage Brit-Brit...like pre-crazy goodness.

I definitely recommend purchasing this album. You won't regret it. Again, Britney needed this album to be good, it had to be, and it most certainly is everything she needed it to be. The entire album is streaming exclusively on www.imeem.com right now. Check it out: 

http://www.imeem.com/britneyspears/playlist/XT-b3ZKs/britney_spears_circus_music_playlist/

Looks Like Dr. Peppers For Everyone!

Woah, the new Guns 'N Roses is REALLY coming out on November 23rd (Only available at Best Buy). I know that Dr. Pepper said earlier this year that if GNR actually came out with "Chinese Democracy" this year they'd give everyone in the country a free Dr. Pepper. From what I understand on the 23rd you just hit up Pr. Pepper's website to get your free Dr. Pepper.

Yep, you get a free Dr. Pepper. Too bad the album that's been over a DECADE in the making sucks. What the hell is it supposed to sound like? It certainly is NOT what you expect from GNR, it's like all the BAD metal bands from the last decade were inbred with all the failed grunge rockers of the early-mid 90's with a touch of some not so yummy pop, which has no place in ROCK. It's just all sorts of wrong.

I mean there's a couple of redeeming moments in the album like "Street Of Dreams" sounds like some classic Guns 'N Roses pre-Axl Rose crazy, it makes me think of some good old "December Rain" and that's pretty awesome...down to the kick ass guitar solo at the 2:22 mark.

I found myself pleasantly surprised with "There Was a Time" because it started with a childlike type of melody and broke into a really solid rock melody with a great piano/guitar breakdown. It was honestly Axl's most solid song lyrically.

However, it was PAINFUL to listen to "If The World", Axl Rose...that was just wrong. I thought my ears were going to start bleeding. The Mediterranean/jazz/industrial/rock fusion does not work.

Myspace is premiering Guns 'N Roses' "Chinese Democracy" today at http://www.myspace.com/gunsnroses so give it a listen. Perhaps you'll be more impressed than I was. Sadly though, I doubt it. I HAVE to pull out Guns 'N Roses' "Greatest Hits" and listen to it on repeat today, so I can remember the awesome that once was, and obviously will never be again. So sad, so-so sad.
 

Twilight Soundtrack

So, I don't review soundtracks. I think it's silly to try and review the collective effort of different artists that can possibly be on opposite sides of the spectrum. I did however want to give a little shout out to all the artists that contributed to the "Twilight" original movie soundtrack. It is so good and out now! Here's the track listing for those of you who haven't had a chance to check it out yet.

Muse - "Supermassive Black Hole"
Paramore - "Decode"
The Black Ghosts - "Full Moon"
Linkin Park - "Leave Out All the Rest"
MuteMath - "Spotlight" ("Twilight" mix)
Perry Farrell - "Go All the Way (Into the Twilight)"
Collective Soul - "Tremble for My Beloved"
Paramore - "I Caught Myself "
Blue Foundation - "Eyes on Fire"
Rob Pattinson - "Never Think"
Iron & Wine - "Flightless Bird, American Mouth"
Carter Burwell - "Bella's Lullaby"

Remember "Twilight" is going to be in a theater near you on November 21st! Be there, or be SQUARE!!

Now, for your viewing pleasure...Muse: "Supermassive Black Hole"

Lady Gaga - The Fame | Album Review

Have you been missing pop music?  Well I officially want to let you know it's back and in a big way!  Back in July I got to interview new pop diva Lady Gaga.  Not knowing much about her I did some research and found her video for her first single from the album "Just Dance" and was instantly hooked.  This catchy first single with its "get stuck in your head lyrics" and "shake your @$$ on the dance floor beat" is a great introduction to Lady Gaga's unique type of pop and is a hit.  Lady Gaga was born Stefania Gabriella Germanotta taking on the stage name Lady Gaga from someone who heard her playing the song "Again Again" on piano and said she was so Freddy Mercury "Radio Ga-Ga" and thus was born soon to be pop sensation Lady Gaga. 

After I got my copy of Lady Gaga's album The Fame, which is set to hit stores tomorrow October 28th, 2008, I wasn't sure what else to expect especially after such a strong song like "Just Dance".  All I have to say is I wasn't let down with instant favorites like "Love Game" <--(my personal favorite this is a kick @$$ track), "Paparazzi", "Poker Face", "Beautiful, Dirty, Rich" and title track "The Fame" show that Lady Gaga is no "one hit wonder" she is in this to be a HUGE force to be reckoned with in the pop music world.  I found myself humming, singing and whistling every song on the album after just one listen!  The beauty of Lady Gaga's songwriting is that its fun, catchy and easy to sing along with.  And you heard right - songwriting - writing for such acts as The New Kids On The Block, Britney Spears and The Pussycat Dolls.  This is the first album in a long time that I can listen to from start to finish and feel like I am listening to one hit after another.  And with disappointing albums from 3 divas earlier this year this young diva may just be the breath of fresh air that pop music needs and just so everyone is well aware.... DON'T compare her to Gwen, Christina, Britney or any other artist thats out today - there is just NO comparison! 

Lady Gaga The Fame is one album that you will want to add to your collection.  Usually I would put a "Download This" at the end but... all twelve songs are worthy of being on anyone's iPod that truely loves pop music so just buy or download the entire album on October 28th.

If you can't wait to get your fill of Lady Gaga you can get the e-singles of "Just Dance", "Poker Face" or "Beautiful, Dirty, Rich" on iTunes or Amazon.

 

Lady Gaga - The Fame Rating: 5 Stars out of 5

The Lost Trailers - Hollerback [Album Review]

I'm a true country boy at heart and I do love truly good country music.  So when I first heard The Lost Trailers first single "Holler Back"  I knew I wanted to hear more.  I was able to get my hands on a preview copy of their album which is due out August 26th 2008.  This is not however the first album from The Lost Trailers.  This is the first album for the group that has produced a Top 10 hit in country radio.  But with the group's great musical talent and singers Ryder Lee and Stokes Nielson at the helm it was only a matter of time before their own unique blend of country music would reach the masses!  Not to mention Ryder isn't so bad on the eyes either! 

On the album The Lost Trailers really show that they are proud to be "hometown and homegrown" boys with sentimental songs like "Some Things You Don't Grow Out Of" which really struck a chord with me personally from growing up in a rural small country town myself.  Other songs like "Blacktop Road" and "Country Folks Livin' Loud" both will take you back to your roots especially if you ever lived in any small town America.  The Lost Trailers give us a look at the more tender side of the group with songs like "How 'Bout You Don't " which is a great song about the gut wrenching pain of a tough breakup and is one of the strongest songs and next single contender in my opinion. 

Overall The Lost Trailers album Holler Back is a great album and perfect for the country fan. 

Download These Tracks:

"Hollerback"  "Some Things You Don't Grow Out Of"  "How 'Bout You Don't"  "Blacktop Road"

Katy Perry: One Of The Boys [Album Review]

I was really excited about Katy Perry's " One Of The Boys". Katy Perry's Promotions Team did a phenomenal job of generating buzz to surround this record prior to it's release, and I bought into that buzz. I listened as Perez Hilton blogged about the new "it" girl, and followed Katy's video blog religiously waiting for her next t.v. spot or to see whatever else was going on with her career. I adored the video for "Ur So Gay" and because of that I was offered the opportunity to interview Katy for this site. That made me even MORE excited about this record prior to it's release.

http://www.jockboymusic.com/jockboymusic/2008/04/jockboy-music-e.html

I have never felt more let down by a record in my life. Wow. I think this was the most disappointed I've been in a record thus far this year. (Yes, even more so that Janet's "Discipline") The 2 best tracks are the 2 tracks that were released before the record dropped: "Ur So Gay" and "I Kissed a Girl". What's sad is, this girl is honest to god talented. She has an amazingly strong voice and presence...she just went the wrong direction with it. She went in a very Avril Lavigne kind of direction, and frankly that song and dance got tired by Avril's second release years ago.

Katy could do rock and roll, and do it well, but instead she chose a more "pop-rock" avenue that doesn't come across as genuine. I would love to hear Katy with do an unplugged version of "Thinking of You". That would be much more appealing and believable than the over produced album version. The same goes for "One of the Boys" which is vocally wonderful, but sorely over done on the album.

As far as the other songs on the record, they're all over the place. Some are more "dance-pop", while others are just "pop". It's like Katy and her production team just couldn't figure out what direction they wanted the record to go towards, or even more so...what Katy wanted her record to say. It honestly sounded like the preacher's daughter, who would make out with her best friend for attention, was talking a bit dirty here and there for the same reason. As a listener, it felt empty, and it left me empty. Here's hoping that Katy will grow into the songstress that I know is in there, and release another record that is more substantial next go round.

Download these tracks, they're the best of the record:

Ur So Gay, I Kissed A Girl, One Of The Boys

   

Alanis Morissette: Flavors Of Entanglement [Album Review]

Over the last 10 years Alanis went from angry abandoned lover who thought we oughta know, to a supposed former infatuation junkie, to a girl who was under rug swept, and then she was caught up in her own so-called chaos...all the while she took us on the ride with her. Sometimes the ride was melodious and sweet, and at others it was painful and chaotic. Alanis Morissette is an artist that I have to prepare myself to listen to, because I know it will be a journey.

Flavors Of Entanglement was no exception to this philosophy I have adapted to for lady Alanis. This go round she takes us to her darker side, her scorned side, her unrequited love and broken heart still bleeding, then she leads us back to the light she takes us through her remorsefulness, her forgiveness, and letting go...starting over again.

Flavors Of Entanglement is the "Jagged Little Pill" of a 33 year old woman, who has been burned before and learned from it and now rehashes her experiences for us all to see. She begins the record with "Citizen Of The Planet" a song about being just that, and following no one person to divinity. The song is extremely strong vocally and has an intricate Mediterranean feel through the verse that erupts into a heavy rock chorus. When I heard this song, I knew I was going to like the rest of this record.

She follows "Citizen" with her single "Underneath" which is such an amazingly powerful song about longing and wishing that she could stop the war in her home and have peace, as nothing that they could possibly fighting about could be more important that what is happening in the world today. She saw the root the the cause of the world's state in her home...underneath.

From longing to pure rage she erupts into "Straitjacket" proclaiming "I don't know who you're talking to
With such fucking disrespect. This shit's making me crazy" Shocking words coming from a woman who is now so well known as a loving, free spirit. Shocking and yet, somewhat satisfying. She is saying what we've all wanted to say to an ex, but never had the balls. Amazingly, she sings this over a dancey pop melody...almost light heartedly. It works, and it makes my little black heart smile.

My favorite track of Flavors Of Entanglement has to be "Not As We", a simple piano melody about waking up the day after, recollecting the pieces of yourself, and moving on "but this time I as I, and not as we". I have to admit, the raw lyric and emotion of the song are truly touching...I was moved to the point of tears upon hearing this song for the first time. I actually thought "Where the hell was this song 7 years ago when I was so heart broken over a boy that I couldn't even make myself get out of the bed!?" It means something when you can write a song that truly speaks, not only for your own experience, but also for the experiences of your fans.

As a whole, I truly enjoyed this journey with Alanis. This will most certainly be in my top 20 albums of 2008 at the end of the year. These are songs you should download RIGHT NOW:

Straitjacket (Album Version), Moratorium (Album Version), Versions Of Violence (Album Version), Underneath (Album Version), Not As We (Album Version), Citizen Of The Planet (Album Version)

Jewel: Perfectly Clear [Album Review]

Jewel is the only "pop" (and I use that term very loosely) artist of late that I was actually very happy to hear was going to put out a country record. Anytime you jump that very distinctive anything but country to country line it's a huge career risk. Jewel knows any genre hopping can bite in you in the ass from experience, let us not forget her not so well received (but I thought enjoyable) "0304" dance album. So...an attempt at country, for her, took balls.

"Perfectly Clear" is no "Pieces Of You" or "This Way", but in compassion to the other records she has put out in the last decade, "Perfectly Clear" is far and away the direction she should be heading into. Her delicate high voice sounds right at home with a pretty country melody, while her husky lower register is amazing when paired with a steel guitar. Her folky indie style just transitioned beautifully into the country market, and I am sure she will be a hit with country radio.

A highlight of "Perfectly Clear" comes in a cover "2 Become 1" which was originally recorded for her dance album "0304". That was actually one of my favorite songs off of "0304" and I always wondered why she never released it as a single, now I can see why. The country version she did of the song is EVEN BETTER than the original. The steel guitars and acoustics add so much to the mood of the song, making it perfectly executed this time around.

Another track favorite of mine was "Loved By You" (A Cowboy Waltz) that sounded very old west as Jewel showed off both her high and low vocal register as she slid effortlessly through the chorus "I don't wanna be loved by anybody but you". She then closed the song with a beautiful yodeling harmony, the first yodeling she's ever recorded.

Robyn [Album Review]

Remember Robyn? She had that huge pop hit "Show Me Love" back in the mid 90's and then faded into obscurity as the Britney and Christina era of bubble gum pop took over in the late 90's.  She was still around in Europe, but we didn't hear anything more from her...until now. Robyn just dropped her amazing self titled record and it was worth the decade's long wait in the states.

Released on her own label, Konichiwa Records, Robyn was able to vent all the creative frustrations and set backs she had experienced with previous labels in a fresh and infectious way. "Konichiwa Bitches" is the leading track and you can almost picture her saying that to her old label once her's was finally set up and ready to go.

This record is every DIY indie artist's dream, infused with elements of hip-hop, pop, and electro-clash. Robyn shows her artistic diversity as she plows through "Handle Me" and then follows later with the soft and vulnerable "Eclipse".  "Who's That Girl" is a track that her old label did not want to release, and what sparked her departure from her label...and thank goodness, because that song is brilliant. It's choppy electronic hook was produced by "The Knife" and fits perfectly with Robyn's vocal singing "Good girls are pretty, like all the time. I'm just pretty some of the time." Then there's "Be Mine!"  that nails the complicated, sad-yet-liberated feelings surrounding an impossible relationship, celebrating "the sweet pain of watching your back as you walk away" as it propels itself on a buoyant rhythm.

Robyn does what every self title album should, it's shows you what Robyn's all about. She is a pop force to be reckoned with, and she's here to stay.

Download these tracks now:

Who's That Girl?, Be Mine!, Konichiwa Bitches, With Every Heartbeat - with Kleerup, Eclipse

Dresden Dolls "No, Virginia" [Album Review]

I am typically not a fan of those "B sides and rarities" records, simply because typically if songs end up on the cutting room floor they belong there. It's just an easy way (along with the "greatest hits" records) for artists to finish their recording contracts with the big record companies when they just don't have it in them to write new material for whatever reason, or the bands break up. Case and point: No Doubt's B sides and rarities released several years ago. I bought the record, listened to it all the way through once, and it has sat collecting dust ever since.

The Dresden Dolls No, Virginia however has been an exception to the rule. Considering the fact that the songs from this record are B sides and left overs-four unreleased recordings, one old demo, a cover, and five new recordings, to be exact...it is exceptionally strong. This could have been released as a regular album and I would have been none the wiser as it stands up comparably with their other 2 albums The Dresden Dolls and Yes, Virginia. This record has not gotten a break out of my cd player since I bought it a week ago.

This album does have a lighter more pop tone than their 2 previous darker themed albums, which surprisingly works for this punk cabaret duo. The reason pianist/singer Amanda Palmer gave that the pre-recorded tracks never made it on their other albums is because she "tends to shy away from her pop side". Well it works! This album has most definitely cured my hunger for more Dresden Dolls...for now, so take as long as you need on that solo album Amanda. Your fans have been appeased.

Tracks you should download now:

Night Reconnaissance (Album Version), The Mouse and The Model (Album Version), Pretty In Pink (Album Version) (BEST COVER OF THIS SONG EVER!), The Kill (Album Version), and Boston (Album Version)