Well, it has finally happened. The album I've been looking forward to for so long has leaked. Streetlight Manifesto's "The Hands That Thieve" leaked yesterday and I have not stopped listening to it since. This thing is a freaking masterpiece, something unique that I haven't heard before. This is what the band was promising when they announced "Somewhere in the Between", their last original album which was released in 2007. So, I'm going to review the album, song by song. And, if I decide to, I'll link a video and/or a download link for anyone who would want to check out the album. And if you do like it, please buy it from the RISC Store, not from Victory Records. I've gone on record here and on Twitter that I hate Victory for what they have done to Streetlight. If you don't know what has gone on between the two, just Google "Streetlight Manifesto Victory Records" to find out.
"The Three of Us"
This song has actually been out for a couple weeks, as Victory released it as a single. Being the Victory hater that I am, I did not pay for the song (fuck you, Brummel!). I've always liked this song since the first time they played it during Warped Tour back in the summer. The break down is just epic as is the instrumental break towards the end of the song. But the most impressive part of the opening song is the lyrics. Tomas spins a great story into these lyrics, telling how a thief, the king and himself turned into a priest, a tramp, and himself. And towards the end of the song, you realize that the thief is the priest and the king is now the tramp. Interesting stuff there.
"Ungrateful"
This song actually sounds very "Gimpy", meaning sounding very much like Tomas' first band, "Gimp". The song sounds very much like one of his previous songs with the group and, somehow, it works on this CD. Probably the most "ska" song on the record, it is a call back of sorts to his previous sound: fast paced lyrics, "ska" guitar intro, guitar break down. Still, it's a good song, especially at 3:11, when the gang vocals take over and then we race towards the end of the song.
"The Littlest Things"
Thought to be called "Never Be Afraid" initially, I've always wondered how this song would sound recorded after I fell in love with it after hearing a live version it. And, man, it did not disappoint. I think the thing I like the most about this song is the instrumental part actually. It's more edgier than most of the other songs, and that's what I like about it. Then there is the ending, where Tomas uses effects to not really auto-tune his voice, but to make it quieter and echo-like. It is a really nice effect that really sells the song.
"The Hands That Thieve"
The title track. You would think that it would be good, right? Well, you are wrong: it's phenomenal! One of the most unique Streetlight songs to date, the song captures you right from the get go with the instrumental intro. Instead of the "ska" or "punk rock" feel that is normally associated with the band, this song has a more folk feel to it, something I never thought that would been able to be done so awesomely. Tomas' lyrics are, once again, deep. You can how when the band cuts out about 4 minutes into the song when it is just Tomas, then him and Jim, and then the group. Then after that, the ending is very Streetlight. I can't wait to see them perform this song live.
"With Any Sort Of Certainty"
Another song that has been out for a little bit, though it was the Toh Kay version. Side note: if you have not seen the video for this, do it. Here is the link to it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INb_G1Qhus0&feature=youtu.be. After hearing the Toh Kay version, I wasn't too sure what to expect with this song. It's a beautiful song when you listen to the lyrics in the Toh Kay version. And I was maybe a little nervous to hear if the Streetlight version would relay those lyrics in a similar way. Even though I'm fairly certain that I like the Toh Kay version better, Streetlight's version is a beast. Knowing the lyrics already does help as well, as I was able to belt them out. The break down is amazing though. You have have guitar, bass, and drums doing there thing while the instruments play some of the most distorted, screechy notes possible. And they fade in and out, like you are on a really awesome trip. But it works with this song. When you listen to the Toh Kay version, you never would have thought that something like that could work with this song. Finally, there are the goosebump causing gang vocals at 5:35. Even now, as I listen to it as I write this, I have goosebumps. I typically find myself rewinding the song to listen to them a couple times when I listen to the song.
"If Only For Memories"
Arguably my favorite song on the record, this song has another unique feel. Having a Latin feel right from the get go, the intro is possibly my favorite instrumental part from any Streetlight album (even better than Blonde Will Lead The Blind). And I absolutely love the lyrics to this song. I actually can't tell you much more about the song because I always get lost in the song when I listen to it. Did I mention that I love the instrumental parts yet?
"They Broke Him Down"
Another edgier song. The song is very Streetlight, something that you would expect them to play. However, I'm not saying that as a bad thing. With an album full of new, unique sounds, it's kinda nice to have a return to normality. Again, Tomas' lyrics take center stage in this fast paced song. When you actually listen to them, they really are some interesting and powerful lyrics. Honestly, I'm having a hard time writing for this song. Not because I don't like it, I just can't find much to say about it. I do love the ending though. I love how it ends with "it wouldn't be long til they broke me".
"Toe To Toe"
The last three songs on this album are an unbelievable trio, starting with this one. Right from the beginning, you have Tomas singing, and right there, you can hear how much his voice has matured since the earlier albums. The lyrics for this song are also so beautiful, at least to me. I don't know what it is about them, but I feel like I can relate to them so easily for whatever reason. There is also another great instrumental break, this time with a kickass bari sax solo, something that we haven't heard a lot of. Another song that I just love all around. If "If Only For Memories" is my favorite song, "Toe To Toe" is a close second.
"Oh Me, Oh My"
Another song that I fell in love with after I saw a live performance of it. Even though I had heard the live version a good number of times, I was not expecting this song to be as awesome as it is. This is the shortest song on the album, but that doesn't deter the fact that this song is jam packed with awesomeness. The horn parts are extremely catchy and I find myself whistling them almost every time I listen to the song. The lyrics are also easy to remember, allowing you to sing along with ease. Again, the gang vocals come back strong, as whenever they sing the chorus and the part at 2:53 are the best parts of the song.
"Your Day Will Come"
I actually had the opportunity to hear this song live (well, the Toh Kay version) when I went to the Revival Tour a couple weeks ago. Another side note: go to the Revival Tour if you ever have the chance. Without a doubt, it was the best concert I've ever been to. A whole heck of a lot of talent musicians who actually give a crap about music. Got to meet a lot of cool people like Jenny Owen Youngs and Toh Kay himself. But anyways, back to this song. As with the case of "With Any Sort of Certainty", having heard the Toh Kay version of the song, I didn't really know what to expect from the song. The Toh Kay version was already sounding pretty cool. Since this has leaked, I've seen a good number of people saying that this song was the best the closer Streetlight has done. And I have to agree with them. There is something about this song that seems so familiar yet at the same time new and exciting. Plus, I like that the title is a little parting shot at Brummel and Victory Records.
So, those are my thoughts about the songs. Such a strong, strong album from my favorite band. If the Toh Kay version is anywhere near as awesome as this (which I expect it will), then I will be a happy camper. Though it was a long, long, looooooooooong road to get here, Tomas and the boys have paid up with the best work they have ever done. And I can't be happier that with this album out, they are finally free from the hold that Victory has had on them for so long now. Though the band is going to be slowing down for a now, I will always look forward to more new music from these guys. I can't give this album a grade any lower than an A+. It is just a such unique and different sound than I am accustomed to hearing from this band. I might do something like this when the Toh Kay version comes in the mail (not spoiling that one for myself; I'm waiting for that sucker).
If you would like to listen to this wonderful album, here is the link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8GyPwWAFwE. If you would like a download link, let me know here or on Twitter and I'll lead you on a path of wonderment. And, again, if you like what you hear, go and buy the album for the RISC store. Also feel free to go and buy the Toh Kay version. Amazon took down the demos, but you can get the feel of the album from the "With Any Sort of Certainty" video.
Thanks for reading! And fuck Victory!
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Monday, April 1, 2013
In Retrospect: A New Series
Welcome to "In Retrospect", a new blog series written by me. As you can probably tell by the title, this series will delve into my childhood, as I look back at some of the things I either liked or loved when I was a child. I just came up with this idea the other day when I was back home for Easter. So, I'm taking a stroll down memory road and reminiscing about my childhood. Do I like how it is now? Was it better now or when I was a kid? Is the subject even around today? Now that I'm 21, it seemed like a great time to look back on my childhood and basically talk to young me again.
For my first post, I decided to go to probably my favorite childhood TV show: Thomas the Tank Engine. I loved, loved, LOVED Thomas back in the day. And I'm happy to say that my youngest cousin, Devin, is too a Thomas fan. I don't know why I was so drawn to it, maybe it was my parents doing. But, man, did I love me that Tank Engine. Without a doubt, Thomas was my favorite engine, though I loved a lot of the engines. Percy, Toby, Mavis, Edward, Rusty; just to name a few. I had a couple of the toys and I played with them on the shelves that ran around our living room.
If I had to choose my favorite episode, I'd tell you that it would be nearly impossible. I particularly liked the episode where Toby had to cross the dam when it was falling apart. There was also the episode where Percy scared Thomas by making him think he was a ghost. And then, in retaliation, there was an episode where Thomas scared Percy with a Chinese dragon. Gah, so many good episodes!! I seriously cannot decide which one is my favorite. The voice acting on the show was top notch as well, with Ringo Starr doing his best work ever (not a huge Beatles fan over here, sorry).
So that was back then. Now, Thomas is still around, but he's gone through some changes. Not only did they get rid of the epic intro theme (which is in my top 5 favorite TV theme songs), but they changed the whole look of the show. Now, it is an animated show, whereas in the past it was a model and RC shot show. That was what was so great about the old show; the trains sort of looked real and they faces. Some of the best and funniest faces I remember came from that show. Now, with the show being animated, they don't have that same appeal, at least to me. However, though I might have my qualms about the new show, I absolutely love that my cousin is into Thomas as well. During Easter, my aunt and I put together a Thomas puzzle for him, only to have it destroyed moments later. Still, it's the fact that he acknowledges Thomas that makes me so happy. That was kind of the final sign I needed to start this series with Thomas. Seeing my cousin taking interest in something I used to love (and might possibly still love) just made me smile. I can only hope that if and when I have kids someday, they take an interest in some of the things I loved as a kid, a good number of things you'll see here in the future.
Well, I think that might be it for my first "In Retrospect" post. Seeing that this is the first one, it's going to be a little rougher than my fifth or sixth one. I just thought that this would be an interesting little series, something to keep me busy for some time. I already have about three fourths of a Word document page filled with ideas and I could easily have more if I really sat down and thought about it. So, needless to say, I'll have a good amount of material to write about in the future. Keep it locked on here for more reminiscing about the past.
And, come on! Who doesn't love this theme song?
Thanks for reading!
For my first post, I decided to go to probably my favorite childhood TV show: Thomas the Tank Engine. I loved, loved, LOVED Thomas back in the day. And I'm happy to say that my youngest cousin, Devin, is too a Thomas fan. I don't know why I was so drawn to it, maybe it was my parents doing. But, man, did I love me that Tank Engine. Without a doubt, Thomas was my favorite engine, though I loved a lot of the engines. Percy, Toby, Mavis, Edward, Rusty; just to name a few. I had a couple of the toys and I played with them on the shelves that ran around our living room.
If I had to choose my favorite episode, I'd tell you that it would be nearly impossible. I particularly liked the episode where Toby had to cross the dam when it was falling apart. There was also the episode where Percy scared Thomas by making him think he was a ghost. And then, in retaliation, there was an episode where Thomas scared Percy with a Chinese dragon. Gah, so many good episodes!! I seriously cannot decide which one is my favorite. The voice acting on the show was top notch as well, with Ringo Starr doing his best work ever (not a huge Beatles fan over here, sorry).
So that was back then. Now, Thomas is still around, but he's gone through some changes. Not only did they get rid of the epic intro theme (which is in my top 5 favorite TV theme songs), but they changed the whole look of the show. Now, it is an animated show, whereas in the past it was a model and RC shot show. That was what was so great about the old show; the trains sort of looked real and they faces. Some of the best and funniest faces I remember came from that show. Now, with the show being animated, they don't have that same appeal, at least to me. However, though I might have my qualms about the new show, I absolutely love that my cousin is into Thomas as well. During Easter, my aunt and I put together a Thomas puzzle for him, only to have it destroyed moments later. Still, it's the fact that he acknowledges Thomas that makes me so happy. That was kind of the final sign I needed to start this series with Thomas. Seeing my cousin taking interest in something I used to love (and might possibly still love) just made me smile. I can only hope that if and when I have kids someday, they take an interest in some of the things I loved as a kid, a good number of things you'll see here in the future.
Well, I think that might be it for my first "In Retrospect" post. Seeing that this is the first one, it's going to be a little rougher than my fifth or sixth one. I just thought that this would be an interesting little series, something to keep me busy for some time. I already have about three fourths of a Word document page filled with ideas and I could easily have more if I really sat down and thought about it. So, needless to say, I'll have a good amount of material to write about in the future. Keep it locked on here for more reminiscing about the past.
And, come on! Who doesn't love this theme song?
Thanks for reading!
When The Governor Comes Knocking
What. A. Finale.
As certain doors close, others open. Characters die while others are saved. I've only got emotional once during the Walking Dead (at the end of the Telltale game), but man, was I getting close tonight. The cause? The death of one of my favorite characters. Now, I don't normally say this in these reviews, but because it is the finale, I'll say it. There are some pretty big spoilers for the finale of the Walking Dead. Read at your own risk.
So, let's just get it out of the way: Andrea died. One of my favorite characters from the comics, gone. It might have been one of the most shocking moments I've ever experienced on TV. Sure, she might have been a bit aggravating in the show (especially when she continually sided with the Governor), but she was turning around all for it to be taken away by her only friend in Woodbury. And seeing Michonne break down like so many others this season just hit it home. True, Andrea did take her damn time trying to free herself, but it was still a somber moment in the end. It's definitely interesting to see a character that is still alive in the comics be killed off, especially as she is Rick's girlfriend currently. Such a sad, somber ending.
Another big story is the kind of sudden turn by Carl. He is all of a sudden a much colder person and I'm not so sure if I like that. I mean, he is still a kid who is going through the end of the world without a mother and a sane father. However, for Carl to shoot that guy when he was apparently laying down his gun was shocking, something that we had not seen from Carl. He's dissed Rick basically twice this episode and it should be interesting to see how Carl keeps growing up as the show progresses.
Now, we can get to the Governor. Let's just say that Phillip has finally become the ruthless Governor from the comics. A lot of people were thinking that Phillip was going to die in this finale, but I wasn't one. I didn't believe that Phillip's story was all told. However, I wasn't expecting Phillip's actions, killing all those Woodbury soldiers. With them dead and Rick taking the rest to the prison, how is the Governor going to rage his now much more personal war with the prison?
While the past two episodes were more character driven compared to this one, the finale had not a lot of them. We really didn't see the ramifications of Merle's death, nor any more with the wedding plot, though I was expecting that to happen in Season 4. Though, I did like the little Rick/Michonne moment and the Daryl/Carol moment.
Now comes the interesting part, the grading. I believe that this was one of the stronger episodes this season. Though it wasn't the strongest, I still felt it was a strong finale. The prison fight was a bit lackluster, as there wasn't a lot of fighting. However, there was still a good deal of action, just more personal. It's gonna take a bit to get over the death of Andrea, but I'm pretty sure I can get over it. So, out of 10, I'm going to give "Welcome to the Tombs" a 9.
So, there we have it. The finale has come and now we have the looooooong wait until October. Don't worry, though, as I'll have a Season 4 wishlist coming in the near future. Plus, I'll be writing reviews for Bates Motel and, when it returns, Warehouse 13. And there'll be comic reviews coming again (promises promises). Also, I recently had a thought about a pretty cool idea for a new series of posts. I'd like to turn it into a weekly thing, but it might start out as a once in a while post. The future looks interesting for this here blog, so keep an eye out.
Thanks for reading!!
As certain doors close, others open. Characters die while others are saved. I've only got emotional once during the Walking Dead (at the end of the Telltale game), but man, was I getting close tonight. The cause? The death of one of my favorite characters. Now, I don't normally say this in these reviews, but because it is the finale, I'll say it. There are some pretty big spoilers for the finale of the Walking Dead. Read at your own risk.
So, let's just get it out of the way: Andrea died. One of my favorite characters from the comics, gone. It might have been one of the most shocking moments I've ever experienced on TV. Sure, she might have been a bit aggravating in the show (especially when she continually sided with the Governor), but she was turning around all for it to be taken away by her only friend in Woodbury. And seeing Michonne break down like so many others this season just hit it home. True, Andrea did take her damn time trying to free herself, but it was still a somber moment in the end. It's definitely interesting to see a character that is still alive in the comics be killed off, especially as she is Rick's girlfriend currently. Such a sad, somber ending.
Another big story is the kind of sudden turn by Carl. He is all of a sudden a much colder person and I'm not so sure if I like that. I mean, he is still a kid who is going through the end of the world without a mother and a sane father. However, for Carl to shoot that guy when he was apparently laying down his gun was shocking, something that we had not seen from Carl. He's dissed Rick basically twice this episode and it should be interesting to see how Carl keeps growing up as the show progresses.
Now, we can get to the Governor. Let's just say that Phillip has finally become the ruthless Governor from the comics. A lot of people were thinking that Phillip was going to die in this finale, but I wasn't one. I didn't believe that Phillip's story was all told. However, I wasn't expecting Phillip's actions, killing all those Woodbury soldiers. With them dead and Rick taking the rest to the prison, how is the Governor going to rage his now much more personal war with the prison?
While the past two episodes were more character driven compared to this one, the finale had not a lot of them. We really didn't see the ramifications of Merle's death, nor any more with the wedding plot, though I was expecting that to happen in Season 4. Though, I did like the little Rick/Michonne moment and the Daryl/Carol moment.
Now comes the interesting part, the grading. I believe that this was one of the stronger episodes this season. Though it wasn't the strongest, I still felt it was a strong finale. The prison fight was a bit lackluster, as there wasn't a lot of fighting. However, there was still a good deal of action, just more personal. It's gonna take a bit to get over the death of Andrea, but I'm pretty sure I can get over it. So, out of 10, I'm going to give "Welcome to the Tombs" a 9.
So, there we have it. The finale has come and now we have the looooooong wait until October. Don't worry, though, as I'll have a Season 4 wishlist coming in the near future. Plus, I'll be writing reviews for Bates Motel and, when it returns, Warehouse 13. And there'll be comic reviews coming again (promises promises). Also, I recently had a thought about a pretty cool idea for a new series of posts. I'd like to turn it into a weekly thing, but it might start out as a once in a while post. The future looks interesting for this here blog, so keep an eye out.
Thanks for reading!!
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