Alt-J - Something Good [Video]

I do not know anything about this band when I came across this video and, to be honest, wasn't expecting much.

1. The video flows like syrup dripping down pancakes. The slow progression captures the relaxed vibe of the song.
2. If a matador was killed in a match, he would most definitely not remain as regal as this guy does throughout the video.
3. After some research I discovered the band is on Infectious Records abroad (with the like of Local Natives and Temper Tramp) and Canvasback Music in the states (with the likes of Frightened Rabbit). Judging by the company they keep, they're indie celebs and hipster idols.

Give the song a listen, it's good. Alt-J's debut album An Awesome Wave came out September 18th.

The Avett Brothers - The Carpenter

From the eyes of a long-time fan


It wasn't what we wanted, but it's what we got. Us: die hard fans of the Avett Brothers, grew up on a guitar/banjo/bass Avett Brothers fans, and show-a-year to keep the doctor away Avett Brothers fans. The Avett Brothers will never let you down and though it may appear that way to us, they haven't yet and why would they now. Disclaimer: The album is good, really good, just open your ears.

So what's new? You'll hear horns, see a 6th musician added to the on-stage lineup at piano, (who are they? Brad & Angelina) and a full-bodied sound that sounds more produced than I and Love and You. These are not bad things, they're just new and sometimes that can be off-putting and in the case of this album, it may sound like they're trying too hard. They are experimenting sonically, but the lyrics are as eloquent and profound as ever, in fact it may be their strongest effort yet in this category.
If you're into their heart-gripping and soul-touching songs check out:
"February Seven"
"Through My Prayers"

The Brothers have been playing "Once and Future Carpenter," "Down With the Shine," and "Pretty Girl From Michigan" regularly live for a while now. These songs blended right in with their older material and it will only be a matter of time until "Live and Die" and "I Never Knew You" are staples of the their live sets and discography. Keep in mind the members of the band said, multiple times over, that they recorded 25-30 songs for the album. We are seeing the cream of the crop here on The Carpenter.

The Avett Brothers are as mainstream as ever now, which speaks volumes for the growth of their sound. To have transitioned in to the realm of relevance and enduring sound in today's society; they have proven themselves phenomenal musicians. This certainly is nothing we saw coming, especially when you hear a song like "Salvation Song" where they are crooning, "we came for all that's good that's how we'll walk away." They were paid off with fame and we aren't sure that is why they came, but they sure have taken their fair share of the spotlight.

Some good does come from all this fame. Could you think of a band whose songs carry the weight and substance of any single song from The Avett Brothers' catalogue? That's right. You could put Mumford & Sons up there, maybe (they're 5 full-lengths and a few EP's behind though). The Carpenter is literally: just the tip...of the iceberg.

Don't take my devoted (overly devoted) word on this phenomenal album, go give it a listen for yourself.

Jobs Platforms (Romney vs. Obama)

Dear GOP & Romney Campaign Team,
           For a while I was on the fence, teetering between Romney and Obama's economic plans, trying to figure out who would be the best candidate for the country and myself. Eventually it comes down to the general public having to entrust the 1% to invest in the economy and create new jobs, which seems a stretch. First off, if Romney was given a tax cut he would almost assuredly pocket it. After reading the hard-hitting article"Greed and Debt: The True story of Mitt Romney and Bain Capital"written by one of my favorite Rolling Stone contributors (and author) Matt Taibbi, the profiteer running for president couldn't be trusted to stimulate the economy.
           If you ask Obama and Romney how they are going to create jobs you'll see two very different answers. Romney is the confident guy that hands out promises like a single guy at a strip club and will only convert so many people without having an actual game plan. He's the ultimate bullshitter and his egotistical mindset is starting to trickle down through his campaign team. Either the entire Republican party is procrastinating on the subject or they are scared to reveal their plan to the enemy. The second is absurd, because you can not get the vote if you don't reveal your plan and they are losing independents and undecided voters by 'keeping it under wraps.' Obama at least has a plan and whether it is the best plan has yet to be seen (thanks to a timid stalwart of an opponent), but he has a blueprint. Whoever can get the ball rolling the fastest, as far as jobs, is going to get the vote.
          When you sit down to do your research to become an informed voter and you can not find out the job creation plan of one candidate, there is a problem. Unemployment is one of the biggest issues facing our country in the coming election and the coming decade; this is not a platform position that can be bullshitted.
          It's a matter of trust, people. Wake up and make a decision. Commit to a plan to help me and the rest of the US to decide who is getting our vote this year.

Sincerely,
JPF

(P.S. You should be selling your platforms to us, not forcing us to pry and poke them out of you)