Music of the Month

October 23rd, 2005 | Comments (2) | Trackbacks (0) |

Matt Wertz, Today & Tomorrow EP: Matt Wertz is my musical idol. Sometimes I say that it’s John Mayer, sometimes I say that it’s Matt Wertz; that’s because the decision is so difficult. I want my music to sound like Matt’s in one song and John’s in another. His last release, Twentythree Places, is one of my top 3 favorite albums of all time. His newest release, Today & Tomorrow, is a five song EP with three previously unreleased songs (”Like the Last Time,” “Wanderin’ Eyes,” and “Honest Man”) and two new versions of older songs (”Red Meets Blue” and “I’m Sorry Mary”). Although I wish it was a full length album, he manages to tide me over until his next full-length release. “Like the Last Time” is quickly climbing it’s way up the charts as my favorite Wertz song, and “I’m Sorry, Mary” sounds as good as it ever has. Did I mention that I am seeing him live next weekend in Chicago at the House of Blues? Favorite tracks: Like the Last Time, I’m Sorry, Mary

Blue Merle, Burning In the Sun: I first mentioned Blue Merle in a post a few weeks ago. Their music is really good, and very complimetary to the season of fall. A few days ago, someone said “I would classify this music as ‘cool to cold weather music’” in reference to another musician (Damien Rice), but I think it applies here as well. I’ve probably listened to the free live show they have available for download on their website more than the studio album, because I think it actually sounds better and I like the jams in the songs. Favorite tracks: Boxcar Racer, If I Could, Part of Your History

David Crowder Band, A Collision: Exactly one month ago today, I guaranteed that this album would be on this month’s Music of the Month post. It is difficult to explain how good this album is. It is DCB’s most diverse album to date, incorporating electronica, bluegrass, gospel, spoken word, strings, and others as well as the traditional DCB sound into the mix. David Crowder has a written explanation of every song on the album which is equally, if not more stunning than the album itself. At the moment, I can’t find the link, but I’ll keep looking. Favorite tracks: Be Lifted or Hope Rising, Do Not Move, Here Is Our King

Jack’s Mannequin, Everything In Transit: I read a review of this album in my school’s newspaper and found out that Jack’s Mannequin is the solo side project of the former frontman of Something Corporate. Not surprisingly, the album sounds a lot like Something Corporate, which is why I like it so much. There really isn’t much to say about this album except that it’s pretty good, and if you like Something Corporate, you’ll like this. Favorite tracks: The Mixed Tape, I’m Ready

Damien Rice, O: As I said earlier, this album is a perfect cool to cold weather album. It’s been out for a few years, but I couldn’t resist the temptation to bring it out because it fits the weather and my mood so well. His airy voice, smooth guitar, and tasteful string accompaniments are beautiful and soothing. Apparently Damien is working on his next studio release as we speak. Favorite tracks: Cannonball, Volcano, I Remember

The Fray, How to Save A Life: I can’t stop listening to this album. It hasn’t even started to get old yet. For a while, iTunes was offering a free download of “Over My Head (Cable Car).” These guys are going places. Favorite tracks: How to Save A Life, All at Once, Heaven Forbid