Music 173: Lana Del Rey

Just listen to her voice.

1.) "Born to Die"


2.) "Video Games"


Fellow Americans can buy her EP today!

Music 147: Mumford & Sons

Mumford & Sons are known today for being a band that makes banjo seem bad-ass, but in short you can call them folk-rock. Mumford & Sons was formed in October of 2007 and is made up of Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett, "Country" Winston Marshall, and Ted Dwane. Their debut album Sigh No More was released in 2009. 

The band gained popularity throughout 2010 through their hit Little Lion Man, but soon gained recognition through some of their other songs off their album Sigh No More. They are also known for being heavily influenced by playwright William Shakespeare and author John Steinbeck. 

1) Little Lion Man (WARNING: song contains language)

2) The Cave

3) Winter Winds

So what do you think?

You can buy Mumford & Sons' latest album Sigh No More here.

Music 143: Miike Snow

So there are a few things you need to know about Miike Snow: they are a Swedish band composed of three guys (Christian Karlsson, Pontus Winnberg, and Andrew Wyatt) none of whom are called Miike (let alone with two i's in the name). So where did they get such a strange band name? It turns out that it is from a friend whose name is Miike Snow, Miike coming from a japanese origin.

Miike Snow formed in 2007 in Stockholm, Sweden. They only really became popular in America during 2010 though, half a year after their debut album dropped here.

So what is so great about this band? Never have I heard a band so fun and well...heart warming. They have been described as having an electronic/indie pop feel to them but that is not the thing that gets you hooked. It is their music as a whole. It's their catchy beats, sweet lyrics, and smooth singing. It's the fact that each of their songs is unique in its own way.

Example: when I first heard their song Animal in the car a year or so ago I couldn't believe it. It was love at first hearing. It started out with this strange thumping and let straight into lyrics like this: I change shapes just to hide in this place but I'm still, I'm still an animal. I was mesmerized. So sit back and relax and listen to some of their greatest tunes:

1) Animal

2) Song For No One

3) Black and Blue

So what do you think?

You can buy Miike Snow's debut album here.

Music 142: Broken Bells

Ever imagined what a mega-awesome-collaboration would sound like? Look no further than here because Broken Bells is what you're looking for. Composed of Brian Burton (better known as Danger Mouse) and James Mercer (frontman of The Shins) Broken Bells is an indie alternative dream.

Broken Bells started in Autumn of 2009 when the two announced their collaboration and ever since then they have had a steady following of fans and the hearts of critics stolen. Back in December of 2010, Broken Bells performed their last show at KROQ's Almost Acoustic show but have comfirmed a follow up album and possibly more concerts.

On March 29th, 2011 Broken Bells released an EP entitled Meyrin Fields.

Here are some of their best work:

1) The High Road

2) Sailing to Nowhere


3) October


So what do you think?

You can buy Broken Bells debut album here.

Music 139: The Temper Trap

More than likely you've heard this band before. Not only has The Temper Trap's song Sweet Disposition been featured in numerous Coca Cola commercials and they've also been featured in movies such as: (500) Days of Summer, I Am Number Four, The Roommate, and No Strings Attached. Their music has also been featured in many shows such as: Chuck, One Tree Hill, 90210, The Vampire Diaries, Pretty Little Liars, Skins (UK) and many more. I guess you can say this band has been featured in a lot of things since their forming in 2005. I guess you could say they've made their rounds internationally too because they are getting quite huge in the US and the UK. The Temper Trap are quite busy themselves right now working on their sophomore album which should be out soon.

The Temper Trap consists of Dougy Mandagi, Jonathon Aherne, Lorenzo Sillitto, Toby Dundas, and Joseph Greer. They hail from Melbourne, Australia when they met at Wesley College. Their music would be described as indie rock but in my opinion, their songs contain a plethora of many different styles. Nothing too crazy in their music but there is a song for every mood.

Honestly there isn't much to say about this band because I feel they speak for themselves when it comes to music. They don't need a huge introduction or anything comparisons to big artists to sell a record. So here are some songs I think you all will enjoy very much.

1) Sweet Disposition (in case you haven't heard it yet.)

2) Fader (a song that can make anyone smile).


3) Soldier On (such a sweet and simple song.)


*You can buy their album Conditions here.*


So what do you guys think?

Music 137: Florence + The Machine

So you might know singer Florence Welch from her cover performance of 'If I Rise' from 127 Hours at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards this weekend...or you might know this singer from her song 'Dog Days Are Over' which was the theme for the 2010 film Eat Pray Love. It's funny when you think of it, her two most popular appearances were songs for movies James Franco is in.

Florence Welch was born August 28th, 1986 in London to Nick and Evelyn Welch. As a child, Welch was often getting in trouble for impromptu singing at school. Welch studied at Camberwell College of Arts. She later dropped out to work on her music career. Who would've guessed she would be where she is now?

Now, Florence Welch and her band Florence and the Machine (consisting also of: Robert Ackroyd, Christopher Lloyd Hayden , Isabella Summers, Tom Monger, and Mark Saunders) are making their rounds in the music business with their popular album: Lungs. This year they will be releasing another album (the title of it to be announced later on).

Welch doesn't have the bright and sunny life that her songs suggest though. Welch has been diagnosed with dyslexia and dysmetria and may also suffer from insomnia. In some of her songs, Welch has an interesting side of her shown. It turns out Welch has a fascination with terror and doom which was intensified by the death of her grandparents. When Welch was 10 she witnessed her grandfather's deterioration; when Welch was 14 her maternal grandmother committed suicide. At 13 years old she and her mother moved in with their next door neighbour and his three teenage children. Welch says of her old housemates: "We get on brilliantly now, but it was a nightmare then. I just used to stay in my room and dance around.


There is no question that Florence Welch has gone through a lot, she just channels it with her music. Here are a few a songs that showcase her talent:


1) Cosmic Love (this is such an interesting song that will make you fall head over heels in love with this band.)




2) Kiss with a Fist (just a fun and catchy song that will be sure to get you pumped up.)


3) Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up) (my current obsession, the chorus is pure gold.)


I was going to show you guys Dog Days Are Over but all of you should already know that song. So what do you think?

Music 134: Local Natives

Some might call this band indie rock mixed with just about any beat or idea but I think Local Natives are just plain special. Local Natives (formally known as Cavil at Rest) was formed in 2008 in Orange County. The band consists of class mates (and then some others) who moved up to Silver Lake, California to make an album.

Local Natives released their debut album (Gorilla Manor) in February of 2010 (November 2009 in the UK). Gorilla Manor is named after the house the band stayed in while recording the album. Not only did the house inspire the name of the album but in a way probably the themes. Local Native's Gorilla Manor is full of songs that will capture your heart whether it's a calming song or one where the lead singer shouts his lyrics with passion. They must be doing something right though because they have caught the attention of many celebrities, landing on some of the stars of Glee's personal playlists.

Local Natives is:
Taylor Rice
Kelcey Ayer
Ryan Hahn
Andy Hamm
Matt Frazier


Their Music:


1) Wide Eyes

2) Airplanes

3) Sun Hands



I have to say they caught my attention with their songs Airplanes when I stumbled across it on music website Pandora. Ever since then I have been jamming along to their songs. So listen up and fall in love with Local Natives. They are sure to catch fire soon!

Music 133: The Gromble

The Start of Things:

I am going to be honest, I review a lot of bands on this site and most of the time I just whip something up last minute and move on. Then I stumbled across The Gromble on Facebook and a month later I am working on my first feature length interview with an upcoming band. I am not exactly sure how I came across the Gromble on Facebook, but when I did, I clicked play on one of their songs and was immediately hooked. Two hours later, I became depressed when I learned the song wasn’t available to download. So, then I did what any resourceful teen would do and recorded the song on my phone, of course the sound quality was less than desirable, but it sufficed needless to say.

For the next two weeks I contemplated whether to contact the band for an interview, but my fear of rejection left me in contemplation until I actually got the nerve to write on the band’s wall. I am glad I took the risk, because I got a response from Spencer Askin, the front man on the band, saying they would love to be interviewed. But before I let myself get too excited, I needed to figure out where and when this interview would take place. I contacted Spencer again, about the “Where and When” and his response was to pull a “combo move” and do the interview before one of their shows. Could this really be happening?

By the day of the show, I was so nervous. My stomach was in knots. I was ready to back out. There was no way I wanted to make a fool of myself in front of these up and coming artists. Thankfully, my dad dragged me to the concert anyway. By the time we arrived my nerves had calmed down. I had fifteen minutes to prep for the interview and just as I was regaining my confidence, there they were. The Gromble, just a few feet away, doing a sound check. That is when it all sank in.... I was interviewing them! My first big break.

My dad was my savior that night, because he helped break the ice during the introductions. I had no reason to be nervous, because The Gromble was a group of down to earth people. They made me feel at ease, by not treating me as just an interviewer, but more like a long-time friend.

It wasn’t long before we were sitting around a table with an assortment of random chairs chatting away.

About the Gromble:
The Gromble consists of: Spencer Askin (vocals, guitar, and trumpet), Steven Lindenfelser (guitar and vocals), Trevin Eck (bass guitar), and the newly added members Stefan Macarewich (drums and vocals), Michael Lee (keyboard, drums, and trombone), and live member Jonathan Wallace (saxophone).


They are a Orange County based band who claims their goals are to 'destroy the audience'. I'm pretty sure that Steven Lindenfelser's favorite thing to say because he said it several times throughout the night . But do they really destroy their fans? Most definitely. Check any site about them and you'll see they always mention them wanting to destroy their fans. Don't let that scare you though! They are 100% safe.


The Interview:

By the time the interview began, I had felt like I had known them forever. I initially told them I had ten questions to ask and Steven Lindenfelser responded by saying they had ten answers and hopefully they would match up. Clearly a band member with a sense of humor. It was apparent from then beginning on the interview that Steven and Spencer Askin were the most talkative in the band.

I first asked them, what seemed to me the most obvious question to ask, “The Gromble?” What inspired the name, although I had my own hunch. Before they answered, they asked me to give it a shot. Of course, there was a character on the show “Aaahh!! Real Monsters” named The Gromble. Steven, immediately claimed, I was wrong, but then the rest of the band joined in a chorus of little laughs. Spencer straightened it out, by saying, “No, that’s right. We’re just super into that stuff and that’s where The Gromble came from.” Later on they would explain that they were trying to reach all different ages and hoped the name would attract a younger demographic.

Next I asked why people should listen to them. That is when the whole band opened up. I learned the were not just a band, but had studied music theory. Quite impressive. When I asked if they could emulate any artist’s career, that is when they started making jokes about wanted to be like MC Hammer and make millions and spend it in months. Then Spencer admitted to wanting to have a career like Bono. Of course, that only provoked more jokes from the other band members.

All joking aside, they admitted they are in it solely for the music. Of course they all agreed making some money wouldn’t be a bad thing, instead of having to work other jobs. I then asked what their ultimate dream concert would be? In general, they said they liked bands like Pavement, Weezer circa 1996, and The Cardigans, all bands that they have been compared to by other listeners. All agreed Iggy Pop would be a great opening act- no just to be there.

When I asked about their plans for 2011, the big news is their March 31st release date of their debut EP, complete with seven songs. They also plan on going on tour this spring. They also talked about their hopes to have their songs aired on the radio, as well as pushing for songs to be in movies and television. They are competing in the Orange County Music Awards as well. You can even vote for yourself by the link at the end of this post.

My random question, I asked what their favorite farm animals are. Michael Lee picked a pig (which he expressed quite an amount of fondness for), while Trevin Eck picked a goat (along with Spencer) while Steven picked a sheep which he went on talking about how soft and cuddly they were. The other two both had trouble deciding though Jonathon Wallace said probably a jack rabbit. That sparked a debate on whether that counted as a farm animal. Stefan Macarewich decided on a horse.

It was revealed halfway through the interview that this was only The Gromble's second interview and that all the questions were fairly new to them and they were quite excited about it. So my next question wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I asked them what they always wanted to be asked in an interview and what was the answer to it. Steven immediately spoke up saying "Whose the ultimate warrior? Hulk Hogan."


Later we got into the more musical questions like how the music making process went. Spencer summed it up by saying usually he or Steven would bring in some songs and then they all (Spencer, Trevin, and Steven) would start working on melodies and experimenting. He admitted that the new band hasn't written any songs together yet but I can just imagine how great those songs will be. When I asked which songs they would love to cover Spencer laughed "What songs haven't we covered?" It was true though, The Gromble does plenty of 90's songs covers when they do cover shows. They did say they have covered Chumbawamba and they would love to cover the song "Lovefool" by The Cardigans. Why? Spencer clears up earlier that he isn't trying to be mean but he heard a cover of that song by The Morning Benders and explains that they totally messed up the chords to such a great song.


The interview is nearing an end when I ask what their last words are to the readers of Mix Tape. Steven brings up destroying the fans again "We love the readers, but we are going to destroy you." Spencer adds, "Um we're just really excited that anyone has taken interest and we you enjoy our music and we hope to all see you soon."


So that's it. The Gromble in a nutshell. Just because the interview was over though didn't mean that the night was.

The Show:
After the actual interview it was time for the show, which was something else entirely. I'm not much of a concert goer do my awkwardness but The Gromble made sure everyone was a part of the show. As soon as it started I was transported into a world of mega-rock. The guys of The Gromble had the best energy ever, they started out playing songs that were going to be on their EP (Carolina, Creepy Crawly, and NYC Frog) then went on to unrecorded songs like Slow and Parking Lot. At the beginning everyone was head bobbing and having fun in their seats but it wasn't long before a mosh pit formed. Let's just say there was no dull moment throughout the show. Some of the best moments were when the trumpet, saxophone, and trombone came out (a pleasant surprise). It was even more fun when one of members had to grab another instrument and there was a pause in the song. Instead of it being awkward, his fellow band mates just poked fun at him. As soon as they were all ready to play again, they all started to jerk around in crazy motions and shake the ground as if there was an earthquake going on. It made all the more fun. Even when drummer Stefan Macarewich broke his drumn stick and hit his face they still played through it, joking, Stefan even threw the broken stick into the audience for a lucky fan to claim.


When the show ended, I was astonished. My world had been rocked, and I wanted to see them play live again as soon as possible. Good thing they play plenty of shows all around California (soon expanding all the way up to Seattle in their spring tour). It's crazy to say after one meeting/show, but The Gromble is one of the best bands I have ever stumbled across. They have such a friendly demeanor and they make you feel welcome and they're the kind of people you want to see and hang out with over and over again. It would be a shame if The Gromble doesn't get the attention they deserve. I only wish the best for them.


Hopefully you'll take a liking to them.


I originally asked what songs they are most proud of and they said all of them, of course a Mix Tape usual is three songs posted up. So instead they let me choose the songs (though I still went with their choices since I liked all of them too). Actually, at one point they all joked around saying to just put all of the songs on and playing them all at once. Even though that would've been an interesting thing to hear, I just stuck with their three best.


The Music:
1) Creepy Crawly (the song they are currently pushing as a single and a radio song.)





2) Ballad of Steve (a fan favorite.)





3) Desole (my personal favorite.)

-----------

The End:

Sorry for this Rolling Stone sized review but hey, we should have a special post like this every once in awhile right? Especially when it's something so awesome like this.


I hope you all have enjoyed Mix Tape's First EVER interview with a band. Hopefully there will be more to come.


Like The Gromble on Facebook.
Follow The Gromble on Twitter.
Vote for The Gromble for best showcase artist for the Orange County Music Awards here.


This is my first interview ever with a band and I do admit to having a few problems along the way with formatting but I hope it all looks good to you guys. Hopefully I can edit down the actual audio soon so you can all hear what else The Gromble had to say. I guess that can be an exclusive though that will need to be demanded for before put up. Don't worry though, I'll keep you all up to date with what this fabulous band has in store for all of us! Who knows, maybe in time there will be an interview part 2 with The Gromble.

Music 132: Best Coast

Really who can resist this band? If i had to describe them they'd be a fun beachy band that everyone can enjoy. I have to say they aren't the most intellectual band but nonetheless you will walk around humming their songs in joy.


Best Coast consists of Bethany Cosentino, Bobb Bruno, and Ali Koehler. They formed in Los Angeles in 2009. They are currently signed to Mexican Summer records and have their debut album Crazy For You is out now. I first found them in an Urban Outfitters mix tape and had to write about them. Best Coast has been on many top albums of 2010 lists and I feel like they deserve recognition on this site immediately.


I think the great thing about Best Coast is that they aren't trying to be smart, their lyrics are simple and sweet while their music matches it perfectly. It might take some growing on to but they aren't supposed to be your favorite band, they're just there on your Ipod for a good time. I'll be honest, I'm not head over heels in love with their music but they do have talent and I'm sure someone on here will like them. Best Coast has a way of getting into your head and trust me, you won't mind one bit.


Their Best Songs:


1) Boyfriend



2) Crazy For You



3) When I'm With You



I highly suggest you pick up this band's album. I do not have all the songs yet but if I were to go to a store and see it on the stand, I would buy it without hesitation. It is truly a gem of a cd that will capture your heart in a second, and let's be honest, this album will melt your winter blues away with it's sweet summer like tunes. I love finding good music (as most people do) and Best Coast is 100% a great find!


Hope you enjoy!


You can visit Best Coast at their blog.

Music 131: Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

I contemplated doing a review on them long ago but thought they might not be something a lot of people would like but as more and more people start to listen to them I realize this review is long overdue. If I started with anything in this review, it's that this band can't be tamed by the music industry. They are what they are and you can't change that.

Ed Sharpe (a common nickname for the band) consists of eleven musicians who are all very interesting characters. Every time I see a video of them performing it's far from glamorous. They are all dressed in what I would describe as bohemian or hippie outfits but you can decided yourself. Their music is described as a sweet mellow southern California desert soundtrack with some sunny side up tunes on the side but really...they remind me of something my grandparents would listen to. A classic timeless band that is sure to rock our Ipods for years to come. I can't guarantee you'll all like them but you might, so I'll take the risk and post this up in hopes of doing justice to them.

Now before I start recommending songs may I say this band has so many awesome pictures to look through it was hard to pick one for this review but I think the one above is pretty cool right?

So here are some of their best songs, and may I also say they have some really awesome music videos too?:

1) Home


2) 40 Day Dream


3) Janglin



Hopefully you all have enjoyed this marvelous band. Any thoughts?

Music 128: Freelance Whales

If this band didn't win for cutest album cover, they'd win for cutest music, or just cutest in general! Let me start off with any comparisons to Owl City are not allowed. I do not consider them at all alike because there is a huge difference between both artists. Yes they both have quirky cute music and names with animals in them but when you look at the bigger picture, they are both at completely different sides of the music spectrum in an indescribable way. So please, leave all Owl City references behind starting now.

Now this is a little background information about Freelance Whales according to Wikipedia (yeah, lazy me): Freelance Whales is an indie rock band hailing from Queens, New York, consisting of frontman Judah Dadone (lead vocals, banjo, acoustic and electric guitar, synthesizer, bass), and bandmates Nicole Mourelatos a.k.a. Doris Cellar (bass, harmonium, glockenspiel, synthesizer, vocals), Chuck Criss (banjo, bass, synthesizer, glockenspiel, harmonium, acoustic and electric guitar, vocals), Jacob Hyman (drums, percussion, vocals) and Kevin Read (acoustic and electric guitar, glockenspiel, mandolin, synthesizer, vocals).

Cute album cover right?

If you enjoy: Postal Service, Ben Gibbard, or Sufjan Stevens then you will love Freelance Whales. They currently hold very favorable reviews at review sites already and I will be the first to second that. Mix Tape creator Lizzie actually showed me this band so a big round of applause to her first off, because if you end up liking/loving them, it's because of her. 

Freelance Whales currently has one album out entitled Weathervanes and I highly suggest you all pick it up to add to your all amazing music collections (you must have good music taste if you're on here!).

If buying an entire album is out of the question right now then here are a few songs I'd recommend. 

1) Generator 2nd Floor

2) Kilojoules


3) Broken Horses


Hope you enjoyed this truly special band! Any thoughts?

P.S. A heads up, their album is on sale for $7.99 right now!!!! I had to post this up now because it is only til the 4th when the review would usually come up!

Music 126 : Darren Criss

This just might be his year. If you haven't came across this beautiful voice yet, you might want to check him out on this season of GLEE as Kurt's new love interest. Darren plays Blaine from the prep school.

To others you know him from the Harry Potter musical which you can find on YouTube.




Criss is from San Fransisco. He's of Filipino Irish heritage. Criss has enjoyed musical instruments and anything to do with music since he was a kid. He is part of the Team StarKid theater. He's talented in songwriting as well. Which you can clearly enjoy in the Harry Potter musicals.

Initially, he tried out for the part of Finn before Glee started. Now he's been signed on as Blaine for this season and next season, as well.

Darren is definitely on his way to being the guy to watch for. He's so creative and so much more than just eye-candy. Back in July he released a CD with five songs entitled HUMAN. I can only hope we'll be seeing a whole lot more of this talented guy.

Music 125: Coconut Records



A review on the band Coconut Records is way over due on Mix Tape. You may be asking yourself 'who is Coconut Records?', but I guarrantee you will be humming along to this artist's tunes after this.

Coconut Records is a band that consists only of the actor Jason Schwartzman (Bored to Death, Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World, Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Darjeeling Limited, and Funny People to name a few).

Coconut Records started in 2006 and currently has two albums out. Of the two albums (Nighttiming and Davy), there have been many guests featured on his songs. Some of the collaberations have been with the band Incubus, Actress Kirsten Dunst, and Actress/Singer Zooey Deschanel.

Coconut Records music has been featured on the soundtrack for the show Bored to Death and the movies Funny People and Spider Man 3.

On to the actual listening part of this review, all of Coconut Record's songs are good but if I had to pick my top three they'd be:

1) West Coast (off the album Nighttiming)


2) St. Jerome (off the album Davy)


3) Microphone (off the album Davy)


Hopefully you've enjoyed this review on an artist I think everyone should listen to.

Music 124: Elliott Smith

I seemed to have forgotten that October 21st was the 7th anniversary of Elliott Smith's death. It seems surreal having one of the best musicians of our time to be gone. I figured that it's better late than never to showcase this artist's talent.

Elliott Smith always had painstakingly morose and emotional tunes that were straight from the heart. He was honest and you could tell from his music that it was true. Smith's music had a sound that made you feel like he was in the room with you. Now it's haunting but still beautiful.

Here are a few of his top songs:
1) Between the Bars (this song is a real video of Smith himself playing. This song was featured in the movie Good Will Hunting along with many other Elliott Smith songs.)


2)Angel in the Snow (This song was released in 2007 after Smith died. It's on the album New Moon and was featured in the film Up in the Air.)


3) Waltz #2 (XO) (This song can be found on the album XO. This is another live video of him.)


For all newcomer listeners, there is a lyric by Elliott Smith that is one that still holds true to this day and is now sadly ironic. He wrote in his song Waltz #2 (xo) , "I'm never gonna know you now but I'm gonna love you anyhow." This is probably his most popular line and one we should all remember. Even if Elliott Smith is no longer with us, his music lives on as his lasting messages will too. Elliott Smith will be remembered.

Elliott Smith's memorial site, also the cover for his album Figure 8. Fans wrote on this wall messages to Smith. The wall was restored to it's original state in 2008 when if was vandalized 

All of Elliott Smith's music is available and can be found almost anywhere. A new album: An Introduction to Elliott Smith was released on November 2nd for anyone interested. Hopefully you've enjoyed this review and it's not just me thinking he is a truly good artist.

For more information about Elliott Smith you can go here.

Music 123: Judging An Album By It's Cover

Okay, so the thought came to me the other day about how album covers do convince people whether to buy the album or not sometimes. Given, it's usually over if the cover is appropriate or not. I thought it might be cool to show some cool looking album covers. First, are the cool looking album covers. These ones are ones that would be great to have in the form of a vinyl record. These are the covers that are frame worthy and creative. These are the ones that look awesome blown up and maybe even ones you could constantly stare at. 

This cover is just so cute and fun to look at! Don't deny that you're not admiring it right now. (Everything In Transit from Jack's Mannequin).

The bright color of this album just draw you in. (LP from Discovery)

This cover has a true sincere look to it. (The Summer EP from Never Shout Never).

This album was made to look like a cover for a record. It has a very clever look to it.  (Brothers from The Black Keys). 

This cover looks home made and the colors just go together and it brings you back to a better time. (Volume Two from She & Him).

Not only does it look like Up without the house with it, but the colors pop and you can see texture of a painting. (Tentacles from Crystal Antlers).

Soon you'll get a look at some album covers that weren't so good. Any thoughts on this? Any albums you think should've been on here?

Music 122: MSTRKRFT (Remixes)

*Before starting this profile on MSTRKRFT you should know that it's pronounced Master-Craft.

So MSTRKRFT might be known for two things: their original music or their remixes. Personally I like their remixes more. The thing about their remixes are that they are better than the originals. Yes, remixes can be better than original music if you find the right song and the right remix. I'm serious. On occasion, I will find a really good remix. I'm not talking about club songs for the Black Eyed Peas or anything, I'm talking about remixes of Justice, Wolfmother, and Metric. MSTRKRFT even remixed a Katy Perry song and made it more enjoyable. So today instead of giving background on MSTRKRFT I'll show you their remixes, an art that they have definitely perfected.

1) D.A.N.C.E. - Justice (remixed by MSTRKRFT)


2) Monster Hospital- Metric (remixed by MSTRKRFT)


3) Woman- Wolfmother (remixed by MSTRKRFT)


If up to it after, check out the originals (if you didn't know them before). Which ones do you think are better?

Music 120: Speak Now

I figured since the new Taylor Swift album is pretty big that I'd review it. A friend made me a copy of it so what the heck, I figure if I'm going to review an album it might as well be this one. Anyway, no matter how much Taylor Swift can annoy some people, you gotta give her credit for selling an album. So here I am, reviewing a Taylor Swift album so you don't have to. Think of it as a favor. So here's a track by track review. Hopefully be the time this is posted the hype will have died down (hopefully).

Track One: Mine- The first single off this album and probably the one you've heard the most about. A Swift version of a picture perfect relationship. I know I'm only on the first track but it's already probably one of the best songs and the one you will end up getting. The worst song is probably the fact that this is her third song that mentions something happening at 2 AM. 5/5.

Track Two: Sparks Fly- While Taylor Swift's Fearless strayed away from country and went more pop you can see this one is more country. Again, nothing new. It isn't bad but isn't amazing. The chorus is sort of catchy but all of her choruses are. 3/5.

Track Three: Back to December- A song supposedly about Taylor Lautner and yet another single. I think I'm seeing a pattern now. Long song with repetitive lyrics, not a huge fan. The further I get into it I realize yes, Taylor Swift is brutally honest and will write a song about anything and everything. I don't know if I despise that about her or admire it. You tell me, it's still a 3/5.

Track Four: Speak Now- My favorite track. The second single of the album and I'm starting to think the singles might be the only good things on Speak Now. The song seems nauseatingly like every other song Swift sings but with a little more attitude. Still as a good beat, I guarantee this song will tire fast though but for now: 5/5.

Track Five: Dear John- I'm really hoping this song isn't about John Mayer like everyone else says it is because that would just be a little weird. Slow song, long song. Those two seem to always go together. People with short attention spans will hate it, I'm sort of hating it too. It's a song that is almost 7 minutes and not worth the time. 2/5.

Track Six: Mean- The song with the title that disgusts me. I'm sure there could've been a better use of words in this songs. It's sort of catchy but sounds like it was written by a six year old. To me shows immaturity in Swift. There's really not much to say about this song. 2/5.

Track Seven: The Story of Us- I hear this song and all I can think of is no! The intro is not great, you think it's a pop song then goes back to country. I'm only halfway through the album and disappointed. This is a mess of many things. Again, not worth much time. 2/5.

Track Eight: Never Grow Up- This has a sweet sincerity to it and feels a lot more like Taylor Swift. Speaks the truth but might not be a song all people will appreciate. I'd still give it a listen, it's a better version of The Best Day (from album Fearless). 4/5.

Track Nine: Enchanted- Good beginning, you know a song is going to be good when you're hooked by the first beat. A better track, but the chorus breaks the song a little. This song would make a better acoustic. Still a 3.5/5.

Track Ten: Better Than Revenge- Evil Taylor, the very first thing you hear is sending someone to the corner. Not a great song but the very beginning is something you want to hear. When Swift belts that she does nothing better than revenge you can tell it's true. This is a new side of her that hasn't been shown in songs before. 2.5/5.

Track Eleven: Innocent- A song about Kanye West and all I can say is that this is a little much. This has been blown into huge proportions and not worth the time. Chorus is good though and it'll get the die hard fans to calm down. 2/5.

Track Twelve: Haunted- Sounds a little silly. there's not much to say about this song except for the fact it's a little too dramatic. This far into the album and it's one to skip. 1/5.

Track Thirteen: Last Kiss- Almost done with the album and a little fed up with Taylor Swift  now. A six minute song (this album is way too long for fourteen songs). This song doesn't catch my attention yet and I'm two minutes into it. Better to skip or at least for now. 2/5.

Track Fourteen: Long Live- Okay, for the last song it already sounds like it might be better. Sounds like a good way to end this album. 3/5.

Overall: If I'm being honest this album doesn't stand out. To me all her songs can be lumped together as one big love song, the songs that aren't about love aren't even the good ones. Taylor Swift doesn't have a huge diversity when it comes to her music. The again, this album is new and fresh and you might even get sucked into a song or two on here. My best advice is to stay away, her music is addicting if you're not careful. The last thing I want is for the awesome readers of this blog to get into 'this'. It's not at all bad or anything, just something you don't really need in your library. My use of Taylor  Swift on my Ipod is really for the little girls I babysit so yeah, that's a good use for this album. The best bet for all of you though is to get a couple songs maybe if you're into this kind of thing. I know I am sort of no matter how much I detest it, I just can't help myself.

P.S. This is the album at first listening. This could or could not be a grower album. I will report on that in the next few weeks.

Overall Grade: C

Standout Tracks: Mine, Speak Now, Never Grow Up, Enchanted.

P.S. For all those people who enjoyed Grouplove they just put up their song Colours for free to promote for their upcoming tour! Click here to get the download link.