The Mp3 version of this release, a side project featuring members of Manchester Orchestra and Kevin Devine, is currently on sale for $2.99.
My friends, that's ridiculous.
I'm currently giving it a first listen, but I am liking it so far.
And here is what one reviewer had to say:
"If you're a fan of either Manchester Orchestra/Andy Hull or Kevin Devine, I can almost guarantee that you'll love this album. If you're a fan of rock, you'll love it. If you're a fan of indie stuff, you'll love it. If you like good songwriting, you'll love it. Hell, if you're a fan of music in general, I think you should like this album. Do yourself a favor and check it out - you might be missing out on two great songwriters and musicians otherwise."
#38: Manchester Orchestra - Mean Everything To Nothing
I first heard of Manchester Orchestra when their single "Wolves at Night" started getting some radio play off of their first major release, "I'm Like A Virgin Losing A Child." It was only one song, but it was a song that was good enough that when Say Anything came to Atlanta and Manchester Orchestra opened up for them, I was excited to see them live. On that night, I remember watching a burly man who looked like he had spent years in the woods come out and own that stage. I heard a couple songs off the new record they were working on and they also played "Wolves" making their opening slot one to remember.
I started paying attention to them after that, realizing that they are actually from Atlanta. For a person like me, who attends Auburn University, Atlanta is basically right down the road so it kind of feels like a hometown vibe. When their second release, "Mean Everything to Nothing" came out, I was sort of slow to get into it. But then I got into it heavy.
I remember the slow process consisted of Hedman getting it first and telling me how much he loved a couple of the opening tracks where the band seemed to bend some of the notes. Then, this girl I was hanging out with for a little bit that summer purchased that cd on a whim and I heard it over at her house a little bit. Finally, when we went on our road trip I put it in and just drove.
After all that, it was just a matter of multiple listens. The opening tracks basically grab you by the throat and force you to feel the intensity and as the album goes on his voice starts to mellow out and you feel like you are listening to a bear with a soft spot. "Shake It Out" made it's way to the alternative stations and every time I heard it start I would go nuts and basically put on a mini concert in my car (video is the last one below).
Mark my words: Manchester Orchestra will be major players in this scene in the next few years. And I will always remember this cd as a sign of what was to come.
And quite possibly one of my favorite videos of all time:
It's pretty obvious that one of the greatest things about going to concerts is seeing your favorite band perform live. The added bonus though is the show's opener, sometimes hand-picked by the headliners themselves or they are on the same label and trying to get some promotion. This post is going to be about opening bands I have seen that have made the show even more enjoyable, and I have enjoyed far after the night was over.
Honorable mention: Carolina Liar, Armor For Sleep, Underoath, Anberlin, Envy On The Coast
These were great opening bands that I was lucky enough to catch for three different Taking Back Sunday shows. However, I knew of the bands before hand and this post is focusing on bands that I saw for the first time, or was just beginning to get into.
The first two bands were names that I heard in magazines and such and knew maybe one song, but after seeing them live, started getting into them heavily.
The next two are the bands that opened up for Paramore, The Swellers and Paper Route. I dug both bands, and was hooked up with their music by jeanette afterward. However, I'm all about different opinions and one person who definitely didn't like Paper Route was Smart Ass Sara. But here are some songs from those two
The Swellers
Paper Route
And last, this is the band that kind of inspired this post, Pierce The Veil. This is a true example of my story of opening bands. I went to a small show in Stockton, California with my brothers where a band called Dance Gavin Dance was playing. Pierce The Veil were the second band to play and I have never heard these guys names or anything before. But after I few songs, I was hooked. I bought their cd a few weeks later and instantly added it to my top ten list. I think what keeps me coming back (I have since seen them two more times, once when they opened for Emery and again at Warped Tour 08) is thier live performances and dedication to thier fans. They truly put on a show, fading tracks, keeping tracks going, getting the crowd involved. They are writing for a new record and they have said that they are going to include some tracks that will get the crowd involved. They have a line that if I ever get a tattoo, I would consider getting this lyric "So I'll toast every beat of my heart like a miracle." His voice is something you are either going to love or hate, but the band keeps it going. The added bonus is that they are really cool, really approachable guys.
Pierce The Veil
This is the song with line mentioned above
This is the same song from above, but live, with a bonus song added in. They often do these tricks at shows.
And one of the most awesome covers I have ever heard
So I finally watched "The Wrestler" tonight. I liked it, for the most part. Yes, there were times that I felt ashamed to be a fan. Not of the content, but literally being a fan. Like always asking for more and more. But at the same time, we recognize when it's time to call it. There are wrestlers today who if they retired right now, the fans would understand. My ONLY complaint about the movie is if non-wrestling fans watch it, which I hope they do, they might think that that's what it's really like. However, the movie is more about the person, not the business. Even though it touches on the business. It's kind of like a football player who is down on his luck. Yet, you wouldn't criticize football, you would look at the player. I hope that people who watch this movie do the same.
I do have to say, I saw the trailer for "Slumdog Millionaire" and I am now interested in seeing that. Especially with all the hype.
My sister is thinking of getting new tattoos. She wants me to join her, so I probably will. Depending on what Jme wants to get. But I think with both wanting to do something, it looks like my goal of getting one before the end of the summer will come through.
The Broncos drafted Knowson Moreno (I hope that was spelled right). I was very happy about it. I would have rather had a quarterback, but I will take this beast of a running back. Let's just hope he's not a bust.
Last thing, I am a guy who loves covers. And Seether's cover of Wham's Secret Whisper is awesome.
Random lyric of the day:
I said that I've got friends in all the right places I know what they want and I know they don't want me to stay.
