The Smashing Pumpkins - Teargarden By Kaleidyscope: Songs 1-2

With the state of the music industry, artists are constantly trying to find new ways to distribute music.  CD sales are down and digital downloads are up.  Bands such as Nine Inch Nails and Radiohead have done the unthinkable.  Radiohead had a "pay what you want" type promotion for their album "In Rainbows", while Nine Inch Nails released "The Slip" absolutely free.  The Alt-Rock band, The Smashing Pumpkins, hope to evolve this technique to a new level with the release of "Teargarden By Kaleidyscope".

The Smashing Pumpkins will release their eighth studio album, which consists of 44 songs, one song at a time, all for free.  By releasing one song per month, over the next 44 months, the entire album will be completed.  The first two songs have already been released.  The first is, "A Song For A Son", and the second is, "Widow Wake My Mind".  Each one gives hope for an amazing album.

The first single, "A Song For A Son", was released in December of 2009.  The song has a very memorable riff that carries along with the melody of the song.  It actually has a slight "Classic Rock" sound to it.  The song starts very mellow, and busts into a guitar solo half way through.

The second song "Widow Wake My Mind", which was released this month, is extremely different from the previous single.  It starts with the hook of the song, a simple "Oh, oh, oh."  Simple, yet effective.  The song sounds very bright and happy.  I love the chord progression of the song.  I think I actually prefer this song over the first single.

After all of the songs are released digitally, the entire collection will be released physically, for those mega-fans out there.  I have a feeling this method will succeed.  You can download the first two songs on  The Smashing Pumpkin's website here.

The Big Pink - Dominos

The Big Pink are a British indie/electro rock duo.  Their debut album, A Brief History Of Love, was released in 2009.  On the album was the song Dominos.  This single has the soaring chorus of a pop song, along with a great beat.  It's what I would expect if MGMT were British.  The two bands sound very similar musically.  Both use synths and huge beats.  Once you hear the opening line "These girls fall like dominos, dominos." you know the song's going to be good.  It's one of those songs that makes you sing along at the top of your lungs.  Give it a listen if you like Passion Pit, Phoenix, Animal Collective, and the before mentioned MGMT.  I would also recommend it if you need a song with just an overall uplifting-feel to it.

Vampire Weekend - Contra

Creating a unique sound and image is hard to do today in today's music industry, but Vampire Weekend did just that.  In 2008, they released their self-titled debut album.  The LP was filled to the top with upbeat indie rock songs.  The bouncy staccato tinge that they added to their music became their key to success.  Contra continues that same sound, but adds new elements to many of the songs.

The album starts off immediately with "Horchata".  This song sets the tone for the entire album.  It's filled with xylophone and a steady bass beat.  This song also introduces the "new" elements I spoke of.  This time around, Vampire Weekend takes influences from the electronic genre.  Several of the songs contain synthesizers, while others have techno beats.  Surprisingly enough, this approach actually works.  It's noticeable, yet it isn't overwhelming.

On the track, "Diplomat's Son", they even go so far to include a sample from M.I.A.'s "Hussel".  This is another example of how the band has reached out farther musically, but still kept their unique style.  They have avoided the "sophomore slump" step by not taking the safe route.

Standout tracks include...

Run

Cousins

Giving Up The Gun

Holiday


I would definitely check out Contra if you loved their first album.  If your a fan of catchy upbeat music, then this is for you.  Vampire Weekend have shown where they stand in music, and they did it flawlessly.

Vampire Weekend - Cousins

Earlier this week, indie rock band, Vampire Weekend released their sophomore album, Contra.  The lead single for Contra is the fast-paced tune, "Cousins".  "Cousins" is Contra's equivalent to their hit song "A-Punk", which appeared on their debut disc.  The song relies heavily on its snare smashing drum beat.  The percussion drives the song as, singer, Ezra Koenig carries the melody.  After listening to the song, I can't seem to get the beat or the melody out of my head.  I'm left humming the single through out the entire day, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing. While it still has that signature "Vampire Weekend" sounds, "Cousins" is a refreshing move for the band.  The song is both catchy and exciting.  Definitely check it out if you liked their self-titled debut album.

Look out for a full review of Contra over the weekend

Cascada - Evacuate The Dancefloor

If you go back a couple of years to 2006 and turn on the radio, you'll probably hear Cascada's hit single, "Everytime We Touch".  That was the song that kickstarted Cascada's career in the US.  Currently, Cascada is climbing the charts with "Evacuate The Dancefloor".  I find that this time around, Cascada's trying to grow off of Lady GaGa's success.  Everyone knows Lady GaGa's hit "Just Dance", right.  Well, "Evacuate The Dancefloor" sounds so similar that it's impossible not to notice.  The songs lyrics and structure imitate "Just Dance" all the way to the sound-alike bridge.  This may not ruin the song, but it sure is distracting.  If Lady GaGa hadn't of dropped the entire "Fame, Fortune, and Party" image, "Evacuate The Dancefloor" wouldn't be as successful.  The overall production of the song may be different, but the composition is the same.  Unless your a crazed Cascada fan, I would skip this song and download "Just Dance" instead.