Pat Grossi aka Active Child has been impressing the vast majority of the music blog scene since he put out his first outstanding EP back in 2010. However, this week's release of his debut album, You Are All I See, has placed him so far above his peers in terms of innovation and production skill that it's hard to find words to accurately explain his genius. This album is a mastermind, through and through. Rarely (never) do I find guys singing in falsetto to be attractive, but he pulls it off so well. And how many guys do you know that can play the HARP and can pull that off tool? Mix that in with gorgeous harmonies layered over really interesting beats, and you know what it sounds like to go to heaven in 2011; I would be alright with dying if it meant that heaven sounded like this. My absolute favorite is the title track, "You Are All I See," which has this awesome wall-of-sound effect, and is best if listened to loud and with your eyes closed. "Hanging On," "Johnny Belinda," and "Shield & Sword" are also extraordinary. I guess my only complaint would be the track "Call Me Tonight," as it's a bit too La Roux-y and doesn't quite fit with the rest of the album. Minor setback, but rather insignificant when looking at Grossi's work as a whole. Learn to love Active Child as much as I do, because if not you are sorely missing out. And Pat, if you're single, I'm coming for you. Listen to "You Are All I See" and "Johnny Belinda" below:
I have been desperately waiting for Florence & The Machine to put out some new material, and two days ago that wish was finally fulfilled. Her newest single, "What The Water Gave Me," has the same edgy romantic quality and mystical allure as her old material, but this song really shows off her growth as a songwriter and true artistic sophistication. She's also just such a beautiful human being, inside and out, that it's pretty impossible not to love this. Apparently the world agrees too, because when I first saw this it had 300 views and now, 2 days later, it has over a million! Get it girl. If you are a Flo fan, watch the video here:
A lot can change in a short amount of time, something that the UK's most talented musician of her generation has proven very thoroughly. Three and a half years ago, I had the great honor of meeting Adele after one of her first performances in Los Angeles, a performance that absolutely convinced me she would because as famous and well-revered as she is today. To my great surprise though, she didn't seem all that convinced herself; in a half-joking and all-too-humble manner, she laughed to me that I might be one of the only people to stand in front of her and know every word to her songs. I would just like to say.... ADELE, I TOLD YOU SO.
After unfortunately canceling both of her sold-out LA tour dates earlier in the summer, August 17th could not have come soon enough for her fans here, me included. The excitement in the room was more palpable than had been in any other audience I had ever stood in, many of those around me commenting to their neighbors about how thrilled they were to see her live for the first time. Wanda Jackson, rockabilly legend and one of the most spunky seventy-something year old women I have encountered, opened with a heart-warming mix of rock, country, and endearingly excessive banter with the crowd. She even squeezed in a cover of "You Know I'm No Good" as a tribute to Amy Winehouse, which made me and many others tear up. She was fabulous and I hope I have half of her spirit when I reach that age.
Starting promptly at 9:30 like the altruistic non-diva she is, Adele emerged from behind a curtain and began her set with "Hometown Glory," smiling and waving at as many people as she could. God, if anything tells you how incredible and deserving this girl is of all she has earned, it's the way she interacts with her audience. In between effortlessly belting out tracks like "I'll Be Waiting," "Turning Tables," and "One and Only," she took the time to read signs fans had made for her, dedicate songs to couples standing in the front, and periodically demanded that the lights in the room be turned on so she could properly see those who came to see her perform. I am more than aware that most of the world loves her as much as I do, but Adele will always have a special place in my heart. Though she is obviously quite a talented songwriter, I would also like to say that I think she is especially gifted at interpreting and reproducing the work of others to make them her own, something she proved quite well while performing "If it Hadn't Been for Love" by the Steel Drivers and "Lovesong" by The Cure. She absolutely blew me away with these two covers, and really with entire set. She has always been this talented at performing, but the confidence she has gained and the way she carries herself now really makes me look up to her as an example of how a true artist should be. If you haven't had the absolute privelege of seeing Adele live, make sure to catch her on the second leg of her 21 tour (which she hinted will be coming up in the fall.) And if you haven't already, listen to "If it Hadn't Been for Love" below:
Being the huge fan that I am, I was quite pleased when Oh Land's newest music video for "White Nights" was the first thing I saw this morning. It features an amalgamation of fantasy worlds full of color, incredible visual effects, and one very adorable scandanavian superstar who I expect to reach Florench Welch-like fame and praise worldwide in the upcoming months. I wish I was seeing her open for Sia this week, but videos like this only get me more excited for the day I finally get to see her live. It is extremely well-done, intricate in its production and only one of the reasons Oh Land is sure to make all the best-of-the-year lists. Enjoy!
