[Track Review] Weezer Misrepresents the State of California

Weezer came out with the music video for their newest single "California Kids" earlier this week. While the music itself is rather typical of the band's style, it's the lyrics that had me thinking and questioning the song.

The chorus repeats the idea that California kids will "throw you a lifeline" or "show you the sunshine." As a lifelong Californian, I have to disagree with this notion that we are all happy-go-lucky beach bums with philanthropic ideals at heart -- not to mention the fact that there is a serious dichotomy between the personalities of NorCal and SoCal residents.

To put it "lightly," SoCal residents are much more likely to throw you an anchor instead of a lifeline.

California is too large of a state to continue to make generalizations about, and it sincerely bothers me when people from other states assume that all we do is surf and enjoy the coastal climate, after all where are the songs about the drought and unbearable Central Valley summers?

Maybe I'm being over-sensitive about the issue, but I've just about had it with these bullshit songs -- ahem, Katy Perry -- that glorify a fantastical lifestyle that most California citizens aren't fortunate enough to experience.

Rant over. Watch the music video for "California Kids" below:

[Track Review] Sturgill Simpson Dares You to "Live a Little"

By Austin T. Murphy

In “Brace for Impact (Live a Little)” singer-songwriter Sturgill Simpson successively creates an aura of tension and apprehension. The mood refuses to settle or subside at any point during the five-minute bouncy track, effectively recreating the ebb and flow of being on a ship at sea, constantly tossed back and forth by restless waters. It’s almost as if Simpson is steering the vessel (read:listener) directly into an unseen monsoon on purpose. This song -- and possibly the entire album -- is definitely worth a listen if only to see what the coming “impact” will be.

[Track Review] Avoid Pete Yorn's "Lost Weekend" at All Costs

By Austin T. Murphy

Pete Yorn’s “Lost Weekend” is so bland that I can scarcely find a word to describe my disinterest. I almost feel like the title is referring to how much time people across the globe have collectively wasted by listening to this boring, vanilla song. Take note that this poor rating is coming from someone who typically tries to find the silver lining on every cloud. Possibly the best thing I can say about this track is that it doesn’t absolutely offend me. But in a world dominated by polar opinions, it doesn’t help Yorn’s cause to be wallowing in the shallow end of the pool.

[Album Review] Don't Fear the Filter

By Austin T. Murphy

Rock and roll has long been qualified by the amount of decibels the human eardrum can withstand before rupturing. On their forthcoming album Crazy Eyes, Filter establishes a fine line between silence and clamor, emphasizing the value and importance of each in their music.

If you fear loud noises, this album may not be for you. In the opening track, “Mother-E,” the band’s incredibly honest silence makes you fear the eventual build-up, but once it arrives you understand your place within it: the cacophony is not to be feared, and it can only hurt you if you try to run away. All in all, Filter’s new record is a daring listen for the faint of heart

[Track Review] Subzylla Samples Yoshi in "Voyager"

By Austin T. Murphy

I’d like to imagine that the two robotic probes currently exploring space, Voyager 1 and Voyager 2, have Subzylla’s music on repeat. In his latest release, aptly titled “Voyager” for its interstellar feel, he makes excellent use of reverb and staccato to eliminate any sense of time or space. Not to mention that I’m pretty sure I’m hearing clips of Yoshi -- fitting since the green dinosaur is a member of a time/space-defying video game franchise in Super Smash Bros.

As his third effort, “Voyager” builds upon what Subzylla already accomplished with “Oracle” and “Nautilus,” which is to ensnare the listener for an indefinite period of time. All of his tracks are available to download for free at SoundCloud. 

Here's to hoping that Subzylla's next track samples Star Fox or Metroid!

[Album Review] Macklemore as a Role Model in New Album

By Austin T. Murphy

Just last month, celebrated rapper Ben Haggerty -- better known by his stage name Macklemore -- released his second studio album featuring producer Ryan Lewis, This Unruly Mess I’ve Made.

Although he is most widely known due to the success of his 2013 hit “Thrift Shop,” Macklemore’s sophomore effort reveals the “man behind the curtain.” Themes of the new album range from typical hip-hop staples like drugs, alcohol, and partying to universal issues of mortality, self-reflection, and responsibility.

The album begins with “The Light Tunnel,” a song that is pretty straightforward in its relevance to death and mortality. The rapper is either dealing with a personal loss, or he is contemplating his own mortality via suicide or a natural death.

As the album progresses, we are constantly tossed back and forth between the present and the past. Songs like “Downtown,” “Brad Pitt’s Cousin,” and “Dance Off” represent the big-city lifestyle that famous artists are expected to live. Furthermore, these tracks make an unexpected link the Disney’s “Pinocchio,” as the new-kid-on-the-block is lured in the wrong direction by external influences.

Alternatively, we are witnesses to the growth of the artist in songs like “Growing Up,” “Kevin,” and “Bolo Tie.” In these tracks, he is accepting the responsibility of managing his own life -- in addition to others -- and he is reflecting on past decisions and obstacles while he balances the time he gives to others with the need to be alone at times.

Other notable tracks on the album reference vices like the “Seven Deadly Sins” and the stages of grief. “Let’s Eat” quite obviously references gluttony and greed, and “The Train” represents the character’s final acceptance of responsibility and fate.

All of the first twelve songs serve as a build-up for the final act, however, as the closing track “White Privilege II” talks about Macklemore’s role in current racial arguments. As a white rapper, he finds himself influenced by both white and black voices -- especially because he is making a living with what is considered to be a “black” art form.

There is no denying that this final track is what has primarily contributed to the album’s public appraisal being split nearly 50/50. Given his maturity in addressing such a controversial issue, there is no denying that This Unruly Mess I’ve Made is one of the best early albums of 2016.

It is difficult for any artist to express an original idea without being roasted in the public eye simply because of the divisiveness of today’s culture. There are arguments to be made for and against practically anything, making the middle ground a warzone for anyone brave enough to step into “No Man’s Land.”

Even though rap still carries a relatively negative connotation in some circles today, Macklemore has proven with his new album that there are still role models making popular music with worldly, positive messages. And there is no denying that he is one of them.

[Track Review] Mike Posner Opens Up in "I Took a Pill in Ibiza"

By Austin T. Murphy

The world is a funny place. Just when you start feeling down and bored, a single word or phrase can kick you back into gear. Such was the case today when I elected to listen to Seeb's remix of "I Took a Pill in Ibiza" by Mike Posner.

The track starts with an off-beat rhythm that echoes 2015 favorite "Lean On," but Posner's vocals really capture the mood. Despite the misleading title, the persona actually doesn't want to be associated with drugs and partying. Constantly repeating "I know a sad song" blatantly labels his previous actions as pitiful and vain attempts to feel "cool."

Money and fame aren't everything, which is the entire point of the song. And although he repeats his mantra, Posner is actually on the recovery side of his perils. This song is instantly relatable for anyone who has ever felt like he or she needs to consume substances or act a certain way to be liked or appreciated.

The truth, as he states later on, is that he can't "open up." This may be true in certain settings, but when you're surrounded by people who love and appreciate you for who you are there's no need to fear the repercussions of opening up to others. For this reason, love and health are infinitely more valuable than money or fame.

And in this way, Posner is exponentially more self-aware and smarter than 99% of the followers and "leaders" of 2016.

Check out the music video for the remix below: