Thursday Tunes of the Week

ok... does it really need to be said? like you guys really have NO IDEA what's coming...? honestly.... I had more faith in you...

You guessed it guys - this weeks review will be tearing apart the soundtrack to New Moon that dropped to an early release date last week - and millions of fans went crazy in a simulteanous wave of excitement....

Strangely enough - or rather, as I would've predicted, this long-awaited release dropped to very mixed reviews. Let me attempt to break down why briefly before hitting a track by track description with my own opinions.

Haters:
1) Most of the tweens that gobbled up Twilight, and the original soundtrack to the first in the saga, were hoping for the same theme -- pumped up teenage emo angst with a pop twist. Guess what, kids... not the case.
2) Most of the fans, myself included, were hoping for additional tracks from either Paramore or Mr. Pattinson, himself. To our disappointment, neither show up on this new album. Paramore had made a statement early in discussions of the New Moon EP stating they didn't want to be known as "the Twilight band", and would not be releasing a track for the 2nd installment. While originally disappointed, I have to agree with their choice.
3) Surprisingly, the choice to have the theme for New Moon and first release from the album go to Death Cab for Cutie brough a similar mixed opinion. For fans of the underground fantasticness that is Death Cab, you were faced with two options: love them for putting out such a great song and attaching it to such an amazing book/movie saga? Or hate them for selling out. I personally am somewhere in between. A long time DCFC follower myself, I am thrilled to see them reach such mega-stardom with an amazing track, and happy for them. While I do not consider them sell-outs in any fashion, I will surely be upset with little teeny boppers start referencing "the new band" Death Cab for Cutie, and henceforth, start ruining the music and history of my fave quartet. Regardless, the show must go on.

Fans of the soundtrack:
1) Most fans will like this soundtrack for two reasons:
A) It's dark, depressing angst-driven songs are from mostly unheard-ofs, and would already fit in quite well with our Ipod shuffle selection for their strange melodies and bizarre sounhds.
B) For fans of the books, most will already know this: the tone of New Moon is inherintly dark, ominous, and depressing in itself. It would be ridiculous to have a slew of pump-up poppy tracks to illustrate the sadness and outright devastation and confusion taking place in the 2nd installment.

Unfortunately, you must now choose your fate: is the music on this EP something you could enjoy or even appreciate? If not, it doesn't make you a bad fan. You're in aggreance with have the Meyer die-hards that just don't feel it's a good release. But then again, you could feel completely the opposite, and come to appreciate the musical bravery the album portrays...

Let's get to the review, shall we? Please keep in mind I've had the soundtrack now for only a few days, and my feelings on it are only based on a few runs at it. Here are my thoughts thus far.

The long-awaited release is put together by a music supervisor with one HELL of a resume... most of which I own and ADORE, so I was pumped! Alexandra Patsavas does it again - putting out one hell of an album that's cohesive, features many underground favorites, and does is it all in her own unique style. With a background list of supervising the musical choices for The O.C., Grey's Anatomy, and countless others, you will NOT be disappointed with her lineup for New Moon. With each song being released either new or remixed FOR New Moon specifically, you won't be running into any tracks you have previous ties with.

1) Meet Me On the Equinox - Death Cab for Cutie. Ok, forgive me for a second here, but YAYYYYYYYY! Seriously? My long-time love affair with Death Cab has reached it's pinnacle. This track pounds with DCFC's typical rhythms, and is, in my opinion, PERFECT for the theme to this release. With lyrics that speak more to Eclipse than New Moon, "Your last breaths moving through you as everything ends...", and hard-hitting guitar hooks, this track works perfectly as an opener be it for the soundtrack of the movie itself.

2) Friends - Band of Skulls. This underground favorite sings borderling cheasy lyrics over a bright pop beat -- one of the very few uptempo/upbeat numbers of the entire album. This oldschool Rock 'N Roll sound brings a sweet nostalgia to the album, even with it's outpouring of semi-retarded lyrics..."My friends, they are so beautiful, they're my friends." Yeah. So far, I've decided it's fun...I haven't decided much more on it yet. I'll keep you posted though.

3) Hearing Damage - Thom Yorke. Can I tell you how pumped I was to hear the infamous Radiohead lead singer would be contributing to this album? Everything the man touches turns to gold. This bizarre little number is crazy in ways only Yorke can accomplish. With quick-changing rhythms and obscure lyrics, this quasi-techno number will definitely rock some heavy bass at the very least. Lyrics? Perfectly in line with the film/book plotline. "Your mind is restless, they say you're getting better, but you don't feel any better..." Fantastic. The only problem I've run into with this track, in learning it over the past few days, is that Yorke's typical changes in tempo and melody leave me fumbling as I try to anticipate his next move. But give it time. I'll get it down eventually.

4) Possibility - Lykke Li. This track is astounding in it's entirety. Slow, and driven by passion, newcomer Li brings us a taste of her Swedish roots. At first glance, I wasn't terribly impressed. With lyrics that are hard to decipher, and an INCREDIBLY repetitive theme, I expected more out of the 2nd most downloaded track off the album. This number took some time to grow on me, but with it's eerily similar sound to that of Following by Chungking (reviewed in last Thursday's Tunes to Chill To post), I had a very easy time falling for it. Listener beware: you will most likely have to Google the lyrics to have any hope of singing along. "There's a possibility all that I have is all I'm gon' get."

5) A White Demon Love Song - The Killers. Okay,here's my only arguement with the awesomeness of both this album, and the Killers in general: What the hell is up with this track?! I'm seriously hoping this is something that will grow on me,...but it has yet to. With the repetitive lyrics of white demon seeming a bit unnecessary, the Killers seem a bit confused. Lyrics? Borderline at best. The musical backdrop for this song is another clear example of someone giving the band just a little too much freedom. The song is basically split in half with different tempos, beats and melodies. While I can get into the first half, the second half is just a turn off for me, and makes me nostalgic for the days of Mr. Brightside and Everything Will Be Alright. A long time Killers fan, I just can't seem to get into this... I'm hoping I'm wrong. "White demon, where's your selfish kiss? White demon, sorrow will arrange." I'm sorry, what?

6) Satellite Heart - Anya Marina. Yet another reason why I love her? With several prior tracks of Marina's being featured in the OC and Grey's Anatomy, her youthful whisper of a voice is haunting in this pseudo-depressing track. With each turn around a verse of chorus, Marina surprises with additions of harmonica and string sets that'll knock you to your knees. With lyrics perfectly suited that just SCREAM Bella Swan, this track is my absolute favorite thus far - were I to have to pick one. "I hear your living out of state, running in a whole new scene. You know I haven't slept in weeks, you're the only thing I see..."

7) I Belong To You - Muse. Thank you for hitting us with another dose of this amazing band! For those instantly drawn to their prior vampiric baseball track, you will not be disappointed. With an almost Queen-esque sound, this hard-hitting, guitar-driven musical journey is both erie and amazing. The musical accompanyments are so fantastically Muse. My only complaint? I hate when bands use their band name in a song, even if it fits. Knock if off. We know who you are. Regardless of that, this creeptastic rock track will have you jamming out -- or at least tapping your foot while you drive. "How much pain has cracked your soul? How much love would make you whole?"

8) Roslyn - Bon Iver & St. Vincent. Originally wasn't all that impressed, I gotta tell ya. I've been a long time fan of Vincent's for a while now, and while the song is CLEARLY more him than Bon Iver, it still didn't click with me until last night. Now I'm obsessive for it. Haunting melodies and smooth melodies will chill you to the core in this track,...but it may take more than one listen to appreciate the structure. "Wings wouldn't help you, wings wouldn't help you down..."

9) Done All Wrong - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. This country-sounding track brings things back to a simpler time with it's oldschool sound and familiar feeling. Every now in then it will throw in a beautiful guitar lick, but stays constant and true in it's composition for the whole of the tune. "If you're doing wrong, you're bound to live quite long..." Great message. Great song.

10) Monsters - Hurricane Bells. I've actually never heard of this band until purchasing this EP, and now I can't imagine my life without this uptempo rock 'n roll number. You'll love it within the first ten seconds of the guitar intro. "Wait, okay, you gotta look before you go...Situations are critical." You'll love it...guaranteed. It's a fun little number that breaks up the heartbreaking songs that encompass the EP, and a nice little break to wake you up from those horrid daydreams.

11) The Violet Hour - Sea Wolf. An excellent track from one hell of an artist. An indie treat capable of Nick and Norah status, this easy-listening track will have you smiling and singing along almost immediately. "You love all sailors, but hate the beach. You say 'come touch me' but you're always out of reach..." Not a bad track by any means. Not necessarily a favorite of mine, but a nice light feel for the album.

12) Shooting the Moon - Ok Go. It's about time we see something from these guys! Good lord! This track is driven by heavy drums and quiet strumming, with the stereotypical pop melodies only Ok Go is capable of, ending with a nice little rock-out. An instant classic. "Don't get hung up on it, just soldier on with it, good luck with shooting the moon..."

13) Slow Life - Grizzly Bear feat. Victoria Legrand. This has got to be one of my favorites on the record, easily. This track has an almost 80's sound to it with it's quiet chorus and simple harmonies. I can't quite put my finger on it, but there's something warm and familiar about it. "Even though you're the only one I see, it's the last catastrophe. Place your bets on chance and I'll pull free." This quiet track pulls you in and doesn't stop til the last beat.

14) No Sound but the Wind - Editors. Another vaguely 80's sounding track, at least to me, this song seems to tie it all in without being too overdone or dramatic. Not sure where they're planning on putting this quiet, romantic tune in the film, but I'm sure they'll find the right spot. The track urges "help me to carry the fire..." as it sweeps over soft melodies and quiet piano.

15) New Moon (The Meadow) - Alexandre Desplat. The instrumental theme for the film, this one won me over in the first two bars. It's obviously going to be nearly impossible to trump Bella's Lullaby from the first film, but this one comes pretty close. It spirals up and down with emotion, building in intensity until it's end at just over four minutes. Amazing. Simply stunning.

Overall, I'm gonna give the release an A. (Would be an A+ without that bizarre Killer's song...but I'm still holding out hope I'll come around on that one...) Regardless of that, it seems like it will be a perfect fit for the film. And if anything, gets bonus points for the fact that everything is so moody and bizarre, it knocks it down to only a small chance I'll have to hear the hardcore tweens bumpin it in their civics. :)

J