Rihanna & Snoop?

In the last two nights I have attended two concerts, although this may be strange for a lesser music enthusiast, this is nothing out-of-the-ordinary for myself I assure you.

What strikes me as unusual has been the two artists I've gone out and watched, Rihanna and Snoop Dogg.

Rihanna and Snoop Dogg? Really...Me?

Oh yes, the Superbowl madness that Tampa is offering my campus right now is off the charts. And free tickets to these celebrity musicians was something I was not going to pass up.

First, Rihanna. Wow, the name says it all. She might be the most gorgeous woman I've ever laid my eyes on. The haircut, the tattoos, her swagger, everything blew me away. Strangely enough, the music did too. I'll admit it, I have a guilty pleasure when it comes to her music, as I have been caught humming Bum bum be-dum bum bum be-dum bum ever so often. But she really was the example of a entertainer. Not only did her voice match up with what she's put on record, but she looked like she thourghouly enjoyed being there, which I did not expect. Who knows what goes on behind these radio-friendly singers, are they all milli vanilli's in disguise or are they real musicians. Most probably have everything written for them, lyirs, music, get-up, everything. Regardless, Rihanna was 100% a perfomer, which whatever you may think, is a huge part of a concert. Her strut, her crowd interaction, everything was amazing. Getting these tickets for free proved to me that I actulaly would have paid to see her. Never thougth I'd say that.

Now on to Snoop. "Snoop-a-loop! Bring your green hat!" What can be said about someone so prominent. He lived up to everything you would imagine, 45 minutes late(smoke singals anyone?), an iced-out microphone, and great tunes. Snoop strolled around the stage like he was from Tampa, successfully holding everyone in awe. Songs like "Gin & Juice", "Who am I", and "Still a G Thang" gave anyone in the crowd with asthma serious problems breathing with the presence of so much...well, smoke.

Who knows, in a day in age where bands like All Time Low and Metro Station reign kings in the genre I once loved, maybe my musical boundaries needed to be pushed just a little bit further, so Superbowl, thank you for that.

Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Bash Gets Ready To Rock Tampa

Zach Fraser

Published: Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Super Bowl Sunday: Football, parties, food, beer and music.

Some say that the Super Bowl and all the festivities that surround it make up the epitome of America, and as Super Bowl XLIII approaches, not only do we have the anticipation of the clash between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals but also the live music that will be providing viewers with a little uplift to their spirits, just in case the game isn’t quite going the way they had hoped.

The voice behind NBC’s, “Waiting All Week for Sunday Night,” Mrs. Faith Hill will open up game day by singing “America the Beautiful.”

The country diva will be the fourth person in the history of the Super Bowl to sing the song, making it certain that she will perform to her upmost ability.

One of the biggest headlines surrounding game day has been the artist singing the national anthem, Jennifer Hudson. After a difficult and trying year following the deaths of her mother, older brother and nephew, the American Idol contestant will be returning to the limelight to sing what will surely be an emotional national anthem.

And, of course, what would one of the biggest sporting events be without a great half-time show?

Bruce Springsteen, the “Boss” himself, will be gracing this year’s Bridgestone halftime show with, get this, the entire E-street band.

For those who don’t know, the New Jersey native is one of the most note-worthy singer/songwriters of all time with hits like, “Dancing in the Dark” “Born in the U.S.A.” “Glory Days” and “Born To Run.”

Jersey fans may have been let down this year, seeing the Jets, Giants and Eagles all fall short of the Super Bowl, but Bruce Springsteen is as close to a redemption shot as they will see come Super Bowl XLIII.

So whether you’re tailgating with your friends and family, sitting around the living room watching the game or stumbling around a bar, this year’s Super Bowl will have enough performances from actual musicians to make the anticipation for the game just a tad bit more bearable.

Jack’s Mannequin Bares All In New Album

“Glass Passenger” musician to perform in St. Pete

Zach Fraser

Published: Wednesday, October 15, 2008

“The Glass Passenger,” the latest release from Jack’s Mannequin, chronicles the battles and struggles singer/songwriter Andrew McMahon experienced in his successful battle against acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

The album is something extremely rare and special in its entirety.
McMahon reveals his lyrical genius once again in making “The Glass Passenger” a musical memoir confessing the struggles we hope to never have to face.

“Beat my body like a rag doll; you stuck the needles in my hip. Said ‘we’re not gonna lie son, you just might die. Get you on that morphine drip, drip.”

Lyrics such as these, although not as metaphorical as most on “The Glass Passenger,” are just a glimpse at what life on the wrong end of a diagnosis can entail.

One of the most entertaining attributes “The Glass Passenger” offers is the privilege to tap into such a personal and emotional issue of McMahon’s life.

This leads to not only musical satisfaction but a complete and utter appreciation for your life, truly showing how volatile it can become at any moment.

At first, I tried to compare “The Glass Passenger” with Jack’s Mannequin’s first and highly successful release, “Everything in Transit.” After much criticism, skepticism and such on both releases, I’ve realized that to compare these two albums falls short on all means of comparison.

They are indeed as night and day as they come.

Sure, piano rock is the common theme throughout, but there is much more here, I assure you.

Jack’s Mannequin’s first release had the upbeat California rock associated with McMahon while “The Glass Passenger” progresses to a more mature and meaningful sound also synonymous with McMahon.

“Everything in Transit” offered more of a CD full of singles, while “The Glass Passenger” gives you the overall experience of a complete album.
The maturity and progression from the first album to the second makes a musical statement many bands are afraid to make today.

Songs like, “Spinning” is sure to win listeners’ hearts over with its contagious chorus.

While slower and more melodic songs like, “Annie Use Your Telescope” will connect with fans on a completely different level.

The first single off the album, “The Resolution” is gaining radio play and positive feedback daily.

The song moves along while McMahon preaches, “Yeah I’m alive, I don’t need a witness to know that I survived, I’m not looking for forgiveness” making anyone who listens surely smile instantly.

Jack’s Mannequin proves that quality over quantity really does matter as “The Glass Passenger,” their second release, showcases their musical abilities with such precision and detail that it is surely influential on all bands out there today.

Overall, I’d give it a 4 out of 5.

Make sure to catch Jack’s Mannequin at the state theater this Sunday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m.

Supporting acts include Treaty of Paris and Eric Hutchinson.
Local alternative rock station 97x will be there promoting the show all night, so come by and check it out!

For more information on upcoming shows visit www.jacksmannequin.com.

To listen to tracks from “The Glass Passenger” visit www.myspace.com/jacksmannequin.

“Early Love” Surely to Brighten Your Day

Zach Fraser

Published: Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Line-up changes, touring issues, and label conflicts are about as much any band can tolerate from the ruthless record industry today and I assure you, Brighten are no strangers to these commonplace difficulties.

Most bands when faced with these hardships implode and call it a day on the very demanding music business.

I’m glad to see that Brighten has persevered through all of these obstacles, proving that their stint on the scene has more to do with the music and less with riding the bandwagon of Urban Outfitters and MTV airtime on “The Hills.”

Brighten open up late 2008 with their EP, “Early Love,” a successful attempt at providing us all with catchy choruses, melodic interludes and love ballads that don’t run dry after the first listen.

Yes, a lot can be said about the direction indie-pop has taken in the last two years; the genre has almost become synonymous with emotionless, trendy, and flat.

“Early Love,” on the contrary, works toward bringing back the sincerity and heart to the music we all miss.

Brighten begins their seven-song EP with “Carolina,” an infectious ballad that surely will be in the back of your head throughout your day.

It’s a warm and uplifting track where the chorus reverberates throughout the song.

“Early Love” doesn’t waste any time in the next few tracks, all showcasing Brighten’s central theme: love.

Whether it’s their ups or their downs, they’re all here on “Early Love.”

Track number four, “We Are Birds,” is by far my favorite song on the EP.

The song is a simple cry of love which comes out, well, very cute (trust me, I searched for many words other than cute that would better show my masculinity, but it really is just that).

“Swing,” the track directly following “We Are Birds,” changes the pace and mood of “Early Love.”

It shows a different side of the band with its hard sound and unsympathetic lyrics such as, “You’ve got that kiss of death and I’m not attracted to alcoholic veins.”

Overall not a bad song and I do appreciate the attempt of an unforgiving song guys, but seriously, killed my happiness buzz.

Let’s stick with less distortion and more cheerful lyrics please.

The last two songs on “Early Love” put the warm sentiment back into your blood stream with “Love Me Honestly” and “What She Really Wants” nicely wrapping up the roughly 23 minute long EP.

The performance on “Early Love” by Brighten puts a smile on your face and a longing for love in your life.

The overall effect might not only come in listener satisfaction, but in anticipation as well for a band definitely to watch in 2009.

I’d give this CD a rating of 4.5/5. For more information on Brighten and to listen to tracks from their latest album “Early Love,” visit http://www.myspace.com/wearebrighten.

Zach can be reached at zfraser@ut.edu.

Underoath Gets Lost In Their Sounds of Separation

Zach Fraser

Published: Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Updated: Wednesday, September 17, 2008

After many trials and tribulations throughout the past couple of years, Tampa Bay natives, Underoath came out swinging with “Lost in the Sound of Separation.” It is a complex, melodic and intense album sure to further solidify them as veterans of the hardcore genre.

Underoath’s fourth full length release, “Lost In the Sound of Separation” strays away from the bands poppy/screamo sound on “They’re Only Chasing Safety.”

The new album progresses more towards the harder sound of their last album, “Define The Great Line.”

One thing that loyal Underoath fans will most likely recognize on “LITSOS” is how Spencer Chamberlin once and for all takes near complete control of the mic, proving that his screams are the backbone of the band.

Although not quite as prevalent as in the past, Aaron Gillespie still provides clean vocals, but puts most of his efforts into drumming throughout the album.

“LITSOS” opens with the song “Breathing in a New Mentality” a shot of adrenaline that surely will wake you up.

Chamberlain confesses, “I’m the desperate, and you’re the savior!”

He was most likely referring to the problems and struggles he had with substance abuse over the years, as well as his deep love for God.

The album follows by setting the bar high for other bands and setting the volume even higher. Even at its slowest points, the album makes “They’re Only Chasing Safety” seem like a calm walk in the park compared to this all out sprint.

“A Fault Line. A Fault of Mine” is a great track showcasing the benefits of having Chamberlain and Gillespie sing together, providing a wonderful harmony of shrieks and pristine vocals.

“The Only Survivor Was Miraculously Unharmed” lets guitarist Timothy McTague and James Smith shine throughout the song, providing deep riffs and high distortion.

Further down the track list is Underoath’s first single from “LITSOS,” “Desperate Times Desperate Measures.”

This song gives Underoath a single that is very accessible and listener friendly while still providing the raw sound of the band that everyone knows and loves.

Near the end of the album my favorite track “Too Bright to See Too Loud to Hear” gives us a slower side of Underoath.

Screamer Chamberlain actually gives his clean vocals a shot on this track and actually does very well.

Him and Gillespie combine beautifully throughout the whole song until the very end, where the calm vocals explode into an all out war of screams and shrieks.

Overall, Underoath has released an album that should satisfy fans and soar above their expectations.

“Lost In the Sound of Separation” shows how Underoath has progressed over the years to become one of the most ambitious groups out there, while staying loyal to their fans and their hardcore roots. They prove that they are indeed at the top of their game.

For more Underoath, visit www.underoath777.com.
Also listen to tracks at www.myspace.com/underoath.

Zach can be reached at zfraser@ut.edu.

Article Link

This year I'm going to try and update this blog with my album reviews, interviews, etc. I haven't been successful at all in the past at doing this, so you can check out all my past articles here in the archives of the minaret:

Archives: Zach Fraser (A & E)

I'll post all new and current pieces to this blog as they are published.

Thanks,
Zach

On Writing

"The idea that creative endeavor and mind-altering substances are entwined is one of the great pop-intellectual myths of our time. The four twentieth century writers whose work is most responsible for it are probably Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Sherwood Anderson, and the poet Dylan Thomas. They are the writers who largely formed our vision of an existential English-speaking wasteland where people have been cut off from one another and live in an atmosphere of emotional strangulation and despair. These concepts are very familiar to most alcoholics; the common reaction to them is amusement. Substance abusing writeres are just substance abusers--common garden-variety drunks and druggies, in other words. Any claims that the drugs and alcohol are necessary to dull a finer sensibility are just the usual self-serving bullshit. I've heard alcholic snowplow drivers make the same claim, that they drink to still the demons. It doesn't matter if you're James Jones, John Cheever or a stewbum snoozin in Penn Station; for an addict, the right to the drink or drug of choice must be preserved at all costs. Hemingway and Fitzgerald didn't drink because they were creative, alienated or morally weak. They drank because it's what alkies are wired up to do. Creative people probably do run a greater risk of alcoholism and addiciton than those in some other jobs, but so what? We all look pretty much the same when we're puking in the gutter."



-Stephen King



The Blood Brothers-Huge Gold AK-47

The Blood Brothers-Street Wars, Exotic Foxholes

Brighten-Ready When You Are