Archive for the ‘onMusic’ Category

Simple Plan: Get Your Heart On! Album Review

Tuesday, June 21st, 2011
AlbumCover

Simple Plan's 'Get Your Heart On!' album cover

The Canadian collective Simple Plan releases their fourth studio album today titled Get Your Heart On! This is their latest release since their self-titled album, Simple Plan, dropped in 2008. As expected, the band sticks to the blueprint that has made them successful—creating catchy pop-punk tunes for the masses. However, the album isn’t without its missteps.

From the onset, the album shows a lot of promise with a well-balanced opener in ‘You Suck At Love’. It’s a smooth song with a lively chorus that establishes the fact that Simple Plan isn’t trying to break the mold with this album. But it shows that this isn’t necessarily a bad thing either.

The album keeps the fun-loving mood alive as it moves into ‘Can’t Keep My Hands Off You’, a song about a musician’s love for his guitar, no matter how much he (or she) may think they can keep away from it. The track features Rivers Cuomo of the legendary rock band Weezer. His presence on the track is not only fitting, being an inspiration to rock artists everywhere, but it’s enjoyable.

From here, the album is somewhat of a toss-up as far as what works and what doesn’t. Songs like ‘Jet Lag’, ‘Loser Of The Year’, and ‘Freaking Me Out’ keep the energy of the Get Your Heart On! up and represent Simple Plan for what they are: a band that wants to write catchy songs that keep the show rocking. But the album is brought down by its attempts to slow things down. ‘Astronaut’ is an interesting composition that is fine musically, but falls short lyrically and feels forced conceptually. ‘Anywhere Else But Here’ is another slow song that tries to play itself off as a rock anthem, but ends up sounding more like a boring ode to lengthy, road-trip car rides that you don’t want to be a part of anymore.

Luckily, the album doesn’t end there. ‘Last One Standing’ is the kind of song fans buy concert tickets for (listen to it here). It shines because of its simplicity and its high-energy, no frills necessary, coming-at-you feel. Songs like ‘Gone Too Soon’ and ‘This Song Saved My Life’ show what Simple Plan is made of when it comes to pop-punk ballads. If all of the slower songs on Get Your Heart On! sounded like these two, it would be a solid album. Unfortunately, they don’t, and this deters from the album’s overall feel because although it opens and closes strongly, every good track in the middle of the album is interrupted by songs that don’t work.

‘Summer Paradise’ is a curious song made in collaboration with K’naan, a well-known Canadian rapper. I had high hopes for this song going in, thinking that Simple Plan would be able to show a little diversity with this number. Though it isn’t a bad song, it doesn’t stand out the way I hoped it would.

Knowing that the band completed 70 songs to choose from for this release, it’s a little upsetting that everything doesn’t feel picture perfect on this album. Putting its few faults aside, there is enough classic Simple Plan on Get Your Heart On! to make it a worthwhile purchase.

–Christopher Cusack, Hofstra University

Photo Credit: © Copyright Atlantic Records – 2011

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2011 Northside Festival

Monday, June 20th, 2011

Guided By Voices playing at McCarren Park!

This past week from June 16 to June 19 the Northside Festival took place in Williamsburg and Greenpoint, Brooklyn.  I had the pleasure of attending this festival and its events this past Saturday, June 18. The Northside Festival is different from most festivals because, well, it’s in Brooklyn, for one, and it celebrates music, film, art, and ideas from the Northside. The objective of the Northside Festival is to shine a light on a borough that is often overshadowed by Manhattan, yet it seems clear that lately Brooklyn marks the spot for all that is new and hip.

The festival had various events that fell under the four aforementioned categories. My interest was specifically geared toward the music to be showcased in McCarren Park: a local park in Williamsburg known for its grand scale, Saturday farmer’s markets, and the many events held there. On Friday, June 17 Beirut headlined and the show was opened by singer Sharon Van Etten and the band Yellow Ostrich. I personally witnessed the amazing performance given by veteran cool kids and band Guided By Voices on Saturday, June 18. Three contemporary bands supported them: The Babies, Surfer Blood, and Wavves. Both shows were held outdoors on a stage sponsored by Steve Madden and for the Guided By Voices show a large crowd gathered of loyal GBV fans, but also a young assemblage of new ones. The four day festival had a lineup of both the well known and the complete unknowns that played shows at the many music venues and bars in the area. You can check out the lineup here.

But music wasn’t the only part of the festival I enjoyed! From the beginning of McCarren Park until about North 5th Street and Bedford Avenue the streets were closed off and local businesses handed out giveaways and discounts. My sisters and I took free photo booth pictures sponsored by the Brooklyn Winery, which was an indirect score for my mother because she got a discount offer. Also if you’re 21+ and happen to be in Kips Bay I highly suggest checking out Reserve Thai-Inspired Wine Bar. Many businesses previewed their products outside, like Brooklyn Charm that gave out free charm bracelets and necklaces.  They allowed passersby to choose their own charm and then it was made right before their eyes.  There was also an entire block that catered strictly to children showcasing kid friendly businesses. There were free percussion and guitar lessons, bike riding sessions, and even free gymnastics for toddlers. So the Northside Festival was pretty much for everyone: families, single adults, and teenagers hanging with friends.

Film was also celebrated at the festival with films being presented by L Magazine, Rooftop Films, Sundance Selects, and many more.  One film in particular, Nothing Yet, was directed and made by two under 21 college students. In the realm of art, many local art studios opened their doors to the public or showcased their work in the streets, like UGLY ART room. For the past three years, the Northside Festival has effectively celebrated the north side of Brooklyn, and will continue to do so. It is guaranteed fun that also helps out and promotes the creative community of Williamsburg and Greenpoint. So make sure to attend 2012’s Northside Festival or you’ll surely be missing out!

-Anjelica LaFurno

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Photo Credit: Anjelica LaFurno

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