Favorite CMI Band

I don't know if a lot of other people do this too, but I can usually tell if I like a band/artists within the first 30 secs. of a song. I just need enough time to hear the music and hear the vocals and I'm set. Just like anything else, I have my favorite CMI band. Lets start regionally.

Regionally I like Pinstripe 45s. I'm pretty much a sucker for anything acoustic, so naturally this caught my ear. Marshall will be stopping through Ames on April 24th at Mother's Pub, so I plan on catching that show.

And for Overall favorite band...drum roll please (ba nanananana)......Twentyfour64!

I chose twentyfour64 because they were the only band on the CMI CD that was closest to what I listen to daily. I was hooked as soon as I heard 'Superboy' and just continued to become a fan of these guys. I hope that someday I'll be able to catch them (a well as the other P1 artists) on tour and experience these artists in their natural element, which is playing live.

Where The Wild Things Are

I gotta be honest; I've never read the book, but after watching the trailer I'm pretty excited to see this. I'm sure fans, children and parents will be (and already are) geeked about seeing this and that is it will bring in tons of cash.

When it comes to music being in movies, I honestly prefer it being indie music as opposed to "popular" music. I think it does wonders for the artists and also the movie. For example, I hate watching movies that feature songs from Top 40 radio because the minute I hear it during some sweet scene all I can think of is "damn I'm so tired of this song" and it sometimes ruins the scence for me. I feel like this will give Arcade Fire alot of attention, and am also excited to hear what Daft Punk has in store for Tron 2.0.

As far as music that I would put into movies, here it goes:
Opening Credits - Roads - Blindside. This would work well with just the instrumental
Car Chase - Archers - Brand New.
Love Scene - Inevitable - Anberlin. I just like how it keeps building all the way up to the end and then lets you down slowly.
Fight Scene - Blisters and Coffee - The Classic Crime.
Ending Credits - anything by Explosions in the Sky.

-Reed

Life Changing Album

The album that changed my life is Silence by Blindside. I first heard this album not too long after I became a Christian. At the time, I always thought christian music was boring and really only consisted of the songs I heard in church, cheesy christian rap, DC Talk and Third Day. Then one day a friend of mine said "hey check this out" and I was completely blown away. It showed the other side of christian music that's not all "kum by ya" by introducing songs about real issues that people deal with. Because of this album I was able to get into bands like Underoath, Emery, etc. And the fact that they're Swedish is pretty cool too (Don't worry the album is in English). Whether you're a Christian or not, I urge you to check out this album as well as their other releases.

lollapa-snooza

I've always wanted to go to Lolla but I've always had something going on, whether it was moving into an apartment, working or just something dumb. I was really bummed about missing last year due to Rage Against the Machine, Kanye and Lupe Fiasco being headliners, but 2009's headliners just arent doing it for me. Dont get me wrong, they (Kings of Leon, Jane's Addiction, Beastie Boys, and Depeche Mode) are all talented artists but its just not my cup of tea. The only one I would consider going to see would be the Beastie Boys...but I'll wait to see who else will be at Lolla to decide if I'm going to go or not.

The album that changed my life...

So I was considering which, out of all albums ever, has had the biggest affect on my life. Soooooooooo many options. When looking at my iTunes playcount for songs only a couple of albums made the cut of every song having a bunch of plays. The next cut is which album actually made a difference. The winner... "Hello, Good Friend" by The Rocket Summer.

Not only does singer/songwriter Bryce Avary take real life issues into context when writing his music, he makes the listener feel how he thinks they should. The piano/guitar filled melodic pop music just fills you with wonder as he uses many styles of song. This album has not only made The Rocket Summer my favorite band, but it has also led me to take song lyrics seriously and listen for their true meaning. Songs like "I Was So Alone" and "Never Knew" make you really feel what Bryce is thinking. I extremely suggest you take a listen even if you only listen to one song, I'm sure that you will want more.

Andy

South by Southwest Music Festival

I also have the sad news that SXSW is during spring break.

I am bummed because I have followed this festival for a couple years now and I am always impressed by the musical talent provided. Each band has a unique style and it is very interesting to get a taste of the music there.

If I could see anyone there, I'd definitely want to check out the Chicago based death metal band "These are They" - now, this isn't my usual style of music, but the guitar and drum talent in this band is unreal. I am fascinated by their crazy fast rifts and I wish I could see it in person.

Anyways, I hope anyone who has the opportunity to go for sure takes it.

It's gonna be a blast!

Andy

SXSW Band - As Tall As Lions

This year SXSW is during my spring break, which is cool. But what is NOT cool is that I can't go because I have to get 4 teeth pulled that week. But if I could go, one of the many bands I would go see is As Tall As Lions.

As Tall As Lions are a indie/ambient band from Long Island, New York. This four piece band have release two albums (Lafcadio and a Self Titled album) as well as two EPs, with Into the Flood being the most recent release. They are currently in the studio and are set to release that album sometime later this year. I love listening to them because its chill enough to be background/study music but I can also use the energy from some of the songs to get me through a long drive.

If you will be attending SXSW (lucky dog, you) they will be playing at Cedar Door on the 19th and Buffalo Billiards on the 20th.

Some other artists I would be going to see if I could are: Wayna, Dear and the Headlights, Nevertheless, The Devil Wears Prada, Fighting With Wire, Lil John, Colin Munroe, NeverShoutNever!, Asher Roth, and 3oh!3.

Veishea 2009

Today the bands/artists for Veishea 2009 were released and I'm pretty excited about the lineup. This year will feature Trapt, Cartel, Ludo, Straylight Run, The Morning Light, Red, and some other artists.

So what is Veisha you ask? Veishea, which stands for Veterinary Medicine, Engineering, Industrial Science, Home Economics, and Agriculture, is an annual celebration of the school (Iowa State) and is one of ISU's oldest traditions. It last all week with comedy shows, various tournaments, cherry pies, and other things. A quick look at the Veishea website or the wikipedia page will tell you more about it. In 2004 a riot broke out, which led to canceling of the celebration in 2005. Students have been warned that if another one happens, then Veishea as we know it will be gone for good. Peep the vids:

Holiday Parade Album Teaser

One of my favorite bands, Holiday Parade, has just released a teaser of their new album "Tickets and Passports" on youtube and I couldn't be more excited.

Check it out:

enjoy

Dream Shows

Hello everyone! My name is Andrew Cook and I am also a campus rep for Iowa state!

I've had alot of trouble picking out bands for a dream show.  So many options and genres I didn't know where to start.  But, friends gave advice to check the iTunes top 25 played list and jackpot.  This dream is purely mood based and for now, seeing how I am in the calm, acoustic mood, we've decided on a small stage with tables and chairs venue with a max capacity of around 40.

Headlining this "tour" would be the talented Seattle based Daphne loves derby.  Opening with the newly formed Clouds and Cities duo of the late Parade the Day.  Followed by the brilliant acoustic work of The Scene Aesthetic.

Calming, yet complex, the lyrics mixed with layers of acoustic guitar would provide bliss for the seeking mind.

Thanks for putting this idea in my head, now I actually am going to dream of this show. =]

Pretty In Pink

On Sunday I got the chance to see my first "Pink Out/Pink Zone" game here at Iowa State. This was the second annual Pink Zone game in support of raising awareness for breast cancer. Cyclone Alley, ISU's student section, were given pink shirts (see picture above) and the team also sported white & pink jerseys and shoes. Our girls, ranked #20 nationally, led most of the game against the #13 Texas Longhorns but couldn't close it out in the final minutes, losing the game by 3 points. Although we lost the game as a team and as a school, I feel that we won in continuing to raise awareness.

My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003 and ever since then, I've tried my best to do what I could to help raise support. Today I am proud to say that my mom is a survivor and I know she feels the same. I don't feel embarrassed when I wear my pink cyclone alley shirts because I know what it represents. I know a lot of you hear all the time that it could be your mom, sister, cousin, girlfriend, daughter, friend, grandma, etc. but the fact of the matter is its true. I encourage you all to go out and support those women and support the cause because you never know when its going to hit home.

--Reed--

Dream Shows

I'm actually pretty excited for this week's blog assignment..not that I wasn't excited about last week's, just that it was pretty fun (and hard) trying to figure out what my dream line-ups would be. I've gone back and forth on all the line-ups but I think I've finally settled on everything. So to quote the great plumber Mario..Here we go!

Rock
This is a line up of some of my favorite ex-Tooth and Nail/Solid State bands. Blindside and Dead Poetic are two of my all time favorite Christian bands, while The Juliana Theory are a band that I always liked but never got the chance to see live.
-Headliner: Blindside
-Middle: Dead Poetic
-Opener: Juliana Theory

Hip Hop
This one was interesting, because I had originally chosen The Cool Kids to open, Lupe Fiasco for the middle, and Kanye West featuring tons of people. I then realize that I can choose people that aren't performing anymore, different time frames etc. So here's what I have for Hip Hop.
-Headliner: Run DMC
-Middle: LL Cool J
-Opener: The Cool Kids
I chose The Cool Kids to open because I feel like their style fits with the rest of the bill. For me, that's what makes a good show; when all the acts fit together. Next I chose LL Cool J for the middle act. Not the LL now, but the LL from Bigger and Deffer to Mr. Smith. I've always wanted to see Run DMC in their prime. I think back in the day they were some of the best performers and had some of the best rhymes. They set the standard for a lot of artists that we have now, so they are the headliner.

Jazz
This was the hardest one because I don't know a lot of jazz musicians outside of the 3 that I chose. I once did a research paper on Dizzy Gillespie, so I know a lot about his history and just his style of music. Being a fellow trumpet player, I would love to have seen him play.
-Headline: Nat King Cole
-Middle: Dizzy Gillespie
-Opener: Fats Waller

For the "My Choice" category I chose an acoustic show/tour. I've heard acoustic stuff from Anberlin and The Rocket Summer and I feel like its just as good as their full band songs. Between The Trees would also put on a good acoustic show, since they often incorporate piano/keys into their songs. I think the best way to experience these 3 bands would be in a coffee shop, sitting at a table with a hot apple cider (I don't like coffee). This could also be an event/tour sponsored by To Write Love On Her Arms, since all three bands are big supporters of the organization.
-Headliner: Anberlin
-Middle: The Rocket Summer
-Opener: Between The Trees

On a small side note, my birthday (May 19th) is on a Tuesday this year, which is usually release day for music. I'm hoping for some good albums to be released (coughnewblink182cough).

--Reed--

Keep On Rollin' Baby

Bands break up. Bands re-unite. It happens all the time. the last band I was in, Five and Two, had about 3 reunion shows. This has been happening since bands have been bands.

Last week we saw the reunion of Blink-182, a long awaited reunion that made a lot of people happy. Now, a band that also had a little influence on me as a young musician, Limp Bizkit, is looking to be the next band to jump on the wagon. NME has the link to the story.

Although this intrigues me, I'm not going to jump on this one just yet. I'm not even ashamed to admit that they were one of my favorite bands back in the day of $3 dollar bill y'all, Significant Other, and Choc. Starfish, and I even sorta liked Results May Vary (Eat You Alive was a pretty sick song/video). but until I hear some new music from the Biz, I'm going to have to pass on this. It's not that I don't have faith in this band (pun intended), I just wonder if they can reclaim their place in the music world.

Stay Together For The Kids

Welcome back boys..we've missed you.

I remember it like it was yesterday. At the Mark of the QC in Moline, IL with my 3 friends who were also my band mates at the time, going to see Alkaline Trio, New Found Glory and Blink 182. I was a freshman in high school at the time and I'm pretty sure I turn back into that freshman tonight when Blink announced that not only were they back together but were doing an album and touring. The only reason I even watched the grammys this year was because I knew they were going to be on together. Now I'm glad I did watch because I got to see a great performance by a very preggo M.I.A, Kanye, Jay-z, T.I and Lil wayne.

but back on topic. Blink-182. Reunited. I'm really trying not to sound like a 14 year old fan girl right now. But really, these guys had a big influence on me as a musician and as a person when I was younger. I caught on to Famous Stars and Straps right at the beginning, I sported the Hurley, I played the Fender P-bass (still do), I wore the Dickie shorts, and my bands did Blink covers. I don't worship the ground these guys walk on, but I'm glad to see them back as friends and back making music. Can't wait to see what the future holds for them.

-Reed

Sunday Sunday Sunday!

So um..on Sunday there is this thing called the Super Bowl that will be happening, I dont know if any of you have heard of it but its kind of a big deal. For those that are oblivious the the world, the Super Bowl is a football game between the "best" NFC team and "best" team in the AFC. I put best in quotations because my team, the Cowboys, arent playing, and I feel that they are the best team.

Anyways...the Super Bowl. Big deal right? Right. Big deal to me for two reasons: 1. I'm a huge sports fan. When I wake up, the first thing I turn to is ESPN. And guess what, its the last thing I watch before I go to bed. 2. I'm big nerd for clever marketing and advertising. So not only is this the Super Bowl for the two football teams, (I feel) its the Super Bowl of advertising/marketing too. How can it not be? Companies pay millions upon millions of dollars to have their commercial shown during this game, where millions upon millions of people will see it. Hopefully there will be some pretty sweet ones that i'll be able to rant about later next week haha

-Reed-

Welcome To Heartbreak

Lately I've been going back and forth trying to decide which was my favorite album from the last three months and I've finally made a decision. The winner is...(drum roll) Kanye West with 808's and Heartbreak.

On this album, we get a glimpse into the heartbreak Mr. West felt while dealing with the death of his mother and as well as calling off an engagement with his then fiance. The result is an experimental album that is pure art, despite being a big departure from his previous albums (College Dropout, Late Registration, and Graduation). On this record, Kanye calls on the help of auto-tune to help enhance the songs laced with deep hitting 808 beats. Although a lot listeners have critiqued him for using this, I feel that it adds to every song and frankly, I don't even notice it after a while. This has easily become one of the most played albums on my iTunes/iPod in the last three months, as well staying in my car's cd player for weeks at a time. Some of the standout tracks to check out are the singles Love Lockdown and Heartless, as well as Paranoid, RoboCop, and Street Lights.

-Reed-

The Feel Good Drag

Sunday night (the 18th) I got the chance to go to my first show of the semester, which featured Anberlin, Madina Lake, Between the Trees, and Camera Can't Lie. I really only went for Anberlin and Between the Trees, but the other two bands were worth watching too. I was up front for most of Anberlin's set (as you can see in the picture) but then moved back so I could get some air. What I really liked about their show was that it was constant energy. They kept the crowd going for a good 45 min-1 hour. And when they slowed things down, they really calmed down by bringing out acoustic guitars. Another thing I noticed, and alot of other bands dont do this, is when they would have to switch guitars or re-turn or something they would always have some sort of music playing. Overall it was just a great show and If you havent heard of any of the 4 bands, I suggest you check them out.

-Reed

Most Anticipated Albums for 2009

Heres a list of the albums i'm looking forward to picking up this year. I'm sure there will be more but these are the ones that have already been confirmed.

New Found Glory - Not Without a Fight - I grew up listening to NFG and I dont feel like they've lost a step. The new stuff sounds just as good as their songs.

Mos Def - The Estatic - One of the only rappers I can actually listen to.

Jay-Z - The Blueprint 3 - He pulled a Jordan wearing the 45, hopefully this one will be better than Kingdom Come

Taking Back Sunday - Never Again

And Then There Were None - Who Speaks for Planet Earth?

Honorable Mentions

Lupe Fiasco - lupE.N.D ( or Everywhere) - Not confirmed but as a release for this year but theres been alot of talk that the first of a 3-disc album is coming this year. Maybe we'll get lucky and we'll get all three

Dr. Dre - Detox - C'mon man...I hope this comes out this year haha

Switchfoot

(no release dates): Linkin Park, Usher, Ludacris, OneRepublic, No Doubt, (+44)


---Reed---