NEW BLOG!

Hey Everyone, Just to let you know that I've started a brand new blog for Planet Stereo over on WordPress. Not to say that I don't love Blogger, because I do. This was the first outlet I ever used to start a blog and that really set me off on writing about what I saw/felt. However, I just find that I can do write quicker, more accessible posts via WordPress. Please check out the new blog HERE. Thanks, Liv

Fall Out Boy: Save Rock And Roll (Archived Review)

Save Rock and Roll By Liv Simister

As a longtime fan of Fall Out Boy, I will completely admit that I may be slightly biased, because I honestly jumped for joy when the news first broke that they were returning from their four-year hiatus (for real this time)! Despite the fact that each member ventured out into the realm of side-projects, things have finally come full circle, as they should be. Welcome back to 2003, friends. Fall Out Boy is the epitome of “emo” rock, though the members have been known to despise the label. The new album, Save Rock and Roll, while the sound of Fall Out Boy is unmistakable, is a new direction for the group. Prior to its release, the album yielded two radio-hit singles; “The Pheonix” and “My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light ‘Em Up),” both of which are catchy reintroductions to the band. Patrick Stump’s vocals are still as impressive as they’ve always been, but seem to have taken on a new power. With Andy Hurley’s drumming ability being significantly showcased, larger-than- life choruses, and hair-metal-esque run-ons, there is little to do but love these tracks. “Alone Together” is a complete separation from what Fall Out Boy was and who they have become. Don’t get me wrong; there is still an unwavering lyrical quality, riddled in angst. The only difference is that there is a much happier tone to the music behind it. Consider this the bittersweet track that will be repeated more than any Taylor Swift song. Miss Swift, read ‘em and weep, because Fall Out Boy can bash people musically better than you could yourself. “Where Did The Party Go” is a dance anthem to the nth degree, and a nostalgic moment for both fans and the band. Following close behind is “Just One Yesterday (ft. Foxes),” which follows in the same vein of nostalgia and is melodic magic, in all honesty. “Young Volcanoes” is Fall Out Boy’s fearless way of showing variety on this album. It’s poppy, with lots of clapping and featuring a beautiful acoustic guitar. It sounds nothing like what one would think of when thinking of the pop-punk quartet. But I think that’s what makes it kind of special, truthfully. “Death Valley” has a classic sound, driven by this animalistic style. The energy has a bounce to it, and there is something almost hypnotic about it. Lyrically, it’s a bit more driven by desire than by duality and the usual lyrical ambiguity that is present in the other songs, as well as in Fall Out Boy’s older material, but it’s the kind of track that you can work out to without thinking about it. As someone who has no respect for Courtney Love whatsoever, I will be truthful and say I felt a huge disappointment when I heard she would be on Fall Out Boy’s latest album. “Rat A Tat” is pretty good; despite my reluctance to admit it. However, and this is where things get interesting, Courtney Love’s appearance makes no sense to me. Excuse my brash tone, but the song would have been a favorite had she not been on it. Speaking of guest appearances, the title track of the album features an appearance by Sir Elton John himself, which is amazing! I won’t be shy in admitting that the minute I bought the album, this song was played....oh, about twenty times in one sitting. It’s the anthem for the downtrodden and those of us still fighting to prove that music matters. Anyone who doesn’t fall madly in love with this song doesn’t understand the beauty of it all. For goodness sake, they got Elton John to appear on their album. That alone speaks volumes, but then for the song to be so grand in its presentation, the irony of the sound in regards to the title, it’s a dream. It’s melodic, and a piano-driven, soulful ballad, which is rare in today’s industry where it’s cool to degrade your own gender or to objectify the opposite sex. I understand, they’re catchy, but give me a song that inspires me to stand up for what I believe; I’ll take that over any other kind of song in an instant. “You are what you love, not who loves you,” Elton John belts out along to the piano, taking listeners to the next level of the song, where the music swells and everything inside of you wants to jump up and scream and belt out your own truths alongside the music. Overall, Save Rock and Roll is a great comeback for the band, especially as it was created without any hype—no one even knew it existed until a month or so prior to its release! Good or bad, my nostalgia for Fall Out Boy would have left me loving the album regardless. Thankfully, they hit the mark again (just no Courtney Love next time, okay boys?). I think I speak for everyone when I say: Welcome back, Fall Out Boy. Welcome back. A/N: CHECK OUT MY VIDEO REVIEW ADDRESSING ALL YOUR QUESTIONS HERE!

Jessica Ashley Releases New Video For "Neverland"

You can watch the new video HERE. Jessica Ashley is a twenty-year old artist, who became a YouTube sensation with her cover songs. Not only that, but the young star penned hits for numerous artists, including JoJo. Her video for "Neverland" garnered 1,000,000 views in about two weeks. The track is straight from her debut EP, Prelude. For more on Jessica Ashley, please click HERE.

The Unstoppable Tour: The Paramedic and Evelynn

The Paramedic, comprised of Mike Luciano (vox), Jake Nolan (guitar), Sean Salasny (guitar), Brandon Wallace (bass), and Kyle Greene (drums), will be heading out on "The Unstoppable Tour" this month with Illinois' Evelynn supporting their debut album Smoke & Mirrors, the October release of Bullet Tooth Records. In November, the band was on a leg of the Rock Yourself To Sleep Tour featuring Dance Gavin Dance, A Lot Like Birds, and more. Despite being scheduled to tour in December, the band had to cancel due to a car crash just before they set off. However, they're eager to get back on the road and play the music they love for the people who love them and garnered 50,000 likes on Facebook. The Paramedic's current tour dates can be seen below. New tour dates will be announced soon! 1/4/2013 Barrington, IL @ Penny RD Pub 1/5/2013 Rockford, IL @ The Millennium Center 1/6/2013 Rochester MI @ American Legoin Hall 1/7/2013 Toledo, OH @ Mickey Finns 1/8/2013 North Tanawanda, NY @ American Legion Stephan Sikora 1/9/2013 Albany, NY @ Bogies 1/10/2013 Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Loft 1/11/2013 Hamden, CT @ The Space 1/12/2013 Rockville Centre, NY @ The Vibe Lounge 1/14/2013 NewYork, NY @ Tammany Hall 1/16/2013 Neward, DE @ Mojo Main 1/18/2013 Lexington, KY @ Chapel Hill Music Venue 1/19/2013 Kettering, OH @ The Attic 2/16/2013 Tyler, TX @ Outrage Festival To check out all of my January Picks, please click HERE.

Apsylon: Dreaming of Yesterday

Finding a unique album is becoming increasingly difficult in today's culture. Most albums seem to rehash the same music over and over again. In the case of Apsylon, that is not the case; their musical influences obviously stem from a mixture of rock, classical, and Celtic folk music, all of which they manage to blend beautifully. On their album, Dreaming of Yesterday, each song pulls you in, wrapping you up in a blanket that is both unfamiliar but comforting. “Serenade” acts as a beautiful introduction to the album, with soothing tones that give you a preview at what to expect as far as the rest of the album goes. “Dreaming of Yesterday,” the title-track of the album is more jazz-driven, sounding like it could be part of a musical score for a James Bond film. Each note is carefully crafted to perfection, while still retaining a rawness that is so greatly valued. The song features sneaky, calculating music with blunt and honest lyrics delivered by powerful vocals. Moving through the album, it seems even more influences seem to show themselves, including an almost-Latin influence on the guitar featured in “Lena,” a song powerfully driven by a narrative that has you imagining a music-video in your head. “All I Think About” is the song I can practically hear on the radio; it's the love song that the Beatles never got the chance to make, the song a lot of modern artists couldn't pull off, and the song that you hope to hear on your Valentine's Day Mix. The vocals are raw and the song is sweet, each note making you bob your head. It's the kind of song that you want to dance around to like a crazy person, singing, “All I think about is you,” while practicing your “signature” rock-star pout. Of course, the album finishes off beautifully, showing it's classical influences on “Prelude.” The whole album is a fantastic display of artistry with a unique sound. Dreaming of Yesterday is well-done and the musicianship of Tedy Madl, Jenny Brooks, Peggy Baldwin, and Marissa Mendenhall is something to celebrate for definite. Mendenhall's vocals are easy to recognize; they are all her own, a true original. If you're looking for an album to change your opinion of the music of today, go and purchase Dreaming of Yesterday. You won't be disappointed. Click here to preview the whole album.

CHECK IT OUT! fun. Album Review!

Hello my lovelies! I will be posting my review for fun.'s album Some Nights, but in an ideal world, you've already seen it right HERE! :) It's been a crazy past month or so. I'm preparing for the summer-articles, which I think you're all going to LOVE! I'll be giving you some great tips on how to make your summer a truly amazing one. Anyway, keep your eyes open! Peace, Music, and Love, Liv xoxo

Heroes and Underdogs

Photo credit to band; That's My Name, Don't Wear It Out! EP cover

by Liv Simister

Electric.
It can describe numerous things--from a type of outlet on the wall to the chemistry between two people. However, "electric" has become the word to describe Heroes and Underdogs, an alternative rock five-piece from Poughkeepsie, NY; it's also the name of the band's new single featuring Tay Jardine from We Are The In Crowd.
On the band's debut EP That's My Name, Don't Wear It Out!, one of the first things sure to capture the attention of listeners is the stunning performance from Kayla Loren, the band's power-house vocalist. However, as the EP begins, one easily notices the brilliance of the rest of the band--from the talented guitarists Ricky Martin (no, not that one!) and Kevin Hayden to the bass playing of Joe Costable; the band's line-up, despite being sans drummer, is poised for excellence.
The EP is a wonderful mix of heart-wrenching and lively songs, typically considered a risky move.
Despite the fact that That's My Name, Don't Wear It Out! is Heroes and Underdogs' first EP, the band proves their seemingly limitless talent, sounding as though they have been recording for years.
The EP is extremely well-done, though not overly perfected via a machine of any description. Each song is crafted to its best, brightest, and catchiest, entrancing listeners from the opening notes.
From bitter anthems like "Eat a Knife," to the bittersweet, melodious tunes like "Dear Sarah, I Wish Sorry Could Cover It," Heroes and Underdogs have brought their A-game.
On the band's single "Electric," Kayla Loren's vocals are perfectly matched with those of Tay Jardine from We Are The In Crowd. Their two voices, both strong and memorable, make the track jump out. The music behind them sets a mood; altogether, the band manages to engage a rapt audience who isn't likely to stop listening anytime soon!
If you haven't had a chance to stream Heroes and Underdogs' debut EP That's My Name, Don't Wear It Out!, check it out on the band's Purevolume and be sure to purchase it on either iTunes or Amazon.com.