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Best present of the season (other than my brother surviving a car accident on Christmas Eve – yes, God is good!) The Cardo Packtalk Slim – helmet communication device. Never having any type of communication device beyond a cell phone with wireless headphones that fell to the ground every time I took off my helmet, THIS feels completely surreal! I can finally listen to music, talk to fellow riders, communicate with Siri, and control the device-all with my voice!
(No more texting and riding! Safety first – New Year’s Resolution)
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 You need to hear this….YES, YOU.
I don’t care who you are, or what music you listen to. Just go listen to this…. This album is the best release I’ve heard in MANY years! It’s no surprise that members from some of the best Long Island indie bands (Inside, Dearly Departed, Blood Red and Ancient Tongue) came together and produced such a mature sounding record. It has a little of everything – beautiful melodies, driving guitars, sharp beats, a bit of twang, and thought-provoking lyrics. The songs range from fast and energetic, to easy and harmonious. And as much as I didn’t want to say this, there is a bit of a pop undertone in select songs which actually make this a very well-rounded album that can appeal to all. Oh, and not to mention they put on a rocking live show – being a SEVEN-piece band. This was originally written in my journal on 11.20.12, but because Ben Howard is one of my favorite musicians, and this EP is hauntingly beautiful, I've decided to repost it on this blog since it's worthy of all audiences to hear. I've been anxiously awaiting this release since hearing some of these songs live during his live performance in NYC in Sept 2012. And this album definitely doesn't disappoint...how could it with that amazingly, unique English voice? I would definitely say that this collection has a much more aggressive feeling than his previous release, Every Kingdom. I mean, just look at the cover art - Every Kingdom has a refreshing water scene of whites and blues whereas The Burgh Island E.P. has almost an entirely black cover besides the moonlight (or is that sunlight) peeking out from behind dark clouds. The sound is still distinctively his own with complex guitar chords, complimentary percussion arrangements, and heartfelt vocals. But the songs themselves have a more desperate, harsh sound. And even the lyrics are a bit more bitter than the more peaceful lines in Every Kingdom. "Oh maybe you were free before my blackened wind covered you. I took the sing from your song. I made a bed where you don't belong" from the most gorgeous, urgent song on the E.P, "Esmerelda". "Oates in the Water" is another stand-out song which begins very solemn and picks up aggression throughout the 5-minute song. "And you'll find loss and you'll fear what you found when weather comes, tear him down...go your way, I'll take the long way 'round, I'll find my own way down, as I should." Powerful lyrics followed by an equally powerful instrumental section that I can feel deep within my soul. In its entirety, The Burgh Island E.P. is an extremely emotional collection. It further illustrates his talent and is evidence of his long-standing musical appreciation, and various influences from his childhood through the present. Obviously he's as incredible in the studio as he is live - a truly talented individual. Hoping he makes his way back to NYC soon! |
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