Soulsavers Album Review: It's Not How Far You Fall, It's the Way You Land

On Oct.16, 2007, the UK's Soulsavers followed up their 2003 release, Tough Guys Don't Dance, with It's Not How Far You Fall, It's the Way You Land in the U.S.

U.S. singer songwriter Mark Lanegan-Queens of the Stone Age, Screaming Trees, The Gutter Twins- sings on eight of the tracks on the album, contributing a deep, raspy voice reminiscent of Johnny Cash.

The name of the band definitely gives hints at subject matter. All throughout the album, the majority of songs have some sort of blatant spiritual tones mixed throughout the lyrics.

The music on this album is influenced predominately by country rock/folk and soul. There's even back-up singers that sound like they came directly from gospel choir practice. The album also has a little hip hopish twist to it, mainly through rhythms.

I know it seems like the album is a strange sort of mix. But rest assured, it works.

If you are still unsure, be at peace knowing that they like the Rolling Stones. Because the last track is a remake of the Stones' "No Expectations."

It's definitely a laid back kind of album. I dig it.

Switches Album Review: We Are Switches EP

The Switches We Are Switches EP is without a doubt catchy. It's that kind of upbeat music that courses through your brain with no intention of ever stopping.

The lyrics are also catchy. A bit too catchy. Their single, "Lay Down the Law," is a prime example, as the two-line chorus is repeated for a majority of the song. This kind of thing almost gives a feel of some sort of commercial that is trying to get you to remember a brand name or phone number.

Aside from redundancy, it's not bad. The Switches have an indie appeal, even though their music has more of a rock/pop sort of tone, emphasis on the pop.

From London, the Switches released their first full-length album, Heart Tuned to D.E.A.D., in the UK on April 23, 2007. The Switches are not yet available here in the U.S., but should be sometime early in 2008.

There really should be more tours in December

Is it just me or has December been a total bust for shows?

January seems more promising.
1/15/08 @ The State
HASTE THE DAY
SCARY KIDS SCARING KIDS
Drop Dead, Gorgeous
Gwen Stacy

1/22/08 @ The State
THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER
3 Inches of Blood
Hate Eternal
Decrepit Birth

1/27/08 @ The State
SICK OF IT ALL
MADBALL
Death Before Dishonor
Wisdom In Chains

1/30/08 @ Orpheum
FOXY SHAZAM
Karate Highschool
Peachtree

That's all that I've found so far.
In the meantime, I'll have some album reviews up soon.