ART CENTER RADIO.

The Bravery's third album Stir The Blood is so predictable.  You can look forward to the same sounds and effects as the other two records.  No kind of experimentation was sought out when creating this album.  Surprisingly, Stir The Blood is quite below average and a bit of a disappointment.  Sam Endicott, vocalist and guitarist made it almost impossible to listen to the complete track list due to his lazy, and slurred singing.  It's pretty dreadful and almost annoying.  In many ways, you could compare Stir The Blood to their first record The Bravery.  There are a lot of electro sounds and definitely very danceable, but of course, the first record is better.

On a better note, there are a handful of songs that are worth listening too.  The albums single “HateFuck” is a very uptempo song and very catchy.  “HateFuck” also was made into a video but was banished by the bands record label due to disturbing content and complaints from parents.  “Shes So Bendable” is one of the track list's most mellow songs.  Despite the vocals, the song is enjoyable.  Another song is “ Song For Jacob”.  It's very 80's esque and the best song on the record.  Sadly, this is where the list ends. 

If The Bravery wants to stick around the music scene for awhile, they should start thinking outside the box and quickly.  This album was way too safe.  If you're a big Bravery fan, of course it's worth getting.  If you're a newcomer to The Bravery's music, this is not the album to introduce yourself too.  Stick with the first two.  The Bravery is currently on tour and dates can be found on their MySpace page.



John Mayer is known for a certain sound, and it was always predicted on what his albums would sound like.  Battle Studies breaks the mold and is quite experimental.  This record is one of a kind and is the most somber piece of work that he has put out. While listening to this record, it's pretty hard to focus on anything except the music.  It pulls you into John's world and makes you feel every emotion that he feels. It's a indescribable feeling. Although this album has a different vibe then what you would be used to,  Mayer still doesn't lose his ingenuity.

Battle Studies track list is flawless.  Song after song it just gets more breathtaking and grows addicting to listen to.  Key tracks include “Assassin” and “Perfectly Lonely”. “Assassin” has a very ominous  rock n' roll vibe to it mixed with jazz and blues.  “Perfectly Lonely” is the perfect song to listen to for advice.  It's a very genuine song and it's Mayer at his best. With unblemished guitar rhythms, this track will stay stuck in your head for days.  “Who Says” is the first single off Battle Studies and it gives you insight on who Mayer is as a person.  Its straightforward yet has a very tender vibe.  John Mayer also covers “Crossroads” a song written by Robert Johnson and famously covered by Cream.  In this song John really shines in his guitar abilities and reminds you why he is undeniably one of the best guitar players of this generation.

John Mayer put out perfect work of art.  Embracing the somberness of this album, it is guaranteed to be one of the best albums you've listened too all year.  Be sure to pick up a copy, you definitely will not regret it. Mayer has a few shows lined up this year, but will go on a full tour next year 2010 starting January.



Dashboard Confessional's 6th album "Alter the End" is a big surprise.  Chris Carrabba, vocalist and guitarist really gives it his all in this record.  The track list is very strong throughout the album and each song has its own uniqueness.  In many ways, this is Dashboard's most mature work.  Their sound grows deeper with each record they put out.  It's so amazing how Dashboard Confessional can never disappoint when it comes to their music.  It's never safe and they always throw something new out onto the table.  This is definitely the best record they've put out since "A Mark, A Mission, A Brand, A Scar".

The most memorable song on the track list is “ The Motions”.  Its has such a striking tune to it.  It's one of those songs that will be stuck in your head the whole day.  “Until Morning” is a very heartfelt song. In this song, the bands originally comes out.  The acoustic version is so impressive.  Other favorites include “Everyone Learns From Disaster” and “ Alter the Ending”.  These tracks are sung with such strong passion.  “ Alter the Ending” is very melodic and uplifting.  It can be heard as very motivational too.  “Even Now” and “ Hell On The Throat” takes you back to the second album The Places You Have Come To Fear The Most. These two songs sound like they should have been on that album. These are hands down the best songs on Alter The Ending.  You can hear the devotion come out of Chris's voice.  It's truly inspiring.

Alter The Ending is an amazing album! Be sure to pick up the deluxe copy because it includes a second disc of acoustic versions of all 12 tracks.  The acoustic version is amazing. Fans have been waiting a long time for something like this to come out. Dashboard Confessional was on a US tour but sadly had to cancel the whole tour due to personal reasons.  They don't know when they'll be back in action for the tour, the band will keep the fans updated.