A Bird In Hand...

Some of the best records are the ones that put you in a certain mood from start to finish. I've always loved the idea of concept albums as well. Music that has a theme or tells a story so to speak. I remember hearing the first Coheed record and loving the music and hooks. The album was very raw and under produced but it made that record great. It had extraordinary emotion to it and then when I found out that the album was a science fiction story it made it even that much better. To this day I have to put Coheed and Cambria "The Second Stage Turbine Blade" as one of my favorite albums because it influenced so many of the bands that are out today.

Today I want to touch on 5 albums that really put you in a mood from beginning to end. A few of these albums are newer and a few are just albums that I've recently started listening to again. Check out a few of the bands if you have time. If you like the music cool....if not....well maybe this will be the last time you take my advice.

Lydia - Illuminate
To some this album might come off as either boring or melancholy to a certain degree. If you really take the time to listen to the album from start to finish you will find it to be very catchy. All the songs are slow but are very well written and have a certain dream like feel to them. I remember catching on to the first few tracks when I used to go to work but later I got more into the second half of the cd. I really can't decide which song I like the best which is why I had to put this album on the list.



Days Away - Mapping An Invisible World
This album was released a few years back and I recently started listening to it again. When you first listen to the record you will think it's just another pop rock album but when you dig deeper into it you will find that it has a very atmospheric feel to it. Each song seems simple but has very complex arrangements in them. Keith Goodwin has a very underrated voice and it was a shame that more people did not get to hear this record. The album is definitely worth a second and third listen before you can really appreciate it.



The Devil Wears Prada - With Roots Above And Branches Below
I have to admit TDWP was on my band hit list a few years back. I hated their music to say the least until I heard this new record. This album is basically in your face heavy music. It has break downs from start to finish and capitalizes on the ever popular digital and synth driven metal that you hear a lot today. I think this album separates itself from the competition and the production by Joey Sturgis is unbelievable. The Devil Wears Prada have definitely become better muscians and it really shows on their latest release.


Number One Fan - Compromises
Compromises was released in 04 and is another album I recently started listening to again. What makes this album great is the lasting value and overall quality of the record from start to finish. I feel that Number One Fan was ahead of their time and if Compromises was released now with the production we have today, it could have been a huge success. Although some people might label the album "emo" because of the vocals I would argue that it's more complex then your typical emo album. But lets be honest, most everyone has a at least a few Dashboard Confessional or Saves The Day songs in their library.



Owen - At Home With Owen
Mike Kinsella is the man that makes up Owen. I first heard "Bad News" and knew I would love this album. It's hard to put my finger on what makes this record so good throughout it's entirety. Owen is a unbelievable acoustic guitar player and also has lyrics that are far different from most artists I have listened to. His lyrics are honest and he talks a lot about his own deficiencies. I think most people can really relate to that kind of thing. What also makes these songs so good is the subtle string arrangements he incorporates into many of the tracks. I recently got his new album "New Leaves" and was very impressed. I suggest you check out this artist.