What the CL Music Team is jamming this fine Monday to rocket launch the work week. To check out previous entries, click here.
Scott - Sharks, The Joys of Living, 2008-2010 (2011, Rise Records)
This British foursome combines all the best things about late '80s/early '90s college rock—the brains, the melodies, the angst—and pairs 'em with a contemporary punk-influenced guitar-rock sound. The Joys of Living collects 12 tracks previously released in the U.K. on various EPs, and tosses in two excellent new tunes for good measure to show you where these gentleman have been, and where they're going. And where they're going, incidentally, is into any discerning American rock fan's "Most Played" list—these guys are good.
Taylor - NeedToBreathe, The Reckoning (2011)
NeedToBreathe has gained a worthy reputation for genre-blendering folk-rock. Like, banjo and hand claps-meets-screaming electric guitar and wailing choirs folk-rock. And everywhere in between. Some bands can't be bound by sentences, the sounds and the feelings they produce defying explanation. NeedToBreathe's fourth, The Reckoning, is one such album. Having listened to it about five times in a row this week, I've come to see it as a story: Man becomes sarcastic and bitter, realizing he's been unprepared for a heartless world that makes life feel like an uphill battle ("Oohs and Aahs" and "White Fences"). Man is frustrated and lost, torn between the lure of momentary excitement and more lasting meaningfulness ("Drive All Night" through "Devil's Been Talking"). Finally, Man opens his eyes to what really matters and reconciles himself to his painful past ("Angel At My Door" and "Learn To Love"). The true worth of a band is found in whether they offer a musical experience that makes you want to change your life after hearing it. If you aren't smashed in the conscience by at least six of these songs, and if the wall of sound that explodes out of your speakers doesn't at least tickle your eardrums, please seek medical help. Their November 12 Tampa gig (supporting T-Swift) at the St. Pete Times Forum is already sold out (surprise surprise), so beg around on the interwebs for a spare ticket so you can be graced by their live presence. Check out the album EPK after the jump.
