sundayjamsessions

[sundayjamsessions]

All My Guts Were Telling Me to Run

Happy Sunday, Jammers!  I hope you’ve been enjoying the awesome bands that have been featured lately.  However, it’s time to shift gears again and dive into another lyric dissection.  Today we will be breaking down “Bullet” by Steel Train.  Mostly because it’s been stuck in my head for the past two weeks.  I figured if I couldn’t get it out of my head that it would serve a better purpose on the World Wide Web.  

I fell in love in the back seat of your car The road was shorter than it looked Like ten years and two more And I held my girl closer than was safe

The first lines always threw me through a loop when I originally listened to this song.  How can a deceptively short road be described as “ten years and two more”?  Maybe I’m oblivious, but it took me a few listens to get what Jack Antonoff really meant.  That somewhere between car rides and daily life, it took a short twelve years to fall in love with someone.  Which is neat because something as common as riding in the back seat of a car became a turning point, romantically. 

Take what you want from me I'm not afraid to turn around To see you by my side I felt pretty when they turned out the lights

I absolutely adore how there is a balance between pure aggression and vulnerability right here; not only musically, but also lyrically.  As Antonoff sings “take what you want from me, I’m not afraid to turn around...”, the manic pounding of the drums insinuates that Antonoff is about to introduce a set of strong power chords backed by more thunderous sound.  Instead, the drums fade to a sweet rhythm as the guitar vibrates out sharp, simple chords accompanied by the delicate sound of the xylophone.  Just in time for “...to see you by my side.  I felt pretty when they turned out the lights”, to soften the overall tone.  Lyrically speaking, the first two lines are phrased in a way that’s full of frustration and are almost fighting words.  What are you not afraid of?  Oh, to turn around and see you by my side?  How sweet.  It’s a subtle way to express that despite the frustration we may have towards a person, when it’s all said and done, we just want them to be there.     

I didn't know just what was going on When all my guts were telling me to run I stuck around when I should have been There with you Now after all that we lost I swear I'll never let go Confusion is a wonderful state of mind, isn’t it?  Have you ever been so confused as to why you’re sticking around for all the illogical reasons?  When “sticking around” is more like being a silent third party?  No?  God bless.  If you have, the feeling you get from making it out of that grey area is just as powerful as Antonoff shouting “I swear I’ll never let go”.   You and I both are nothing but thieves We take what we want when we need I had a chance for a better life But all that I've known is to Run, run, run, from a devil in disguise Like a bullet, a bullet, a bullet into the night We are the last generation of hope And I wouldn't mind if Together we died alone Yet again Antonoff punches the listener with an accurate assessment of romance.  How both parties, whether they realize it or not, “take what [they] want when [they] need”.  Even though contextually this is negative, considering the action is being compared to thievery, it’s not necessarily a negative action.  People use others to fill the little gaps of what is missing from themselves.  You may call it right, wrong, or selfish, but it’s true.  Although there is a fine line between deliberately using somebody and using someone to compliment you.  Personally, I think the latter is what Antonoff is trying to get at while still acknowledging the potential of treating someone as if they are disposable.

The next few lines are pure poetry.  Giving up on something better just to not run from a “devil in disguise” for once.  Wow.  Imagine the strength that has to take.  Then to go and call yourself “the last generation of hope” just because your love is honest instead of picturesque.  Still a common thread remains: picturesque or not, there’s a longing for togetherness.      

I was 21 when I lost control I took my hands off the wheel Wheel it spun on its own And I lost so much of what I loved

Tying the second verse back in to the first verse with a car theme really rounds out the song, consistency wise.  Not to mention that it flawlessly takes the emotional turmoil of losing control and makes it tangible by using the analogy of losing control of you car.

Take what you want from me I'm not afraid to turn around To see you by my side I felt pretty when they turned out the lights

I didn't know just what was going on When all my guts were telling me to run I stuck around when I should have been There with you Now after all that we lost I swear I'll never let go There’s great value in going back to repeat yourself.  Take the time to read these lines over a few times.  Take away what you will. You and I both are nothing but thieves We take what we want when we need I had a chance for a better life But all that I've known is to Run, run, run, from a devil in disguise Like a bullet, a bullet, a bullet into the night We are the last generation of hope And I wouldn't mind if Together we died alone I said, As long as you're here then, together I can die alone.

[Lyrics pulled from www.azlyrics.com]

The delicate balance of anger, honesty, and hope produced in “Bullet” creates a real life love song that’s far from the easy going fairytales we’re told.  It’s not sad, it’s not joyful; in reality it’s not one singular emotion.  Instead it is a culmination of feelings and stories expressed vividly in a few chords and words.  There’s an undeniable truth about it.  Sometimes that’s all you need out of a song.

Have a Twitter?  Follow @SunJamSessions!

Have a Tumblr?  Follow sundayjamsessions !

Let me hear what you think of “Bullet”!

[sundayjamsessions]

Cleveland’s Titans

For centuries, many have been captivated with myths of the Greek titans.  Commanding and powerful, their stories have set the ideal standard for dominance.  However, the Greeks are not the only ones with their set of titans.  In Cleveland, Ohio, a new group of titans are emerging and are equally as dominating.  Consisting of Nate Milstein, Vince Gillman, Matt Devonshire, and Matt Bryson, Titans in Time have begun to shake up the Cleveland music scene with their tight hard rock melodies, blunt lyrics, and engaging stage presence.  Although, their colossal sound is the product of hours spent in Bryson's basement and not divinity. 

Around June of 2013 the four found themselves back in the Cleveland area, filling in the pieces for a patchwork of songs that they had been working on independently.  What came from it is the “Oceanus” EP, a six track album that has served as the starting point for their budding music career.  Keeping with the titans theme, “Oceanus” gets its namesake from the Greek titan of the same name.  Upon listening, you are overwhelmed with a kind of energy that usually can only be produced at live shows.  Milstein’s guitar playing is beautifully complimented by Devonshire’s bass line as Bryson sets the beat with roaring drums.  All to be complimented by Gillman’s vocal talents. 

With musical influences ranging from Underoath to Katy Perry, the guys have used a building process when it comes to writing their music.  Starting with nothing more than a guitar riff or a drum part, after a fifteen to twenty minute jam session, the skeleton for a song is produced.  With some more fine tuning, and throwing out more ideas, a song is finalized and viciously practiced for their next live show.

Their live performance is truly something that could rival today’s major acts.  They conduct themselves in a way that pulls the focus to Titans in Time on the whole rather than one specific band member.  At one minute, one is following Gillman bounce around the stage and the next they become captivated with Milstein, Devonshire, and Bryson’s intensity.  To gauge their performance, the guys see who is playing the hardest and then use that as the standard to meet.  However, that does come with some risk considering that Bryson is known to adjust his glasses in-between drum beats and is waiting for the day that he accidentally smashes himself in the face.  “I think our end goal is for our worst live show to be most people’s best live show,” Milstein noted.  “We don’t want to play like a local band because we don’t want to be considered a local band.  We want to deliver a show that the big bands are delivering.  Just because you’re unsigned doesn’t mean you can’t put on a performance that people want to watch”, Gillman followed with.    

The funny part is, Gillman has terrible stage fright.  To cope, he has to “erase himself” from the stage.  “I go on stage and it’s pretty much erase the white kid from suburbia.  I’m a boring person.  I got to do my thing.  I got to deliver a show.  No one wants to see me stand at a pole for thirty minutes”, Gillman said.

Though Gilman may have to erase himself to perform, Titans in Time are far from erasing themselves from being relevant in the Cleveland music scene, despite being unsigned.  With Milstein taking the in-charge role, the group has successfully managed the business end of the music industry.  Titans in Time have merchandized their band not only on a literal merch level, but by creating a central theme and image for their group.  Their main focus is to continue to push their music along, nothing more and nothing less.  So much so that their mantra is simple: band comes first.   

Now with a new EP to be recorded in September and a tour beginning, Titans in Time continue to feed the monster they are.   It may be small steps in the beginning, but their ultimate goals are on the horizon.  With their enormous sound, thrilling performance, and unfathomable dedication, it is clear that Titans in Time will surely become titans, in time.

“Like” Titans in Time on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @TitansInTime!

Titans in Time’s music is streaming on Spotify and available for purchase on Itunes.  For more information and a tour schedule, visit http://www.titansintime.com/ .

Have a Twitter?  Follow @SunJamSessions!

Have a Tumblr?  Follow sundayjamsessions !  

[sundayjamsessions]

#LoveWins

In case you haven’t heard, the Supreme Court ruled on Friday that love is the law of the land.  Yes, the United States finally recognizes marriages between men and women; women and women; and men and men.  This is a wonderful triumph for equality and love.  In other words, it’s time to celebrate!  Below are four music videos that celebrate love and equality.  What’s better?  Not a thing.

Sunday Jam Sessions started as a place for all kinds of people to celebrate their individuality through music.  Which is why Sunday Jam Sessions in a proud ally to the LGBTQ community.  Love others.  Love all.  Love wins.

Have a Twitter?  Follow @SunJamSessions!

Have a Tumblr? Follow sundayjamsessions!

[sundayjamsessions]

Ladies and Gentlemen, The Rolling Stones

Last night, Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, featured the greatest rock n roll band in the universe: The Rolling Stones.

Thousands packed the stadium to experience the Zipcode Tour; a fifteen show North American stadium tour announced earlier in the year.  Packing the arena was an eclectic group of people ranging from a woman dressed in a felt tongue and lips costume to dads with their kids.  For hours prior to the show fans tailgated in the rain and enjoyed the opening act, AWOLNation.  However, right before The Stones were to play, the rain cleared and a double rainbow came across the sky ending right at Heinz Field.  Apparently the pot of gold talked about at the end of a rainbow is a Rolling Stones concert.

Rain doesn’t dare to fall on The Rolling Stones.

After a short travel themed video displaying the band throughout the years, the first chords of “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” filled the air.  The fans erupted with cheers, later singing along with Mick Jagger.  Many air guitar-ed with Keith Richards and others danced to the beat.  The energy was nearly palpable as Jagger strutted back and forth the football field long stage, commanding the crowd to clap along.  Both Richards and Ronnie Wood focused entirely on their respective guitars, only to interact with each other during the more intricate parts.  Meanwhile, Charlie Watts sat further back with a content, stoic look on his face as he played his drums.

Each member was entirely immersed in their own role in producing a larger than life sound, unfathomable for a stadium setting.  At any point in time, one could hone in on any instrument and follow its sound throughout the song.  There was no need for excessive pyro technics, elaborate effects, or extensive rhetoric, the music was the star of the show.  Of course there were some visual stimulants and Jagger talked to the crowd in his heavy British accent, but as soon as the first chord played everyone snapped into their musical role.  Richards went so far as to cut Jagger off by starting to play “Satisfaction” in the middle of one of his sentences so the focus went back to the music. 

The most incredible part of the show was watching their expressions on the jumbotron.  During longer guitar solos Richards would look down at his guitar, purse his lips slightly, and shake his head back and forth until a little grin filled his face, almost as if coaxing a friend into a favor.  Jagger maintained a kind of intensity on his face that complimented his spurts of wild dance moves.  Wood took a more animated approach during his play by bobbing his head back and forth and letting out an occasional full-faced grin.  Watts sat upright and gentleman-like as he calmly pounded away on his drum set.  Before thousands of fans wasn’t four men in their late 60s-early 70s, but four passionate musicians proudly flaunting the beautiful sounds they’ve created for decades.  It was evident on their faces. 

Supporting them was a group of equally talented musicians on the saxophone, keyboard, bass, and backing vocals.  Amazingly, during “Gimmie Shelter”, the female vocalist stood front and center and belted out her part with enough power to bring down the stadium.  The only voice that may have been slightly more powerful than her’s was when Jagger got everyone to sing the “oooh ooh”s at the beginning of “Sympathy for the Devil”.

All things considered, The Rolling Stones didn’t earn the title of “greatest rock n roll band in the universe” because of their antics, album sales, or enduring career.  They earned it because throughout that enduring career they have produced music that speaks to generations while performing it flawlessly for thousands.  In the end, it’s all about the music and The Stones know how to deliver it.

Have a Twitter?  Follow @SunJamSessions!

Have a Tumblr?  Follow sundayjamsessions!

[sundayjamsessions]

The Shape of Things Shifting into Place

For the past six years, JD Eicher & the Goodnights have been redefining what it means to be an indie music group.  While so many have relied on nothing but acoustic guitars and bleeding heart lyrics, JD and crew have pumped out multi-layered and un-cliché songs for each of their three albums.  What began as JD Eicher’s solo sets at Westminster College has turned into a dynamic group setting out for nothing more than an honest career in music.

Consisting of JD Eicher, Ben Portz, Jim Merhaut, and Dylan Kollat, these "good[k]nights” have created a sound with strong indie roots while still being unafraid to incorporate folk, rock, and pop elements.  Carried by these unique melodies are the stories of Aaron, Edgar Greene, Pandora, a grey man in a boat, and many more.  The cumulation of their stories has created the overarching idea of “the shape of things shifting into place”, which has propelled the group’s simple purpose: to make memorable music.

To be honest, I have been listening to JD Eicher & the Goodnights since day one.  Don’t believe me?

Behold: JD Eicher and I after a set circa 2010.  Where I was trying to bring back the 90s side ponytail and Justin Bieber hair was considered stylish.

Long before his Bieber hair, JD Eicher was a twelve year old kid enchanted by the sound of the acoustic guitar.  Learning how to play from the band’s current bassist, Jim Merhaut, JD slowly began to find an escape in playing.  Over time his escape became more of an obsession, indicating that music was the only thing he wanted to pursue.  With the support of loved ones and inspiration ranging from Jimi Hendrix to John Myer, JD began his music career as a solo artist playing acoustic sets around Westminster College.  After a few years, JD sought to move beyond the acoustic sound by incorporating a full band.  Hence what was JD Eicher became JD Eicher & the Goodnights.

Quickly they proved that they were more than just “nice guys from the Midwest”.  With an admirable work ethic that reflects their Rust Belt roots, the guys have continued to play as many shows as possible, anywhere they can play.  As a result, they have gathered a strong and devoted following that enjoys their music from Boardman to Atlanta.  

Using personal experiences and fictional characters, JD Eicher & the Goodnights have placed a great influence on the value of the lyric.  “I really think the lyric itself is worth it and I’m trying to do my own little part to make people focus on that.  I think story telling is a big part of what song writing is; to put people in a place to see something where they wouldn’t see otherwise,” JD emphasized.  JD’s song writing ability is greatly highlighted in the song “Edgar Greene’s Time Machines” as he sings a whimsical tale about a man’s time travels.  Despite turning what would be a children’s book into a song, the final product is far from childish.  Rather you find yourself confronted with the reality that acknowledging wrongs does not always result in change.  Their storytelling song style has managed to successfully incorporate whimsy with real world, and sometimes harsh, lessons.   

Now with three albums under their belt and a fourth album in the works, the band has begun to take a new, more personal direction with song writing.  Instead of starting another set of albums with an overarching theme, JD is putting everything else that did not quite fit for the previous albums into album four.  The process has consisted of taking not only what they want to hear, but also their beliefs and translating them into music palatable for all.  JD notes that one of the greatest challenges is translating an idea of a song to someone who may not know him, or even be invested in the band, so they can take away said idea.  To him, their music is something that is meant to be shared and open to be felt or, at the most basic level, heard.  

So what does the future look like for JD Eicher & the Goodnights?  Thankfully, no more Bieber haircuts.  How about fame?  Glory?  Contributions to the portfolio of celebrity mug shots?  Not quite.  Just more music and more shows for anyone who is willing to listen.  When it comes down to it, “I have a lot of things I want to say,” said JD, “So long as I have things I want to say, I can make songs from them”.

Bailey’s Top Five JD Eicher & the Goodnights Songs:

1.) “Edgar Greene’s Time Machines”

2.) “You’ve Got A Lot of Growing Up to Do”

3.) “Stomping Grounds”

4.) “Crazy”

5.) “Blue Coat on the Carousel”

For more information on JD Eicher & the Goodnights along with tour dates, visit www.jdeicherandthegoodnights.com or “like” them on Facebook.  Their music is also available for purchase on Itunes.

Have a Twitter?  Follow JD Eicher @JDEicher [and @SunJamSessions]!

Have a Tumblr? Follow sundayjamsessions !

[sundayjamsessions]

The Hardest Question to Answer is “Why?”

Happy Sunday, Jammers (yes, I’m sticking with the cheesy name of “Jammers” for you guys)!  I hope everyone has had a nice, relaxing weekend!  

Today’s jam session is going to be a story telling/interactive one.  As I outlined in the very first post, Sunday Jam Sessions has multiple purposes.  Not only is it meant to be a place where you can learn about and share music, but also a place for free expression and discussion.  Which is why this post is going to be focusing on answering the ultimate question: why do you love music?  

As for me, it all started with a t-shirt.  

It was solid black Hinder tour shirt with red splatter down the front.  My middle school aged self loved sporting that shirt anywhere, including church choir practice.  I may not have been allowed to go see them because “they swore too much”, but that wouldn’t stop me from supporting my favorite band.  Until one day when a “friend” of mine said, “Why do you wear that shirt so much?  It’s so goth and scary.  You should dress more like a girl and less scary”.  And that’s just what I did.

I buried my beloved t-shirt in the bottom of my dresser.  I bought clothes from Hollister because that’s what all the popular girls at school were wearing.  I started listening to country music because, again, that’s what the girly-girls liked.  I refused to listen to rock n roll, uncomfortably wore mini skirts, and scrubbed anything that could be “goth” from my tastes.  Can you blame me?  I was a young, impressionable middle schooler trying to find acceptance not only from her friends, but from those who were considered the social elite.  For awhile my plan worked; everyone around my loved my new look and tastes.  There was just one problem...

I hated myself.

It wasn’t until one day when I was riding in my dad’ truck did I snap out of my delusions.  Listening to Hot 101, the preferred station of the thirteen year-old queen bees, a song I had never heard before played.  The melody was lively and complimented by spunky lyrics that made me want to wildly car dance.  By the end of it, I was backing the singer up with a more toned down “whoa I never meant to brag, but I got him where I want him now”.  Once home, I searched for the song online and stumbled across a music video called “Misery Business” by Paramore.  Before me wasn’t just a song I quickly fell in love with, but a girl with vibrant, red hair dancing around boys wearing skinny jeans and strumming electric guitars.  Was this something that could be celebrated, too?

Diving more and more into their music, my conclusion was simple: yes.  Here was a band that was accepted and loved for just being who they wanted to be and making music they loved.  That was the day I vowed to never wear a mini skirt unless I, and I alone, truly wanted to.  Something clicked in my brain that it was ok to be different.  Not only was it ok to be different, but I could be loved for being different.

So why do I love music?  I love music because it helps me discover more and more about myself.  It has helped me accept every little facet of my personality and love them all equally, even the weird parts.  I now firmly believe that one of the most exhausting things is to consciously try to be anything but who you are.  Listening to music is me consciously reminding myself to be who I am.  Moreover, it’s a medium where all of my thoughts and emotions are made tangible.  There’s something therapeutic about what is abstract being made concrete.  Maybe because it makes the good seem more good and the bad something that can be conquered.  I’m not quite sure, but I am thankful for whatever the reason may be.

So why do you love music?  Do you have a story behind it?  Or is it just something you like to jam to in the car?  What do you think?  Leave your comments on the “Comments” tab [above] or tweet at me (@SunJamSessions).  Let’s engage in a discussion!  I want to hear your thoughts!

PS. Gold star to who ever can correctly tell me what song the title is from.

Follow on Twitter at @SunJamSessions !

Follw on Tumblr sundayjamsessions !

[sundayjamsessions]

Time for Change

Happy Sunday evening, friends! 

For the past few Jam Sessions, I have been featuring primarily rock musicians.  Don’t worry indie music lovers, I have not forgotten you.  Which is why after next week’s Jam Session, I’ll be focusing on more indie-esque music.  To peak your interest, here is an awesome playlist consisting of indie jams, soft rock jams, bluegrass jams, and nothing you can head bang to.

“All the Pretty Girls” by Kaleo

“Bright” by Echosmith

“Rocking Chair” by Allen, Mack, Myers, and Moore

“Bethlehem Steel” by Delta Rae

“You are a Tourist” by Death Cab for Cutie

“Nothing Left to Lose” by Mat Kearney

“Sleep” by Allen Stone

“Bad” by The Cab

“Banana Pancakes” by Jack Johnson

“Great Big World” by Ron Pope

“Endlessly” by Green River Ordinance 

“Edgar Greene’s Time Machines” by JD Eicher and the Goodnights

“Eet” by Regina Spektor

“Brave” by Sara Bareilles

“Bullet” by Steel Train

“Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman

“My Life” by Billy Joel

“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” by Elton John

“First Day of My Life” by Bright Eyes

“You and I” by Ingrid Michaelson

Like I said from the beginning, all music is fair game.  Hence, it’s time to shift gears!

Have a Twitter?  Follow @SunJamSessions

Have a Tumblr? Follow sundayjamsessions

[sundayjamsessions]

Cue the Nostalgia

I have five good reasons for you to waste some time and they are as follows:

1.) “Complicated” by Avril Lavigne (2003)

2.) “Bye Bye Bye” by ‘N Sync (2000)

3.) “Hit Me Baby One More Time” by Brittany Spears (2003)

4.) “Oh Aaron” by Aaron Carter (2001)

5.) “I Want it That Way” by the Backstreet Boys (1999)

Need I say more?

Have a Twitter?  Follow me at @SunJamSessions !

[sundayjamsessions]

Pragmatist vs. Dreamer

Good Sunday evening, friends!  I hope you all had a lovely day!  For today’s jam session, we are going to break down my favorite song “Barlights” by fun.   

Lyric break-downs are something I hope to do on a regular basis.  Mostly because music is a kind of art where two people can listen to the same song and take away two entirely different messages.  There’s nothing black and white about a song.  Certain sounds produce different feelings as the lyrics process through you brain and generate a hidden message.  How neat is that?  

According to my laptop’s Itunes playlist, I have listened to “Barlights” nineteen times.  Considering this does not count the numerous car drives where it has been blasted as I drove around town, it’s more accurate to say that I’ve listened to this song about a million times.  The intoxicating drum beat during the first few measures draws me in every single time.  Then, Nate Ruess chimes in with:   

Never in all of my life Have I seen eyes as empty as these streets of my city on a Saturday night, all the green of your eyes says "Go, leave it all behind."

Funny story about the first verse of this song,  The day before I moved to Akron, one of my best friends wanted to take me out to a little night club as a going away celebration.  So we drive downtown and there are exactly three other people there.  Absolutely dead.  I’ve never seen ANY downtown area so empty.  As she profusely apologized for a lack luster going away celebration, I found myself singing this verse over and over again in my head.  It was a weird, but still comforting, send off.  After all, the next line is “change is gonna come”, right?   But I don't need to be reminded a change is gonna come. I can feel it on the tip of your tongue. And I feel alive.

Want change?  Move to a city and start a life for yourself that you’ve only been to twice prior.  Want to feel alive?  Start designing the life you’ve dreamt of when you get there.   We met up once we'd settled the sun Between the heat and the work week the fear is we could use some sleep but sleep to the superfluous man means better use for beds and I'll bet I'm coming home alone tonight.

fun’s lyrics have always been more story-like instead of poetic, which is really emphasized here.  Whereas the first two verses have a light, almost dreamlike, quality to them, Ruess bluntly cuts through with this third verse that brings the character back down to the real world.  It’s a reminder that he’s not singing about some head-in-the-clouds dreamer, but someone who’s ruthless and determined to make something new out of themselves.  Furthermore, it’s someone who is realistic enough to realize they’re reaching their wit’s end.    I don't need to be reminded that this is how it was. I moved on, I passed a billboard down my block that asks if I've had enough, and aloud I say "I've had too much," when the truth is, I'm just getting started.

One of my all-time favorite verses.  Period.  I love how there’s a little bit of a conflict between the dreamer in the beginning and the realist noted in the previous verse.  How often to you find these two sides of yourself in conflict?  When your aspirations seem fleeting, it’s so easy to fall back into what’s comfortable.  Move back to your hometown, stay in a job you’ve had for years, or even give up entirely on your dreams.  How often to do you hear of someone just throwing their hands up and saying “I’ve had too much”?  It’s common; it’s often pragmatic.  Then the dreamer comes back in with “truth is, I’m just getting started”.  Here we have a conflict of interest between the pragmatic self and the dreaming self.  Who will win?  We continue to listen...

Now all the barlights are blinking in time to Mexican music, it's taunting the pavement and I feel alive.

Fun fact: I love this song so much that it actually inspired my first tattoo.

Sugar skulls are common in Mexican culture so I chose to get a sugar skull to link back to the Mexican music sung about chorus.  It serves as a permanent reminder of the song’s story.  I guess instead of barlights taunting the pavement, they’re taunting my shoulder.     One of us sings, and one of us drinks, and one of us has nothing at all. So he calls us all sheep I'm the Little Bo Peep of the bunch. (I take their tales and I'm ready to go) The he swears he's gotta take this call Man, I get scared he's gonna leave us too soon.

Yet again we have the dreamer coming out and yearning that the pragmatist-dreamer conflict is neutralized.  Where the dreams of the dreamer are what’s realistic.  We were the get rich quick kids, We never got it right So we settled for the center of town Where all the rich white kids is out looking for a fight got the blond one staring me down. And I really wanna take a swing I can't help but remember James Dean See we are part of the few who agree that hey, he lived life fast but he died. He died. He died. Me, I'm gonna live forever.

The kind of power Ruess gets behind the phrase “me, I’m gonna live forever” is enough to catch you off guard.  Here the dreamer is yelling at the internal pragmatist that they refuse to be your standard 9 to 5 person.  Hence, the dreamer wins(YEY!).     Now all the barlights are blinking in time to Mexican music, it's taunting the pavement and for the first time in a long time I feel alive

“I feel alive”.

[Lyrics pulled from www.azlyrics.com]

“Barlights” gives the listener a lot to take in not only on a musical level, but on a lyrical level.  I guarantee that with each time you listen to this song, you pick out a new instrument pushing its sound through.  Paired with the story telling lyrics, you are challenged to creatively process the song opposed to just hearing some words and notes.  The result: the story you need to hear the most.  So I challenge you, what do you pull away from it?  What do you hear?  What’s the story that’s told to you?

Have a Twitter?  Follow me at @SunJamSessions 

[sundayjamsessions]

Twiddle deedle dee

Happy (Monday), friends!

I know, I know...it’s not Sunday.  Therefore, today is a Monday Jam Session (oops).  I have a good excuse!  I spent all of Mother’s Day Sunday with my mom.  So, my dear seven readers, please don’t be out raged. 

Since Mother’s Day Sunday is all about loving your mom, I’m going to let the mom’s of the world have that Sunday.   The subsequent Monday shall be dedicated to loving....the musicians who follow me on Twitter!   One of my favorite things about Sunday Jam Sessions is all the musicians who DM me their music.  Yes, followers, I really do listen to what you send me.  Below are some of the bands who have DMed me their songs that you should follow/listen to/dance to/enjoy.  All songs are various sub genres of rock with one metal group thrown into the mix. 

Everlit: @EverlitMusic

“A Phoenix Will Rise”  https://soundcloud.com/everlit/a-phoenix-will-rise

The Awareness: @Awarness_The [**bonus cool points awarded because they’re Canadian**]

“Tar” http://theawareness.bandcamp.com/

Butcher Babies: @ButcherBabies

“Magnolia Blvd.” availble on Spotify

Awake At Last: @awakeatleastrock

“King of the World” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdeM-2rdd4c

Now go forth, Jammers!  Enjoy all that music I’ve thrown at you the past two weeks.  Prepare yourself, though, because Sunday Jam Sessions will be getting a major facelift over the next few weeks.  We’re going to make this as awesome as possible.  Lots of changes, lots of fun stuff.  Stay tuned because it’s about to get good.  

Follow me on Twitter at @SunJamSessions !  AND don’t forget to DM me what you want me to listen to! 

[sundayjamsessions]

The Sun is Out and the Snow is Gone

Here’s to Sunday, friends!

Want to know what’s absolutely lovely?  The fact that summer is right around the corner.  Yes, summer.  That glorious time of year where pay checks are spent on concerts and ice cream.  Where you spend the day at a baseball game, even though you hate baseball.  Where you can go for hikes after work because it doesn’t start getting dark until 9pm.  Best of all...bonfires...and s’mores (mostly s’mores).  

With the snow gone and the yearning for adventure time strong, you’re going to need some quality driving music to get you from point A to B.  Have no fear, Sunday Jam Sessions has your back.  Below is a list of 20 of the best songs to drive around, with the windows down, to.  It doesn’t matter if you’re on your way to the beach or the office, this set of songs is guaranteed to make your day better.

Just Drive by: Four Years Strong

Shut Up and Dance by: Walk the Moon

Always Be One by: Night Terrors of 1927

High by: Young Rising Sons

Daylight by: Matt and Kim

Summertime by: Kenny Chesney (throw back to my country phase)

Can’t Hold Us by: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

The Few That Remain by: Set Your Goals

Uptown Funk by: Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars

Chelsea Dagger by: The Fratellis

Somebody Told Me by: The Killers

Cradle by: The Joy Formidable

All the Pretty Girls by: fun.

St. Patrick by: Pvris

Jump in the Pool by: Friendly Fires

Closer by: Tegan and Sara

Causing a Commotion by: TeamMate

Come Together by: The Beatles

Like I Roll by: Black Stone Cherry

Baba O’Riley by: The Who

However, there is one important rule to this playlist.  While listening, you are required to obnoxiously (safely) car dance.  You know that person that sits at red lights and sings to the steering wheel while dramatically flailing their arms?  That’s you now.

Have a Twitter? Follow @SunJamSessions !

[sundayjamsessions]

Till’ We’re Dust and Bones

Hello, friends!  Happy Sunday!

Today’s jam session is going to be a jam session in the more literal sense as I will be reviewing Night Terrors of 1927′s album “Everything’s Coming Up Roses”.

It’s actually the best.  Period.

NTO 1927′s eleven track album enchants listeners from beginning to end.  Instantly you are intrigued by the melodic guitar strumming and soft drum beat as a chorus sings out “ohh whoa ohh ohh oh”.  It’s an introduction that you would expect to hear in the opening sequence of a fairytale and, in a sense, that’s just what it is.  It’s an album unlike anything I’ve ever listened to with a sound that is a whimsical indie-rock/synth hybrid.  However, don’t let the term “whimsical” fool you.  “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” has tracks that emit a kind of power that immerses the listener into the song.  There’s almost a hypnotic magic behind the combination of Jarrod Gorbel’s voice and Blake Sennett’s unique guitar riffs.  

Pause.  Moment of appreciation for Jarrod Gorbel’s voice.  Basically it’s like a chocolate molten lava cake: rich, powerful, and you can’t stop eating (listening to...?) it no matter what.    

Looking at the album on a track by track level, what I find most appealing is the bold one-liners sprinkled throughout the lyrics.  Each song comes packed with a raw, honest expression of emotion while simultaneously telling a story.  Below is a track listing (my favorite songs are bolded) and a quick lyric snippet: 

[Album art courtesy of Atlantic Records] 

1.) Dust and Bones

“The clock keeps turning, the world keeps burning.  It’s life or death, we won’t rest, till’ we’re dust and bones.”

2.) Running in Place

“In the dark alleys with the black cats and clichés fall the white ashes from the ones we tried to save.”

3.) Perfect Day

“It’s a great wide open sky; the kind of day where lightning strikes.  Everything is starting to boil over.  It’s the perfect day...for starting over.”

4.) When You Were Mine [feat. Tegan and Sara]

“Maybe you got soft, flew out the door on the breeze.  Maybe you just got lost on the way back home...to me.”

5.) Novocaine

“Cold ghost town of empty streets; scarred, broken and lost at sea.  Let me be your novocaine.  If you let me, I’ll keep the wolves at bay.”

6.) It Would Be an Honor

“It would be an honor to have my heart broken by you.”

7.) Fire with Fire

“But I’ve been up nights talking to my God.  Can’t see the plan He’s got or what the hell He wants.  And I’m so tired my gloves have come off, all my bets are off, all my hopes are lost.”

8.) Always Be the One

“In worse or better, nothing really lasts forever.  That was then, we were young, but we will always be one.”

9.) Shine

“True love is always subject to change.  But we take our chances, we take em’ anyway.  I don’t want to be a gambler all my life.”

10.) Always Take You Back

“I feel at home in crisis, at home at war.  If it doesn’t hurt, then what’s a love for?  At home in anguish, at home in need.  If it doesn’t cut, then am I gonna bleed?”

11.) Everything’s Coming Up Roses

“Those animals that you ground up now they eat you inside.  There ain’t no use in hanging if you didn’t do the crime.”

[Night Terrors of 1927 at the Beachland Ballroom and Tavern in Cleveland, Ohio (3-29-15)]

Overall, “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” is flawless from beginning to end.  Covering love, heartache, youthful adventures, life changes, and more, this album encompasses the emotions behind so many of our stories.  No two tracks sound similar and yet there is still a cohesive sound that makes you want to air guitar one moment and then reflect on your life the next.  Gorbel and Sennett have truly created a piece of art with “Everything is Coming Up Roses” that gets more personal and dynamic with each listen. 

[sundayjamsessions]

Record Roulette

Happy Sunday, friends!  More importantly happy first real Sunday Jam Sessions post!  Are you excited?  Because I’m pumped.

In case you didn’t know, yesterday was Record Store Day.  Which is essentially another Christmas as record stores are jam packed with special releases and deals on different records.  Sadly I was not able to make it out to a record store yesterday, but that didn’t stop me from playing a game of record roulette today.

This is how it went down: 

Step one: pick a random number (7)

Step two: drive to my favorite record store (Square Records in Akron)

Step three: go to the section where all the left over Record Store Day records are and purchase the 7th one

I ended up buying Erasure’s “The Violet Flame Remixes”.  I’ve never heard of Erasure, but two things assured me that it would be a great purchase.  For one, there is a beautiful golden sugar skull decorating the front of the bright red sleeve.  Secondly, Jack Antonoff (Bleachers/fun.) did one of the remixes.  What are two of the things I adore?  Sugar skulls and Jack Antonoff’s music.  Sold.

Get back to my apartment and throw the record on my dad’s old turntable and I was instantly blown away.  This six track record is the perfect balance of heavy bass, mellow synth, and old school vocals.  How that all works together I have no idea, but it does.  

The needle drops and instantly you feel like you’ve been put into some kind of time machine.  Andy Bell uses his sweet voice to take you back to the 80s while the synthpop track flashes you forward into a new era of sounds.  There’s an elegant blending of new and old music that is both refreshing and nostalgic.  Notably on side A, the final track sounds like a classic drum solo that has been modernized into a synthpop beat that is impossible to not bob your head to.  

Moreover, the album does not bombard you with a bunch of different sounds all fighting for attention.  Each one is seamlessly put together into an elegant track.  Honestly, I had to remind myself that it was synthpop because the tracks didn’t register in my mind as anything more than unique sounds coming together.  

Needless to say, I won record roulette (or lost...?) by finding this gem.      

[sundayjamsessions]

Hello, Friends!

Hi my name is Bailey and I am a metalhead-hipster born in a crossfire hurricane that somehow got involved in politics.  If you understood any of that, this is the place for you.

Welcome to Sunday Jam Sessions!  Yes, I’m aware it’s Wednesday.  I just couldn’t wait until Sunday to officially start this baby up.

First and foremost, shoutout and SUPER thank you to my dear friend Lily ( lilyaeyphotos ) who helped me set this blog up.  She is a wonderfully talented photographer/friend/human being.  In other words go check her out.

Now you must be wondering “what is this Sunday Jam Sessions thing”?  Well inquisitive reader, Sunday Jam Sessions can be described unbounded music.  In other words, there are no boundaries and anything and everything is fair game.  I don’t care if you are a Directioner or part of the Blood Legion (In This Moment).  I don’t care if you are 14 or 40.  All I care about is that you are willing to learn more about music and share with others what you’re listening to.  My job is to show you the music that I love while trying out things I would’ve never thought to listen to.  Then I come here and tell you about it!

To me, a jam session is all about a group of friends getting together and sharing music that they love while being in good company.  That is what I hope to provide to you guys via internet.  Can you guess what day I’ll have new posts up?  YEAH!  EVERY SUNDAY!  WOW!

Which brings me to the overarching purpose of this blog.  Yeah, it’s cool to discover new music and whatnot.  However, this is also a place where you are not judged for what you like.  When I was younger, I stopped listening to music that I enjoy because I wanted to be “cool” and “fit in” with everyone.  I changed myself into someone that was far from who I am.  I’m here to tell you it’s ok to be different.  It’s not weird to like Taylor Swift and Five Finger Death Punch or enjoy classic movies and sports.  It’s cool to like a bunch of different things.  It’s cool to discover new things you enjoy.  My hope is that you feel encouraged to be yourself while expanding your horizons to what else is out there.  What better way to accomplish that than through music?   

So here we go!  Off on this adventure full of concerts, album reviews, band interviews, playlists, and what ever else I can think of posting!  What will come of this, I have no idea.  In reality five of you will probably read this.  Still if you five find a little bit of happiness from this, I’ve done my job.

LET’S JAM.