Rooney on a Related Note

So, if you haven't got enough Robert Schwartzman, check out his other project, Solobob. His first video, The Victim, directed by cousin Roman Coppola below. Dig it? Here's the free mp3, via solobob.com--happy respective holidays!

Revisiting Coldplay

Ever have a moment where the song you were listening to matched perfectly with the setting you were in? Like a perfect song for that moment of life? I was sitting on the Baltimore light rail and it was overcast and raining mist. I was listening to Coldplay's Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends. Everything matched perfectly, even the Asian instrument (the shamisen?) synchronizing with the clicks of the rail.

I realized I never gave Coldplay's newest album that much of a chance, still too disappointed from X&Y. I actually liked their music quite a bit before then. Anyway, they've got it right this time around--Viva flows incredibly well and has some very solid songs. My favorites are "Life in Technicolor," "Lost!," "Yes," and of course "Viva La Vida," most of which I've played on Asian BBQ.

Bottom line: take off your Coldplay blockers and give Viva a chance. Their title song has been in the midst of plagarism charges from many other artists, including the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens. I guess it's that good of a song. Right now, Coldplay is giving out a free downloadable album. Free music is always good music, right?

New Artist: Chester French

Chester French just released their new album, Love the Future, on Tuesday and I do not remember the last time I was so giddy about legally downloading music. Pharrell Williams better be thanking his lucky Ice Creams that he snagged this band away from Kanye. I really like Pharrell's arrangements and his influence is apparent in most songs of the album, for example "She Loves Everybody." But mostly, I can't pinpoint a certain style of Chester French. Sometimes folksy ("Beneath the Veil," "Jimmy Choos"), sometimes poppy ("People," "C'mon," "Bebe Buell"), sometimes sentimental ("Not Over You"), but always groovy and addictive. Definitely fresh, new tunes from the Harvard-based duo of singer and plays-every-instrumentalist. By the way, if you want to hear a little example of the ecclectic style I'm talking about, get the free download of "Ciroc Star," featuring Chester French, Diddy, Jadakiss & Clinton Sparks, which is not folksy, poppy, or sentimental, but definitely booty-poppin' material (a special shout-out to Diddy--no bitchassness on Asian BBQ).

CHESTER FRENCH - LOVE THE FUTURE

1. Introduction
Okay, fine. Introductions are fine.

2. C'mon (On My Own)
This song is a great way to start off the album. It's definitely the most encompassing of their style.

3. Bebe Buell
I like the dog barks after D.A. Wallace (the lead singer) sings "Oh!" in the chorus ... and for other reasons also.

4. String Interlude
My only personal objection to this album is that it has too many random interludes which I think cuts off the flow.

5. The Jimmy Choos

6. Time to Unwind
Very simple, light, beachy. Short and sweet and a great way to transition between the more poppy first quarter and the folksy next quarter. Thank god they didn't use another stupid interlude.

7. Fingers

8. Country Interlude

9. Beneath the Veil

10. Neal

11. Not Over You
Absolutely one of my top two of the album. I love the chorus--"I tried to say what I gotta say, but I'm not through. I tried to do what I gotta do, but I'm not over you." When I first listened to it, I thought that the reprise at the end was a new song and I was really excited because the beat was sick. They should really use that material somewhere.

12. She Loves Everybody
This is the first song I encountered when I found the Chester French and I think it's the one that the least like the others. I guess the song kind of grew on me but there are a bunch of pretty kick-ass remixes of it, i.e. the Steve Aoki version.

13. Sleep

14. People (iTunes Album only)
My favorite and the reason I wanted to buy the album in the first place. I love the way that D.A. Wallace croons and the modulations in the middle. The chorus part ("No, no, no, no, no one's ever gonna find us") has the most addictive beats and makes the song jam so well. The synth riffs in the chorus are pretty sick as well.