and I stole your soal, Because you said I’d never be able

Has this ever occurred to anyone? When something is over "hyped," and the listener tends to shy away from the release? I mean, the release is going to be good, but it's not that good. Total opposite happened when I heard Lydia's "Illuminate." I found the record incredible hard to get into. Slow, moving music. The only song I could really get into was "I Woke Up Near The Sea," where vocalist Leighton Antelman showed off some amazing lyrical work.


Well, recently I've threw out my modest opinion and listened to the record. The hype issue might have been worthy. Illuminate is slowly ranking as one of my favorites of 2008. The combination of Antelman and female vocalist Mindy White is stunning. Her piano keys flourish within each others voices. The opening track "This Is Twice Now" reminds me of similar times. Remember when Copeland released Eat, Sleep, Repeat? The same feeling when I listened to that. It remind me of my favorite song "Love Affair," where Marsh is at his best. Even Aaron Marsh makes an appearance on this record on "Hospital." This record is for real.

Lyrics to "This Is Twice Now"

Baby, just ask once more
Because I saw your door wide open
But the floor is still freezing
Hailey, I was sick and I'm still quite unwell
Tell me it's you or nothing at all

I stole your soul
Because you said I’d never be able
But all the whole world is still on my string

Second time now and you’ve done this before
Drive around the back so I can’t see them
But you’re still freezing
Let me take your coat and your keys and this car
Because I’ve been unwell far too long now

I stole your soul
Because you said I’d never be able
But all the whole world is still on my string

But all the whole world is still on my string

It’s never much when I sing about you

Below, I've posted a few acoustic tracks recently performed for AbsolutePunk.net. It includes a Counting Crows cover. I've also posted a neat violin version of "This Is Twice Now," where a YouTube user did her rendition by adding her personal violin track. Listen, love, spread.

Track list:

Absolute Punk Exclusive Video

1. Holiday In Spain (Counting Crows Acoustic Cover)
2. I Woke Up Near The Sea (Acousitc)
3. Stay Awake (Acoustic)
4. This Is Twice Now (Acoustic)

Download Here

This Is Twice Now (Violin Version) [MP3]

Oh my heart is racing, my voice is shaking with the thought of you.

So this friend of mine made a blog post about Brightwood. He runs Sleeping With Headphones. Similar to my blog and all. We might even merge sites sometime in the future. Anyways, back to this band. I'm watching It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia. Tonight was a very, cold night. That included me taking a long walk home from my local carnival. High 50's tonight. It's just awesome to walk and have headphones on.

I decided to listen to the new Brightwood record, Wake. I would like to say think.. Copeland with a mix of Lydia/a deeper less poppy Sherwood. The mix of everything this band has going is awesome. Really, check out this song entitled "Dreamer To Dream." It's up there for my songs of the year list.

Lyrics to "Dreamer To Dream"

I've never been one for chase,
but for you I caved.
Memories that paint your face in shades of red and laughter.
I've been called a dreamer, desperate for sleep.
You have been that dream.
The kind I shut my eyes to keep.
I'm in love again, in the worst kind of way.
Oh my heart is racing,
my voice is shaking at the thought of you.
I didn't ask for this, I did not want it.
What do you suggest between head and heart when feeling is the strongest.
I've been called a dreamer, desperate for sleep.
You have been that dream,
the kind that takes me in too deep.
And I'm in love again, in the worst kind of way. Oh my heart is racing, my voice is shaking with the thought of you.
You've always been the one.
I've never had the nerve to say it.
You're all I dream.
The moment I'm feeling courageous,
you always leave me tongue tied.
And now it's too late because you're far gone.
Wish I could say I tried.
And I'm in love again, in the worst kind of way.
Oh my heart is racing, my voice is shaking at the thought of you.

Brightwood- Dreamer To Dream [MP3]