March 2010 Monthly Music Guide

Looking for something new? Here’s what I’ve been listening to lately…

Artist: Flobots
Album: Survival Story (March 16, 2010)
Style: Genuine lyrical flow backed by genuine instruments

The follow-up to Fight With Tools is just as strong. Flobots brings the kind of non-computerized and non-derogatory rap that I can get into, with genuine instruments (including a viola!) providing the backdrop for fast-flowing intelligent lyrics. As a conservative I don’t agree with their whole worldview, but I love their attitude within it, their passion for justice and hope for improvement. The album’s themes also include the power of unity, looking back on hardships as blessings in disguise, and the importance of personal responsibility – even if I believe they put too much hope in man’s ability to do good on his own.
Standout Lyric: Who’s this coulda-been-Rhodes’-Scholar-centerfold / Everyday’s a resource to be sure….
But I feel guilty like the flight went down /
And my cell phone wasn’t on airplane mode
Standout Lyric II: Appetite has grown fools / Empire has sown rules
Let’s throw out craving and things with no use
People dropping jewels / Gems cant shine like our light
To air is human / So the sky is our birthright
In Case It Bothers You: About half a dozen curse words are sprinkled throughout the album
STREAM THE WHOLE ALBUM: myspace.com/flobots
Or just watch a music video: “White Flag Warriors”

Artist: Poema
Album: Sing It Now (EP) (March 23, 2010)
Style: Teenage girls on guitar and piano; a less commercialized Taylor Swift

These 17- and 19-year-old sisters are an oddity on Tooth & Nail’s electric-guitar-dominated lineup, but it’s hard not to be charmed by their earnestness. Unfortunately their boy-crazy fairy tales have a limited demographic, and I’m afraid of them coming off as a Christian-lite version of Taylor Swift. But I liked their songs before I got tired of them, and I’ll be keeping an eye on them as they grow into their full potential.
Standout Lyric: You were on my mind all day, the next day, and the next…
I think it’s safe to say now that I love you
Remember everyday I’m thinking of you
In Case It Interests You: The Puckett sisters are known as Christians and are on the Tooth & Nail label
STREAM SONGS: myspace.com/poemaofficial

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