Beans' Top 10 beats of 2010: No. 4 & 5

We have counted down five of the best albums of 2010 per Producer and Musician David Beans. Now, we cross the threshold to numbers four and five. Beans reviews the latest releases by LCD Soundsystem and The National:

LCD Soundsystem - This Is Happening (Link a la versión español aqui:http://cucharasonica.com/2010/04/download-lcd-soundsystem-this-is-happening)
LCD Soundsystem is mostly compromised of James Murphy from DFA Records. If you want uplifting and moving disco rock, this is it. Past records have been more electronic and this record aimed for live instrumentation. Consequently, this is their best work to date. A record with legitimate lyrical content, a rhythm to swing with and vocals that just make sense (leaving the bullshit aside), it sticks with you.
Recommended Track: 'All I Want'

The National - High Violet* (Español: http://cucharasonica.com/2010/05/resena-high-violet-the-national)
The National is my favorite American Rock band. Fair warning, the lyrics are not to the point, the songs are melancholy and Matt Beringer's vocals are about as low as Johnny Cash following a night of whiskey. This is a record that, with the right amount of patience and understanding, will provide a soundtrack to those confusing thoughts on loss, regret and discovery. They possess some of the greatest musical organization and arrangements you'll ever hear in a rock format.
Recommended Track: 'Bloodbuzz Ohio'

David Beans collaborates with Recording Engineer and Musician Keith Vance to offer recording and audio mixing services. Recent clients include Tom Evanchuck, Diamonds and Pearls, and Justin Markert. Beans also released a self-recorded solo album entitled The Loss & Recovery EP in 2008, available atwww.david-beans.com. Contact: davidbeans@msn.com

Beans' Top 10 beats of 2010: No. 6 & 7

Reviews by David Beans

The Top 10 countdown of albums released in 2010 continues with the following EPs recorded byJónsi and Kanye West:

Jónsi - Go

The Sigur Ros lead singer's first solo record is nothing short of beautiful. This may be the most epic, grandiose and large record released this year by any artist. Instrumentation ranges from guitars to pianos, cellos to flutes, trumpets to keyboards, choirs and vocal loop. Several tracks aim to please pop radio while the others dabble into the emotionally draining love ballad. This record is fearless and without shame, ignoring boundaries and expectations.
Recommended Track: 'Tornado' (Este video tiene subtítulos en español y en íngles.)

Kanye West - My Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye West not only achieved the most controversy over the past year, he was also able to release one of the best records of the year. This new album includes fantastic and inspiring production that escapes from the recycled pop formula we have heard all year. This is my favorite record of his to date.From beginning to end, it tells a story of an optimistically sad man cursed with the strength of artistic genius.
Recommended Track: 'Lost in the World'

David Beans collaborates with Recording Engineer and Musician Keith Vance to offer recording and audio mixing services. Recent clients include Tom Evanchuck, Diamonds and Pearls, and Justin Markert. Beans also released a self-recorded solo album entitled The Loss & Recovery EP in 2008, available at www.david-beans.com. Contact: davidbeans@msn.com

Beans' Top 10 beats of 2010: No. 8 & 9

Hola lectores del Rhythm Report! Saludos desde Costa Rica. (Hello The Rhythm Report readers! Greetings from Costa Rica.) I missed day two of David Beans' Top 10 albums of 2010 so here are the next two in the series, Beach House and Four Tet:

Beach House - Teen Dream
Beautiful and soulful lyrics, atop hazy guitars and keys in reverb, singing the songs that fit perfectly for the late-night venture home. Mostly a two-person group, the sound is huge and genuine, and recalls the ambient pop of the sixties.
Recommended Track: 'Take Care'

Four Tet - There Is Love In You

Progressively one of the most ambitious and inspiring electronic acts, 'There Is Love In You' is a record that is a lesson in sampling and manipulation techniques. This record is mostly comprised of chill tracks that are loud enough to feel yet quiet enough to understand. One of the best 'headphone' records of the year, your best friend for when walking through the city.
Recommended Track: 'Love Cry'

David Beans collaborates with Recording Engineer and Musician Keith Vance to offer recording and audio mixing services. Recent clients include Tom Evanchuck, Diamonds and Pearls, and Justin Markert. Beans also released a self-recorded solo album entitled The Loss & Recovery EP in 2008, available at www.david-beans.com. Contact: davidbeans@msn.com

Beans is on beat with Top 10 of 2010

To close out the year 2010, The Rhythm Report invited guest blogger David Beans, musician and producer, to share his Top 10 favorite albums of the year. The list presents a mix of original artists who are closing out the decade with intricate compilations of musical design. The first in this series of Beans' best albums is Down There by Avey Tare. Stay tuned to The Rhythm Report through the end of the year to learn who else topped his list.

Avey Tare - Down There

Review by David Beans
A founding member of the experimental group Animal Collective, Avey Tare's first solo record combines samples of underwater grumblings, distorted samples and talk of crocodiles (Really!) with vocal hooks that can't be ignored. The record follows Animal Collective's recent mainstream success, his sister's battle with cancer and a divorce from his wife. Who doesn't love despair!
Recommended Track: "Lucky 1"

This artist was featured on the National Public Radio (NPR) series First Listen in October. Also, read Pitchfork Media's review on Avey Tare.

David Beans collaborates with Recording Engineer and Musician Keith Vance to offer recording and audio mixing services. Recent clients include Tom Evanchuck,Diamonds and Pearls, and Justin Markert. Beans also released a self-recorded solo album entitled The Loss & Recovery EP in 2008, available at www.david-beans.com. Contact: davidbeans@msn.com

Winslow performs at Musica, introduces new songs

Winslow, currently in writing sessions for its second album, shared a sneak-peek with fans at the Maid Myriad EP release party at Musica in Akron, Ohio on December 4.Given the option between setlist “A” or “B,” the audience selected setlist “B.” The soul-funk ensemble introduced new songs, “Stand up” and “Alone tonight,” demonstrating its versatility and the courage to mix it’s soulful sound with edgier rock riffs and a bit of Latin flair. Before the night’s end, the band slowed the set to play a few ballads and lighter tunes.

No Winslow show fails to be anything less than an auditory and visual treat. Frontman Maurice Martin delivered a chest-thumping performance but--note to the sound guy--his vocals seemed to get drowned out by the instrumental. Nevertheless, the man exudes passion when he sings, crying out every word like it might be his last. The emotion was electric. Resounding, it conducted across the stage. Charlie Trenta embodied the meaning of the phrase “wail on guitar.” Bassist Kevin Robertson and Keyboardist Curtis Tate carried each song on the low plucks of the bass strings and pulse of the keys. Matt Tieman embellished the sound with jazz notes on tenor sax and Mike Watkins held the beat on drums. There is no question why Winslow was nominated for Cleveland’s Best Original Band by fans and Scene Magazine this year.

Winslow was scheduled to open for gospel-R&B artist Robert Randolph & The Family Band at House of Blues in Cleveland, Ohio on Friday, December 10, but the show was postponed. Fans can catch Winslow at Reggie’s Music Joint in Chicago on Saturday, December 11, at 9 p.m. They will be opening for The Congregation.

The Rhythm Report exclusive: Maid Myriad EP release . A Fool's Delight

Maid Myriad releases EP: A Fool's Delight

We've all experienced it. The feeling you get when you witness a performance so compelling that your mind and body pauses, almost involuntarily, to admire the brilliance of human ability. For a moment, one that feels like nothing and a million moments all at once, your breath is stolen away.

Breathtaking. That is precisely the word for last night’s show at Musica. Concert-goers at the venue in Akron, Ohio were treated to a cornucopia of creative talent for Maid Myriad’s EP release party on December 4. The night was a mash-up of Akron’s elite musical talent -- soul and R&B act Winslow, Simeon Soul Charger, Via Lotus and, of course, headliner Maid Myriad.

Maid Myriad is a visionary project based in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. The band released its second extended play album, A Fool's Delight, the first part of three EP's to be released over the next year. The quartet features percussionist Kevin Klemm, bassist and violinist Alex Popovici, guitarist Gavin Cushman III and vocalist Jeffrey Christopher Klemm (JCK).

The first note out of JCK's mouth can silence a crowd to awe. It’s pure and crisp sound is one that is all too rare in rock and pop music. The band incorporates layers of powerful vocal harmony, stellar guitar, and musing violin in its songs on the new album. JCK described the album as having an accessible pop sound but one cannot discredit the band’s exceptional talent and noteworthy originality.

The group started the show off hot and heavy with recognizable tunes from their first album, Embrace, including the EP’s title song, and the hard-hitting fan favorite, "Mr. Bigshot." "What makes you better?" JCK taunted at one point during the latter song, initiating a call-and-response in which the crowd returned his call with another "What makes you better?" The opening numbers engaged the Saturday night show-hoppers, pumping them up for the nearly two-hour set that highlighted new songs like "Nevermore" and "Whirlwind.” The title track of the next album in the EP trilogy, "Whirlwind" is a heartfelt solo ballad during which JCK rested his guitar to tenderly play keys and sing a tranquil serenade.

Maid Myriad struck an emotional chord with the audience during “A boy and his dream" when JCK invited his youngest brother Andrew and girlfriend Tasha Adessi, lead vocalist for Via Lotus, on stage. Adessi played xylophone and adolescent Andrew read a short, thought-provoking poem written by his brother, Jeffrey. It was a touching moment, evoking sighs of endearment and cheers from the crowd. At the song’s end, JCK hugged the boy and gave him a loving kiss on his head.

The night was a medley of powerful sounds ended with an intimate unplugged acoustic set where the band stepped off stage to join the audience at ground level. Audience members gathered around the band, some sitting on the floor, as Maid Myriad showcased its members' talents in their most natural form of vocal harmonies, percussion and strings.

Maid Myriad is on The Rhythm Report’s hot list of artists to watch. Watch this exclusive interview with the band as they talk with Rhythm Reporter Priscilla Tasker about the direction of the album and their music. The band’s latest EP, A Fool’s Delight, is available as a free download at www.maidmyriad.com. Maid Myriad's next two albums Whirlwind and With haste on its breath are planned for release in 2011.

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The Chuck Shaffer Picture Show debuts in Cleveland

Virginia's premier rising band, The Chuck Shaffer Picture Show (CSPS), debuted in Cleveland at Peabody's Concert Club this weekend. The alternative rock three-piece band was originally introduced to the Northeast Ohio music scene earlier this year at the FTF Music Conference and Showcase in Kent. Impressed with the band's vivacity and musicianship, local new-wave metal band 3SO invited CSPS to join the roster of 10 progressive metal/rock bands at its headlining show on July 23.

CSPS' unique sound was lighter than the majority of the acts on the predominantly thrash metal and heavy rock lineup. But the band didn't need shredded guitar riffs and screaming vocals to demonstrate its power and talent. The trio's aggressive stage presence was defined by precise instrumentation, persistent percussion and frontman Ryan Johnson's crisp vocals.

Drummer Pat Kenney set it off with a rolling beat before Johnson entered with a celestial guitar melody that lead into a 30-minute rock orchestration. On bass, David Steifel projected the beat from body to instrument, emanating rhythmic bass-lines through the walls. Mid-set, the musicians entranced the audience with seductive pulsations of guitar and bass on their instrumental composition, Mercury. Individually, each musician demonstrated skill. Together, the band created a sound that catapults CSPS into a realm beyond many national touring acts.

CSPS followed up their introduction to Cleveland with a second show at The Outpost with headliner Carina on July 24. The band is touring its home state throughout the rest of the summer. Catch them at Jammin' Java in Vienna, Virginia on Saturday, July 31, or at Sweet Caroline's in Winchester on August 20.

The band's influences include the Deftones, Incubus, and Muse. If you like those bands, or any of the following, you may also enjoy The Chuck Shaffer Picture Show:

• Jimmy Eat World
• Hawthorne Heights
• Taking Back Sunday
• Linkin Park

3SO at Peabody's in Cleveland

F'ing Showboy flops at The Outpost

Set up and soundcheck can tell a lot about a band. At The Outpost on Saturday night, Showboy rolled out a large white bed sheet stating “Fucking Showboy” in black spray paint--a bit obnoxious. The lead vocalist’s sound check was a taunt to the wallflowers in the back of the room. The first song started with a few offbeat wails from the vocalist--confirming my original perception that this would be another band that has something to prove. The “singer” introduced the third song, "FLBJ," and commented that it did not stand for F*** LeBron James. I couldn’t tell one way or the other because the vocalist failed to annunciate any lyrics. After a few generic songs, the band surprised me with a somewhat like-able tune. The accompaniment was clean(er) and I could eek out a melody of sorts. The vocals improved. The band seemed to pull together as the set progressed. Overall, this band has a lot to improve on. I won’t be jumping at the opportunity to see their next show.