Third Eye Blind is coming out with their first new material in over five years. That is right. I was still in high school the last time these guys released an album. And you can make fun of me all you want, but I am looking forward to hearing the new EP, Red Star. These guys might just be the epitomy of pop candy. They are the kind of stuff that when taken in small doses can get you on a real high. But too much of them will make you sick. The first single is pretty ridiculous, but I enjoyed it none-the-less. Don’t get me wrong, they sucked it up when I saw them open for Counting Crows, and they aren’t even in the same league as most of the artist we write about on here. But that doesn’t mean they can’t provide a great time with a song that has a killer hook, a catchy melody, and a sing-along chorus. Again, be careful to take this in small doses…or your ears might literally bleed.
Who? Jon Brion has been one of the most influential and enjoyed musical talents of the past 15 years -- yet you'd be hard-pressed to pick the Los Angeleno out of a line-up. If you've been to the movies (Magnolia, Punch Drunk Love), you've heard Brion's instrumental scores and original songwriting. If you've listened to albums by Rufus Wainwright, Aimee Mann, Fiona Apple, or Dido, you've experienced the lush orchestration and clever arrangements that come with a Brion-produced album. And then there's his perpetually overlooked and underpromoted 2000 solo album, Meaningless, a stirring gem of elaborate, Beatles-esque pop.
What? Brion is back in the spotlight thanks to offbeat director Charlie Kaufman's new drama,Synecdoche, New York -- the Brion-penned score is in stores today. And who better to provide sonic accompaniment to the complex yet darkly stunning visions of Kaufman (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Being John Malkovich) than Brion. Whether it's haunting background music or fully conceived songs -- check our Amazon player (right) for "Little Person" and "Song for Caden," featuring vocalist Deanne Storey -- Brion adds the sonic depth for which the film begs.
Fun Fact: Brion was an unlikely collaborator on Kanye West's 2006 album Late Registration, handling production duties for tracks like "Gold Digger" and "Gone."
See Him Live: Brion and friends perform every Friday night at L.A. club Largo.
Watch: Jon Brion, "I Believe She's Lying" (Live from L.A.'s Largo)
TODAY ONLY! buy this magnificient album from amazon at $2.99
Heres the Tracklist 1. Tiny Dancer 2. Levon 3. Razor Face 4. Madman Across The Water 5. Indian Sunset 6. Holiday Inn 7. Rotten Peaches 8. All The Nasties 9. Goodbye
