Butch Walker - Letters
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Free Music Notes for Letters
Free Music Review: Butch Walker Continues to Evolve... Pure Genius.
Hit: 5 Stars
He rocked with the Marvelous 3 in the late 90s, took off solo in 2002 with "Left Of Self Centered" and is back with a vengance in 2004. Butch Walker's "Letters" is the best disc this year... and sadly many folk will never hear it unless the search high and low.
This latest effort shows off all Butch's skills. Singing, songwriting, producing, arranging, etc. His last solo effort was more an extension of M3 -- while "Letters" is a complete departure that sounds more Jeff Buckley at times than rock and roll superstar. Of course all with clever sense of humor, a ton of passion, incredible range and mad guitar skills.
1. Sunny Day Real Estate - A quick intro to set the vibe and kick the CD off.
2. Maybe It's Just Me - A classic. Was on the "Heartwork" EP released a few months back. Touching lyrics, killer recording, good use of the keys and an all around winner.
3. Mixtape - The single that will sadly go unnoticed since MTV and modern radio are looking for the next HoobaBizkitPuddleOfNickelback instead of a solid singer/songwriter. SHOULD be a hit, but won't. Appreciate this one. Classic tune - though nowhere near the CD's best.
4. #1 Summer Jam - Haven't beaten this one up enough yet. Most others here I have seen performed live or have a bootleg of. Not this tune. Can't really elaborate yet, but I like what I hear.
5. So At Last - Living in Southern California, I can appreciate where this some came from. Could be an absolute anthem to sum up a memorable time period.
6. Uncomfortably Numb - A quick little rocker and a change of pace after five laid back tunes. Cool recording of the vocals and use of the keys. A definite new wave, power pop rock tune.
7. Joan - A beautiful ballad that showcases homeboy's piano skills. Somber and sounds like there is some truth behind the touching lyrics. String section sets the mood. Nice tune.
8. Don't Move - One of my faves. Rememeber being very moved when Butch played an acoustic version of it this past summer on tour. The recording is even better. Great dynamics. When the chorus kicks in, you'll sing along like you wrote it -- and it will instinctively remind you of someone who crossed you life's path at some point. Great song top to bottom. Solid texture and instrumentation.
9. Lights Out - Another fun rocker that pokes fun at "the scene" of LA and all that garbage people pay way too much to read weekly in US Magazine. B-Diddy's sense of humor is still going full speed.
10. Best Thing You Never Had - Another one I saw live a few times this summer and was floored by. The title alone makes it a classic since that is something everyone, everywhere has uttered to someone at a point in their life. Vocal range really shows in this one and it is all about the emotion.
11. Race Cars And Goth Rock - Craftiest lyrics Butch has come up with since "Suburbia" off his last disc. When played live, it had more of a Queen vibe that isn't really captured on the disk here. Hearing it with just vocals/guitar was one thing -- lots of instrumentation here and a trippy recording. Love both versions - but not used to this one yet.
12. Promise - Haven't heard this one enough yet. Definitely somber and mood altering. Like the sound of the acoustic guitar a just the voice. Lines about dad giving him the first beer and holding his head when he puked keep the listener from getting too down and just appreciating the vibe the tune creates.
13a. Thank You Note - Doesn't do much for me at this point of the game. Sounds nice, but a little somber. Back to back, slow ballads are sort of a downer. Would've rather seen "My Best Friend's Magic Girlfriend" or "Last Flight Out" here (both on "Heartwork" EP) -- or even "All Falls Apart."
13b. Stateline - Butch saved himself here. Just when I was about to curse him for leaving "Stateline" off this disc, it kicks in at 3:38 of track #13. A favorite I have seen him do live, I was sick that it was neither on the EP or LP. Hearing it as a bonus track proved to be the highlight of the CD.
If you know Butch, you'll appreciate this disc. A 180 from "Left Of Self Centered" but very touching and the next logical step in his musical journey. If you don't know Butch - get in the game already. He is the best name in rock and roll that you've never heard of....
Free Music Review: Letters is an Emotional Gem
Hit: 5 Stars
Butch Walker is a pop-rock genius and an excellent producer. Letters is his second solo album, following the break-up of his band the Marvelous 3. After attending one of his shows in Nashville with some of my friends who were huge fans of his, I bought Letters because I was so incredibly impressed by his performance. I was not disappointed either. Actually, this album is what helped lead me into becoming a devoted fan of all of his music.
Letters is an emotional masterpiece. It takes you on a ride from extreme emotional highs to incredible lows. Songs like "Lights Out" will pump you up and make you want to go out and party, while songs like "Joan" and "Thank-You" note will make you want to cry your eyes out. The string arrangements in "Joan" are absolutely breath-taking. My personal favorite song on the album (and in general one of my favorite songs ever) is the power rock ballad "Best Thing You Never Had" because it is basically a "Screw You!" song for anyone that has ever made you feel worthless.
One of my favorite things about Butch Walker is his lyrics. In Letters he manages to put every feeling into words because he's not afraid of sounding cheesy or being too forward. His lyrics are very creative and bold, and that's what, in my opinion, makes him better than many other songwriters out there.
I know people who play and listen to some of the heaviest rock music out there, yet they still love Butch Walker because of his excellent musicianship. If you appreciate good music, then you definitely need to add Letters to your CD collection.
Free Music Review: Butch Walker Takes Us On An Emotional Ride
Hit: 5 Stars
Butch Walker is a guy who is well known for his style of "pop rock." From his days as a teenager in the "hair band" Southgang to his successful 90's band The Marvelous 3 to his first solo album, "Left Of Self-Centered," Butch put out "pop rock" better than anybody in the music scene today. Also, his "tongue and cheek" lyrics were always on the top of their game. I always did wonder though, would Butch ever show us his "serious side?"
After LOSC was done, he told his fans that his next album would be something totally different than anything he had ever done before and he was right. "Letters" is an album that is driven by its emotion both musically and especially lyrically. In some of the slower songs, the music in "Letters" is some of the best Butch has ever written. How somebody can not be blown away with the arrangements of songs like "Don't Move" and "Best Thing You Never Had" is beyond me. Lyrically, those songs, along with "Joan" are just incredibly emotional. Don't get me wrong, Butch has some rockers on here too. "#1 Summer Jam" is a killer upbeat tune that can get anybodies booty shakin' and "Maybe It's Just Me" and "Lights Out" get the blood flowing for sure.
"Letters" is my second favorite Butch Walker album right behind the "pop rock" MASTERPIEC "ReadySexGo." I seriously doubt Butch will ever top that in my mind, but "Letters" gets pretty darn close.
PS:
Butch Walker is THE rock producer in the biz today. From Sevendust to Bowling For Soup to Avril Lavinge, the guy is in serious demand.
Free Music Review: More mature, better Butch
Hit: 5 Stars
I have been a fan of Butch Walker ever since I saw the Marvelous 3 in concert in 1999. He put on a great show in a large setting (Big Day Out in Atlanta) in front of a bunch of people. When I saw them a few months later in a little bar in Chattanooga, TN it was even better. Butch puts on a great show that is better seen in a smaller setting where he can interact with the crowd and generally work everybody into a frenzy (in a good non-violent way).
His new album, Letters, shows how Butch has matured since his early days in the music business and just growing up in general. He has, for the most part, replaced his ironic, witty lyrics with those that are more serious and introspective. You learn a lot about his personal life including his divorce, his early disappointments as a musician, death of friends, etc... While this may sound a little depressing, it is not at all. All of those lyrics match up well with his catchy hooks and driving music. The highlights of the album are: Don't Move, Best Thing You Never Had and Race Cars & Goth Rock.
In a perfect world, Butch would be the most popular artist working in music. Butch truly loves music and has a passion for his fans. I was fortunate to meet him after a show and he was very gracious for my support and enjoyment of his music. It was a refreshing experience from the staleness that are most musicians today.
So, take a chance, purchase the album and see for yourself. If he comes to a city near you, go check him out and take in one of the best concerts you will ever see.
Free Music Review: New Butch Is Good Butch
Hit: 5 Stars
Butch Walker is the idealized American artist in an biased world of processed cheese music. His new album letters is a departure from his previous sound of "Power Pop" however the change is not a bad one. This is the defining Butch Walker CD for Butch the artist. When you realize who Butch is and how he has evolved from a 80's glam band rocker to one of the most important artist/producers in America the album takes on a whole new meaning. This album is not about Butch the "Rock Star" it is about Butch the human, who hurts, falls apart, and spreads open his ribcage at moments to let his auidence in for a rare view of what makes him tick. Butch has always been known for his quirky lyrics and this album is no exception, but just like albums before he blends harmonies, hell yeas, and raw talent into a well oiled music assault machine. Comparing him to other artists like Jason Mraz, John Mayer or Gavin DeGraw is a horriable mistake. Butch Walker is a true artist, he is not a hand picked, silver polished, fake plastic, take an ennma for the music biz kind of guy. You honestly cannot compare him to any one else in the music biz, it would be like comparing Led Zepplin with...anyone....it dosen't matter there is just no comparison! If you buy any Butch Walker CD (other than all of them) then buy this one.