Music and Television
Times have really changed. Used to be hit songs wound up on TV shows and in the movies. Now TV has become the hit maker for unknown artists, such as Carolina Liar. Let me just say I have a tough time deciding whether this amazing band's major label debut album, "Coming to Terms," is my favorite record of the year, or if that goes to Coldplay's "Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends." Yes, Carolina Liar is THAT good.
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Ok, let's start with the TV connection. The producer of the MTV reality series "The Hills" heard "Coming to Terms" and immediately licensed it for the show's soundrack. Before long, five tracks were playing on "The Hills" in various episodes, much to the surprise (and joy) of the band's frontman, Chad Wolf. That helped their first single, "I'm Not Over," soar into the top 10 on Billboard's Hot Rock Tracks chart. If you listen to 98.7 FM or KROQ in LA you've heard it. I decided to download the single on itunes back in June. I kept seeing the 5-star reviews from those who purchased the entire album. I decided to "complete my purchase" and get the whole album, which includes three bonus tracks (for a total of 15 tracks!). Let me say this album blows me away. The music, the lyrics, the vocals, the cohesiveness, the arrangements, the balance. First time at bat and they hit it out of the park. This is an example of what happens when a great band collaborates with a great producer. It is simply flawless. There isn't a single track that I don't love. I often listen to the entire album from start to finish and never skip over any of the songs. It's rare that I buy an entire album these days, much less love every song on it. Coldplay, David Cook, U2, REM and now Carolina Liar are in that elite group.
What about live?I had the pleasure of seeing Carolina Liar at a free concert at the Santa Monica pier last month. They are every bit as good live! I met the band, including Wolf, and they are the most down to earth guys. They're still playing clubs (like the Troubador in WeHo) and opening for other bands. If you like rock and have a chance to see them, go for it!
So now, I'm just waiting for Mr. Cook's album to debut in November. I think I will end up with three favorite albums in 2008! As for "The Hills," I still have to catch an entire episode, but it seems like a pretty interesting show. More on that in a later post!
Excellent Billboard write-up on Carolina Liar.
Nice call on Carolina Liar, Scott. Sort of Death Cab for Cutie lite, but I like it. You certainly have great taste musically, Mr. G. Welcome back to the Nose! I second Lisa, we missed you. And you better link us up to something with more traffic soon...ours is sinking like a stone. We're practically down to our original 12 readers. Hurry, before we get lonely!
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