Eels- Tomorrow Morning

Rating: 8.8 surprising smiles out of 10

Recommended Tracks: 4, 6, 7, 10, 13

RIYL: Eels, Beck, Grandaddy, Randy Newman

In June of 2009, long-time American Rock band Eels set out to produce a trilogy of “concept albums” to reinvent the band’s already developed sound. Beginning with Hombre Lobo and critically praised End Times, Eels brings the trilogy to an surprisingly optimistic end with Tomorrow Morning. When albums Hombre Lobo and End Times tell tales of painful desire and loss, Tomorrow Morning gives listeners a taste of redemption.

CAUTION: DO NOT STOP LISTENING DUE TO CONFUSION. You are not listening to an album composed by Phil Collins and Randy Newman to be played during a wonderfully emotional Pixar movie; no, you are listening to songwriter Mark Everett’s change of heart. In the album’s second track “I’m a Hummingbird,” Everett sings “Something had changed/ and I’m not sure how or why [...]/ Gave up the ghost he had nothing left to say.” While his optimistic direction may take long-time fans aback, Everett’s theme of new love (sucks) should keep fans comfortable enough to stay for a listen.

The pace of the album balances with Everett’s simple vocals and lyrics perfectly. The first three tracks take advantage of Everett’s new optimism and familiar soft synths, while the fourth track, “Baby Loves Me,” changes that sound of the album similar to that of Beck’s Guero. The album sticks with the band’s delightfully simple guitar and complimentary electronics to create a sound that many will consider happy. Everett’s writing is right on par with past albums and songs “The Man,” and “I Like the Way This Is Going” stand out the most.

Overall the album is a beautiful combination of new-found optimism and the charm that keeps fans coming back to Eels. Tomorrow Morning is strongest when listened to all the way through, with few songs standing out strong alone. The album never gets repetitive and each song sounds fresh, yet familiar. For those hesitant to accept the band’s new emotional direction, stuff your sorrows in a sack, cause Tomorrow Morning’s looking bright.

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Ticket Giveaway: Balmorhea / Doug Burr / Bosque Brown

EDIT 9/1 7:30pm: Congrats to Andrew and Brian over at Facebook for winning the drawing. Stay tuned for more contests throughout the year!

If you didn’t win, you can still buy tickets at http://granadatheater.com!

We have two pairs of tickets to see Balmorhea with Doug Burr and Bosque Brown at the Granada Theater this Thursday, September 2nd!

Want to go? Do either of the following three things to enter this contest:

• Comment on this blog post (use a working email so we can contact you if you win).
• Comment/Like our Facebook status.
• Retweet our Twitter announcement.

A winner will be chosen randomly on Wednesday, September 1st at 1pm, so be sure to enter the contest before that time.

Continue below the fold for a video and a few tracks off their latest album, Constellations.

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Posted in Event News, Free Stuff | 2 Comments »

Radio UTD hosts an Acoustic Singalong

To ring in the new semester with plenty of chillwaves and relaxin’, Radio UTD will be hosting an Acoustic Singalong tomorrow! Our very own Mikey Vaughn and Hannah Weir will be leading the jam, but feel free to bring your own instruments and join in! There will also be free cookies and lemonade.

When: Tuesday, August 24 from 4:00-5:30pm

Where: the Gazebo on campus (east of the library)

In addition to the wonderful tunes and delicious snacks, we will also have a few giveaways, so don’t miss out!

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Radio UTD is Live Again! / Welcome Week Events

It’s that time of year again, when students drag their book bags across campus in the Texas heat and bicyclists venture out and discover that the construction isn’t quite as omnipresent as it had been in the Spring.

It is also time for the return of live Radio UTD shows! Just click the Tune In! button above and tune out to the sound of music. Hopefully you didn’t miss our eclectic programming too much over the summer!

Last year’s Convocation Carnival fireworks display.

In addition to our online offerings, we also have a few on-campus opportunities for free food and Radio UTD inspired tunes:

• Tuesday, August 24:
• EPPS-travaganza (pie eating contest, iPad raffle, we play tunes)from 11am to 1pm on the UTD Mall outside Green Hall.
• Radio UTD’s Acoustic Singalong (acoustic tunes and magic tricks!) from 4 to 6pm at the Gazebo.
• Wednesday, August 24:
• Cometville Carnival (carnival style organization fair, we provide the music) from 11am to 1pm in the Activity Center.
• Saturday, August 28:
• Viva Volunteer (student/staff volunteer opportunity, Radio UTD DJ playing the music) from 7:30am to 2pm at the Conference Center
• Convocation Ceremony (welcoming the class of 2014!) from 6:30 to 7pm in the Activity Center
• Convocation Carnival (food, fireworks, we play the tunes and lead musical chairs)

You’ll also have a chance to pick up some free and stylish Radio UTD sunglasses at these events!

Click here for a full listing of Welcome Week events.

Posted in Event News, General Bunkum | No Comments »

ULTRA Music Fest Report

Ultra Music Festival is a 2 day event held in Miami every year during the Winter Music Conference. It’s the biggest event on the dance music calendar which showcases the biggest DJs and artists from around the world. This year’s headliners included Deadmau5, Tiesto, Swedish House Mafia, Groove Armada, Passion Pit and Will.I.Am. I’ll be reviewing the event as a whole since there are too many names on the ticket to really focus on. Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in General Bunkum | 16 Comments »