Album Reviews
Blue Party, Mia Borders, Nate Jones
Erica Colbenson
Issue date: 2/5/10 Section: Music and Entertainment
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The Blue Party
Album: The Blue Party
The Blue Party’s self-titled album is a little more blue and a little less of a party.
The brightest part of the album is the upbeat and positive outlook the band displays within their songs. “Come Down” is the celebration of New Orleans’ biggest asset, the music scene. “Empathy for the Devil,” though an eyebrow-raising take on The Rolling Stones “Sympathy for the Devil,” is the track that steps away from the band’s happy-go-lucky sound, and steps into something dreary, yet liberating. With the repetitive chords on the bouzouki, the lonely guitar in the background, and harmonies, it’s easily the best song on the album.
The dimmest aspects, however, are the poorly written lyrics in “Honduras” that may offend some Hondurans: “One day in town, after work, we got a pizza/ But we ignored the place was out of drink and water/ So John went next door and got some beer for dinner.” The song attempts to tell a story of an adventure, however, the lyrics are so uncreative that it is hard to find anything positive within it. Another bleak aspect of the album is singer Hannah Ranck’s obvious struggle with intonation in “Prison” or in “Fallen Souls.” Listeners won’t be able to absorb the message or enjoy the rest of the band because of this issue.
The album has its catchy and, for the most part, good folk-rock moments that listeners will enjoy. Nonetheless, the distracting pitch problems overshadow the rest of the talent in the band.
Mia Borders
Album: Southern Fried Soul
Not since the Spice Girls era has a woman embraced the “Girl Power” mantra and added her own cholesterol building goodness.Mia Borders’ album Southern Fried Soul is pure New Orleans; it’s infused with soul and sex appeal, and it oozes musical talent. The album taps into every emotion, making it relatable to the listeners. Borders ventures into tales of infidelity, lust, and heartbreak, all with her sensual vocals and alluring confidence.
“Sustenance” is a passionate track, mixed with provocative lyrics and a hip-grooving beat that couldn’t be any sexier. Borders pulls at the heart seams with “The Very Best Part of Me,” singing about reluctantly letting her love go — the perfect break up song. In “Scream,” Borders brings out her claws after her lover has been unfaithful and challenges his decisions with bold and almost arrogant statements: “You’ll wish you never done it/ You’ll pray it’s all a dream/ You’ll start to question/ Was it worth it just to hear her scream?”
The album takes so many twists and turns, it’s hard to tell what kind of Borders you’ll get. Overall, with Mia Borders strong, sultry vocals and talented backing band, Southern Fried Soul is finger lickin’ good.
Nate Jones
Album: Nate Jones
There is no denying Nate Jones’ talent; with his soulful voice, guitar skills, and pure folk-rock roots, Jones’ music is guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face.Jones uses a mixture of genres within his self-titled album Nate Jones. It is predominantly folk-rock, with a hint of country and blues influences. His voice is similar to that of Dave Shaw of The Revivalists; however, his musicality is similar to Andrew Duhon and The Lonesome Crows.
Jones lyrics are heart wrenching yet gentle, “I’ve been wonderin’ why you left/ What did I do?/ But I stay with your face in my mind/ Just enjoying the view…” And though the album doesn’t have many cheerful aspects, Jones’ upbeat or serene melodies convey his sadness at complex levels.
“It’ll Be Awhile” is the bittersweet, break up anthem that listeners will shed many tears to, and “All I Need Is You” is the affectionate, love song that ends on an upbeat and a major chord. Music lovers will appreciate his mellow style, one that attracts even the most skeptical of listeners.
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