"It's ALIVE!"
"It's ALIVE!"
These words were immortalized by the infamous Dr. Frankenstein as electrical currents ran through his monstrosity, bringing the creature to life.
Well, it seems that I have created a little monster of my own.
SPACESHIP DAYS has no greater fan on the planet than my son, Dylan. Unlike my band mates he knows every word, singing them and mimicking every drum fill from the back seat of my car. So it was no great surprise when he finally asked me to teach him how to play the guitar and write songs. What was surprising was the mixed feelings I had about this request.
On one hand, I was excited that he might have an artistic streak and craved a musical outlet to release all the emotions that any prepubescent boy feels. I thought it was great that we have such a connection that for this very brief moment in time my son actually thinks that what I do is "cool". That will undoubtedly change.
Then again, I knew that I was setting myself up for hours and hours of listening to him bash through the same two chords on a horribly out of tune, toy guitar. I felt like the Grinch "All that NOISE, NOISE, NOISE, NOISE from all the Who Girls and all the Who the Boys!" Also, keep in mind that for all of the pride and beauty that comes from being American... we are not the most patient people in the world. It's in our DNA.
So after a whole 5 minutes of guitar lessons, my son wanted to record an "album"...
OH BOY (pause for deep breath)
"Let's start off with one song before we get to an album", I said flashing back to my own experience with 'cutting a record' after being in a band for a whole week. Alright, it was a cassette but there were other, more important details to consider just then.
"What do you want this song to be about?" I asked.
He sat back and thought with that intense and unbelievably cute 'I'm Thinking' expression that young ones get from time to time, "Hmmmm... " he mused.
A few seconds went by and I could almost see a light bulb appear over his head
"I got it...." the boy declared triumphantly. " This song will be about my most favorite person in the world!"
Pride took the form of little teardrops in my eyes. WOW! I thought. My son thinks I am so awesome that he is going to write a song about me.
"MOM!" he yelled.
And the dream crashes and burns...
"Oh OK"... "Yeah, I guess she's pretty OK" I said, as an unnatural lump developed in my throat.
Over the next few minutes we string together a few chords and some beautiful lyrics...
"Mommy, you are my world....BLAH, BLAH, BLAH, something, something, whatever" (I am definitely not jealous or anything)
Then we set up a little microphone... record it into my computer... and burn... a CD!!!
A CD ??!!! (What the...?!)
It took me 20 years of living to hear my band on compact disc and now my little guy has recorded a solo track on one in just under 7!
Best of all Mommy loved the song, and even if the tune's subject matter is a bit suspect... I couldn't be prouder.
Well done Grasshopper... Your kung fu is good!
--M
Spaceship Days
Monday, August 30, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Is It Better From a Stranger?
"The Halo Effect" was the first recording we approached in true DIY (Do-It-Yourself) style from beginning to end. Completing the album was good fun, but finding SPAM -less ways to tell people about it was considerably less so.
Not too long ago a (somewhat) wise person told us: "No one will ever believe the CD is any good if you keep telling them so. People have to hear that stuff from someone else"
That little tidbit of advice--and others-- were delivered brusquely enough to dent our bulletproof exterior, but proved to have some merits if one could selectively listen around all the expletives. After all, once our ears stopped ringing it seemed perfectly logical; who but an already uber -successful-don't- have-a -day job-and -can-talk-about-it- three-albums-later-artist would ever cop to making a bad LP?
So here it is, thoughts on "The Halo Effect" as written by someone else.
Review Summary: Spaceship Days brings forth a lasting bond with their album The Halo Effect. Soft alternative has never sounded this clean while brimming with emotion, optimism and hope. Precise engineering, skilled musicianship and unbridled talent leave listeners with a feeling of having just heard something distinctly different and special.
Review: Spaceship Days’ album The Halo Effect begins with the track “A Little Extraordinary,” which can also describe the sound of this trio of musicians, based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, who have known each other since childhood. From the opening notes, it is clear that the bond shared amongst this collective is a strong one. Drawing heavily on influences such as Catherine Wheel, Radiohead, and a plethora of soft alternative bands that have influenced them throughout their impressive musical careers, Spaceship Days provides listeners with an optimistic and enlightening approach to music and creativity.
“Pain in Pretty Things” carries a vocal pattern that is reminiscent of the song “Mad World” by Tears For Fears, specifically the Donnie Darko soundtrack version. While that tune is dark and perhaps a bit disturbing, “Pain in Pretty Things” is much lighter by contrast. There is a melancholy feel, but there is also a rather uplifting rhythm to it that prevents it from being too heavy. The sound is crisp and the vocalist’s range is extraordinary. This track gives the listener a sense of anticipation at what is to come on the rest of the album.
The next track, “Big World Pop Star,” has a mellow dreamy quality about it that is sure to make adolescent girls get butterflies inside. The piano work is a nice touch and each note is precise, clean and well engineered. The track fades out softly and paves the way for “Stick On Stars,” which should be Spaceship Days’ hit single on this album. This piece surpasses expectations and sets the bar high for what is to come. Musically, “Stick On Stars” is a brilliant composition with an incredible sound. Lyrically, the piece gives hope, inspiration, and an optimistic sense of possibilities. This track is sure to be a fan favorite and a commercial success.
“Something Perfect” is clearly a song heavily influenced by Catherine Wheel, and yet Spaceship Days creates their own sound and unique way of portraying the world around them through music. Listeners familiar with the band Slowdive may find some similarities there as well. The polished sound and near flawless engineering shines through with clarity on this track and the vocalist showcases his range and the smooth transitions from high to low. The gradual fade out is the perfect compliment to the next track, “My Life With You,” is a beautifully written song that sends a message of undying devotion and unconditional love. This emotional ballad is exactly what women (and men) want to hear from their partner and Spaceship Days performs it wonderfully.
“The One That Got Away” is a rather deep piece that also focuses on love. Listeners near and far, from every walk of life, can relate to this heart-breaking melody and the powerful lyrics that bring forth emotions and memories. Candidly sung, Spaceship Days touches upon the insecurities that humans feel; the self-doubt and the questions we ask ourselves late at night when sleep is far. The instrumentation is not overly complicated in this piece, which adds to the charm of it and allows the listener to really focus on the exceptional vocals and lyrics. This song hits home in many different ways to many different people and would be an excellent song choice to perform live. Lighters will be flickering and wavering as the crowd sings along.
The album closes with “Oceans” and it’s a fantastic choice to end on. The track is upbeat, optimistic and melodic with a touch of sadness. A song written about time passing and the inevitable changes that occur, “Oceans” is another track that is easy to relate to. Spaceship Days leaves their fans with a sense of being understood and understanding of others. The message that Spaceship Days is giving their listeners is one of warmth and hope, belonging and comfort. This trio of skilled musicians has succeeded in bringing people together through their music and providing an escape from reality while still retaining an awareness of it. It’s a beautiful experience when a band is able to do that, and Spaceship Days does it amazingly well throughout their album The Halo Effect.
Review written by Rhonda Readence
--Rhonda Readence is a freelance writer based out of Cleveland Ohio who currently writes the Artist of the Week feature for Exciting City Magazine.
Original Review
"The Halo Effect" is available through Reputation Label at an extra low price. Now that you've heard about it from someone you don't know, why not pick one up?
Then you can tell another stranger.
--C
Not too long ago a (somewhat) wise person told us: "No one will ever believe the CD is any good if you keep telling them so. People have to hear that stuff from someone else"
That little tidbit of advice--and others-- were delivered brusquely enough to dent our bulletproof exterior, but proved to have some merits if one could selectively listen around all the expletives. After all, once our ears stopped ringing it seemed perfectly logical; who but an already uber -successful-don't- have-a -day job-and -can-talk-about-it- three-albums-later-artist would ever cop to making a bad LP?
So here it is, thoughts on "The Halo Effect" as written by someone else.
Album Title: The Halo Effect
Artist: Spaceship Days
Reviewed by: Rhonda Readence
Reviewed by: Rhonda Readence
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Title of Review: Polished and Clean Soft Alternative
Review: Spaceship Days’ album The Halo Effect begins with the track “A Little Extraordinary,” which can also describe the sound of this trio of musicians, based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, who have known each other since childhood. From the opening notes, it is clear that the bond shared amongst this collective is a strong one. Drawing heavily on influences such as Catherine Wheel, Radiohead, and a plethora of soft alternative bands that have influenced them throughout their impressive musical careers, Spaceship Days provides listeners with an optimistic and enlightening approach to music and creativity.
“Pain in Pretty Things” carries a vocal pattern that is reminiscent of the song “Mad World” by Tears For Fears, specifically the Donnie Darko soundtrack version. While that tune is dark and perhaps a bit disturbing, “Pain in Pretty Things” is much lighter by contrast. There is a melancholy feel, but there is also a rather uplifting rhythm to it that prevents it from being too heavy. The sound is crisp and the vocalist’s range is extraordinary. This track gives the listener a sense of anticipation at what is to come on the rest of the album.
The next track, “Big World Pop Star,” has a mellow dreamy quality about it that is sure to make adolescent girls get butterflies inside. The piano work is a nice touch and each note is precise, clean and well engineered. The track fades out softly and paves the way for “Stick On Stars,” which should be Spaceship Days’ hit single on this album. This piece surpasses expectations and sets the bar high for what is to come. Musically, “Stick On Stars” is a brilliant composition with an incredible sound. Lyrically, the piece gives hope, inspiration, and an optimistic sense of possibilities. This track is sure to be a fan favorite and a commercial success.
“Something Perfect” is clearly a song heavily influenced by Catherine Wheel, and yet Spaceship Days creates their own sound and unique way of portraying the world around them through music. Listeners familiar with the band Slowdive may find some similarities there as well. The polished sound and near flawless engineering shines through with clarity on this track and the vocalist showcases his range and the smooth transitions from high to low. The gradual fade out is the perfect compliment to the next track, “My Life With You,” is a beautifully written song that sends a message of undying devotion and unconditional love. This emotional ballad is exactly what women (and men) want to hear from their partner and Spaceship Days performs it wonderfully.
“The One That Got Away” is a rather deep piece that also focuses on love. Listeners near and far, from every walk of life, can relate to this heart-breaking melody and the powerful lyrics that bring forth emotions and memories. Candidly sung, Spaceship Days touches upon the insecurities that humans feel; the self-doubt and the questions we ask ourselves late at night when sleep is far. The instrumentation is not overly complicated in this piece, which adds to the charm of it and allows the listener to really focus on the exceptional vocals and lyrics. This song hits home in many different ways to many different people and would be an excellent song choice to perform live. Lighters will be flickering and wavering as the crowd sings along.
The album closes with “Oceans” and it’s a fantastic choice to end on. The track is upbeat, optimistic and melodic with a touch of sadness. A song written about time passing and the inevitable changes that occur, “Oceans” is another track that is easy to relate to. Spaceship Days leaves their fans with a sense of being understood and understanding of others. The message that Spaceship Days is giving their listeners is one of warmth and hope, belonging and comfort. This trio of skilled musicians has succeeded in bringing people together through their music and providing an escape from reality while still retaining an awareness of it. It’s a beautiful experience when a band is able to do that, and Spaceship Days does it amazingly well throughout their album The Halo Effect.
Review written by Rhonda Readence
--Rhonda Readence is a freelance writer based out of Cleveland Ohio who currently writes the Artist of the Week feature for Exciting City Magazine.
Original Review
"The Halo Effect" is available through Reputation Label at an extra low price. Now that you've heard about it from someone you don't know, why not pick one up?
Then you can tell another stranger.
--C
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Want to be a Space Cadet?
It all began with an inquisitive feline.
Sitting in my favorite chair, riveted by a favorite Russ Meyer classic, I failed to notice that my favorite movie beverage mug had been placed somewhat precariously on my favorite table.
Enter the kitty cat. Doubtless in the last seven years he had climbed, clawed at and /or sniffed every thing I own, but somehow he manages to find the most inopportune moments to do so all over again. Glued as my eyes were to the television, it wasn't until the distinctive crash of something that was once whole being made less so that I realized what was happening.
Mr. Furious eyed me with the regal indifference common to his kind, but not before giving me one of those lazy slow head nods toward what he had so callously done.
There was profanity, and quite a bit of soaking from the water pistol I employ when the pet imperiousness in my household starts to infringe on my own (perceived) alpha male status.
A devoted friend since the college years, my Batman mug lay in ruin on the floor. As I lamented, cleaning up the pieces and laying them to rest in their own hallowed trash bag, the villain of the piece calmly dried himself, then came to me and demanded that his ears be scratched.
Though grieving, I still understood the need to replace my movie watching drinking receptacle. That would mean a new mug--but what could be as dear to me as the cape and cowl wearing mad man whom I'd followed since youth?
The answer, as it happened, was pretty simple.
To the internet...!
A few hours later, my problem was solved, something new to call my favorite was en route. I smiled a little bit then, secure in the knowledge that I'd once again have something to sip out of while enjoying my second favorite pastime.
I'm not ashamed to admit the smile became a little happy dance when I realized that Spaceship Days finally had Merchandise. All manner of apparel and trinkets had been created during my quest, and we'd like to share them with the world.
create & buy custom products at Zazzle
You can browse the Spaceship Days Launching Pad at: http://www.zazzle.com/spaceshipdays
and use the page to customize your own gear by mixing and matching colors, and styles.
So go on....get yourself an apron or a, hoodie, or a magnet for your 'fridge.
Be a Space Cadet. Just like us.
--C
Sitting in my favorite chair, riveted by a favorite Russ Meyer classic, I failed to notice that my favorite movie beverage mug had been placed somewhat precariously on my favorite table.
Enter the kitty cat. Doubtless in the last seven years he had climbed, clawed at and /or sniffed every thing I own, but somehow he manages to find the most inopportune moments to do so all over again. Glued as my eyes were to the television, it wasn't until the distinctive crash of something that was once whole being made less so that I realized what was happening.
Mr. Furious eyed me with the regal indifference common to his kind, but not before giving me one of those lazy slow head nods toward what he had so callously done.
There was profanity, and quite a bit of soaking from the water pistol I employ when the pet imperiousness in my household starts to infringe on my own (perceived) alpha male status.
A devoted friend since the college years, my Batman mug lay in ruin on the floor. As I lamented, cleaning up the pieces and laying them to rest in their own hallowed trash bag, the villain of the piece calmly dried himself, then came to me and demanded that his ears be scratched.
Though grieving, I still understood the need to replace my movie watching drinking receptacle. That would mean a new mug--but what could be as dear to me as the cape and cowl wearing mad man whom I'd followed since youth?
The answer, as it happened, was pretty simple.
I needed a SPACESHIP DAYS mug.
To the internet...!
A few hours later, my problem was solved, something new to call my favorite was en route. I smiled a little bit then, secure in the knowledge that I'd once again have something to sip out of while enjoying my second favorite pastime.
I'm not ashamed to admit the smile became a little happy dance when I realized that Spaceship Days finally had Merchandise. All manner of apparel and trinkets had been created during my quest, and we'd like to share them with the world.
create & buy custom products at Zazzle
You can browse the Spaceship Days Launching Pad at: http://www.zazzle.com/spaceshipdays
and use the page to customize your own gear by mixing and matching colors, and styles.
So go on....get yourself an apron or a, hoodie, or a magnet for your 'fridge.
Be a Space Cadet. Just like us.
--C
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Welcome to The Mothership
Hello and welcome to the newest, latest and finally Official Spaceship Days Blog.
This is where we will be gathering to write about everything that goes into being a part of the band: the good the bad the trivial, and the not always music related.
We're just coming off a little vacation after a very productive summer of recording, mixing, making friends, and all the requisite bickering that comes when you get three creative people together all in the same room without enough candy.
A few updates:
The first single from our upcoming release "Shadow Walking" has been released exclusively on The Nervecast Show at Reputation Label www.reputationlabel.com so if you'd like to hear it drop them a line and say so.
We will be appearing on a local television show in the near future, and will be (gasp!) shooting a video the last week of this month.
Our second album is a few tweaks away from completion and should be available for your listening pleasure before the seasons change.
That's all for now. Thanks for being a part of the Spaceship Days Armada.
This is where we will be gathering to write about everything that goes into being a part of the band: the good the bad the trivial, and the not always music related.
We're just coming off a little vacation after a very productive summer of recording, mixing, making friends, and all the requisite bickering that comes when you get three creative people together all in the same room without enough candy.
A few updates:
The first single from our upcoming release "Shadow Walking" has been released exclusively on The Nervecast Show at Reputation Label www.reputationlabel.com so if you'd like to hear it drop them a line and say so.
We will be appearing on a local television show in the near future, and will be (gasp!) shooting a video the last week of this month.
Our second album is a few tweaks away from completion and should be available for your listening pleasure before the seasons change.
That's all for now. Thanks for being a part of the Spaceship Days Armada.
 |
| Right now we're finishing up our follow up to "The Halo Effect" which is entitled "Black Holes & Butterflies" |
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