Let's Talk

So....

The new Jimmy Eat world is awesome. "Invented" is a lot like "Clarity" to me. The melodies are more unassuming but the hooks are there! It's less pop and more rock. I love the songs "Movielike", "Cut", and "My Best Theory".  It think that this album was more for the fans then for the radio and that in and of itself makes it more personal. Jimmy Eat World consistently makes timeless music. I love that the background vocals on this album provides the majority of the hooks....amazing!! "Invented" is a must!

Now to the new Jars of Clay album "The Shelter"! I am overwhelmed. The songs "Call My Name" and "Out of My Hands" are some of my favorite Jars songs EVER! I must say that whenever Lee Nash (of Sixpence None The Richer) and Dan Haseltine join vocals it is powerful (Out of My Hands). I have officially been listening to this band since 1995. I had the cassette of their first and second albums!! They have been instrumental in how I have grown as a musician. I have not always loved everything they have put out in their impressive discography, but I remained a huge fan. "The Shelter" is awesome and I remain unapologetic in my devotion for this great band. Get it and listen!

I must also mention that Paul Eckberg, who was involved in the writing process for the Jars of Clay album "If I Left the Zoo", played drums on my record "Giants Among Men"(its a name drop...just saying).

Also Jars of Clay guest appeared on Nick Flora's album, "The Great Escape". Nick is my partner in crime in life and music. Speaking of Nick Flora (nickflora.com)....He is currently recording his new album with Andrew Osenga (producer of my record "Giants Among Men"... andrewosenga.com). I am excited about this project and can't wait to hear it!

Anyway that is all I have today!

Hello!!

So a lot happening around here! I am currently working on my new project. I got one song written and recorded. Sounds pretty good. I still have a lot to learn about pro tools though!! Just as soon as I get comfortable with it I am going to start a project with my sister, Megan McCauley (http://www.myspace.com/looksfromroslyn). She has some really great new songs and at the least we are going to demo them.

I have been listening to the new Lakes (http://lakesband.com/) album "The Agreement". What a great record. It is refreshing and a wonderful fall album. The song "Oh Lovely" is my favorite song on the record by far. I give it two thumbs up. Do yourself a favor and buy this album.

I watched the new Robin Hood movie with Russell Crowe. Not really historically accurate, but entertaining. I have never seen the Magna Carta brought into a rendition of Rodin Hood. Since Robin Hood is a "legend", I guess its ok to push timelines around.

I'm also on the fourth season of Dexter. This show is wonderfully freaky! I am in a constant state of stress when I watch it. Good show. Some other shows I have been watching include: Running Wilde (writers and actors form my favorite show, Arrested Development), No Ordinary Family (its kind of a funny replacement for Heroes), Lie to Me (I really enjoy this show), and Blue Bloods (not that great but you get to see Tom Selleck sporting a killer mustache).

Another thing before I go.....I am going to use this blog for more than just talk about my music. I will talk about books, movies, music, and TV shows I enjoy. So please feel free to comment and have discussions about these things with me. Later!

New Blog!!

I have not had a blog since Xanga (HA). Anyways, I thought it would be fun to be able to express what is going on with my music in over 450 characters (facebook). I don't mean to sell myself short but I imagine only a few will actually come over here but I thought it would be fun.

I hope to put out some new music within the next few months. Stay tuned for that. I first have to write the songs then try to record them. It will probably be a collection of short story songs. I have only written one so far.....I am excited about the ideas I'm having. Writing songs like these and like the "Giants Among Men" songs are hard for me. I have to have the inspiration then the words and melody to convey them.

Well I will keep you updated on the process and hopefully you will enjoy hearing about it. 

Jarred

P.S. The new song is called "Invincible".