#1: Mika - Life in Cartoon Motion
12.25.2007
After a long and tedious 25 day countdown, The Music Mastermind has finally revealed its #1 album of 2007. Mika’s Life in Cartoon Motion has taken home the honor of releasing nothing short of utter magnificence. Mika, a young and new British songwriter, possesses the absolute best lead vocal that I have heard since Freddy Mercury of Queen. The resemblances between the two are uncanny. Mika even makes light of this in the opening track and first single “Grace Kelly.”
Surprisingly, aside from “Grace Kelly,” Mika didn’t see much radio and MTV promotion. Over the year, however, Mika’s music was licensed on a countless number of TV shows and independent radio. The only problem with that, however, is that Mika’s name was never glorified as much as it should have been. The artist was able to release the most diverse, playful, emotional, and talent-filled record of the year without many people noticing.
Tracks like “Lollipop," “Any Other World," and “My Interpretation" are only a small percentage of the complete diversity that Life in Cartoon Motion offers. Remarkably, every song has something unique to offer. Also, somehow, Mika created themes and premises for each song, giving every single track a degree of importance. No matter who you are, you should be able to find a song that you can relate to, or at least understand completely.
Twenty-five days later, the “25 Days of Music” countdown is complete. As I mentioned before, 2007 presented a ton of great new music; some of which were new bands, while some were great artists that have continued their reign. The Music Mastermind wraps up this year’s countdown, and anticipates the potential that 2008 currently holds. Subscribe and stay posted to the “Music Mastermind Blog” to remain in the music industry loop, and hear up and coming artists. Until December 1, 2008, this is the Music Mastermind signing out of the first edition of the “25 Days of Music” countdown.
Posted byLogan Lenz at 17:44 1 comments
Labels: album, best of 2007, Life in Cartoon Motion, Mika, music
#2: The Shins - Wincing the Night Away
12.24.2007
#2: The Shins - Wincing the Night AwayThe Shins barely missed out on the number one spot of the "25 Days of Music" countdown. Before revealing the #1 album, just know that the top 2 were essentially tied for the major honor. The differences and similarities between The Shins and tomorrow's #1 rtist will be obvious to most, but unfortunately The Shins weren't able to pull away with the title. Stay tuned tomorrow (Christmas day) for the Music Mastermind's number one album of 2007.
Posted byLogan Lenz at 19:12 0 comments
Labels: album, best of 2007, music, The Shins, Wincing the Night Away
#3: Battles - Mirrored
12.23.2007
Mirrored was definitely one of the most refreshing albums of the year for me. I was absolutely flabbergasted when I was exposed to this intriguing band. Quite frankly, I was most dumbfounded that I had never heard of them before. Much to my surprise, their album was already released and they were slowly beginning to pick up independent steam. Now, months later, they have earned themselves Plug Award nominations and a decent fanbase. Now let's just hope that they decide to tour the states in 2008.
Posted byLogan Lenz at 23:03 0 comments
Labels: albuum, Battles, best of 2007, Mirrored, music
#4: Feist - The Reminder
12.22.2007
#4: Feist - The Reminder
For indie music fans, some may know Leslie Feist from her involvement with the popular group Broken Social Scene. If you are unfamiliar, however, than Feist just may be the coolest new artist to pop out of Canada this year. Songs like "So Sorry" and "I Feel It All" lead the collection of songs by hypnotizing the listener with a subtly sweet voice and beautiful melodies.
Feist will be around for a while. As of right now, she may be the most highly requested live act in the United States. Before she embarks on her highly anticipated tour, any music fan unaware of The Reminder's brilliance should take the time to check out this album. After all, it is the Music Mastermind's fourth best album of all of 2007.
Posted byLogan Lenz at 19:44 0 comments
Labels: album, best of 2007, Feist, music, The Reminder
#5: Loney, Dear - Loney, Noir
12.21.2007
I don't know what happens when I listen to songs like "Sinister in a State of Hope" or "I Am John." It's almost as if I get swept away to a mysterious land of delicate music, so fragile that it could break at any second. Trust me, this music is incredible. If the #5 ranking isn't proof enough, review the scenario that I colored in the aforementioned sentence. I never talk like that. No joke - that is really the effect that this album has on me.
Everyone is always looking for unknown acts these days. Well, here you go. This one has barely even peeked its head out of a Swedish cave. Grab a hold of this now and cherish it while you can. If you need a quick comparison of how I would relate Loney, Dear's music to someone more familiar, I would have to refer to the illustrious Sufjan Stevens. Yes, Loney, Dear is that good.
Posted byLogan Lenz at 21:33 0 comments
Labels: album, best of 2007, Loney Dear, Loney Noir, music
#6: Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
12.20.2007
Tracks like "Don't Make Me A Target" and "The Underdog" portray the band's unique sincerity most appropriately on the record. Their excellent version of indie rock music stands alone as a style that is tasteful and mature.
Spoon has come a long way throughout their existence. If you like great songwriting that will stand the test of time, do not overlook this band. While their previous albums may not effect your more favorable emotions much, Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga is the start of what looks to be a "born again" group with something new and exciting to offer.
Posted byLogan Lenz at 22:06 0 comments
Labels: album, best of 2007, Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, music, Spoon
#7: Tegan and Sara - The Con
12.19.2007
The Con is a delightful blend of everything that Tegan and Sara has done so well in the past. Consisting of their version of relentless catchiness and intertwining lyrics, the album is a realistic view of today's world and how the twins feel about it. The meaning of the record is deep and obvious, without being too overbearing. If you love modern songs that will stand the test of time, give all of Tegan and Sara's albums a listen.
Posted byLogan Lenz at 22:09 0 comments
Labels: album, best of 2007, music, Tegan and Sara, The Con
#8: Circa Survive - On Letting Go
12.18.2007
Green, the obvious star of the group, possesses the most unique and fascinating vocal range any modern music lover has ever been exposed to. Placed into the mix with superior lead guitar playing and intricate drum patterns, there is no possibility a listener could be bored by the collection of songs.
Now that Green has dedicated himself to other projects (including the Sound of Animals Fighting and a project in which I am not allowed to share yet), it seems as if the guys have reached a superstar level without actually doing so. They will continue to conjure over 1,000 kids to each of their shows, while simultaneously enjoying the success that their mere two albums have brought them. On Letting Go is nothing short of amazing.
Posted byLogan Lenz at 17:29 0 comments
Labels: album, best of 2007, Circa Survive, music, On Letting Go
#9: Iron and Wine - The Shepherd's Dog
12.17.2007
On The Shepherd's Dog, Sam utilizes his brilliant songwriting abilities to craft complete songs, this time complete with percussion. His one-sided sullen folk music exists rarely on this album. Instead the brilliant songwriter comes out of left field and creates an equally as admirable and entertaining piece of artwork. At #9, The Shepherd's Dog is truly an album to be adored in 2007.
Posted byLogan Lenz at 19:49 0 comments
Labels: album, best of 2007, Iron and Wine, music, The Shepherd's Dog
#10: Paramore - Riot!
12.16.2007
Besides the notion that the group may be too "poppy" for some hardcore rock fans to enjoy, what is not to like about Paramore? The songs are short, sweet, and catchy and the instrumentation and vocals are spot-on. Need more? - the band was signed before all of the members even graduated high school. If that's not an embodiment of the word "career development," than I don't know what is.
Fast, fun, and catchy, all of the songs on Riot! cover all of the aforementioned adjectives with precision. Aside from the two singles "Misery Business" and "crushcrushcrush," the album penetrates throughout other forceful radio nominees as "Hallelujah" and "Born For This."
If you are guilty of being a skeptic, do yourself a favor and check out this album. It definitely serves its purpose very well. It may be the best straight-to-the-point pop punk album of the year. It fills the void as the album that you tend to reach for when driving in your car with all of your friends. The sing-along capabilities are simply infectious.
Posted byLogan Lenz at 22:24 0 comments
Labels: album, best of 2007, music, Paramore, Riot
#11: Coheed and Cambria - No World For Tomorrow
12.15.2007
No World For Tomorrow served as a savior for the group after two members abruptly departed for personal reasons. Although there were still two installments of the story left to be delivered to their fans, nobody knew if C & C would live again. Luckily, the bassist Mic Todd returned to the lineup shortly thereafter, and the drumming duties were given to ex-Dillinger Escape Plan drummer - Chris Pennie.
"If they are so great, then why are they #11?," one might ask. Well, compared to the band's prior release Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Volume One: From Fear Through the Eyes of Madness, this album does not completely do the group justice. While their previous releases could be argued as some of the best of the 21st century thus far, No World For Tomorrow is merely just a "great" album.
Some standout tracks are "Feathers" and "The End Complete" - songs which both conjure together the best elements of Claudio Sanchez's high-pitched vocals and each of the instrumentalists flagrant competence. The group has always been able to offer a progressive sound, while inevitably writing songs with choruses that listeners cannot remove from their head.
It's evident that I could write about this band, and even this album, forever. In an attempt to not go overboard and refrain from inciting any form of bias, I will digress. Just know that Coheed and Cambria is neither an "overnight success" nor a "one-hit wonder." And for those many music aficionados who place their hatred for the band on Claudio's "obnoxious voice," should listen to more of their tracks. Claudio is simply embodying characters of the story. High pitched vocals usual equate to a child character, while the deeper vocals represent a villain. His vocal range is actually something quite amazing if inspected thoroughly and properly.
Posted byLogan Lenz at 16:18 0 comments
Labels: album, best of 2007, Coheed and Cambria, music, No World For Tomorrow
#12: Radiohead - In Rainbows
12.14.2007
It goes without saying that the exclusive release of their latest recording In Rainbows was groundbreaking, and may have, in turn, changed the way audio CDs are released and perceived in the future. Remarkably, the band arguably pocketed more money with an independent digital release than if they were to shop it through a major label. Regardless, the band will see the best of both worlds after signing a deal to release a tangible version of In Rainbows on January 1st.
Now on to the actual content of the album. In Rainbows, without a doubt, combats any of the previous Radiohead records. Yet again offering another incarnation of the group's endlessly diverse style, the ten tracks are unique to one another, while offering all of the facets the group has covered throughout its lengthy existence.
A few of the standout tracks are "Bodysnatchers" and "Faust Arp." Although the "hype" surrounding this album enveloped far more than the music, you cannot deny Radiohead's incredible persistence to push all musical boundaries and their constant evolution as a band; a band that has come to offer something for every type of music fan.
Will In Rainbows sell copies in January? - probably. Will the record label be happy with sales of the record? - of course not; not in today's digital music world.
Posted byLogan Lenz at 14:30 0 comments
Labels: album, best of 2007, In Rainbows, music, Radiohead
#13: Portugal the Man - Church Mouth
12.13.2007
Falling somewhere between bands like TV on the Radio and The Mars Volta, it's a difficult and daunting task to attempt to corner Portugal the Man into one genre. After all, the band does offer a healthy serving of southern rock as well. As hard as it is to describe, it's even harder to understand how the band actually does what they do. Never before have five individuals sounded so full and layered, even when they're performing on stage.
It's tracks like "Sugar Cinnamon" and "My Mind" that separate Portugal from the pack. There is no doubt that this band is about to blow up. Their hidden identity can only be held captive for so long. While they will continue to tour with bigger names, their popularity level will reach epic proportions. Check them out now so that you can continue to be cooler than all of your friends.
Posted byLogan Lenz at 17:30 1 comments
Labels: album, best of 2007, Church Mouth, music, Portugal the Man
#14: Modest Mouse - We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank
12.12.2007
If you haven’t fell in love with any of Modest Mouse’s countless number of previous releases, there may be something wrong with you. Speaking merely for the last three, The Moon and Antarctica, Good News for People Who Love Bad News, and now We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank, the band has seen many awards and praise at a less-than-commercial level. If the “25 Days of Music” countdown existed in 2004, Good News for People Who Love Bad News would have been given the number one throne. Now that's saying something.
This time around, Modest Mouse has undoubtedly done it again. Although it’s not their best record, it is arguably just as good as their prior efforts, but just a little different. It’s still the same interesting dose of the band that everyone has grown to love; it’s just packaged within different kind of material. From the opening poundings of “March into the Sea” to the funky deliverance of “We’ve Got Everything,” the Mouse seems far from modest.
As we approach the top 13 albums of the year, it must be realized that the competition was extremely brutal this year. While an album like this may be ranked #14 on this listing, it would be justified and understood in someone else’s #1 position. The following installments are all amazing pieces of work that had to be arranged in a tedious lineup – strictly for entertainment’s sake. Hopefully, Modest Mouse will be able to forgive me.
Posted byLogan Lenz at 10:55 0 comments
Labels: album, best of 2007, Modest Mouse, music, We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank
#15: The Spill Canvas - No Really, I'm Fine
12.11.2007
No Really, I'm Fine is one of those infectious albums that you can't help but continue to listen to over and over. Most of the tracks are tightly constructed to be a potential fit for modern radio.
It's songs like "Saved" and "Hush Hush" that really demonstrate what the Spill Canvas has to offer the world. Not to mention the hit "All Over You" - which happens to be one of my personal favorite rock songs of the entire year.
But for whatever reason, the guys have never seen commercial success. I guess that is just the way the music industry works. I think we all have realized that by now. The beauty of it is, however, that they will be around for quite some time, relishing in their underground success that sells out clubs around the nation.
Posted byLogan Lenz at 13:33 0 comments
Labels: album, best of 2007, I'm Fine, music, No Really, The Spill Canvas
#16: Northern State - Can I Keep This Pen?
12.10.2007
Can I Keep This Pen?, marks the return of the greatest female rap group that you may have never heard of. This fall, the group played in front of sold out theaters across North America as the opening act for Tegan and Sara.
Standout tracks on the album are the oddly addictive "Better Already" and "Sucker Mofo." Northern State never comes close to suffering from attempting to fit into the mold of the mainstream. Their vulgar lyrics make it difficult for them to ever crossover to pop radio. All in all, it is a great pleasure to see such a refreshingly original piece of art be received so well during this age of over-produced copycat jargon.
Posted byLogan Lenz at 12:47 1 comments
Labels: album, best of 2007, Can I Keep This Pen, music, Northern State
#17: Ted Leo and The Pharmacists - Living With the Living
12.09.2007
Five albums after the group's formation in 1999, Ted Leo and The Pharmacists finally seem to making a name for themselves. Those that discovered their talent early on have had the fortunate pleasure of watching the band mature and adapt into an indie powerhouse. Now more respected than ever, Living With the Living has rewarded the band with their rightful dues.
Living With the Living is one of those albums that possesses a powerful meaning that you simply cannot deny. Embodying somewhat of a political stance, songs like "Bomb. Repeat. Bomb." and "C.I.A." speak immensely about the way Ted Leo feels about the current position of the United States. Obviously attempting to avoid mainstream radio, Leo is not afraid to tell it like it is.
Ted Leo and The Pharmacists definitely have something to say and they proclaim it properly and magnificently throughout the record. Be on the watch for the continued success of this great band in the future. They do not show any signs of letting up anytime soon.
Posted byLogan Lenz at 14:11 0 comments
Labels: album, best of 2007, Living With the Living, music, Ted Leo and The Pharmacists
#18: Band of Horses - Cease To Begin
12.08.2007
Having been compared to bands like My Morning Jacket, Neil Young, and the Flaming Lips, Band of Horses has created a new twist on the classic "soft rock" sound. It's songs like "Is There A Ghost" and "No Ones Gonna Love You" that make this unique group stand out among a slew of similar entities. Their recent rapid popularity, although flabbergasting to many, is justified by cleverly delivered lyrics over relaxed and mature instrumentation. Band of Horses may believe that they have Cease(d) to Begin, but it is evident with this album that they have "Cease(d) to Amaze" almost everybody.
Posted byLogan Lenz at 20:14 0 comments
Labels: album, Band of Horses, best of 2007, Cease to Begin, music
#19: Xavier Rudd - White Moth
12.07.2007
#19: Xavier Rudd - White Moth
White Moth is for fans of innovative solo singer/songwriters such as Imogen Heap and Jamie Lidell. Rudd will be taking part in a limited headlining club tour in early 2008. Most of the shows have already sold out. Jump on this fast-moving wagon now, before it's too late! delivers the same type of concept by executing every aspect of his music himself, and delivering it with the utmost precision.
Posted byLogan Lenz at 16:10 0 comments
Labels: album, best of 2007, music, White Moth, Xavier Rudd
#20: The National - Boxer
12.06.2007
After selling virtually no albums during the first time around, the National have spawned themselves an immediate underground following with the release of Boxer. Placed in the same pile as bands like She Wants Revenge and Interpol, The National seemed to have discovered their niche. For an articulate and relaxing good time, give Boxer a whirl.
Posted byLogan Lenz at 14:00 0 comments
Labels: album, best of 2007, Boxer, music, The National
#21: Kate Nash - Made of Bricks
12.05.2007
Made of Bricks is another one of those incredible albums that justifies that the second dose of the "British Invasion" is in full swing. It's the irresistible talents of Nash, The Shins, and the Arctic Monkeys, just to name a few, that may make the obnoxious and self-acclaimed more articulate music fan plead with American songwriters to read a book. Perhaps I am looking to deeply into the fact that this is just a surprisingly good album, but that wouldn't be much fun now, would it?
Posted byLogan Lenz at 20:30 0 comments
Labels: album, best of 2007, Kate Nash, Made of Bricks, music
#22: Triggerslip - Bullets and Broken Promises
12.04.2007
#22: Triggerslip - Bullets and Broken Promises
Bullets and Broken Promises serves as Triggerslip's debut full-length album. Released through a small Florida imprint dubbed Endagon, the CD failed to cover a wide geographical territory, thus leaving it virtually untouched and unobtainable. Luckily, you can purchase this CD online at CDBaby for only $12.97.
Posted byLogan Lenz at 16:06 0 comments
Labels: album, best of 2007, Bullets and Broken Promises, music, Triggerslip
#23: Bat for Lashes - Fur and Gold
12.03.2007
The rise of strong female vocalists was definitely placed in the limelight this year. Aside from the over-monopolization of the larger pop radio names, some of the most astounding female voices have made their presence known within the last few years. The overnight successes of artists like Rilo Kiley, Tegan and Sara, Regina Spektor, and Feist, just to name a few, have paved the way for a greater acceptance of the feminine song recently.
”Video of the Year” (“What's a Girl to Do?") PLUG Award nominations weren’t enough already.
Posted byLogan Lenz at 19:46 0 comments
Labels: album, bat for lashes, best of 2007, fur and gold, music
#24: Caveman Theory - The Stone Quartet
12.02.2007
#24: Caveman Theory - The Stone Quartet
Each song on the album possesses their own individuality, while simultaneously conveying the group's versatility. Whether you are looking for catchy hip hop choruses, R&B grooves, rapid flows, or some of the most interesting beats around, The Stone Quartet consumes each and every aspect with utter success.
There is something special to be said for Caveman Theory. In their rather brief existence, they have managed to represent the "25 Days of Music" countdown as the only pure hip hop act. Does this mean that this unknown group has created the best hip hop album of the year?...... Yes, that's exactly what it means.
Posted byLogan Lenz at 14:55 0 comments
Labels: album, best of 2007, caveman theory, music, stone quartet
#25: The Rocket Summer - Do You Feel
12.01.2007
#25: The Rocket Summer - Do You Feel
Inaugurating our end-of-the-year countdown is Bryce Avary's latest masterpiece Do You Feel.
Although it is evident to many that this album satisfies the "pop" and radio-friendly categories of music, The Rocket Summer is far from being mainstream. Yes, he may have teetered a little with MTV's TRL, but The Rocket Summer has become a hidden diamond in the rough.
What makes this album so incredible is not just the infectious hooks and addicting melodies. It's more so the fact that 25-year-old Bryce Avary created and performed everything himself on this album. Whether it be the lyrics, the vocals, the guitars, or the drums; Bryce does it all.
Do You Feel may not be for everybody, but it's relentless catchiness has earned itself a deserving spot outlining the top albums of 2007.
Posted byLogan Lenz at 08:54 0 comments
Labels: album, best of 2007, do you feel, music, the rocket summer
The 25 Days of Music: The Best Albums of 2007
In honor of the festive month of December, I, in conjunction with ANR Magazine, have compiled a list of the 25 best albums to surface this year. Narrowing the collection down to only 25 was no easy task, for this year spawned some of the most original, diverse, and timeless works of music to be created in a long while.
As a disclaimer, I must forewarn readers that I could not possibly have the time to listen to every single album that was released throughout the year. With that being said, however, it is important to acknowledge my overall diversity and appreciation for all styles of music. Whether it's rock, hip-hop, country, or metal - good music is good music, and I believe ANR Magazine and myself have tracked down the best and most impressive pieces of art that the year had to offer.
Compared to the lists composed by popular music publications like Rolling Stone, Spin, and Paste Magazine, "The 25 Days of Music" is a refreshing dose of unbiased and un-commercialized information that should be cherished and shared with every music lover. Hopefully, you will discover some amazing new artists along the way that you were never exposed to prior.
The countdown will begin later today, December 1st, with #25. From there, the countdown will continue each day forth, until #1 is released on Christmas Day. Think the "25 Days of Christmas," but only way better!
Posted byLogan Lenz at 01:49 0 comments
Labels: album, best of 2007, CDs, music
Independent Music in Film
11.29.2007
In today's technologically driven world, independent musicians have an infinite number of outlets to display and promote their music. Now that websites like MySpace, Purevolume, and Virb (just to name a few) exist, independent artists have been given the opportunity to "level the playing field" with those prestigious radio guys. The problem, however, lies in the fact that the endless amount of DIY work far outweighs any successful return. So, how can independent musicians gain recognition and popularity without having to deal with the over-saturated world of online promotion? The answer lies in one word: "licensing."
Within the last few years, independent artists have been glorified on film, television, and commercials more than ever before. Teenage-based TV shows such as
So, how does this process work? How can independent films play a bigger role in the support of independent music? Well, the potential lies in the budget of the film. Independent films are generally projects with smaller budgets than the expensive blockbuster pictures. This fact alone gives the independent film the advantage to be the project that partners with some deserving undiscovered musicians. After hiring a music supervisor, the individual in charge of finding, choosing, and negotiating license deals for all of the necessary tunes, the production company will only allocate a certain amount of money for the movie's melodic audio features. With this being said, it is now the supervisor's job to hunt down eligible artists (Artists that have deals with publishing companies) for the lowest cost possible. Similar to any business, the more popular and in-demand a song is, the more expensive it will be. So, instead of choosing Beastie Boys' "Girls," the supervisor may be forced to license Johnny Nobody's "Women."
Obviously, the process involves a great deal of contracts and numbers, but in the end the supervisor obtains the rights to use these unfamiliar and inexpensive songs in the movie. Although it may be said that the process is a "Catch 22" (A band can't be licensed until they have a licensing deal with a company), licensing material to these outlets have proven to be one of the easiest and most rewarding elements of income for musicians. Not only is the band given a chance to share their music with the world, they are also getting paid for it. In this way, licensing have opened new doors for every aspiring independent musician and has ultimately given them the chance to DIY for the rest of their successful careers. Independent films will forever have the opportunity to continue shifting the music industry away from the larger record companies.
Posted byLogan Lenz at 08:33 1 comments
Labels: film, independent film, indie, music
Logan Lenz Interviews Maroon 5
11.06.2007
By Logan Lenz
(Published in RAG Magazine)
By the time this goes to press, Maroon 5 will have already rocked the Palace of Auburn Hills in Detroit; the event serving as the launching of the group's highly anticipated U.S. fall tour. During a national teleconference with vocalist Adam Levine and guitarist James Valentine, RAG Magazine was able to find out more about the tour's secret details, the scoop on their latest album It Won't Be Soon Before Long, and what it is like to be "The Best American Band."
RAG: I read in the new Rolling Stone about your jam session with Prince, so I have to ask you about this. How did it come about, what happened, and what did you think of it all?
Levine: We were actually having a jam session at my house and just a random summer night and everyone came over and played music. I had invited all the musicians I knew and he was one of them, so he ended up stopping by with his band. He kind of took over, obviously, and started playing for a little bit and there was some sort of issue. There was some technical problem with one of the amps or something. He immediately put the guitar down and said, "Let's go to my place and jam there. Bring your party over to my house." So that's what we did and it was just incredible. It was pretty --.
Valentine: The greatest moment of my life … Prince trading solos.
Levine: Yes, you kept up with him, too. It was good.
Valentine: Thanks, Adam.
I was curious about how The Hives got chosen to be the opening act on the tour. Did you guys handpick them?
Levine: We love The Hives. They're a great band and we wanted to get a really good,
energetic, amazing live act. There are often discrepancies between records and live shows and you really never know who's a genuinely good band. They are just so great, literally. I think they're best suited for playing live and that's what the show's about, so we wanted to get the best one out there.
Valentine: It's going to raise the bar for us every night because they're going to be really tough to follow. So I think it will force us to step up and bring our A game.
Levine: They're the best Swedish band; we're the best American band.
Talk a little about how you're going to approach the show this time, in terms of repertoire. What is the production is going to be like?
Levine: We're definitely going to be playing a healthy amount of new material. We've been working on a list and some things like that in production and lighting and all that. We really want it to be straightforward. We don't want there to be too many bells and whistles because we don't want to detract from the music. That's obviously really important to us. We're going to stretch out our show a little bit and do things that we didn't do last time. When you have one album, you really need to spread it. You've got to play every song, which may not necessarily be appropriate for the set. Now that we have twice as much material I think that we're going to really be able to diversify the way the set comes off live. I can't wait. It's going to be a thousand times better than the first.
What are you doing to make the tour environmentally friendly? I know you're teamed up with Global Cool for this one.
Levine: We're doing a lot of things. But I think the coolest thing that we're doing is giving a dollar from our ticket sales to Global Cool to make the entire experience green, meaning everything from transportation – we personally are using bio-diesel in the buses, actually a pretty high percentage bio-diesel. We're just going to do everything we possibly can. It's still not easy, obviously, because there are just a lot of limitations and there are a lot of things that haven't been made very easy, but it's going to be the greenest tour it can be. And that's all we can strive for.
The new album's title comes from a touring expression, doesn't it?
Levine: It does. Somebody said it. Who was it? We think it might have been Jesse, but it was just one of these strange, nonsensical things that winds up making a lot of sense in some weird, abstract way. I guess it's the closest thing to what a Ringo-ism (The Beatles) would have been. When he said, "It's been a hard day's night." You kind of understand what he's saying, but you don't really at the same time. And it was just really apropos, as far as what was going on. We had been on tour forever, not knowing when it was going to end, but kind of being forced to accept the fact that it was going to last a lot longer. We were all very burnt out. It was just one
of those mantra-like things that had a lot of significance for us. What better to name our second record?
Do we know what the next single is going to be yet?
Levine: The next single is "I Won't Go Home Without You."
How do you feel the new album differs stylistically from Songs About Jane and what were you hoping to accomplish with it?
Levine: We made our first record in 2002. We were in our early 20s and then we went through a lot with touring and growing up a little bit. Our musical tastes all kind of shifted a little bit. I think the most important thing with making records is that you reflect exactly where you are at that moment. I think the album is a bit more futuristic, but also a bit more retro in some ways. It's more influenced in some ways, but it's also more unique in some ways. I don't know, it's a weird thing. It seems like the right step for us to have taken.
What is the strangest place either one of you has heard one of your songs?
Valentine: That's a good question. Someone was somewhere really strange like in East Timor or somewhere and there were speakers attached to a Jeep and they were driving through this village playing "This Love." I wish I could have been there to experience that.
What kind of impact do you want to make on the culture? What would you say your goal is now?
Levine: Bands get big and they kind of develop these grandiose opinions of themselves and what they want to do. Then they start answering questions like this, which is impacting the culture and you think, "All right, let's backpedal for a minute." We craft songs and we love to play them. And we hope to inspire people and make them smile or make them think or make them do whatever they're going to do, or dance maybe. But we're certainly not reinventing the wheel or necessarily putting a flag anywhere. We just are kind of a unique group of guys that just want to continue to play music. As far as any kind of impact, we won't know that for another 20 years. Right now, we just have to make the right decisions and write good songs that people love and see what happens.
When you guys do talk about this kind of longevity and such, obviously there's a little bit of pressure in this situation, bringing out the second album after Songs For Jane did so well. Do you feel like you're passed anything that would be considered a sophomore slump at this point?
Levine: Yes, I think so. I think that there's varying degrees of sophomore slumps. I think we've avoided Spin Doctors territory, but we haven't just disappeared off the face of the earth. But I think at the same time, we have a lot more to prove. We always are very hard on ourselves, I think in a productive way, in a positive way to keep on and to establish a career. That's what we want. We want a career; we want to be around for a while.
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