Balarama Music

Carbon Leaf Countdown #31: Toy Soldiers

{Jan 28}

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With something for everyone, #31 is sure to bring enjoyment to all sorts of music fans. It’s “Toy Soldiers!”

I really don’t know how anyone couldn’t enjoy “Toy Soldiers.” Sure, “The Friendship Song” may be too innocent for some and “Maybe Today” may be too bold for others. But “Toy Soldiers” is such a strong song that I think it’s hard to resonate in most people. It’s got everything you’d want from a song, especially Carbon Leaf. Pennywhistle? Check. Sing-a-long but unique chorus? Check. Strong Irish Influence? Check. Cool guitar part? Check. Fun lyrics? Check. What more do you want people? More

Carbon Leaf Countdown #33: Maybe Today

{Jan 27}

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At #33 is one of Carbon Leaf’s most bold & daring compositions to-date. It’s the ten minute symphony of uncertainty, “Maybe Today!”

People always get up and arms about long pieces of music and it’s either one of two things. One, it’s a testament to the band’s uncanny ability to compel the audience. Two, it’s an exercise in self-promotion. A chance for the band to do something that will turn heads, even if it’s not that good. Being a little pessimistic, I think the latter happens way more than the former. My example would be 2010′s “Siberian Breaks” by MGMT. It’s a 12-minute composition that really doesn’t need to be a 12-minute composition except to show off how creative & out-there the band is. Naturally, the song got blown up by some talking about MGMT proving they have what it takes. Well, they don’t. They really don’t and most that try for this don’t either. It takes a lot to really engage the listener for over ten minutes. Hell, my favorite band can only get to eight minutes and that song drags a little too. More

Carbon Leaf Countdown #35: Wandrin’ Around

{Jan 27}

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At #35, Carbon Leaf takes us through a trip of all instruments and melodies with “Wandrin’ Around!”

Echo Echo is that strong Irish-infused album with cool rhythms, melodies, instruments galore. “Wandrin’ Around” is no exception with a jaunty melodies galore that you could just picture in that party scene during “Titanic.” It’s those rhythms that really get your head moving from side to side, your feet tapping, and your body ready to just bust a move. Maybe “Raise The Roof” if you’re like Albert Brennaman. Lyrically, the song seems to be about the start of something new, perchance leaving home with the mention of “sister.” If that’s the case, then it’s easy to see why the music is so upbeat. As sad as it is to say goodbye to your childhood home, who are you kidding? You’re on your own, away from your parents, et cetera. Who among us didn’t cut loose that first week away? More

Carbon Leaf Countdown #36: Raise The Roof

{Jan 27}

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Up next is something for all awkward white dancers to get behind. At #36, it’s “Raise The Roof!”

“Raise The Roof” isn’t the song you would think it is by reading the title. Instead of an awkward song about white guys pushing their hands up and down, we get a rather touching song about really living up to all your potential. At least that’s the message from the song: live life to the fullest. As Barry says on and on, “Dance till you fall. Love till you die. Shut your mouth. Raise the roof.” Seems like a pretty good message and another of Barry’s lyrical gems that I’m sure have been tattooed on probably a dozen people to show off their deep soul. I think it’d be rather fun to see a Carbon Leaf tattoo contest. More

Carbon Leaf Countdown #37: What Have You Learned?

{Jan 24}

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At #37 is another entry from 2009′s Nothing Rhymes With Woman that I sure wish I could say in real life. It’s “What Have You Learned?”

“What Have You Learned?” is like a giant wake-up call for some. Everyone has that friend who just gets burned over & over again in relationships and keeps doing dumb stuff continuously. This song is the face smack you wish you could give him some times. The guitar rhythm hits you fast & hard before he bluntly asks, “What have you learned?” Ah, if only life was this simple and we could tell our friends this. As it is, you go around doing this and you’ll be going to Carbon Leaf shows solo in no time. But the story is something we can all relate too in here, even if we don’t want to admit it’s been us from time to time. The lyrics do a wonderful job of painting the pictures, but the arrangement is very strong too. More

Carbon Leaf Countdown #39: X-Ray

{Jan 20}

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Clocking in at #39 is a song to make you miss your sprinkler system and riding a bike down the road. Save up your money for the goggles, it’s “X-Ray!”

Okay, “This Is My Song” is fun? X-Ray is a trip through joyful elation. “The Sea” reminds you of the beach? “X-Ray” smacks you over the head with your childish glee. The sprinklers start in so all you can think of summer and before you know it, it’s every childish thing you want to do. Soapbox Derby, fighter planes, lightning bugs, sprinting through lawns, new bikes, hanging out with your dog, et cetera. It’s that nostalgic feeling though that gets you with the line “I used to live there.” The house & area you grew up in sure seem a lot different when you move away. The tree’s smaller, the grass isn’t as bright & crisp, the woods aren’t full of adventure, and all you can think about is that darn pothole you hit driving up. There’s a reason childhood gets romanticized so much in our culture and its the lyrics in “X-Ray” that really show you why. More

Carbon Leaf Countdown #40: This Is My Song

{Jan 20}

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Indian Summer is home to a lot of great songs. It’s a vastly different record than Echo Echo, but the two are easily Carbon Leaf’s most debated albums in the G.O.A.T argument. Just look over to the right for the poll on the best Carbon Leaf albums. 9 options to choose and the two above take almost 60% of the vote. I’m an Echo Echo guy, but man, if some of the songs on Indian Summer aren’t just as good if not better. “This Is My Song” is clearly no exception here and I’m a little surprised it clocked in so low. More