Tag Archives: sami ponoroff

David Archuleta “Something ‘Bout Love” a review

by Sami Ponoroff
David Archuleta
“Something ‘Bout Love”

Albeit they do not provide a new perspective, the visuals and vocals of David Archculeta’s “Something ‘Bout Love” video are fresh and visually appealing. Also, Director Declan Whitebloom provided the audience with both widely popular and artistically appropriate details in his composition: the video is full of short clips of strangers doing altruistic, love-inspired deeds and is sprinkled with solar flares and shadowing.

Archuleta’s message — that love is all-powerful, etc. — is successfully carried throughout the video. Acting as a third-person omniscient narrator, Archuleta serves as the video’s semi-invisible, all-knowing observer who knows, understands the effects of love on people. By creating a divide between Archuleta and the nameless characters, Archuleta is in turn closer connection to his viewers.

“Something ‘Bout Love” is a successful music video because Director Declan Whitebloom created a relationship between Archuleta and the viewer; the viewer is instantly attached to the catchy song and appealing video.

Sons of Sylvia Revelation Review

By Samantha Ponoroff
WARNING: Take this review with a grain of salt, as I am not an avid country music listener. Then again, Sons of Sylvia is not just a country band; SOS takes inspiration from pop, rock, and country music. When listening to their CD one readily notices this eclectic approach: SOS sounds as if they are going through an identity crisis, not able to pick one sound to carry through the CD in its entirety.
Bands are often scolded because all of their tracks sound the same. I am doing the opposite. Yes, it is boring when a CD sounds like one 30 minute long song, versus ten three-minute long tracks. But it is confusing when a band makes a CD that sounds like a mix-tape full of ten different bands.. This is SOS’s biggest mistake: making their tracks sound TOO different.
Regardless, SOS has far-reaching Top 40 potential: their 2010 debut album Revelation peaked at the number two spot on iTunes’ pop albums chart and they preformed their single “Love Left to Lose” (Track 2) on American Idol, as introduced by American Idol alum and country-music superstar Carrie Underwood.
You can find out more about Sons of Sylvia on their myspace, http://www.myspace.com/sonsofsylvia. Meanwhile, check these tracks out:
“Love Left to Lose,” their hit single, as preformed on American Idol, a  much more ballad-like song with an upbeat twist (it reminds me of Nick  Lachey).
“50 Ways,” a much more upbeat and pop-inspired song. Check it out if
you’re in an upbeat mood and just wanna dance!

Eminem Relapse: Refill Review

Eminem Relapse:Refill Review By Samantha Ponoroff

Eminem’s Relapse:Refill caters to two different completely different audiences. On one hand, these CDs are perfect for one who loves to kick-back and relax, while, on the other hand, these albums are also great for one who loves to go out and party. That is the magic of Relapse:Refill, its ability to adapt to which ever situation it may be in.
Despite being absentee from the music industry for so many years, Eminem has made a seamless transition from the old to the now, a few things abstaining, of course. To begin, Eminem continues to put “skits” into his CDs, as always. These skits, although childish, are imperative to the CD because they serve the dual roles of breaking up the CD and helping the listener understand the different stages in which Eminem went through in his relapse and recovery from drugs. And yes, the CD does need to be broken up; even the most avid Eminem fan will notice the CDs extraordinary length.
On the other hand, there are a few unsavory things about Relapse: Refill. To begin, on some of the tracks Eminem’s voice sounds completely different–and not a good different (you can hear it on ‘Buffalo Bill’). In addition, fans of Eminem’s famous extended choruses (i.e. ‘Mockingbird’) will be very upset: the choruses on these CDs are MUCH shorter. Lastly, Relapse:Refill carries a much more lighthearted tone, in comparison to Encore and Curtain Call.
Moreover, there are both many good and many bad things about Relapse: Refill. No, Relapse:Refill does not compare to many of Eminem’s earlier albums, but it is still Eminem, and it is not bad.

Check out some of my favorite tracks!: ‘My Mom,’ ‘Insane,’ ‘Hello,’ ”Old Time’s Sake,’ ‘Underground,’ and ‘Music Box.’

Twin Atlantic Vivarium

by Sami Ponoroff

Twin Atlantic, a young band from Scotland, has reminded us of a classically forgotten lesson, with their new album Vivarium: never judge a book by its cover. When one first picks up the album, and opens it, they will most definitely be impressed; as one opens the album, the CD is presented in a pop-out cover, detailing grass and a teeth-like contraption (it is consistent with the albums theme). But, the good impressions end once one pops the CD into their stereo.

Twin Atlantic’s lead singer, Sam McTrusty, may be able to sing, but he is not a singer. Disregarding his subpar vocals, his Scottish accent distracts one from hearing the words. Also, about six out of the eight songs on the album sound EXACTLY the same: one can barely tell the difference as they flip through the tracks. Despite this, the band is not horrible. When one can hear the pure instrumentals they can hear Twin Atlantic’s talent. These instrumentals can be heard on their song ‘Better Weather.’