Have you ever listened to an album that affects you so much that you tell all of your friends “this is going to be huge.” Sure people look at you and appreciate your enthusiasm, they may even give you a “Dude, I’ll totally check it out,” but inside they all think “I’ll believe it when I see it.”  Matt McAndrew’s View of the Pines was that album for me, and McAndrew’s appearances on this season of The Voice is finally vindication for me that everyone is finally seeing what I’ve known for over a year.

As the Matt McAndrew buzz grows with each appearance on the show, I was excited to hear about a last minute live appearance upstairs at the World Café Live, and picked up tickets without haste, anxious to see Matt again as well as witness the growth and development from being on #TeamAdam.

McAndrew waits out in the lobby and greets all of his friends and fans personally as they walk through the door. I watched Matt go from table to table shaking hands, meeting fans, and signing autographs before the show! How’s that for cultivating a fan base?

Looking undeniably adorable with his massive head of tussled curly locks that are reminiscent of a Goldendoodle and Harry Potterish glasses, McAndrew took the stage with guitarist, Anthony DiCarlo to perform as a duo and immediately engaged the crowd with “My Enemy”, a beautiful song about first loves lost that expertly demonstrates the gifted way he threads song hooks together with memorable lyrics.

He performed a few other songs off of his album including “Burning Bridges” and “Motorbike” (BTW, you have to get a Motorbike T-shirt, they really are the coolest!). I was happy to hear a few new songs in the mix as well, and I can’t wait to hear them again. McAndrew capped off the night with the two tunes that most people were there to hear:  the song that got three chairs turned, “A Thousand Years” penned by fellow UArts grad Christina Perri, and the song that broke the top 50 all genre iTunes chart–Coldplay’s
“Yellow”.

The evening ended to roars of applause and an immediate line of fans waiting at the merchandise table for albums, T-shirt, autographs and photos.  It’s so refreshing to see that along with his brilliant voice and his adorable demeanor, that his dedication to his fans is so important. He even has his own hashtag now, so when your watching and rooting for Matt McAndrew on The Voice you can also Tweet @MattMcAndrew using #McFANdrew.  Best of luck in the Knockout rounds!

lovestrong

Reviewed by Julianne Cassidy

Double platinum overnight-sensation, Christina Perri, is lovestrong. But instead of a “don’t-need-a-man,” Girl Power debut-album, Perri fuels her strength in unabashed vulnerability.

The opening line, of the first song, “bluebird”, epitomizes lovestrong: How the hell does a broken heart/get back together/when it’s torn apart? Teach itself to start/beating again.

Drenched in lovesick ballads, “arms” [second album single] is brighter and Folky-paced, lyrically fighting the hesitant war between head versus heart, and subsequently succumbing to a hesitant yet trusting love. Likewise, “distance” portrays the same genuine desirous yearning, as it incorporates female and male background vocals for a dual-aching effect.

Flirting with a cabaret-style, “bang bang bang” is lovestrong’s most refreshing animated Pop-melody, as it satisfyingly drips with revenge in a saucy anthem-worthy chorus [please note: clapping-along necessary.] There’s also an insatiable quality about “Mine,” and its galloping guitar/piano instrumental.

A dreamy, piano-coated “interlude,” breaks the emotional rollercoaster of the first half of the album. “penguin,” an Acoustic lullaby continues this lighthearted simplistic-nature, directly followed by “miles” which is reminiscent of [a gritty] Colbie Caillat, and her lyrical pursuit of an optimistic love affair.

“tragedy” is the last track on lovestrong, and lyrically fitting as so: The meaning of tragedy/you might be surprised to hear/it’s you and me. Laced with haunting strings, Perri’s sultry vocals smolder, showcasing her range, while bitterly poisoning each regretful mention of love.

It’s undeniable that “jar of hearts” is the highlight of lovestrong as it resulted in this indie Philly-native being signed by Atlantic Records, after being featured on FOX’s hit-reality show, “So You Think You Can Dance?” Yet, it only showcases the beginning of Perri’s possibility.

Even her hopeless songs, are rooted in an element of strength. She’s lyrically striving to breathe, lusting to not be suffocated by the depths of one’s heart. Remaining strong amidst blissful and/cruel moments of romance. Loving strong.

Although drowning in ballads, Perri is unmistakably passionate. Her vocals are raw, honest, and intriguing. There is an unequivocal potential still to be exposed. Second album?