Saturday, November 7, 2009

The "Hurricane" is arriving; Collector's Deluxe review; Roadtrip Nation Feature

Check out the new Roadtrip Nation video, which features Switchfoothere. A few teenagers/college-aged kids interview Jon Foreman and Chad Butler about their music, and life as college students when the band was just starting out. It's definitely insightful, for those of us who are that age especially.

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Andy Barron posted this message on the official message boards to give us an idea of what to look for in the "Hello Hurricane" packaging.

i think i can help here.

cd - jewelcase, 8 panel fold out booklet
cd/dvd - digipak, 16 (i think) page booklet
vinyl - 1 140g vinyl, cd in plastic sleeve
collectors - diecut slipcover, cd dvd bsides in envelopes in book, 84 pages

i seriously can't wait for you guys to see all this stuff. i think it turned out pretty great.

andy.


^sweet.

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WARNING: SPOILER ALERT!!!!! For those of you who haven't seen it yet and don't want me to spoil it for you, don't read any further. :)

As many of you have already found, "Hello Hurricane" is arriving on doorsteps, mailboxes, and p.o. boxes everywhere across America. I just got mine yesterday, and was blown away by the beauty of the Collector's Deluxe Edition package that had just emerged from the bubble wrap. I thought I'd post my thoughts about it here, as a mini-review featurish thing. :]


Review of the Collector's Deluxe Edtion

You've read our review of "Hello Hurricane." Here's my brief little overview/review (I don't think you can even call it that) of the Collector's Deluxe Edition. It's a beautiful piece of art, for sure. If you don't have it, you should seriously consider it.

"Building A Hurricane: Alternate Versions, Out-Takes, And Demos"

If you're a recording aficionado or are just hyper-intrigued by the recording process, you'll have a field day with this cd. It's filled with writing sessions, alternate cuts of the "Hello Hurricane" songs, and random interludes. I think you'll be intrigued by the sheer difference between the older version of "Needle" and the studio cut. It used to have a mid-tempo, arpeggiated rhythm, a far cry from the frenzied speed of the final studio cut.

Also interesting is to listen to the progression of "Mess of Me." It used to be funk-inspired, soul-inspired number. No, it did not use to be the hard-charging we know and love today. In one version, "aint no drug" used to be the chorus! There's also a very primitive recording of "Red Eyes" from way back in 2005.

Overall, you'll love this. Not as good as the final record (of course), but it's an intriguing-yet-brief look into just how eclectic these recording sessions were.

"Making of Hello Hurricane" DVD

You've seen the trailers. You know how great this DVD was going to be. And it delivers and then some. Cast in black-and-white, with some film scratching that gives the film a sort of timeless feel. This is an emotionally charged flick – for those who are the weeping type, you might want some tissues.

We all know Jon Foreman comes close to tears, but I bet few of you would've guessed that Drew Shirley would unsuccessfully hold back his. This was a truly difficult record to make, and it shows. For anyone who's been waiting so long for this record to come out, this is a must-watch. If you can't get the Collector's Deluxe, at least grab a copy of the CD/DVD.

Photo Book

The artistic prowess of Andy Barron is dazzling. The photos are, as always, amazing, with selections from the studio, the road, the Salton Sea desert shoot, etc. This package doesn't come with a typical cd booklet with lyrics, but not to fear – It's worked into the book, tastefully. There's not much else than can be said about this, since it's hard to describe visuals with words. But I suggest you try try try to get it if you haven't yet.

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Charts

"Mess of Me" is starting to slow down on Alternative radio. KEEP REQUESTING it at your local rock stations friends. Remember to go here to see a list of stations that are playing it! It's time for us to step up!

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VOTING

Don't forget to take the time to vote also.

- 98.7 (Los Angeles) Badass 8 We were No. 7 last night. We need to continue to put pressure on and get higher! The station is starting to spin the song more... VOTE.

- 91x (San Diego) Christy Taylor's REALLY BIG Countdown Keep requesting each day to keep it on the countdown! We were no. 1 last night. YES!

- RadioU's Top Ten Most Wanted. We still have the top spot! Well done! Let's keep it that way!

- We need to get "Mess of Me" on to KROQ, in order to get this single off the ground. Go HERE to request it! Keep it up friends! Don't slow down, WE NEED THIS. Keep going.

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Again, go here to see a list of stations already playing "Mess of Me" and phone numbers to call in and request the song with!

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