Masterpiece Theatre

Because I listen to so much personal development material (especially in my car), it seems like I've been listening to less music. Certainly I do keep a few playlists on hand, like the one labeled "Power Songs", when the opportunity arises. However, it is pretty safe to say that my "productive" or "attentive" listening time is dominated by educational, informative, and developmental audio.

However, there is one album that has really struck me as something great recently. While I'm not going to suggest that everyone should listen to this album (make your own decision), it has certainly tweaked my ears as of late. That album is Masterpiece Theatre by Marianas Trench.

I was originally hooked by the Power Pop or Pop Punk numbers of the album, like "All to Myself" and "Cross My Heart". Then I was reeled in by the conceptual scope of the entire album.

For one thing, there are more ballads or "slow songs" on this album than I would have originally thought. My original perception was that Marianas Trench was just another Punk band, but listening to the album has demystified that original opinion.

This album has got it all - string sections, acapella detours, layered harmonies, catchy hooks... I am really impressed at how well this thing is put together. Josh Ramsay's vocals are really awesome too.