A.J. Rosales
ultramarine
© 2007 A.J. Rosales / Novelty Records (638569050725)
CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.
Elfs farting through recorders in the woods.
tracks
- 1 Alone Again
- 2 Nominate
- 3 Ultramarine
- 4 What's with all the Heartache?
- 5 3:15
- 6 So Sad
- 7 Letter to You
- 8 Brand New Offering
- 9 Breakdown
- 10 Telekinetic
- 11 Breakdown (Reprise)
- 12 White Sunshine
- 13 Sneak Attack
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notes
***now on sale!!! - buy all three of AJ's discs and get them for only $15 bux. That's 29 songs or approx. .51 cents per song. A total value!!!***
Ultramarine is the 13 song studio release by AJ that took almost a year to make. In his evolution as a musician and songwriter, he wanted to try to make an album that would highlight his creative skill as a guitar player but branch out and move away stylistically from his previous acoustic-based release, "Resistor". After much success with that intimate album, he decided to try to gather up a couple of pro musicians and make this album more visceral and more of an experience.
Featuring Shawn Sommer (once again) on bass, with Lucas Farran (drums) and a guest slot for Alison Chesley (cello) this album rocks a little harder - but stays true to the spirit of his previous releases, with a mix of upbeat numbers and a few intimate acoustic tracks. AJ meticulously produced and arranged the entire record in an effort to ensure that that his overall vision was not lost in translation. It was recorded at Chicago indie boutique Gravity Studios by engineering wizard Mark Berlin, and then mixed and mastered by studio head Doug McBride - who not only called this record "a really strong album" but also says that it's representative of some of his best work as a mixer.
Although this album is dynamic and experimental, and there are a number of different sonic environments on this album, it still manages to retain a consistent vibe. Songs like Alone Again and Nominate capture a vibrant rock sound while songs such as White Sunshine and What's with all the Heartache? utilize an artistic folk-rock sound that captures his subtly emotive lyrics and vocals perfectly. The album also features two instrumentals - 3:15 (which delves into math rock) and Telekinetic (which is somewhat of an extension of the song "Transistor" from "Resistor")
All in all, this is easily AJ's most well rounded and well thought-out record yet. It's a must if you've enjoyed any of his past musical forays!
reviews
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Excellent modern rock CD. Pick up a copy today!
author: Xavier P. for RadioIndy“Ultramarine” by the modern rock veteran A.J. Rosales is yet another declaration of his astounding talent for crafting hits! Every song on this CD is simply unforgettable. A.J.’s voice is unbelievably fine-tuned and refreshingly-toned, best demonstrated in the beautiful falsetto melodies in “What’s with all the Heartache?” “3:15” shows how talented the musicians on this album are with its incredible drum beat, electric guitar riffs and solos, and catchy bass lines. What’s more, the songwriting on “Ultramarine” is outstanding, tackling love and heartbreak with A.J.’s powerful arsenal of lyrical hooks and rhymes. To top all of this off, the production of this album rivals that of the biggest names in modern rock! Fans of Rob Thomas and Howie Day will fall head-over-heals for this masterpiece!
AJ's best to date, exploring new sounds with great lyrics
author: Jason ManteiOn this most recent album, AJ continues to focus on electric and acoustic guitar sounds as in his previous work, but explores new sounds and tones while also including catchy percussion and groovy bass riffs. The overall sound of the record is a bit more aggressive and, for lack of a better term, ass-kickin', while still including some heartfelt acoustic treats. The record starts with two fantastic feelgood tracks that focus on an electric guitar sound. The next is the title track, an acoustic head-bobber filled with AJ's soothing falsetto vocals, followed by 'What's With All the Heartache', a fantastic ballad with genuine lyrics and perhaps the best vocal performance on the album. In the remainder of the album, we find AJ sticking to his roots with a few instrumental tracks, including the smooth electric sounds of 'Telekinetic'. The softer side of the album comes out in 'Letter to You' and 'Brand New Offering', which include string and other instruments that extend AJ's sound into a different realm. Other noteworthy moments are the incredible grooviness of the riff that is the focus of 'So Sad', as well as the blazing acoustic guitarwork on 'Breakdown' which leaves the listener either furiously air guitaring or sitting in shock, mouth agape. The album concludes with two awesome tracks; 'White Sunshine' with its groovy feel and catchy guitar riffs, and 'Sneak Attack' with a harder sound to conclude the album. In the end, the listener is left wanting little more, as AJ runs the gamut from superb instrumental guitarwork to groovy riffs to emotional ballads that feature his best vocal performances to date.