Entertainment

Andrew’s Judgmental Album Reviews: Avi Kaplan – Floating On A Dream (2022)

Published

3 years ago

May 29, 2022

So again, May had a lot of interesting releases and I like to try and mix things up so it’s not always one genre, be it Rap, Metal, Hip-Hop, Pop, K-Pop or what have you. Given all that, I saw there was a debut album for Avi that dropped about a week and a half ago.

Avi started gaining popularity and traction in the a capella group Pentatonix after they won Season 3 of The Sing-Off. He and the group won numerous awards, yet it was usually his particular Bass range that would garner a lot of buzz. When it comes to popular music and the revitalized a capella genre, Avi still stands out as special. His range is that of a contrabass, which is the lowest, yet he knows how to bring great color and warmth to his vocals; as opposed to just being dark and overpowering. Let’s also not forget that singers with a lower range, do usually have a great upper range as well, so he’s not all Bass with no substance. While I’m not expecting a full song in a Tenor falsetto, it’s not asking too much too anticipate a lot of Baritone moments.

With all that, I’ll be interested to see if he pulls any Pop/a capella influences in this album, or if this stays more in the Folk/Country lanes he seemed to enjoy when he started doing little side projects.

Artist: Avi Kaplan
Album: Floating On A Dream (2022)
Label: Fantasy Records
Total Track Time: 43:21

First Place I Go has a very Garth Brooks country strum to it, so that gives me an idea of what this album will sound like. Lyrically its a mesmerizing in the way he tells the story. It seems to be someone trying to get away from someone, but knows that the last thing he needs is, the first place he’ll go. It could be a person, it could be an addiction, the instrumentation is subtle enough to drive the struggle in the song spectacularly when coupled with the vocals. Beautiful start. Floating On A Dream feels like a classic Western song. The harmony on the chorus is uplifting but the twang of the guitar always keeps a vibrating effect to get across the song is about a mirage in the desert and you feel like you’re floating. This applies atmosphere, color and a sonic resonance that just makes this a treat to listen to. Plus Avi has stayed in more of a baritone register thus far, so there’s been no crazy low notes, but these first two songs are wonderful. On My Way this…this is interesting. Given the times we’re slowly working out of, this has a whole different weight. Each verse refers to a different family member (Mother, Father, Brother, and Sister) and the following chorus changes a few words to express the relationship. The line that always finishes the choruses sticks though, ” Hey, I’m on my way, I hate that we’ve had to wait”, be this just generally about busy life as an adult and not getting to see your family as often as you’d like, or having to quarantine for 2 years, this is a sweet, somber, and yet happy song because he’s on his way to see the loved ones. Great usage of simple words for this to apply to a plethora of situations and perspectives.

He Don’t Love You Right starting with light piano and a church choir effect brings a whole different vibe to this song. There’s a darkness, like a foreboding in the arrangement and when the final verse kicks in, you understand a larger picture, “Been here once before, Your mind’s gone back to war, You always want to leave, But love is just a drеam”. So it’s just an abusive relationship with fear, fighting and the feeling of being trapped driving an inability to leave it. Insanely powerful song. I’m Only Getting Started okay this is a bit different. While it starts off feeling like a normal kind of country song, the chorus is driven by the piano and it reminds me of Hozier Take Me To Church. I’ll probably say this is the weakest song thus far, but its also the most pop oriented. Not a bad song, but with how the album started, this feels very weak. Try To Get It Right so we go back to a classic country guitar twang and the lyrics are simple and relatable. Some metaphors for wrong and right, but effectively he just wants to do some good before he dies. Musically it supports the desire since it feels hopeful and pleading at the same time, that concept of trying to motivate yourself to bring the desire to fruition.

I Can’t Lie now we got a little Motown Country here. The more open start made it feel like classic country, but the chorus brings in this nice clapping and rhythm section with a bit of a Motown swing. It’s a very catchy song, sung well with great enunciation to pull you into certain lines and the swing will have you starting to sway subconsciously. All Is Well Feat Joy Williams the song reads like it deals with spiritual harmony and finding a balance in themselves. This concept is supported by a very church hymnal sound to the arrangement. Again just really creative while not being overly complex. Into the Blue initially there was enough overlapping imagery where it could’ve been about death or someone just leaving, but the song becomes more clear. Since we figure by the ending refrain that it’s a lost love who just drove away into the blue (so to speak). At this point you should know the instrumentation matches the tone and intent of the song, so I don’t need to say it every time.

When I’m A Fool the first verse is words that I don’t know anyone who can’t relate to, “Darling, I’m ashamed, Wish I could change, The things I said, That caused you pain, Fire in my eyes that made you cry, Filled up all the oceans, And swallowed all my pride”. Now even though I’m not overly fluent in John Denver this really feels more akin to that style of Folk structure. But this has a great drum kick that revs up a bit through the chorus and brings us to the final verse. There’s a lot of little flavors that remind me of Celtic Folk songs as well. Where it runs down the singer and yet still has a celebratory vibe because it’s awkwardly cathartic. Really cool song that mixes a few concepts we haven’t heard much of so far on the album. My Queen I was not anticipating a Chamber Choir style of song for this. The choice in delivery really makes it feel more like bowing in reverence to the significant other. It gets the Queen metaphor over majestically. You also get to hear Avi’s bass tone round out the choral effect in a gorgeous haunting pulsation.

I’m still a bit in awe honestly. So many little elements that certain songs added to expand on basic Folk/Country concepts to make it more unique, resonant and connective. Selfishly, I’m a little disappointed there weren’t more overt showcases of his bass range, but it also made the light sprinkles more special. Now sure, personal nit picks definitely have me unimpressed with 2 of the songs but, even what I’m unimpressed by wasn’t bad. And that is definitely not something that can be said for most albums.

Truly, this does show a great talent not only in singing, but arrangements and lyrical simplicity hammering home relatability without sacrificing quality. This might be the second album of the year where I can see myself just putting on and listening to again for funzies. Great solo debut album.

Final Judgment: 8.55/10

About Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Up Next

Bandwagon Nerds #133: The Force Is Strong With This One

Don't Miss

Talk The Keki, an Anime Podcast, #34: Rising of the Shield Hero Season 2, First Spring Impressions

Bandwagon Nerds

Bandwagon Nerds #284: Mission Unlikely

The Nerds break down a tremendous Episode 8 of Daredevil: Born Again. Plus, the Sweet 16 of Villain Madness and the return of the Trailer Park!

Published

7 days ago

April 14, 2025

PC Tunney

This week, the NERDS are back in full force, and there is no shortage of topics to discuss. Episode 8 of Daredevil: Born Again was filled with drama, surprises, and a stunning ending that left all the Nerds wondering what will happen next. After a few weeks’ absence, the Trailer Park returns to look at upcoming releases such as F1, a wild-looking sequel for M.E.G.A.N., another great-looking series on Apple TV (Murderbot), and the finale of the Mission Impossible series. Plus, we get to the Sweet 16 of Villain Madness! Which ultimate bad guys/gals punched their tickets to the Elite 8? All that and, of course Whatcha Watchin”?

@AttitudeAgg
@WrestlngRealist
@itsReyCash
@PCTunney
@itsmedpp
@ViolentAesop
@TheMindlessPod
@therealcplatt
@ChairshotMedia
@BandwagonNerds

PROWRESTLINGTEES.COM/TheChairshot – Makes a GREAT GIFT!!!

About Bandwagon Nerds

Join Patrick O’Dowd, David Ungar, PC Tunney, Rey Cash, and DPP as they keep everyone up on all things nerd, and maybe add some new nerds along the way. It’s the Bandwagon Nerds Podcast!

About Chairshot Radio Network

Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY – Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY – 4 Corners Podcast (sports)

WEDNESDAY – The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)

THURSDAY – POD is WAR

FRIDAY – DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY – The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY – Keeping the news ridiculous… The Oddity / The Front and Center Sports Podcast

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE’s PPV/PLE history)

http://TheChairshot.com PRESENTS…IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O’Dowd’s 5X5

Chairshot Radio Network
Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts… Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand

Listen on your favorite platform!

iTunes | iHeart Radio | Google Play | Spotify
Listen, like, subscribe, and share!

Bandwagon Nerds

About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Entertainment

Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (4/10/25)

It’s gonna be May!

Published

2 weeks ago

April 10, 2025

Steven Mitchell

There’s been a slight change in the forecast…

There may not be a storm on the horizon, but when Wrestling Is Life, every day is unpredictable! What does HPW have planned for May Day?

HPW prepares for the storm ahead…

Blood & Thunder still beckons, and the Faces of Evil need to defend their HPW World Trios Championships. Therefore, Wrestling Is Life will see two qualifying trios matches! After the controversial nature of losing the titles at HyruleMania, Arrow Club is given a spot in these qualifiers. And they will be facing familiar foes in TSDQ! The Studly Don’t Quit, but will they make it through to ThunderStruck? As for the second qualifier, Los Taros Locos will return in hopes of stampeding up to the top of HPW, but they’ll be up against quite the mysterious team. Cia represents the OG Dark Forces expelled from the group, and she’ll bring her sister, Lana, with her!

But who is their third partner? They didn’t name them, so who could it be? Volga? Kevin Gibdo? Or even Wizzro? Will keeping it an unknown be the key to winning?

Igos du Ikana speaks.

From inside his shadowy throne room, The Ruler of Ruin looks at the HPW Death Mountain Championship on a pedestal. “The HPW Death Mountain Championship. A championship created not just to commemorate one of Hyrule’s greatest landmarks, but also to commemorate one of Hyrule’s greatest wrestling promotions. Death Mountain Wrestling was a vital part of wrestling history, where legends would pave the way for a new generation, and inspire many more. Not unlike Termina Championship Wrestling.”

Igos walks past the pedestal to look to a trophy case. Igos looks to his copy of the classic TCW Championship, and even of the High Noon Championship. There are also poster sized pictures of Igos’ greatest moments, such as the first time he won the TCW title, and the last time he held it while TCW was still active. Igos continues by saying, “I say this not because you don’t know. Of course you know this. I say this so that you might understand. I say this because I need you to understand. You have great aspirations, and strong ambition, but I don’t think you understand what you’re attempting to achieve.

“You stand at the foot of a mountain, it’s shadow upon you. That mountain’s name is legacy. You want to climb the mountain. You want to reach the top and plant your own flag at the summit. You want everyone to see you, to look up to you, to acknowledge you. But this climb is more challenging than you know. This climb is more challenging than you can handle. These belts may only be ten pounds, but they weigh so much more once you put them on. You are not ready for the climb. You are not ready to carry that weight. You are not ready to push yourself, step after step, inch after inch, as the mountain only grows steeper and steeper. And you never will be.

“So I tell you this not because you do not know. I tell you this so that you may understand. You must turn back now, find another path forward, before it is too late. Before you fall… to ruin.” It is clear who this message is for, but will young Yunobo heed this grizzled warrior’s warning?

HPW Deep Dive: Wisdom VS Power.

The Princess of Hyrule visits Hero of Hyrule, Link, now that he’s home from the hospital. He still needs bed rest, given everything Ganon did to him. He has bandages around his head, and his sister, Aryll, checks his stitches. 13 stitches all along the hairline. They’re holding well, no bleeding. Zelda sits with Link and holds his hand. She apologizes for what happened, but Link shakes his head. Aryll agrees, Zelda’s not to blame, Ganon and his Dark Forces are. They ruined her moment, they beat Link down, so they they have to be stopped. Ganon’s coming after the title anyway, so Zelda can get payback at the same time.

Ganon says, “Like I give a damn.” The Gerudo Ace lounges in his manor, The Dark Forces all around him. That now includes Shabonne & Tali, sporting new ensembles to reflect joining up. The Faces of Evil have their HPW World Trios Championships while Ganon has the Triforce Tournament trophy in hand. Ganon then mockingly says, “YoU dEsErVe It~! YoU dEsErVe It~!” Audio from the Triforce Anniversary event is interspliced here, as well as flashes of Zelda being emotional as she has the title belt put on.

“Isn’t it strange that Zelda takes the fall at HyruleMania, but I’m the one relegated to the tournament? And she clearly has that pointy eared little simp wrapped around her finger, or else he wouldn’t have even agreed to the match. But hey, what do I know? I only beat Link one-on-one in his first defense, then beat Zelda one-on-one in my first defense. I’m the Triple Crown Champion, I beat legends of TCW, and I’m this year’s Triforce Tournament winner. No one is more deserving of that title, of whatever title there is, than me! Isn’t that right?” The group all say, “Yeah!”

Ganon says, “The Dark Forces will be golden!” The group again shouts, “Yeah!” Ganon says, “The Dark Forces RUNS HPW!” The group again shouts, “YEAH!!” The Dark Forces all raise a glass to drink it up, while Link rests his head on Zelda’s shoulder and she rests her head on his. The Princess of Hyrule may reign, but will she fail to trump the Gerudo Ace? The countdown is on until May 1st, when Wrestling is Life!