This marks the first of a new series here on Living With a Nerd, called The Weekend Album.  In this entry, we cover “Nothing Changes Under the Sun”, from Blue States.

With Labor Day weekend upon us, the Summer of 2010 is nearly at an end.   On the cusp of the cool weather brought on by Autumn, I always like to take some time to reflect back on what’s happened over the past few months.  This particular summer, I got married, got a new apartment, made some great music, met some awesome new friends, and have basically spent a lot of time just plain having fun.  Summer is usually the most chilled-out season, and this one was no exception…so I figure we should end it with a chilled-out album that can assist in reflecting on your recent experiences.

Nothing Changes Under the Sun is eclectic, featuring elements of jazz, funk, classical guitar, electronica, ambient, and some very clear influence from The Virgin Suicides soundtrack.  Despite these influences, the album is cohesive and flows together well.  Some of the tracks have a slight trippy/psychedelic style to them, but the overall theme meshes with the end of the Summer; there is just enough “Summer time” in it, combined with songs that make you get lost in your own thoughts and reflect.  This isn’t an album you should rush through or have in the background (at least the first time you listen to it.)  Putting this on your MP3 player, popping on some headphones, and just listening is the best way to experience it. 

Audio Technica ATH-AD700s, my go to choice for music like Blue States.

Once familiar with the album, I’ve found that it also makes a great companion for keeping you mentally centered when you have a lot to work to do at your job.  Odd, that one album can make you either sit back and reflect…or aid in your concentration of the task at hand. 

It’s nigh impossible to pick out a favorite track…this is one of those albums that you can listen straight through without skipping a single song.  It’s all really high-class stuff, while maintaining an independent home studio kind of personality.  I’ve found that it can help mellow you out if you’re angry, or brighten your day up if you’re feeling down.  This effect is not expected, since some of the tracks are a bit slow and depressing…yet somehow uplifting at the same time.  It’s a very unique sound; when you hear a Blue States song, you know it’s a Blue States song.

Nothing Changes Under the Sun can be obtained through Amazon, iTunes, and pretty much any other music retailer you can think of.  Be sure to give it a listen.