Midwest Dilemma

First of all, I would like to apologize to all of my loyal readers for taking so long to write this blog. I promise you it won't take this long between blogs again.

Now on to the band: Midwest Dilemma.
Midwest Dilemma may be one of the most original bands I have ever heard. The band uses orchestral instruments (flute, clarinet, bass, cello, various brass etc. etc.) to make some really cool folk music. For their album released in 2008, the band consisted of 23 members. Considering the size of the group, it is amazing that they are able to come together and be so in sync from top to bottom.

The lead singer, Justing Lamoureux, is a scruffy lumberjack looking guy with an awesome voice, and his lyrics are creative, witty and deep. The rest of the band's talent is difficult to comment on for two reasons: one, because the band does not always consist of the same members; and two, because of the folk melodies that the rest of the band members play (individually) are not not what I would consider particularly difficult. That being said, they play like an orchestra, so when they come together it really makes for something special. Each line, from the clarinet to the bass, brings something different, a new layer to an already incredible song.  For example, the song "Chicago and north western", starts out with some guitar strumming; and slowly, each member enters separately; building up to something awesome, climaxing when Lamoureux enters singing of his life as a working man and a father; it truly speaks to the common man and is an AWESOME song.

For their album Timelines and Tragedies, the band was awarded the Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards' album of the year. Even though its the OEA, that's still a great accomplishment and they are in fact well deserving. (http://oea-awards.com/2008/)

Now it comes to the grade. So because I have not seen this band live, it makes it difficult to grade this band on its total performance. However, they do have an awesome sound and a talented lead singer. So this grade is entirely based off of recordings (and some youtube videos) and I would have to say, on the 10 scale, I would give them an 8. However, if and when I do see them live, and if they put on a good live show, it could push them up to a 8.5 or even a 9, so they need to work on getting to Virginia sometime soon. Check them out: http://www.reverbnation.com/midwestdilemma, http://www.midwestdilemma.com/.