Customer Reviews

Beneath Medicine Tree

5 star:		(53)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

While most bands touch on break ups, parties, and scoring big with someone, it is nice to see a band take a break from the norm and branch out with something individual and personal. Copeland, based out of Florida, succeeds in doing this on their latest release, Beneath Medicine Tree. The subject matter of the CD deals with the pain of losing loved ones, and personal feeling felt when someone close to you is not in good condition.
Beneath Medicine Tree has two different stories behind the songs on the album. Lead singer Aaron Marsh has dealt with a lot of pain in his life. Towards the beginning of the writing for the album, his grandmother became sick. He was very close to his grandmother, and spent a lot of time in the hospital taking care of her. She died after some time in the hospital. He wrote and performed the song "Priceless" for her funeral, and the song was included in the album. At the same time though as his grandmother had passed away, his girlfriend had been diagnosed with Lupus, a immune system disease in which the body attacks healthy tissue. She was in and out of the hosptal a lot, and ended up in a hospital in California to get Kemo Therapy. The nature of the disease caused a lot of stress on her, and the long distance relationship between her and Aaron tore them apart. So the CD subject matter touches a lot on dealing with a sick or dying loved one.
Though it would seem that the subject matter would put a depressing tone to the CD, Copeland is able to portray these subjects in a optimistic tone. The album opens up with an acoustic/piano song, and the album continues with progressively upbeat songs. The album starts out with the hurtful songs, and progresses to the more hopeful songs towards the end. The vocals on the CD are amazing, especially when Aaron hits falsetto notes in key moments on the song. The tracks are charged with emotion and energy, that surge from the listeners stereo system right into their hearts. You can feel the passion from the band in each and every song, and find yourself vicariously experiencing Aaron's pain and loss through the album, while also reflecting with him on past memories. The band is composed of Christians, and Aaron's faith as well as the bands comes out through the lyrics in some of the songs.
The songs are catchy and seem to never get old, no matter how many times you listen to the album. I so far have spent hours with the album, and have not found a flaw or discrepancy with it. I enjoy it thoroughly, and find myself listening to it on any occasion, whether it is taking me to school in the morning, or putting me to sleep. Another notable feature of the CD is the artwork and design in the CD booklet. The pages contain well photographed pictures from the inside of a hospital, and are divided by opaque sheets of paper with artwork of different anatomical situations of injuries. The artwork and layout design of the CD set the stage for the album, and help the listener set themselves for the mood of the album.
While Copeland could be defined as rock, they are definitely a lighter side of rock, with their melodically slow songs, beautifully crafted guitar work, and passionate vocals. The CD can be enjoyed by almost anyone, and is a perfect one to listen to when you need to unwind and relax. The songs can be interpreted to relate to many different situations, and I believe that listeners will be drawn and stuck to this band after checking them out.

Well, what more can be said than what these other reviews have explained already. All I can say is believe the hype that everyone puts forth for them. This band, you can tell, definatly knows what they are doing as far as writing songs goes. You can tell that when they set out to get a certain sound for a song, they execute. They aren't like many of the other bands nowadays where they just get lucky while messing around with your basic power chords. That is another thing that sets these guys apart, they all actually have talent. Copeland has extremely sad and heartfelt lyrics and you can't help but to feel sad right along with them. They aren't like most of the bands that you hear on the radio, they show emotion and are so good at executing it that there must be something wrong with you if you don't want to shed a tear during "Priceless" or you don't get the chorus for "Walking Downtown" stuck in your head for hours after listening to it. I only wish that more of this kind of music was played on the radio. Then 3 Days Grace wouldn't be on the radio, Simple Plan would not sell 4 million records, and we wouldn't have to hear about Ashlee Simpson's acid reflux disease. This is an example of making music from the heart, not so you can get radio airplay. And now, on to my drawn out song by song review of this CD:

1)Brightest- OK, how many bands actually start out with a piano ballad for their first song on their debut album? Not many. This band does, and it sounds awesome. 5/5

2)Testing the Strong Ones- At first listen, this one seemed sub-par to me next to all of the other songs on the CD. But this one is very good after about the third time you've heard it. 4/5

3)Priceless- Wow! Is all that I have to say about this one. I do believe that this song was written about when Marsh's girlfriend became sick with a disease and then she later died from it. This seems kind of like a bunch of memories that he has of her starting from when they were in love, to when she was in the hospital, to present day when they became seperated. A definite tear jerker. 5/5

4)Take Care- Great beat to start off the song with and an equally great chorus. 5/5

5)When Paula Sparks- Another song that took some getting used to, but now I absolutely love it. 5/5

6)California- I love the way that "When Paula Sparks" so smoothly changes in to this song. This is yet another absolutely beautiful song on this CD. It's about being far away from one of your loved ones and wishing that they would come back. I love how in the middle of the song when you think it's going to be a soft song the whole time, all of a sudden the drums come in and so do the distorted guitars. This song will blow your mind. My favorite by far. 5/5

7) She Changes Your Mind- Very good, only it seems worse than it really is being right next to California. 4/5

8)There Cannot Be A Close Second- Catchy as hell is all that I have to say about this one, from the intro to the final note, this song will have you bobbing your head like crazy. 5/5

9)Coffee- Seems like a kind of chilled out- laid back song, but it's extremely good and the chorus is original, you'll have to hear it to know what I mean. 5/5

10)Walking Downtown- Ahhh, yet another catchy one, like I said, it is IMPOSSIBLE to not have this song stuck in your head after listening to it. 5/5

11)When Finally Set Free- Nice way to close this beautiful CD up, it seems like it is going to be an instrumental, but about half way through he starts singing and it makes the song that much better. 5/5

So, overall this CD gets a 53/55 total rating.
I dare you to find me a CD that gets a better rating than that!

I would've been perfectly happy with this album even if I'd paid thirty bucks for it. It's the type of album that music fans spend dozens of purchases looking for: something with unbridled emotion, heartfelt lyrics, and well-done instrumentation. Well folks, this is it. Beneath Medicine Tree has all of those traits and more. Nearly every song borders on perfection, every one could be your favorite because they're all so good.

1. Brightest 10/10... Most albums start out with something fast or at least upbeat, but this song would've been just as good as an ender. The slow, relaxed piano, and Aaron's beautiful falsetto draw you in like a good painting. "I just know that she knows my faults, and she said that I was the favorite little firefly in her jar."

2. Testing the Strong Ones 9/10... Another great song... more upbeat.

3. Priceless 10/10... An awesome song, anybody can relate to the message it conveys. Don't take life for granted. One of these days those you love will be gone. Beautiful.

4. Take Care 10/10... Fast, upbeat, and beautiful. The solo's really cool.

5. When Paula Sparks 10/10... This song along with the next one are worth the price of the CD by themselves. You feel the emotion flooding from every note of Aaron's voice.

6. California 10/10... My favorite song, pleading, emotional. Really great ending.

7. She Changes Your Mind 10/10... Fast, some Aaron's best vocals... "it makes you feel, it makes you feel..."

8. There Cannot be a Close Second 10/10... A song for anyone in love.

9. Coffee 10/10... The most mellow song. Really slows it down nice and easy like some smooooooth coffee.

10. Walking Downtown 9/10... picks the pace back up nicely

11. When Finally Set Free 10/10... Soft, ending with the same feeling that Brightest gives at the beginning.

This is an album for those whose hearts are full, broken, and even just plain indifferent, because Aaron's gonna break your heart anyway. :-) Romantics should go out and buy this NOW. And after that, buy their newest album, In Motion. It won't disappoint, either.

If there was a sixth star able to be given I would give this album a seventh its that good. The lead singer has an incredible voice, using the power of his falsetto to invoke such strong emotions throughout the CD's perfectly mixed set. From beginning to end this album is perfect; each song a classic in its own right. These men seem to understand the correct relationship between a man and woman, based and rooted in caring and a respectful love that puts the other first. The songs build a build as the music is played, not climaxing half-way through the song and then leaving you to wonder what the rest of the song is for. The melodies are soothing, you can hardly help feeling happy after hearing the whole album from beginning to end. The band adds spectacular hamonies and background vocals; this whole band is talented in a way I have not heard since my other favorite band Jimmy Eat World. In short, Copeland rocks, and I cannot wait to see them live and for them to come out with another album. Buy this CD, it will change your life

This is as close to perfection as it gets. Absolutely BEAUTIFUL. There isn't a song on this album that isn't as amazing as the last.

1. Brightest - Wow. This song is perfect. Just piano and Aaron Marsh's beautiful voice and lyrics. The song was even better live. :D
2. Testing The Strong Ones - Just amazing. :D
3. Priceless - This song is perfection(trend?). The lyrics are extremely powerful, and the production was top-notch. Very emotional song.
4. Take Care - Such an uplifting song. The chorus is so catchy, and the message is even better.
5. When Paula Sparks - Definetly a different feel. A little more of a chillm, background song. Excellent.
6. California - One of the best chorus' ever. Amazing live, with everyone screaming it out.
7. She Changes Her Mind - Probably the weakest song on the album, which is saying a lot. Still an amazing song. :)
8. There Cannot Be A Close Second - Awesome song. :D Sorta has the 'In Motion' sound. Great vocals.
9. Coffee - BRILLIANT song. One of my favorite songs of all time. Totally chill, and conveys an unexplainable emotion of serenity. It's an "experience".
10. Walking Downtown - Great song. A lot more upbeat. Very catchy.
11. When Finally Set Free - Great background music. Perfect wrap-up. Aaron's voice is incredible.

10/10 kthx

I went to see Switchfoot 2 nights ago in Columbus, OH and Copeland opened for them. Never having heard of them I didn't think much of it until the guy next to me said Copeland was way better. I took what he said lightly, then they played ONE song and I was like....ok, this guy could be SO right. The band is absolutely amazing. Their sound is soothing, genius, emotional and I cannot say enough good about their lyrics. I guess the lead singer went through some very emotional times writing this album (relatives/special people of his sick/in hospitals) and you can feel all his true (sometimes rare) and raw emotion on the album. For a debut album, this is one of the best I have ever heard in my life...up there with Something Corporate, Sade, Craig Armstrong and Pete Yorn. If you haven't bought this cd yet, don't even bother to listen to the sound bites of the songs, or asking another person what they think. JUST BUY IT....you WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED....I guarantee it. They blow Switchfoot away and just about any other band I've heard in my life. I got the cd 2 days ago and have listened to it every second I haven't been in class. It will not come out of your cd player.

My favorite thing about Copeland's music is its reality- it's not easily pigeon-holed into one particular genre or the other. Instead of reaching for the label, the lyrics and melodies reach for the listener, getting there with passionate immediacy. This isn't a group stuck in an emotional downward spiral. Beneath the Medicine Tree mixes it up, such that the listener rises and falls with each track. It's such a great ride.

O man, this CD blows away all others in my collection. Each song has it's own unique sound, contrasting a lot of other bands out there today. The thing that impresses me so much about them is the use of rarely heard synth's and keyboards. For instance, they use a good ol' Mellotron synth in one song,I haven't heard one of those since the Beatles! I'm also loving the B3 Leslie organ sound in "Brightest". Aaron's vocals are very smooth and he has an awesome falsetto tone. If you live in Chicago and get read this review in time, go see Copeland in Grant Park for a FREE show sponsored by Columbia College on May 27th 2004!!

The past reviewers have done such a great job reviewing this cd that I wonder if any more needs to be said. First of all I can't remember how I got acquanted with this band but I'm glad that I did. Aaron Marsh has probably one of the best voices I have ever hear period. He is also one of the most talented because he plays several instruments. What I appreciate about Copeland is that as an emo band they should be whiners but they aren't. Their lyrics aren't talking about losing girlfriends and pointless topics like that. They are songs about appreciating life and possibly talking about loved ones that have gone on before us from this world. I enjoy the song "That's when Paula sparks" because of the tempo change at the end of the song. It goes from slow to a burst of electric guitars and harmonies. That is another thing about this band that I love. I am a huge fan of pure and clean harmonies, and Copeland delivers that for me. Aaron Marsh has the back-up vocalists to deliver memorable melodies. Everything in this cd is done right, the voices are understandeable, and the lyrics are good, and the musicianship of the band is great, and the production is exactly what the band needs. All in all I would recommend this cd to anyone that enjoys non-whining emo and great harmonies. God bless!!

"I'll take care of you", this quite possibly being the most memorable and inspirational verse I might have ever had the pleasure to listen to. If you haven't quite pinged this unforgettable tune yet, your missing out. Atlanta's very own Copeland are responsible for this blissful rapture. Beneath Medicine Tree, Copeland's first full length CD, is a invitation to the gates of heaven where you will be swept away into a trance of the most beautiful music you may ever hear. It's a feeling like no other where you will literary feel, touched. Emotions of happiness, comfort, satisfaction and possibly tears are all common symptoms you will catch from this infectious CD. Give your ears a break from those hassling teachers and that so called "music" on the radio. Copeland isn't your average band; their heartfelt and uplifting lyrics, refreshing guitar rhythms and up beat drumming will keep you bobbing your head for weeks.
The first song will leave you in a breathless state of unknowingness. Where you will feel like your awaking from a long dream of your life as what it was before, boring. Aaron's hypnotic voice and his undescribable desire to sing will leave you in awe. It's a beautifully orchestrated song consisting of heavenly piano and flawless vocals. Testing the Strong Ones comes in next with a bang. It's synchronized perfectly; going from the quiet but stimulating Brightest, right into some opening guitar chords followed by an explosive array of overwhelming sounds. Never a dull moment in this Cd; each song adds its own unique flare and mature aspect to make it delight to listen to over and over, again and again. Each song has just as much feeling and emotion as the one before, if not more. Getting into songs such as Take Care, She Changes Your Mind and Walking Downtown, brings out Copeland's other side. A heavier side with darker hooks and faster tempos. These different blends of styles is what makes Copeland a perfect band for any age group; from parents and grandparents, to all those the emo kids you see at shows. Looking up to bands, or vice versa, such as Pedro the Lion, Dashboard, Elliot, Coldplay and the composer from whom they got their band name from, Aaron Copeland.
After reading this review I dreadfully hope you will somehow manage to grad hold of this must have Cd. Either by illegally downloading it, burning it from a friend, stealing it from your local record store(please don't go this far), or the best choice, buying it. These guys deserve your support, and you deserve to listen to them. Beneath Medicine Tree will take you on a journey like no other. A journey where you encounter a side of you that you may have never known. This is a masterpiece and it will be around for years to come. Maybe life is just too good.