Released: July 1, 2003
File Under: Alternative Rock
Sounds like: U2 and Radiohead
PALOALTO is: James Grundler (singer/songwriter/guitarist), Andy Blunder (guitarist/keyboardist), Florian Reinert (drummer), and Tommy Black (bassist)
Key Tracks: “The World Outside”, “Last Way Out of Here”, and “Breathe In”
Label: American Recordings

If the difficulty of unwrapping a compact disc could determine how well the record sounds, then PALOALTO would be a very good record. This record wasn’t easy to open, so I would definitely put this on my all-time favorite albums according to my hypothesis. PALOALTO has been labeled as a clichéd and unoriginal band. My argument is simply: who isn’t? Since their freshman effort in 2000, they have grown and now proudly own a defined sound. Their sound is described in two words: enchantingly beautiful. In Heroes and Villains, they mix lush melodies, and passionate vocals. The record is filled with captivating songs that even people in charge of inputting music in movies enjoy the songs. “Going Going Gone” was featured on the Shallow Hal soundtrack and the loud and energetic “Fade In/Fade Out” was featured on the Daredevil Soundtrack. I never watched those movies in their entirety, but nonetheless it probably made the movies a little better. Instead of watching those movies, I heard “The World Outside” on an Island Records sampler CD that I received at Weezer’s “Enlightment Tour” in August 2002. I was especially mad that day because I missed two of my favorite bands on the side stage, but listening to “The World Outside” made me feel slightly better. If you dig Thom Yorke and Bono’s wailings you’ll love this record. A