Best Multi-Effect Pedals

Boss US

1. Boss ME 25 - http://www.bossus.com/products/me-25/ - 270.00 - 4.0/5
Good old trustworthy Boss! Their range of multi-effect pedals is astounding, without even including their double pedals! The ME-25 is the toned down version of their multi-effect offerings, but it is still jam packed with a multitude of effects. With the same strong sturdy build of their other pedals, and with the same pristine, cutting sounds of all their effects, this pedal is immediately recognizable as one from the Boss family.

Boss is known for their strong effect sounds, and this pedal is no different. All ranges of effects are stellar. Although Boss doesn't have a speciality in the effect market, it provides above standard sound for every offering.

The only other thing that docks marks from the pedal is it's slightly confusing set up. The manual is definitely required, and a few hours of experimentation is needed to even just start to understand the board.

Musicians Friend

2. Line 6 M9 - http://line6.com/m9/ - 545.00 - 4.9/5

This is my go-to multi effect pedal, the one that is central to my current set up. It's the mid part of the M series, but in my opinion the best option of the 3 Ms. At times it can be a little restricting compared to the M12, but those times are very rare.

The pedal again utilizes Line6's electronic system with tons of preset tones for 5 categories (Delay, Mod, Distortion, Verb, and Filter). The range for each effect is amazing as well, with at least five options to tweak to get the sound you want. You also have six switches to save an effect to. The only down fall is only three can be used at a time. Still, add this to your board, and the options are endless. The pedal also allows for up to 24 different "boards" at one time, which you can switch through fairly quickly. The pedal also plugs into your computer with regular updates and new effects added.

3. Line 6 POD HD X - http://line6.com/podhd/ - 680.00 - 4.8/5

This is kind of the step up to the M9. It's definitely the largest, and most complicated pedal on this list, but it's also the most professional. Many pro electric guitar players will use this multi-effect pedal live (although most pro electric guitar players like to avoid multi-effects). For example, Lincoln Brewster uses two of these pedals live!

Line 6

The pedal, although extremely large, is pretty slim and aesthetically pleasing. It includes everything, but heavily relies upon electronics, which can get slightly confusing at times. But after a while, after getting a hang of everything, the pedal can be miles above everything around. The control over each sound is also amazing. Not only can you electronically create each pedalboard with a multitude of effects designated for each knob, but you can bank and save your creations, and adjust almost every aspect of the effect. The board also includes an expression pedal, as well as a looper. There's almost nothing that this pedal can't do!

4. Digitech RP500 - http://digitech.com/en/products/rp500 - 270.00 - 4.2/5

Digitech

This is definitely one of the simplest multi-effect pedals on the market. The RP500 system attempts to follow a stompbox idea model, combining a compressor, a distortion, a chorus, a reverb, and a delay effect, along with an expression pedal. While this may be slightly more restrictive (not allowing two different distortions at one time), for the most part you can scrap by. The actual amount of offerings for each different effect is quite large, which allows for a great time experimenting.

The make and build of the pedal is decently stylish, but slightly cumbersome. The expression pedal seems to be hastily added on, almost as a side thought. Still, any multi-effect board with an expression pedal built on is a step up.

5. Vox StompLab 1G - http://www.voxamps.com/stomplab - 70.00 - 3.7/5

Sweetwater

This is definitely the weakest pedal of this list, but it's still a good pick for a start up pedal. Vox isn't really known for their strong effect pedals, instead specializing in the tube amp sector. That lack of specialization is clearly seen in this pedal, but the effects are still decent.

The pedal is smaller then some other multi-effect pedals, and almost acts like a dual effect pedal. The pedal doesn't focus on effects, as much as different sounds. There are multiple preset tones in the pedal, that you can adjust through gain and level. There are tones such as ballad, hard rock, jazz, metal, and some other ones. Not as much fun as some other pedals, but also not as complicated, and therefore easier to use right away without much experimentation.

A nice feature of this pedal is the included tuner with bypass. This is an essential aspect to a multi-effect pedal, or you'll have to buy a separate tuner pedal and take up space on your board, which is a hassle, and unnecessary.

All in all, a nice pedal, without many flairs. It's a great one for someone who is just starting off, or looking for a simple pedal.

Upcoming - Line 6 Helix

Line 6 

This is the newest and coolest pedal coming out on the market, again from pedal geniuses Line 6. In fact, Line 6 seems to be taking the edge in recent years when it comes to new guitar and effect inventions on the market. This new multi-effect pedal combines the best of the M9 and the Pod HD X into a sleek, top of the market model. This pedal has everything. It's clearly the best of the best. Again, the Line 6 trademark electronic computer system dominates the board, with endless opportunities. This is going to be one fun pedal to play around with when it comes out.

Top Ten Songs for July

Shut Up and Dance continues to dominate my lists, looking like a sure shoe in for song of the summer. It's almost looking like the song of the year! Still a few more months to go, but Walk the Moon have a hit with this song.

1. Shut Up and Dance - Walk the Moon - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JCLY0Rlx6Q
I've said it many times before, but I love cool band stories, especially those where the band had to work extremely hard to get to their success. Walk the Moon has one of those cool stories. They started off by touring for three constant years, before hitting the international stage with their latest album Talking is Hard. The album required marathon writing sessions (14 hrs.), never ending recording and producing, and travel back and forth between Hollywood and Dayton. The band ended up with a huge hit.

2. Fix My Eyes - for King & Country - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Lol1tOMR3Y
Another interesting story regarding the band behind the songs! for King and Country is compromised of two Australian brothers, Joel and Luke. They come from a rather large family, of seven kids, with musical roots coming from the father who was a music promoter. This means that Joel and Luke got an early music start by performing as back up singers for their sister, Rebecca St. James.

3. Youtopia - Armin Van Buuren feat. Adam Young - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTgh-QwvyVo
Pump up songs are hard to come by, but this one fits the bill perfectly. Pump up songs are electric, setting a stage of excitement, anticipation, and power. They're perfect for sports, a big trial or test, or any situation that you need empowerment for. The rapidly rising and falling dynamics, the quick tempo, the staccato notes, all of it adds to the atmosphere that the song is crafted to create.

4. Where Are U Now - Skrillex and Diplo feat. Justin Bieber - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKS1xjqEv8o
Justin Bieber is the real reason why this song has taken off on the charts. Fans will be excited to know that after a while of just working on collaborations, he's finally working on his next album! The big question is if he can continue to keep his music as famous as it is, especially after a few years of horrible news stories and immature actions.

5. Build Your Kingdom Here - Rend Collective - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbdJXKqVgtg
Rend Collective really dominated my list this month with three songs. I can't wait to see what they are planning to do next, after these hit records. I love their sound, their unique song ideas, and the mission behind their band. Through every song, that mission is so clear. It's the driving force behind everything that Rend Collective has done thus far.

6. More Than Conquerors - Rend Collective - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2p8_4NbrcKA
This is the new Rend Collective song that has me hooked this month. The song comes from Rend Collective's latest album the Art of Celebration, which is really a perfect name for the attitude of this great band. This song is also a great depiction of the mission and atmosphere created by the band.

7. Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpyfrixXBqU
Not only is Ed Sheeran an amazing musician, but he's also venturing out in the world as a mentor. He's already worked closely with One Direction, Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift, and now he's started his own record label Gingerbread Man. Sheeran apparently tried to get Passenger to sign to a label before Gingerbread Man existed, but the label wouldn't listen to his recommendations, and a year later Passenger had a worldwide hit with Let Her Go. Now with his own label, Sheeran has embarked on a journey of finding those similar to him to cultivate their talents. His first signing Jamie Lawson is one who has a great future, one very similar to Sheeran's.

8. Praise the Lord - The City Harmonic - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVnOlBuhxjU
I'm so excited for the upcoming August long weekend! At Stayner Campgrounds, The City Harmonic will be playing a live show Saturday night! Normally, I don't ever see the same band live in concert more then once (in fact I've only have once before), but I'm excited to with these local guys!

9. Boldly I Approach - Rend Collective - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QDnVD7gu5Y
Finally, the last Rend Collective song on this list is perhaps their top worship one. A lot of their material is more upbeat, with a campfire feel, mainly because that's their passion in music. But this song shows the diversity in their talent as well. In my opinion, this could be the top worship song of the year.

10. Someone Worth Dying For - Mikeschair - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlj2G1pvKTw
I haven't heard a song so poetic or purposeful in a long time. The words of this song drive from a place of deep emotion, hitting the hearts of listeners. I haven't heard a lot from Mikeschair, but this song is amazing! The vocalist's voice from this band fits the song perfectly, and acts to the full impact of the song.

Rend Collective's The Art of Celebration Album Review

Rating: 9.1/10
Website: http://rendcollective.com/
Purchase: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-art-of-celebration/id816543831

Perhaps one of the hottest worship bands right now, Rend Collective is revolutionizing the way we view worship music. Their style and approach towards praising and worshipping God is a breath of fresh air into a dwindling aspect of a Christian's life. Starting off as an experiment, Rend Collective have taken their purpose and mission statement, added some folk style to it, and created some thing God inspired.

One of the reasons this album is so special is the attitude behind the band that created it. Originally, the group started off in Northern Ireland as a bunch of young folk striving for a new church experience. "We wanted to push the boundaries because our God is not safe or small: He has a wild imagination." Ultimately, the group wanted something real, something authentic. Through their worship music, as well as prayer and missions movements, they started to rediscover God, and help others open their eyes along the way.

The Art of Celebration is the next step in Rend Collective's journey. The album aims to reveal Rend Collective's true aims as a band; celebration. The album is meant to rejoice in the Lord's strength, and revel in His power. And true enough to their aim, the album does just that, with style and flair. From rocking, feet stomping My Lighthouse, to passionate worship song Boldly I Approach, the album is filled with hits. Not only does the album have a collection of hits, the nice thing about Rend Collective is that all of their supporting songs also stick true to the band's original sound. More Than Conquerors, Joy, and All That I Am may not pack the same punch as the two formerly mentioned headliners, but they still support the album in major ways.

iTunes

Top Ten Songs for June

Nearing summer again, and a new song of the season! I personally think my top song right now is going to sweep the charts during the summer, but I could be wrong... Of course, there are only a few more months to prove me otherwise.

1. Shut Up and Dance - Walk the Moon - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JCLY0Rlx6Q
I've never attended a music festival, but the idea intrigues me. Walk the Moon will be performing in the Way Home Music and Arts Festival in Oro-Medonte, Ontario July 24, 25, and 26th. The beauty of the festival is that it isn't only one artist performing but multiple. Sam Smith, Kendrick Lamar, Thousand Foot Krutch, and Hozier, will also be there.

2. Geronimo - Sheppard - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-SeaCZE2TM
Another one of Scooter Braun's projects. Even though he's only managing their introduction to the States, as they're an Australian band, he is heavily involved in the future of Sheppard. Everything Braun touches seems to turn to gold. So far, he's turned Justin Bieber into an international household name, launched Ariana Grande's career in an upward trajectory, helped foster Cody Simpson's career, played a part in Ed Sheeran's American domination, and now he's focusing on this band. You can only expect great things.

3. Youtopia - Armin van Buuren feat. Adam Young - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTgh-QwvyVo
I find it so interesting to research an artist's works and projects. A lot of the times, artists tend to build relationships with others in their industry, and work together. A common misconception is that the industry creates a lot of competition. While I'm sure there is some, Adam Young is just one example of disproving that idea. The amount of work he has done for other artists, as a producer, writer, vocalist, or engineer is amazing, and not just for some knock-off artists, but for some huge names. It's nice to see that team mentality in the industry.

4. Boldly I Approach - Rend Collective - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QDnVD7gu5Y
A huge thing in today's Christian music industry is bands leading worship. In the previous generation, it was mainly solo artists, with the major exception being Hillsong. However, now the tides have turned, with the majority of new worship material coming from worship bands such as Vertical Church, and Rend Collective. Rend Collective comes from a bunch of young people meeting under the name Rend, to find a real expression of church through prayer and mission.

5. Stained Glass - Jon Guerra - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhfpgrqgAso
I heard this song for the first time in Chicago at the Act Like Men conference. As an acoustic solo song, in an atmosphere with hundreds of men ready to worship, the emotional impact is off the charts. Jon Guerra's control over his vocal falsetto is amazing, but my favourite part of the song is the lyrics. The words are piercing, but in a simple, eye-opening way.

6. I'm Going Free (Jailbreak) - Vertical Church Band - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2ZMjmZMo1o
This was another song I heard during my trip to Chicago. While the band didn't actually play it during the conference, it was on one of their albums we listened to on the way to Chicago. The upbeat tempo matches the fast lyrical change perfectly. My favourite part is the chorus, that sticks in your mind for a long time afterwards.

7. Where Are U Now - Skrillex and Diplo feat. Justin Bieber - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKS1xjqEv8o
Apparently, Skrillex and Diplo together form the duo Jack U. Founded in 2013, the DJ duo group work together and mainly feature solo artists for songs. The album that featured this song was the debut project for the duo. Because they are a DJ duo, every song off this album features an artist. And these artists aren't just any artists. Jack U has partnered with Kiesza, 2 Chainz, and of course Bieber!

8. This is Amazing Grace - Phil Wickham - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFRjr_x-yxU
This song is a cool example of the new transition in worship music from a more laid back sound to one that utilizes a rock feel and electronic equipment for inspired purposes. While not to the point of discarding all instruments and just using a DJ, the song does utilizes some electronics to drive the catchy musical lines home. Finding that perfect combination between instruments and electronic effects is paramount to the success of a song such as this one.

9. Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpyfrixXBqU
Still all over the news! Not only did he host the Much Music Video Awards, but he also hit the YouTube trending charts when he made an impromptu appearance in the West Edmonton Mall. A young teen was singing this very song for karaoke, when Ed Sheeran joined her to sing along, and make her day, and very possibly, her year!

10. One Last Time - Ariana Grande - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wg92RrNhB8s
Why, in the industry today, do all female artists have to be sexualized to sell? Even the ones with talent, such as Ariana Grande, don't focus on their music. Instead, it's all about their body, their provocative music videos, photoshoots, e.t.c. Take this song without knowing about Grande and her eccentric clothing and acts, and it really is a good piece of music. The sexualization of every female artist ruins it for me, and tarnishes the female talent that is present.

Best Wah Pedals

Dunlop

1. Dunlop Cry Baby Wah - http://www.jimdunlop.com/product/Cry-Baby - 120.00 - 4.8/5

This is the best wah pedal out there in my opinion. It is also the best one to start off with. The price isn't abnormally high, the features are extremely simplistic, yet the pedal gives off an amazing sound. The brand name is also time tested, and regarded as one of the best companies in the industry.

This wah pedal is rather large and heavy, but that also means it is extremely sturdy. The action of the pedal is also very smooth, other then the fact that the pedal effect has to be turned on through clicking a button. The actual sound that comes from the pedal is amazing. The sweep is perfect, with both extremes producing great cutting tones. Either of the extremes can be fit in to any song, and the wah wah effect, sweeping from either extreme.

Musician's Friend

2. Ibanez WD7 Weeping Demon Wah Wah Pedal - http://www.amazon.ca/Ibanez-WD7-Weeping-Demon-Pedal/dp/B000S5MW6C - 180.00 - 4.7/5

This is another stellar pedal. Again the tones emitted are great, and the pedal itself is of a fine build. Ibanez is known for its more rocky feel, and this wah is no exception. The sound does tend to be more gritty, or harsh, but that makes it a perfect fit for rock genre songs. Add this in to a solo, and the flair will make you sound like a hero.

The build of this pedal is extremely strong. It does differ slightly from the standard CryBaby shape, and includes some sound options that the simplistic CryBaby doesn't have. However, the shape can be slightly awkward, especially when trying to squeeze onto a crowded pedal board.

3. Fender Classics Fuzz Wah - http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/fender-classics-series-fuzz-wah-pedal - 150.00 - 3.6/5

Audio Fanzine

Currently, this pedal is discontinued, but there are a few reissues floating around. Like many of Fender's ventures into electronics, this pedal has garnered moderate success. Again, much like the Weeping Demon, the focus is on a fuzz wah. The pedal does allow for a simple wah sound, which in my opinion is its best feature, but the main purpose of the effect to provide its fuzz wah. This fuzz wah in my opinion is lacking, and doesn't provide as well of a range as other pedals do. The actual fuzz sound is good, but it doesn't live up to the wah purpose.

As for build, the pedal again is decently sturdy, modelled after the CryBaby. However, the unique feature is its slanted pedal, that controls the wah. This to me is awkward, and again leads to trouble on a pedalboard. I'm also not a huge fan of the sound options to the side, with two foot switches.

4. Zakk Wylde Z-45 Signature Wah - http://www.jimdunlop.com/product/zw45-zakk-wylde-signature-wah - 200.00 - 4.3/5

Vanz Guitars

This pedal is extremely similar to the CryBaby, in fact, it is a CryBaby, just a special edition one. The make is the same, the sound is extremely close, it just has a different finish to it, and of course the name Zakk Wylde is tagged on. In regards to differences, there is a slight adjustment to the wah sound. This pedal does seem to cater to the heavy distortion sound, adding a little grunge to the wah sound.

The pedal's aesthetics are also slightly different, with a metallic silver look the go to option, instead of the classic black finish. The grip is also styled into Wylde's signature bullseye pattern. Overall, this pedal gives you much of what you can get with the original CryBaby, with some additional cool stylistic features.

5. Digitech Whammy (5th Generation) - http://digitech.com/en/products/whammy-5th-gen - 200.00 - 4.0/5

Digitech

This is one interesting wah pedal. Everything about it is extremely unique, even it's name. Titled the Whammy, it serves much of the same purpose of a wah pedal, but more in the style of a whammy bar. There are multiple features on the pedal. You can go for harmony, or the whammy setting, and set your own octaves to alternate between. The whole pedal allows for extremely simple programming for the sound you want. The pedal is also shaped into a nice box shape, which is nice, and it is colorful (bonus!)!

The actual sound, like much of Digitech's equipment, is heavily electronic, and does not allow for the natural vibe that some of the other pedals generate. Also in my opinion, having to click the button in the lower corner of the pedal is slightly awkward and perhaps too time consuming, especially in certain situations.

Top Ten Songs for May

May was a rather uneventful music month. There are only a few new additions to my list, with many of these songs carrying over in the same spot from last month's list. However, the few new additions are awesome, claiming high ranks in this month's top ten!

1. Shut Up and Dance - Walk the Moon - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JCLY0Rlx6Q
Another dance party song in the Ramson household! I love the fact that this song uses instruments, rather then electronic equipment. It goes to show that you can still create upbeat, catchy tunes using guitars, drums, and bass. Actually, all three of those instruments stick to basic principles in this song, yet they still combine to create an amazing single.

2. Boldly I Approach - Rend Collective - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QDnVD7gu5Y
Much like a few other songs I have been focusing on, this one also relies on a guitar riff to drive the song forward. With a chorus/reverb effect, the picking fills the space of the song nicely, and contributes directly to the dynamics. Picking also allows for a transition into strumming, as well as for changes in the volume of the notes, which also contributes to a nice smooth build within the song.

3. Youtopia - Armin van Buuren feat. Adam Young - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTgh-QwvyVo
My brother turned me onto this song, and I immediately had to buy it to relisten to over and over again. I'm not a huge fan of electronic dance music, as many people already know, but whenever Adam Young, or Owl City as he's better know, releases a new song, I'm always interested. He seems to connect himself with catchy songs constantly.

4. Baby I Need You - Kim Taylor - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxxhALen93E
One aspect of my musical practice that I have been focusing on is acoustic guitar picking such as the one in this song. Having that style in a song adds rhythm, and a sense of uniqueness. It also allows for dynamics to play a factor in the song, especially when the song is a ballad, again like this one. The picking in the song seems to rely on hitting the root bass note, and then playing a pattern between two or three treble notes.

5. Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8AWFf7EAc4
As I mentioned last month, the amount of covers of this song is staggering. And, as much as I like the original, I do like some covers more. One would be Jason Castro's soulful version from American Idol. Another would be Lincoln Brewster's Christian take, titled Another Hallelujah. The test of a real classic is the amount, and the quality of the covers that follow in the years after its release.

6. Where Can't I Find You - Sky Terminal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-em44bgX-o
I prefer acoustic slow songs over fast rock songs, but this is quickly becoming one of my favourite songs. Not only is the music driving, and upbeat, the lyrics are great as well. I cannot rave enough about this band. Their career is one I will be closely following for many years to come.

7. She Looks So Perfect - Five Seconds of Summer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2BYmmTI04I
I've been working on a cover for this song, and while researching other covers, I've realized that I enjoy the song more with an acoustic sound. With the right voice, an acoustic guitar, and a cajun, this song is opened up to a really cool vibe, and some interesting interpretations. Even Five Seconds of Summer's own acoustic version sounds better then the original!

8. Where Are U Now - Skrillex and Diplo feat. Justin Bieber - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKS1xjqEv8o
I know a lot of people really dislike Justin Bieber, and to a certain degree I agree with them. However, as I continually say, the fact is that he has real talent. I recently watched a video of him just singing in a car (with James Corben I believe), and he hits every note perfectly (even though they are his own songs). I personally believe that he doesn't need to rely on electronics to make his voice sound great, it is naturally a good voice.

9. Hideaway - Kiesza - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D70UT2wUnoM
This past month, the YouTube official video for Hideaway went past 230 million views. That's an amazing accomplishment, especially for the video only being online for about a year. Surprisingly, there is also a video online of Kiesza playing the song acoustically. It sounds really weird, yet she's able to pull it off because of her vocal power.

10. Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpyfrixXBqU
Almost fell off the list for this month, but still this song halfway through the year, is number one for song of the year. It continues to be a massive hit on radios, and on iTunes, and with Ed Sheeran constantly in the news, it seems it won't be falling down any time soon.

NEEDTOBREATHE's The Outsiders Album Review

Rating: 9.0/10
Website: http://www.needtobreathe.com/?frontpage=true
Purchase: http://www.amazon.ca/The-Outsiders-Needtobreathe/dp/B0029O09TC

NEEDTOBREATHE is quite frankly an amazingly unique band. Not only do they attempt to work against the status quo of the current popular music industry, they do so with flair. Sticking with classic band instruments like guitars and drum, rather than the popular electronic equipment dominating today, NEEDTOBREATHE have crafted a sound that they can call their own, spearheaded by vocal specialist Bear Rinehart.

This might be one of the best albums I have ever heard, from one of the best bands out there. The record is filled with hits, and even the lesser songs are extremely good. For me, the highlights are Let Us Love, Something Beautiful, The Outsiders, and A Girl Named Tennessee. However, the other songs are really quite something as well. All the songs hold true to NEEDTOBREATHE's crafted sound, with a folky kind of feel to it. The band makes perfect use of a basis of guitars, drums, and then filters through some extras like banjos, extra percussion, e.t.c. The sound created works for both fast and slower paced songs, and is extremely catchy, yet motivating as well.

Another surprising aspect of this record is the emphasis placed on the lyrical content. Almost every single one of these songs contain meaningful lyrics. There is no mumble jumble, with every song created for a specific purpose. That purpose is served by a combining effort through the music and vocals.

Wikipedia