Ben Urwand, Michael Coleman, Rob Schwartz and Mark Allen-Piccolo.
Remembers those names. And rememeber the name of their band "The Attachments."
And for the love of God stop listening to music because of their damn label! Because in this case, Mark, their bassist, recorded the EP and I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up making his own label. Yes, that's right, fifteen years from now your kids are going to become music snobs and they're going to tell you they will only listen to music that comes from The Attachments label. ;o)
The music.
These guys have SIX senses, their superhero sixth sense is a keen sense of melody. When you listen, you will hear the excellent vocal blend and it all melts together with perfectly placed Indie Pop ambience when you mix in the guitars, keys and drums.
I asked a few questions to better understand The Attachments and well...because I'm a curious gal. The guys were more than happy to give me some answers.
1. Indie/Pop/Rock is the genre you place your band under...when I think Pop, I think Justin Timberlake, do you think Indie music has its own "pop" realm?
"well, obviously we have absolutely no connection to current pop music (none of us listen to that stuff). at the same time, our music is ridiculously poppy, but it's more in the sense that the beatles were poppy. unlike most indie bands, we place our biggest emphasis on writing catchy tunes. but we still feel we're an indie band, so "indie pop" seems just about right."
2. When I listen to the tracks on your MySpace page I immediatelythink bowl haircuts and finger snapping, do you think you have a 60s or 70s rock sound? Is that what you're going for?
"we're not really "going for" that kind of sound, but it's kind of inevitable that we'll sound like that because of our musical influences. i for one grew up on 60s music -- i could sing beatles songs before i knew how to speak -- so i can't really help writing that kind of music."
3. Women. I am one, and I don't even understand myself half the time, can we thank the female ghosts of your past for being an inspiration for the feeling in your songs?
"some of the girls in my songs are real, some are constructed, but even the made-up ones are based on some kind of experience i've had in the past (or, more likely, some kind of experience i wish i'd had). it's true that most of my songs are about girls, but is there anything else worth writing songs about? and in any case, if you want people to come to your shows you have to write about girls. guys will only come to shows if their girlfriends bring them. and girls will only come if you're singing about girls."
Now you know them. You know some of what they are all about. So take a listen, get attached and buy their self-titled EP. You will LOVE it!
Little tidbit...Patrick Krief, one of their guitarists, has also put out a solo EP.
Time to share the song of my tired moment... This is a song, where unfortunately, you don't really want to focus on the lyrics if you're needing to relax. Because well...the reason they want to think about warm and sunny days because they are paranoid and feeling pressure. =o/
Their last album came out in 2006, "Gang of Losers." But the song I'm sharing is from their 2004 album "No Cities Left." All the LPs and EPs are available for purchase in the UK, but you can buy a selective couple at their online US store. And you can sample more of their music at their MySpace page um...or is it this MySpace page.
Acousitically and vocally I think Desmond has a good bit of unpolished talent. He plays guitar, sings and creates songs on a "4-track in his bedroom." I have to give him credit for that. And thanks to being ambitious, he even has a track on one of BabyBoom Records samplers.
The voice sounds great, it has a 70s quality to it that we don't hear much anymore. It almost doesn't match the guitar string. I hear more of a Nirvana baseline to the music.
It is my humble opinion that there is a great amount of potential here. With the right equipment and someone to back him, I think Desmond could find his music on more than just a label's sampler disc.
The only problem I had with his music is that I couldn't relate to the lyrics. The sound was good, but the lyrics were about guinea pigs and school crushes described as "neat." With that said, I think for a younger demographic there would be "neat" school girls who would swoon over the thought that the song could be about them. It's kind of like Aaron Carter singing about liking candy. His target is a younger crowd, the teeny boppers. And Desmond Reed's lyrics have an alternative/pop teeny bopper feel. He is someone I'll follow, I think we'll be hearing more from Mr. Desmond Reed. And when we do, I'll be sure to insist you buy his album.
I was going to wait until tomorrow, but I really want to talk about them now. And you shouldn't have to go another day without hearing their music.
One of the most impressive things about "The Less" is the fact that they are so young in age, but in talent they are way beyond their years. Normally when I am introduced to a new band, I find myself thinking they have so much more to learn, so much more to grow. This is not the case with "The Less," these guys still have some minor fine-tuning to do, but for the most part they just need to get an album out and promote it like crazy! I can tell you it will definitely make it into the BRING ME UP vault.
Coming to us from Georgia are Adam Courtney, Zac Harrison, Kyle "Klye" DeLoach, Mike Harrison and Casey Giessen. Adam seems to be the front vocals and I love his voice when he's in his comfort zone. He also plays the guitar and piano and I really love the sound of the piano in some of these songs. It has so much more depth. As a team, each guitarist (four including the bass) play really well together. There are rifts in which the vocals stop and you can hear the meshing of the chords, it's just awesome! And Casey is right on, keeping the pace at a place you'll like.
The only, very tiny, complaint I have is with their song "Attention." Musically and lyrically it has the potential of being a favorite. However, vocally it sounds forced and tight. As if the singer is running out of breath or tightening his torso while he is singing. There is a part 3/4 into the song where he drops down a couple notes and he sounds perfect, he sounds more comfortable.
A few days ago I received an e-mail from someone saying that I should take a listen to Gavin Mikhail. Being the gal that I am, I immediately did, because I'm always excited to listen to new music. I'm quite, QUITE impressed. In fact, I ended up buying one of his album's ('My Personal Beauty Needs') at eMusic.
I would proudly turn up the volume to proclaim the greatness of Gavin Mikhail. This music just makes me feel good! And while I was listening to it, my three-year-old said "Mommy, I like that song, what is it?" My son loves music as much as me. He has a complete drum kit, an acoustic guitar, a keyboard and a microphone. He is a musical prodigy. He is also very honest and will tell me to turn music off if he doesn't like it.
The first album Gavin launched is "My Personal Beauty Needs" and that is what I bought. You can tell this is his debut CD, it has some rough patches. I like it, I'm very happy to have it. There are just moments when I feel like it is a bit too rushed. He has such vocal talent, he should bellow, he should let loose and I think the debut album showed room for growth.
Now, I have also listened to his newer music on the album "Like Normal People Do." He has shown he is multi-faceted in terms of what type of music he can cover. His new album is mellow, his voice croons almost I mean, vocally the improvement and the range is unbelievable. The new album is full of refreshing spirital emotion. Gavin takes care of the lead vocals, guitar and keyboard. Frank Cuden is on drums, Paul Rippee on bass, Neilson Hubbard is on a guitar and helps Gavin with programming and then we have beautiful string work from Chris Carmichael on not one, but THREE instruments: violin, viola and cello.
Really, just buy these albums. There is no reason not to buy them.
In 1983 there was an arcade game named Elevator Action. It involved being a spy in a building with a lot of elevators. And the enemies come out from behind closed doors. You get the drift. The game was popular, it was even given a sequel.
(Just a factoid or two for you.)
Today, and for the last several years, Elevator Action is not just a game, it's also a band.
You can listen at their website (linked above) or on MySpace.
In accordance to their name, the last album they put out is called "Society, Secret." So clever. I decided to check them out because their label is MoRisen Records which is the same as "The Sammies" and I love "The Sammies."
The band consists of Eric Gilstrap, Laurie Ruroden and James Donley used to be their drummer BUT they are currently looking for a new one. They have a forceful rock and roll edge to most of their songs. It is a little bit more punk than I lean towards. But with that said, I really like what I have heard when Eric is joined by Laurie in songs. Their voices blend perfectly or on the other hand, compliment each other perfectly. And I think that makes the sound more like a funky pop song, which sits well with me and adds more of a meaningful depth. ;o)
Seriously, I'm Italian, why can't there be an Italian roulette?
I'm going to throw out a couple of songs to you while working on my next couple reviews. Because it's Tuesday and your ears send out Tuesday invitations for new music. Yes. They do. Did you know that?
Well now you do.
I plan on reviewing three artists between today and tomorrow. They will be Elevator Action, Gavin Mikhail and The Less.
Roddy Woomble, Rod Jones, Allan Stewart, Gareth Russell and Colin Newton make up the band Idlewild. Their CD "Make Another World" came out in the UK on March 5th. You'll be able to get it in the US next week on April 3rd. (Though you can pre-order their album and get the digital formats ASAP from their site).
Idlewild's new album shows them as they really are, a rock band. They veered off the strictly heart on their sleeve Indie music and put some real feeling into the music behind the words. Their earlier songs lack that feeling. I think they have definitely matured in this new album and I'm very excited by what I'm hearing now. Not that I don't like everything else, just that I appreciate them taking a leap. ;o)
And she wistfully sits in her room, at the computer in her terribly uncomfortable chair...with a smile on her face...thanks to Starlet.
I know very little about this band. Just that their website is down and their MySpace page isn't quite informative. They are from Sweden. The band includes Jonas Farm, Joakim Odlund, Henrik Martensson, Anders Baeck and Ludvig Engelbert. It looks like their last album, "When Sun Falls on My Feet," came out in 2002.
And that folks is just about all I know about the band. I'd say they are semi-comparible to the "Red House Painters." I do hope Starlet makes a comeback.
When you know the right people, you find yourself with 2nd row seats to see Snow Patrol with Silversun Pickups and OK Go as openers.
The Silversun Pickups sounded great, but lacked stage precense. They didn't introduce themselves, their first statement after coming on stage was to ask if we were ready to see the big show after them. I don't think they should have discounted themselves so quickly. They have great music. The chatty pre-teen girls sitting behind me didn't even know who the band was until after they were done playing.
OK Go was awesome, but Damian Kulash dropped the f-bomb a few too many times for my liking. I'm not expecting a rated G concert when I go out, but there were a lot of little kids in the crowd A LOT and I just thought there were probably better ways to address us. With that said, I'll definitely be buying their album "Oh No" because they sounded absolutely wonderful.
There is never anything bad to say about a performance by Snow Patrol. Gary Lightbody was comfortable and informal with the crowd. He addressed us before and thanked us after every song. For me, working with the people who are there to see you, well that is essential to a good show. You can like a band's music but if you go to see them live and they couldn't care less that you are there...well that just sucks. Snow Patrol. ROCKED! In every way! At one point bringing a very lucky lady from the crowd up on stage to sing a duet that on the album was sang by Martha Wainwright "Set The Fire To The Third Bar." The girl they chose, Amy, was pretty cool up on stage. She sounded like a cat singing, but she moved around and seemed confident which was so great to see.
Nathan Connolly plays the guitar, but is also responsible for quite a bit of backing vocals. He has an awesome voice. I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up with a solo album later down the road.
And we all got a good laugh when Gary explained how he researches cities before coming to the venue. He asked us if we knew that biggest fact he found about Camden, NJ was...and we did...and he announced "Did you know you are all in the city with the most crime in all of the country?"
Oh dear.
My favorite songs of the night:
Make This Go On Forever You're All I Have Open Your Eyes
And for your listening pleasure here are some tracks.
There is no way I would ever be able to say anything nice about a mouthful of bees. I mean didn't you see My Girl when the little boy died from bee stings. Holy mackenzie batman! That was not cool.
However, there is a less painful Mouthful of Bees that I can honestly say is enjoyable. They swarm in from Minneapolis and have the Indie Rock flair us 20 and 30-something folk are grooving to these days. Their album "The End" came out on January 23, 2007. You can buy it at Afternoon Records. (I think Afternoon Records has picked up some rather talented people during their four years of recruiting.)
Not only is Katelyn Farstad dressed wicked cool every time I see a picture of her, but she is also the band's drummer. You don't see many girl drummers when the band is a 3 to 1 ratio of guys.
I think you will find the song shared on here is super hip. It's not frequent that the bass guitar has such a strong part in a song. So for that I send a *high-five* out to Micky Alfano.
With all that said...I do think the voice is lost in the song. For me it is important to hear what they are singing about; it adds meaning to the song. So even though I'm jumping around like a school girl because the tune is catchy, I do wish the vocals were kicked up a knotch. Hopefully Afternoon Records will drag them out of the basement and put them in a nice studio to bring out their full potential.
We knew they would be touring, they have to promote their new album. I was skeptical as to whether they would come to Philly though, but they are indeed venturing out this way!
The Bravery will be at the TLA on Tuesday, June 5th. Tickets are not yet available, but will be at 10 a.m. tomorrow March 24th, you'll be able to find them at the concert maps on The Bravery's website.
So, when I find out that a band is touring and then I see one of their stops will be in Delaware I instantly find that my lips are pursed, my eyebrows are raised and I'm looking quite ridiculous. I'm a fan of Delaware, been living here 26 years after all...but we don't get many performers.
Socratic is from New Jersey and hopefully you have heard of them and enjoy their music. I do, but I will also admit it was only recently that I started listening to their music. I'm impressed. I can't say it's very unique, I mean the trend right now is to have that Alternative/Pop sound, right? Right. So I'd say their sound is comparable to "The Academy Is..." and even though that might make it less unique, it certainly doesn't make it less appealing. They sound geat!
They are a four member band Duane, Kevin, Vincent and Thomas. All but the last share in on the vocals. Vincent is my favorite, no offense to the rest of the guys, but he is the one on the piano. And I'm a sucker for those keys. In addition, I love the Illustration and Flash elements on their website.
On April 13th they will be in Wilmington, Delaware playing at The Harmony Grange. You can buy their first release from 2005 and their new EP at WestAspenMerch.com.
The sound of any sirens or alarms would only be due to the need to get your attention right now...so you can listen to "Rescue Me" by Jessica Sonner.
I like the beat she makes with her fingers while she strums the guitar. The acoustics of her work are infallible. And it is definitely the lyrics of this song that hooked me. It makes you feel something, that's what music is all about. Watching Jessica sing the song, you can tell she feels it, too. She's not just singing words, she's living them.
Her self-titled EP is available for purchase at CD Baby...though I will tell you it is currently sold out! You can sign up for an e-mail from them when it comes back in stock.
I have been racking my brain trying to figure out how to write about Adrienne Pierce. Yesterday I had every intention of posting a review, but then I didn't. And today I've been thinking about it and listening to her and wondering how in the world I'm going to be able to describe the way she sounds. That's when it hit me. Adrienne Pierce is indescribable.
Her style, her voice...it is like nothing else I have ever heard before. And that is a good thing, a very good thing. She has the voice of an angel.
If you need to listen to something that is going to comfort and soothe you. Listen to Adrienne Pierce. If you want to light some candles, slip into something sexy and seduce your love...well, I guarantee you the sound of Adrienne Pierce in the background will help. Her music is mesmerizing.
So excited. They don't currently have any shows nearby, but I'm hopeful.
I have seen Minus the Bear and The Honorary Title (on their last tour together), both excellent bands! And I'm looking forward to hearing their Chin Up, Chin Up if they come out this way.
If you know me, you know I'm a cleaning fanatic. In fact, I actually love cleaning. I do. It's a quirk, but I'm okay with it. And when I see dust I immediately need to wipe it away. I just don't like dust.
And without beating around the bush anymore, I'm about to introduce dust|box. I was given some of their tracks and I listened to all of them. Guys, I'm just not feeling it. It's not my thing. I'm not against hard rock or metal, but the way this is orchestrated just sounds kind of forced or awkward.
Of course that is just one girl's opinion and hopefully there are masses of people who will listen to dust|box and love them. I'll keep up with the band and see where they go from here.
Always looking for new music to be swept away by and it just happened once again. Completely, totally, knocked over and washed over with one of the most beautifully sounding and best written song I have ever heard.
It's not hard rock, it's not punk, it's not some kind of electric indie pop mix. This is very Pop/Rock, mingled with a perfect acoustic sound. I could fall asleep with a smile on my face listening to Alan Albert. His voice and guitar meshed with Rohan Kohli and Michael Whitworth makes for music that could be the soundtrack behind any romantic comedy or TV drama. But for me it will be added to the soundtrack of my life.
"Walking By" is one of their new songs that is streaming on MySpace and it is the song I mentioned earlier; the one I say is "one of the most beautifully sounding and best written song I have ever heard." It is. It just is.
Yay oh yay! This was a big new music Tuesday for me!
Andrew Bird's album "Armchair Apocrypha" was released today. And yes of course I have it! This is one I have been waiting for and I also have tickets to see him when he comes to Philly on May 18th at the TLA!
I also made sure to snag Modest Mouse's album (which I promoted on Bring Me Up and I know some of you bought it to get the free vinvyl *high-five*) "We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank" we've been listening to the leaks, but the album in its entirety is so worth purchasing, Ponys' album "Turn The Lights Out" AND yes there is one more that I absolutely made sure I would get Ted Leo and the Pharmacists' "Living with the Living."
Sometimes it takes a few listens for a band to break into your happy place and make you feel at home. This is not the case with "The Finals" because with one song the welcome mat is laying out and the door is open.
Jason Sazer, Lou Bottone, Joshua Sazer, Christian Kisala and Andrew Seagle make up the band you shouldn't go through life without hearing. The band is from from New Jersey and their first EP came out in 2004. They have an Indie Pop kind of sound that is fun and catchy and still rock worthy! Not many artists can pull that all together so smoothly.
During the summer of 2006, they went on tour to promote their album "Plan Your Getaway." I'm sad to admit that I haven't been listening to them since last summer, but when I did stumble across their music I was hooked. I began ever so slightly promoting them on this blog with a banner which links to their MySpace page. I know some of my friends have already bought their album...since...I kept asking if they had yet. ;o)
Haha, I was trying to think of a title that would have a dream-like quality, because the song I am listening to right now is having a dream-like effect on me. No strings, trumpets or pianos for ear candy, this is just singing and guitars, but it's quality. It has a touch of the sound from the 80s that I will always love...reminiscent of Bowie if I do say so myself. I'm going to have to watch The Labyrinth tonight.
You can buy their album Post Rock Defends the Nation here.
I'm hoping they come out here and tour in Baltimore or Philly so I can catch them live. This is definitely music to sing along with and that's always fun for a crowd.
Meh...does anyone really like Mondays? I guess I don't mind them, considering I absolutely love my job, but it is sad to know you have five more days until another weekend.
So, let's play something fun to pick up our spirits. And of course to hear the lyrics that make us feel less guilty about having Monday mood swings. =o)
You know where his music would be perfect? During an episode of Grey's Anatomy. Yes, and then he would get signed and have his big break into fame so that everyone who hasn't heard of Matthew Kaner can listen to him as often as I have been recently.
This is just real music. Real, heart-felt acoustic goodness. Greatness!
He says people have told him he sounds like David Gray and though I can hear that, it's not the comparison I would choose. I would say Mat Kearney without the free-style rapping mingled into the song. And I love Mat Kearney, but my only fault with him is that he needs to drop the rapping, though that is what makes him who he is and for that reason alone, I respect it. But enough about who Kaner sounds like, because in all honesty his voice and his chords cannot be matched.
So to me, Matthew Kaner is perfection. And not listening to him would be a deprivating decision for your musical soul.
I'm still shaking my head, because this video, I just can't explain. It is one of the strangest things I've ever watched. But I liked it! Must be the violin. I have to learn how to play, I'm so mesmerized by that sound. Braeden must be too, because he asked to listen to it again. =o) Such an ear for music my little three-year-old.
What a lovely little lucky find on this Sunday evening!
This could very well be one of my favorite albums of the year. =o) No, no it's not because they have a violin AND a glockenspiel incorporated into their songs. Yes, I know I love that, but it's so much more than the strings. It's the whole happiness of the songs!
Kite Flying Society and their album "Where Is The Glow?" Released in August of 2006, but not heard by me until this very moment. And quite frankly, I cannot possibly be typing fast enough.
And tell me you don't love it!? Because you know you do! You cannot deny that this is just an amazing song. So well done, so well sung, so well written! Though this would be far better suited for a couple than for me, the lonely, single gal that I am.
You'll have your own opinion of this group, I'm sure, but I like them. It has a very "Pop" sound with the tempo and the keyboards, but I could be inclined to press repeat on quite a few of these songs.
If you like My Brightest Diamond or Frou Frou/Imogen Heap (which I do), I think you'll like The Bird and the Bee. With the talents of Greg Kurstin and Inara George, I mean, you really can't go wrong. Inara George has an amazing airy voice, with a dream-like quality that whistfully streams into your ears and makes your lips smile.
There is another far more explicit song which I actually feel guilty that I like and it's called "F*cking Boyfriend." No link here though, you can listen to it on MySpace.
Even with an inch of ice on the streets, I'm still going to hope we all get to have a happy St. Patrick's Day. What is it they say about the luck of the Irish? Oh, I don't know, but my Grandpa is Irish and so I'm going to believe in it, at least for today.
In honor of the holiday that somehow gives the world an excuse to drink and be merry, here's a song by Flogging Molly.
Yes it is Friday night, but hopefully everyone in the Tri-state area is home safe right now. Save party night for another time, the roads are slick and the people are driving mad.
For those of you who do have to drive tonight PLEASE be safe.
This song is my current Pela favorite, but I'm enjoying everything I've heard from them so far. They have such an energetic sound! Pela has already had the good fun of sharing the stage with Norah Jones, The National, The Decemberists and Hold Steady amongst many others. They are signed with the Great Society label.
The album "Anytown Graffiti" is set to launch on April 24th so you have over a month to save some extra spending money. (You can buy some of their older material here.) And the day after, on April 25th, they'll be in Philly playing at The Khyber! 8 p.m. for $8. It is a CD release party; those are always exciting and full of screaming fans! Can't beat that!
P.S. I have to rave a bit about their website, too...since that is my profession (being a web developer). They have this awesome functionality of launching a music player/e-card to send to fans. It's one of the best features I have ever seen on a band's website. *****
Man why didn't I ever learn to play the violin? Violins add such a great texture to music. At first listen you may not hear it mingled into the song, but focus for a bit and there you have it the lovely sound of a well played violin.
*sigh*
This song by Andrew Bird is so fun and light; perfect for a rainy Friday! It's what I would call Indie Pop...and what you should call a "must listen" for today. =o)
I thought it might be helpful to let you know what you can stream through the little radio gadget to the right.
So here is the current track list: Regina Spektor - Us Sufjan Stevens - Free Man In Paris (Cover) Winterkids - Hear Me Out Elvis Perkins - May Day Slaraffenland - Polaroid Decoration - Intercom Stars In Coma - I Saw My Heart Passing By
Some of those I have included in past posts as MP3s for you to download and listen to at your leisure as well.
Strangely enough this band's name really bothers me. I think because I know some people will be deterred from listening to them at all; purely based on their name.
With that said, I do want you to know, you should give them a listen.
This is a dark song, very somber...but still likeable.
In a far more spunky, punky mood this morning than usual. In fact, I put a dark red streak through my brown hair and am wearing my favorite long-sleeved tie-dyed shirt. And so the first song I put on this morning is "Hear Me Out" by the Winterkids. Because it gets me moving, even early in the AM. It's definitely dance worthy music, but also has an Indie Punk feeling. Not all of their songs are so energetic, but ALL of their songs are VERY good! You can pre-order their album (already released in Japan) at their MySpace page.
Listen to "Hear Me Out" And somehow I am quite sure I'll be humming to Patrick Wolf later in the day. I love the little intricate extras that almost hide in his music. Perfectly placed sparks.
We all know that Tuesday means new music. And on this lovely March 13th I recommend making sure you swipe up the new Rosie Thomas album "These Friends of Mine" in case you didn't download it off eMusic and maybe even in addition to that. That is the only must-have that I can think of for today.
I'm really into The Corrs and their "Dreams: The Ultimate Corrs Collection" is out today, but it's not something I'm rushing out to grab and may never even own. It would be something extra on a rainy day if I found $20 in my coat pocket.
If for some unknown reason you didn't want the Rosie Thomas album (which by the way would make you crazy) I would suggest last week's new album by Son Volt - "The Search". The single from that album is "The Picture" and it's pretty good. Definitely very peppy. Lots of trumpets.
I know I have written about Midnight Movies before, because when I'm wound up and stressed it is their music I turn to for a release. It's not so much the lyrics, it's the sound and the timing. So I hate to repeat myself, but I just want to make sure you know where I stand...I heart Midnight Movies!
Rumor has it Jens Lekman plans to release a new album before summer of 2007. He says that the album is recorded with summer in mind, so he wants to release during the spring. And he is going to be on the SC100 compilation coming out in April
Travis will release their 5th album "The Boy With No Name" on May 7, 2007 in the UK! Something else to look forward to...woohoo! Seriously if you like anything by Keane or Cold Play than you'll love T