Head on over to Spacelab.org to find out more of what's going on in the Indie world.
My latest article is posted today, about the Manchester International Festival, but you'll also find the latest on the White Stripes and the close of the Coachella Festival.
Katie Melua has a number of albums under her belt and they include several singles. But I haven't heard a song by her that I wouldn't consider "single-worthy." She sings low an soft, her voice sort of sneaks up on you. It's like the rolling purr of a kitten. And look at her, she's gorgeous!
But what is evermore fascinating about her is how she held one of her most recent concerts. It's not like she had some amazing choreography or fireworks or anything glamorous like that. No. She surpassed glamour and went...well, under the sea. You can take that literally. Katie performed at the bottom of the North Sea. I didn't believe it at first, but it it is true. On October 2, 2006, 16 helicopters and 3 supply ships flew and floated above in case needed. Isn't that crazy?
Anyway, I've been following Katie since I heard her singing on the soundtrack of "Just Like Heaven." I was amazed then and have been amazed since. Though I'll compare her to Toby Lightman and Norah Jones, she really is in her own realm and she just be appreciated as that. She has supported many charities and has once been invited by Nelson Mandela to perform at en event.
Piece by Piece is her latest release and it came out in June of 2006. It's an amazing album. AMAZING!
On that note, just go buy it and in the meantime...
I'm still not feeling well, I promise a week full of great music and many posts. In the meantime, here is some good music without any Christy banter thrown in.
At the beginning of this month, Chevelle released their latest album Vena Sera. Now Chevelle is considered to be hard rock or even metal, but the lyrics often times carry a sweet melody that just happens to pack a rockin' punch.
The current band members are Pete Loeffler, Dean Bernardini and Sam Loeffler. A couple years ago a third Loeffler brother, Joe Loeffler, was also a member but he left the band and quite honestly I have no idea what happened.
Chevelle is working with SonyBMG/Epic Records with which they have released three albums. Prior to joining up with the big leagues they were under contract with Squint Entertainment who put out their first album. All in all there have been 9 singles with the most prominent one being the track "Send the Pain Below" found on Wonder What's Next.
The latest album Vena Sera has one song that is already #4 on the US top charts "Well Enough Alone." It's an amazing song. The great news is we hear more from Pete Loeffler than just screaming; he's singing. And he sounds perfect! For some reason this album didn't get a fuss, but maybe it's because the typical Chevelle crowd expected the traditional screaming, aggressive music from earlier days. I'm hoping they get some new followers and that the older fans give the album a second listen.
My hesitation in writing about The Rosebuds is because the only song I had heard from their new album was "Get Up Get Out" and quite frankly it just seemed mediocre to me. Sorry guys.
But now I digress. Their song "Silja Line (On Settling for a Normal Life)" is phenomenal! The group vocal-harmonizing halfway through, I can just imagine the crowd during that song, it would be so energetic! And of course hand claps rule!
So now I will admit that perhaps Night of the Furies might not be so bad. I'm not some punk who can't admit when she's wrong. I shouldn't have let one song stop me from listening further anyway, that's for snobs and music snobs irritate me. It's just that this album is so different from their previous work. It's just plain sad. And when I hear energetic, hand clapping music I don't want to cry!
No, I still don't like "Get Up Get Out" it's just not my cup of tea. But I can see myself listening to "Silja Line" a bit obsessively now that I have heard it. Can you be just a BIT obsessive...? Probably not.
Anyway, take a listen: The Rosebuds - "Silja Line" (mp3)
Except, well, this band is Lawrence, Kansas-based and so maybe we never left Kansas at all Toto.
The New Amsterdams came out rocking in the year 2000. We don't hear much about them, but I'm not sure why. They're on the Vagrant label and have none other than Matthew Pryor, formerly of The Get Up Kids, as their main man. Pryor released a side project album earlier this month on April 10th and it's a disc filled with 15 children's songs. Pretty nifty.
Don't be turned off by the fact that there is a "Get Up Kids" influence here. I know some people refer to the Kids as an emo-punk band and that label isn't always taken well. That's not the label I would give to The New Amsterdams. They have more of an indie pop sound.
The band has remained pretty active over the last seven years, putting out six albums. Unfortunately their last album Story Like a Scar wasn't received well by critics or even fans for that matter. The disappointment was because their earlier albums were so much better. My favorite album being Worse for the Wear which came out in 2003.
So when I saw they had a new album out this week I was curious. But then I found out it is just a double-disc of their earlier work. Sorry, but I'm not much for re-releases. But if you're a huge fan I suppose you'd make sure not to miss buying the special dual disc collection "Killed or Cured."
You'll find them on the line-up for Chicago's Lollapalooza this summer.
American Idol has raised over $30 million dollars so far tonight to give back to poverty stricken families in both the US and in Africa. The statistics and facts about how many people are starving to death or dying from disease that can be prevented and treated is alarming and terrifying.
I have donated to the charity and I have also bought a ONE t-shirt to wear. You can purchase a ONE white band bracelet as well. Go to The ONE Campaign for ONE merchandise and support their amazing cause. Or go to American Idol's website and donate directly to the charities they have put in place.
You don't have to give a lot, every little bit helps and matters more than you possibly imagine. I know it is difficult. I am a single Mom to a little boy who is sick often due to an IgA Immune Deficiency. I do work full-time, but I have to be careful with my money and make sure I don't over budget myself. If I can spare a small amount to help, than you can, too. And if you are unable, please at least spread the word. One person can make a huge difference.
I urge you. Do what you can, reach out your hand, save a life.
I don't know many people who can deny the excellence of perfect acoustic music backed up by the songwriter's voice crooning out a song that you can tell is most sincere.
The record label with the glory of promoting Owen is none other than Poly Vinyl Records. They also happen to be the label for artists such as: Of Montreal, Matt Pond PA and Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, just to name a few.
Sean Moeller from Daytrotter.com recently wrote a bit more about Owen and even got the chance at an interview. So definitely check there for more music and information.
You won't lyrics quite like these anywhere else, but that is part of what makes the music so real for me. I have no doubts that Owen sings and writes about real experiences. He bares his soul to the world, even the dark sides.
Lyrical snippet from an earlier EP released in 2004: Tomato soup and grilled cheese But you already know that because you used to dine with me Do you remember?
Why spend time travelling the world, when you can travel through the clouds?
Around since early 2006, Cloud Atlas is from Cardiff, Wales. The band consists of Alun King - Drums, Rose Jennings - Bass/Vocals, Gareth Mogg - Guitar/Vocals and J Neasom - Guitar/Vocals/Synth/Toy Keyboard. You can tell just from that introduction this group delivers original music with multi-talented musicians. Combine their talents with the overwhelming energy they exude and you've got yourself some amazing tunes!
I was able to ask them some questions and their responses were fun and witty while being honest, which is the same type of trend you'll find in their lyrics.
1. How would you describe your sound?
"Our sound can be varied... We've got three songwriters in the band, so our set is usually quite diverse. We're tending to head towards an indie rock/pop mix currently though, taking influences from Talking Heads, Deus and Regina Spector; to name a few."
2. Who would you most like to support if you could go on tour with anyone?
"Tough one :) aside from tactically supporting a crap band, to make ourselves look really good, there are many many legendary bands to choose from such as Blondie, Weezer, The Manics, the aforementioned Deus and Regina. But I think if we were to support one band, it would have to be Muse. How could we turn them down?"
I can't even tell you how awesome it is to be a part of that community. Anyone can sign up and contribute. And after we review what you wrote it will most likely make it on the site. So it's a great place to start writing and enjoying new music. Bands and labels are very welcome to send information and press kits in as well.
So thanks to Graydon for welcoming me aboard. It's great to be there!
No, she's not, at least not that I know of, but the song I'm listening to right now is called "Captain, Captain" and it is beautiful. "Captain, Captain" is one of the songs on her latest album Lure the Fox.
Backed up by the band Mike Micheal, Chris Morrissey and Luke Anderson; Haley Bonar is untouchable in her talents both vocally and on the piano. You will recognize Haley's voice if you bought Andrew Bird's new album, which is how I first heard her. She is in four of the songs on that album.
She shares the label, Afternoon Records, with artists such as "Mouthful of Bees" and "I, Colossus."
I think she sounds a little bit like Shawn Colvin, but she has also been compared to Aimee Mann. Either way those comparisons mean she has a great voice.
Indie Music Xposed recently did a review on Lisa Douglass from LA, California. The article prompted me to do some of my own listening.
She has a deep, even voice and is great on the guitar. But it's the lyrics that I was able to connect with the most. There seems to be a plethora of singer/songwriter folks popping up everywhere. Sometimes they're just your ordinary average artist who is good, but really nothing special.
So I'm telling you now. Lisa Douglass...definitely something special.
We finally are having some sunshine and warm weather! If only I didn't have ridiculous, awful allergies... Even so, I thought I'd put up some summer related songs for you to enjoy.
Wendy Wang is incredible. I think she sounds a little bit like Sarah McLachlan or Jennifer Paige and I love both of those artists. Not to forget the band Erik Kertes, Ken Harrison and Ben Jaffe. The combination of her soft voice and their music is excellent!
The Sweet Hurt isn't signed. Their last came out in the Spring of 2006, EP "Everyday Mistakes" which is unfortunately not original at all, but we shall'nt judge the album by it's title. An acoustic EP was released in 2004 with four tracks, one which is repeated in the more recent album. I do see an improvement in the newer version. I think if they could get a little bit of backing for studio time and better production they would honestly soar.
With six albums already out on the shelves, The Clientele are not a newbie to the Indie scene. They have been together since 1997, but their sound wishes it could have existed in the late 60s or early 70s. (If you're familiar with Lovin' Spoonful or Cat Stevens...that is what I hear as influences to their music).
Even more exciting than the fact that they are doing a US tour is that they are touring in so many places! Alasdair Maclean, James Hornsey, Mark Keen and Mel Draisey will be in New Jersey at Maxwells on May 6th, in Philly on May 7th at Johnny Brenda's and in DC on May 8th at the Black Cat. You can find the rest of their tour dates on their MySpace page.
The Clientele are on four different labels spanning the globe with one in the US, UK, Spain and Japan. Their newest album is "God Save The Clientele" and it will be released on May 8, 2007 in the US on the Merge Records label. The album has a great tempo, it's filled with all the best sounds including clicks and clacks, keys and strings. And the vocals are soft, breathy and soothing.
Yes, I know the label is pro-Italiano, but I swear to you that is not the reason I like the music. ;o) Especially since she is from Jersey...just kidding. Really. Just kidding, I know great people in Jersey.
Anyway, you can check out their demos on their MySpace page. I'm a little bit confused about their label. They seem to be paired with Glass Candy a lot and that is because they are both on the Italians Do It Better record label.
So if you like sultry female vocals, jazzy music complete with trumpets, finger snaps and disco ball flair you should definitely check them out. Keep in mind they are still linking to some demos and therefore I consider both bands a work in progress.
This music is just awesome! I have the head/shoulder bob going on while listening to The Sleepy Jackson's "Personality: One Was A Bird One Was A Spider" album. Coming to us from around the world in the great down under of Australia, The Sleepy Jackson are a Pop Rock band who gets you up off your feet even with a song all about people not agreeing "I Understand What You Want But I Just Don't Agree." This album might be one of my new favorite musical treasures for the year, (even though it did come out last year).
You need it, you know you do. It has been raining for days on the East Coast. This music is audible sunshine. Soak it up!
The Icicles released their latest album "Arrivals & Departures" on April 11th. Yay! And it has such great music. I'm starting to think I swoon over glockenspiels just has much as I swoon over pianos. I'm getting to be so easy these days.
Gretchen as vocals and guitar, Joleen as vocals, keyboard and glockenspiel, Rebecca also on glockenspiel and lead guitar, Emily on the bass, Greg handles vocals and drums.
They are coming to the Khyber in Philly on Monday, April 30th and I would so love to go, but I don't foresee that happening. I'll have to catch them next time around.
Silly title I know, but the band Ferns comes from the very unheard of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Their MySpace page scares me with greeness that even Kermit the Frog would throw up about, BUT their music isn't bad at all.
Skeptical at first glance, but when "This Sweet Refrain" began playing I realized hey these people who think berry plants as a background somehow represent their Fern band...well gee..they really aren't that bad. I feel that the music has far more potential than the vocals at this stage, but every beginning is rocky. And I really like Abby on keyboards.
As diversified as I am and as much as I love music, there are still times when I just can't get into something. Regardless of hype or music snobbery, there are some albums I hear and feel...well...close to nothing. Other than the wonderment of why the bands are doing so well. Forgive me for being harsh, but sometimes that just has to be done.
I cannot get into the Arctic Monkeys. No, I've tried. I've listened. There is so much talk going on about the band that I almost feel wrong NOT to like them. But to each their own and just because they don't float my boat doesn't mean they are dead weights.
What I hear are empty songs with pretentious lyrics sung by guys who just want to feel the lights on a stage. How many times should you really play the exact same guitar rift...? Listen to "Fake Tales of San Francisco" Tell me seriously, is it a freaking loop or what?
Go ahead, send hate e-mail it's okay. We all have our own views, that's what makes life so fun!
The Veils will be at The Khyber in Philly on June 12th. Which is, of course, a Tuesday and is just not going to happen for me. However, if you are free that night please go out and enjoy them for me!
They are set to start touring in Europe next week which is something fans overseas have been waiting for since their new album Nux Vomica has been out over there since September 11, 2006. Here in the US we will be able to buy Nux Vomica on April 24th. You can get their previous albums at InSound.
I have listened to about half of their new album and I love it. Nux Vomica defies mainstream with absolute birthright conviction. Finn Andrews has such an alluring voice, it is as if he pulls you right up next to him and makes you part of the song. Finn is also pretty damn good on the guitar. Liam Gerrard had me at first key stroke on the piano. And the remaining talents are Sophia Burn on bass, Henning Dietx on drums and Dan Raishbrook on the second guitar.
Waking up slowly, stretching your arms over your head as you enjoy one last lingering yawn from your slumber. The only thing that would make this Sunday morning better would be breakfast in bed and a fire in a fireplace...if I had a fireplace. ;o)
Breakfast is starting off with a Hershey kiss for me and three for my son Brae. Because it is a new day and there is nothing wrong with a Sunday morning chocolate kiss, or two, or three.
And since I love the blog "Fifteen Minutes to Live" I thought I'd share a tip from them about a $10 t-shirt sale. If you like music then check out the sale, if you love music BUY SOMETHING!
Let's have a little fun, shall we? Some of you might be superstitious and some of you might not give a hoot.
All I know is that I tend to have AMAZING luck on Friday the 13th. So much so that I would even consider 13 my lucky number.
With that in mind, I thought it would be fun to link some fun "13-esque" type music...spooky titles don't necessarily mean silly, Halloween spoof music, right? right. You would probably be surprised at how many songs have the word "ghost" in the title...or "haunted," it shocks me every time I do a search in my iTunes library. (Currently, a search for the word "ghosts" brings back 24 songs).
So here is to Friday the 13th! (Minus ice hockey mask faced actors)
It's mid-April and I want some warm sunshine! And so I vow to you Mother Nature, the only frost I'm going to tolerate for the next several months is "Frost."
Aggie Peterson and Per Martinsen make up the band "Frost." Their music has an energetic, progressive sound that combines soft, sultry vocals with a peppy electric beat. You can find them on MySpace. There are A LOT of bands carrying the name Frost, so make sure you're hitting the right pages if you decide to do some searching. The band's first single came out in Norway in 1998, "Clouds across the moon" followed quickly by the single "Close to you."
Even if you're not into Electronica-esque music, I really think you should check out this band, because you won't find me listening to that genre much either and I very much like Frost. Their latest album was released on March 26, 2007 "Love! Revolution!" and that is what I'm listening to right now. I love the sound of Aggie's voice, but the production of their music is also quite amazing. This is get-up-off-your-feet, strobe lights and smokey air dance music. If you liked their older music, I can assure you they have done some mastering and "Love! Revolution!" will exceed expectations.
I just read on Indietastic who says they read on The Yellow Stereo that...
The National will be opening for The Arcade Fire during several shows!
5/1 - Atlanta, GA: Atlanta Civic Center Theater 5/2 - Asheville, NC: Thomas Wolfe Auditorium 5/4 - Washington, DC: DAR Constitution Hall 5/5 - Upper Darby, PA: Tower Theatre 5/7 - New York, NY: United Palace 5/8 - New York, NY: United Palace
It seems that people are quick to tag a band Indie or Rock or Punk, but you give them a tag that includes the descriptor "Christian" and people get all up in arms. Barefoot Truth has a funky sound, it's a little bit Indie and yes, I would say they are a crafty, modern, Christian rock band. I would also say they are BY FAR not getting the recognition they deserve.
The album "Changes in the Weather" is very well written, with melodic and catchy songs that will get pleasantly stuck in your head. The acoustics are incredible, I really need to see these guys live. Will Benoit, Jay Driscoll and Andy Wrba reside in Mystic, Connecticut and they are the Barefoot Truth. You're going to hear bongos and harmonicas intertwined with lyrics that will surely make you feel good. For those readers who need comparisons...I would say that they sound like Brendan Benson or David Mead and maybe even a little bit of Jack Johnson's style. It's just real down to earth, heartfelt music.
I've been inspired to write about St. Vincent. Because she rocks! First of all, Annie is really cute. I want her hair and rosey cheeks, but they are probably better left on her. You may recognize her from The Polyphonic Spree.
She is coming to Johnny Brenda's in Philly this coming Tuesday. WHY ON A TUESDAY! Don't people realize I can't do Tuesdays! Even so, if you can get out to see her YOU MUST!
Not too many names to remember on this one, because it's just Annie. Annie Clark: songs, voices, guitars, bass, piano, synth AND programming.
You'll have to listen for yourself, but I find her music to be nothing short of charming and relaxing.
Her new album will be out on July 10th and it's a definite purchase for me.
Until then take a listen here: St. Vincent - "Now, Now" (mp3)
I'm sorry for the lack of posts lately. With the holiday I had little time and then Monday night my little Maltese dog was attacked by a big lab in our backyard. She is home from the animal hospital now and hopefully she will be okay. She is definitely one tough cookie and is going to have a heck of a lot of scarring.
I would like to think I would stop and listen to good music no matter where I am or how rushed. Even if that meant stopping on the street and listening to someone playing for spare change.
Turns out I'm a rarity. Because the Washington Post hired an internationally known violinist to play in D.C. at the L'Enfant Plaza Station during peak travel time. Joshua Bell, 39, has been playing music his entire life. He is a well known musical prodigy. He has mastered songs that few can even touch.
And he was pretty much ignored. If you went to see him at a concert, you might end up paying $100/seat. But here he played, for free, out in the open and few people stopped to listen.
Perhaps people were feeling too rushed, too busy. But really? I just, I don't think I would have kept walking. I think I would have stopped if even for only a minute.
I'd love to talk to the crew that is Thirteen Senses and see exactly what makes up their additional eight. Until that is possible, I'll just have to guess that it must all have to do with a finer sense of hearing and perhaps they are including finger dexterity and perfect vocal tonality. Still, I have no clue as to what the others might be, but I can tell you that the guys of Thirteen Senses are working with something far more than average and if that means they have eight extra senses we need to find a way to bottle it up and share the wealth. Until that can happen, buy their music!
Will South is the vocals, guitar, keyboard and piano. Tom Welham is on guitar and keyboards. Adam Wilson is on the Bass. Brendon James keeps the pace on drums.
With a sound comparable to Cold Play (it is produced by Danton Supple) and Keane, I have quickly become obsessed with their album "Contact." You can get the E-import of the album from Amazon.com, but I ventured to get the original straight from them in the UK. I love it! It was the music of choice this weekend and I made sure to add the album to iTunes here at work. Thirteen Senses are pleasantly unshakable. I don't think there is one song on this album that isn't worthy of being a full blown single. I love it all!
Yes I know, sometimes you get 5 posts a day, sometimes you get nothing. But I've been super busy and so forgive me. Please. =o)
I'm trying to come up with songs to share that have an Easter theme. This is not very easy; short of hopping on the marketing train and posting "I Want Candy."
It would mean more to me to post something with a spiritual or faith-filled undertone. And it's not because I'm some relisgious fanatic, but I do believe in a higher being and that does impact my life positively.
Anyway, I'm just going to post music that makes me smile and feel good. Music that makes me feel.
They come to us from Peterborough, Ontario. Their music has a (Christian) Pop Rock feel to it. Perhaps a tone-downed Anberlin or more Waking Ashland, if you need comparisons.
Who are they? Jason Dunn: Lead Vocals, Daniel Biro: Bass guitar, Jonathan Steingard: Guitars and Skwid: Drums. The sound of this foursome has me addicted. I love their music, it's full of energy, but also meaningful in content. You know how some albums are good, but there are parts that leave you hanging, leave you wanting more? Not so with this one, "Smile, it's the end of the world" is perfectly complete.
There are tons of things you can buy in addition to the CD, but please, don't miss out on this album.
Victoria Bourne. She sings as if she were a songbird in another life. She plays the flute. She plays the piano.
Chris Harper. He is the guitar and the electric piece of the Folktonica music that is Vanity Press.
The songs are very well written by lyricist Michael Bird.
This is the first time I have heard someone play the flute in folk/alternative music. And it is done successfully. I'm not sure if I get what it means to be Folktonica, but I would say that their music has a haunting lullaby quality. An ambient soundscape. I'm going to place it in a modern electro lounge genre. (Yes, I just made that up. This band is in a league of its very own. And *high five* to them.)
While "You Put Out the Stars" is on the more mellow and slow side of their EP. You will also find tracks like "If You" that pick up the pace without messing up the transitions between each song. Each track works well together to create an EP that encompasses several captivating arrangements.
Vanity Press is an unfamiliar talent. Uniquely brilliant and beautiful.
Vanity Press descibes themselves as Folktonica and they are definitely a band you do not want to miss. =o) If you are lucky enough to live in London, you probably have already been listening and enjoy