• Home
• Music
• Entertainment
• Design
• Books
• Technology
• Help/Environment
• Wellness
• Life Banter

My rock star in the making is three years old.

His name is Braeden, I call him Brae when he is being good. ;o)

So while sifting through new music he often pipes up and mentions whether he likes something or not. He has a good ear; I like to think he takes after his mama.

"Bullets Can't Kill Danny" from Livermore, California...Brae likes your music. I've been listening to your song "Tornadoes" and at one point I turned it down a bit, but when I did Brae asked me to turn it back up. Consider this a standing ovation.

Don't be fooled by the cuteness of this post. "Tornadoes" is not childlike in any way, shape or form. I'm guessing it will never make it to the Disney channel (sorry guys).

Read more at Indie Music Xposed!

Labels: Bullets Can't Kill Danny, music, rock

Tonight I started sifting through the files and files of new music that is in my inbox, on my flash drives and on my desk...

And that voice enchanted me.

Nina Gordon.

I wish I could sound like her; if I could I would sing all weekend long.

Anyway Nina Gordon is not a newbie. She co-founded Veruca Salt and then left them in 1998. Afterwards she began her solo career and has released three albums on her own. In 2004 she was working on an album Even the Sunbeams, but she never released the record. WHY!

The only song that leaked was "Lighter on the Moon." Fortunately another couple songs have surfaced, one of which is "The Bright Side" and it's got this airy, blues sound; it is almost seductive in the beginning and then about 1 minute and 30 seconds into the track it hits a heavier rocky sound that totally pulls the rug out from under your feet so put down the wine, this is not a love song anymore! It goes up and down from then on out, reminds me a lot of Tina Dico (who I absolutely adore).

I think you'll like her.

Take a listen.

Nina Gordon - "Lighter on the Moon" (mp3)
Nina Gordon - "The Bright Side" (mp3)

And buy the music!

Labels: music, Nina Gordon

Or is it?

New?

Well, maybe new to you.

Because we all dream of being a little bit rock.

Sufjan Stevens - "In The Words Of The Governor" (mp3)

Sufjan Stevens - "Waste of What Your Kids Won't Have" (mp3)

Labels: music, new

Today is the last day of May.

We're quickly heading into summer and out of spring.

So here's a song for you while it still complies.

Apples in Stereo - "Avril en Mai" (mp3)

Buy Apples in Stereo music!

You've heard about 65daysofstatic, right? I hope so, but if not lemme tell you just a little bit. This is their 6th year out and they reside in Sheffield, England. They have three full length albums and their most recent work is The Destruction of Small Ideas which was released on May 1, 2007 in the US.

And though I can totally picture the song "When We Were Younger & Better" on the soundtrack of a horror flick thanks to the haunting bells; I still absolutely love the song.

65daysofstatic - "When We Were Younger & Better" (mp3)

Gemma Hayes, I love you. It's true. I do. Thank you for saying everything I can't seem to articulate.

Gemma Hayes - "Perfect Day" (mp3)

Labels: music

It's only an EP and I'm completely enthralled.

Plushgun is essentially one person; Dan Ingala. He's brilliant! You can tell that he lives and breathes this music. From New York, New York he kind of just popped up on the scene and quite frankly he made an instant fan of me.

A select few will know why I love one of their songs in particular, but all of the tracks on this EP are excellent. It's soft, it's catchy, it's got the synthesizers and the keyboards. I love it! I am all about the whole progressive feeling their music projects. It has rock and pop components mingled in with amazingly produced electric mixes that make you want to dance.

Listen:

Plushgun - "An Aria" (mp3)

Plushgun - "The Dark in You" (mp3)

Plushgun - "How We Roll" (mp3)

You can buy more tracks on his MySpace page and you so should!

Labels: music

Brett's album has been burning a hole in my pocket for weeks now. Hmm. No. Not my pocket, but it's been waiting for me to write something about it for weeks now.

Brett Ryan Stewart is a talented and under appreciated artist originally from Delaware. And there isn't a better time to start the hype about him since he just launched a new music video. In addition, one of his songs is #144 out of 1,855 "Songs of the Times" on Neil Young's website. How wicked cool is that?

We have his older brother and his uncle to thank for his passion of good music. His brother left him a plethora of vinyl records when they were younger. Brett spent many a night by his turntable, building a dream about making his own records while listening to Harvest, Who's Next, Bridge Over Troubled Water... Thanks to his uncle, his music style also reflects a deep respect for the likes of Johnny Cash and Leonard Cohen.

Brett Ryan Stewart moves to Nashville in 2006 and his career is unfolding beautifully. Necessary Lies is Brett's first full length album and it is more than just the potential for success. Most singer/songwriters put out a first album in a rush due to their excitement and impatience; not Brett. The album brings with it everything he has to offer as a person. Brett says, "I think it's evident that it comes from many places. For me, this album culminates my experiences of heartache and loneliness, my disgust with the current political landscape, and all the human deception that makes life so damn fragile."

His love for childhood vinyls is evident; and brilliantly so for that matter. This music is good, old-fashioned folk rock with well-timed modern twists and exhilarating rifts.

Take a listen:
Brett Ryan Stewart - "Face to Face" (mp3)
Brett Ryan Stewart - "Don't You Ever" (mp3)

Buy his album!

Labels: music

Yes, I know, yesterday was new music Tuesday. But didn't I promise you Wednesday advances? Because advanced is way cooler than day of...? Right?

Harrisons - "Dear Constable" (mp3)
(buy the album Dear Constables it will be out on June 4th!)

Ryan Adams - "Everybody Knows" (mp3)
(buy the album Easy Tiger it will be out on June 5th!)

Amestory - "The Love, The Ocean Floor" (mp3)
(buy the album They Can Sing, They Can Sing, They Can Sing Underwater it will be out on June 12th!)

Misha - "Weatherbees" (mp3)
(buy the album Teardrop Sweetheart it will be out on June 19th!)

Labels: advanced, music, new releases

Someone teach me the dance to this song.

I want to learn how to dance to "Thriller." It's such a fun song and an even cooler dance. Especially since I love the movie "13 Going On 30" and they do a wicked rendition of the dance in that movie!

Ben Gibbard - "Thriller" (mp3)

And for something new and um uncovered...? (Yeah, I'm tired, I told you)

The New Pornographers - "My Rights Versus Yours" (mp3)

Peel - "In The City" (mp3)

Labels: music

Oh you know her, don't act like you don't.

Pea soup puke ALL over the place.

Linda Blair is the little girl who was in the Exorcist. A movie I absolutely loathe and will never own. I was SO UPSET by that movie when I saw it in the theater after they put back in the awful cut footage. I wish I had walked out of the theater.

Anyway.

The Mountain Goats wrote a song about her.

The Mountain Goats - "Linda Blair Was Born Innocent" (mp3)

The band is on four, count them..FOUR different labels. 4AD Records, Shrimper Records, Emperor Jones Records and 3 Beads of Sweat Records. John Darnielle and Peter Hughes are the primary members, but others have helped out along the way including Jon Wurster and former member Rachel Ware. They have over 15 full length albums which span nearly two decades.

Mmmm...that's really all I know and I'm tired so that's all you're getting tonight. =o)

Labels: music

The Police are touring and of course this means a lot of fans spanning generations are scurrying around trying to find tickets to sold out concerts. I'm trying. I've been trying and so far the search has been futile.

Perhaps this is why The Police are giving away 100 copies of their latest CD. I must have this album. It's a double disc and the track listing is all of my favorites, because it is all of their classics. Not that The Police ever put out a bad song, that's just absurd.

Track Listings

Disc: 1 1. Fallout 2. Can't Stand Losing You 3. Next to You 4. Roxanne 5. Truth Hits Everybody 6. Hole in My Life 7. So Lonely 8. Message in a Bottle 9. Reggatta de Blanc 10. Bring on the Night 11. Walking on the Moon 12. Don't Stand So Close to Me 13. Driven to Tears 14. Canary in a Coalmine

Disc: 2 1. Do Do Do de da da Da 2. Voices Inside My Head 3. Invisible Sun 4. Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic 5. Spirits in the Material World 6. Demolition Man 7. Every Breath You Take 8. Synchronicity I 9. Wrapped Around Your Finger 10. Walking in Your Footsteps 11. Synchronicity II 12. King of Pain 13. Murder by Numbers 14. Tea in the Sahara

So I'm hoping to win one of these Police CDs but we all know even if I don't win, I'll find some way to scoop it up, it's a MUST HAVE. Especially for those of us who haven't gotten their hands on tickets for one of the worldwide tour shows.

Growing up one of the things my Dad and I always had in common is our love for music. The Police were one of the first bands he got me into along with Def Leppard, Aerosmith, Queen, Boston and Journey. These bands cannot be matched by any modern day band. Not by a long shot. And for me The Police are even more special because one of my all time favorites songs is "Everything Little Thing She Does is Magic." That track is definitely a classics and it is on disc 2 of this new album. You just don't even understand how much I love that song. Along with "Tiny Dance" by Elton John, those songs would be on the soundtrack of my life. Seriously. They bring me to a happy place with wonderful memories.

Do I even have to mention Sting? I mean all three members of the band Sting, Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland are absolutely brilliant muscians. So when they reunited for the 49th Annual Grammy Awards it was unmissable. THEN TO ANNOUNCE A WORLD-WIDE TOUR! Holy mackenzie! It's a dream come true. So keep trying to get tickets and definitely make sure to get the new Police CD.


Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by The Police.

Labels: music, new releases, the police

We went to see the third and fabulous Pirates movie.

I so heart Johnny Depp.

I so heart pirates!

Music for you!

The A-Sides - "Jump Back Jack" (mp3)

Billy Joel - "Captain Jack" (mp3)

Alela Diane - "Something's Gone Awry" (mp3 from her Pirate's Gospel album)

Barefoot Truth - "The Ocean" (mp3)

Labels: music

The MTV Movie Awards are Sunday, June 3, 2007 at 8 p.m. I do love my movies, but movie awards normally let me down. This year though I may need to watch because of only TWO performers picked up to sing, Amy Winehouse is one of them. This will be the British singer's first live performance in the U.S. I guess it is safe to say her single "Rehab" is now internationally acclaimed.

Amy Winehouse is the highest debuting British female artist in the history of the coveted U.S. albums Billboard chart standing at an impressive #7.

Amy Winehouse - "You Know I'm No Good" (mp3)

Labels: Amy Winehouse, MTV, music

Sorry this isn't hitting Bring Me Up until right now, but I did get the interview yesterday afternoon and I did get it published at Indie Music Xposed before this dreaded stomach flu hit me.

And so now I have crawled to my PC to update the blog.

Here's an excerpt from the interview write-up.
Please head on over to Indie Music Xposed for the full article!

It's not often you get to talk with an awesome band only a few weeks before their new album is going to be released by Mint Records. "Immaculate Machine" made time to talk with me so I could let you know more about who they are and what's going on in their world.

I could hear the cars passing by in Victoria, British Columbia while we were talking on the phone. "Immaculate Machine" has been causing quite a stir not only on music blogs, but also with the music community as a whole. Their new album Fables comes out on June 12th and then they will begin a summer tour traveling all of North America and then heading over to Europe.

Get the scoop at Indie Music Xposed!

Labels: Immaculate Machine, Indie, interview, music

And if you know me than you know this has been an especially difficult week.
Very long, very tiring and well, just tense.

Thank God for music, right?

I'm going to post some tracks for your listening pleasure.
This afternoon I'm talking with "Immaculate Machine" so an interview/article will be in the making and I'm hoping to post that tonight. Be sure to check back.

Embrace - "Gravity" (mp3)

Emiliana Torrini - "Sunny Road" (mp3)

Immaculate Machine - "Broken Ship" (mp3)

Labels: Immaculate Machine, Indie, music

It's lunch time. So I thought I'd include some music fun on my break.

Two new articles up on Spacelab for you to check out.

This is about the new Okkervil album:
Okkervil River Brings Us The Stage Names

And this is kind of "a big deal" piece for me:
Amazon.com Makes Bold DRM-free Move

So that is exciting news.

You can also head over to Indie Music Xposed to read up on Mach Schau and White Rabbits while also perusing other news and listening to emerging new artists music.

I've been listening to "Boys Like Girls" a lot lately. Their self-titled album came out on August 22, 2006 and clearly I missed it then, but am so up to speed now.

Their song "Thunder" is my current favorite. Specifically for these lyrics:

I dont wanna ever love another
Youll always be my thunder
So bring on the rain

But also because the whole vibe from the song is perfect.

Martin Johnson, John Keefe, Bryan Donahue and Paul DiGiovanni are from Boston, MA. They kind of sound like Dashboard Confessionals or Saves the Day; both of which I love so this is a compliment I assure you.

They are currently on tour with "Hellogoodbye" and then they will be on the road for the Vans Warped Tour all the way through the end of August.

Take a listen:
Boys Like Girls - "Thunder" (mp3)

Labels: music, music news

Wednesday mornings require catchy, peppy, funky and all around exciting music, don't you think?

Think something eerie and yet whimsical...think Tim Burton.

Mike Acreman, Brian Bauer, Graham Norwood, David Ostrem and Bryan Scary of "Bryan Scary and The Shredding Tears" can take care of all that in one swoop with their new album The Shredding Tears. Scary's music is contagious, you'll find yourself pressing repeat once the song ends. Comparable to the experimental sounds of "The Foundry Field Recordings" I am highly impressed that the album comes to us having been completely produced by Bryan Scary himself. It was mixed close to home by Brian McTear at Miner Street Studios, Philadelphia, PA. The band is one of four groups on the Black and Green Record label.

Beginning on Memorial Day in New York they will be touring the country. On June 24th you'll be able to see them live in Philly at the Manhattan Room.

Take a listen:
Bryan Scary and The Shredding Tears - "Misery Loves Company" (mp3)
Bryan Scary and The Shredding Tears - "Desdemona's Leaving Town" (mp3)

And of course BUY IT!

Labels: music

Why has Matt Nathanson never been hyped like other artists? He's been around for a good ten years so maybe I just missed all the fuss, but I feel like we should pretend he is new just so people start talking again!

When I have iTunes on at work and it's shuffling through the massive collection there is never a time when one of his songs comes on and I don't immediately stop and think to myself how great that song sounds. It doesn't matter which song. Right away I know it is Matt Nathanson and right away I feel happy to be listening to it.

Matt Nathanson - "Curve of the Earth" (mp3)

And buy his albums!

Labels: music

I recently had the pleasure of writing about two upcoming summer tours for Spacelab. Make sure to head over to their site to check them out!

Tegan and Sara's Summer Tour to Support album THE CON

Hot Summer Tour: Fiery Furnaces

Bestival Sells Out After Adding New Acts

Labels: music news

As if you needed another reason to love the movie "Stranger Than Fiction" starring Will Ferrel. There is a Spoon track in the movie and it RAWKS!

Spoon - "The Book to Write" (mp3)

Yesterday was a horrible day. Sorry for not posting, but I couldn't find the will in me to make the effort. It was a very bad day. But it's got to get better and I would appreciate any prayers or positive thoughts you can send this way.

Actual Tigers - "Bad Day" (mp3)

Labels: music

This Tuesday, May 22nd, Kate Voegele will be releasing her new album Don't Look Away. She is currently being featured on MySpace which is how I stumbled onto her music. For looking as young as she does, I really think she is amazing.

She has a rock/pop sound. She is more rock than Hillary Duff for sure, but the stories in her lyrics are Duff-like. The best thing is that Voegele is a great guitarist. So she adds a whole new level to her sound. She's singing pop-esque music but with a rocker's heart and voice.

If I could compare her to anything current it would be Aly & AJ or The Wreckers. But then you hear her sing "It's Only Life" and she takes on a whole new sound. Seriously, I'm listening right now and I have chills. If Avril Lavigne sang a love song this would be it. This song is excellent! There is nothing more she could do with it. It starts off slow and then explodes into a passionate, fun and inspiring track that could easily be my favorite on her album.

So if you feel like stepping into a different direction and opening your ears up to something new. Listen to and then buy Kate Voegele's album coming out this coming Tuesday. I'm already looking forward to her next release.

Take a listen:
Kate Voegele - "It's Only Life" (mp3)

Labels: music, new releases

Everything you have ever heard about Andrew Bird as a live performer has probably been underestimated. I find myself unable to accurately describe to you just how phenomenal the show was last night.

So. I was momentarily rendered speechless. But clearly I got over it. Haha.

Brian and I went to see Andrew Bird at the TLA in Philly (now known as the Filmore). Joan as Police Woman opened for him. I am a fan of both acts and was thrilled to have the chance to see them. When we got up there at 7:30 p.m. there was already a pretty hefty line and doors didn't open until 8 p.m. for a 9 p.m. show. Clearly, the venue had sold out and as we were crammed like sardines that was even more evident once we were inside. Even though we were early enough to sit instead of have to stand, we still found our view completely obscured most of the time.

Joan as Police Woman has a haunting voice that belts out so loudly she probably wouldn't even need a mic. Unfortunately, the crowd was rude and loud and I felt really bad for her. She is a fantastic pianist and guitarist in addition to her voice, but people were completely disrespectful to her. Even so, she played through her set and thanked us for being there. In addition to thanking "Mary" which is who the crowd named the figmented presence that Joan told us was staring the stage with her last night. She is a very strange bird that is for damn sure.

Onto Andrew Bird.

Hmm how can I describe the stage. There was a siamese, spinning gramophone. Yep. And this zebra striped bigger gramophone... All very cool, I've not seen anything quite like that before. It was interesting to see him play all the different parts to the songs, because on the tracks most of what you hear is him. It's all his samplings meshed together into perfection. So seeing him on the violin, switching to guitar, changing mics to do his hand claps and then whistling. It was just awesome!

I think his voice is very unique though I would compare it to Sting and Gary Lightbody. He has such an amazing range both vocally and instrumentally; to see it in person was incredible! If you ever get a chance to see him, do it. Even if you don't know his music, it will be a show that will not disappoint.

And I have to give major kudos to the awesome guy who put the "verified age" band aroud my wrist. After telling him I get anxious in big crowds he kindly told me that he would make sure we were taken care of. =o)

Listen!
Andrew Bird - "Imitosis" (mp3)
Joan as Police Woman - "The Ride" (mp3)

Labels: concert, music

I don't know if it is possible for me to believe in something called a simple life. At least I didn't think it could be, but then when I heard Brandon Schott singing to me through these computer speakers. Well, perhaps there can be something simpler than I previously thought. =o)

"You're day will dawn my friend,
until then..."

So here's what we've got Brandon Schott and his multi-talented self is the Vocals, Guitar, Piano, Wurlitzer AND Baritone Ukulale; Jason Wormer on Pedal Steel, Baritone Guitar, Guitar, Banjitar; Tim Schoenhals on Bass, Keyboards, Glockenspiel; and last but not least Billy Hawn as the percussion.

I hear a little bit of Sufjan Stevens in the music especially in "Carousel," not as much in the vocals. There is also a little bit of an island sound, I can see hula dancers waving their hips along to "Good to Me." Heck, I want to put on a straw skirt myself!

"Of this you can be sure of, I'll love you through this life before I go."

I just love it. Their album Golden State was digitally released on iTunes on May 15th, but you just have to buy this album in real physical form which will be out on July 31st.

The entire album is incredible. Where did these guys come from? I am just in awe right now.

Take a listen:
Brandon Schott - "Afterglow (acoustic)" (mp3)
Brandon Schott - "Simple Life" (mp3)

And if you are interested in grabbing up a pre-order of the upcoming album, please feel free to contact Brandon, you can find him on MySpace! He has told me that he will make sure y'all are taken care of. =o)

Labels: Brandon Schott, music

The guys of City-State were kind enough to e-mail yesterday and let me know they are coming to Philly on June 2nd to play at the Khyber. I'm hoping I can swing stopping in, but I don't know as I already have buko events scheduled for that day and night.

They are supporting their newly released album Monument, which came out on May 15th. It's the first full length album for the band, who released and EP in 2006 'Wolves' + 4. The main crew responsible for City-State are Jim Anderson, Matthew Kalinowski, Daryl Marco, and Joao Malhinha. Although after recording Monument, Matthew left the band and in came Forrest Yingling. Some of the tracks have extra hands in the mix including phenomenal strings from violinist, Winston Yu and cellist, Jenny Petrow.

The EP didn't come out too long ago, but the band has already matured and Monuments is an awesome album. Liberty Fuse Records is clearly a newer label that needs to be watched. =o)

Take a listen:
City-State - "Great Lakes" (mp3)
City-State - "Idea" (mp3)

Buy it!

Labels: music, new releases

So, I can't share the track on the blog right now.

But, I just want you all to know that on May 22nd when "The National" releases their new album Boxer.

You MUST buy it and while listening, dually note to yourself that "Green Gloves" is my favorite track. It is so delightful!

Labels: new releases

No, really, I do.

I live in a basement apartment.

But anywho.

The Basement are a four-member band from Ireland. They have an alt. country kind of sound. Excellent music. They recently rocked out at the Tin Angel in Philly and are in Nashville this week.

The Basement - "I Just Caught a Face" (mp3)

:::::

And then we have the whole ladybug issue. Why? Why are there so many ladybugs?

Because they're cool.

And so is The Ladybug Transistor. The group was lucky enough to grab the attention of Merge Records after releasing their debut album Marlborough Farms in 1995. After being signed by Merge their fan base and talent blossomed at a light speed pace. Things haven't slowed down in over ten years, that is until the tragic loss of drummer San Fadyl. In the midst of their loss, the band moved forward with their latest album. Can't Wait Another Day will be released June 7th, and the band plans to finish out the scheduled shows of their tour.

The Ladybug Transistor - "Three Days From Now" (mp3)

Plan on buying it! You can find fun must-buy items here.

Labels: music, new releases

Good Lord!

If you know me, you know Halloween is my FAVORITE day of the year...mmm other than my 3-year-old son's birthday.

But I love Ryan Adams and oh my gosh I love this song.

Listen:

Ryan Adams - "Halloween Head" (mp3)

Pre-order!

Hmmm....and I'm going to throw in a Black Lips song, because their band name reminds me of Halloween since I'm not in the spooky spirit.

Black Lips - "Not a Problem" (mp3)

Labels: music

Yesterday I posted a new Spoon track.

Did you see?

"The Ghost of you Lingers" is just awesome. And when I heard it I got so excited, because even with a small peek, you can tell the new album will be amazing.

Releasing on July 10th we still have a little bit of time to wait.
But these should tide you over.

Spoon - "Dont Make Me A Target" (mp3 - live)

It's not available for pre-order yet, but when it is I assure you can find it here.

More Spoon for ya:
Spoon - "Stay Don't Go" (mp3)

Labels: music

Since I ALWAYS forget to tell you about the new releases on Tuesday, I'm going to do everything a week in advance.

What's coming out next week?

Battles - Mirrored
Ben + Vesper - All This Could Kill You
The Bravery - The Sun and the Moon Island
Handsome Furs - Plague Park
Mont de Sundua - Mont de Sundua
The National - Boxer
Parts & Labor - Mapmaker
Shapes and Sizes - Split Lips, Winning Hips, A Shiner
Voxtrot - Voxtrot
Maroon 5 - It Won't Be Soon Before Long
Adrienne Young - Room to Grow

Ohhh and here is something fun for you to listen to.
Spoon - "The Ghost of You Lingers" (mp3)

Labels: new releases

The "Meowskers" are a new find while roaming the wonderful web. But they're not new to the scene. They've been playing shows for a couple years now out of New York and traveling the East coast from time to time as well. In fact they made it to the Khyber in Philly recently and have plans to hit a venue in Washington, DC in the near future.

The three-member band consists of Matthew Rudnicki, Michael Cheever and Jeff Neuberger. They met in New York in December of 2005 and became "Meowskers" but Cheever and Neuberger have known each other for quite some times as they were childhood friends in Chicago.

When the whole gang moved to Brooklyn, they ended up in the Marcata Studio working on some tracks to release their first EP Fake Orange.

Now you know their summarized background, let's talk music. "Meowskers" The track I'm currently listening to and have been enjoying is "I'll Be By Your Side." I love this song, it's rock, it reminds me a little bit of some old Led Zepplin or Pink Floyd. It's not perfect, I do see room for growth but only because I think it could sound a little bit fuller. The vocals are fantastic, the beat is strong and once the piano gets added into the mix it helps lighten the sound some.

Take a listen:
Meowskers - "I'll Be By Your Side" (mp3)

I'm not sure if there is a link to buy their music, but you can contact John Frattalone, their manager, via e-mail.

*Thank you to crinklecut for advising me to drop the "The" =o)

Labels: music

I'm not one to gossip, in fact I think it's just awful.

However, Pela sent out a note to fans and writers to let them know about a bad experience they had at a venue called "Sweet Jane's" in Hartford. Now, I love Pela, I think their music is fantastic, they seem like a good group of guys and I've promoted their latest album when I have the chance because I think it's good music.

So to hear that the owner of a venue could be so harsh and rude to their guests, not to mention their entertainment...well...it irritates me to say the least.

There is always two sides to every story, but to back-up Pela I'm sending out the message they wanted you to hear. If you want to contact the owner you can e-mail him.

So in case you're hoping to play a show for Hartford nightlife, you may want to let your manager know to bypass the Sweet Jane's venue...

Labels: music news

Don't think sparks and sparkles are just for girls. I know you guys enjoy shiny objects. Mmhmm, the shinier the better.

Yeah, I don't know where I was going with that, but "Scott Fisher and 1 a.m. Approach" RAWK and if they were an object in a video game they would be shiny. They would be the bait. You would be hooked...

Ok, I'll stop with my silliness.

But in all seriousness "Scott Fisher and 1 a.m. Approach" despite their long and curious band name, has everything going for him. They released Step into the Future last week and I think it is fantastic. I'm not going to lie and say you'll rock out to it, but you'll definitely groove to it. It's light, it's poppy, it's smooth music. With Scott Fisher as the vocals and keyboard, Ben Durham on guitar and Enrique Gonzalez on drums the band sounds a little bit like Jack Johnson and Five for Fighting.

It is not hard to imagine these tunes going mainstream either. That can be a turn off or it can be a relief, because more fresh Indie artists really should be played on air and broadcast everywhere. People are forgetting what good music should sound like. It's because they don't get to hear music like this!

Take a listen:
Scott Fisher and 1 a.m. Approach - "Step into the Future" (mp3)

Labels: music

Man I always wanted a Mogwai and yes, I would have been a punk kid and stolen the name from Gremlins and named by Mogwai "Gizmo."

**sigh**

But no, there is a band "Mogwai" from the UK, precisely in Glasgow, which apparently has some sort of genetic device which allows breeding of awesome musicians. They are under contract with Matador in the US and Play It Again Sam Records in the UK. They have six full albums and seven EPs. Most recently they worked on the score for the movie "The Fountain."

They have a roller coaster ride of rock to explore. They mix it all up and give a little something-something to all types of listeners. They have been around for 10 years have recently been celebrating their decade of rock in hometown Scotland. I recently wrote about "Young Galaxy" well, they have been touring with and helping to support "Mogwai."

It is a shame there has been some negative PR involved with "Mogwai" lately. Sometimes people just need to be quiet and quit judging, but hey, they make great music and I recommend listening.

You can listen and watch all types of the fun Mogwai music at Matador's site.

Or you can grab this track:
Mogwai - "7.25" (mp3)

Labels: music

She sang as a soprano in the local choir at the mere age of 7 years old. Emiliana Torrini Daviosdottir released her first album when she was the young age of 17. Since then, she has released four other albums AND participated in five collaborations. By the age of 28 Emiliana had seven singles. If you can't tell by her name, she is from Iceland, but as faraway as Australia her music is even being used in ad campaigns. More famous than that she is included on the "Lord of the Ring: Two Towers soundtrack."

There is a classical feel to the music she releases. Her vocals are pristine and deeply colorful like bright red rose petals raining down from a vibrant Sapphire sky. I really can't put into words how gifted she is; it's exquisite. Emiliana is also quite humble, in fact she laughs nervously on stage when the crowd sings along. She can't believe she has that kind of a following.

Her last album was released in 2005 Fishermans's Woman did so well she was nominated for four categories at the Icelandic Music Awards. She ended up winning Pop Album of the Year, Singer of the Year and Video of the Year.

I don't know why people aren't gushing over her and snatching up all of her music. She's not an unknown entity in the music world. She has toured with the likes of Sting, Dido and Travis.

Without further adieu, take a listen:

Emiliana Torrini - "Sunny Road" (mp3)
Emiliana Torrini - "Honeymoon Child" (mp3)

Labels: music

I had a very busy weekend and of course Mother's Day was a little bit hectic.
So as I slowly get back to order, head on over to Indie Music Xposed for my latest review on "The Magic Numbers."

And some music news at Spacelab.org "All Smiles Tours with Menomena."

Oh and readers in Wales or with some fierce satellite radio, Cloud Atlas is going to be on GTFM Radio on June, 20 2007. You'll get to hear them live over the radio waves for a three-song set. Excellent! Um, stop sitting there, get up and write it on your calendar, then come back. ;o)

Labels: Cloud Atlas, music, review

I would like to express my extreme appreciation and gratitude to my Mom and both of my Grandmother's as well as my Godmother and all of my aunts. A special Happy Mother's Day wish also goes out to Mrs. Stephan and Heather Fonder as you are both amazing Moms and I look up to you for your sincerity and wisdom.

In honor of all Mothers and strong, amazing women everywhere. You all rock!

Happy Mother's Day from Bring Me Up Music!

Music for you:
Martina McBride - "I Have Been Blessed" (mp3)
Martina McBride - "This One's For the Girls" (mp3)
Billy Joel - "Just the Way You Are" (mp3)

Hugs,

Christy Mannering

Labels: mothers day, music

Velvet Revolver will be releasing an EP Harmony And The Tyranny this June. It will feature two tracks from their new album "Libertad" (will be out on July 3rd) plus a cover of "Talking Heads" "Psycho Killer" and a video on the making of the album. Sounds pretty rocking to me!

Tracks for you until then:
Velvet Revolver - "Set Me Free" (mp3)

Labels: music news