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Would it sound like this?

Athlete - "Airport Disco" (mp3)

Somehow I doubt any disco would sound like this, coming from me that is a definite good thing.

More from Athlete...

Athlete - "In Between Two States" (mp3)

Athlete is a brilliant band from the UK who I believe we'll be hearing more about now that ever since their latest release earlier this month. Beyond The Neighbourhood is a fantastic album and is finding itself in high rotation on music blogs worldwide.

They sound like Coldplay, I fancy their music definitely soundtrack worthy in movies like Garden State or well..anything by Wes Anderson. Could very well be the best guitar brit-pop ever!

Labels: Athlete

From Washington, DC, Jukebox the Ghost seems to have made it their goal to be on tour for the longest, consecutive amount of time than any other indie band in history. Actually, I don't know if that is true or not, but they are still touring all up and down the East Coast, hardly missing a day throughout October and into November.

Their MySpace page says the band "writes a fresh breed of melodic pop tunes driven by fiery rock momentum." Other reviews have said they sound a little bit like Ben Folds and some even say they sound like They Might Be Giants, but I think they are their own thing and I don't want to compare them to anyone else. The teasing vocals that sneak in without backing throughout their songs, the fun keys courtesy of Ben Thornewill, Tommy Siegel is at ease on his guitar and can jam out an awesome riff when you least expect to hear it, the hand claps, it's addicting and when the boys come together for a vocal harmony it's perfect. And somehow keeping all of those sounds balanced is Jesse Kristin on drums. It's just fantastic, their sound is incredible and I'm sad I haven't heard them until just now!

They have a new EP out right now and it's a definite record to add to your collection.

Listen:
Jukebox the Ghost - "Hold It In" (mp3)

Buy their music!

Labels: Jukebox the Ghost

Hot Chip decided to give away a track from their upcoming album which is slated for a February 2008 release. The track is "I Became A Volunteer" I'd post it, but the trick is to sign up for the band's newsletter so you've got to go do that first.

Hot Chip have also revealed the first single from the untitled next album. The single will be "Ready For The Floor" according to reports, the song had been written for Kylie Minogue, but she opted not to take it. Her loss!

Labels: Hot Chip

My future sister-in-law lives in Michigan so when I saw this track I thought I'd toss it onto the blog and throw out a quick dedication to the lovely Kristin. (Purely based on the track title).

Whether you think the band is pop or folk or folky pop, it doesn't matter. Honestly their latest album, Asleep at Heaven's Gate, is not their best, but it's still good music. Sometimes bands hit speed bumps and I think this is what happened for Rogue Wave. However, that doesn't mean they won't evolve. I certainly hope they do grow and develop together because it seems they need to have more of a combined sound, sometimes it feels like sporadic forced moments of solo shining is more important to them than the overall sound.

Poppy music, dark themes, it seems to be the indie trend.

Listen:
Rogue Wave - "Lake Michigan" (mp3)
Rouge Wave - "Chicago x 12" (mp3)
Rogue Wave - "10:1" (mp3 from something older)

Buy their music!

Labels: Rogue Wave

This is a concert/music news post for my UK friends. =o) Thank you for your support and clicks all this time, you rock!

I have some info on the best place to get event tickets whether it is for concerts or sports or family fun shows. viagogo is an online ticket exchange that allows people to buy and sell live event tickets in a safe and guaranteed way. Imagine eBay but just for tickets and everything is done by viagogo as the third party so you don't have to worry about dealing with the buyer or seller one-on-one which is sometimes frustrating.

In regards to how the system will work for sports tickets, Peter Kenyon, Chief Executive of Chelsea FC, has said, "Season ticket holders will be able to legally sell tickets they are unable to use to other loyal Chelsea fans at a consistent price. This will help the fight against ticket touts."

I looked through the site to get the feel of it and found it to be quite user friendly. You can sort by venue or venue city as well as the event date which makes things easier to look through. I was looking to see where The Hives are playing and what concert tickets are available for their events. They have a few shows coming up in November and there is a chance to buy for the Apollo Hammersmith, London show. Of course all four November shows will give sellers a chance to get rid of tickets they can't use in Glasgow, Manchester, London and Birmingham. As for the London show, there are up to 2 seats available for general admission.

Hopefully this will force Ticketmaster to bring their service charges down over in the UK. I'm fed up with monopolies, and am all abuot widening the playing field. I'm hoping this type of service spans over to the US, because viagogo is so super easy to use. I can see it will be a huge success which is probably why it already has so many sponsors helping to promote it.

Sponsored post.

Labels: concerts, events, tickets

Monday morning blues are the pits. Fortunately it is beautiful outside and I have a nice double window in my office. Blue sky days definitely help with a feeling down mood.

The latest artist that floated into my inbox is Beth Hirsch. Her hometown is Tampa Bay, Florida and she's been in the music business for ages but has recently released a solo album. Wholehearted is a relaxing album and reminds me a lot of some Tina Dico records I love. She also has a little bit of Neko Case flair to her sound.

Beth Hirsch creates expressive music that is both complex lyrically and musically. The entire album is filled with songs of texture and depth. It's great music for those days when you want to be lulled into a relaxing state of mind.

Pay attention to the trumpetist who is none other than Enzo Villaparedes (Earth, Wind & Fire) a very sweet addition to the production mix.

Listen:
Beth Hirsch - "Wholehearted" (mp3)
Beth Hirsch - "Idelibly You" (mp3)

Buy her music!

Labels: Beth Hirsch, From The Inbox

Media gurus have jumped on the change to send out the latest information on John Fogerty's Revival Tour. John Fogerty kicks off his fall tour beginning in November in support of his upcoming CD release, Revival, on October 2, 2007. Fogerty will appear on the Late Show with David Letterman on the same day as his album release.

John Fogerty is known for his stomping good music, it's a rockabilly sound that truly could benefit from a revival and he's the man to do it. Fogerty first began releasing music in 1973 and Revival proves he hasn't lost his touch at all.

Tickets for the tour go on sale today at 10 a.m. so make sure to sign into Ticketmaster before you lose your chance at some good seats.

Here is a clip of "Summer Love" (mp3) from his upcoming album.

It seems to be a growing trend that artists who were popular decades ago are making huge, successful comebacks. This is proof that some music genres just never go out of style. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band are touring, and the Eagles are touring October to promote their new album!

Labels: John Fogerty

Man I'm in need of some cheering up.

This pain is agonizing! It would be more bearable if it weren't consisten pain spanning such a long amount of time.

Music will help. Music HAS to help!

I like The Coral. They are such a chipper, happy go-lucky band. They remind me a little bit of Stone Roses. The Coral's music is so energetic and catchy. You will hear a kaleidoscope of sounds coming together to form beautiful harmonizing music. They have a lighter feel than The Smiths but with similar vocals.

Fans of psychadelic brit-pop will LOVE them!

Listen:
The Coral - "In the Morning" (mp3)

Buy their music!

Labels: The Coral

I fell asleep on my son's floor last night after he woke up at 12:30 a.m. This means I'm more sore than I was before falling asleep. To add to the delight there was a point during the night in which he woke up again and actually got down on the floor with me. My head lifted to see what was happening and when it came back down to lay on the pillow...it missed and my head hit the corner of his book case...above my left eye. Yay!

**saw stars**

It seems fitting to put up some songs from The Morning Benders...since I'm feeling all types of bent this morning.

The Morning Benders in all their twang and string glory. It's the epitome of indie pop and you'll hear some influences from The Beatles in their music as well.

Listen:
The Morning Benders - "Heavy Hearts" (mp3)
The Morning Benders - "Why Don't They Let Us Fall In Love?" (mp3)

Buy their music!

Labels: The Morning Benders

Sometimes I get lazy and just feel like sharing inbox music with quotes from other publicists.

"Songs with a pop sensibility that appeal to all ages. This timeless sound is gaining Wil a steady following on the east coast."
BLENDER MAGAZINE

Other times the music is good enough that I not only want to share, but I want to give my own tidbit of input. So read on for my take on Wil Deynes.

You know how sometimes people sound familiar, while also sound original and fresh? I'd say Wil Deynes is like that. Put Ben Folds, Dashboard Confessionals and Keane in a blender, hit the switch and the sound you hear will be Deynes.

On the indie scene this might be considered a beer coaster, too poppy, too mainstream. I wish the indie yuppies (myself only sometimes included) weren't so bent on following the silly mind set that if it sounds like something potentially top 40 then it's a waste. I've got news for you...even indie artists would like some billboard air play.

Listen:
Wil Deynes - "Super Wonderful" (mp3)

Buy it!

Labels: Wil Deynes

Just because my eyes are open does NOT mean I am awake.

Monday morning, it's freezing 47 degrees when I'm used to it being in the 80s. I had a pretty fantastic weekend, very laid back, but somehow I still don't feel like I got enough sleep. How does that happen? How can I catch up?

Since I need some energy PRONTO, I thought I'd put up a song from Pratique.

Listen:
Pratique - "Death For Blushing Rogue" (mp3)

More Monday music for you because it has an awesome song title.

Birdie Busch - "Go Go Gadget Heart" (mp3)

And another one from Birdie Busch, because Philly is in the song title. Plus because Tom Moon from Rolling Stone says Birdie is sneaky and I love the word sneaky. "At times, Busch sounds nearly apologetic, as if she's just trying lines out. But she's sneaky. Just when the lyrics seem ordinary comes an image of disarming clarity."

Birdie Busch - "Huff Singers (North Philly)" (mp3)

Labels: Birdie Busch, Pratique

The band name combined with one of their track titles was all it took to get me to listen to their music (The Good Life - A Little Bit More). And then one segment of their lyrics said "You flipped the sign in the window, but baby are you really closed?" And I realized they and their song are flippin' awesome!

The label, Saddle Creek, says "Achingly beautiful and sharply astute, Help Wanted Nights details human nature in the most honest way possible, taking risks without regret." Quite an emotional tale of love and woe, but those stories make the best inspiration, don't they? I haven't heard one track on the record that I wouldn't say is brilliant. Spiralling and brilliant!

In short, and not so sweet, Help Wanted Nights is one of The Good Life's best albums to date and it came out on September 11th so make sure you pick up a copy. You will be amazed at the development of this band since their last release.

Listen:
The Good Life - "A Little Bit More" (mp3)
The Good Life - "Rest Your Head" (mp3)

Labels: The Good Life

According to their bio their music has been dubbed "metro rock" but I'm not quite sure what that means. So, tell me, do you like Marc Broussard or Hootie and the Blowfish? Because if you need to know what they sound like then my only comparison would be the two of them blended together. Raspy and soulful.

EverBlue has released their 14-track debut album independently. I'm not sure how I feel abot their band name. It seems so unoriginal and cliche, but one mustn't judge them based on the name (though my bet is it will change in the future). And if you're like me in this way, you won't like the album cover either...but since they released it on their own I suppose I shouldn't be so hard on them.

The lead vocals and keyboard are from Adam Exler. Russell Anguiano is on the bass while also covering some vocals. Alex Lankert handles guitars and some vocals. Another guitarist is Reed Walsh, he also steps in on the keys and vocals. And our drums are from James Brown, yes he steps in on vocals as well. Go to their myspace page and listen to "No Pain" because I think it highlights each of their talents VERY well. Especially the guitar riffs, AMAZING!

Listen:
EverBlue - "Baby's Lullaby" (mp3)

Buy their music!

Labels: EverBlue

From London comes Adele, a soul/pop chick that reminds me a little bit of Toby Lightman (a favorite of mine).

She just released a new single "Hometown Glory" that you should give a listen to, great music. Soft and smooth just like the blues should be.

Adele is signed with XL Recordings who is also the label for The White Stripes, Mia and Vampire Weekend to name a few. They feel she is one of the hot new talents for the upcoming 2008 year of music.

Listen:
Adele - "Hometown Glory" (mp3 - track taken down at request of label)

Labels: Adele

After days of humidity the sky has finally broken and we're getting rain. The temperature is dropping a bit, there is relief. It seems fitting that it would rain today, as today is September 11th.

Who knew that saying September 11th could bring up so many thoughts. I remember exactly what I was doing that morning, six years ago. I was in an American Literature class on the University of Delaware campus. Someone came into the class to tell our professor what was happening, we were told to evacuate the building. When we walked out of Memorial Hall it truly felt like time slowed, everything was happening in slow motion. Alarms were sounding, telling us to get our cars out of parking garages, etc. Students were frantically trying to reach their loved ones on their cell phones. Some got through, some didn't. Many of the ones who got through could be seen dropping to their knees on the sidewalks crying. I walked to the Trabant Center, hundreds of students were already surrounding the televisions. When I saw a plane had hit the Pentagon I immediately panicked. Bobby was at the Pentagon. I couldn't get through to my Mom on the cell phone. I ran to the nearest pay phone and my Mom was crying, telling me to come home. We didn't hear from Bobby until long after everything, he had been under lock down. Thank God he is one of the lucky people who survived that day.

And now I think about how my son will be learning about that day in his history class in years to come. How one of his school projects will probably be to ask his parents about that day and get their response on paper. Somehow I know I'll be able to give him the play-by-play even ten years from now. One thing I will say is there are children a bit older than him who lost their parent(s) on that day, left to go on their own.

In the midst of the tragedies a country came together and strangers saved each others lives. I have never been so proud to be an American than I was on that day.

Listen:
Lee Greenwood - "Proud to be an American" (mp3)
Unknown - "United We'll Stand" (mp3)
Unknown - "Heaven" (mp3 - Dialogue and music tearjerker)
Unknown - "Silent Night 9/11" (mp3 - Dialogue and music)

Jack Henry and Bill Neal - "Liberty Bell" (mp3 - Dialogue - not music)

Labels: September 11

Give a listen to Sovus Radio, a four piece band from Atlanta. Long time band member Ty Thompson handles the vocals and guitar whilst also writing many of the songs. Chris Kaufmann joined while still in high school and has been the bass player since. Drummer Jay Royals and organist/guitarist Spencer Pope are the newest members of the group.

Despite the low quality of the songs available, I appreciate the uniqueness of their sound. I'm all for adding texture to music, but I feel they may be trying a little bit too hard for the psychedelic feel. With some de-fuzzing I think their Allison 3000 track could be repeat worthy. Or perhaps there are folks out there who prefer the lo-fi static sound and in that case nothing should change.

Hyping them up right now is a good time, since they sound a bit like Pink Floyd who just happens to be releasing a remastered "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn" tomorrow. Which will be a 3 disc limited edition of their songs from their first album, with extra tracks and a 12-page notebook from Syd Barrett.

Listen:
Sovus Radio - "Allison 3000" (mp3)

Labels: Sovus Radio

Adrian Orange was born in Portland, Oregon at 4:20 on March 20th, 1986. Now Adrian, I'm sure you didn't know I was born at that time on March 22nd...but it was five years earlier.

Anywho, the upcoming full-length streets September 11th courtesy of K Records. The self-titled album, Adrian Orange and Her Band, was recorded at Dub Narcotic Studio.

"Their public appearances have been described as powerful, erotic, frightening, baptismal and soul-saving/destroying." Seems a litte confused to me, but heck yeah that's what makes THE BEST music, right!? Right!

I'm calling it...mm...I'm calling it Art Rock! Yep, yep, wild and visionary. =o)

Listen:
Adrian Orange and Her Band - "You're My Home" (mp3)

Labels: Adrian Orange and Her Band

If you're one of the oh-so-lucky people who get the "tell all your friends" e-mails from publicists who are gushing about a band...and then another band...and then another band, then you will probably be able to ignore this post.

GUSHER #1 - "Razorlight are finally returning to North American shores with a
string of dates beginning November 7th in Boston, MA."

GUSHER #2 - "Earl Greyhound kicks off its Fall tour tonight in New York at the Rumsey Playfield with Gov't Mule. After a couple dates with Warren Haynes and co., Kamara, Matt & Ricc with be sharing the stage with the one one only, Chris Cornell."

GUSHER #3 - "GZA will perform his classic album, LIQUID SWORDS in it's entirety for the first time ever in New York. GZA, under the lights in Brooklyn performing the most influential hip hop record for indie rockers from the last ten years at one of the most unique and talked about venues in the country today?"

Listen:
GZA - "Liquid Swords" (mp3)
Earl Greyhound - "S.O.S" (mp3)
Razorlight - "Teenage Kicks" (mp3)

Technorati Profile

Labels: Earl Greyhound, GZA, Razorlight

French singer Charlotte Gainsbourg has been hospitalized after suffering a brain hemorrhage.

French media had reported she was in a minor waterskiing accident recently and had been complaining of headaches.

Her agent said she underwent a minor operation to remove a small haematoma. The surgery was said to have been successful and she is apparently doing very well.

Listen:
Charlotte Gainsbourg - "Operation" (mp3)

Source

Labels: Charlotte Gainsbourg

Their band name alone was enticing enough for me to want to read more and take a listen to their music. Is it bad that I'm swayed so easily? Nah.

Welcome to My Bad Behavior, released in May of 2007 as edibleRed's debut album. The members are Collette McLafferty with lead vocals and "badass hair", Tom Papadatos handling the drums/percussion and "antisocial behavior", Dave Eggar as the expert cellist, Sean McMechen on lead guitar and background vocals and Marty Osterer is the bass, some background vocal and "booty shaking."

Collette has this rock star girl persona much like earlier Gwen Stefani or Pink for all-out glam rock. She is a red-head vixen! Though not necessarily as mainstream as the aforementioned comparisons, I'd have to say I like it better that way. The energy she emits, coupled with the combustible riffs from Sean and the added sounds of a cello are unbeatable.

I think the band will continue to develop and mature, I'm always curious to hear what a follow-up album will sound like. But I'm thrilled to hear something like this out on the airwaves again, it's been too long since we have some real punk rocking girl vocals.

Listen:
edibleRed - "Sugar and Spring" (mp3)

Buy their music!

Labels: edibleRed

Music that gets your feet tapping is one thing, but when you feel compelled to clap and/or snap your fingers you know you've found something good. =o)

Timewellspent and their "buh ba buhs" is just such groovy music. Casey Fundaro and Christopher Moll seem to have a knack for bringing back the best sounds of the 60s and 70s. Chris says, "I wanted to try to come up with a record that had structure like a classical symphony with the main elements of rock, pop, psychedelia, jazz and Broadway styles." And really it is a combination of all the mentioned styles, I don't think you could name just one genre to put this duo into.

Timewellspent - "Probably" (mp3)
Timewellspent - "Minor Poet" (mp3)

Buy their music!

Labels: Timewellspent

More of The 1900s music for you to enjoy. In the beginning of August I wrote about their upcoming "Cold & Kind" album which is going to be released on October 2nd. Since then there has been more hype circulating about the album, including a couple more tracks to share. Their EPs have been a smash and the tracks we're hearing off the new album are just superb. This is a must buy!

They're a bit geeky, a little symphonic, a mixture of melancholy and dreaminess...it's great music all around. When it comes to production and song-crafting, they have shown growth, I feel they are comfortable with their own little niche and confident with the sound they have developed.

The 1900s - "When I say Go" (mp3)
The 1900s - "Two Ways" (mp3)

Buy their music!

Labels: The 1900s

A friend of mine and his wife have moved to Haiti to do missionary work for five years. Their selfless act of generosity prompted me to contact the group they work with, OMS International, Inc., and see if I can do anything to help.

I have been contacted and told they do need some volunteer help regarding web design work which is perfect for me since that is what I do. And since I can't move anywhere, like to Haiti, doing web work would be the best option for me. So we will see what comes of this and I hope I can be of assistance.

Music for you on this Tuesday:

Sparklehorse - "See the Light" (mp3)
The States - "The Architect" (mp3)
Manic Street Preachers - "A Design for Life" (mp3)
Charlotte Kendrick - "Thank You" (mp3)

Labels: Sparklehorse

Seriously. just watch it.

This is why some marketing companies are just better than others. This is such a fantastic ad. I would definitely buy the product after seeing this, it rocks.

Make sure you watch through until the end.



Glass and a Half Full Productions

Labels: commercial, phil collins

Tomorrow is Labor Day.

This means it is a three day weekend. Weee-hoo!

AND

It is my Grandpa's 80th birthday! Happy birthday, Grandpa!

We're on holiday. Enjoy!

Music for ya:
Bedroom Walls - "You're Idea of a Holiday" (mp3)
Teenage Fanclub - "Alchoholiday" (mp3)

For Grandpa:
Frank Sinatra - "You Make Me Feel So Young" (mp3)

And since we need to keep up with the music times even when on holiday, here is the latest from Zach Condon aka Beirut. His upcoming and second album The Flying Club Cup, is set for an October 9th launch. Gotta love that horn!

Listen:
Beirut - "A Sunday Smile" (mp3)

Pre-order it today!

Labels: Bedroom Walls, Beirut, holiday, Teenage Fanclub