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Minneapolis based, White Light Riot is purely an alternative rock band. To me they sound far more like classic rock bands in my past than anything I've heard in quite some time. I can hear influences from great bands like U2 and The Cure, for something newer maybe, The Killers. Similarities range from fantastic vocaless guitar riffs to their lyrics that propose awareness; it's musical ambrosia.


The men behind the band are brother's Mike (vocalist/guitarist) and Mark Schwandt (drummer), Joe Christenson (lead guitarist) and Dan Larsen (bassist). They merge the best of old rock with some newer synthesized bells and whistles. If you're looking for something new to rock out to it should definitely be this band. Their EP, The Dark is Light Enough, is just unbelievable.

Prepare yourself for a serious hookfest...

Listen:
White Riot Light - "Bitter Beginning" (mp3)
White Riot Light - "In a Shotgun Whirl" (mp3)

Labels: White Light Riot

Quick disclaimer: Fellow writers have been pondering their end of the year posts since January 2, 2007...at least that is how it seems. I've never been able to compile a list of favorites...not for music, movies, books or really anything. I embrace it all, support it and encourage it...yeah I'm a shmuck, I know, but I can't raise one above the other. So you won't be getting a list of my favorite artists, albums or songs from 2007.

Moving on.

My husband is a self-proclaimed geek and so I hope he doesn't mind this... He has a new game and it involves building a city in Ancient Rome, I think. So I was peering over his shoulder when he began playing and he was prompted for his name so I started spouting out really ridiculous names. After he finished glaring at me he typed in a name and then the game titled him Governor. So I started saying "Governor" in a really silly fake accent. Yada yada, you see how annoying I am now, haha.

And all that back story is purely because I am sharing with you today a song from The Evens called "All These Governors." It's live from a show they did in Washington, D.C.

Amy Farina (vocals, drums) and Ian MacKaye (vocals, baritone guitar) have been playing since 2001 but their debut album wasn't recorded until 2004. Dischord Records released the album in 2005. If you like Embrace or Joe Lally than you will probably enjoy The Evens though. They are heavily vocal with a mellow, laid back beat.

Listen:
The Evens - "All These Governors" (mp3)
The Evens - "Mt. Pleasant Isn't" (mp3)

Labels: the evens

Charlie Brown: I don't care. We'll decorate it and it'll be just right for our play. Besides, I think it needs me.

How sweet it is to be loved by Jesus. Born on Christmas day, He became and will always be the greatest gift. On his birthday, we embrace the spirit of love and giving to celebrate with those around us. And today my friends is Christmas Eve. I hope if this is your faith that you have a wonderful holiday. And for those who celebrate other holidays, I wish you the same magic and peace.

Listen:

Jars of Clay - "Love Came Down At Christmas" (mp3)
Jars of Clay - "Wonderful Christmastime" (mp3)

I can't say I honestly like their version of "Wonderful Christmastime" but I do love the harmonizing vocals at 2:15 in the song if you want to wait until you get there to put a smile on your face and start nodding. ;o)

Buy their music!

And their website has a Christmas e-card you can send with a free "Love Came Down At Christmas" mp3. So be sure to check that out if you are interested.

And now for music that will surely get you up on your feet, haha.

The Clumsy Lovers - "Snoopy's Christmas" (mp3)

That song is seriously so fast and upbeat that even my giddy Christmas elf-like feet can't keep up with it.

Labels: Christmas, clumsy lovers, jars of clay

How can you not like "The Night Before Christmas" story? It's such a classic and nearly every Christmas themed movie makes reference to it in some way.

So for a rare treat and early Christmas present.

Listen:

Bright Eyes - "Night Before Christmas" (mp3)

And for yet another version of Winter Wonderland, why don't we give Liz Phair a listen.

Liz Phair - "Winter Wonderland" (mp3)

More jolly tuneage:

The Kinks - "Father Christmas" (mp3)
The Smithereens - "Waking up on Christmas morning" (mp3)
Louis Armstrong - "Zat you Santa Claus?" (mp3)
Death Cab for Cutie - "Baby, Please Come Home for Christmas" (mp3)
The Ramones - "Merry Christmas" (mp3)
Lylas - "Snowfall Since Midnight" (mp3)
David Lanz - "Joy to the World" (mp3)

Merry Christmas! Hannukah! Kwanzaa! Festivus! Don't forget to bring me up and BRING ME MUSIC!

Labels: Bright Eyes, death cab for cutie

This is definitely "chill" music. As jazzy as Cinematic Orchestra. Damn, I hate starting a review with a comparison, but when 4hero's song started playing I was instantly brought to that thought. 4hero is in no way a knock-off, but they have that new age jazz feel that makes your head bob while you're listening.

"Morning Child" is what I'll coin mellogetic. Yes, that's right, I make up words on the spot. But it's got such a laid back vibe and yet the vocals that chime in are energetic and when the horn/string ensemble pipes through you can just imagine a child waking up and facing the morning light.

Mellogetic, my friends...mellogetic.

Ethereal in production, 4hero has been known for their electronica music since their 1998 album release of Two Pages. As time passed it became less about the tech end and more about the overall. Their latest album, Play with the Changes released in late February of this year. It consists of downtempo jazzy music that has been simplified to flow cooly and leave a lasting impression.

It is surprising how subtly "Morning Child" sinks in and takes over. It's on repeat this afternoon in my office and each time I listen I hear another bit of fantastic texture and detail that I had missed the listen before.

Listen:
4hero - "Morning Child" (mp3)

Labels: 4hero

When someone at Universal Music Group thinks something is worthy to be on the blog, I sometimes pay it no mind. Universal is a big deal and no offense to major artists but I prefer touting the artists you might not have heard about.

However (as if you didn't see the "however" coming) this morning you're getting a big name music video, because it's too good not to share.

Being a fan of music in general, I do love country music. Gary Allan happens to be one of the most fantastic country musicians of the decade. The fact that People magazine says he is the sexiest country music star this year doesn't hurt either. His greatest hits album was deemed a gold record by the RIAA this month because in less than a year it has sold well over 5 million copies. And well...his song "Tough Little Boys" gets me all choked up every time I hear it.

Back in October, Gary Allan released his 8th album, Living Hard. He says he feels this album pushes the envelope as far as he can. It might be that he felt the need to make some changes since his wife's death three years ago and I don't blame him. He almost named the album "Doing the Math" to go along with the first single "Watching Airplanes."

Checkin' my watch, doing the math in my head,
Counting backwards to when you said goodbye.

"Watching Airplanes" is such a real song. He sings about a love saying goodbye, the whole feeling is bittersweet and honest, but it isn't dramatic or exaggerated for effect, which is something I appreciate.

One of the best things about Gary Allan is his mindset on the music industry and it might very well be the second reason I'm posting about him. "I think everything in this industry works against you as an artist. I am introverted and in a business that forces me to be extroverted. I've avoided a lot of stuff. My management would disagree with me, but I think it gives more mystique to you. If people don't have complete access to you, they have to wonder more."

With that said I guess I should shut up and let you watch the video. Enjoy!

And BUY HIS STUFF!!!!!

Labels: Gary Allan

When something or someone knocks the wind of you emotionally you wonder how you're going to get back up on your feet. Now either a member of the group Guster or one of their writers has definitely, unfortunately, been through one of these throw downs. Don't believe me? Listen to their song "So Long."

From Boston, Massachusetts, Guster formed in 1991 and started making their rounds underground in 1994. It wasn't until 1999 that the band hit the studios and by then they were producing their third album.

While Guster is a rock band with the typical acoustic guitar and drums, they mix up their tracks with added percussions like the bongos (and a variety of other hand percussions) and some fantastic vocal harmonies between members including the vocals of their drummer Rosenworcel.

A side fact of the band is their non-profit organization, Reverb, which Adam Gardner (guitarist) and his wife formed in 2004. Reverb is a program which works to make sure bands are environmentally conscious while touring.

And so now for your listening pleasure or rather solemness...

Guster - "So Long" (mp3)

BUY THEIR MUSIC!

Labels: Guster

"I don't know why, but you are the light on my shoulder."

It always surprises me the music I can stumble upon and fall in love with instantly. It is surprising to know I have missed out all this time and at how deeply it can sink into me after only one listen.

Susie Suh writes and sings emotional music. Many people claim her music is too dramatic, but for me the lyrics and the vibe are perfect, because when you are going through an intense emotion that is exactly how it feels.

A journey lies in her music and while you're listening you sort of melt into it. As odd as it may seem, hearing her sing let me leave myself for a moment and just chill. (No, I'm not drunk and I've never been high). The voice, the lyrics, the music...it's all brilliant.

In comparison to other favorites I would put her up there with Tina Dico and Toby Lightman. It is safe to say she lies within their blues/jazzy/folk spectrum; I guess you could say she has zests of many flavors in her songs.

Listen:
Susie Suh - "Light on my Shoulder" (mp3)
Susie Suh - "Your Battlefield" (mp3)

BUY HER MUSIC!!!

Labels: Susie Suh

My little boy has a disc man that he often will sit and listen to for an hour at a time. He'll sing to the music, it's great to listen. (For those of you new to Bring Me Up, my son is freshly four years old).

Recently, I made him a Christmas album and had to sift through hundreds of tracks to come up with songs I thought he'd enjoy. Yes, there were many indie songs on the finished compilation, but one song I couldn't go indie with was "Winter Wonderland." Why? Because Ray Charles has a fantastic version of Winter Wonderland and I just couldn't give Brae anything other than the best.

So on this 11th day of December I'm going to make sure you have a little bit of Ray Charles ear candy, too. ;o)

Listen:
Ray Charles - "Winter Wonderland" (mp3)

Labels: Christmas, Ray Charles

Sadly, Gorkys Zygotic Mynci split up about 1 year and six months ago (yes I know that is 1.5 years). Fortunately, their music still exists and can be listened to joyfully! They had been around for awhile and my feeling is that they must have wanted different, separate things for their future.

Bilingual, Gorkys Zygotic Mind sing in English and Welsh as they had been formed in Carmarthen, west Wales in 1991. Members had been Euros Childs, Richard James, John Lawrence and Megan Childs. I'd say there were an indie pop band, who dabbled in some folky tunage from time to time. You might compare them to Belle & Sebastian if you must compare.

I think you will love their music even if you don't expect to... In fact, turn it up at home or in one of your comfy places that you go to for relaxation and I bet if you close your eyes you'll be able to imagine them jammin' there with you.

Listen:
Gorkys Zygotic Mind - "Happiness" (mp3)

Buy their music!

Labels: Gorkys Zygotic Mind

In September I reviewed Jens Lekman's new album for Spacelab.

Night Falls Over Kortedala is a genuinely fantastic piece of art for your ears and I felt honored to have been given such a great assignment.

This morning I had an e-mail from Spacelab's editor in regards to that particular review. Turns out that my review is currently being quoted on AOL's Spinner music web site. How wicked awesome is that!?

The specific quote:

What are bloggers saying about Jens Lekman?

-- "Jens Lekman's lyrics and music would taste like sugar crystals and gum drops" (yep. That is certainly a Christy line, haha)

Isn't that flippin' fantastic!? I'm all types of giddy right now. Thanks to Mr. Tate for taking the time to send an e-mail my way regarding the news.

Listen:
Jens Lekman - "The Opposite of Hallelujah" (mp3)

Labels: Jens Lekman, Spacelab

All bands can do cover songs. But The Cinematics covered Beck's "Sunday Sun" and I like this track better than the original. I mean the two versions have completely different feels. One being more of a ballad and the other being scot-rock in all its glory!

The Cinematics are babies to the music world, having formed in late 2003. TVT Records (The Polyphonic Spree signed them after a Manchester gig in 2005. And their debut full length album wasn't released until March of 2007. Babes I tell ya, they are babes. (And by that I am referring to their age).

Ross Bonney: drums
Ramsay Miller: lead guitar, backing vocals
Adam Goemans: bass
Scott Rinning: lead vocals, guitar

For your listening pleasure check out the following tracks of post-punk goodness with all its dramatic flair.

Listen:
The Cinematics - "Sunday Sun" (mp3)
The Cinematics - "Maybe Someday" (mp3)

Labels: The Cinematics

My calendar says Hanukkah begins tomorrow so I planned on a small surprise for my brother's girlfriend. Then he tells me today is the first day, so I'm not sure what the real start date is but just in case...

For Jada:

Barenaked Ladies - "Hanukkah Blessings" (mp3)

I was looking around for a clip of Adam Sandler's song, "8 Crazy Nights" but I couldn't seem to get a quick sample so you'll have to find it and listen for yourself. I love Adam Sandler and it's a pretty cool song. Jada, if you find that one just pretend it was also dedicated to you today. =o)

Last year was the first Christmas my brother and Jada celebrated together. My (Catholic) family and I weren't sure how to approach the holiday season with them. Hanukkah isn't even the big deal for the Jewish faith as Christmas is for us Christians. So I ended up sending them a Chrismukkah book and dual holiday greeting card. Such things exist outside of the late OC, who knew. =o)

Labels: Barenaked Ladies, Jada

Music news on this 50mph wind of a Monday here in Delaware.

Led Zeppelin just confirmed for 2008 Bonnaroo tour. (Metallica too). But before the tour begins they will be playing in London at the O2 Arena which apparently is a venue that sucks for mixers because both the Rolling Stones AND Prince received negative sound reviews there. The only person who hasn't is Elton John and so Zeppelin's Jimmy Page says he just might hit up Elton for some tips.

Oxfam Christmas cards is celebrating their 50th anniversay and to do so they have asked Yoko Ono's permission to reissue one of John Lennon's drawings on a Christmas card. The drawing was first used by Oxfam in 1965. You can purchase the cards at Oxfam's site, here. (Pack of ten is about $4.50 which is not bad I'd say).

Your tracks for the day:

Belle & Sebastian - "I'm Waking Up To Us" (mp3)
Deanna Kirk - "You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch" (mp3)

Labels: belle sebastian, Christmas, deanna kirk