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On February 12, 2008, Heidi Talbot is releasing her second solo album since leaving the Irish-American band "Cherish the Ladies." The new album, In Light and Love, is more cohesive than her debut from 2004 and definitely much bolder.

The range in this record is impeccable, from dreamy and soft to ultra catchy and uptempo...

Listen:
Heidi Talbot - "If You Stay" (mp3)

For a complete review head on over to Posh Mama!

Labels: Heidi Talbot

Reed KD is the less island and more folk version of Jack Johnson happiness music. Except...well..the lyrics are depressing. With the harmonica and upbeat sprinkles of a tambourine; he could write about running over your foot and make it sound good in a song. =o)

Hmmm, when I listen and I think about describing it I find myself thinking about glitter. When I was a little girl I fancying myself a drug-free hippie and my teachers all said I was a flower child. I enjoyed that. This music would have been my theme music. Yes, if my life had been a television sitcom back then you would have seen me skipping down the corridor throwing glitter up in the air and this music would have been playing in the background. Hmm, I'm not very graceful though so you might need to add a laugh track into the mix for when I trip over something. For me the lyrics hit home in an emotional sense, but the music takes me somewhere brighter.

The songs are beautifully rich in texture and lyrically hopelessly forlorn. Written, produced, recorded and mixed by Reed in various living rooms, bedrooms, and closets called home throughout 2006, The Ashes Bloom showcases his range as a writer, producer, engineer, and multi-instrumentalist featuring performances on the guitar, slide guitar, mandolin, harmonica, Rhodes, accordion, etc. The Armchair Aviators are the name of his band and they shouldn't be forgotten, because without their efforts the music wouldn't come together like it does.

The album will release February 12, 2008 on an independent record label, Dirty Laundry.

Listen:
Reed KD - "Empty Bottles" (mp3)
Reed KD - "Even If I" (mp3)

Labels: Reed KD

It turns out Melissa will not be able to make it up here for the show.
She lives in Texas and her Cat Power concert mate isn't available to join her.

Random Generator Number picker now chooses #1.

This means Furiousball is the new winner!

If something should happen and he is unable to go I will pick from the remaining two contestants.

Cheers!

Labels: cat power, contest

I have a Cat Power winner! Only four people entered to win two tickets to Cat Power's upcoming concert in Philly. I used a Random Number Generator to pick the winner. Four people, numbers one through four and the random number generator picked number three!

Commentor number 3 on the post was Melissa. I'm going to get in touch with her to make sure she still wants the tickets. If something should happen and she no longer wants the tickets I will quickly run a new random pick and let you know who the new winner is for the tickets.

Fear not my power hungry feline lovers, I will get the tickets to you in time if you are the winner.

Congrats!

Stop by Bring Me Up often to see if new contest opportunities are available. We have two waiting in the wings, you don't want to miss. ;o)

Labels: contest

You should know this and so I'm just going to say it. I am in love with Zooey Deschanel. It's true. Yes, I'm married and no I'm not a lesbian, but Zooey is amazing and you know it. She's gorgeous, she's a fantabulous actor AND I will be the first in line to buy her new album.

Actress, Zooey Deschanel has completed her debut album with the producing help of folk singer M. Ward. SO for all you who thought it wasn't her singing in the shower in "Elf" well you were flippin' wrong. She has been writing her own music since the age of 8 and has been recording on her computer for years.

The album releases on March 18, 2008, and will be called "she & him." Huge props to Merge for being the record label behind the deal. You can hear some of the tracks on her MySpace page. She is seriously so fantastic, I mean she plays the ukulele for pete's sake. And there isn't a more genuine voice out there right now. She does like adding reverb, but the girl is a human song bird; animate her and introduce her to Cinderalla.

Listen:
Zooey Deschanel - "Sentimental Heart" (mp3)

she & him track list
01 Sentimental Heart
02 Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?
03 This Is Not a Test
04 Change Is Hard
05 I Thought I Saw Your Face Today
06 Take It Back
07 I Was Made for You
08 You Really Got a Hold on Me (Miracles cover)
09 Black Hole
10 Got Me
11 I Should Have Known Better (Beatles cover)

Also make sure you watch the mini-series she was just the STAR in, "Tin Man" I have it on my Amazon wish list to pre-order. It of course is the story of Wizard of Oz but with a completely different angle.

Labels: Zooey Deschanel

Each Thursday you will be able to find an exclusive, new music review on POSH Mama's frontpage. My mantra is "Bring me music...BRING ME UP" and I stand by that with a fiercely firm passion. I invite you to throw your hands up in the air, let your hair down, close your eyes and dance with me.

Head over to read today's review of "Collections of Colonies of Bees" on POSH Mama.

Listen:
Collections of Colonies of Bees - "Flocks III" (mp3)

You might also want to check out my latest article on Spacelab, it is being featured today as well.

Labels: Collections of Colonies of Bees

Yeah, I don't know what that means either, but it sure sounds pretty put to music. This song by "Colossal Yes" is twirling around in my head like the dancing lights of a disco ball.

Their 2006 album is called, Acapulco Roughs and it was released on the "Ba Da Bing" label, how awesome is that for a record label name? Haha, I love it! He needs to branch out a bit and try himself, because a lot of his songs sound the same and even though they are awesome I'd like to see what else he can do. Even so, Utrillo Kushner's piano ballads are just dreamy!

If you're in need of some tranquil tunes then definitely make sure to scoop this track. Taint much less calming than some piano, a flute and yummy, whispery vocals.

Listen:
Colossal Yes - "The Honeycreeper Smiles" (mp3)

Labels: Colossal Yes

We don't know everyone involved yet, but we do know some of the people who will be at Coachella this April and you can read it here. It sounds like it is going to be flippin' amazing!

Here is a list of just some of the artists who will be rocking out:

FRIDAY, APRIL 25: Jack Johnson, The Verve, Raconteurs, The Breeders, Fatboy Slim, Tegan and Sara, Madness, The Swell Season, The National, Animal Collective, Slightly Stoopid, Mum, Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, Stars, Battles, Aesop Rock, Midnight Juggernauts, Does it Offend you, Yeah?, Minus the Bear, Spank Rock, dan le sac Vs Scroobius Pip, Diplo, Adam Freeland, Santo Gold, Jens Lekman, John Butler Trio, Vampire Weekend, Dan Deacon, Architecture in Helsinki, Sandra Collins, Busy P, Cut Copy, Black Lips, Datarock, Professor Murder, Reverend and the Makers, The Bees, Porter, Rogue Wave, Modeselektor, American Bang, Lucky I Am.

SATURDAY, APRIL 26: Portishead, Kraftwerk, Death Cab for Cutie, Cafe Tacuba, Sasha & Digweed, Rilo Kiley, Dwight Yoakam, M.I.A., Hot Chip, Cold War Kids, Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks, DeVotchKa, Flogging Molly, Mark Ronson, Turbonegro, Scars on Broadway, Islands, Enter Shikari, Calvin Harris, Boyz Noize, Junkie XL, Cinematic Orchestra, Jamie T, The Teenagers, VHS or Beta, Carbon/silicon, Erol Alkan, Yo Majesty!, Little Brother, Bonde Do Role, St. Vincent, Akron Family, MGMT, Institubes DJs (Surkin, Para One and Orgasmic), James Zabiela, Sebastian, Kavinsky, Dredg, The Bird and the Bee, Grand Ole Party, New Young Pony Club, 120 Days, Yoav, Electric Touch, Uffie

SUNDAY, APRIL 27: Roger Waters (“Dark Side of the Moon”), Love & Rockets, My Morning Jacket, Spiritualized, Justice, Gogol Bordello, Chromeo, The Streets, Metric, Danny Tenaglia, Simian Mobile Disco, Booka Shade, Murs, Dmitri from Paris, Autolux, The Field, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Les Savy Fav, The Cool Kids, Sons & Daughters, Sia, Holy Fuck, Black Kids, Black Mountain, The Annuals, Kid Sister w/A-Trak, Man Man, Duffy, I'm from Barcelona, Manchester Orchestra, Deadmau5, The Horrors, Austin TV, Shout Out Louds, Plastiscines, Brett Dennen

It is held at Empire Polo Field in California.

SOURCE

Labels: Coachella, music news

When you think of Jazz music what is the first thing that pops into your mind? Is it the rhythm, the idea of a big band, the sound of a saxophone? I'm sure it is a combination of fantastic sounds and feelings, because when it comes to jazz you either have it or you don't.

So, I had never heard of Klara Kjellén Sextet and I was intrigued because I like jazz music and that name had never crossed my play list. Yet there was an e-mail in my inbox with her name and that said genre. So I looked her up and she calls her music "Impropop" and she describes it as such, "as it is popmusic played with a balance of improvisation, stucture and love."

Yes, there is a jazz sensibility to what I have heard so far, but I can see why she would attempt to define it otherwise as well. Tere are six band members, as you may have guessed, and they grab up guest players from time to time as well. Since 2003 they have only released 2 EPs which is probably why I have not heard of them. That and the fact that they are on German and Swedish record labels which is also something I'm not very familiar with.

I suppose the song that won me over is "Patience." I decided to listen to it because patience is something I often am lacking. =o) In hearing it, it reminded me of so many times in which I bit my tongue instead of telling a friend or loved one that I didn't think they were in a good relationship. Don't get me wrong, I'll fight loud and hard if something big goes down, but if it is just petty I try and be quiet.

Bah, I'm going on and on and not even giving you the nitty gritty. Klara Kjellén Sextet produces music with a fabulously funky bass beat. Klara has such a perfectly sweet and syrupy voice. If honey had a sound, she'd be it. Their first full length album, Under Your Skin, releases on January 25, 2008. You absolutely must buy it. I adore the entire album.

Band members
Klara Kjellén: Vocals & Composing
Marcelo Gabard Pazos: Saxofones
Samuel Hällkvist: Guitar
Katrine Amsler: Piano & moog
Johannes Burström: Doublebass
Joakim Sandén: Drums

Listen:
Klara Kjellén Sextet - "Patience" (mp3)

BUY THE ALBUM!

Labels: Klara Kjellén Sextet

Even though I have never been a big k.d.lang fan I decided to see what was going on since Nonesuch Records is making such a big deal.

Watershed is the first album of newly written material from the four-time GRAMMY winner since 2000's Invincible Summer and her first studio album since 2004's acclaimed Canadian songbook, Hymns Of The 49th Parallel.

Sorry folks, I'm listening but I'm still not digging it. I do give her props for tackling all roles in making the album. From the role of producer to writer, singer and multi-instrumentalist she took care of everything.

Watershed releases on February 5, 2008.

Listen:
k.d. lang - "Don't Smoke In Bed" (mp3)

BUY THE ALBUM!

Labels: kd lang

For some Saturday Wii bowling music...

The family is having a low key kind of Saturday. Right now Braeden and I are playing bowling on the Wii and Brian is out running some errands because he rocks (and I was super tired).

So I'm running iTunes from the laptop and it's shuffling through my PCs playlist. I'm proud to say I have over 10,000 tracks all without having ever imported a disc. If I spent time importing I'd never be able to eat, sleep or go to work. Thank God for the digital world.

Currently playing is a U2 track, "Hallelujah, Here She Comes," which isn't one of their better known songs but is definitely one to have if you're a fan. On the list of b-sides it might be one of my favorites.

Running right into the Barenaked Ladies singing "If I Had a Million Dollars" which though it is not a song I would keep on repeat, the lyrics always crack me up.

Ronnie Day's voice floats off the speakers and into my ears singing, "Heroes Die" such a fantastic song. Man this song is so anthem material.

"Sometimes we watch our heroes die
And we don't know why
We don't know why they
Left us so young
Sometime we watch our mirrors cry
And we don't know why
We don't know why they
Left us undone"

I hate to admit I don't know much about Ronnie Day other than he used MySpace to make a name for himself which is awesome. He's a young buck, born in 1988 which makes me feel old and I'm NOT old. Anyway, I don't believe he has been signed yet much to my amazement. Maybe because he has a crazy YouTube video...it's odd but it's also great because he takes you through a recording session and shows you how he does it all, with ProTools on his computer. Very cool.

His MySpace page says "I'm not the voice of a generation. I'm not a titan among men, and my captivating melodies will not soar triumphantly into the very depths of your soul."

He can say whatever he likes but I love his music. He is incredible. His lyrics go straight to my heart. Very real even if sometimes cheesy. Plus he seems so down to earth. You know how Ryan Adams is an amazing musician, untouchable except for maybe Ben Folds and truly they have their own separate realms of awesomeness. Well to me Ronnie Day would be the pop version of those guys. I'm serious.

You need to buy his album which he so originally title "The Album." But in the meantime head to his MySpace page and listen. I'll put up a demo of one of his songs here.

Listen:
Ronnie Day - "Not The Same" (mp3)

Labels: Ronnie Day

Catching the hype from being a judge on American Idol, Paula has released one track...and there isn't talk of an album, BUT the track was produced by fellow-judge Randy Jackson and it has been played on Ryan Seacrest's radio station. (He happens to be the Idol host...)

It is called "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" and it's not bad. I mean, it's dance music, club music and I think it will get a lot of air play. It's peppy for sure, and I don't know where Paula's real voice is in the track, but why be picky right?

Definitely "dance pop" I like it, I find it catchy. It's not deep or poetic or filled with instrumental talent like I normally prefer, but I can't knock it. I'd listen to this if I scanned across it on the radio.

Listen:
Paula Abdul - "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" (mp3)

You'll find this song on Randy Jackson's Music Club, Volume 1 when it releases on March 11, 2008.

Labels: Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson

It seems pop country is the most widely accepted version of country music these days. Shania Twain rocked stations abroad with her pop twang and Faith Hill did the same. Carrie Underwood became a huge success on American Idol and has maintained ever since with her poppy country music as well. Diana Page is adding a new chapter to the female country singer book by following in their foot steps.

Diana Page sings, writes, produces and engineers music which can only mean one thing; she has the ear and the passion to be a star. Even in her early years it was full speed ahead for Page. "By the age of 6, she was singing on commercials, playing the flute and learning the cello."

Though her ability stretches far beyond the realms of a country music singer, that seems to be the path she is most comfortable with and so her first album releasing this year takes the cowgirl beaten path. She's a little bit more rock than Shania or Faith, but her music definitely has the same upbeat vibe. I suppose with all her interests and talents you could say she paints the music scene like a rambling rose. Let's just hope she's growing up the right genre vine.

Listen:
Diana Page - "Ebb & Flow" (mp3)

BUY HER MUSIC!

Labels: Diana Page

Who says you can't mingle classical with punk? Furthermore, who says you have to have a guitar if you're going to release music as a band?

Joe Jackson takes being original to a new level with his new album, Rain which releases on January 29, 2008. His style and sound have come a long way since 1979 when his debut album, Look Sharp, released on A&M Records. You might recognize his first hit single, "Is She Really Going Out With Him?" I love that song and am humming it to myself now that it has been mentioned. Since 1979, he has worked across the spectrum of genres producing everything from classical, swing, punk to urban pop and then some.

When asked about the new album title, Joe explained "I wanted something elemental because that's the kind of album I wanted to make. There is no padding on it at all; the album is stripped to the bare essentials, so I hope it has a timeless quality. The title seems to fit."

Rain was recorded last summer in Berlin, and yes it is true, Joe Jackson opted not to include a guitar in the music. In place of the usual, he produces vibrant and passionate piano induced songs that are just soaked in sprightliness. Graham Maby (bass/vocals) and Dave Houghton (drums/vocals) have worked with Joe Jackson on past albums and they are the back end bass of the album as well as the harmonizing vocalists incorporated throughout.

When listening to "Invisible Man" I had mixed feelings about the song because in the beginning it seemed to be all over the place, but as I got about half way through the track and hit his piano solo, I was overwhelmed. There are a few sections in which all sounds drops out except for the piano and it is those portions of the song that made me want to hear more of the album. It left me wondering what he must have been feeling and thinking as his fingers danced across the keys.

"King of Pleasure" is more upbeat and reminiscent of his earlier music.

And so, without making you wait any longer...

Listen:
Joe Jackson - "The Invisible Man" (mp3)
Joe Jackson - "King Pleasure Time" (mp3) (Kudos to wendyo for the track title correction)

Buy Rain (w/ bonus DVD)

Labels: Joe Jackson

Random music news. My Morning Jacket will be releasing a new album on June 10th. I don't know the title yet, anybody out there have the scoop? Let me know. =o)
**
What is going on with The National right now? I haven't been hearing much and that makes me sad. I love the band and am hoping for some new music. Matt Berninger said in an interview that there's nothing easy about being a member of the National.

"Our relationship as a group is, well, it's not a harmonious thing," he offers contemplatively, chatting from his Brooklyn home on the eve of their upcoming Australian tour.

I think it is fantastic that he was so open about that because we all know it is a truth amongst ALL bands. Hopefully they have been writing while touring and we'll be hearing something new soon.
**
We have less than a month now to wait for the new Mountain Goats record Heretic Pride, out February 19.
**
And your music for the day...

Listen:
Ceremony - "I Heard You Call My Name" (mp3)
(word on the street is Ceremony will be releasing an album in the next few months)

Kaki King - "2 O'Clock" (mp3) (her new album, Dreaming Of Revenge, releases on March 11th

Labels: Ceremony, Kaki King, Mountain Goats, My Morning Jacket, The National

Next week, Aster will release Some Things Seldom Heard Of for your purchasing pleasure. Make sure their album is one thing you WILL HEAR. MMkay?

This morning I was thinking about how to review Aster. I popped the disc in and drove to work, listening, thinking, repeating, etc. It's almost overwhelming to pick out all the different pieces of each track. There is such depth and texture to their music it's incredible.

It is difficult to distinguish the best part of Aster's music though because in one ear I'm loving the bells and in the other ear I am caught by their lyrics. Real life lyrics about the corporate world, politics, it is truly all encompassing. You'll find yourself tapping a foot to the chimes while letting the verses absorb.

They remind me a bit of Straylight Run or perhaps a toned done melodic pop version of Ben Kweller. Regardless as to who you may or may not compare them to, their music is top notch. And I am positive by first listen you will be compelled enough to want more.

Listen:
Aster - "Run Away From The Suit" (mp3)

BUY THEIR ALBUM!

Labels: Aster

Let's start 2008 off right, shall we? I vote yes and for our first contest of the new year Bring Me Up is giving away two concert tickets to see Cat Power!!!

One of the posters up in my office is a Cat Power poster print from a show they did in February of 2006. So you know I'm a fan, plus I have posted their songs numerous times on this blog already.

Chan Marshal is the "rawr" behind Cat Power and she has recently been travelling around in India with a charity group. She is writing and filming the experience. She'll be back in London by the end of the month right around the time her latest album releases on January 21st in Europe (also her birthday) and on the 22nd in the states.

Jukebox, is a different album type than Cat Power normally puts out and I'm actually not sure how I feel about it. The entire album is cover songs, but with Cat Power's minimalistic approach and feel. She has done covers before, so we know she'll veer off the lyrical path from time to time and throw in her own words, but the focus of course will be on the original. (Her first cover album released back in 2000).

Either way, no matter how you look at it, Chan Marshal has an amazing voice and given her current state of mind (cheating boyfriends and slum trips through India) I have a feeling the show is going to be intense.

Cat Power will be at the Starlight Ballroom in Philly on Friday, February 8th, doors open at 7:30. You need to comment by January 25th to be entered into the contest. (Please only enter once, the winner will be chosen at random).

Leave a comment on this post if you are interested in going to the show. The tickets are general admission and the value of this prize is $50.

The tuneage:
Cat Power - "Sea of Love" (mp3)
Cat Power - "Living Proof" (mp3)

Labels: cat power, contest

And now for something a little bit different. What do you get when you put a group of soul people together who have worked with Lenny Kravitz, Marvin Gaye, Johnny Cash and Ray Charles?

You get Soul Summit.

Soul Summit showcases an all-star aggregation performing alongside one another in a rare and one-night only appearance at the 2007 Berks Jazz Festival in Reading, Pennsylvania. What you have is a group of artists getting together to perform ineffable soul beats.

Under the direction of Jason Miles, a "dream team" of groovy voices set out to develop something legendary. You'll hear vocalists Maysa, Susan Tedeschi and Mike Mattison, saxophonists Karl Denson , Richard Elliot and Dave Mann, bassist Bob Babbitt, guitarists Reggie Young and Sherrod Barnes and trumpeters Tony Kadlek and Barry Danielian on eleven bluesy, and funky classic tracks.

Put on your black Fedora, step out on the street and color the day with horns and raspy vocals.

Listen:
Soul Summit - "Cold Snap" (mp3)
Soul Summit - "What A Man" (mp3)

BUY THE ALBUM!!!

Labels: Soul Summit

Me so sleepy...

I wish I may, I wish I might, find a way to sleep tonight.

Anyhoo, Lisa Germano is a longtime favorite of mine. And her song "Starfish" popped into my head this morning so that's what you're getting. =o) In the 80s Germano was noted as John Mellencamp's violinist (sidenote: Mellencamp was recently elected into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame). She's doing a bit more than that now however and has released seven full length albums since 1994 and 2 EPs. Her tracks have also made it onto several compilations and soundtracks.

She is one of six children and her parents encouraged all of them to learn an instrument at an early age. Go rents! When she was merely seven years old she wrote her first piece of original music; a 15-minute opera on the piano. Whoa! It's obvious the girl has music on the brain and things only improved as she refined her skills.

When you listen to "Starfish" you can virtually imagine yourself on a summer day, walking through a hazy meadow in the wee morning hours. It is as if her voice can momentarily stop time.

Listen:
Lisa Germano - "Starfish" (mp3)
Lisa Germano - "Too Much Space" (mp3)

BUY HER MUSIC!

Labels: Lisa Germano

Greg Laswell is set to release his new EP, How the Day Sounds, on March 11th courtesy of Vanguard Records. It will include six songs of amazing piano playing.

As fans found out in the album, Through Toledo, Greg Laswell uses his music and lyrics to express true life accounts. So his music is intense and raw, not for the weak of heart. All tracks on the EP were written, recorded, produced and performed by Greg Laswell at his home studio.

To me it is almost eerie how well he illustrates emotion through his music. You listen to it, close your eyes and you can literally feel the music. Well, I don't know about you, but I did. Even in slightly unpolished moments the result is moody and perfect. His voice just sounds so vulnerable in "Embrace Me." Listen and absorb, then let me know what you think.

His new full length album will release in July.

Listen:
Greg Laswell - "Embrace Me" (demo mp3)

January tour dates:

1/16 Denver, CO - Bluebird
1/20 Portland, OR - Doug Fir
1/21 - Seattle, WA - Nectar Lounge
1/23 - San Francisco, CA - Slim's
1/24 - Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour

Buy his music!

Labels: Greg Laswell

They call it psych-rock and I call it over engineered. Wooden Shjips first of all is already off my list because I think it is silly to add a "J" to the word "ship" it's unnecessary, it does nothing for them other than making people say "Why the heck is there a "J" in the word "Ships"?

Web wide I'm seeing talk of this band and praise from many, but it's not my cup of tea. It's scratchy, over synthesized and lacking any sort of content value or appeal.

You don't get bad reviews from me often so it might be strange to be reading this, but I had to be honest (as I always am).

The band launched three new releases in 2007: the LP for Holy Mountain, a 7-inch for Sub Pop and a 7-inch for Pollymaggoo Records. I'm sure the aforementioned released pleased them and their fans.

In trying to think of their "music" and its sound, I remembered the scene in the movie "Zoolander" when Derek, Hansel and Matilida drink the "special tea" and then there is insinuation of a huge group orgy. The camera gives a perspective of the room spinning and everyone looks completely stoned. Remember the music playing during that time? Well this music would probably fit right into a scene such as that. So those of you pot heads out there..well..you will probably love it, because I firmly believe you would need to be drug induced to appreciate this trance-esque crap. And after this posting I will just ignore it.

Listen:
Wooden Shjips - "We Ask You to Ride" (mp3)

Labels: trance, Wooden Shjips

Guitarists Patrick Pentland and Jay Ferguson, bassist Chris Murphy and drummer Andrew Scott are the foursome who make up Sloan. From Nova Scotia, this quartet has been together since 1991. With an intense passion for music they dove into the scene whole-body-first and went on to tour Canada, open for Sonic Youth in the U.S. while also recording their own album and releasing an EP.

Fast forward to the present and you'll see Sloan on top album lists for the year of 2007. Not just any lists, but the big lists...like abcnews.com's Top 50 Albums of 2007. How wicked cool is that? Never Hear the End of It released in the U.S. in January of 2007 and was a smashing success. It had launched earlier in Canada and floored fans with a massive 29 tracks!

Perk your ears up for the artsy, poppy-rock (and often major key repetitiveness) sound of Sloan.

Listen:
Sloan - "Right or Wrong" (mp3)
Sloan - "I Hate My Generation" (mp3)

Labels: sloan

In tribute of Lucky Pup...

My Mom's pup had to be put down today. She took Lucky into the vet for various reasons. Lucky was 12 years old and she had been sick for quite some time. The vet thinks it must have been a brain tumor and told my Mom that Lucky wasn't the same dog anymore.

Needless to say my Mom is heart broken. Lucky was a very energetic and happy puppy. She ran around like crazy, made us laugh and became the unconditional friend my Mom needed during lonely times. It will take a long time for my Mom to come to terms with this loss. She is grieving, feeling lost and guilty, but I believe she is extremely brave and that this was a selfless act.

Listen:
Rufus Thomas - "The Dog" (mp3)
Tom Waits - "Time" (mp3)

And in completely other music news...we can look forward to May for a new Death Cab for Cutie album!!! Woohoo! The album includes a "nine-minute jam" called "I Will Possess Your Heart."

Death Cab for Cutie - "A Movie Script Ending" (mp3)

Labels: death cab for cutie, dog, Rufus Thomas

It goes without saying when you hear music that you wish you could physically embrace, well then you've got to share it. Sarah Harmer's song "Basement Apt." has done that for me this afternoon.

Harmer went solo in 1999 after having been part of the band Weeping Tile. She has played with amazing artists like the Indigo Girls and Great Big Sea.

She has three full length albums and the earlier of them, You Were Here, is the one that has me going crazy with delight. I love it! Even when the songs open with a soft guitar rift they are sure to gradually pull you in and knock your socks off before you are even aware of what is happening! There is such texture and character, it's just SUPER! I really can't explain it properly. (Clearly).

She reminds me of Lisa Loeb a little bit which is one of my favorite artists. As many of you know it is Lisa Loeb's song "Bring Me Up" that inspired this entire music blog. Truly.

Listen:
Sarah Harmer - "Basement Apt." (mp3)

Labels: Sarah Harmer

Sensitive folky sisters they are. The Callen Sisters have a slight rock edge, but their music is oh-so folky goodness. With a crisp sound and personal lyrics, they sing to you in lullaby whispers.

In a time of many copy cat artists, The Callen Sisters come forward for something new. Vocal harmonies, light guitar and a brilliant harp join together to form the perfect combination of emotions. For being a debut, their self-titled record opens the door to something light and refreshing.

I foresee something with a bit more oomph in the future, this is a fantastic start, but it lacks an intensity that I think the sisters truly have. So we'll see what they bring to us next.

Listen:
The Callen Sisters - "Like You" (mp3)

BUY THEIR ALBUM!

Labels: The Callen Sisters

So now we all know Thom Yorke's favorite track on Radiohead's new album, but what is yours? Are you on the same page as him, is "Videotape" your album favorite?

"Personally speaking, that's my favourite thing we've ever created because it has the inexpressible substance going on behind the specifics of the song, so I'm really proud of that." [BBC Interview]

Listen:
Radiohead - "Videotape" (mp3)

In Rainbows released on Tuesday, January 1st, on TBD Records (really ATO Records Group). There has recently been a ruckus in regards to the bands split from record label EMI because they would not negotiate back catalog rights with the band.

Since they inevitable self-released the album, there was even more controversy over the way in which people were getting it. People have been downloading and sharing the tracks for some time. Radiohead sort of just threw it out there, almost a slap in the face to the major-label system. Specifically because the band let fans choose their own price and 62% of people chose not to pay a dime for the record. (That sucks).

It must say something that even after a digital release, where people screwed the system and all but stole their music...there are still a katrillion people interested in buying the hard copy.

More Radiohead for ya:
Radiohead - "Kinetic" (mp3)
Radiohead - "Anyone Can Play Guitar" (mp3)

Labels: Radiohead