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Mmm, not sure it's my jam, but thought I'd share this music for those of you into the upbeat powerpop type of music. Though the band calls it "Jungle Rock. Or testosterone Pop." =o/

The Sweet Serenades, according to their bio, are Martin and Mathias. They "found each other for the first time in May 1991. They were both wearing the same CCCP-cap (a hip thing among pre teens in northern Sweden at the time) and riding similar BMX-bicycles. Ever since then they've been inseparable."

Comparable perhaps to "The Strokes" or "Franz Ferdinand" I suppose you could say they have some toe-tapping moments. I'm not sure what it is exactly about the music that is turning me off. I think they're making the music sound complex. And I'm sure it is, but I don't like music to see strained and to me this does sound strained. What do you think?

Listen:
The Sweet Serenades - "First Taste of Trouble" (mp3)

Labels: The Sweet Serenades

Releasing their fourth record, The Arc, "Young and Sexy" find themselves entering their 10th year as a band.

Here's some PR jargon for ya, "Paul Pittman (Vocals, Guitar), Lucy Brain (Vocals), Andre Lagace (Guitar), Alex Brain (Drums) and Brent McDonald(Bass) have returned with a set of songs destined to appeal to the true music lover; a listener who, in this digital age of restlessness, is willing to spin a record in its entirety and take the time to enjoy a complex and rewarding audio experience."

And of course we've got to have the "Bring Me Up" take of it, right?

First of all, I hate their band name. It's just so vain, I don't like it. However, their music isn't half bad. I have found I enjoy most of the artists signed by Mint Records. This is a little over produced in areas, but the lyrics are intriguing enough to keep you interested.

The band is compared often with Pink Floyd, but I can't say I agree with that comparison. I think it is a bit too bold. Yes their music is a little bit dark in terms of this album, but I think it is far more similar to the sound of the Webb Brothers or The Waxwings, because of the pop feel. Perhaps the Pink Floyd comparison is due to the new release straying from the sweet and charming sounds they records previously. But I think they made some of these tracks a bit too difficult.

Listen:
Young and Sexy - "The Fog" (mp3)

And of course, BUY THEIR MUSIC!

Labels: Young and Sexy

Platform shoes, big hair and mini skirts man, this music makes you want to jump up and start dancing disco style. John Travolta could only dream of such tracks back when the Bee Gees held the number one funk spot on the charts.

Chin Chin is a band from Brooklyn, New York. According to their MySpace page, the band members are: "Jeremy Wilms, Wilder Zoby, and Torbitt Schwartz. We get a lot of help from our friends; Tada Hirano, Jeff Pierce, Jesse Boykins III,Yuske Yamamoto, Felix Chen, Yoshi Takemasa, Marcus Farrar and many more......"

One fun fact is that they list Steve Guttenberg as one of their influences, lol. If that doesn't explain their craziness then I don't know what will. They also claim to really want to come to your town and jam. I'm guessing they are in need of new venues, publicity and a bigger fan base. While I can't say I'm totally into disco music I do find this music to be fantastical, upbeat and super fun. (By that I mean sup-ah fun, say it with a funny accent and do the cheerleader finger wave thing.)

Anywho next week on April 29, 2008 their self-titled and self-released album will hit the streets. And I have a feeling those who buy it will end up blaring it from their speakers during rooftop summertime parties.

Listen:
Chin Chin - "Appetite" (mp3)

Check out their website. Beware of bright colors and swirls, very Mika like.

Pre-order the album!

Labels: Chin Chin, disco

Well damn, how did I not know about this guy?

LIVING IN THE AFTERMATH is Chris Mills' new release which just came out today for purchase on the Ernest Jenning Record label.

"Finally, I caught a break,
a treasure map,
on my birthday cake."

From his website, "But its not just the songs that make this Mills' strongest record to date, it's the art and immediacy of their execution."

I'm head over heels for this music. And the violin has me swooning! The lyrics are amusing pieces of a "much bigger picture" built puzzle and I love each line simply because it works even though on paper I would have never believed it.

The material is midtempo, it's not going to have you bouncing off the walls or rocking out on your steering wheel but even so you won't want to turn it off. Oh if I could lust after music this would be it; the hooks sink so deep.

Listen:
Chris Mills - "Such A Beautiful Thing" (mp3)

BUY THE ALBUM!

Labels: Chris Mills

It is possible they have a full length album coming out soon, but for the moment the only records you can buy from "The Little Ones" are EPs. It's cool, sometimes getting tiny bits at a time can help to increase excitement, right? I just wish they'd release an LP sooner rather than later because their music makes me skip!

These indie darlings: ed, lee, brian, ian and david, create brilliant poppy music which surely will put a smile on your face. Remember the show, Dharma and Greg? Well let me just tell you, Dharma, and her free spirit self, would have so grooved to these tunes!

The Terry Tales & Fallen Gates EP released on April 11, 2008. You must buy it if you haven't already, it really is fantastic and happy music. But only listen and love if you enjoy upbeat instrumentation and witty lyrics.

Listen:
The Little Ones - "Tallies" (mp3)
The Little Ones - "Boracay" (mp3)

BUY THEIR MUSIC!

Labels: The Little Ones

The winner of the Randy Jackson album contest is babyboo77. The winner was chosen using random.org. Congratulations to babyboo77!!!

The prize is a copy of Jackson's mix Volume: One which includes a stellar ensemble of artists and features the return of fellow Idol judge Paula Abdul who's track "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" is her first release of new music in over a decade.

Stay tuned for the next Bring Me Up contest!

Labels: contest

Oh don't pretend I'm the only one with allergies. Tons of us are sniffling, sneezing, watery eyes people right now.

Anywho. In between the sneezing I shuffled some songs around and this is what you're getting for the moment.

Listen:

Tilly & the Wall - "Cacophony" (mp3)

Barlow Girl - "Porcelain Heart" (mp3)

SR-71 - "In Your Eyes" (mp3)

I Was A Cub Scout - "Pink Squares" (mp3)

Adam Green - "Morning After Midnight" (mp3)

Enjoy, happy Saturday!

Labels: saturday mix, song shuffle

Maybe I am on a rock'n'roll kick. But this music is bringing me back to the good ol' classic feel of rock, too.

Jason Anderson, more commonly known and recorded as Wolf Colonel, channels Springsteen and James Brown when he's up on stage. His most recent release, The Hopeful And The Unafraid, came out on April 8, 2008 as a follow-up to the 2005 album The Wreath. If you liked the last album you are sure to love this one. Anderson had proven himself to become better with age and consistently superb.

Since stepping out from behind the personal of Wolf Colonel, Anderson has felt as though his music is more true to himself and in better form. As we all know it isn't easy to break free from a name though and many felt his decision was too bold. But I feel the decision was an admirable one and I think he is better for it.

Listen:
Jason Anderson - "Wanting and Regret" (mp3)

BUY THE ALBUM, The Hopeful and the Unafraid!

Labels: Jason Anderson

Dare I throw a Stormy Monday into your hump day Wednesday?

Yep.

Stormy Mondays is from Spain and they sort of have an older Tom Petty or Van Morrison feel to their music; not so much vocally as instrumentally. As far as I know they have had very little exposure anywhere over here in the US, but hopefully that will change soon. Or if I'm wrong please give me a shout because I'd love to see more news about them.

"There are a lot of stories I could tell about places I played and people I played with," states Jorge Otero, leader and founder of the band Stormy Mondays. As a mélange of wailing guitars, explosive drumming, propulsive bass and full throttle Hammond frames Otero's undeniably committed vocals, it is apparent that sometimes the most eloquent tales are told not in words, but with music.

Really? A lot of stories and places and people? Hmm. I must have missed it. But so you don't miss it I thought I'd toss out this quick post. With a little crafted molding I think their sound could get better and be more consistent. If you're thinking about which playlist this would fit in I'd say definitely with the classic rock tracks you jam to on a road trip.

The following song, definitely steering wheel tap worthy, is from their new EP, On the Run.

Listen:
Stormy Mondays - "Same Old Song" (mp3)

Labels: Stormy Mondays

My Brightest Diamond has an album coming out on June 17, 2008 called A Thousand Shark's Teeth which leaves me thinking about sharp pointy things like, well, diamonds and teeth.

"Charming, playful, daring, foreboding, graceful, eclectic, exciting and visceral: these are all the first words that come to mind after a full listen through A Thousand Shark's Teeth. It is a record that evokes and challenges, full of the sorts of melodies and arrangements that stay with you long after the album's stopped playing."

Opener and first single "Inside A Boy" is classic Diamond - slippery guitars meet with gorgeous strings and Shara's powerhouse voice, which folds nicely into "Ice and the Storm," perhaps one of the finest songs Shara Worden has ever written.

I think you will find this album, as with all music by My Brightest Diamond, fills an unique musical niche. The instrumentation alone sets it apart, and then adding the vocals sends it over the top.

Listen:
My Brightest Diamond - "Inside A Boy" (mp3)

Buy My Brightest Diamond music!

Labels: My Brightest Diamond

Being misquoted, misunderstood and taken out of context is one of the most definite things to occur in the media world. And unfortunately, this normally leaves an opening for idiotic and ignorant people to prey upon the situation and start trouble like a bunch of ego maniac and pompous teenagers.

Blender magazine has stooped to this absurd high school level in a recently published interview regarding Alicia Keys. While I'm not Ms. Keys biggest fan, I do think she is one of the most talented pianists out there today and I am in awe each time I see her play.

So I thought, rather than continue to bash Blender, I would print her response to the absurd interview printed in Blender.

"Anyone who knows me and my character, knows that I am not a conspiracy theorist or, by implication, a racist. My comments about 'gangsta rap' were in no way trying to suggest that the government is responsible for creating this genre of rap music. The point that I was trying to make was that the term was over-sloganized by some of the media causing reactions that were not always positive. Many of the 'gangsta rap' lyrics articulate the problems of the artists' experiences and I think all of us, including our leaders, could be doing more to address these problems including drugs, gang violence, crime, and other related social issues.


Additionally, regarding the AK-47 reference, AK-47 is a nickname given to me by some of my friends in jest, as an acronym for Alicia Keys and a metaphor for wowing people with my music and performances, "killing 'em dead" on stage. The reference was in no way meant to have a literal, political or negative connotation."

The recent implications about me are too radical and too dramatic a departure from whom I have continually demonstrated myself to be. I work so hard and give so much of myself to bring about positive change to this world, and I only wish those efforts received as much press and attention as the misinterpretations of the Blender article."

To further state for the record and every pointing finger out there. I don't give a hoot what y'all think or say or roll your eyes about in regards to this post. I do not and will not stand for anything remote defaming, especially something so out landish.

Labels: Alicia Keys, interview, music news

So Scarlett Johannson has that Tom Waits covers record coming out next month, and a few of the tracks have made their way onto the internet. The album is produced by David Sitek and features a couple songs with David Bowie and members of Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Celebration...

Personally, I enjoy "I Wish I Was In New Orleans" better than this new one, but that's just me.

Listen:
Scarlett Johannson - "Anywhere I Lay My Head" (mp3)

Buy her album, Anywhere I Lay My Head.

Aside for her music she also has four movies in post-production according to IMDB.

- Vicky Cristina Barcelona
- He's Just Not That Into You
- Mary Queen of Scots
- The Spirit[51]

I think she is a talented actress so I'm sure I'll be seeing some of those flicks. Listening to more of her music...not if it sounds like this last song. It's so forlorn and monotone, I can't handle it.

Labels: Scarlett Johannson

"From its haunting and evocative opening chords to its self-assured instrumentation and lyricism, The Silence Show is Snailhouse at its best. Instrumentally, the songs are subtle and disarming, creating an atmosphere of stark beauty."

With a statement like that from your label you kind of set yourself up on a real high pedestal. Before even listening to your music I'm instantly rolling my eyes and scoffing. How could a band described so impressively be one of which I have not heard? But then my own thoughts are kicking me, because many, many great bands are the ones you never knew you were missing.

And so we have Snailhouse. Essentially Snailhouse is a project of singer/songwriter Mike Feuerstack. He has had the help of some fantastic collaborators including Julie Doiron, Dave Draves, Aaron Booth, members of Arcade Fire, and most recently, The Acorn.

He has a new album coming out in June, titled Lies on the Prize, the release will be courtesy of Unfamiliar Records. It was recorded by Jeremy Gara (Arcade Fire).

And I think you'll find Snailhouse to be music not easily attained in many of the musical realms around today. The combination of masterful arrangements, mood of the lyrics and Feuerstack's voice are definitely evocative.

Listen:
Snailhouse - "Out in the Sun" (mp3)

Labels: Snailhouse

The new Jack's Mannequin album "The Glass Passenger" will be out on April 22nd and the anticipation is getting to me! Their last album, Everything in Transit, came out in 2005 for pete's sake!

The track listing:
Annie Use Your Telescope
Suicide Blonde
The Resolution
American Love
Swim
What Gets You Off?
Spinning
Bloodshot
Lullaby
Caves
... Perhaps a bonus track
In Slow Motion (Sleazy Wednesday)

I'm feeling a bit slighted, I haven't gotten anything advanced from them, have any of you?

Well, here's something old to jam to in the mean time:
Jack's Mannequin - "La La Lie" (mp3)

Labels: Jacks Mannequin, new releases

With the humming and the perky horn trumpeting into their tracks, New Buffalo, quickly becomes addicting music. You'll be listening and it will shuffle through your iTunes mix and you'll find yourself dancing in your seat, tapping your feet and humming right along. At least that is what just happened to me while I was sitting in my office waiting for 4:30 to appear on the clock in the right hand corner of my screen. =o)

Sweet vocals and a score of instruments blending together to exciting, invigorating music. You'll find yourself pleasantly joining in on the beat-keeping hand claps even if just by tapping your fingers on the desk. It really is amazing. Music like this reminds you of how being a musician is an art; a craft and not just something anyone can do effectively.

In recent news on their label's site, "New Buffalo AKA Sally Seltmann has been announced as one of 10 Australian artists included on the 2008 Australian Music Prize short list. The nomination is in recognition of New Buffalo's 2007 album release Somewhere, Anywhere." Of course that happened back in February, but it's still fantastic and you know she's got to be proud of herself.

Without further adieu...

Listen:
New Buffalo - "Recovery" (mp3)

Buy New Buffalo Albums!!!

Labels: New Buffalo

Fergus McCormick began playing the guitar when he was 13 years old.

"Songs poured out like monkeys in a tree. I'm not sure where it's all going but the one thing I know is it has nothing to do with selling records or making money. Jeff Tweedy once said somewhere that 'music is my saviour', and I think he's on to something."

Other members of the band include, Mike Davis as the producer and bass player, Tim Vaill on drums and Riley McMahon on lead guitar. The foursome have a fiercely wonderful sound and I maintain with a name like Fergus you really have to know what you're doing. ;o) In the song I most like which is linked below, Andy Burton joins the group on keys. Though the track isn't paced upbeat, it still has a light and wondrous sound to it that keeps my toes tapping. It is beautiful, simple and folkalicious.

Their latest album, I Don't Need You Now, released on February 26, 2008. All songs written by Fergus McCormick, produced by Mike Davis and recorded and mixed by Mike Davis at Evil Genius Lab in New York.

I must stress the album has a variety of music so it's not going to be a one hit wonder record, this track happens to be my favorite.

Listen:
Fergus McCormick - "I Who Have Never Been With You" (mp3)

Labels: Fergus McCormick

Cloud Cult's "Feel Good Ghosts (Tea-Partying Through Tornadoes)" released online last week, but is officially in stores today.

Cloud Cult raced through 2007 winning all sorts of high esteemed reviews from the likes of Pitchfork and NPR, but I'd have to say this new album surpasses their older music. I haven't really paid much attention to them, but after hearing this album I definitely think they are worth looking into. Clearly they have benefited from all the hype and decided to one up themselves.


Much like Andrew Bird, there are instruments a plenty all fit together in an audible Monet of colors and sounds.

Listen:
Cloud Cult - "Everybody Here is a Cloud" (mp3)

Labels: Cloud Cult

Me so sick.

Since I'm not feeling well these days I'm going to go lazy on ya and just put up some random songs. Hit the shuffle!

Listen:
Film School - "What I Meant To Say" (mp3)

She & Him - "This Is Not a Test" (mp3)

Wood Brothers - "One More Day" (mp3)

Labels: song shuffle

This reminds me of the best of 80s music from my childhood combined with my favorite elements of modern indie music (the hand claps). Anyway, this isn't really a review, I don't know enough about them, I'm just entirely impressed with their recent single.

"Originally formed in 1999 as 'The Silverslut' in Uppsala, Sweden by members Johan Zeitler, Jonathan Nilsson, Tina Bergström, Tomas Svahn, Joakim Jacobsson and Razmig Tekeyan, the band released six ep's under that name between 2000 and 2002." I'm super happy they changed their name, "The Search," is much better.

members

joakim jacobsson -guitars and keyboards
johan zeitler- guitars and keyboards
razmig tekeyan- voice and guitars
tomas svahn- bass
viktor hedefalk- drums

For the 2008 album Saturnine Songs Viktor Hedefalk replaced Per on drums. The track 'Distant' was released as the album's single.

"The Search" is looking for a record label, management and a booking agency.

Listen:
The Search - "Distant" (mp3)

The album, Saturnine Songs, releases on April 25, 2008, buy it!

Labels: the search

Capitol/EMI announces the June 3 U.S. release of Radiohead: The Best Of. The band's first ever career retrospective, to be made available both physically and digitally, Radiohead: The Best Of brings together the singles, key album tracks and live favorites spanning the band's entire Parlophone Records and Capitol Records career.

Radiohead: The Best Of (standard)
1. Just
2. Paranoid Android
3. Karma Police
4. Creep
5. No Surprises
6. High and Dry
7. My Iron Lung
8. There There
9. Lucky
10. Optimistic
11. Fake Plastic Trees
12. Idioteque
13. 2+2 = 5
14. The Bends
15. Pyramid Song
16. Street Spirit (Fade Out)
17. Everything In Its Right Place


Radiohead: The Best Of (Special Edition 2CD)

Disc 1
1. Just
2. Paranoid Android
3. Karma Police
4. Creep
5. No Surprises
6. High and Dry
7. My Iron Lung
8. There There
9. Lucky
10. Optimistic
11. Fake Plastic Trees
12. Idioteque
13. 2+2 = 5
14. The Bends
15. Pyramid Song
16. Street Spirit (Fade Out)
17. Everything In Its Right Place

Disc 2
1. Airbag
2. I Might Be Wrong
3. Go To Sleep
4. Let Down
5. Planet Telex
6. Exit Music (For A Film)
7. The National Anthem
8. Knives Out
9. Talk Show Host
10. You
11. Anyone Can Play Guitar
12. How To Disappear Completely
13. True Love Waits [recorded live in Oslo, 2001; previously released on I
Might Be Wrong: Live Recordings]


Radiohead: The Best Of (4-piece vinyl set)

Disc 1: Side 1
1. Just
2. Paranoid Android
3. Karma Police
4. Creep

Disc 1: Side 2
1. No Surprises
2. High and Dry
3. My Iron Lung
4. There There

Disc 2: Side 1
1. Lucky
2. Fake Plastic Trees
3. Idioteque
4. 2+2 = 5

Disc 2: Side 2
1. The Bends
2. Pyramid Song
3. Street Spirit (Fade Out)
4. Everything In Its Right Place

Disc 3: Side 1
1. Airbag
2. I Might Be Wrong
3. Go To Sleep

Disc 3: Side 2
1. Let Down
2. Planet Telex
3. Exit Music (For A Film)

Disc 4: Side 1
1. The National Anthem
2. Knives Out
3. Talk Show Host

Disc 4: Side 2
1. You
2. Anyone Can Play Guitar
3. How To Disappear Completely
4. True Love Waits [recorded live in Oslo, 2001; previously released on I
Might Be Wrong: Live Recordings]

Labels: music news, Radiohead

Be still my beating heart. Blessed by something and sprinkled with luck I have found myself with the opportunity of reviewing Van Morrison's new album.

I received the album a few days ago, but wanted to really let it sink in before doing an official write up. Before I even get into it I want you to know it's not quite 5 star material, but it's damn near close.

The mere fact that Keep It Simple is in my possession makes me giddy. Though while listening I found even with my deep appreciation for his music I had hyped it up to be more than what I received. This is probably my fault. I should have gone into this review with a clear mind. I should have "kept it simple" because that is exactly what Morrison wanted from this album. And simple is what you get. There is nothing faulty happening here, it is good, simple, old school music and I'm enjoying it.

This is Morrison's first release in three years and it is vocally very strong for being his 35th album. It seems he was channeling his father's tastes and loves of jazz while putting this album together. The entire album is low key and laid back. The musical arrangements are extremely subtle, they are not the focus at all. It's his voice, it's the lyrics and the expression. Furthermore, his voice not so much purrs but it definitely mosies along through the verses as if to say "sit back, enjoy, there is no rush." With that said I am confident in saying I think the studios may be the reason behind this album not making the 5-star cut. I say this because I feel all of these tracks would be glorius in a live setting; no fault at all.

Listen:
Van Morrison - "End of the Land" (mp3)

Buy the album, Keep It Simple

Labels: Van Morrison

Former Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale will release his first solo album in June. Rossdale, who is married to Gwen Stefani, unveiled new single "Love Remains The Same" as an online download on Tuesday.

And the 42-year-old is set to follow that up with the release of his debut solo disc "Wanderlust" in early June.

All I can share with you right now is a quick clip.

I like it. =o)

You can buy it one iTunes. (I won't. Even though I like it, I hate iTunes)

Labels: gavin rossdale

Alright guys it's time for our April album giveaway. And this time I have Randy Jackson's mix Volume: One to give to a lucky winner courtesy of Randy's crew. Pretty awesome, indeed.

If you remember, I posted about this album when Paula Abdul's new single released. Well, afterwards I heard from Randy Jackson's PR and they asked if I would like to participate in a giveaway! Well, yeah! Of course I'm going to want my readers to be able to get the album free from Bring Me Up.

The album includes a stellar ensemble of artists and features the return of fellow Idol judge Paula Abdul who's track "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" is her first release of new music in over a decade. Other guests on the album include Idol standouts Katherine McPhee and Elliott Yamin, U.K. phenom Joss Stone, country trailblazer Travis Tritt, pop-rock hitmaker Jason Mraz, ace country songwriter-producer John Rich (of Big & Rich), R&B luminary Sam Moore...and more!

And so all you have to do is comment on this post, be sure to leave me a way to contact you. At 12 p.m. EST on April 18, 2008 I will randomly pick a winner using random.org.

Good luck!

ContestHound.com Contest Directory

Labels: contest, Randy Jackson

She is best known for her hit single "I Love Rock N' Roll", which was #1 on the Billboard charts from March 20 to May 1, 1982, as well as for her other popular recordings including "Crimson and Clover", "Do You Wanna Touch Me", "Light of Day", "Love is All Around", "Bad Reputation," "I Hate Myself for Loving You," and "Little Liar."

And of course, Joan Jett, is a native of Philadelphia which makes her even cooler. Her music was rejected by nearly 30 music labels when she started out. So she became the first woman to build her own rock and roll record label.

On September 22, 2007, her 49th birthday, while Jett was on tour with Aerosmith on their 2007 World Tour, Steven Tyler, lead singer of Aerosmith, came out during Joan's set with a cake and sang "Happy Birthday" to her. How wicked cool is that?

Looking forward into 2008, Blackheart will release a Joan Jett Greatest Hits CD/DVD package, due out in August, along with a Blackheart debut album from Seattle’s The Cute Lepers.

Listen:
Joan Jett & The Blackhearts - "A.C.D.C." (mp3)

Buy her music!

Labels: joan jett