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You know what song is stuck in my head right now? Gwen Stefani's "Sweet Escape." This is not a bad thing, I like the song, but I haven't heard it recently and I don't know why it has put itself on repeat in my brain.

Anyway.

Today, I am going to pour out some Lilac Wine from Katie Melua. Nothing like drinking in a little music with your wine. =o)

Katie Melua - "Lilac Wine" (mp3)

I first found out about Katie Melua after hearing one of her songs in the movie starring Reese Witherspoon, "Just Like Heaven" which came out in 2005. She sang a rendition of The Cure's "Just Like Heaven" and it was stunning. I've loved everything about her music ever since.

Katie was the best-selling UK female artist of 2004 and 2005. So even I was behind the times in finding out about her music. But once I did know her music I immediately bought every album.

Katie plays guitar, violin, piano and she sings. The girl is gifted, just face it. She has a new album, Ghost Town, coming out in the US on June 23, 2008. And with this album she'll once again be stretching her talents with reggae influenced tracks.

Plus the girl is drop dead gorgeous so what can you say she's just perfect.

One last track from Katie...

Katie Melua - "Crawling Up a Hill" (mp3)

Now buy up her music!

Labels: Katie Melua

Joséphine. Like Cher, Madonna, Prince. She's just Joséphine.

As a singer/songwriter she sings about all the romantical aspects of life, sweetly and softly. But there are a few tracks on her recent album which makes the pain and difficulties she has experienced through life come into the light.

Knowing she still has far to go, this Parisian moved Canadian and now in New York gal produced the album Unfinished Life.

Listen:
Joséphine - "Meant To Fly" (mp3)

*~*~*~*

Songsmith and drummer Jon Hollins is from the Pendle area of Lancashire, a place well known for its music, magic and inspirational country.

After writing and performing with numerous Northwest indie/rock bands over the last decade, Jon went solo in 2005 to focus on guitar and the possibilities of digital recording.

Now in 2008, Jon Hollins' eagerly awaited debut album Line In is set to be released and will feature tracks gigged by bands such as The Futile Bros, Battenburg Pig and The Mirrors. Jon is sure that fans will remember the live versions and will like the brand new material as well. He says: "Half the tracks are ones that the fans know, so I wanted to include those, the other half are new. 'Line In' will be promoted in a local grassroots way as much as possible but it's the net that makes the difference for independent music these days. I hope people enjoy the sound and the vibe as much as they did before."

It is a little bit too produced for my liking. I can't grasp the vocals because so much energy was put on the music. If I could pick it apart I would probably appreciate each element separately, but put together like this it's just a mess. It's just too much for me. =o/

Listen:
Jon Hollins - "Days of Wonder" (mp3)

Labels: Jon Hollins, Josephine

You might recall a few weeks ago when I first brought up Soundcheck and the band of the moment was Panic at the Disco. Well this time around the featured band is Paramore.

The exclusive interview was taped live in San Jose and can be viewed, word-for-word at Soundcheck. It's like having a backstage pass without all the in-your-face craziness of an emo punk concert.

Fronted by enigmatic lead singer Hayley Williams, the buzzed-about new band get candid about crossover sounds and the Deep South - and perform tracks from their critically acclaimed album, Riot!. Paramore was featured on the cover of February 2008 issue of Alternative Press magazine and voted "Best Band Of 2007" by the readers. They were nominated for "Best New Artist" at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards presented on February 10, 2008 but lost to Amy Winehouse. Bleck, I will never know why she won over them. =o/

Regardless, be sure to check out Soundcheck for some fantastic footage of Paramore live and electric. It is thrilling!



I'd also like to mention their summer tour, because they are going to share the stage with Jack's Mannequin. Seeing the two performing on the same night and same stage gives me goosebumps!!! Not to mention some of the shows will include Phantom Planet AND Paper Route! Awwww man what a collection of talents!

Soundcheck is an original performance series where you get up close and personal with your favorite artists. Check out live performances and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from original in-studio sets - all filmed exclusively in HD.

Labels: paramore

Yahoo! Music and iTunes have kicked-off an exclusive video partnership with the official unveiling of the new Kooks' promo.

"Shine On" got its first play yesterday and sees the two forces join together for the first time to bring users the best music service in Europe.

"Shine On" is the latest single to be taken from The Kooks' second album, Konk, which came out earlier this year.

Konk was produced by Tony Hoffer and was released on 14 April 2008. In an interview with NME.com, Pritchard revealed that the band have "80 or 90" songs written and ready to record. "I want this album to be big," he said. "I've got an ego - I want the album to do well. I want our singles to come on the radio and for people to literally have their heads blown off by them."

The band will perform at the Isle of Wight festival on June 15th.

Listen:
The Kooks - "See the Sun" (mp3)
The Kooks - "Shine On" (mp3)

Be sure to buy the album, it's a must have!

Labels: The Kooks

I was preparing a post and found for some reason I am unable to upload anything at the moment. Images and files are not posting. Sorry guys.

But here are some other reviews to look at in the meantime.

Actually, you should just bookmark The Yellow Stereo, they have a fantastic site filled with new music, reviews and witty interviews. Brilliant music site.

And then we have Fluxblog, which is a little bit hard on the eyes as a site, but the content is perfect. This blog is authored by Matthew Perpetua and he writes for several other sites so you may have heard of him.

And then there is Side One: Track One and I'll just tell you how the site describes itself because I think it's cute, "Side One: Track One is an Mp3/Audio Blog. I post up songs here throughout the week and share my thoughts on them with the sugary sweet idea that those who stop by this place won't feel like I wasted their time."

Labels: favorite blogs

A Swedish electro-pop group who appears imminent to expand their fan base is Pacific!, a duo comprised of Danny and Bjorn, two 35-year-olds from Gothenburg. They take their influences from both their Swedish and international counterparts, incorporating an infectious display of nostalgically romantic synth-pop with contemporary interpretations of funk and disco.

In other words the music of Pacific! is multi-dimensional, well textured and super groovy. Not to me listened to if you don't have an open mind. A lot of people end up listening to the same genre of music over and over without ever appreciating other talented people. Step outside of the box for this one because if you give it a chance you'll probably like it. It took me awhile, but it did grow on me. It's good, fun music if not a bit mindless at times it's definitely upbeat and interesting.

Plus, they have a really cool website.

Listen:
pacific! - "Sunrise" (mp3)
pacific! - "Sunset Blvd" (mp3)

BUY THEIR MUSIC!

*****

In other news, I would like everyone to congratulate Elaine Rosser. She is the lucky winner of the new Panic at the Disco album AND a $25 iTunes Gift Card!!! Congrats and thanks for entering!!!

Labels: contest, Pacific

Death Cab for Cutie's follow up to The Plan, was released today, and word is, that the band has changed it's tune a bit, engaging in darker sounds than previous. Where Plans emphasized "Cutie," Narrow Stairs emphasizes "Death." Enough said.

We all know how people like change. Or not. But I maintain it is important for musicians to try and expand their comfort zone. While I prefer the lighter tunes, I don't hate these dark tracks. It shows they have something a bit more intense going on and sometimes it's good to include cinema-worthy materials into your repertoire.

Narrow Stairs has a whole new sense of urgency for the band; a somber explosion of sorts. That's not to mean it's loud or powerful, it just means it's fiercely brooding.

Listen:
Death Cab for Cutie - "I Will Possess Your Heart" (mp3)

BUY THE ALBUM!

Labels: death cab for cutie

As easy as it should be, it's really not easy to find music related to our fantabulous Momma loves. But I tried and this is what I've got.

I am blessed to have both grandmothers and my Momma in my life. May God Bless them and take care of them. And I hope they know how blessed I feel to be a part of their lives. My Mom is an amazing woman, amazing! I can only hope I some day am even half the woman she is.

Happy Mother's Day everyone!

"We only have One Mom, One Mommy,
One Mother in this World, One life.
Don't wait for the Tomorrow's
to tell Mom, you love her"
"To the world you might just be one person,
but to one person you might just be the world."
~Author Unknown~

Listen:
Middle Distance Runner - "Momma" (mp3)
Vickie Winans - "You're More Than A Mom" (mp3)
Alabama - "If I Could Hear My Mother Pray Again" (mp3)
Kate Bush - "Mother Stands For Comfort" (mp3)

Labels: mothers day

I think it's the "woo-ooo ooo ooo" that I like about this song along with the simple piano key tapping only to be followed by some serious stroke work. The different layered textures combine well and create an overall infectious melodic sound. Lyrically it's fun and creative so in both the instrumental and songwriting avenues I'm hearing talent though perhaps not pivotal, I do see potential.

Ella Rouge is the band of Ludvig Andersson (vocals), Max Lachmann and Johan Moraeus(guitar), Mats Lundgren (piano), Magnus Eugenson (bass), and Hasse Sjölander (drums).

"I think we knew from our first rehearsal that we had something," observes singer/songwriter Ludvig Andersson. "Usually it takes a while to get to know each other, personally and professionally, but here we had a bunch of guys who had seemed to play together for over 10 years...after just one rehearsal!"

I wonder if he changed his name to Ludvig or if his parents really did hope for him to have a musical career. *shrugs shoulders*

Listen:
Ella Rouge - "Light The Fuse 82's" (mp3)

BUY THEIR MUSIC!

Labels: Ella Rouge

Scott Parsons is a Technical Producer for CNET and currently lives in San Francisco, California. He only moved to SF recently, originally he lived in Columbus, Ohio. His blog boasts of being the President of the Night Badminton Player's Society. Hmm.

His music site used to be at scottparsons.biz, but he moved it to mesh with his personal blog "Golampo."

Mistakes make the man! And this, my friends, is all I know about Scott Parsons.

Other than that, he has a fondness for facts, possibly, either way he did indeed write a song which has a track title of "A Fondness for Facts" and it has been repeating on my playlist on this lovely Thursday in the office.

Listen:
Scott Parsons - "A Fondness for Facts" (mp3)

This track can be found on the Cringe cringe.com/pilation Vol. IV amongst other fantastic songs from artists (out of Ohio) you wish would be discovered. (Except for the fact it's kind of cool to jam to awesome music which remains a mystery to everyone else.)

Labels: Scott Parsons

He sounds like a less poppy version of one of my favorite male artists, Gavin Mikhail. To have more acoustics and raw vocals adds a whole different and wonderful edge to the music and that is what Jacob Miller does to add his own flavor. And yes, I love the piano, the guy has a fierce talent on the keys!

I have to tell you I absolutely adore Miller's music and his song "Charlie Brown's Lament" has such powerful hooks I couldn't help but fall right into the sound and wish I could fly through it absorbing the energy.

Jacob Miller's writing ability is fantastic, though I must admit the content shows his age (early 20s) a little bit, because he throws one too many cliche moments into the mix. And Miller did attempt to dabble in reggae which I can only assume was also due to being young and trying to find his niche. I'm glad he went the way he did.

Listen:
Jacob Miller - "You're Gonna Be Just Fine" (mp3)

If that's not "bring me up" music then I don't know what is. =o) In fact, I'm going to throw out a dedication which I don't do often. This one is for you, Van!

BUY HIS MUSIC!

Labels: Jacob Miller

Ginger Mackenzie's album, Landing Gear, caught me by surprise. She is kind of a blend between Macy Gray and Norah Jones which until I hear it I wouldn't have thought would be impressive. I would have been so wrong!

They're going to compare her to Kate Bush and Feist which Feist I might agree with but really you need to know just how sensual her voice sounds coupled with sweet jazzy music. There is a graceful balance which will linger into your dreams come dusk.

When it comes to her original work she is one fine songwriter, but she also has gift enough to cover great artists like Joni Mitchell with an undeniable poise. Ginger Mackenzie is proof music is a craft.

Listen:
Ginger Mackenzie - "Paper Tigers" (mp3)
Ginger Mackenzie - "November" (mp3)

Buy Ginger Mackenzie's Music!

Labels: Ginger Mackenzie

The woman behind Russian Red, Lourdes Hernandez, is a gifted 22-year old with a truly astounding voice. When I listened to her most recent album release, I was struck by its dimensionality. I think you'll find she is absolutely charming.

With a full-bodied melody, I give you "They Don't Believe."

Russian Red - "They Don't Believe" (mp3)

And now for the shuffle:
Tobias Froberg - "Blissful" (mp3)

Ben Lee - "Catch My Disease" (mp3) * A Bring Me Up Fave *

Thao & The Get Down Stay Down - "Fear and Convenience" (mp3)

The Black Keys - "I Got Mine" (mp3)

Enjoy and a happy Sunday to you!

Labels: song shuffle, Sunday Mix

Rhino Entertainment presents the CD release of Frank Sinatra's Nothing but the Best in stores May 13th!

This is a perfect belated Mother's Day gift if you want to give your Mama an I.O.U just write up a cute handmade coupon and tell her you've got a special surprise but it hits stores the Tuesday after Mother's Day. =o)

This album comes to us as the first initiative under the newly established Frank Sinatra Enterprises (FSE), a partnership between the Sinatra Family and Warner Music Group. The disc includes 22 classic cuts remixed and remastered from the original master tapes, plus a previously unreleased recording of "Body And Soul."

As a huge Sinatra fan I am stoked. And the album not only has been in my car for the last week but I also bring it into the office. The car drive alone isn't enough for listening, these really are nothing but the best of his songs.

If you want something right now, Sinatra At The Movies released on April 15, 2008. Sinatra At The Movies includes title themes from The Tender Trap, From Here To Eternity, Young At Heart, Three Coins In The Fountain and Not As A Stranger, as well as "Chicago" and "All The Way" from The Joker Is Wild, "I Could Write A Book" and "The Lady Is A Tramp" from Pal Joey, "How Deep Is The Ocean" and "All Of Me" from Meet Danny Wilson, "To Love And Be Loved" from Some Came Running, and more.

Oh my gosh, it's such a fantastic collection. You have to hear it to really understand though. I play this and dance through the kitchen or the family room at home. It gets me feeling all types of nostalgic. I really can't think of any other singer as charismatic as Frank Sinatra. Timeless. Classic. No one will ever have the prestige as Frank Sinatra had and still has even after his death.

Other upcoming salutes to Sinatra include a commemorative U.S. postage stamp to enter circulation on May 13th.

And here is a Frankie track for you:
Frank Sinatra - "The Lady is a Tramp" (mp3)

BUY FRANK SINATRA MUSIC!

Labels: Frank Sinatra

Soundcheck spent an entire day with Panic at the Disco. They scooped a fantastic interview, went to a New York City show and got the low down on Pete Wentz from Fall Out Boys.

(Soundcheck is an original performance series where you get up close and personal with your favorite artists. Check out live performances and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from original in-studio sets - all filmed exclusively in HD.)

Checking out the Soundcheck is pretty awesome, with the crowd screaming and live recording of the NYC show you feel like you were there. I mean they show you the full performance (with songs they haven't performed live before) and then end the video with an interview. So not only are you watching a live concert but it's also like you get to go backstage and talk with the guys one-on-one. It gets a little crazy, lol.

Fans asking questions right from the floor. Talk about improv man. All I have to say is next time you see Panic At The Disco be sure to bring chocolate chip cookies. =o) Oh and if you're interested in scooping an exclusive Panic at the Disco giveaway which includes an iTunes gift card AND a copy of their last album Pretty.Odd. than leave a comment my friends. =o)

Here's a link to the track I posted in February.

And here's another track to listen to:
PATD - "The Only Difference Between Martyrdom And Suicide Is Press Coverage" (mp3)

BUY PANIC AT THE DISCO MUSIC!

Labels: contest, Panic At The Disco, soundcheck

Shall we start the new month of May with a theme song for life? Eh, I don't know if you could call it that, but I certainly am digging this track. Nothing new, good old Anberlin, gotta love 'em.

Come and go now as you please
Your actions write the melodies
To those songs that we sing
And you just sing

And I finally found that life goes on without you
And my world still turns when you're not around

Is this the way you want it?
Is this the way it has to be?

Listen:
Anberlin - "Naive Orleans" (mp3)

Labels: Anberlin