Please don't be offended by this guys, but when I hear "The Pigeon Detectives" I think of Bert & Ernie from Sesame Street. You know how Bert had that weird obsession with pigeons? I don't know if his character is still fascinated by pigeons or not, but I can just picture him in a Sherlock Holmes hat walking down the sidewalk looking for pigeons.
And on that note, let's talk about "The Pigeon Detectives" album Wait For Me. This might seem odd but I hear a 60s influence to their music. It's great! You'll hear influences of The Kooks and the Klaxons.
They are a five-member band from Rothwell, Leeds, UK, who formed in 2002. Matt Bowman, Oliver Main, Ryan Wilson, Dave Best and Jimmi Naylor. Wait For Me released on May 28th, it is their first full length album over a year after their first single "I'm Not Sorry" released in March of 2006.
Their label "DANCETOTHERADIO" says their music is infectious. "The Pigeon Detectives rely on pure, unadulterated passion rather than any pretensions towards any kind of innovation. They are gloriously straightforward and natural in every respect..." Sounds like DANCETOTHERADIO is pretty psyched about having signed this group.
Take a listen: The Pigeon Detectives - "I'm Not Sorry" (mp3)
I like Brit Pop. I know. If Hilary Duff were British, I would so be her groupie. =o)
But anyway.
"Elbow" is a British Pop band, who I would say sways to an Indie beat. And so they are currently filtered in my iTunes library so they are all I am listening to..at the moment. And it's so blissful!
Now let me tell you, this band is NOT new to the scene. They have been around playing and touring, recording and adding to their fan base since the early 1990s. And they are not afraid to take drastic measures in showing just what they can do as artists. "Elbow" proved that when they decided to do an acoustic cover of Destiny's Child "Independent Woman."
Though they haven't done anything in awhile, you can find a complete list of their discography on their label, V2's, website. Their most recent album released in 2005, Leaders Of The Free World. It is an incredible album, but in all honesty I have yet to find a track on any of their albums that I would say is bad.
See for yourself. Listen for all the textural changes and the swoon of Garvey's voice it's nothing short of seduction in audible form.
Band members include: Guy Garvey: lead vocals, guitar, lyrics | Mark Potter: guitar, backing vocals | Craig Potter: keyboards, organ, backing vocals | Pete Turner: bass guitar | Richard Jupp: drums | Zac Monaco: violin
It's so awesome when you can hear a wide range of sounds from one band. It doesn't happen often enough, bands will stick to one genre and one type of sound as if they are afraid to step out of their little box.
Jet is not one of those bands. Having three of four sets of vocal pipes contributing probably helps with their reach and I am all for it. Nic Cester Guitar/vocals, Chris Cester Drums/vocals, Cam Muncey Guitar/vocals, Mark Wilson on Bass. I love it, love it. Their new album Shine On released in Europe on June 13th.
We (Mom, Dad, Brian, Braeden and myself) all went to the Italian Festival in Wilmington tonight. It was jam packed. There was a ton of delicious Italian food; including the sinful Panzarotti (of which I ate so much I started feeling ill.)
Great Italian music played, people dance, people laughed, it was wonderful.
Braeden really enjoyed the kid rides this year. He even rode some of the rides by himself, I was a very proud Mama and the world knew it. I took dozens of pictures and squealed with glee every time the Baha Buggy cars spun by me and my little boy screamed "Hi Mommy" while laughing and waving.
And so, even though my entire body hurts from the carrying and the walking for three hours. Though Brian definitely did his share of the carrying. (Thank you!) I thought I'd post some Italian Festival music...um...that just means the words Italy, Italian and/or Festival can be found in the song title. Haha.
This isn't a new band to the scene, and this song was released on their latest album on April 3, 2007, but it amuses me every time I come across it in my iTunes library.
After having taken a four year break, a new album from "Fountains of Wayne" was highly anticipated. There were mixed reviews on the album, Traffic and Weather. Some critics raving and giving it 8 out of 10 stars while others only gave it 3.
Regardless of how many stars were in their sky that day in April, this song is one I will enjoy for always. =P
I feel that Jack Johnson to make cheery music. It's light and fun, it flows well and if airwaves were a solid entity, well, little music notes would be bouncing around the room gleefully. The "Blue James Band" has the same feel.
In the song "Islands" the lyrics are simple and sweet, combine them with the unique sound of the band and it's magic.
Lyrical snippet:
The ocean is the color of the sky The green grass is the color of your eyes You put the two together Paradise
Folky reggae tunes that remain upbeat even if the lyrics get sad. This music just makes you feel good.
Okay, it's not Flickr, but it does use the Flickr sharing service to import related photos to the music you are streaming. But it's not just photographs, it's images artists that are linked to their music! It streams music of the people you choose. Very cool, it's like getting free music that goes beyond the indie artists. Yes, that means you can get a stream of even people like Fergie. Oh gracious. I can already tell I'm going to have a lot of fun with this little application. Spread the word!
This one is for Yellowcard, compiling the photos with music like a slide show. It's bloody brilliant! Free music and a show, very entertaining while also being legal and allowing artists to promote their music in a new way!
Who knew when I started playing their music, it would sound like rock from decades ago? It does, to me it's like Cheap Trick modernized with a little Wolf Parade or The Posies.
Their New Debut album is releasing on Appendix Records, July 17, 2007. I don't like the cover art, it freaks me out, it's like that little boy from the movie "Omen." Yes, that black and white baby face is their cover art...but I shall not judge the record by it's sleeve... =o)
Gerald - Drums, Grinning, Liam - Guitar, Singing, Marcin - Keyboards, Thumbless Snapping, Matt - Bass, Espresso and Steve - Singing, Guitar. (As taken from their MySpace page...some one is a clever smart@ss. I love it!)
So with the grinning and the thumbless snapping, sit back, sip your espresso and enjoy Frisbie.
Listen: Frisbie - "New Debut" (mp3) Frisbie - "S.F.B." (mp3)
You can buy their upcoming album and some of their older material on their MySpace page via Snocap. Or you can hop on over to CD Baby.
Because you said you had never heard of "Straylight Run" and it made me sad.
"Straylight Run" is a favorite of mine. I have seen them live, seems like ages ago since then, but they were perfect. Perfect.
Brother and sister talents extraordinaire, John Nolan (previously from "Taking Back Sunday") and Michelle Nolan both play the piano, guitar and share vocals, Shaun Cooper is the bassist and Will Noon is on the drums. Their older materials is far calmer and brooding than their new material, but both sides of Straylight Run are fantastic.
Their new album The Needles The Space will be in stores on June 19th!! They are currently on tour with Sparta and Love Drug.
The Needles The SpaceTrack listing "The Words We Say" "The Miracle That Never Came" "Soon We'll be Living in the Future" "How Do I Fix My Head" "Who Will Save Us Now" "Cover Your Eyes" "We'll Never Leave Again" "Take It To Manhattan" "Still Alone" "This is the End" "Buttoned Down" "Track #12" "The First of This Century"
In case you didn't see yesterday, The Goo Goo Dolls have posted their track "Fiction (Before It's Too Late)" from "The Transformers soundtrack" on their MySpace page. Seems that some people aren't too thrilled with it, but I really like it.
Secondly, it is finally Friday and boy what a week it has been.
Art Brut - "People In Love" (mp3) His new album comes on out July 19th, if you pre-order you get a snazzy poster.
The White Stripes new album will release in the US on June 19th. The track originally up here is apparently so special they don't want me to share it, so it has been removed as requested. You can visit their website to stream new music.
"Jets Overhead" is a band I just got turned onto which makes me sad, because I have been missing out. So you've got to give them a listen; deprivation is not cool.
The group consisting of Adam Kittredge - Vocals/Guitar, Jocelyn Greenwood - Bass/Guitar, Piers Henwood - Guitar/Keyboards, Antonia Freybe-Smith - Vocals and Luke Renshaw - Drums, are from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Late last month, "Jets Overhead" were featured in the L.A. Times. You can get their music at eMusic. You can also grab some snippets from their website.
Their music reminds me a little bit of "The Dandy Warhols" but I really, really don't like doing comparisons. Their album Bridges is just brilliant. So you should absolutely grab some tracks.
I've been hearing a lot about Architecture in Helsinki, but there has been so much going on in the entertainment world that I have been slacking on listening to their music.
They put out a new EP Heart of Races on June 5th and their full-length comes out in August, it will be titled Places Like This. Polyvinyl Records says the EP "paves the way for a much bigger and brighter picture on their new album."
Anyway, in support of their new albums they are touring parts of the US, with one show in Canada. Of the 10 states they plan on visiting, Philly is one of them WOOHOO! and they'll be at the Starlight Ballroom on June 9th.
Take a listen: Architecture in Helsinki - "Heart it Races" (mp3)
Tour dates: 6/07 Boston, MA @ Middle East 6/08 New York, NY @ Irving Plaza 6/09 Philadelphia, PA @ Starlight Ballroom 6/10 Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club 6/11 Chicago, IL @ Logan Square Auditorium 6/13 Seattle, WA @ Neumo's 6/14 Vancouver, CAN @ Richards on Richards 6/15 Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom 6/16 San Francisco, CA @ Bimbo's 365 Club 6/18 Pomona, CA @ Glasshouse 6/19 Los Angeles, CA @ Henry Fonda Theatre
Sonic Youth's Lee Ranaldo producedd and co-arranged a record for James Jackson Toth and Jessica Toth of "Wooden Wand." And with the help of Jarvis Taveniere, DM Seidel, Jeremy Earl, Steve Shelley and Ranaldo himself, "Wooden Wand" will be releasing a remarkable album, James & the Quiet on June 12, 2007.It's dark, it's heavy and there's an old-fashioned rock to the music with a mingling of an electric guitar, piano and Toth's voice steering country.
I just heard one of my favorite songs shuffling through my iTunes mix. It brings me such happy thoughts when I hear "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" by The Police. The song is on disc two of the new Police CD, which is a compilation of some of their greatest and most timeless hits.
This song was written in 1976, but not released until 1981, which just happens to be the year I was born. ;o) And like all music The Police release, it's just incredible! This song originally was a track on Strontium 90: Police Academy. The crystal chiming of the piano in this song is what makes it so catchy. It also has quite a reggae influence if you listen both in the "e-oh-oh" string and the written lyrics:
Every little thing she does is magic Everything she do just turns me on Even though my life before was tragic Now I know my love for her goes on
You can hear cross influences between The Police, Phil Collins, U2 and The Moody Blues who are all known for their classic music. The Police raised the bar for pop artists and British artists with their enlivened and robust music that is truly an instrumental workout! You'll hear it on the latest Police CD.
Well it will be part of the afternoon and into the evening...and a late night. We're heading up to North Philly for two super fun reasons.
1. The Art Star Gallery is having a craft fair type thing and I'm covering the piece for VENUS. If y'all head up that way you should stop by this weekend at some point. They are open until 7 p.m. today.
2. The National is playing at Johnny Brenda's and we've got four tickets! Fun times, I am super psyched. I hope they play "Green Gloves" but anything will be awesome!
His name is Braeden, I call him Brae when he is being good. ;o)
So while sifting through new music he often pipes up and mentions whether he likes something or not. He has a good ear; I like to think he takes after his mama.
"Bullets Can't Kill Danny" from Livermore, California...Brae likes your music. I've been listening to your song "Tornadoes" and at one point I turned it down a bit, but when I did Brae asked me to turn it back up. Consider this a standing ovation.
Don't be fooled by the cuteness of this post. "Tornadoes" is not childlike in any way, shape or form. I'm guessing it will never make it to the Disney channel (sorry guys).
I wish I could sound like her; if I could I would sing all weekend long.
Anyway Nina Gordon is not a newbie. She co-founded Veruca Salt and then left them in 1998. Afterwards she began her solo career and has released three albums on her own. In 2004 she was working on an album Even the Sunbeams, but she never released the record. WHY!
The only song that leaked was "Lighter on the Moon." Fortunately another couple songs have surfaced, one of which is "The Bright Side" and it's got this airy, blues sound; it is almost seductive in the beginning and then about 1 minute and 30 seconds into the track it hits a heavier rocky sound that totally pulls the rug out from under your feet so put down the wine, this is not a love song anymore! It goes up and down from then on out, reminds me a lot of Tina Dico (who I absolutely adore).
You've heard about 65daysofstatic, right? I hope so, but if not lemme tell you just a little bit. This is their 6th year out and they reside in Sheffield, England. They have three full length albums and their most recent work is The Destruction of Small Ideas which was released on May 1, 2007 in the US.
And though I can totally picture the song "When We Were Younger & Better" on the soundtrack of a horror flick thanks to the haunting bells; I still absolutely love the song.
Plushgun is essentially one person; Dan Ingala. He's brilliant! You can tell that he lives and breathes this music. From New York, New York he kind of just popped up on the scene and quite frankly he made an instant fan of me.
A select few will know why I love one of their songs in particular, but all of the tracks on this EP are excellent. It's soft, it's catchy, it's got the synthesizers and the keyboards. I love it! I am all about the whole progressive feeling their music projects. It has rock and pop components mingled in with amazingly produced electric mixes that make you want to dance.
Brett's album has been burning a hole in my pocket for weeks now. Hmm. No. Not my pocket, but it's been waiting for me to write something about it for weeks now.
Brett Ryan Stewart is a talented and under appreciated artist originally from Delaware. And there isn't a better time to start the hype about him since he just launched a new music video. In addition, one of his songs is #144 out of 1,855 "Songs of the Times" on Neil Young's website. How wicked cool is that?
We have his older brother and his uncle to thank for his passion of good music. His brother left him a plethora of vinyl records when they were younger. Brett spent many a night by his turntable, building a dream about making his own records while listening to Harvest, Who's Next, Bridge Over Troubled Water... Thanks to his uncle, his music style also reflects a deep respect for the likes of Johnny Cash and Leonard Cohen.
Brett Ryan Stewart moves to Nashville in 2006 and his career is unfolding beautifully. Necessary Lies is Brett's first full length album and it is more than just the potential for success. Most singer/songwriters put out a first album in a rush due to their excitement and impatience; not Brett. The album brings with it everything he has to offer as a person. Brett says, "I think it's evident that it comes from many places. For me, this album culminates my experiences of heartache and loneliness, my disgust with the current political landscape, and all the human deception that makes life so damn fragile."
His love for childhood vinyls is evident; and brilliantly so for that matter. This music is good, old-fashioned folk rock with well-timed modern twists and exhilarating rifts.
I want to learn how to dance to "Thriller." It's such a fun song and an even cooler dance. Especially since I love the movie "13 Going On 30" and they do a wicked rendition of the dance in that movie!
Linda Blair is the little girl who was in the Exorcist. A movie I absolutely loathe and will never own. I was SO UPSET by that movie when I saw it in the theater after they put back in the awful cut footage. I wish I had walked out of the theater.
The band is on four, count them..FOUR different labels. 4AD Records, Shrimper Records, Emperor Jones Records and 3 Beads of Sweat Records. John Darnielle and Peter Hughes are the primary members, but others have helped out along the way including Jon Wurster and former member Rachel Ware. They have over 15 full length albums which span nearly two decades.
Mmmm...that's really all I know and I'm tired so that's all you're getting tonight. =o)
The Police are touring and of course this means a lot of fans spanning generations are scurrying around trying to find tickets to sold out concerts. I'm trying. I've been trying and so far the search has been futile.
Perhaps this is why The Police are giving away 100 copies of their latest CD. I must have this album. It's a double disc and the track listing is all of my favorites, because it is all of their classics. Not that The Police ever put out a bad song, that's just absurd.
Track Listings
Disc: 1 1. Fallout 2. Can't Stand Losing You 3. Next to You 4. Roxanne 5. Truth Hits Everybody 6. Hole in My Life 7. So Lonely 8. Message in a Bottle 9. Reggatta de Blanc 10. Bring on the Night 11. Walking on the Moon 12. Don't Stand So Close to Me 13. Driven to Tears 14. Canary in a Coalmine
Disc: 2 1. Do Do Do de da da Da 2. Voices Inside My Head 3. Invisible Sun 4. Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic 5. Spirits in the Material World 6. Demolition Man 7. Every Breath You Take 8. Synchronicity I 9. Wrapped Around Your Finger 10. Walking in Your Footsteps 11. Synchronicity II 12. King of Pain 13. Murder by Numbers 14. Tea in the Sahara
So I'm hoping to win one of these Police CDs but we all know even if I don't win, I'll find some way to scoop it up, it's a MUST HAVE. Especially for those of us who haven't gotten their hands on tickets for one of the worldwide tour shows.
Growing up one of the things my Dad and I always had in common is our love for music. The Police were one of the first bands he got me into along with Def Leppard, Aerosmith, Queen, Boston and Journey. These bands cannot be matched by any modern day band. Not by a long shot. And for me The Police are even more special because one of my all time favorites songs is "Everything Little Thing She Does is Magic." That track is definitely a classics and it is on disc 2 of this new album. You just don't even understand how much I love that song. Along with "Tiny Dance" by Elton John, those songs would be on the soundtrack of my life. Seriously. They bring me to a happy place with wonderful memories.
Do I even have to mention Sting? I mean all three members of the band Sting, Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland are absolutely brilliant muscians. So when they reunited for the 49th Annual Grammy Awards it was unmissable. THEN TO ANNOUNCE A WORLD-WIDE TOUR! Holy mackenzie! It's a dream come true. So keep trying to get tickets and definitely make sure to get the new Police CD.
Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by The Police.
The MTV Movie Awards are Sunday, June 3, 2007 at 8 p.m. I do love my movies, but movie awards normally let me down. This year though I may need to watch because of only TWO performers picked up to sing, Amy Winehouse is one of them. This will be the British singer's first live performance in the U.S. I guess it is safe to say her single "Rehab" is now internationally acclaimed.
Amy Winehouse is the highest debuting British female artist in the history of the coveted U.S. albums Billboard chart standing at an impressive #7.
Sorry this isn't hitting Bring Me Up until right now, but I did get the interview yesterday afternoon and I did get it published at Indie Music Xposed before this dreaded stomach flu hit me.
And so now I have crawled to my PC to update the blog.
It's not often you get to talk with an awesome band only a few weeks before their new album is going to be released by Mint Records. "Immaculate Machine" made time to talk with me so I could let you know more about who they are and what's going on in their world.
I could hear the cars passing by in Victoria, British Columbia while we were talking on the phone. "Immaculate Machine" has been causing quite a stir not only on music blogs, but also with the music community as a whole. Their new album Fables comes out on June 12th and then they will begin a summer tour traveling all of North America and then heading over to Europe.
And if you know me than you know this has been an especially difficult week. Very long, very tiring and well, just tense.
Thank God for music, right?
I'm going to post some tracks for your listening pleasure. This afternoon I'm talking with "Immaculate Machine" so an interview/article will be in the making and I'm hoping to post that tonight. Be sure to check back.
You can also head over to Indie Music Xposed to read up on Mach Schau and White Rabbits while also perusing other news and listening to emerging new artists music.
I've been listening to "Boys Like Girls" a lot lately. Their self-titled album came out on August 22, 2006 and clearly I missed it then, but am so up to speed now.
Their song "Thunder" is my current favorite. Specifically for these lyrics:
I dont wanna ever love another Youll always be my thunder So bring on the rain
But also because the whole vibe from the song is perfect.
Martin Johnson, John Keefe, Bryan Donahue and Paul DiGiovanni are from Boston, MA. They kind of sound like Dashboard Confessionals or Saves the Day; both of which I love so this is a compliment I assure you.
They are currently on tour with "Hellogoodbye" and then they will be on the road for the Vans Warped Tour all the way through the end of August.
Wednesday mornings require catchy, peppy, funky and all around exciting music, don't you think?
Think something eerie and yet whimsical...think Tim Burton.
Mike Acreman, Brian Bauer, Graham Norwood, David Ostrem and Bryan Scary of "Bryan Scary and The Shredding Tears" can take care of all that in one swoop with their new album The Shredding Tears. Scary's music is contagious, you'll find yourself pressing repeat once the song ends. Comparable to the experimental sounds of "The Foundry Field Recordings" I am highly impressed that the album comes to us having been completely produced by Bryan Scary himself. It was mixed close to home by Brian McTear at Miner Street Studios, Philadelphia, PA. The band is one of four groups on the Black and Green Record label.
Beginning on Memorial Day in New York they will be touring the country. On June 24th you'll be able to see them live in Philly at the Manhattan Room.
Why has Matt Nathanson never been hyped like other artists? He's been around for a good ten years so maybe I just missed all the fuss, but I feel like we should pretend he is new just so people start talking again!
When I have iTunes on at work and it's shuffling through the massive collection there is never a time when one of his songs comes on and I don't immediately stop and think to myself how great that song sounds. It doesn't matter which song. Right away I know it is Matt Nathanson and right away I feel happy to be listening to it.
Yesterday was a horrible day. Sorry for not posting, but I couldn't find the will in me to make the effort. It was a very bad day. But it's got to get better and I would appreciate any prayers or positive thoughts you can send this way.
This Tuesday, May 22nd, Kate Voegele will be releasing her new album Don't Look Away. She is currently being featured on MySpace which is how I stumbled onto her music. For looking as young as she does, I really think she is amazing.
She has a rock/pop sound. She is more rock than Hillary Duff for sure, but the stories in her lyrics are Duff-like. The best thing is that Voegele is a great guitarist. So she adds a whole new level to her sound. She's singing pop-esque music but with a rocker's heart and voice.
If I could compare her to anything current it would be Aly & AJ or The Wreckers. But then you hear her sing "It's Only Life" and she takes on a whole new sound. Seriously, I'm listening right now and I have chills. If Avril Lavigne sang a love song this would be it. This song is excellent! There is nothing more she could do with it. It starts off slow and then explodes into a passionate, fun and inspiring track that could easily be my favorite on her album.
So if you feel like stepping into a different direction and opening your ears up to something new. Listen to and then buy Kate Voegele's album coming out this coming Tuesday. I'm already looking forward to her next release.
Everything you have ever heard about Andrew Bird as a live performer has probably been underestimated. I find myself unable to accurately describe to you just how phenomenal the show was last night.
So. I was momentarily rendered speechless. But clearly I got over it. Haha.
Brian and I went to see Andrew Bird at the TLA in Philly (now known as the Filmore). Joan as Police Woman opened for him. I am a fan of both acts and was thrilled to have the chance to see them. When we got up there at 7:30 p.m. there was already a pretty hefty line and doors didn't open until 8 p.m. for a 9 p.m. show. Clearly, the venue had sold out and as we were crammed like sardines that was even more evident once we were inside. Even though we were early enough to sit instead of have to stand, we still found our view completely obscured most of the time.
Joan as Police Woman has a haunting voice that belts out so loudly she probably wouldn't even need a mic. Unfortunately, the crowd was rude and loud and I felt really bad for her. She is a fantastic pianist and guitarist in addition to her voice, but people were completely disrespectful to her. Even so, she played through her set and thanked us for being there. In addition to thanking "Mary" which is who the crowd named the figmented presence that Joan told us was staring the stage with her last night. She is a very strange bird that is for damn sure.
Onto Andrew Bird.
Hmm how can I describe the stage. There was a siamese, spinning gramophone. Yep. And this zebra striped bigger gramophone... All very cool, I've not seen anything quite like that before. It was interesting to see him play all the different parts to the songs, because on the tracks most of what you hear is him. It's all his samplings meshed together into perfection. So seeing him on the violin, switching to guitar, changing mics to do his hand claps and then whistling. It was just awesome!
I think his voice is very unique though I would compare it to Sting and Gary Lightbody. He has such an amazing range both vocally and instrumentally; to see it in person was incredible! If you ever get a chance to see him, do it. Even if you don't know his music, it will be a show that will not disappoint.
And I have to give major kudos to the awesome guy who put the "verified age" band aroud my wrist. After telling him I get anxious in big crowds he kindly told me that he would make sure we were taken care of. =o)
Listen! Andrew Bird - "Imitosis" (mp3) Joan as Police Woman - "The Ride" (mp3)
I don't know if it is possible for me to believe in something called a simple life. At least I didn't think it could be, but then when I heard Brandon Schott singing to me through these computer speakers. Well, perhaps there can be something simpler than I previously thought. =o)
"You're day will dawn my friend, until then..."
So here's what we've got Brandon Schott and his multi-talented self is the Vocals, Guitar, Piano, Wurlitzer AND Baritone Ukulale; Jason Wormer on Pedal Steel, Baritone Guitar, Guitar, Banjitar; Tim Schoenhals on Bass, Keyboards, Glockenspiel; and last but not least Billy Hawn as the percussion.
I hear a little bit of Sufjan Stevens in the music especially in "Carousel," not as much in the vocals. There is also a little bit of an island sound, I can see hula dancers waving their hips along to "Good to Me." Heck, I want to put on a straw skirt myself!
"Of this you can be sure of, I'll love you through this life before I go."
I just love it. Their album Golden State was digitally released on iTunes on May 15th, but you just have to buy this album in real physical form which will be out on July 31st.
The entire album is incredible. Where did these guys come from? I am just in awe right now.
Take a listen: Brandon Schott - "Afterglow (acoustic)" (mp3) Brandon Schott - "Simple Life" (mp3)
And if you are interested in grabbing up a pre-order of the upcoming album, please feel free to contact Brandon, you can find him on MySpace! He has told me that he will make sure y'all are taken care of. =o)
The guys of City-State were kind enough to e-mail yesterday and let me know they are coming to Philly on June 2nd to play at the Khyber. I'm hoping I can swing stopping in, but I don't know as I already have buko events scheduled for that day and night.
They are supporting their newly released album Monument, which came out on May 15th. It's the first full length album for the band, who released and EP in 2006 'Wolves' + 4. The main crew responsible for City-State are Jim Anderson, Matthew Kalinowski, Daryl Marco, and Joao Malhinha. Although after recording Monument, Matthew left the band and in came Forrest Yingling. Some of the tracks have extra hands in the mix including phenomenal strings from violinist, Winston Yu and cellist, Jenny Petrow.
The EP didn't come out too long ago, but the band has already matured and Monuments is an awesome album. Liberty Fuse Records is clearly a newer label that needs to be watched. =o)
Take a listen: City-State - "Great Lakes" (mp3) City-State - "Idea" (mp3)
The Basement are a four-member band from Ireland. They have an alt. country kind of sound. Excellent music. They recently rocked out at the Tin Angel in Philly and are in Nashville this week.
And then we have the whole ladybug issue. Why? Why are there so many ladybugs?
Because they're cool.
And so is The Ladybug Transistor. The group was lucky enough to grab the attention of Merge Records after releasing their debut album Marlborough Farms in 1995. After being signed by Merge their fan base and talent blossomed at a light speed pace. Things haven't slowed down in over ten years, that is until the tragic loss of drummer San Fadyl. In the midst of their loss, the band moved forward with their latest album. Can't Wait Another Day will be released June 7th, and the band plans to finish out the scheduled shows of their tour.
"The Ghost of you Lingers" is just awesome. And when I heard it I got so excited, because even with a small peek, you can tell the new album will be amazing.
Releasing on July 10th we still have a little bit of time to wait. But these should tide you over.
The "Meowskers" are a new find while roaming the wonderful web. But they're not new to the scene. They've been playing shows for a couple years now out of New York and traveling the East coast from time to time as well. In fact they made it to the Khyber in Philly recently and have plans to hit a venue in Washington, DC in the near future.
The three-member band consists of Matthew Rudnicki, Michael Cheever and Jeff Neuberger. They met in New York in December of 2005 and became "Meowskers" but Cheever and Neuberger have known each other for quite some times as they were childhood friends in Chicago.
When the whole gang moved to Brooklyn, they ended up in the Marcata Studio working on some tracks to release their first EP Fake Orange.
Now you know their summarized background, let's talk music. "Meowskers" The track I'm currently listening to and have been enjoying is "I'll Be By Your Side." I love this song, it's rock, it reminds me a little bit of some old Led Zepplin or Pink Floyd. It's not perfect, I do see room for growth but only because I think it could sound a little bit fuller. The vocals are fantastic, the beat is strong and once the piano gets added into the mix it helps lighten the sound some.
Don't think sparks and sparkles are just for girls. I know you guys enjoy shiny objects. Mmhmm, the shinier the better.
Yeah, I don't know where I was going with that, but "Scott Fisher and 1 a.m. Approach" RAWK and if they were an object in a video game they would be shiny. They would be the bait. You would be hooked...
Ok, I'll stop with my silliness.
But in all seriousness "Scott Fisher and 1 a.m. Approach" despite their long and curious band name, has everything going for him. They released Step into the Future last week and I think it is fantastic. I'm not going to lie and say you'll rock out to it, but you'll definitely groove to it. It's light, it's poppy, it's smooth music. With Scott Fisher as the vocals and keyboard, Ben Durham on guitar and Enrique Gonzalez on drums the band sounds a little bit like Jack Johnson and Five for Fighting.
It is not hard to imagine these tunes going mainstream either. That can be a turn off or it can be a relief, because more fresh Indie artists really should be played on air and broadcast everywhere. People are forgetting what good music should sound like. It's because they don't get to hear music like this!
Man I always wanted a Mogwai and yes, I would have been a punk kid and stolen the name from Gremlins and named by Mogwai "Gizmo."
**sigh**
But no, there is a band "Mogwai" from the UK, precisely in Glasgow, which apparently has some sort of genetic device which allows breeding of awesome musicians. They are under contract with Matador in the US and Play It Again Sam Records in the UK. They have six full albums and seven EPs. Most recently they worked on the score for the movie "The Fountain."
They have a roller coaster ride of rock to explore. They mix it all up and give a little something-something to all types of listeners. They have been around for 10 years have recently been celebrating their decade of rock in hometown Scotland. I recently wrote about "Young Galaxy" well, they have been touring with and helping to support "Mogwai."
It is a shame there has been some negative PR involved with "Mogwai" lately. Sometimes people just need to be quiet and quit judging, but hey, they make great music and I recommend listening.
You can listen and watch all types of the fun Mogwai music at Matador's site.
She sang as a soprano in the local choir at the mere age of 7 years old. Emiliana Torrini Daviosdottir released her first album when she was the young age of 17. Since then, she has released four other albums AND participated in five collaborations. By the age of 28 Emiliana had seven singles. If you can't tell by her name, she is from Iceland, but as faraway as Australia her music is even being used in ad campaigns. More famous than that she is included on the "Lord of the Ring: Two Towers soundtrack."
There is a classical feel to the music she releases. Her vocals are pristine and deeply colorful like bright red rose petals raining down from a vibrant Sapphire sky. I really can't put into words how gifted she is; it's exquisite. Emiliana is also quite humble, in fact she laughs nervously on stage when the crowd sings along. She can't believe she has that kind of a following.
Her last album was released in 2005 Fishermans's Woman did so well she was nominated for four categories at the Icelandic Music Awards. She ended up winning Pop Album of the Year, Singer of the Year and Video of the Year.
I don't know why people aren't gushing over her and snatching up all of her music. She's not an unknown entity in the music world. She has toured with the likes of Sting, Dido and Travis.
I had a very busy weekend and of course Mother's Day was a little bit hectic. So as I slowly get back to order, head on over to Indie Music Xposed for my latest review on "The Magic Numbers."
Oh and readers in Wales or with some fierce satellite radio, Cloud Atlas is going to be on GTFM Radio on June, 20 2007. You'll get to hear them live over the radio waves for a three-song set. Excellent! Um, stop sitting there, get up and write it on your calendar, then come back. ;o)
I would like to express my extreme appreciation and gratitude to my Mom and both of my Grandmother's as well as my Godmother and all of my aunts. A special Happy Mother's Day wish also goes out to Mrs. Stephan and Heather Fonder as you are both amazing Moms and I look up to you for your sincerity and wisdom.
In honor of all Mothers and strong, amazing women everywhere. You all rock!
I just had a whole entry written and the damn browser crashed!
Mmm. Okay, so I was saying...
I'm thrilled to know that two new releases are receiving the hype they well deserve. I had recently written about "The Clientele" and "The Sea and Cake," because they both had new albums coming out this week.
Both bands have many albums already out, but for one reason or another they weren't being raved about and I just can't have that when I come across awesome tracks. So. Go out and buy them if you haven't already and ENJOY!
But the real excitement I'm feeling right now is because of Sky Blue Sky from Wilco which is set to release next week. And I know some tracks have leaked, but this is a definite must purchase for me. Just having samples or random tracks won't cut it. This album is awesome, so much better than A Ghost if Born. You'll love it.
They say they are four lucky people with lots to say and nothing to prove. Maybe having that type of mindset is what has helped them to create music which just sounds good with no scrambling to add extra effects and silly rhymes.
The enchanting and booming vocals you will be hearing from LoveLikeFire are from Ann Mison Yu. Ann also plays guitar, she's not just the voice which is quite refreshing. David Farrell plays drums, bass and the keys. Ted Parker plays keys and guitar. Jesse Hayes plays bass. Combined they make LoveLikeFire melodies that will hook you within seconds. Sounds a little bit like the Dandy Warhols or Birdmonster.
They play shows all over their home state of California also stumbling into Oregon from time to time; lucky West coasters! They released their own EP Bed of Gold in 2006 with their only hopes being to share their passion with you. Since it didn't take long at all to catch on in the SF scene, Jeff Saltzman and Reto Peter decided to produce two of their demos. Yes, that's right, Jeff Saltzman who has also produced music from The Killers AND Reto Peter one of the Modest Mouse producers!
It's great to know that, though ambitious, they're just good people glad to be out doing what they love to do. Still in their early stages of rockdom, I foresee big things in store for LoveLikeFire.
I'm going to be the girl you slap because she says she doesn't like "Of Montreal" even though everyone is raving about them. I just wasn't feeling it and I don't understand why a hissing fauna is so wonderful anyway.
But. Today I receive five tracks from the "Of Montreal" Icons, Abstract Thee EP and I have to say they have converted me. Polyvinyl Records says it is supposed to be the EP that is the companion of Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destoyer? I'd have to argue with them, because I think these tracks are stronger than the full length album. So I suggest you purchase it
Plus they have a pretty cool 80s looking website with neon pink and other fun colors, so I have to give them props for that. =o)
Meet "The Shondes" and why am I introducing you to them? Because Elijah Oberman plays the violin like a beast!
From Brooklyn, New York we have Ian Brannigan no guitar, Elijah Oberman on violin, Louisa Solomon on the bass and Temim Fruchter on the drums. I didn't leave out the vocals, they ALL sing.
Their MySpace page says their music ranges "from Classical to Jewish to Queercore and Feminist Punk." Quite the mixture and who knew the blend could sound so sweet? It's energetic, it's funky, it's exciting and new. I'm looking forward to hearing more from these guys.
Everyone is looking forward to "The National's" new album Boxer. If you're like me it has been pre-ordered for over a month already. And that's even while having the digital production on my PC as we speak.
I can't remember if I shared a track previously, but here is one now for you to partake in...isn't it great when B-sides are kick @ss too?
I'm already busy, non-stop since I sat down this morning.
So the priority right now is to get you some music to listen to and whistle while you work.
Happy Mondays Salford, Greater Manchester Currently 4-member band (Shaun Ryder, Mark "Bez" Berry, Gary Whelan, Kav Sandhu) Rumor is that their band name is a mock of New Order's "Blue Monday"
There is no way you can listen to "Living on the Guest List" and not get caught up in the upbeat, indie pop feel of the song. It is an incredible single and if I had the money and means to double sign "Captain Phoenix" and start international promotions I would, because I know they wouldn't let me down. They are a hidden gem in the music world that really should be shared.
Two songs were released at the end of April and you can buy them both on iTunes and at their store. I am lucky enough to have had a sneak peak/listen since early April thanks to he-who-shall-not-be-named at Kind Canyon Records for being so awesome! And I cannot tell you enough just how much they rock, I almost feel guilty that I've been enjoying for so long! If you like old-school Maroon 5, Switchfoot, Death Cab for Cutie, My Chemical Romance...then I assure you Captain Phoenix will become your new favorite.
Now it is finally time to share! I have anticipated writing this review for nearly a month!
Meet Nick Hill, Luke Keyte, Ben Burrows and Ross Curnow from London in the UK. Having started singing Green Day covers, please let me me the first to say they have come a very long way and I'd see them live over Green Day in a second. Don't think I'm just being kind, I really do love these guys.
Captain Phoenix is going to be the sell-out band touring the world very soon. My spidey sense tells me so as do my tapping toes, bobbing head and swaying shoulders. I cannot listen to their music without moving, it's incredible.
To further prove how cool they are, they let me ask some questions.
1. I always like to find out why bands have chosen their name, so why Captain Phoenix?
We've had the name for a couple of years and thought it sounded like a classic superhero character. The sort of guy who'd be the star of your favourite comic when you were a kid.
2. And I've got to ask Nick..."shmoozle" what does it mean? I know when I say "aww meck" it means "aw man and aw heck" I'm full of ridiculous Christy-isms. (He says shmoozle in a blog entry: http://blog.captainphoenix.com/blog/_archives/2007/3/13/2801903.html)
Christy, shmoozle's one of my Nick-isms, and means just cruising on down somewhere for a cool night out with good friends, no pressures, lots of anticipation about the fun ahead. My nick name's not "funclub" for nothing!!
3. Do you write all of your own songs? What inspires them?
Yep, all the songs are ours. They always start with a musical idea from Ben, which just fits the mood of an experience he's had, and a few key lines of lyric that float around his head. Inspiration comes from situations and relationships, all the things that ignite your senses and emotions.
4. Lastly, if you could choose any artist to collaborate with, who would it be and why?
We've got some artists we all admire though we'd need a time machine to be able to work with some of them! Right now, The Cardigans and Kings Of Leon would be incredible to be around. Supergrass would always be totally inspiring for us. Step into the time machine and we'd be working with Jeff Buckley and Led Zep of course. There's so many great new breaking British acts that we love too; Kid Harpoon, Jack Penate, Laura Marling - all totally inspiring in what they do.
The best part of this is that they are this good while being so young. It just blows my mind to know that kind of talent and sound can come from four guys who are all in their early 20s or younger. Makes me feel a little like Mrs. Robinson or maybe her niece haha...since I think they all rock!
Seriously, the electrifying guitar riffs, the beat, the voice it's just surreal. It's wonderful to find yourself in a bit of a music lull and then to be pulled out of that lull with such intensity. Captain Phoenix really reminds you what great music is supposed to be.
When I think of cages I picture a locked up Pinocchio with his giant fibbing-caused nose or sassy Tinkerbell on Captain Hook's ship the Jolly Roger. Makes me nervous. But then if you think about it, cages also have locks and locks can be opened. When you finally get a chance to open the door there is a great release; a freedom.
"The Cages" have opened the door with liberating passion and blown me away. They are a four member band and have been together since 2006. Already they have a track on one of Shifty Disco Records compilation albums; disc #10. The compilation also has tracks from The Young Knives, My Device, The Race, Paperlung and The Unisex. And to top it all off they have also been working on a single with Shifty Disco Records.
The members of this rock/garage band are ROSSETTI, GORDON DEWAR, ANGIE CHAN and JUAN PATALLO. And they give it their all when they play. This isn't music for sitting down, it is get up off your ass and jump around music.
I had the chance to ask them a few questions.
1. Can you give me cliffnotes on the name of your band?
The name...um, just thought it sounded kool.
2. Favorite band you have opened for?
Fave band that we've supported - Screaming Tea Party. We've played with them 4 times and we go and see them regularly around London. They rehearse at the same studio as us actually so usually have chat with them from time to time. Our singer is half italian and their drummer is italian so theres a cultural connection in that they both came to London from italy to pursue music. We're all actually not from London (Australia, Spain and North England) and so are all in London for the express purpose of playing music.
3. Your music is full-fledged rock anger, why so angry or rather out of control?
Our singer said about 'Out of Control' - better to get that anger out in the music than in everyday interactions. With music, you can express a range of emotions that dont usually have a place in 'normal' everyday living.Things you sometimes just cant talk about for whatever reason or dont know how to express...Sometimes a song or lyric or sound can just say what you can't.
Enough said right there, "Sometimes a song or lyric or sound can just say what you can't." That is so true and if you're going to be saying it you might as well say it loud!
People aren't quite sure how to categorize the genre in which CocoRosie lies, but I've never enjoyed categories and labels anyway. I have heard them described as hip-hop, trip-hop, experimental, you name it. Their sounds has been changing over the years and becoming even more eclectic with time. Whether you are not sure what to make of it really shouldn't matter as long as you like it.
And my how they've developed, CocoRosie's third album The Adventures of Ghosthorse and Stillborn contains such perplexing music and depth that knowing the background on it makes it all the more fascinating. The sisters, Sierra and Bianca Casady, wrote their latest album while penning themselves up on a farm in France. Seriously, they had no contact with the outside world; they just focused on writing new music.
I'm not sure if it worked for them or not, but I am intrigued. I think the reason they are receiving any hype at all is less for their sound and more because they are being so mysterious and...well...odd.
Even so, Touch and Go Records probably doesn't mind if the reason for their publicity it weird or not. As long as it is keeping their name top of mind and selling their records.
When I think of the universe and galaxies I always think of them as ancient. Never young. But anyway, Young Galaxy, is a band who was signed by Arts&Crafts last year. And they are finally putting out an album!
No disappointments here.
I love The Dears and I heard about Young Galaxy touring with them last year. But I hate to admit, they kind of fell off my radar. Thankfully it started beeping again recently and I picked up their tracks.
The self-titled album hits stores next week and it's just awesome! I seriously don't know what to compare it to, but I love it!
Alright folks, I'm back. Hopefully for good this time. My computer and server had major issues but I'm recovering quickly and I'm sorry about the downtime.
Today I'm going to do something I don't normally do. I'm going to put on my mainstream pop wings and throw out a song that I love and there is a reason to the madness.
This song goes out to all the women who have left a man who treated them like dirt. All the women who need to leave that man because they deserve so much better. And all the men who are going to end up miserable and alone because they are such completely selfish idiots.
Debuting in 2005 on Poverina,Astrid Swan stepped out of the background as a known collaborator with other artists and she went solo. She and Nick Triani produced the 13-song album; all Astrid Swan originals. If you reside in Finland you've been enjoying for years, but those in the US will get a chance to own the US version of Poverina, on May 22nd.
She began writing songs and teaching herself the guitar at the age of fourteen. And she still uses raw child-like emotion as the basis of her music. Whether she writes/sings about what she is feeling or seeing someone else feel, it's surely real. She really is amazingly talented and comparable to even the greats, like Joni Mitchell or Carly Simon.
You can pre-order Poverinafrom Minty Fresh Records. In the meantime here is your chance to hear her live rendition of "When You Were Young" by The Killers.
Katie Melua has a number of albums under her belt and they include several singles. But I haven't heard a song by her that I wouldn't consider "single-worthy." She sings low an soft, her voice sort of sneaks up on you. It's like the rolling purr of a kitten. And look at her, she's gorgeous!
But what is evermore fascinating about her is how she held one of her most recent concerts. It's not like she had some amazing choreography or fireworks or anything glamorous like that. No. She surpassed glamour and went...well, under the sea. You can take that literally. Katie performed at the bottom of the North Sea. I didn't believe it at first, but it it is true. On October 2, 2006, 16 helicopters and 3 supply ships flew and floated above in case needed. Isn't that crazy?
Anyway, I've been following Katie since I heard her singing on the soundtrack of "Just Like Heaven." I was amazed then and have been amazed since. Though I'll compare her to Toby Lightman and Norah Jones, she really is in her own realm and she just be appreciated as that. She has supported many charities and has once been invited by Nelson Mandela to perform at en event.
Piece by Piece is her latest release and it came out in June of 2006. It's an amazing album. AMAZING!
On that note, just go buy it and in the meantime...
I'm still not feeling well, I promise a week full of great music and many posts. In the meantime, here is some good music without any Christy banter thrown in.
At the beginning of this month, Chevelle released their latest album Vena Sera. Now Chevelle is considered to be hard rock or even metal, but the lyrics often times carry a sweet melody that just happens to pack a rockin' punch.
The current band members are Pete Loeffler, Dean Bernardini and Sam Loeffler. A couple years ago a third Loeffler brother, Joe Loeffler, was also a member but he left the band and quite honestly I have no idea what happened.
Chevelle is working with SonyBMG/Epic Records with which they have released three albums. Prior to joining up with the big leagues they were under contract with Squint Entertainment who put out their first album. All in all there have been 9 singles with the most prominent one being the track "Send the Pain Below" found on Wonder What's Next.
The latest album Vena Sera has one song that is already #4 on the US top charts "Well Enough Alone." It's an amazing song. The great news is we hear more from Pete Loeffler than just screaming; he's singing. And he sounds perfect! For some reason this album didn't get a fuss, but maybe it's because the typical Chevelle crowd expected the traditional screaming, aggressive music from earlier days. I'm hoping they get some new followers and that the older fans give the album a second listen.
My hesitation in writing about The Rosebuds is because the only song I had heard from their new album was "Get Up Get Out" and quite frankly it just seemed mediocre to me. Sorry guys.
But now I digress. Their song "Silja Line (On Settling for a Normal Life)" is phenomenal! The group vocal-harmonizing halfway through, I can just imagine the crowd during that song, it would be so energetic! And of course hand claps rule!
So now I will admit that perhaps Night of the Furies might not be so bad. I'm not some punk who can't admit when she's wrong. I shouldn't have let one song stop me from listening further anyway, that's for snobs and music snobs irritate me. It's just that this album is so different from their previous work. It's just plain sad. And when I hear energetic, hand clapping music I don't want to cry!
No, I still don't like "Get Up Get Out" it's just not my cup of tea. But I can see myself listening to "Silja Line" a bit obsessively now that I have heard it. Can you be just a BIT obsessive...? Probably not.
Anyway, take a listen: The Rosebuds - "Silja Line" (mp3)
Except, well, this band is Lawrence, Kansas-based and so maybe we never left Kansas at all Toto.
The New Amsterdams came out rocking in the year 2000. We don't hear much about them, but I'm not sure why. They're on the Vagrant label and have none other than Matthew Pryor, formerly of The Get Up Kids, as their main man. Pryor released a side project album earlier this month on April 10th and it's a disc filled with 15 children's songs. Pretty nifty.
Don't be turned off by the fact that there is a "Get Up Kids" influence here. I know some people refer to the Kids as an emo-punk band and that label isn't always taken well. That's not the label I would give to The New Amsterdams. They have more of an indie pop sound.
The band has remained pretty active over the last seven years, putting out six albums. Unfortunately their last album Story Like a Scar wasn't received well by critics or even fans for that matter. The disappointment was because their earlier albums were so much better. My favorite album being Worse for the Wear which came out in 2003.
So when I saw they had a new album out this week I was curious. But then I found out it is just a double-disc of their earlier work. Sorry, but I'm not much for re-releases. But if you're a huge fan I suppose you'd make sure not to miss buying the special dual disc collection "Killed or Cured."
You'll find them on the line-up for Chicago's Lollapalooza this summer.
I don't know many people who can deny the excellence of perfect acoustic music backed up by the songwriter's voice crooning out a song that you can tell is most sincere.
The record label with the glory of promoting Owen is none other than Poly Vinyl Records. They also happen to be the label for artists such as: Of Montreal, Matt Pond PA and Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, just to name a few.
Sean Moeller from Daytrotter.com recently wrote a bit more about Owen and even got the chance at an interview. So definitely check there for more music and information.
You won't lyrics quite like these anywhere else, but that is part of what makes the music so real for me. I have no doubts that Owen sings and writes about real experiences. He bares his soul to the world, even the dark sides.
Lyrical snippet from an earlier EP released in 2004: Tomato soup and grilled cheese But you already know that because you used to dine with me Do you remember?
Why spend time travelling the world, when you can travel through the clouds?
Around since early 2006, Cloud Atlas is from Cardiff, Wales. The band consists of Alun King - Drums, Rose Jennings - Bass/Vocals, Gareth Mogg - Guitar/Vocals and J Neasom - Guitar/Vocals/Synth/Toy Keyboard. You can tell just from that introduction this group delivers original music with multi-talented musicians. Combine their talents with the overwhelming energy they exude and you've got yourself some amazing tunes!
I was able to ask them some questions and their responses were fun and witty while being honest, which is the same type of trend you'll find in their lyrics.
1. How would you describe your sound?
"Our sound can be varied... We've got three songwriters in the band, so our set is usually quite diverse. We're tending to head towards an indie rock/pop mix currently though, taking influences from Talking Heads, Deus and Regina Spector; to name a few."
2. Who would you most like to support if you could go on tour with anyone?
"Tough one :) aside from tactically supporting a crap band, to make ourselves look really good, there are many many legendary bands to choose from such as Blondie, Weezer, The Manics, the aforementioned Deus and Regina. But I think if we were to support one band, it would have to be Muse. How could we turn them down?"
No, she's not, at least not that I know of, but the song I'm listening to right now is called "Captain, Captain" and it is beautiful. "Captain, Captain" is one of the songs on her latest album Lure the Fox.
Backed up by the band Mike Micheal, Chris Morrissey and Luke Anderson; Haley Bonar is untouchable in her talents both vocally and on the piano. You will recognize Haley's voice if you bought Andrew Bird's new album, which is how I first heard her. She is in four of the songs on that album.
She shares the label, Afternoon Records, with artists such as "Mouthful of Bees" and "I, Colossus."
I think she sounds a little bit like Shawn Colvin, but she has also been compared to Aimee Mann. Either way those comparisons mean she has a great voice.
Indie Music Xposed recently did a review on Lisa Douglass from LA, California. The article prompted me to do some of my own listening.
She has a deep, even voice and is great on the guitar. But it's the lyrics that I was able to connect with the most. There seems to be a plethora of singer/songwriter folks popping up everywhere. Sometimes they're just your ordinary average artist who is good, but really nothing special.
So I'm telling you now. Lisa Douglass...definitely something special.
We finally are having some sunshine and warm weather! If only I didn't have ridiculous, awful allergies... Even so, I thought I'd put up some summer related songs for you to enjoy.
Wendy Wang is incredible. I think she sounds a little bit like Sarah McLachlan or Jennifer Paige and I love both of those artists. Not to forget the band Erik Kertes, Ken Harrison and Ben Jaffe. The combination of her soft voice and their music is excellent!
The Sweet Hurt isn't signed. Their last came out in the Spring of 2006, EP "Everyday Mistakes" which is unfortunately not original at all, but we shall'nt judge the album by it's title. An acoustic EP was released in 2004 with four tracks, one which is repeated in the more recent album. I do see an improvement in the newer version. I think if they could get a little bit of backing for studio time and better production they would honestly soar.
With six albums already out on the shelves, The Clientele are not a newbie to the Indie scene. They have been together since 1997, but their sound wishes it could have existed in the late 60s or early 70s. (If you're familiar with Lovin' Spoonful or Cat Stevens...that is what I hear as influences to their music).
Even more exciting than the fact that they are doing a US tour is that they are touring in so many places! Alasdair Maclean, James Hornsey, Mark Keen and Mel Draisey will be in New Jersey at Maxwells on May 6th, in Philly on May 7th at Johnny Brenda's and in DC on May 8th at the Black Cat. You can find the rest of their tour dates on their MySpace page.
The Clientele are on four different labels spanning the globe with one in the US, UK, Spain and Japan. Their newest album is "God Save The Clientele" and it will be released on May 8, 2007 in the US on the Merge Records label. The album has a great tempo, it's filled with all the best sounds including clicks and clacks, keys and strings. And the vocals are soft, breathy and soothing.
Yes, I know the label is pro-Italiano, but I swear to you that is not the reason I like the music. ;o) Especially since she is from Jersey...just kidding. Really. Just kidding, I know great people in Jersey.
Anyway, you can check out their demos on their MySpace page. I'm a little bit confused about their label. They seem to be paired with Glass Candy a lot and that is because they are both on the Italians Do It Better record label.
So if you like sultry female vocals, jazzy music complete with trumpets, finger snaps and disco ball flair you should definitely check them out. Keep in mind they are still linking to some demos and therefore I consider both bands a work in progress.
This music is just awesome! I have the head/shoulder bob going on while listening to The Sleepy Jackson's "Personality: One Was A Bird One Was A Spider" album. Coming to us from around the world in the great down under of Australia, The Sleepy Jackson are a Pop Rock band who gets you up off your feet even with a song all about people not agreeing "I Understand What You Want But I Just Don't Agree." This album might be one of my new favorite musical treasures for the year, (even though it did come out last year).
You need it, you know you do. It has been raining for days on the East Coast. This music is audible sunshine. Soak it up!
The Icicles released their latest album "Arrivals & Departures" on April 11th. Yay! And it has such great music. I'm starting to think I swoon over glockenspiels just has much as I swoon over pianos. I'm getting to be so easy these days.
Gretchen as vocals and guitar, Joleen as vocals, keyboard and glockenspiel, Rebecca also on glockenspiel and lead guitar, Emily on the bass, Greg handles vocals and drums.
They are coming to the Khyber in Philly on Monday, April 30th and I would so love to go, but I don't foresee that happening. I'll have to catch them next time around.
Silly title I know, but the band Ferns comes from the very unheard of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Their MySpace page scares me with greeness that even Kermit the Frog would throw up about, BUT their music isn't bad at all.
Skeptical at first glance, but when "This Sweet Refrain" began playing I realized hey these people who think berry plants as a background somehow represent their Fern band...well gee..they really aren't that bad. I feel that the music has far more potential than the vocals at this stage, but every beginning is rocky. And I really like Abby on keyboards.
As diversified as I am and as much as I love music, there are still times when I just can't get into something. Regardless of hype or music snobbery, there are some albums I hear and feel...well...close to nothing. Other than the wonderment of why the bands are doing so well. Forgive me for being harsh, but sometimes that just has to be done.
I cannot get into the Arctic Monkeys. No, I've tried. I've listened. There is so much talk going on about the band that I almost feel wrong NOT to like them. But to each their own and just because they don't float my boat doesn't mean they are dead weights.
What I hear are empty songs with pretentious lyrics sung by guys who just want to feel the lights on a stage. How many times should you really play the exact same guitar rift...? Listen to "Fake Tales of San Francisco" Tell me seriously, is it a freaking loop or what?
Go ahead, send hate e-mail it's okay. We all have our own views, that's what makes life so fun!
The Veils will be at The Khyber in Philly on June 12th. Which is, of course, a Tuesday and is just not going to happen for me. However, if you are free that night please go out and enjoy them for me!
They are set to start touring in Europe next week which is something fans overseas have been waiting for since their new album Nux Vomica has been out over there since September 11, 2006. Here in the US we will be able to buy Nux Vomica on April 24th. You can get their previous albums at InSound.
I have listened to about half of their new album and I love it. Nux Vomica defies mainstream with absolute birthright conviction. Finn Andrews has such an alluring voice, it is as if he pulls you right up next to him and makes you part of the song. Finn is also pretty damn good on the guitar. Liam Gerrard had me at first key stroke on the piano. And the remaining talents are Sophia Burn on bass, Henning Dietx on drums and Dan Raishbrook on the second guitar.
Waking up slowly, stretching your arms over your head as you enjoy one last lingering yawn from your slumber. The only thing that would make this Sunday morning better would be breakfast in bed and a fire in a fireplace...if I had a fireplace. ;o)
Breakfast is starting off with a Hershey kiss for me and three for my son Brae. Because it is a new day and there is nothing wrong with a Sunday morning chocolate kiss, or two, or three.
And since I love the blog "Fifteen Minutes to Live" I thought I'd share a tip from them about a $10 t-shirt sale. If you like music then check out the sale, if you love music BUY SOMETHING!
Let's have a little fun, shall we? Some of you might be superstitious and some of you might not give a hoot.
All I know is that I tend to have AMAZING luck on Friday the 13th. So much so that I would even consider 13 my lucky number.
With that in mind, I thought it would be fun to link some fun "13-esque" type music...spooky titles don't necessarily mean silly, Halloween spoof music, right? right. You would probably be surprised at how many songs have the word "ghost" in the title...or "haunted," it shocks me every time I do a search in my iTunes library. (Currently, a search for the word "ghosts" brings back 24 songs).
So here is to Friday the 13th! (Minus ice hockey mask faced actors)
It's mid-April and I want some warm sunshine! And so I vow to you Mother Nature, the only frost I'm going to tolerate for the next several months is "Frost."
Aggie Peterson and Per Martinsen make up the band "Frost." Their music has an energetic, progressive sound that combines soft, sultry vocals with a peppy electric beat. You can find them on MySpace. There are A LOT of bands carrying the name Frost, so make sure you're hitting the right pages if you decide to do some searching. The band's first single came out in Norway in 1998, "Clouds across the moon" followed quickly by the single "Close to you."
Even if you're not into Electronica-esque music, I really think you should check out this band, because you won't find me listening to that genre much either and I very much like Frost. Their latest album was released on March 26, 2007 "Love! Revolution!" and that is what I'm listening to right now. I love the sound of Aggie's voice, but the production of their music is also quite amazing. This is get-up-off-your-feet, strobe lights and smokey air dance music. If you liked their older music, I can assure you they have done some mastering and "Love! Revolution!" will exceed expectations.
It seems that people are quick to tag a band Indie or Rock or Punk, but you give them a tag that includes the descriptor "Christian" and people get all up in arms. Barefoot Truth has a funky sound, it's a little bit Indie and yes, I would say they are a crafty, modern, Christian rock band. I would also say they are BY FAR not getting the recognition they deserve.
The album "Changes in the Weather" is very well written, with melodic and catchy songs that will get pleasantly stuck in your head. The acoustics are incredible, I really need to see these guys live. Will Benoit, Jay Driscoll and Andy Wrba reside in Mystic, Connecticut and they are the Barefoot Truth. You're going to hear bongos and harmonicas intertwined with lyrics that will surely make you feel good. For those readers who need comparisons...I would say that they sound like Brendan Benson or David Mead and maybe even a little bit of Jack Johnson's style. It's just real down to earth, heartfelt music.
I've been inspired to write about St. Vincent. Because she rocks! First of all, Annie is really cute. I want her hair and rosey cheeks, but they are probably better left on her. You may recognize her from The Polyphonic Spree.
She is coming to Johnny Brenda's in Philly this coming Tuesday. WHY ON A TUESDAY! Don't people realize I can't do Tuesdays! Even so, if you can get out to see her YOU MUST!
Not too many names to remember on this one, because it's just Annie. Annie Clark: songs, voices, guitars, bass, piano, synth AND programming.
You'll have to listen for yourself, but I find her music to be nothing short of charming and relaxing.
Her new album will be out on July 10th and it's a definite purchase for me.
Until then take a listen here: St. Vincent - "Now, Now" (mp3)
I would like to think I would stop and listen to good music no matter where I am or how rushed. Even if that meant stopping on the street and listening to someone playing for spare change.
Turns out I'm a rarity. Because the Washington Post hired an internationally known violinist to play in D.C. at the L'Enfant Plaza Station during peak travel time. Joshua Bell, 39, has been playing music his entire life. He is a well known musical prodigy. He has mastered songs that few can even touch.
And he was pretty much ignored. If you went to see him at a concert, you might end up paying $100/seat. But here he played, for free, out in the open and few people stopped to listen.
Perhaps people were feeling too rushed, too busy. But really? I just, I don't think I would have kept walking. I think I would have stopped if even for only a minute.
I'd love to talk to the crew that is Thirteen Senses and see exactly what makes up their additional eight. Until that is possible, I'll just have to guess that it must all have to do with a finer sense of hearing and perhaps they are including finger dexterity and perfect vocal tonality. Still, I have no clue as to what the others might be, but I can tell you that the guys of Thirteen Senses are working with something far more than average and if that means they have eight extra senses we need to find a way to bottle it up and share the wealth. Until that can happen, buy their music!
Will South is the vocals, guitar, keyboard and piano. Tom Welham is on guitar and keyboards. Adam Wilson is on the Bass. Brendon James keeps the pace on drums.
With a sound comparable to Cold Play (it is produced by Danton Supple) and Keane, I have quickly become obsessed with their album "Contact." You can get the E-import of the album from Amazon.com, but I ventured to get the original straight from them in the UK. I love it! It was the music of choice this weekend and I made sure to add the album to iTunes here at work. Thirteen Senses are pleasantly unshakable. I don't think there is one song on this album that isn't worthy of being a full blown single. I love it all!
Yes I know, sometimes you get 5 posts a day, sometimes you get nothing. But I've been super busy and so forgive me. Please. =o)
I'm trying to come up with songs to share that have an Easter theme. This is not very easy; short of hopping on the marketing train and posting "I Want Candy."
It would mean more to me to post something with a spiritual or faith-filled undertone. And it's not because I'm some relisgious fanatic, but I do believe in a higher being and that does impact my life positively.
Anyway, I'm just going to post music that makes me smile and feel good. Music that makes me feel.
They come to us from Peterborough, Ontario. Their music has a (Christian) Pop Rock feel to it. Perhaps a tone-downed Anberlin or more Waking Ashland, if you need comparisons.
Who are they? Jason Dunn: Lead Vocals, Daniel Biro: Bass guitar, Jonathan Steingard: Guitars and Skwid: Drums. The sound of this foursome has me addicted. I love their music, it's full of energy, but also meaningful in content. You know how some albums are good, but there are parts that leave you hanging, leave you wanting more? Not so with this one, "Smile, it's the end of the world" is perfectly complete.
There are tons of things you can buy in addition to the CD, but please, don't miss out on this album.
Victoria Bourne. She sings as if she were a songbird in another life. She plays the flute. She plays the piano.
Chris Harper. He is the guitar and the electric piece of the Folktonica music that is Vanity Press.
The songs are very well written by lyricist Michael Bird.
This is the first time I have heard someone play the flute in folk/alternative music. And it is done successfully. I'm not sure if I get what it means to be Folktonica, but I would say that their music has a haunting lullaby quality. An ambient soundscape. I'm going to place it in a modern electro lounge genre. (Yes, I just made that up. This band is in a league of its very own. And *high five* to them.)
While "You Put Out the Stars" is on the more mellow and slow side of their EP. You will also find tracks like "If You" that pick up the pace without messing up the transitions between each song. Each track works well together to create an EP that encompasses several captivating arrangements.
Vanity Press is an unfamiliar talent. Uniquely brilliant and beautiful.
My Gmail account is going crazy! And the other day I received an e-mail suggesting I check out a band from Chicago; "My Were They." So I decided to take a listen.
I'm glad that I did.
It seems that in some of their tracks, like in "Is Love Enough," they spend a lot of time trying to convince you of their instrumental talent by putting together long strings of JUST music without vocals. If I were watching them live this would be the song I could envision the lead vocalist introducing all the other band members and giving them a moment of glory with a solo.
Let me be the first to say, there is no need to spend all that time convincing the listener, if there isn't a live performance. All of their songs are well-crafted pieces and flow together nicely on their album. It might just be me, but I also appreciate the lyrics of a song, because that further connects you to the band.
I had some questions for the crew...
1. If you will so kindly give me the cliffnotes on the name of your band?
cliffnotes on the name.... we went through a lot of names in our formative days, and settled on my were they because... i suppose it was originally intended to be sort of nonsensical, but i've found that people can place it in all kinds of unintended contexts.
2. Do you find it easier to write about pain or happiness? Because I have to say, your music has a lot of edge..sharp edge.
i find it easiest to write about whatever i'm feeling at the time, which for this album was a rather dark period so that's what happened. i'm not opposed to writing happy stuff though, it's just never come out that way.
My Were They plays what I would call pop-punk, though it does reflect early U2 and later Jimmy Eat World. So if you like either of those bands (as you should) I am confident you will enjoy My Were They. And if you're looking for something a little heavier, with an all-over foreboding tone then be sure to take a listen and buy the album because "My Were They" definitely has those qualities.
Their new album "'after they threw me in the river and before i drowned" comes out in a couple of weeks, but you can get "Epigrams and Interludes" on iTunes or at CD Baby.
There are moments when you're in the zone. Working. Cranking out sites and graphic elements. All caught up in your artsy glory and then something happens to snap you right out of it. That JUST happened to me.
A song started playing on my playlist and I immediately had to find out what song it was and who was behind the wonderfulness. See, I have so many tracks to listen to all the time that I just carry my flash card from home to the office and listen throughout the day.
Every once in awhile a track will pop up on the playlist that just catapults me into musical bliss and forces me to stop what I'm doing, turn to the lovely iMac and find out what is playing.
Ross Copperman! You've catapulted me! I think he sounds like a blend of Train and The Shins, but y'all need to make that decision for yourself.
It's not even 8 a.m. on a dreary Tuesday morning. My office is humid and my hair is going in so many directions, it clearly is borderline schizophrenic.
But everything is better and the day is going to be just fine, because Screaming Tea Party is filling my ears with such a pleasant little tune right now that I'm literally dancing in my chair. Thank you, thank you Koichi, Teresa and Niyan. FYI it's the beautiful Teresa going crazy on the drums. Koichi is part of the vocals along with Teresa, plus he is the bass. And Niyan strums the guitar.
Of course I am perfectly aware that not all of their music is as chipper and gleeful as the song "Death Egg" but it's okay. It's all good. It's all music. And I want to have a screaming tea party. Under the water in fact, that would be delightful.
They also have full-out hardcore punk rocking music that will involuntarily get you head banging! Maybe also while sitting in your office early in the A.M. Nothing beats music that gets you all pumped up! I heart SCREAMING TEA PARTY!
Ever since I was a little girl I have always wanted to visit Vermont. I know it seems silly, but I came across a picture of a beautiful fall landscape and an old stone bridge that was such a happy, comforting picture. The caption said it was a place in Vermont. The desire to find that bridge someday has spurred by wanting to travel Vermont before I die. =o)
Now I have a new reason.
They are "The Capstan Shafts" from Lyndonville, Vermont. It's good wholesome folk rock music. I love it.
When you hop on over to Asaurus Records to buy the Capstan Shafts album, check out SINKCHARMER. Their fourth releases came out this January and it's also great Folk Rock music with the more traditional Indie flair.
And just so you know, I'll definitely be writing about more of the bands from this record label since I've just discovered it and am finding that their are many hidden treasures to be heard here. ;o)
Name:Christy Mannering Appreciating and dancing around to all types of music. Movie mania! Reading fiend! See my complete profile E-mail MeI welcome all promotions and bands wanting reviews written. Please note that all music on this blog is for sampling purposes only. Respect the artists and buy their music. If you wish to have something removed from here please tell me and I will do so immediately. Bring me music and BRING ME UP!