Bring Me Up: The Sound

Dear Lover: listen to this. Then you'll know

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:46:00 +0000

On October 27, Matthew Ryan and Blurt present an exclusive stream of Dear Lover, available digitally on October 27th and in-stores on February 16, 2010 through CIMS/Junket Boy.

On Dear Lover, his twelfth recording, Matthew Ryan offers his most personal collection yet, navigating the intimate space between lovers where passion, doubt, fear and desire co-exist. This is the first release for The Dear Future Collective.

"Every now and then an artist you thought you knew and liked will suddenly, without any warning, release a disc that takes their art to a whole new level. Rarely has electronic and folk music been married so successfully. Dear Lover is Matthew Ryan's most daring, most remarkable, most compelling, and most emotionally wrenching album yet." - Joe Hill, author "Heart Shaped Box" and "Twentieth Century Ghosts"

"Dear Lover: listen to this. Then you'll know." - Kevin Roberts Saatchi & Saatchi World Wide CEO

Blurt is a quarterly magazine and multimedia website covering music, comedy, politics, culture and assorted debauchery. Blurt is brought to you by the creative team behind the lauded HARP Magazine (called "America's best music magazine" by NPR's Bob Boilen and "the best music magazine in the country and the one that musicians always read" by Foo Fighter Dave Grohl).

Art vs Science - Result is Catchy Music

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:56:00 +0000

Art vs Science isn't here to get a haircut. They're here to melt your mind!

They're also here to remind us that creating dance music is not just about bass-blowing electro-rock anthems (of which they have many); rather it's about taking those songs and in a live forum setting everyone's fire-retardant dancing kicks ablaze. If you walk away from an Art vs Science live show without an altered gait and/ or state-of-mind, you were clearly not paying attention.

Art vs Science's self-titled EP will core-drill itself into you mind and possess it with its hooky take on rock-infused, French electronica. In their native country of Australia, the EP has already garnered them a 2009 ARIA Award (think Grammy) nomination in the Breakthrough Artist category. The first of the EP's singles to be offered up as a FREE MP3 download is the criminally infectious, Parlez-Vous Francais?

--

Something about needing more energy has me turning to the rock infused electric dance music. It gets my feet tapping and the adrenaline pumping. It's necessary when the little heart is running and trying to hum me into sleep at my desk.

Their music inspires intriguingly equal measures of curiosity and giddiness. Somebody give me a sparkler, I fancy myself a firefly at the moment! Thank you Art vs Science!

Listen:

Art Vs Science - "Parlez-Vous Francais?" (mp3)

Enjoy!

Finn Riggins Vs. Wilderness

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:09:00 +0000

Finn Riggin's stellar new album, Vs. Wilderness, released yesterday. To celebrate, please watch this amazing video for "Wake" which was made by Jason Sievers. His lovely stop motion animation videos and have been featured on Pitchfork.com and MTV and he's worked for bands like Built to Spill, The Universal and The Wrens to name a few.

The album was recorded, engineered and co-produced in May of 2009 by the band at AudioLab studio, an arm of Garden City, Idaho's Visual Arts Collective (or VAC, a non-profit gallery, venue, theatre and creative space with which Finn Riggins has become heavily involved in since relocating to Boise, ID in January of 2009) during one of their rare stints at home. True to form, the album was brought to fruition in this independently run, community-minded environment with the help of co-producer and Tender Loving Empire founder Jared Mees (who, by the way, has also toured on his own albums alongside the band.)

Listen:

Finn Riggins - "Dali" (mp3)

Enjoy!

ILT begin UK Tour today/ CSI

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

I Like Trains begin the UK tour today in Liverpool in support of the new single 'Sea of Regrets' which was released on Monday.

Exciting news is that Sea of Regrets was used on CSI Miami on release day (12th October). The song was used in episode 804. The new season of CSI Miami will be coming to UK soon. In other sync news, 'The Voice of Reason' taken from the debut album (Elegies to Lessons Learnt) is currently being featured on the trailer to Hollywood film, 'Amelia' starring Richard Gere and Hilary Swank (as Amelia Earhart).

"Sea of Regrets" is such an incredible song. It's like a personal story set to music, well, I suppose most songs are that way. But the vocals are just delicious and the calm, pristine rhythm couple with the slow and precise guitar is just perfection. I wish I could share it, but it's not released for free download that I know of. You can hear the single on their MySpace page.

"Some things are better left forgotten, or the weight of the world will crush your bones"

The limited edition self produced/released single ‘Sea of Regrets’ is a new beginning for I Like Trains. Whilst still informed by a bleak world view, musical rays of light are starting to puncture the gloom. Inspired by the writing of preeminent environmental scientists James Lovelock and George Monbiot; ‘Sea of Regrets’ raises the question of our importance in nature’s great scheme. Guitars, vocals, violins and cellos combine for a soaring finale, an anthem to a hopeless future for humanity.

Dates are:

14th October - Liverpool Barfly GB
15th October - Manchester Deaf Institute GB
16th October - Leeds Cockpit GB
17th October - Glasgow King Tuts GB
19th October - Nottingham Rescue Rooms GB
20th October - Bristol Cooler GB
21st October - Oxford Bullingdon Arms GB
22nd October - London Garage GB
23rd October - Birmingham Hare and Hounds GB
24th October - Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms GB

Enjoy!

Norah Jones - The Fall

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:07:00 +0000

On November 17th, Blue Note Records will release singer/songwriter Norah Jones' fourth studio album, The Fall. Taking her multiple Grammy Award winning talent into new territory, The Fall was produced by Jacquire King (Tom Waits, Modest Mouse, Kings of Leon) and features Norah's new band members and songwriting collaborations with Ryan Adams, Okkervil River's Will Sheff, and Jesse Harris. In addition to the added emphasis on rhythm, The Fall brings Norah’s own guitar playing front and center in the sound.

"I knew I wanted to try some different things on this album," Jones says. "I'd been playing with the same musicians for a long time. We're all still friendly and I hope we play together again, but it felt like a good time to work with new people and experiment with different sounds. As far as a producer, I wanted someone who could take me out of my comfort zone and find the right musicians to capture what I wanted to do with this collection of songs. I got in touch with Jacquire initially because he engineered one of my favorite records of all time, Tom Waits' Mule Variations. He was really eager to do it and we got along really well, which was important."

Pre-order The Fall

The track listing for The Fall is as follows:

1. Chasing Pirates (Norah Jones)
2. Even Though (Norah Jones/Jesse Harris)
3. Light As a Feather (Norah Jones/Ryan Adams)
4. Young Blood (Norah Jones/Mike Martin)
5. I Wouldn't Need You (Norah Jones)
6. Waiting (Norah Jones)
7. It's Gonna Be (Norah Jones)
8. You've Ruined Me (Norah Jones)
9. Back To Manhattan (Norah Jones)
10. Stuck (Norah Jones/Will Sheff)
11. December (Norah Jones)
12. Tell Yer Mama (Norah Jones/Jesse Harris/Richard Julian)
13. Man Of The Hour (Norah Jones)

Another Likely Story

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:56:00 +0000

Au Revoir Simone release their stunning new single 'Another Likely Story' - complete with remixes from hotter than hot French duo Aeroplane, Neon Indian and Social Disco on December 7th. This is the second single to be taken from their latest album 'Still Night, Still Light', and is due for release through Moshi Moshi Records (Florence & The Machine, Casiokids, Lykke Li).

Listen:

Au Revoir Simone - "Another Likely Story" (mp3 Neon Indian remix)

REGINA SPEKTOR TO APPEAR ON SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE THIS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10TH

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:13:00 +0000

Having spent the last four months traveling the world, winning over legions of fans with her unmistakable song-craft, Regina Spektor is very excited to make her Saturday Night Live debut this Saturday, October 10th and premiere her second single, Eet, from her critically acclaimed album, far. An artist known for her uninhibited imagination and acute sense of detail both in music and words, Spektor has joined playwright / director Tina Landau (Floyd Collins & Superior Donuts) and lyricist Michael Korie (Grey Gardens) to create a new Broadway bound musical called Beauty. In addition, Spektor has recorded a duet with Grammy award-winning violinist Joshua Bell for his latest Sony Classical album, At Home With Friends, which you can hear below. Fans will get a chance to see Spektor perform songs from far as she's currently on a headlining tour of the states. This two-month tour has already included sold out shows in Boston, Detroit, Chicago and Philadelphia, and has upcoming dates at New York's Radio City Music Hall on October 14th and Los Angeles' Greek Theatre on October 28th.

An expansion of Landau's 2002 acclaimed one-act play, Beauty uses the 1812 Grimm fairy tale Sleeping Beauty as a jumping off point for a contemporary and hauntingly provocative story of beauty lost and beauty found. Aimed for the 2011-12 Broadway season, Landau will write the book and direct; Spektor the music, Korie the lyrics and it will be produced by Elephant Eye Theatrical (Stuart Oken, Michael Leavitt, Five Cent Productions). This will mark the first time Spektor has co-written a song with another. Korie was nominated for the Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards as lyricist for Grey Gardens.

far, which debuted at #3 on the Billboard Top 200, is the follow up to Spektor's breakthrough album Begin To Hope which spent 5 weeks in a row at #1 on the Billboard new artists chart before moving to #20 on the Billboard Top 100 and selling 1 million copies worldwide (Gold or Platinum in 7 countries).

Regina Spektor & Joshua Bell duet, The Left Hand Song, can be heard here >>

peer²

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:01:00 +0000

I'm Still An Animal!

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:02:00 +0000

If this isn't Friday music then I don't know what is...

Miike Snow, a Swedish band formed in 2007 has created some sort of eclectic reggae indie ska music. I really don't know how to describe it. But, I love it and so that's really all I need to know.

Miike Snow are Andrew Wyatt, Christian Karlsson, and Pontus Winnberg. Named after an acquaintance with an "i" added for extra flair, Miike Snow recently signed with Downtown records. Their self-titled debut was released May 12, 2009. (Which also happens to be our Finnegan's birthday!)

Listen:

Miike Snow - "Animal" (mp3)

Fall Preview: One Fast Move Or I'm Gone

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:11:00 +0000

Ben Gibbard, Jay Farrar: "These Roads Don't Move" streaming on NPR

"These Roads Don't Move," from Ben Gibbard and Jay Farrar's new album, "One Fast Move Or I'm Gone: Kerouac's Big Sur" is streaming on the All Songs Considered Fall Music Preview on NPR. Click here to listen to the song at the All Songs Considered website.

"Where Were You in the Wild?"

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:33:00 +0000

With its genre-defying qualities, Vancouver's Language-Arts' sophomore release "Where Were You in the Wild?" is expected to turn ears to a new side to indie rock; celebrating obscurities and word entanglements with poetic poise, paired with an alt-rock foundation yet fleshed out with classical instrumentation. Confused? Don't be- it all comes about very naturally, aided in part by Cudmore's vast reserve of words and ideas, delivered with a "clarion-like voice".

"Where Were You in the Wild?" is Language-Arts' full length follow up to 2007's self titled debut as well as their now out of print 2008 teaser EP "Small Run" While charting well on Canadian campus and community radio, Language-Arts have toured extensively around the west coast and across Canada, appearing on stages with artists such as Xavier Rudd, Portable Payback (Jurassic 5), Vancougar and Great Aunt Ida. The band has appeared at festivals such as TD Atlantic Jazz festival, Halifax Pop Explosion, Sled Island, and NXNE.

Members Kristen Cudmore and Gregor Phillips both originally hail form Nova Scotia; an ode to their home province is a common subtext to many of their songs. Sitting somewhere between Suzanne Vega and Buck 65, Language-Arts delve into images steeped with secrets both deep and dark that feature sophisticated arrangements and artisan song crafting. Cudmore's classical guitar blends beautifully with the double bass and the occasional string quartet. The songs themselves range from beckoning choruses with bright hooks to meandering, lyrical sagas. It's no secret that many of these songs began as dreams- insights poke out with subtle nuances, sparkling and inquisitive. "If all there was to eat was candy, which would be the most healthy? ..and would we even bother, filling the cavity?"

Listen:

Language-Arts - "Where Were You In The Wild?" (mp3)

Release: Where Were You In The Wild?
Date: Oct. 27, 2009
Label: Independent

Tracklist:
1. Cavity
2. White Socks In Birkenstocks
3. Where Were You In The Wild
4. Lighthouse
5. Coughdrop
6. Benson
7. Boxed In
8. Grandfather Of The Buffalo
9. Shapes and Sizes
10. Tuck It In
11. Stay There!

Enjoy!

Of The Blue Colour Of The Sky

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:21:00 +0000

(New York, NY) The mind-bending band that gave us what is largely considered the decade's most viewed music video (even the Simpsons parodied it), the treadmill-manned "Here It Goes Again" is back. Never content to rest on their laurels, OK Go is preparing to tread anything but familiar territory with their upcoming new album, Of The Blue Colour Of The Sky releasing on January 12, 2010 on Capitol Records.

The 13-track opus is the long-awaited follow-up to their acclaimed Oh No, which spawned the 2007 Grammy-award-winning video hit "Here It Goes Again" (setting numerous viewing records as it helped transform the then-fledgling YouTube into a household name)." Of the Blue Colour of the Sky is currently primed to kick off 2010 as one of the new year's most buzzed-about releases. According to lead singer, Damian Kulash, the new album springs from a different departure point than previous OK Go releases. "It's not so much that we headed in a new direction. I think we've just expended the guitar-rock ideas from our teens and we're starting to get at more root-level influences. There's a lot of Purple Rain on this record - an album I haven't stopped listening to since I got it when I was eleven."

Kulash added that record's title comes from an 1876 book promoting the erroneous theory that blue light cures all ills. As fits a record influenced by Prince and crackpot 19th century arm-chair scientists, the record is both danceable and contemplative; it's introspective, with a vein of surrealism running through it. There's a song that considers the earth before it was round, one sung by a man who's traded places with his reflection, and plenty of heartbreak and (attempts at) hope, mostly hung on a groovier backbone than we've heard from OK Go before. "We started these songs with a groove," Damian says. "They started as base feelings, not chord progressions or lyrical ideas, and then we layered." After 2005's Oh No, recorded nearly live with minimal overdubs, and their swaggering 2008 EP You're not Alone, backed by the trombone band Bonerama (a benefit for musicians displaced by hurricane Katrina), this new sound comes as something of a departure.

Funk-edged songs such as "Skyscrapers," "All Is Lost," "White Knuckles," and the Prince-inspired, odd-time-signature hip shaker "WTF?" embody the album's heady flow of adventurous undercurrents. "This album is the most layered production we've ever done," says Damian. Produced by ex-Mercury Rev member David Fridmann (Flaming Lips, MGMT), Damian acknowledges that Fridmann's singular production style and secluded studio environment in Fredonia, NY ('you have to drive fifteen minutes for a cup of coffee' he notes) added to the CDs emotive heft. "We were there to work, and for weeks on end it snowed and we just lived in the bubble with our songs." Amazingly, the band's original pool of song ideas numbered more than a hundred, with the group eventually narrowing the choices down to manageable double digits.

Kulash has also kept himself busy with an assortment of activist endeavors - he testified in support of internet neutrality before a Congressional Special Task Force. He and bandmate, Andy Ross, met with leaders on Capitol Hill in the spring of 2008 to advocate for the same. The band also met with then-candidate, Barack Obama, about the specter of access-limiting online practices, and other issues, with the group eventually appearing in ads in support of Obama. OK Go also took time from their non-stop touring regimen (31 consecutive months over five continents) to raise money in support of New Orleans' music culture in the wake of Katrina. The band's efforts with Bonerama raised more than half of the money for soul legend Al "Carnival Time" Johnson's new home in New Orleans.

Damian and the rest of the band look forward to full-fan reaction to Of the Blue Colour of the Sky come January. "I think it sounds more like us than anything else we've done," he says. "Its more like the music that's in the back of my head, just out of reach, that I've been trying to get to for so long. And it embodies contradiction in a way I feel connected to. It's both the saddest and the most hopeful music we've made, and both the danciest and most thoughtful."

OK Go is Damian Kulash, Tim Nordwind, Dan Konopka, Andy Ross

Photo Credit: Moritz Waldemeyer has designed costumes for rock band OK Go, featuring LEDs that spell the band's name.

The Twang UK Tour and Free MP3

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:51:00 +0000

I want to be Betty's Barney...

Yeah, that's just a line from one of my most favorite movies which is "So I Married An Axe Murderer." If you haven't seen that movie please hang your head in shame and then shake it off, go rent it or buy it and watch it. You will LOVE it!

Anyway, I was listening to The Twang's song Barney Rubble and I immediately thought of that line from the movie.

If you do not know the band The Twang then you should definitely look for them. They are a great band with MUCH promise and potential. Right now they are touring all over the UK so look up some dates and go see them live.

It's this repetitive repetitive nonsense
That brings her down
And it's my double trouble Barney rubble chit chat
That causes her frown

Band Members:
Phil - Vocals
Saunders - Vocals
Jon - Bass
Stu - Guitar
Matty - Drums

What I have to share with you today is their song "Another Bus" which they have out there for download (free) you can grab the link off their MySpace page or download it from here.

Listen:

The Twang - "Another Bus" (mp3)

Enjoy!

The Twang UK Tour Announced

The Twang have just announced details of the upcoming UK tour in support of their new album, Jewellery Quarter.

Wed 30 Sept - Crewe M Club
Thu 1 Oct - Liverpool Academy 2
Fri 2 Oct - Derby Rockhouse
Sat 3 Oct - Sheffield Leadmill
Sun 4 Oct - Glasgow QMU
Tue 6 Oct - Aberdeen Moshulu
Wed 7 Oct - Dundee Fat Sams
Thu 8 Oct - Leeds Cockpit
Sat 10 Oct - Hull Welly Club
Sun 11 Oct - Norwich Waterfront
Mon 12 Oct - Bristol Bierkeller
Tue 13 Oct - Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms
Thu 15 Oct - London Koko
Fri 16 Oct - Brighton Concorde 2
Sat 17 Oct - Nottingham Rescue Rooms
Sun 18 Oct - Manchester Ritz
Mon 19 Oct - Middlesbrough Empire

Photo Credit from their MySpace page

New Moon Soundtrack Listing Revealed

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:48:00 +0000

The highly anticipated track listing for The Twilight Saga: New Moon soundtrack is here! MySpace Music exclusively reveals the list of artists being featured on the hit film's soundtrack, which will consist of completely original music. While there's been much speculation about who would be contributing, it's now confirmed. Wondering who made the cut?

Check out the 'In The News' blog on the newly redesigned MySpace Music to see the full list.

The Twilight Saga: New Moon soundtrack will be released on October 20 by Atlantic Records. Some of the artists created the songs after being shown footage from the movie to use as a guide. The songs are all exclusive to the soundtrack. The film stars Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner, and is directed by Chris Weitz. It will be released nationwide on November 20.

MySpace previously debuted the film's first trailer, which set a new record for the site with a total of 4.2 million online views within the first 24 hours and a total of 7.8 million within the first seven days. For more information about the Twilight series, visit the official MySpace profile.

In The Twilight Saga: New Moon, Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) is devastated by the abrupt departure of her vampire love Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) but her spirit is rekindled by her growing friendship with the irresistible Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner). Suddenly she finds herself drawn into the world of the werewolves, ancestral enemies of the vampires, and finds her loyalties tested. Based on the best-selling book series, the film is the highly anticipated next installment to the movie Twilight, which has grossed $380M globally at the box office, and has become a worldwide sensation and cultural phenomenon.

The Twilight Saga: New Moon Trailer in HD

Now, Now Every Children to Tour with Paramore

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:42:00 +0000

Now, Now Every Children are thrilled to be hitting the road this fall and winter. Dates kick off Mid October in the US and wrap up at the end of 2009 with a trip across the Atlantic to back up Paramore (whom have featured NNEC on their site as a Band of The Month) on their jaunt through the UK. The Minneapolis based band is out in support of their acclaimed full-length debut Cars, released this past July on Afternoon Records.

Now, Now Every Children are especially excited to be getting back in the van after being forced to cut their last tour of the US short due to insurmountable car troubles. Not to mention the fact that their first attempt at playing the UK was foiled by a snafu with customs as they tried to leave Calais, France for England earlier this spring. The upcoming dates will be a great way to see the fans they missed before and also make some new ones along the way.

Since the release of Cars, Now, Now Every Children have been steadily gaining praise for their unique brand of lo-fi indie pop. In a recent profile Interview Magazine described their debut as "a surprisingly rocking affair-epic pop throw downs full of shoegazery guitars, anthemic melodies, and just the slightest, teeniest hint of emo melancholia. Though they might sound twee on paper, the band is a formidable live act, particularly when it comes to Dalager's full-throttle guitar playing."

Named a Spin.com "Must-Hear Band" at this year's Bamboozle, they lived up to the recognition and impressed crowds at the festival, proving to be "elevating in the bleak afternoon haze." Meanwhile The Fader, NPR, Yahoo Music, and Chromewaves have all featured the group and their excellent single "Everyone You Know."

Photo Credit:
melissa hesse.

Ooooo Butterfly Bones ooooO

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:58:00 +0000

Fancy them a bit like New Order and The Cure. Or without comparisons just know they are electrical and 80s lovely.

Butterfly Bones, if their music had a texture it would be velour. If it had a taste it would be pop rock candy, complete with the fantastic crackle.

Oh giddy smile!

Listen:

Butterfly Bones - "xoxo" (mp3)

Enjoy!

We take cover from the Fire Season

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:35:00 +0000

You're going to want to close your eyes and allow Brandon Schott's music to envelope you like a warm blanket. Just make sure you leave room for your feet to tap, because they will.

"FIRE SEASON" from Brandon's upcoming LP "DANDELION" has been nominated for a 2009 Hollywood Music Award. This is particularly awesome news considering the album officially releases worldwide on September 29, 2009. Once you hear the song you will understand why it is already a gem. This is a song I could listen to over and over again with no fear of growing tired of hearing it.

We all know anything coming from Brandon is going to be amazingly textured and produced. Dandelion is no exception. The guitar work, the multi-instrumental talent and the superb songwriting is just phenomenal throughout the entire album.

Brandon Schott and his band are more than just fabulous musicians. Even in the darkest day Brandon has helped me see a glimmer of hope and faith in the world. His music is uplifting, emotional and real.

Needless to say, Dandelion is perfectly infectious! I think the more you listen, the more you love it. In fact, even when it's not playing in my office I still find myself tapping out the melodies on my desk.

BAND MEMBERS:

Brandon Schott - Caffeine, Songs, Guitar, Piano, Wurlitzer
Steve Barton: Electric Guitar, Ebow
Jesse Stern: Bass
James Tan: Violin
Billy Hawn: Drums

"In addition to the September 29th digital release, a special edition CD version of Dandelion will be sold exclusively through www.brandonschott.com. This limited edition experience will include a souvenir booklet with lyrics, photographs and other special content that chronicle the creation of the record along, with an additional bonus EP featuring acoustic versions of songs found on DANDELION, recorded live during Brandon's 10th week of chemotherapy in January 2008."

Hey HOLMES, Let's Dance!

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:35:00 +0000

If you go to the movies or watch TV, you've heard the music of Roy Shakked, who answers to the nickname of HOLMES. Heavily influenced by the standards (and that means The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Prince, ELO, Queen, and, OK, Harry Nilsson), it's not surprising that Hollywood has picked up on Roy's tunes, placing them in programs and features such as CSI Miami, Sex and The City, The OC, Nip/Tuck, and The Devil Wears Prada.

The latest self-titled HOLMES album contains one of Shakked's signature lush arrangements - this time for his cover of the David Bowie classic, "Let's Dance". Additionally, Shakked has completed the latest video from the album, for the sober breakup song, "Not With You".

The video documents a couple moving in together, breaking up and moving out - all in under three minutes. Half way through the clip, all of the couple's actions up to that point reverse, leaving Shakked all alone in his house at the clip's close. Shakked extends apologies to the plant that was killed over three days of still camera time-lapse capture.

Listen:

Roy Shakked - "Let's Dance" (mp3)

Enjoy!

APSE To Release Double A-Side Single

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:59:00 +0000

APSE To Release Double A-Side Single Featuring "3.1/The Whip" Out This Week

Taken From Their Forthcoming Sophomore LP Entitled Climb Up

Out November 10th On ATP Records / US Tour To Come

The bulk of this writing process then took place between the fall of 2008 and the spring of 2009. Forging the album through long days and nights in the quiet beauty of the winter months on outer Cape Cod. The record that's come out of it, entitled Climb Up is undoubtedly a reflection of the very process that made it - tying into the creative methods as well as the story of the lives of the band's members as they crafted the album.

Climb Up is dense, innovative, cinematic. Apse draw from a colourful palette of different genres, techniques, instruments and approaches - and with that have made what is likely to be one of the most curious, and probably largely unexpected albums of the year.

Listen, and be immersed.

Click Here To Listen To Double A Single "3.1/The Whip" On Stereogum >>

Switchfoot to release new record on November 10 on new label, Atlantic Records

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:54:00 +0000

On November 10, Atlantic Records will release Hello Hurricane, the seventh full-length album from the multi-Platinum, San Diego-based rock band SWITCHFOOT. Hello Hurricane is the group's first album on Atlantic Records and its first studio album since 2006's Oh! Gravity, which debuted at No. 18 on The Billboard 200. SWITCHFOOT has been hard at work on Hello Hurricane, tracking more than 80 songs at the band's self-built home studio and selecting the very best of them for the record. The band recorded the album with noted producer/bassist Mike Elizondo (Dr. Dre, Rilo Kiley, Eminem, and Pink). The edgy, driving lead single "Mess of Me" goes for adds at Modern and Active Rock radio this week.

The back-to-basics approach employed has yielded a career-defining album that lead singer Jon Foreman views as "a new beginning." Elizondo's unique background facilitated a departure for the band, allowing it to build on SWITCHFOOT's foundation, punctuated by hard-hitting instrumentation and soaring choruses, and elevating the music to a new level.

"Hello Hurricane acknowledges the storms that tear through our lives," states Foreman. "This album is an attempt to respond to those storms with an element of hope, trying to understand what it means to be hopeful in a world that keeps on spinning."

The band recently kicked off the co-headlining Crazy Making Summer Tour with Universal Motown Records group Blue October and featuring special guests Ours and Longwave. Following that outing, SWITCHFOOT will open for Dave Matthews Band, on two Southern California dates (September 12th & 13th).

The track listing for Hello Hurricane is as follows:

1. Needle and Haystack Life
2. Mess of Me
3. Your Love is a Song
4. The Sound (John M Perkins' Blues)
5. Enough To Let Me Go
6. Free
7. Hello Hurricane
8. Always
9. Bullet Soul
10. Yet
11. Sing It Out
12. Red Eyes

SWITCHFOOT Playing With DAVE MATTHEWS BAND:
Sep 12 Cricket Wireless Amphitheater Chula Vista, California
Sep 13 Verizon Wireless Amphitheater Irvine, California

The Bye Byes Had Me At Hello

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 19:38:00 +0000

Out of Philadelphia, PA and into my ears, thanks to a recommendation from my brother, came the music of The Bye Byes. Man, I cannot even begin to tell you how exciting it is to hear music which sounds amazing and beautifully different then everything else out there right now.

The sound is reminiscent of the late 60s/early 70s, not the disco frou -frou sound, but the "dance-easy-pop-snap-your-fingers-and-do the "s" bob with your head-while-you-listen" sound. Trust me, once you hear it you'll understand. The tracks are complete, the arrangements are well executed and the lyrics are memorable and catchy.

The band members are Peter Shauger, Erik Schmidt, Steven Binnig and for some time Joel Rose but he has moved onto another band. Peter, Erik and Steven have talents that come together into one brilliant pot of delicious musical soup. Warm, comfortable and happy with a slew of spices.

After a smashing show at Johnny Brenda's in late August of this year, The Bye Byes decided to hold off on scheduling more live shows so they could focus on finishing their studio work of their first EP.

As far as the (now) trio goes, Erik and Steven keep time with percussion and respective bass thumping. They never miss a beat, or sometimes seem maybe a beat behind but it is fitting and purposeful. While Joel was on keyboard he handled the melodic keys with ease. Peter rules guitar and vocals throughout, one might also say The Bye Byes are his metaphorical baby.

As it turns out, Peter, Steven and Erik have been friends for several years. Peter wanted to be in a band and while perusing craigslist he came across Steven's listing. Steven and Erik have been playing in bands together since high school. Peter initially teamed up with them, but then "life got in the way" and their first efforts never really took off. Not much longer down the road everyone got together again and Steven introduced Joel into the mix. So it was during their second time around as a group that The Bye Byes came into being.

While listening to the demos on their MySpace page, I decided I wanted to know more about the band and then do a write up. I felt inspired.

After a couple quick chats on MySpace, Peter agreed to let me ask him a few questions about himself and The Bye Byes.

C: Tell me what you think about Mac&Cheese. The food. Yes. I just like to hear what people say when I ask that question.

P: "I love homemade baked macaroni and cheese! I had it for lunch yesterday, and for dinner the night before. But it has to be baked, using real cheddar cheese, and no breadcrumbs. My wife makes the best macaroni and cheese, which is probably just the original 1950's Betty Crocker recipe for it, but still. It's simple, and it's delicious."

C: Your sound is so refreshing! It's got this amazing 70s vibe to it and its just light, happy, great music. Were you shooting for something different or reminiscent of another era? What got you to the sound you are producing now?

P: "I don't think I set out to have any particular sound. First I just try to write a song that I like. Then I try to figure out an arrangement that lifts the song up even more. I do enjoy the sounds of the 70s... but that's not necessarily intentional. I enjoy the early 80s as well... It's like how your body can sometimes smell like the food you just ate. You don't intend to smell like that...but your body can't help it!"

C: If you were proud of one show or one song in particular what would it be?

P: "If I had to pick just one that I'm most proud of? Maybe Leftover Lois. I figured out how to record hand-claps on that one. My first pass of recording it (just an acoustic demo) was too fast -- it had energy but there was an emotional element missing. Then I tried again, slowed it way down. That version had plenty of sad, but it had no spark, it wasn't fun. So I tried one last time, and this is how it turned out. But even then, I didn't think it was going to come out as well as it did. I'm always surprised when it all comes together. Like, wow, how'd that happen?"

C: My son, Braeden (age 5) thinks The Bye Byes music is "dance" worthy. He really likes listening to you when I pull your music up on my laptop at home.

P: Your son has excellent taste.

C: (Laughing) I agree, yes he does.

One thing is for sure, Peter is one down to earth guy and after getting to know him a little bit better I found myself liking the band's music even more. Especially their song "I Know It's Hard," I love every second of it.

"I know it's hard to believe me/And the things that I say/I am a constant contradiction/Change my mind every day"

You'll hear the hand claps, jangles, pristine percussion and perfectly paired guitar riffs as you listen. And the harmonizing vocals of Peter and Steven work very well together; they are mellow and smooth.

Press play, sit back and enjoy! And be sure to keep your ears and eyes open for when their EP is released. It will, for sure, be a MUST buy! Maybe Bring Me Up will even set up a contest!

White Denim Unveil Cover Art For Fits

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:39:00 +0000

After an incredible breakthrough year in 2008, White Denim celebrate the first year anniversary of Workout Holiday (Albums of the Year from Observer Music Monthly, Uncut, The Sun and Clash) by releasing the eagerly anticipated follow up Fits. 2009 promises to be as incendiary. The band returns for live dates in May, shows that are bound to be rammed after their now legendary UK shows that killed it at Bloomsbury Bowling, Borderline, Cargo and culminated in the you-really-should-have-been-there Dingwalls show in November 2008 - one of The Independent's Gigs of the Year - "the kind of group that becomes one's favorite band. If they carry on at this rate, they should be one of next year's big crossover successes".

Fits; the title is both a knowingly bad pun and a reference to the odd tantrum endured in its creation- manages just that. Anyone familiar with the ferocious drive of the Texan trio's renowned live shows, where songs merge into each other and the playing guides the direction of the performance, will recognize their approach. Recorded and produced by the band in their infamous studio/trailer, Fits is more coherent than
debut Workout Holiday, yet sacrifices none of its imagination. Though there's barely a pause between tracks the set ebbs and flows, ranging from the soft-hearted to the ferocious.

Something to Write Home About

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:38:00 +0000

Kansas City, MO favorites The Get Up Kids are celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the release of their momentous album "Something To Write Home About" in style. Today MySpace Music premieres the Live DVD of their Liberty Hall performance in Lawrence, KS in March 2008. The DVD will stream in its entirety on the band's MySpace page for a limited time.

September 8 sees the reissue of the album on Vagrant Records, which will feature the live DVD. The reissue also features seven downloadable bonus tracks of demos from the "Something To Write Home About" sessions, exclusive to this physical version.

The Get Up Kids formed in 1995, releasing their debut full-length "Four Minute Mile" in 1997. Vocalist and guitarist Matt Pryor, brothers Ryan and Rob Pope on drums and bass respectively, guitarist Jim Suptic and keyboard player James Dewees recorded "Something To Write Home About" in 1999. Subsequent Get Up Kids studio albums included the Scott Litt-produced "On A Wire" (2002) and "Guilt Show" (2004). The group officially disbanded following a July 2, 2005 hometown swansong at the Uptown Theater in Kansas City.

Last Train Home

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:12:00 +0000

"Almost and Always" is David Mead's fifth full-length release. His most intimate work to date, the album examines life after marriage and the promise of things to come. Mead collaborated with producer Brad Jones (Sheryl Crow, Steve Earle, Jill Sobule, Butterfly Boucher, Over The Rhine, Josh Rouse, White Light Motorcade) and new songwriting partner Bill DeMain (Swan Dive) to create a quiet, soulful collection that sets 21st century pop songs in classic arrangements that recall Harry Nilsson, Paul Anka and Harry Belafonte.

As always, Mead's honeyed voice is front and center, gently accented with classical guitar, woodwinds and string quartet.

When asked about the three year lapse since the release of his last album, the critically acclaimed Tangerine, Mead is characteristically frank. "I had to take some time away from touring. I had basically been in a rental car by myself for eight months of every year since 2000 and I was just fried. And perpetually broke. It wasn’t fun anymore." After spending 2007 living in Brooklyn, Mead separated from his wife and returned to his native Nashville in early 2008, initially landing in a room in his father's basement for a few months. "The change was a little paralyzing. I had left pretty much every- thing but my books and a few lamps in Brooklyn, and there I was, back in Nashville, well into my 30's, doing manual labor and wondering what was supposed to happen next."

Listen:

David Mead - "Last Train Home" (mp3)

Enjoy!

Andrew Belle Covers Bright Eyes

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:59:00 +0000

A true working musician, Andrew Belle, plays a weekly gig at the famed Rockit club in Chicago.
Playing a mix of covers and original songs (to occasionally less-than-captive ears)
Andrew finds his own unique voice in the songs.

Check out this truly lovely cover of Bright Eyes' "First Day of My Life," HERE, with more original and re-interpreted covers to come with the upcoming release of Sundays at Rockit.

Andrew Belle: In His Own Words

"Since I was a child, I've always been around music; taught to appreciate the art form but only at a reasonable distance. My parents never let me listen to the radio or any kind of secular music until I was well into High-school. Before that, in Junior high, I recall making mix tapes from local radio stations during the day, and then lying in bed at night listening to all the pop hits of that time through a small, plastic walkman that I had received a few Christmases earlier. Third Eye Blind, the Counting Crows, the Verve Pipe...these were the artists that first welcomed me into the world of meaningful pop-music. The first album that I ever bought for myself was the Counting Crow's 'August and Everything After' when I was a sophomore in High-school. It had already been out for several years at that point, but I can still remember sneaking it up to my room and listening to it very softly out of the dusty Sony boom-box in my bedroom; pouring over every melody and marveling over the lyrical genious in Adam Duritz; thinking, 'maybe I can do this someday?' Not that I think of myself now as important to music as Adam Duritz or the Counting Crows have been, nor do I even dare to compare myself to such talent, but thinking back on my earliest experiences with music, there is no doubt that those quiet moments spent alone in my bedroom shaped my desires and passions and gave me the hope to make my small mark on this world, one song at a time."

Andrew Belle is now completing his debut LP, The Ladder, with Grammy award winning mixing engineer Vance Powell (The Raconteurs).