Pela & Ida Maria

It is suuuuuch a gorgeous day out! And I am in a really good mood, despite all of the current stress in my life! But hey--I got an A on my intensive writing paper! :) It's a good day! Go out & enjoy it! And hey, while you're at it...take these tunes with you. And remember...turn it on, and turn it uppp!!!

Old: Pela--"Waiting on the Stairs"
This indie rock band out of Brooklyn is producing amazing music without that big-label, mainstream sound. I'm sure you all know what I mean. I'm always quick to get all bent out of shape about the change in a band's sound once they are signed to a big label. I know, I know. Cliche. And I admit, I'll be the first to groan "Ughhh I liked their old stuff better". While most people will be quick to think I say these things because the band is popular now, and like any hipster would claim, that lessens both their music and status. That isn't the case though. It's almost unexplainable I guess, unless you feel the same way I do. But...so many bands change their sound when they join a record label. It's as though before they're signed, they're producing music that is just "them", raw, and "uncut" in sense. It seems it's the record labels that leads so many talented artists to "polish up" their music which inevitably changes their sound. But hey--that's just my personal opinion. :) Anyway...Pela has that sound I'm talking about. That raw...untouched...unrefined sound...that I LOVE in a musician. Pela was signed with an independent label, Great Society, from 2007-2008. They are currently unsigned...so I guess it's just a matter of seeing what the future holds.

Other songs to check out: Calvary and Tenement Teeth


New: Ida Maria "I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked"
I suppose like any music, this is definitely an artist that will be hit or miss with most people. Personally, I love it. :) This Norwegian chick belts out some powerhouse vocals, and you never would've guessed it just by looking at her. Her voice itself has a sound that reminds me slightly of Regina Spektor. Their styles, however, don't quite compare. It's the raspy, edgy voice that they share. "Better When You're Naked" is just a fun song. Maybe one of those "rock out in your car" kind of songs. (Okay...maybe that's just me? Haha) I have heard her compared to Nico (from the early Velvet Underground days, for those of you who dont know, and she went on to attempt her own career as well) but am not sure I see the comparison entirely--maybe someone could enlighten me? "Oh My God" is the more popular song, and if you've heard anything by her in passing, that is probably it. And last, "Keep Me Warm" is a more mellow song to give you a taste of that side of Ida's music. So...check it out, and let me know what you think!

Other songs to check out: Oh My God and Keep Me Warm

Enjoy the rest of your day!!!
Peace, Love, & RockNRoll
--A