Okay. So to make up for my SERIOUS lack of posts lately…I have comprised a mega-list of both old and new bands for your listening pleasure, as well as some songs I am absolutely loving right now. :) So—it’s just a jumble of auditory goodies here today! Enjoy, and as always—let me know what you think!
The Decemberists
If you haven’t yet checked out this Portland rock group…I’d advise you to do so—STAT. They played at Lollapalooza this summer, and although we didn’t get a chance to check them out, I had gotten into them a short time before the festival. “The Rake’s Song” is their most notable song at this point--I noticed it on a couple of local radio stations beginning this summer. They have a folk rock/indie rock kind of sound, which they combine with some other really great components like strings, a bit of heavy metal, and even—yes—a children’s choir. Haha “O Valencia!” is a particular fave of mine. It’s much more upbeat than “The Rake’s Song”. I dunno what it is about it—but it’s quite catchy!
The Gaslight Anthem
The Gaslight Anthem is another great band from Lollapalooza! In my opinion, they have a bit of a “Killers” vibe. These guys are from New Brunswick, NJ—so that of course makes them instantly cooler. :) And being from Jersey, they have what some like to call that “Jersey Shore Sound” which is clearly explained in their love for Springsteen and the influence he has had on their music. Check out their song “Here’s Looking At You Kid”.
John Mayer—Battle Studies
I have to admit to my intense love affair with Mr. Mayer. It has been a serious love since the day I first heard him in the summer after my sophomore year in high school. Although I will always have a soft spot for his first album Room For Squares, his new album Battle Studies is FAR from a disappointment. I have listened to it repeatedly from start to finish lately. Of course the song that’s getting overplayed on the radio right now(hey it’s a pet peeve of mine—sorry!), “Who Says?” is truly a great one. Although “Edge of Desire” is one of my personal favorites on this album. John Mayer’s voice has the ability to make me melt (and I don’t think I’m alone here). As most people who read my blog know…I’m all about the lyrics. And while John is a master both vocally and on the guitar…his lyrics are outstanding. There is really not one song on the album that I don’t like—and those are the best kinds of albums…the ones where you put it in and listen to it all the way through without even realizing. So—-I sincerely suggest you check out the album in its entirety the next time you have some down time. And hey—-he looks hot as HELL on the cover if that helps ;-)
Matt &Kim
This cute little duo hails from Brooklyn, NY and their sweet tunes may have caught your attention as their song “Daylight” was featured on a Bacardi commercial fairly recently. They always put the catchiest songs on commercials, so this was one that I heard and had to look into. I spent far too long saying “who IS that?!”. It’s got that fun, dancey vibe. This song in particular has a lot going on. There’s an electronic sound, backed by strings, and a nice cheap synth sound all topped off with an old-school hip hop beat. You might be thinking “Um…yuck?” but check it out! It’s surprisingly appealing! Some other good ones to check out—“Lessons Learned” and “Cinders”. And go ahead…dance in your underwear. It’s the perfect soundtrack for that! :)
Modest Mouse—No One’s First and You’re Next
Modest Mouse released an EP this August which I have just gotten around to listening to. And….It. Is. Splendid. First, the song “King Rat” is a really awesome song, and the recently released video for it is just as great. (It is also noteworthy due to the late Heath Ledger’s contribution to the video—AND proceeds from downloading the video on iTunes go to the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society which is a non-profit marine wildlife conservation group.) This is another album that I really enjoyed start to finish. It’s funny how that works out being that these are all previously unreleased tracks. Yet somehow, they’re cohesive.
Alberta Cross
This is a semi-new find of mine. They’re a blues rock band out of London whose sound has been compared, by some, to the likes of Kings of Leon and Neil Young. But I’m not one to make such comparisons. Haha Sure—they all have that blues influence, but I’ll be honest—I’m not one who’s quick to make comparison to my loves—KOL. I actually found out, after the fact, that they performed at Lollapalooza this summer. Obviously, we did not see them. Lol Anyway, they have a great kind of…updated bluesy sound. There is something so beautiful about lead singer Petter Ericson Stakee’s voice. Two great songs to check out “Low Man” and “The Thief & The Heartbreaker”.
Owl City song “Fireflies”
Okay…as much as I hate to—I’ll admit it. ::whispers:: “I like Owl City”. There. Secret’s out. You might be wondering why this is something I don’t want to admit. Well…lets just say…they’re started playing Owl City on Teen Nick (not that I watch). Haha Okay Okay…now onto the music itself. This band from Minnesota reminds me of The Postal Service. A lot. And after doing a little research, I found they’ve been accused numerous times of ripping off The Postal Service’s sound. Maybe that’s why I like them? Eh, oh well—The Postal Service will always be better. Anyway, as you might have guessed…they have the electronic sound commonly found in their “synthopop” genre. And whether or not they’re ripping off someone else…give em a listen. It can’t hurt. :)
Portugal. The Man.
This alternative/experimental rock band hails ALLLLL the way from Wasilla, Alaska. Yep. That's right. Sarah Palin country. Bet you can see Russia from their house too! ;-) Haha Alright all kidding aside. As someone who is into vocals and lyrics--lead singer John Gourley's voice is something that is really distinct about this group. His high-pitched vocals alongside lyrics full of imagery combine to create some really good shit. Being an experimental group, they play with things like drum machines, keyboard, and even synth loops in their music. And they've got a lot of soul. :) So...check em out.
Okay loves, that's all for now! Enjoy...it's a lot!!! haha
Peace,Love,&RockNRoll,
--A
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