[Sorry for the old post...its from February...and I never posted it. I suck. Carry On]
So--buried under FEET of snow...with a day off from work....I've decided to take some time to bombard you all with some stuff I am loving right now. I have been cuddled up in bed all morning catching up on the latest issue of Rolling Stone and perusing my usual music sites over a cup of tea and reruns of Sex in the City (could a morning GET any better?!).
Without further ado--we'll start things off with a recommendation. :)
New: Broken Bells--"The High Road"
My boyfriend suggested I check out Broken Bells. I knew the name sounded familiar--and realized that was because Rolling Stone just did a writeup on them. So I will introduce them to you guys as well! :) As the bf noted, they have a little something that's vaguely reminiscent of Oasis. At the same time though they combine a slight psychedelic sound with more of a grounded hiphop feel. If that sounds simply AWFUL to you--just give it a chance. You might find yourself pleasantly surprised. Rolling Stone described them as "part Kanye West, part Brian Eno" which I feel really hits the nail on the head. (Everyone knows who Kanye is--unfortunately, haha--but for those of you who are unfamiliar with Brian Eno--he is most known for his experimental work with ambient music (synthesizers and the like) in the 70's and 80's. He was part of the band Roxy Music in the 70s before moving on to a solo career.)You might also recognize the vocals as lead singer James Mercer from the Shins. Anyway, if you're anything like me-you get tired of hearing bands that sound the same--so this was a nice little change of pace.
Old: Phoenix--"Lisztomania"
Okay by now EVERYONE has most likely heard of Phoenix. If not--have no fear--its not too late for you to join in the craze!! Haha Okay but seriously--there is something totally catchy about these guys. Its one of those bands...you know the kind I'm talking about...where you just can't help but move to their music. Rolling Stone noted in their writeup in regards to how these hits and a lot of their music "thrives on minimal guitar grooves that emphasize rhythm above all else"--which is where the dancing comes in. This French alt rock band has REALLY taken off lately. Nominated for a bunch of awards...popping up at tons of summer music festivals...and tons of media exposure (commercials, movie trailers, etc.) Personally, I love their song "Lisztomania", which has gotten a lot of airtime along with their other hit "1901". But if you're looking for something not so...popular-and maybe a little less "pop-py and upbeat"...check out "Everything is Everything" and "Rome".
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Corinne Bailey Rae, Elizabeth and the Catapult, & Orianthi
Today I'm givin' my love to the ladies and focusing on a few female artists/groups that I love. These are much harder to come by.
Old: Corinne Bailey Rae--"Trouble Sleeping"
This little lady has been a love of mine for quite some time now. If you are familiar with it her at all, you're probably familiar with her song "Put Your Records On" because it got a lot of airtime when her first album came out. For me, the single selected from an album for radio play is usually the song I like the least--and that is the case here. She has so much more to offer than that. There is so much soul in her singing, and her English accent adds a nice little touch. haha Rae released her 2nd album, The Sea, one week ago today. I am in the process of checking it out--so I will really focus on her 1st album here. Her first album, which is self-titled, is one that I love to just put on and listen to in its entirety. Especially while driving. It is very soothing. Her sound does have a touch of jazz to it, and many have likened her to the great Billie Holiday.
Other songs to Check Out: "Like A Star" and "I'd Like To"
New: Elizabeth and the Catapult--"Race You Back Home"
Thanks to a reader recommendation a few months ago I was introduced to the musical styling of Elizabeth and the Catapult. :) They're a pop/rock trio out of Brooklyn with a really sunny, upbeat sound. The "pop" label might instantly turn some of you off, but labels are silly. :) When I think of pop I think of happy, bubblegum bands that are instantly radio-ready. Elizabeth and the Catapult ARE fairly upbeat and I would venture to say their music IS rather radio-ready, but there is still something about them that I really like. If you're in the mood for something entirely uncomplicated...you've found your match with this group. And sometimes that's exactly what you're looking for. A lot of their music is the kind you put on and just can't help but move to. :)
Other Songs to Check Out: "Momma's Boy"
New: Orianthi--"According to You"
This Aussie chic has been on my radar for a while, although she is moving rather quickly into the spotlight due to her collaboration with Michael Jackson as the guitarist for his This Is It comeback tour. She's made a few appearances on the talk show circuit lately, which will definitely help her career. Her single "According to You" did quite well on the charts in the UK and is also doing well here in the US. In my opinion, it will be interesting to see what her next move is musically. I'll admit, and I think most guys would agree, there is something hot about a girl that plays the guitar. Vocally, I'd compare her to an edgier Kelly Clarkson. But the focus is really on this girl's skills on the guitar. One of her noted influences is Carlos Santana, which doesn't come as a real shocker considering her sound. I would love to see her stray a little further from the "pop" sound, especially in her vocals, and move into something a little more harsh and bluesy. I'd say you should definitely give her a shot.
Other songs to Check Out: "Lights of Manos" (instrumental)
Feel free to give me your feedback on my picks. And Send me your recommendations! I'm always interested in hearing something new! :)
Peace,Love,& RockNRoll,
--A
Old: Corinne Bailey Rae--"Trouble Sleeping"
This little lady has been a love of mine for quite some time now. If you are familiar with it her at all, you're probably familiar with her song "Put Your Records On" because it got a lot of airtime when her first album came out. For me, the single selected from an album for radio play is usually the song I like the least--and that is the case here. She has so much more to offer than that. There is so much soul in her singing, and her English accent adds a nice little touch. haha Rae released her 2nd album, The Sea, one week ago today. I am in the process of checking it out--so I will really focus on her 1st album here. Her first album, which is self-titled, is one that I love to just put on and listen to in its entirety. Especially while driving. It is very soothing. Her sound does have a touch of jazz to it, and many have likened her to the great Billie Holiday.
Other songs to Check Out: "Like A Star" and "I'd Like To"
New: Elizabeth and the Catapult--"Race You Back Home"
Thanks to a reader recommendation a few months ago I was introduced to the musical styling of Elizabeth and the Catapult. :) They're a pop/rock trio out of Brooklyn with a really sunny, upbeat sound. The "pop" label might instantly turn some of you off, but labels are silly. :) When I think of pop I think of happy, bubblegum bands that are instantly radio-ready. Elizabeth and the Catapult ARE fairly upbeat and I would venture to say their music IS rather radio-ready, but there is still something about them that I really like. If you're in the mood for something entirely uncomplicated...you've found your match with this group. And sometimes that's exactly what you're looking for. A lot of their music is the kind you put on and just can't help but move to. :)
Other Songs to Check Out: "Momma's Boy"
New: Orianthi--"According to You"
This Aussie chic has been on my radar for a while, although she is moving rather quickly into the spotlight due to her collaboration with Michael Jackson as the guitarist for his This Is It comeback tour. She's made a few appearances on the talk show circuit lately, which will definitely help her career. Her single "According to You" did quite well on the charts in the UK and is also doing well here in the US. In my opinion, it will be interesting to see what her next move is musically. I'll admit, and I think most guys would agree, there is something hot about a girl that plays the guitar. Vocally, I'd compare her to an edgier Kelly Clarkson. But the focus is really on this girl's skills on the guitar. One of her noted influences is Carlos Santana, which doesn't come as a real shocker considering her sound. I would love to see her stray a little further from the "pop" sound, especially in her vocals, and move into something a little more harsh and bluesy. I'd say you should definitely give her a shot.
Other songs to Check Out: "Lights of Manos" (instrumental)
Feel free to give me your feedback on my picks. And Send me your recommendations! I'm always interested in hearing something new! :)
Peace,Love,& RockNRoll,
--A
Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons, The Avett Brothers, & South Jordan
First post of 2010! Wooooo! haha Okay...I know I'm behind--it's February. :) So...what am I starting out my new year listening to? Quite a few things actually! After all--a new year means lots of new things! So I encourage you to embrace new music in OH-TEN!!! :) Maybe it could be a resolution of sorts. So--without further ado...
Old: South Jordan--"Firefly"
I definitely have a soft spot for these guys because they formed in Bloomington, IN. :) I met the lead singer, Michael David Hall one day when he came into The Buckle while I was working. He mentioned that he had just finished performing at the IU Dance Marathon, and being me--with my music obsession--I asked what kind of music they played. Well, this lovely boy pulled out a CD and handed it to me (great promotion skills, haha). So once he left I immediately ran to the back to put it into the CD player. They have a sound that's vaguely reminiscent of The Fray. Michael has a really amazing voice. Oddly enough they recently put a cover of The Fray's "You Found Me" on their MySpace page that is pretty spot on. Lyrically they are quite talented, which is always something I'm attracted to. I have so much respect for people with such talent and I would love to turn some people outside of the Midwest on to them (although they're doing a pretty good job of that themselves). In my opinion--they sound nothing like a band that's just starting their musical journey. :) But I'll leave that to you to decide. http://www.myspace.com/southjordanmusic
Other songs to Check Out: "Fatal Flaw" and "Runaway"
New: Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons--"Born Again"
This Wisconsin folk-rock band is considered part of the "Americana" genre and that really hits the nail on the head as far as their sound goes. Their Southern roots are definitely present in their sound. There's also something very...Springsteen-esque about the vocals. After doing a little research I found out that a few of the band members are actually from The Raconteurs! The music has a sort of "earthy" sound to it. Just very...natural. In an interview Cory discussed his hesitancy to ever leave the Midwest and explained how "nature is a critical part of his artistic process". He said, "If you’re in a superficial environment, I think the music tends to lean that way. Something about being in the woods… it’s a critic, the environment itself". There is something really beautiful about that mentality and it really shines through in their work. I always love music that is raw. I think this is why I find myself attracted to indie bands--no one has tampered with their sound or "corrected" anything. It's just musicians doing what feels/sounds right to them. This is a group you definitely don't want to miss out on!!
Other songs to Check Out: "Calm Down"
New: The Avett Brothers--"I and Love and You"
Well it seems my two new bands are both a bit southern...which is something VERY new for me. In the past I have stayed far away from anything remotely reminiscent of country music. I'll admit that I'm usually pretty quick to write off anyone that claims to have a "southern sound". But one of MY new year's resolution is to give more thought to things I might not normally be open to. So--here goes nothing, right? I mean I love classic Southern Rock...so I can't be a hypocrite, now can I? Well, this folk-rock, bluegrass trio has really won my heart. They are definitely hitting the music scene in a big way...having recently opened for Dave Matthews Band and Widespread Panic, as well as performing with the likes of Wilco and My Morning Jacket. Some of their songs have a bit heavier of a Southern influence than others, with their heavy use of banjo as evidence. Although those may take a little more warming up for me, I have found a number of songs I really do enjoy. They have taken their southern roots and infused them with folk-rock and it is really relaxing to listen to. I hope you'll agree! :)
Other songs to Check Out: "Will You Return?" and "Find My Love"
As always...turn it on and turn it UPPPPP!!! :)
Peace,Love,& RockNRoll,
--A
Old: South Jordan--"Firefly"
I definitely have a soft spot for these guys because they formed in Bloomington, IN. :) I met the lead singer, Michael David Hall one day when he came into The Buckle while I was working. He mentioned that he had just finished performing at the IU Dance Marathon, and being me--with my music obsession--I asked what kind of music they played. Well, this lovely boy pulled out a CD and handed it to me (great promotion skills, haha). So once he left I immediately ran to the back to put it into the CD player. They have a sound that's vaguely reminiscent of The Fray. Michael has a really amazing voice. Oddly enough they recently put a cover of The Fray's "You Found Me" on their MySpace page that is pretty spot on. Lyrically they are quite talented, which is always something I'm attracted to. I have so much respect for people with such talent and I would love to turn some people outside of the Midwest on to them (although they're doing a pretty good job of that themselves). In my opinion--they sound nothing like a band that's just starting their musical journey. :) But I'll leave that to you to decide. http://www.myspace.com/southjordanmusic
Other songs to Check Out: "Fatal Flaw" and "Runaway"
New: Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons--"Born Again"
This Wisconsin folk-rock band is considered part of the "Americana" genre and that really hits the nail on the head as far as their sound goes. Their Southern roots are definitely present in their sound. There's also something very...Springsteen-esque about the vocals. After doing a little research I found out that a few of the band members are actually from The Raconteurs! The music has a sort of "earthy" sound to it. Just very...natural. In an interview Cory discussed his hesitancy to ever leave the Midwest and explained how "nature is a critical part of his artistic process". He said, "If you’re in a superficial environment, I think the music tends to lean that way. Something about being in the woods… it’s a critic, the environment itself". There is something really beautiful about that mentality and it really shines through in their work. I always love music that is raw. I think this is why I find myself attracted to indie bands--no one has tampered with their sound or "corrected" anything. It's just musicians doing what feels/sounds right to them. This is a group you definitely don't want to miss out on!!
Other songs to Check Out: "Calm Down"
New: The Avett Brothers--"I and Love and You"
Well it seems my two new bands are both a bit southern...which is something VERY new for me. In the past I have stayed far away from anything remotely reminiscent of country music. I'll admit that I'm usually pretty quick to write off anyone that claims to have a "southern sound". But one of MY new year's resolution is to give more thought to things I might not normally be open to. So--here goes nothing, right? I mean I love classic Southern Rock...so I can't be a hypocrite, now can I? Well, this folk-rock, bluegrass trio has really won my heart. They are definitely hitting the music scene in a big way...having recently opened for Dave Matthews Band and Widespread Panic, as well as performing with the likes of Wilco and My Morning Jacket. Some of their songs have a bit heavier of a Southern influence than others, with their heavy use of banjo as evidence. Although those may take a little more warming up for me, I have found a number of songs I really do enjoy. They have taken their southern roots and infused them with folk-rock and it is really relaxing to listen to. I hope you'll agree! :)
Other songs to Check Out: "Will You Return?" and "Find My Love"
As always...turn it on and turn it UPPPPP!!! :)
Peace,Love,& RockNRoll,
--A
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