Spent 24 hours humming Corrine Bailey Rae

I've been humming this song all day and while at work. I can't get over how smooth her voice is.

Paramore release "In the Mourning"

When Paramore first announced the departure of two it's founding members in December 2010, it was a shock for all fans. But the remaining three members handled the news by diving into writing new songs. The first song the band wrote together was "In the Mourning." The song was accompanied by a video of Hayley Williams and Taylor York acoustically performing the song. I have to admit it's a different direction for the band know for their pop laced lyrics. But, the song does show a vulnerability within the band.

Another movie trailer song sucked me in...

"Stars" by Dead Hearts plays in the trailer for the indie film "Like Crazy" I have the urge to see this movie just based on the music.

El Camino matches expectations

Exactly at midnight Dec. 6 the new Black Keys album, El Camino graced my iPhone. The 11 track album, embodies a retro tone, but it has some taste of their previous album, Brothers. To promote the album the band performed on Saturday Night Live. To be honest "Lonely Boy" sounded a little off, but "Gold on the Ceiling" became new fave instantly. I'm still determined to see them perform live, it's actually become a huge goal in my life. Screw becoming a millionaire.

Songs to download: "Money Maker" & "Little Black Submarines"..Just download the whole album, it's worth it.

It's a Blink 182 kinda night

I'm posting this video because I feel like it and because I can.

The 2012 Grammy nominations

Adele, Bruno Mars and Mumford and Sons are all nominated for Record of theYear for the 2012 Grammy Awards. 

I usually frown upon the Grammy's every year because of the lack of awesomeness in the nominations, but this year they've really turned around until I saw Sum 41 was nominated. 

The mere fact that Maroon 5 got nominated for "Moves like Jagger" makes me wanna give the middle finger to every random person I encounter. Also that Sum 41's nomination is actually real and placed in the Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance category makes me lose faith in society. 

Another nice surprise was Tina Fey's autobiography Bossypants was nominated for Best Spoken Word Album. If she doesn't win that one I'm burning something down. 

Here's a short rundown of whose nominated: 

Arcade Fire: Best Recording Package (Scenes from The Suburbs) 

( I can admit that this category is bland, but they do deserve that win since they blew my mind last year by winning Album of the Year) 

Foo Fighters: (6 nominations) Album of the Year (Wasting Light), Best Rock Performance ("Walk"), Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance ("White Limo"), Best Rock Song ("Walk"), Best Rock Album (Wasting Light), Best Long Form Music Video (Foo Fighters: Back and Forth) 

(2011 has been a great year for the Foo Fighters hopefully it can end on a good note for them as well) 

Adele: (6 nominations) Record of The Year ("Rolling in the Deep"), Album of The Year (21), Song of The Year (Rolling in The Deep), Best Pop Solo Performance ("Someone Like You"), Best Short Form Music Video ("Rolling in the Deep"), Best Pop Vocal Album (21)

(She's bound to win a few awards and I'm not even going to ramble on about it, because she deserves every single one.) 

The Black Keys: Best Pop Duo/Group Performance ("Dearest")

(I have to admit I had to search this one up, but either way it's The Black Keys and I've been blasting "Lonely Boy" so much the beat is immortalized in my head.)

Kings Of Leon: (2 nominations) Best Rock Album (Come Around Sundown), Best Long Form Music Video (Talihina Sky: The Story of Kings Of Leon)

(THEY HAVE TO WIN SOMETHING SO I CAN TAKE A SHOT FOR THE WIN! And Yes, I'm aware I just all caps that because it deserves to be in all caps.) 

Mumford and Sons: (4 nominations) Record of the Year ("The Cave"), Song of The Year ("The Cave"), Best Rock Performance ("The Cave"), Best Rock Song ("The Cave")

(The fact that I want them to serenade me in my sleep should be proof that I want them to win. They could even perform again just to put a smile on my face.) 

Bruno Mars: (6 nominations) Record of The Year ("Grenade") , Album of The Year (Doo-Wops & Hooligans), Song of The Year (Grenade), Best Pop Solo Performance ("Grenade"), Best Pop Vocal Album (Doo-Wops & Hooligans), Producer of the Year Non-Classical 

(I have to admit that I tried not liking him at first, but he sucked me in with his first single "Just the way you are". If you're a female and don't like at least one of his songs, you dont' deserve to have feelings.) 

Coldplay: (3 nominations) Best Pop/Duo Performance ("Paradise"), Best Rock Performance ("Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall"), Best Rock Song ("Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall")

Bon Iver: (4 nominations) Record of The Year ("Holocene"), Song Of The Year ("Holocene"), Best New Artist, Best Alternative Music Album (Bon Iver)

Death Cab for Cutie: Best Alternative Music Album (Codes and Keys)

Fleet Foxes: Best Folk Album (Helplessness Blues)

My Morning Jacket: Best Alternative Music Album (Circuital)

Radiohead: (5 nominations) Best Rock Performance ("Lotus Flower"), Best Rock Song ("Lotus Flower"), Best Alternative Music Album (The King Of Limbs), Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package (The King Of Limbs), Best Short Form Music Video ("Lotus Flower")

She & Him: Best Song Written for Visual Media ("So Long")

TV On The Radio: Best Long Form Music Video (Nine Types Of Light) 

Wilco: Best Rock Album (The Whole Love) 

Robyn: (2 nominations) Best Dance Recording ("Call Your Girlfriend"), Best Dance/Electronica Album (Body Talk Pt. 3) 

Composing the top albums list

This is going to be tricky because I've been diving into alot of new music lately, so I might end up being biased. I know that some are already shoe ins, but I have to wait until mid December so I can give the new Black Keys album a chance.

I blame Scream 4 for this

Ida Maria performing "Bad Karma" 

I already love Ida Maria, but then I ended up Scream 4 twice for two main reasons: To point out the craziness and establish the fact that Wes Craven is a sneaky bastard. But I also ended up loving Ida Maria's song featured on the soundtrack. As I can tell this song is rarely performed live. 

Kings of Leon...I love you

Kings of Leon performing "Talihina Sky" 

Kings of Leon can do no wrong. Yeah, I said it. I recently watched their documentary "Talihina Sky," which made me love them every more, regardless of their concert mishaps. This is the song that accompanied the movie during the credits. If you haven't seen the documentary I highly recommend you do.

Not a big fan of covers, but this I can applaud to

Dia Frampton covers The Avett Brothers "Ballad of Love and Hate" 

Dia Frampton, of the band Meg & Dia has grown more popular lately due to that annoying singing competition show on NBC. I associate her with the band her twin sister, Meg and her started. I followed the band for a while, but their songs were well written and pretty heartfelt. I stumbled upon some of her covers on YouTube and this one stuck to me.

Mumford and Sons perform a new song

I have no words to describe how amazing this song is. I'm anxiously waiting for the official release. The title is called "Ghosts that we knew."

Nerd-spasm of the year...

I have many nerd moments, but the ultimate spazz out moment happened when the full trailer of The Avengers movie came out. I screamed like a little kid seeing The Lion King for the first time. Every time I watch the trailer I get goosebumps of excitement.

Thanks Hulu Plus

I've been hooked on watching a bunch of things on Hulu Plus and I came across a British TV show called "Misfits" over the summer. It's so damn addicting that the theme song was stuck in my head for days. And now after a very drawn out search I've found the song. In you face society!

Childish Gambino

I'm usually not a big hip-hop fan, which I blame on my past household members. But, Childish Gambino aka actor Donald Glover has changed my attitude towards it for now. He's released a slew of four albums and three EP's, the current album release will be Camp on Nov. 15. Prior to the album date NPR streamed the album for free along with various other sites. From what I've heard it's going to exceed my expectations, but I'm still blasting his last EP that featured "Freaks and Geeks." The single from Camp is "Bonfire" and ironically every time I hear it I wanna start lighting things on fire in a frenzy.

I go to movies more for the music, than the actual movie

I love when I see a movie in theaters and the one main thing I take away with me is the motivate to download the movie soundtrack. I had that notion with Crazy, Stupid, Love. And undoubtedly "Blood" by The Middle East stuck with me.

Paramore is being generous

The now trio of Paramore are continuing to work on their fourth studio album. They've decided to officially release three new singles via "The Singles Club" where they release a new single until the end of the year. In October they released "Renegade," which shows the promise of being the lead single off the new album. This month they unleashed, "Hello Cold World." I still don't know how I feel about the song, but I'm giving it a chance since I deeply love this band. Next month, they are releasing the first new song written with the threesome "In the Mourning" which has the early traits of "Franklin" and "Misguided Ghosts."

The Black Keys made another awesome song

The Black Keys are continuing to invade my iPhone by releasing a new album, El Camino  in December 2011. Along with that new album, they've already topped the cake with their lead single, "Lonely Boy." I even have most of the dance moves from the video down, thanks to all my mornings getting ready for work and dancing around like the true weirdo I am.

Finally saw the Arctic Monkeys in concert

I witnessed pure awesomeness on Oct. 15, by attending the Arctic Monkeys concert. I still can't fathom all of that night because it was that good. But, I promise a more in length account later on this week. 

Catching up on my first love

Between graduating from college and moving to Baltimore, I've had little time to fully immerse myself in the sweet sounds of new music. But, since I needed to find something to do during my breaks at work, I dived  into my iTunes account with no looking back. The outcome was pretty awesome. 

I download Florence + the Machine's new album which has been played on a continuous loop all week. The lead single off the band's second studio album, Ceremonials, "What the Water gave me" didn't exactly blow me away, but it kept me interested. However, that interest turned into lust when I heard the second single, "Shake it out." Yes, it's that good. With Florence Welch's whimsical voice accompanying every track, the album is an instant favorite and most likely a top 5 contender in the Top 10 albums of 2011 list. 

Songs to download: "Only if for a night" & "Bedroom Hymns" 

"Shake it out" Music Video

The MTV awards did something right

At this year's MTV awards, the band Young the Giant performed on the main stage. I had no idea who they were until they started playing the opening notes to their song "My Body" and I have to admit I was hooked. I was so hooked I immediately downloaded their whole entire album. I advise you to do the same.

So I've been missing in action

I'm just gonna go ahead and throw the Paramore video up that came out a few weeks ago.

Perfect song...

One of the many songs to the soundtrack of my life.

Lyric videos

How are lyric videos becoming awesome? Anyway I was unsure about going back to my Taking Back Sunday love obsession, but I have to admit that their new album hasn't left my speakers since I bought it a few weeks ago. It's addictive. 

Song of the moment

Just fully listened to this album and I fell in love. She has the perfect vocals and the melodies are memorizing. Plus this song played yesterday during my birthday. 

Avett Brothers hit high notes with albums

When a band has the ability to innovate themselves away from the norm of the music industry, their music takes precedence over all the other bands. When a band is able to stick with their innovative attitudes, their albums have the rawness that most artists are unable to do.

                The musical group The Avett Brothers has made a name for themselves in the blues-folk area. The Concord, N.C., based band has gained recognition in the music industry for staying pure with their sound.

                The band consists of Scott (vocals, piano, acoustic guitar, banjo and harmonica) and Seth (vocals, piano, acoustic guitar and drum kit) Avett, Bob Crawford (vocals, upright bass and trumpet) and Joe Kwon (cello). The band formed in 2000.

                With their latest album I and Love and You the band received help from producer Rick Rubin. Rubin is widely known for his work with many rock bands, including Linkin Park, Rage Against the Machine and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. He's known for his way of stripping down songs, which includes limited back up for vocals and sound.

                I and Love and You was the major label debut album. It garnered a hit and produced their 17 track live concert album, Live Vol. 3. I and Love and You peaked at number 16 on the Billboard top 200 charts. It was the number one folk album in the country at the time.

                The band’s fifth studio album, Emotionalism was released in 2007. It debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Heat Seekers Albums chart. Later on, it entered the Billboard top 200 charts at number 134.

                I and Love and You was truly a gem among other albums last year. The lyrics to the songs seem like the most poetic verses to ever be read. The song "Kick Drum Heart," is upbeat and brings a lot of drum beats to the eardrum, while the song "January Wedding," is more soulful and heartfelt. The whole album conveys the feeling of love, loneliness and yearning for something more.

                The band has been self promoting themselves for years, their five studio albums, four EP’s and three live albums. They also toured to promote each album; most of the shows occurred in North Carolina

                The Avett Brothers performed at the Bonnaroo Music festival in June 2010. The harmonies on each of their albums are perfect, and they each blend smoothly in with the sound waves escaping through the headphones. With their indie rock and folk sound, they border the line of sounding like a Mountain Man version of the Beatles.

                Their love laced lyrics also help with the comparison. Fans who appreciate bluegrass, folk rock or country will greatly enjoy the sounds of the Avett Brothers.

Dobson attempts to lure fans back with album

                The long awaited official second album by Canadian rocker FeFe Dobson was finally released Nov. 30. After being pushed back numerous times due to Dobson being dropped from her original label and then being signed back on two years later put a strain on the album. Most of the original songs slated to be featured on the album, Joy were eliminated and Dobson had to write new songs.

                The 13 track album features a wide range of Dobson’s vocal talent. However, it strongly lacks the best quality Dobson has to offer, her punk rock attitude. With Dobson’s range of putting her own unique twist on her music, the album is still lackluster.

                It debuted in the Canadian Charts landing in the top 60. The album has not charted in the U.S., yet, and the chance of it doing so is slim unless she promotes the album better. She’s performed on several U.S. news shows and on a few lukewarm popular television shows.

                Two singles were released at the same time for the album entitled, “I Want You 2 Watch Me Move.” Its two song titles combined into one, and they were only promo songs.  Both singles were commercial hits. “Watch Me Move” was featured on numerous television show promos.

                The first official single was “Ghost,” a song about a scorned ex who sees her ex with another girl. The video sheds light on how Dobson has matured. She still possesses the energy of legendary rocker Joan Jett.

                The album has more of a pop-esque edge to it, even though Dobson tries to hold on to her edgy side.  “Thanks for Nothing” and “In Your Touch” still prove that Dobson is a superb lyricist who can convey almost any emotion into a song. The one thing the album shy’s away from is sappy love songs.

                “Stuttering” is a confusing song, about being scorned by a lover, which seems to be a recurring theme throughout the album.

                The best tracks, “I Made Out with Your Boyfriend” and “Johnny Cash,” are hidden on the iTunes deluxe version of the album.  She tries to redeem herself in her fans’ eyes with this album, but the poppy sound will completely throw off fans at first.  Fans will be able to tell how much Dobson put into this album, especially since it took over six years for her to gain her spotlight back.

                But, the album lacks the hardcore sound that made fans fall in love with her. Dobson is currently touring to support the album with acoustic shows across the U.S. 

               Granted Dobson was 18 years old when her self titled first album was released, but she still tries to hold on to that Joan Jett mentality. The album is fair, but with the right state of mind it could have been better.

Florence and the Machine garners attention w/ enchanting album

                London based band Florence and The Machine has made a remarkable mark in the U.S. The band is composed of solo singer Florence Welch and a backing band of musicians.  The 24-year-old fiery red head has been making a notable track record when it comes to live shows by touring most the U.K. since 2009.

                They performed at the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize Concert in December, and most recently Welch performed during the opening Aretha Franklin Tribute at the 53rd Grammy Awards.  The band was nominated for Best New Artist at the 53rd Grammy’s. They will also be embarking on a U.S. tour this summer.

                They’ve been classified as art rock, folk rock and soul, which is a very rare mix to uphold.  The debut album, Lungs, was released July 6, 2009, by Island records. The album has received immense praise in the U.K. by debuting at number two on the charts.

                Lungs stayed at the top of the charts for 65 weeks making it the top selling album in the U.K. in 2009 and 2010. It has been certified four times platinum in the U.K. and two times platinum in Australia.  

                The first single released off the album, “Kiss with a Fist,” became a worldwide commercial hit.  It was featured in several U.S. television shows, including the NBC comedy Community. Contrary to its lyrics, the song is about a ‘punch drunk love’ type of relationship.

               Welch used the album as a 46 minute therapy session after a short lived spilt from her boyfriend at the time.  The second and the most triumphant of her singles, “Dog Days are over” became a hit during the summer of 2010.

                It was used in countless television promos and movie trailers such as the 2010 Julia Roberts movie, “Eat, Pray, Love.” She even performed the song at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards.

                Originally the song had a stripped down version that was included on the album. The song became so widely popular that it was performed by the actors on the high school based musical show, Glee.

                The album is encased with spitfire passion and aggression about a relationship gone wrong. The imagery and vivid lyrics give the listener the hint of a scorned lover speaking their mind.

                The one instrument that the album possesses that others lack is a harp. As uncommon as it may sound, the harp brings the seemingly wood nymph feeling to each song.  Other notable songs on the album include, “Drumming Song,” which showcases Welch’s songwriting skills, and “You’ve got the love” significantly displays Welch’s vocal ability.

                The album basically entails a whirlwind romance that goes through bumps and the spark ignites between them repeatedly.  Most of the lyrics have a hint of similarity with Edgar Allen Poe writings that depict death and sadness.

                Welch has that mysterious ability to entice a listener with love sick melodies and then slap them in the face with every sad emotion known to mankind.

                The band is currently working on their second studio album which is set for a 2011 release date. Welch is also in the studio collaborating with Canadian Rapper Drake for his second studio album.

Adele delivers highly impressive sophomore album

      Every musician has the ability to evoke emotion in their music, but the level of emotion depends on the musician’s vocal abilities. U.K. singer, Adele is perhaps the best musician who can accomplish that feat.

      The 22 year old had major success with her first album, “19.” It earned her the 2010 Grammy for Best New Artist and also for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Her appearance on a 2008 episode of the acclaimed show, “Saturday Night Live,” vaulted her to the top of the Billboard charts overnight.

      The recently released album, “21,” is truly an astonishing album that indulges into heartbreak and desire for the love she lost. The 11-track album captures every pure feeling involved in love. It’s a version of a diary that most people crave to read.  Unlike her previous album, this one captures the angst and the bitterness of someone who’s going through heartbreak.

      The album has defeated the obstacle that most sophomore albums lack, becoming the number one album in its first week of release. Not only that, but after her performance at the 2011 Brit Awards, that was so beautiful it wouldn’t be a surprise if a few tears were shed.

      The first single, “Rolling in the deep,” has become a massive hit with the soulful sound she carries in her vocals. The song has no similarities to her previous major singles, “Chasing Pavements” and “Hometown Glory.”

      She does her own rendition of “Love song,” which is hands down probably the best version of the song ever made. Yes, it even beats 311’s version.

      This album pulls at the heartstrings of a confused and bitter lover. It keeps the listener in a trance that makes them feel the sorrow and hurt that Adele provides in each song.

      The true inspiration for the album surfaced during her U.S. tour to promote her first album, 19. She was introduced to bluegrass and country while on tour and that made “21” an exceptional album. She collaborated with record producer Rick Rubin, and One Republic lead singer Ryan Tedder contributed to the album.

      Tedder’s effort in the song, “Turning Tables” is startlingly excellent and it doesn’t mimic his work with other musicians.

      The album truly shows the feelings of heartbreak and bitterness mixed in with a few cheerful tunes. When Adele started production on the album she was going through a difficult breakup and the album became her method of venting out all those built up emotions.

      Adele has the flawless ability to keep the listener drawn in. The track “Someone like you” is hands down the best of the album.  With no other instruments on the track but a piano, she brings all the sorrow that comes with losing love gracefully.

      It has so much raw emotion and the lyric, “Regrets and mistakes they're memories made, who would have known how bittersweet this would taste,” gives the song the intimate feeling of longing.

Foo Fighters to release Wasting Light April 12

It’s a great achievement when a rock band can stay intact for more than 10 years. The Foo Fighters has exceeded that expectation by continuing to make guitar riff heavy music for 17 years.

They recently released their first single “Rope” from their seventh studio album Wasting Light, which is set for release April 12.

Along with the release of Wasting Light, the band is premiering their first film on April 12, which chronicles the band’s years together.  The band formed in 1994 with front man Dave Grohl, who’s most noted for being the drummer for grunge band Nirvana.

Rounding out the current members of Foo Fighters is Chris Shiflett (lead guitar, rhythm guitar and backing vocals), Nate Mendel (bass), Taylor Hawkins (drums, percussion and backing vocals) and recently returning member Pat Smear (rhythm guitar, lead guitar, and backing vocals).

The new 11 track album is the first full collaboration with noted producer Butch Vig. He is most known for being the mastermind behind Nirvana’s Nevermind album.  The album was produced and recorded in Grohl’s garage, and it features a collaboration with Krist Novoselic, Grohl’s former Nirvana band mate.

The album was made with no computer software, everything was on analog tape. Picturing the Foo Fighters taking this approach was hard, but as the first single “Rope” shows it’s worked out for the best.

Their last studio album Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace (2007) was nominated for five 2008 Grammy Awards. The band won two of those five awards. It was an incredible album that showcased many sides of the band. They experimented with bluegrass and dramatic effects with the album.

But, with Wasting Light there’s a strong possibility, it will trump all preconceived notions by wary fans.

Lykke Li releases darker new album

Swedish Indie singer Lykke Li has the power to keep the world in tune with her undeniable unique sound.

Li is perhaps one of the most creative artists in today’s industry. With her whispery voice and love scorn lyrics, each song captivates a listener. Li has been a fan favorite of indie artist with her mix of soul and electro pop. With her new album, Wounded Rhymes, she decided to record in Los Angeles. The album was released Feb. 25 to rave reviews.

The album tops her debut, Youth Novels. The lyrics are more powerful and the sound is more eclectic. It’s a darker album than Youth Novels.

In the first single, “Get some” she expresses having all the power in a relationship. With infectious hooks and danceable beats, Wounded Rhymes falls easily in the category of one of the top albums of 2011. The ballad “Unrequited Love” shows the vulnerable side that the album possesses with melodic guitar riffs and amazing backing vocals.

The album opener “Youth Knows No Pain” brings the noise with upbeat drums. Even though Youth Novels was an impressive debut album with songs like “Little Bit,” “Breaking it up,” and “Everybody but me,” no other songs featured on the new album sound like duplications of those songs.

The major winners on the sophomore album are the ballads that embody that raw sound the Li is notorious for. With her emotional and impeccable creative mind, Wounded Rhymes is far from horrible.

Li had a single featured on the soundtrack of the Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack. The song, “Possibility,” is an absolutely haunting song about heartbreak. The soundtrack topped the charts and gave Li a wider fan base.

Hip Hop phenom Drake used “Little Bit,” on a mix tape he released before he dominated the U.S. charts.
She even did a cover of the song “Knocked Up” which is by Kings of Leon and that makes her incredible in the eyes of music lovers.

Incubus returns after five-year recording hiatus

One band that has been a stable in the alternative rock genre is Incubus.

Since its debut in 1991, the band hasn’t left room for disappointment with their poetic lyrics and monumental albums.

Lead singer Brandon Boyd is the epitome of brilliant along with Mike Einziger (lead guitar/ backing vocals), Ben Kenney (bass guitar/ backing vocals), Chris Kilmore (turntables/ keyboards) and Jose Pasillas (drums) collectively are just musical geniuses.

Even with their third album, Make Yourself producing hit songs such as “Drive,” “Pardon Me,” and “Stellar” making the band a notable fix in music it didn’t make them a platinum band. 

By far the best of their work shows on their fourth studio album, Morning View, which had a softer tone than their previous albums.  Morning View made Incubus that band for the ultimate summer mix tape with its smooth melodies and harmonious lyrics.  Songs like “11am” and “Echo” have unbelievable melodies.  Fans could tell that their sound has changed over the years as they have matured.

Their latest album Light Grenades was released in 2006 and scored the band their first number one slot on the Billboard charts. After Light Grenades the band went on a five year hiatus as they all decided to focus on their personal lives.  

As with most bands who take an extended hiatus, their record company released a greatest hits album entitled, Monuments and Melodies in June 2009. The compilation included a bonus disk with b-sides, covers, and alternate takes and became the band’s fourth album to reach the top five on the Billboard charts.

The new album, If Not Now, When is planned for a July 2011 release. The first single off the album

“Adolescents” embodies the same Incubus sound that many have to come to love. The 11 track album will hopefully show more of the band’s maturity and Boyd’s creative song writing. 

So far the critics love the buzz around the new album; hopefully that won’t hinder fans thoughts if the album falls short. But, come on its Incubus. They can do no wrong in their fans’ hearts.