Monday, March 29, 2010
Hayley Williams proves why she's amazing...
Hayley Williams put her own twist on the annoyingly good song "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga.
Friday, March 26, 2010
5 must-see summer concerts
With summertime inching closer, summer music concerts are being announced. Concerts have become a definite high of mine and I plan on doing it as much as possible. With the disadvantage of not living next to huge venue, a lot of artist by pass North Carolina. However, there are four concerts coming to the area that I would most likely sell things in my house just to pay for the tickets.
May 12th 2010 The Fillmore Charlotte, NC
It’s very rare when I end up liking the full lineup for a concert, this is one of them. I’m a new fan to AVA because of being a die-hard Blink 182 fan I was skeptical to see what Tom can do without Travis and Mark by his side. But, I heard that Tom brings more energy to the stage with this band. The major plus for this concert is Say Anything. Max Bemis is probably the only person who can make his bipolar ridden lyrics make sense. And for that I love this band.
2. Kings of Leon
September 13th 2010 Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion Raleigh, NC
Disclaimer: I loved KOL’s before “Use Somebody”…so palm to face to those who made me almost hate them.
With that out the way, I’ve been dying to see KOL live since I heard “Charmer” a year or two ago. I’m secretly excited to see them live especially since their latest album is one of my top faves. Hopefully I won’t see any drunken bimbo’s dancing around with medical boots or crutches. I have no idea if there’s an opening act for the concert. However, that doesn’t really faze me because the tickets are a good price that I better get an ear popping amazing show.
3. Paramore w/ Tegan & Sara
July 23rd 2010 Raleigh Boutique Amphitheatre Raleigh, NC
If anyone knows me, they know I’m a huge Paramore fan. I’ve been listening to them since they entered the scene in 2006 with their debut album All We Know Is Falling. I saw them last summer with No Doubt and The Sounds, but I wasn’t in love with their performance. I think the second time around I’ll love it because Brave New Eyes was an incredible album. Hayley Williams’ stage presence is insanely good. Tegan & Sara are in slightly decent added bonus, although they randomly freak me out with their weirdness.
4. Arctic Monkeys
April 6th 2010 Cat’s Cradle Carrboro, NC
I’ve been in lust with this band since I heard “I bet you look good on the dance floor” a few years ago. I psyched to see if they can live up to the hype that others have created about them. Alex Turner has a nerdy (not River Cuomo nerdy) thing going for him. I was shocked to see that they were performing in North Carolina. I still haven’t given their latest album Humbug a fair listen and I really don’t plan on it. None of their album can surpass Whatever People Say I am, That’s What I’m not.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Lykke Li's new video...
I love it when an artist stays unique with their sound. Lykke Li is hands down the most creative lyricist today. She has the ability to make you feel the actual raw emotion in any song. "Possibility" is one of my favorite songs by her. And the video is beautiful, which is rare for me to say because usually video ruin the song for me.
Check out these other songs: “Until we bleed” & “ Little bit”
5 Songs that should be on your Ipod this week:
Here are five songs that I've been hooked on lately. Downloading them would benefit your music taste.
1. "Runaway" by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
2. "Hallucinations" by Angels and Airwaves
3. "The Loneliness" by Frightened Rabbit
4. "Your head is on fire" by Broken Bells
5. "Every Moment" by Rouge Wave
1. "Runaway" by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
2. "Hallucinations" by Angels and Airwaves
3. "The Loneliness" by Frightened Rabbit
4. "Your head is on fire" by Broken Bells
5. "Every Moment" by Rouge Wave
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Vampire Weekend stick to their creative sound
Their self-titled first album put them on the map with other New York based bands such as MGMT, White Rabbits and Matt & Kim.
The band hails from Brooklyn, N.Y. and formed in 2006. That same year they signed with XL Recordings, which is home to musicians such as Radiohead, M.I.A. and Adele. The band garnered a lot of attention when bloggers caught wind of their unusual sound.
They’ve been compared to the equally artistic band The Shins. They’ve made comments describing their sound as “Upper West Side Soweto”
Lead singer Ezra Koenig and drummer Chris Tomson were members of a comedy rap band called “L’ Homme Run”. Rounding out the quartet is Chris Baio as bass guitar and backing vocals and Romtam Batmanglij playing keyboard, guitar and additional backing vocals. All the members of the band meet while attending Columbia State University.
Their debut album was released Jan. 2008. The first single off of the album, “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa” was released in 2007.
The widely known single “A-Punk” was the second single off the album. It helped the record skyrocket to gold in the following months.
The album was later proclaimed as one of the best of 2008, and there’s arguing with that statement.
Koenig has a mind of his own that seems as though he’s channeling his inner hipster.
No other band can even come close to the sounds that Vampire Weekend creates.
Their new album, Contra, is a very powerful follow-up to the previous album. Instead of staying neutral with their sound, they branched out to more intriguing rhythms. Contra is the band’s first number one on the Billboard 200.
Even though some people believe auto tune is ruining the music industry, track four “California English” features the obstruct sound. Vampire Weekend embraces the intolerable technique and makes it decent.
Koenig experiments with his voice by singing in several different voices.
The first single off the album, “Cousins”, sounds fast paced and lively almost like “A-punk”.
There’s a lot of energy is most of the songs on the Contra album.
They achieved something that most remarkable new bands are unable to achieve, developing an astounding follow-up album.
“Giving up the gun,” the second single from Contra, is exceeding the same exceptions as their previous singles. The song embodies clever guitar riffs.
“Taxi Cab” slows down the fast paced album with its simplicity and smooth vocals. The instant the song plays, a lucid feeling approaches. The song could be mistaken for the work of The Killers, with its humble but artistic lyrics.
Another song on the album, “I think Ur a Contra,” has the sense of simplicity and Koenig’s vocals immediately attract attention.
The first album was enjoyable and displayed their refreshingly new sound. The following album is close to musical bliss. Vampire Weekend now and will forever have a special place in the Indie Playlist of greatness.
Vampire Weekend will be performing in Asheville, N.C. April 6 at the Orange Peel.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Shiny Toy Guns was better with Carah
Shiny toy guns has had only one major hit..."Le Disko" and that was under the vocal talents of Carah Charnow. Well, she left the band and they brought in a replacement who sounds like a screeching cat on stage. I don't want to nag about the new lead singer, but Carah gave the band a unqiue sound that was different from others. She had an edge with her voice that gave the lyrics true potential. Compared to a screaming cat, that says alot.
Here's video of Carah performing "Le Disko"...
I actually took the time to find the video of the current lead singer singing the same song, but my patience ran low. So just take my word for it the band was 20 times better when they first started out with Carah, and now they fail. Just like 66% of bands now that just seem to lose their touch when it comes to follow up albums.
Here's video of Carah performing "Le Disko"...
I actually took the time to find the video of the current lead singer singing the same song, but my patience ran low. So just take my word for it the band was 20 times better when they first started out with Carah, and now they fail. Just like 66% of bands now that just seem to lose their touch when it comes to follow up albums.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Say Anything immerse albums with sarcasm
The wisecracking artists of Say Anything have had their share of immaturity. However, it seems to be the winning formula when it comes to recording a hit record.
The Indie rock band hails from Los Angeles and formed in 2000. Lead singer Max Bemis uses his witty banter and the gerbil turning wheel in his head to mastermind most of the bands lyrics.
The band released two EPs in 2001 and 2002; the band never counts those album efforts as “official records”.
When the band signed with Doghouse records, their first studio album entitled …Is a Real Boy was released in 2004.
The album garnered positive reviews from many music magazines. Their fan base grew as they began touring to support the album release.
With the pressure to promote the album, Bemis’ health problems surfaced, including his struggle with bipolar disorder.
With the lead singer out of commission, the band took a break and five members of the band left. Bemis’ health problems continued thru out 2005, with an outburst of public breakdowns. In one incident he harassed children and spent an hour pouring a bowl of soup on the floor, one spoonful at a time. He was also involved in a street fight, which led to him being admitted into a mental hospital.
…Is a Real Boy was later re-released with the single “Alive with the Glory of love” becoming a sensation.
Bemis recovered in 2005 and the line-up of the band continued to change until currently. Coby Linder (drums), Alex Kent (bass guitar), Jake Turner (guitar, vocals), Jeff Turner (guitar, vocals) and Parker Case (keyboard, vocals).
Upon Bemis’ return the band began work on their second studio album. With the motivation to make the band international, they embarked on a tour with fellow indie band Dashboard Confessional in 2006. That same year the band completed their first headlining tour.
The band returned to the studio to record, their third album In the Defense of the Genre in 2007.
The album led to much needed success for the band. The first single, ‘Baby, Girl I’m a Blur,” gained radio play and got them more attention from other bands.
The bands true talent of mixing their sarcastic lyrics into some sentimental songs. The lyrics to “The Church Channel” spew out like a journal reference of Bemis’ while he was in rehab.
The album featured appearances by, Adam Lazzara (Taking Back Sunday), Chad Gilbert (New Found Glory), Anthony Raneri (Bayside) and Hayley Williams (Paramore).
The popularity of the album gained the band more air time and more television appearances.
With success from the album, the band started touring overseas and in the U.S. They also released their second single, “Shiksa (Girlfriend)” in April 2008.
That summer they appeared on all the Warped Tour dates, for the first time since the start of their career.
The fourth album has less of the quirkiness of the band, but it shows another side of them.
The self-entitled album was released on Oct. 2009 by RCA records. The first single “Hate Everyone” is close to the equivalent of the bands first single, “Alive with the glory of love.” They both display the bands ability to make fun of Bemis’ health problems, but yet keep it tasteful. Yet, the album cannot match up to ..Is a Real Boy.
Recently the second single from the album was announced to be “Do better”.
Nonetheless, Say Anything has managed to become the most rambunctious band to ever grace ITunes.
The Indie rock band hails from Los Angeles and formed in 2000. Lead singer Max Bemis uses his witty banter and the gerbil turning wheel in his head to mastermind most of the bands lyrics.
The band released two EPs in 2001 and 2002; the band never counts those album efforts as “official records”.
When the band signed with Doghouse records, their first studio album entitled …Is a Real Boy was released in 2004.
The album garnered positive reviews from many music magazines. Their fan base grew as they began touring to support the album release.
With the pressure to promote the album, Bemis’ health problems surfaced, including his struggle with bipolar disorder.
With the lead singer out of commission, the band took a break and five members of the band left. Bemis’ health problems continued thru out 2005, with an outburst of public breakdowns. In one incident he harassed children and spent an hour pouring a bowl of soup on the floor, one spoonful at a time. He was also involved in a street fight, which led to him being admitted into a mental hospital.
…Is a Real Boy was later re-released with the single “Alive with the Glory of love” becoming a sensation.
Bemis recovered in 2005 and the line-up of the band continued to change until currently. Coby Linder (drums), Alex Kent (bass guitar), Jake Turner (guitar, vocals), Jeff Turner (guitar, vocals) and Parker Case (keyboard, vocals).
Upon Bemis’ return the band began work on their second studio album. With the motivation to make the band international, they embarked on a tour with fellow indie band Dashboard Confessional in 2006. That same year the band completed their first headlining tour.
The band returned to the studio to record, their third album In the Defense of the Genre in 2007.
The album led to much needed success for the band. The first single, ‘Baby, Girl I’m a Blur,” gained radio play and got them more attention from other bands.
The bands true talent of mixing their sarcastic lyrics into some sentimental songs. The lyrics to “The Church Channel” spew out like a journal reference of Bemis’ while he was in rehab.
The album featured appearances by, Adam Lazzara (Taking Back Sunday), Chad Gilbert (New Found Glory), Anthony Raneri (Bayside) and Hayley Williams (Paramore).
The popularity of the album gained the band more air time and more television appearances.
With success from the album, the band started touring overseas and in the U.S. They also released their second single, “Shiksa (Girlfriend)” in April 2008.
That summer they appeared on all the Warped Tour dates, for the first time since the start of their career.
The fourth album has less of the quirkiness of the band, but it shows another side of them.
The self-entitled album was released on Oct. 2009 by RCA records. The first single “Hate Everyone” is close to the equivalent of the bands first single, “Alive with the glory of love.” They both display the bands ability to make fun of Bemis’ health problems, but yet keep it tasteful. Yet, the album cannot match up to ..Is a Real Boy.
Recently the second single from the album was announced to be “Do better”.
Nonetheless, Say Anything has managed to become the most rambunctious band to ever grace ITunes.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Paramore releases a new video that makes sense...
Paramore has just released their video for "The Only Exception" the third single off of their latest studio album, Brand New Eyes. This also happens to be one of my favorite songs off of the album. I have to admit the band has finally matured with their music and it's transitioned over into their videos as well. Usuallythey feature numerous of band performances in the videos. But this video features more of the story behind the lyrics. Lyricist wise Hayley Williams has grown, and to me it's for the good.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
I think I'm in love...
I just heard this song on One Tree Hill (DON'T JUDGE ME!), and I must say I love it. I didn't know that actor playing the "bartender" is the actual guy who sings the song. But his bands name is Wakey! Wakey! And he's amazing so I decided to share the awesomeness.
(Side note) I'm starting to add my opinion on some music videos that I think are either worthy of my eyes or worthy of a baseball bat. So that's a new thing happening soon on "Skeptics and True Believers".
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Top 10 albums of 2009
10.) Happiness/ Dance Gavin Dance
This band has progressed lately with their screamo sound and smooth vocals. Happiness puts them ahead of the game among their other competitors, even though it comes to close to sounding generic. With their collection of never ending gritty guitar riffs, Kurt Travis’ abnormal smooth vocals that sound like he’s trying to get you in bed and Will Swan’s make you ears bleed screams make the album perfect. Travis once again shows why he’s the best lead singer for the band. Jonny Craig should go crawl in a hole with Kayne West.
Songs to download: “Don’t tell Dave” & “Self-Trepanation”
9.) Crossing the Rubicon/ The Sounds
Damn you Sweden for making non-pop bands that I can actually enjoy without thinking of annoying ass dance moves. The Sounds can’t do any wrong in my eyes since witnessing them live during the summer. Crossing the Rubicon out do’s Dying to say this to you with its more relatable lyrics. Maja Ivarsson offers her 80’s inspired spunk to each song. “Beat box” sounds like part two to the single “Tony the beat” from their previous album. The use of synthesizers is very apparent throughout the entire album. However, their Swedish accents are close to invisible on this album.
Songs to download: “4 songs and a fight” & “My lover”
8.) Daisy/ Brand New
They’ve slowly grown on me, with their song “The Quiet things that no one ever knows”, but I have to admit that Daisy is hands down their best album to date. I want to kidnap Jesse Lacey and make him serenade me every night. This album will make you little angry at first listen, but after the second you start to appreciate their sound. There’s a hint of some Modest Mouse influence throughout the album. They avoid the emo simplicity of lyrics with songs like “Gasoline “and “Vices”. It doesn’t hurt that this was their first top billboard charting album.
Songs to download: “In a Jar” & “You Stole”
7.) I and Love and You/ The Avett Brothers
I waited a few months to actually give this album my undivided attention, and I’m pissed that I waited. The Avett Brothers capture the perfect rawness of the songs on this album. I was shocked to find out the Rick Rubin produced this album…MOTHER FUCKING RICK RUBIN! To me the Avett Brothers are like the Mountain men version of The Beatles…that I can listen to without having to be drunk or thinking I have to take a tab of LSD. Their damn love-laced lyrics add to the Beatles comparison.
Songs to download: “Kick drum heart” & “Incomplete and Insecure”
6.) Veckatimest/ Grizzly Bear
Yes…the album’s name confuses you and it’s in German, but forget about that and once again Grizzly Bear is awesome! The band experimented with this album and it worked out for them, making this their most successful album. They’ve even gained some musical genius fans…and a genre that’s pretty new to me called Art-Rock. This album truly embodies a sound of its own with its acoustic riffs and uniquely haunted lyrics. Each track flows perfectly with the pop sound and the raw emotion.
Songs to download: “All we ask” & “Dory”
5.) New Again/ Taking Back Sunday
I LOVE TAKING BACK SUNDAY! And I mean love them…to the point I would go groupie if I had the perfect opportunity. With the departure of Fred Mascherino, I was effy on how the band would recover. But, I have to admit it was probably the best thing to happen to them. Mascherino’s replacement Matt Fazzi has become a legend in my eyes after being able to watch him live on stage jumping/stomping around with a medical boot on his foot. New again has the TBS sound that cannot be duplicated. The song “Everything must go” has Adam Lazzara spawning the lyrics: “You quote the good book/When it’s convenient/But you don’t have the sense/No you don’t have the sense to tie your tangled tongue…” There was no doubt this album was going to fall into my top favorites of the year.
Songs to download: “Lonely, Lonely” & “Swing”
4.) Brand New Eyes/ Paramore
I didn’t want to give this album a try at first…I’m still in love with their first album All we know. But, I gave it a quick listen and then the damn songs stuck to me. I couldn’t stop singing the chorus to “Careful”. I guess almost breaking up made the band see a new light and they focused on repairing their bond. It has less angst then Riot, but it has the potential for people to see Paramore more than just the “Twilight” band. Each song clearly channels the bands feelings during the animosity of Hayley Williams getting most of the attention. I have always loved her voice and her true vocal range is shown in track 11 “All I wanted”. It starts off soft and melodic and then the chorus literally punches you in the jugular.
Songs to download: “The Only Exception” & “Playing God”
3.) Swoon/ Silversun Pickups
This damn band got under my skin…but in the good caring way. At first the whispery voice got to me, but “Well thought out Twinkles” kept playing over and over again in my head. The album showcases the bands true talent, and it’s also nominated for a Grammy…which means they’re going to become more mainstream and then I’m going to get annoyed. Just like when Paramore became mainstream and I wanted to stab people. This album shows the qualities of a true alternative rock band. Everything on this album makes Silversun Pickups a band to recognize. The drums and bass seem to overpower every song, but it’s still a remarkable album.
Songs to download: “It’s Nice To Know You Work Alone” & “Growing Old is Getting Old”
2.) Its Blitz/ Yeah Yeah Yeah’s
The Yeah Yeah Yeah’s seem to outdo their creativity in almost every album. When they released “Zero” I was caught off guard by the sounds they presented in the song. It had the old school Yeah Yeah Yeah’s charm but it had more of happier beat to it. The whole album was more relaxed but it was undeniably their creative juices flowing thru every song. The album generated a lot of buzz among music magazine as they dubbed it the best Yeah Yeah Yeah’s album. Karen O has always been a “god” in my eyes and this album just puts her on a higher pedestal.
Songs to download: “Hysteric” & “Dull life”
1.) Two Suns/ Bat for Lashes
I thought this band was an actual full on band with like a guitarist and bass player…but it’s not. I had no idea who the hell Bat for Lashes was until I saw her performance on Jimmy Fallon… btw I hate his damn show. Natasha Khan noted that some bands such as MGMT and TV on the radio were influences for the album. Khan releases her alter ego “Pearl” thru out the album with the songs “Daniel” and “Pearl’s dream”. Her voice is so haunting but yet it has a certain Kate Bush quality to it. She references emotions in her songs that seem to be kept locked upside. From start to finish the album has an automatic hook on you. I love how she her melodies interline with fables. If you haven’t heard of Khan I strongly advise you to start stalking her via youtube now!
Songs to download: “Sleep alone” & “Two planets”
This band has progressed lately with their screamo sound and smooth vocals. Happiness puts them ahead of the game among their other competitors, even though it comes to close to sounding generic. With their collection of never ending gritty guitar riffs, Kurt Travis’ abnormal smooth vocals that sound like he’s trying to get you in bed and Will Swan’s make you ears bleed screams make the album perfect. Travis once again shows why he’s the best lead singer for the band. Jonny Craig should go crawl in a hole with Kayne West.
Songs to download: “Don’t tell Dave” & “Self-Trepanation”
9.) Crossing the Rubicon/ The Sounds
Damn you Sweden for making non-pop bands that I can actually enjoy without thinking of annoying ass dance moves. The Sounds can’t do any wrong in my eyes since witnessing them live during the summer. Crossing the Rubicon out do’s Dying to say this to you with its more relatable lyrics. Maja Ivarsson offers her 80’s inspired spunk to each song. “Beat box” sounds like part two to the single “Tony the beat” from their previous album. The use of synthesizers is very apparent throughout the entire album. However, their Swedish accents are close to invisible on this album.
Songs to download: “4 songs and a fight” & “My lover”
8.) Daisy/ Brand New
They’ve slowly grown on me, with their song “The Quiet things that no one ever knows”, but I have to admit that Daisy is hands down their best album to date. I want to kidnap Jesse Lacey and make him serenade me every night. This album will make you little angry at first listen, but after the second you start to appreciate their sound. There’s a hint of some Modest Mouse influence throughout the album. They avoid the emo simplicity of lyrics with songs like “Gasoline “and “Vices”. It doesn’t hurt that this was their first top billboard charting album.
Songs to download: “In a Jar” & “You Stole”
7.) I and Love and You/ The Avett Brothers
I waited a few months to actually give this album my undivided attention, and I’m pissed that I waited. The Avett Brothers capture the perfect rawness of the songs on this album. I was shocked to find out the Rick Rubin produced this album…MOTHER FUCKING RICK RUBIN! To me the Avett Brothers are like the Mountain men version of The Beatles…that I can listen to without having to be drunk or thinking I have to take a tab of LSD. Their damn love-laced lyrics add to the Beatles comparison.
Songs to download: “Kick drum heart” & “Incomplete and Insecure”
6.) Veckatimest/ Grizzly Bear
Yes…the album’s name confuses you and it’s in German, but forget about that and once again Grizzly Bear is awesome! The band experimented with this album and it worked out for them, making this their most successful album. They’ve even gained some musical genius fans…and a genre that’s pretty new to me called Art-Rock. This album truly embodies a sound of its own with its acoustic riffs and uniquely haunted lyrics. Each track flows perfectly with the pop sound and the raw emotion.
Songs to download: “All we ask” & “Dory”
5.) New Again/ Taking Back Sunday
I LOVE TAKING BACK SUNDAY! And I mean love them…to the point I would go groupie if I had the perfect opportunity. With the departure of Fred Mascherino, I was effy on how the band would recover. But, I have to admit it was probably the best thing to happen to them. Mascherino’s replacement Matt Fazzi has become a legend in my eyes after being able to watch him live on stage jumping/stomping around with a medical boot on his foot. New again has the TBS sound that cannot be duplicated. The song “Everything must go” has Adam Lazzara spawning the lyrics: “You quote the good book/When it’s convenient/But you don’t have the sense/No you don’t have the sense to tie your tangled tongue…” There was no doubt this album was going to fall into my top favorites of the year.
Songs to download: “Lonely, Lonely” & “Swing”
4.) Brand New Eyes/ Paramore
I didn’t want to give this album a try at first…I’m still in love with their first album All we know. But, I gave it a quick listen and then the damn songs stuck to me. I couldn’t stop singing the chorus to “Careful”. I guess almost breaking up made the band see a new light and they focused on repairing their bond. It has less angst then Riot, but it has the potential for people to see Paramore more than just the “Twilight” band. Each song clearly channels the bands feelings during the animosity of Hayley Williams getting most of the attention. I have always loved her voice and her true vocal range is shown in track 11 “All I wanted”. It starts off soft and melodic and then the chorus literally punches you in the jugular.
Songs to download: “The Only Exception” & “Playing God”
3.) Swoon/ Silversun Pickups
This damn band got under my skin…but in the good caring way. At first the whispery voice got to me, but “Well thought out Twinkles” kept playing over and over again in my head. The album showcases the bands true talent, and it’s also nominated for a Grammy…which means they’re going to become more mainstream and then I’m going to get annoyed. Just like when Paramore became mainstream and I wanted to stab people. This album shows the qualities of a true alternative rock band. Everything on this album makes Silversun Pickups a band to recognize. The drums and bass seem to overpower every song, but it’s still a remarkable album.
Songs to download: “It’s Nice To Know You Work Alone” & “Growing Old is Getting Old”
2.) Its Blitz/ Yeah Yeah Yeah’s
The Yeah Yeah Yeah’s seem to outdo their creativity in almost every album. When they released “Zero” I was caught off guard by the sounds they presented in the song. It had the old school Yeah Yeah Yeah’s charm but it had more of happier beat to it. The whole album was more relaxed but it was undeniably their creative juices flowing thru every song. The album generated a lot of buzz among music magazine as they dubbed it the best Yeah Yeah Yeah’s album. Karen O has always been a “god” in my eyes and this album just puts her on a higher pedestal.
Songs to download: “Hysteric” & “Dull life”
1.) Two Suns/ Bat for Lashes
I thought this band was an actual full on band with like a guitarist and bass player…but it’s not. I had no idea who the hell Bat for Lashes was until I saw her performance on Jimmy Fallon… btw I hate his damn show. Natasha Khan noted that some bands such as MGMT and TV on the radio were influences for the album. Khan releases her alter ego “Pearl” thru out the album with the songs “Daniel” and “Pearl’s dream”. Her voice is so haunting but yet it has a certain Kate Bush quality to it. She references emotions in her songs that seem to be kept locked upside. From start to finish the album has an automatic hook on you. I love how she her melodies interline with fables. If you haven’t heard of Khan I strongly advise you to start stalking her via youtube now!
Songs to download: “Sleep alone” & “Two planets”
Sunday, November 8, 2009
3oh!3 the sarcastic duo of 'crunkcore'
All summer long the lyrics to “Don’t trust me” by 3OH!3 have been escaping from the mouths of almost every 12 to 30 year old in the country. Due to that song the dynamic duo can now say they’re double platinum artist. It’s also a known fact that when two six year olds know all the words to your song even though they don’t know the meaning of it, your Grammy material.
The two best friends, Sean Forman, 24, and Nathaniel Motte, 25, hail from Boulder, Colo. They met while attending the physics class at Boulder University of Colorado. Within the year alone they have managed to create a new genre of music with their own version of ‘crunkcore’.
The duo cites the R&b crooner, and supermodel Heidi Klum’s husband Seal as their inspiration.
They produced a few tracks in a shady basement and got signed to the New York based indie label, Photo finish Records.
With their first album mostly a dud, their second album titled, “Want” has sold approximately 372,937 copies. The first single off the album “Don’t trust me” is branded every humans mind. It doesn’t hurt that the song shows off their historic knowledge of Helen Keller. The video for the song has been on heavy rotation on MTV and FUSE TV for almost six months.
The second single off the album “Starstruckk” is already certified gold in the U.S. It’s currently in the Top 100 billboard. Tour mate Katy Perry is featured on the remix of the single and the music video.
Their eccentric dance moves and sarcastic lyrics have made them a staple in the pop scene.
Since the release of the album the band has been touring non-stop. In 2008 they took the reins and headlined the Vans Warped Tour. That same year pop singer Katy Perry asked the guys to be her opening acts for the European leg of her tour. They’ll return to Europe for their own tour this fall, they’ll also perform in Australia.
They crazy stage antics have gotten them selected top headline Alternative press magazines music tour that started in March 2009.
In August 2009 they performed at the infamous MTV Video Music Awards, where they were nominated for best new artist. Unfortunately, they lost out to Lady Gaga.
Here's the video for their second single "Starstrukk":
The two best friends, Sean Forman, 24, and Nathaniel Motte, 25, hail from Boulder, Colo. They met while attending the physics class at Boulder University of Colorado. Within the year alone they have managed to create a new genre of music with their own version of ‘crunkcore’.
The duo cites the R&b crooner, and supermodel Heidi Klum’s husband Seal as their inspiration.
They produced a few tracks in a shady basement and got signed to the New York based indie label, Photo finish Records.
With their first album mostly a dud, their second album titled, “Want” has sold approximately 372,937 copies. The first single off the album “Don’t trust me” is branded every humans mind. It doesn’t hurt that the song shows off their historic knowledge of Helen Keller. The video for the song has been on heavy rotation on MTV and FUSE TV for almost six months.
The second single off the album “Starstruckk” is already certified gold in the U.S. It’s currently in the Top 100 billboard. Tour mate Katy Perry is featured on the remix of the single and the music video.
Their eccentric dance moves and sarcastic lyrics have made them a staple in the pop scene.
Since the release of the album the band has been touring non-stop. In 2008 they took the reins and headlined the Vans Warped Tour. That same year pop singer Katy Perry asked the guys to be her opening acts for the European leg of her tour. They’ll return to Europe for their own tour this fall, they’ll also perform in Australia.
They crazy stage antics have gotten them selected top headline Alternative press magazines music tour that started in March 2009.
In August 2009 they performed at the infamous MTV Video Music Awards, where they were nominated for best new artist. Unfortunately, they lost out to Lady Gaga.
Here's the video for their second single "Starstrukk":
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Shock and Awe...The New Moon soundtrack is actually damn good
Now I'm not the one who goes for sparkling vampires...or the whole eternal love crap, but I must admit the New Moon soundtrack is good. It's so good I actually bought it and FULLY listened to it.
The soundtrack from the much anticipated film New Moon is going to greatly surpass the original Twilight soundtrack. It was released Oct. 16, four days earlier than its original release date. It’s surprisingly that good because every song was composed just for the album. The soundtrack is expected to be number one on the U.S. Billboard 200. It landed at number two with 115,000 copies sold its first week.
The Twilight soundtrack had the punk rock feel with bands such as Paramore, Radiohead, Muse and Linkin Park. But the New Moon Soundtrack is a mosaic of indie artist; Lykke Li, Death Cab for Cutie, and The Killers even decided to dissolve their artist bubble to appear on the soundtrack.
The first single off the album, “Meet me on the Equinox” by Death Cab for Cutie was released just a few weeks ago. It’s seems to be a melody about the love of the two main characters Edward and Bella.
Lykke Li’s “Possibility” is hands down the most haunting and unforgettable song off of the album. The Swedish artist’s whispery voice and lovelorn lyrics make the song 10 times more desirable. There’s a point in the song where the heave of a rocking chair can actually be heard.
European band, Muse is the only music artist to have appeared on both movie soundtracks. Twilight author Stephanie Meyers has a huge infatuation with them. The song “I belong to you” is a remix of the same song from off their latest album, The Resistance.
Every song relates to the love triangle that three main characters are intertwined in. Songs about loving a vampire never sounded so good.
The 15 track soundtrack is dominated by acoustic guitars, synthesizers and hypnotize me with your vampire powers lyrics.
Here's the video for the Death Cab for Cutie single "Meet me on the Equinox" from the New Moon Soundtrack.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Paramore uses third album as therapy
For a small town band, Paramore seems to be everywhere, literally.
The Franklin, T.N. based band has a knack for touring and their haunting acoustic live sound. While touring with the 90’s band No doubt, they managed to record their third studio album, Brand New Eyes.
The band consists of small town guys; Bass player Jeremy Davis, new guitar player Taylor York, brothers Zac (drums) and Josh (lead guitar) Farro. The feisty orange-haired lead singer is Hayley Williams.
Brand New Eyes may disappoint the die-hard Paramore fans, but it’s clear the band wanted to try a very different sound.
“Ignorance”, the first single off the album has the original Paramore sound. It has the fast paced guitar riffs and the in your face attitude that all fans adore. It was made available for digital download July 7. The second single, will be “Brick by boring Brick”. It seems as though their releasing the songs that still reminds everyone of their old sound.
Majority of the album was made when the band was going through a tremendous hardship. The recording process was a type of self expressed therapy. This marks the first time the band went into the studio without the watchful eyes of a producer. Brand New eyes was released Sept. 29.
Williams described the process as “stressful” In early February the band went decided to take a much needed hiatus. Rumors circulated that the band was going to split ways because of friction between the band mates. The lyrics ended up being a way for them to express how they felt about the situation and shed light on how the band handled it. The album was named Brand New Eyes because during the course of making it they were seeing things in a whole new perspective.
They performed “When the lines overlap” for the first time during their summer tour. From the audience reaction they seemed to love it.
The 11 track album displays the bands unique way of being able to switch out from a high octane song, to a slow acoustic one. Track six, “The Only Exception” has the vintage lyrics of love and proves that Paramore can keep their loyal fans happy. However, Track 11, “All I Wanted” has Williams screaming her heart out; it shows a faint similarity to “My heart” from their first album All we know is falling.
Regardless if fans may be on the fence about this album, it’s still worth a listen to.
Here's video of Paramore performing "Turn it off"
The Franklin, T.N. based band has a knack for touring and their haunting acoustic live sound. While touring with the 90’s band No doubt, they managed to record their third studio album, Brand New Eyes.
The band consists of small town guys; Bass player Jeremy Davis, new guitar player Taylor York, brothers Zac (drums) and Josh (lead guitar) Farro. The feisty orange-haired lead singer is Hayley Williams.
Brand New Eyes may disappoint the die-hard Paramore fans, but it’s clear the band wanted to try a very different sound.
“Ignorance”, the first single off the album has the original Paramore sound. It has the fast paced guitar riffs and the in your face attitude that all fans adore. It was made available for digital download July 7. The second single, will be “Brick by boring Brick”. It seems as though their releasing the songs that still reminds everyone of their old sound.
Majority of the album was made when the band was going through a tremendous hardship. The recording process was a type of self expressed therapy. This marks the first time the band went into the studio without the watchful eyes of a producer. Brand New eyes was released Sept. 29.
Williams described the process as “stressful” In early February the band went decided to take a much needed hiatus. Rumors circulated that the band was going to split ways because of friction between the band mates. The lyrics ended up being a way for them to express how they felt about the situation and shed light on how the band handled it. The album was named Brand New Eyes because during the course of making it they were seeing things in a whole new perspective.
They performed “When the lines overlap” for the first time during their summer tour. From the audience reaction they seemed to love it.
The 11 track album displays the bands unique way of being able to switch out from a high octane song, to a slow acoustic one. Track six, “The Only Exception” has the vintage lyrics of love and proves that Paramore can keep their loyal fans happy. However, Track 11, “All I Wanted” has Williams screaming her heart out; it shows a faint similarity to “My heart” from their first album All we know is falling.
Regardless if fans may be on the fence about this album, it’s still worth a listen to.
Here's video of Paramore performing "Turn it off"
An album worth listening to
Fans of The Used can now rejoice, their latest album, Artwork is ITunes playlist worthy.
The Alternative rock band released their fourth studio album on August 31, 2009. It was produced by Matt Squire. Squire has worked with Panic at the disco and The Receiving ends of sirens in the past. They began writing in early 2008. They also introduced their new drummer, Dan Whitesides in 2006. The rest of the band, lead singer Bert McCracken, bass player Jeph Howard and lead guitar Quinn Allman.
The album has a pure studio sound, like Weezer’s 1996 studio album Pinkerton.
The band wanted to take their music into a new direction. McCracken felt that the previous albums had the similar sound. He’s hoping to create a new genre called “gross pop”.
The 11 track album is nosier and louder than their last album Lies for the Liars. If purchased off ITunes there are 15 tracks of pure angst. A lot of the songs seem to have the revolving theme of hating yourself. Some even sound like their referring to morality. Alternative Press magazine gave the album 4.5 stars.
For example Track 9, “Meant to die” is sounds like it’s based on the death of actor Heath Ledger. Ledger died in 2008 of an accidental overdose. The chorus reads like a page out of troubled person’s mind. “So maybe I took a little too much/Maybe life didn't want this part of me/It helps to know, I never let you go/Sure, I lost my mind/ But I never really meant to die.”
The first single “Blood on my hands” was released June 30 and began airing on the radio July 14.
Here's their performance of "Blood on my hands" at Bamboozle.
The Alternative rock band released their fourth studio album on August 31, 2009. It was produced by Matt Squire. Squire has worked with Panic at the disco and The Receiving ends of sirens in the past. They began writing in early 2008. They also introduced their new drummer, Dan Whitesides in 2006. The rest of the band, lead singer Bert McCracken, bass player Jeph Howard and lead guitar Quinn Allman.
The album has a pure studio sound, like Weezer’s 1996 studio album Pinkerton.
The band wanted to take their music into a new direction. McCracken felt that the previous albums had the similar sound. He’s hoping to create a new genre called “gross pop”.
The 11 track album is nosier and louder than their last album Lies for the Liars. If purchased off ITunes there are 15 tracks of pure angst. A lot of the songs seem to have the revolving theme of hating yourself. Some even sound like their referring to morality. Alternative Press magazine gave the album 4.5 stars.
For example Track 9, “Meant to die” is sounds like it’s based on the death of actor Heath Ledger. Ledger died in 2008 of an accidental overdose. The chorus reads like a page out of troubled person’s mind. “So maybe I took a little too much/Maybe life didn't want this part of me/It helps to know, I never let you go/Sure, I lost my mind/ But I never really meant to die.”
The first single “Blood on my hands” was released June 30 and began airing on the radio July 14.
Here's their performance of "Blood on my hands" at Bamboozle.
The Sounds are ready to dominate
Most bands know that they’ve became known when one of their songs end up in a commercial.
The Sounds were practically unknowns in the U.S., until the song “Hurt you” was featured in a Geico commercial that aired in September 2008. Since then they’ve gained a decent amount of fans.
The New wave, alternative rock band hails from Helsingborg, Sweden. Forming in 1999 the band consists of lead singer Maja Ivarsson, Bass guitar player Johan Bengtsson, Lead guitar player Felix Rodriguez, Keyboard, Piano, and guitar player Jesper Anderberg, and lastly drum player Fredrik Nilsson.
When their debut album, Living in America came out in 2003, the band played over 300 promoting the album. They even performed during the 2004 Warped Tour. Two years later they played on the main stage of the event.
Iversson was featured on the single “Snakes on a Plane (Bring it)” for the sleeper hit Snakes on a Plane.
They have toured with the bands like, the Foo Fighters, Morningwood, The Strokes, Angels and Airwaves and Panic at the disco.
Their second album Dying to say this to you was released March 21, 2006. The album was produced by Jeff Saltzman, the genius behind another hit album called Hot Fuss by The Killers.
The song “Painted with numbers” had a video made and was broadcasted on major U.S. music channels.
Strangely they received a cult following of celebrity fans such as Pharrell, Quentin Tarantino, Bam Margera and even Britney Spears.
Unlike other bands The Sounds promote themselves by word of mouth and by having excellent street team members.
The band was recently on tour with No doubt during the summer. They also had a few small gigs in the country while promoting their latest album Crossing the Rubicon, which was released June 2. The use of synthesizers is very apparent throughout the entire album. However, their Swedish accents are close to invisible on this album. Their hometown origin doesn’t become clear unless you meet them face to face or hear Maja say “Your awesome thanks for coming to our show” So far, the song “No one sleeps when I’m awake” has been playing on radio stations and the video capitulated them to higher level with most musicians.
The band will be touring the U.S. again this fall.
The video for "No one sleeps when I'm awake"
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