Bring Me Up: The Sound

Tribute for the 4th

2008-07-04T10:26:00.003-04:00

Oh say can you see, by the dawn's early light...

In 1751, the Province of Pennsylvania sought a bell for its State House to "call the public together." Key members of the Pennsylvania Assembly sent a letter to their London-based colonial agent, Robert Charles, to make an appropriate purchase.

After the bell was received, it was not hung for six months, and when finally placed into position at the State House steeple in March 1753, the Bell cracked on the first test stroke of its clapper.

Two Philadelphia foundry workers, John Pass and John Stow, then offered to recast the Bell.

The Pass and Stow Bell remained in the State House steeple to be used for calling the Assembly together and summoning people on special occasions and events. The State House was many years later renamed Independence Hall, and the steeple Bell would come to be known as the Liberty Bell.

Listen:
Melora Creager - "American Girl" (mp3 cover)
Ani DiFranco - "Independence Day" (mp3)
Bruce Springsteen - "4th of July, Asbury Park" (mp3)

Los Halos and their Dagger Bones

2008-07-03T10:08:00.003-04:00

Strangely recorded drums and a mingling of piano, Los Halos disappointed many fans when they released their album For Romona back in 2002. The negative head shaking began because their music went from being random layering of noises to something more acoustic and intricate. The changes made the album more chill and less overwhelming. It's not a bad thing in my eyes, but what do I know?

Band Members:
Samezvous - vocals, guitar and songwriting
Momo Fats - bass
Brendan Mctear - guitar, keyboards and harmony vocals
Jon Vital - drums

I wish I could say I knew what the band is up to now, but I don't. Taking the CD on a long road trip, I do know their music made it to the ears of a fellow at Loveless Records. John said he was "blown away by the emotional intensity that Los Halos showed." The rest is, as they say, history; they were signed.

For Ramona (2002), Los Halos (2003) and Leaving VA (2003) have all been put out on the Loveless label.

So what happened to them? Where did they go when they left Virginia?

Listen:
Los Halos - "Dagger Bones" (mp3)

BUY THEIR MUSIC!!!

I never asked you to try

2008-07-02T10:21:00.003-04:00

In February of 2007 her song "Let Him Be" was included in Paste Magazine's Sampler, alongside The Shins and Lucinda Williams

Julie started off 2008 with two performances at SXSW, a week at the ASCAP Expo in Los Angeles, and an opening slot for the band America, along with plans to head into the studio to record her next single.

Julie Moffitt.

She is a John Coltrane fan. I think who an artist if a fan of is important. It shows their interests and musical knowledge. Don't you think?

I love her sweet soft voice, it would sit well in any dreamy pop song. But she also has excellent acoustic quality which gives an extra layer of goodness to her music. With a typical background beat I enjoy the mixing in of her piano and guitar and am happy she has those elements going for her.

The song on this post is amazing. The lyrics are honest and beautiful, heart felt, you'd hear this in some chick flick, I'm sure. Don't let that dissuade you from listening though, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised and impressed by her solid voice.

Listen:
Julie Moffitt - "Try" (mp3)

BUY HER MUSIC!!!

Gobbledigook

2008-06-30T08:11:00.005-04:00

On this fine Monday morning back to work on a machine which required reformatting...

Well, it means you get very little from Bring Me Up today. So if it has to be little then I'll be sure to make it good, right?

Listen:
Sigur Ros - "Gobbledigook" (mp3)
Queen Victoria - "The Endless Night" (mp3)
Sam Sparro - "Black & Gold" (mp3)
Vivian Girls - "Where Do You Run To?" (mp3)

Enjoy!

Let It Come To You

2008-06-26T08:27:00.003-04:00

It's Thursday and I don't know about you, but this has been a long week so far. With that in mind I've got something new and smooth for you to download and enjoy.

Taylor Eigsti's sophomore album Let It Come to You just released on June 24, 2008. Yes, a new release, but no, not a new face in the music scene. Taylor is a jazz pianist, composer, artist and two-time Grammy nominee. He has been called a jazz prodigy by many.

Taylor has had a musical background from day one with two musical parents, but it was his sister who inspired him to play. When he was only four years old she died at the age of seventeen and in memory of her, he decided to learn to play the piano. Such a young age and yet such devotion.

Now at the age of 23 Taylor seems to be a typical young man who has a girlfriend and loves football, but his music is anything but typical. He is attempting to create a new type of jazz which younger crowds will appreciate. I honestly don't see how anyone could NOT appreciate this music.

If you are interested in bright, vibrant art you may also want to check out his swirly paintings at his website.

Listen:
Taylor Eigsti - "Let It Come To You" (mp3)

BUY HIS MUSIC!

Let's get kooky

2008-06-25T09:31:00.004-04:00

Along with several other bands making their rounds in the U.S. this fall are "The Kooks".

With their new single "Shine On" having been such a success so far, I think they'll have quite of bit of fans flooding their shows. Unless of course they have lost all respect since, Luke Pritchard told a British newspaper that he thinks Coldplay are the best band in the world.

I love Coldplay, I do, but I would never say they are the best band in the world. =o/

And then there is the latest fiasco of Pritchard cursing out the VIP section at one of his recent UK shows. Idiot. I can't stand when singers think they own the world.

Here's an older Kooks tune for you to scoop up.

Listen:
The Kooks - "Ooh La" (mp3)

TOUR DATES:
September 4th - Clinton, NY - The Annex
September 5th - Montreal, QC - Club Soda
September 6th - Toronto, ON - V Festival
September 8th - Washington, DC - 9.30 Club
September 10th - New York, NY - Summerstage
September 12th - Asbury Park, NJ - Stone Pony
September 15th - Philly, PA - Electric Factory
September 30th - Baton Rouge, LA - Varsity Theatre
October 2nd - Dallas, TX - House Of Blues
October 3rd - Houston, TX - Meridian
October 4th - Austin, TX - Antone's
October 5th - Tulsa, OK - Cains Ballroom
October 7th - St Louis, MO - The Pageant
October 8th - Des Moines, IA - People's Court
October 9th - Madison, WI - Barrymore Theatre
October 11th - Chicago, IL - Riviera Theatre
October 12th - Cincinatti, OH - Bogarts
October 14th - Columbus, OH - Newport Music Hall
October 21st - Seattle, WA - Showbox SoDo
October 22nd - Portland, OR - Crystal Ballroom
October 24th - Sacramento, CA - Empire
October 25th - San Francisco, CA - Warfield Theatre
October 27th - Anaheim, CA - House Of Blues
October 28th - Hollywood, CA - Hollywood Palladium

Sweetly, Chelsea Lee

2008-06-24T10:46:00.005-04:00

You know how people ask you to smile like you mean it? It's so funny to hear that, how can you smile and not mean it? Well that is what those fake plastered on smiles are all about, right?

"Chelsea Lee sings like she means it."

I read that in her bio on her website and after listening to several tracks I wholeheartedly agree.

Being a young teen still it is surprising to know she writes the songs she sings. I say this because they are so emotional and sincere. But then I think back to when I was 16 and the poems I used to write. Starry-eyed love and of course the heartache which often followed from the high school crushes I swore were my soul mates. Let's just say I feel Miss Lee and I rode the same wavelength at one time. Who knows, maybe we still do.

Chelsea has an exquisite voice and I imagine it will only become more refined with time. As it stands right now she's already got a new following fan in me.

Listen:
Chelsea Lee - "So Far" (mp3)

BUY HER MUSIC!

Baby do you wanna take a ride?

2008-06-23T03:00:00.004-04:00

Hmm. It has been maybe three years, maybe less, since I saw Ike perform up in Philly. They were having their CD release party at Grape Street Pub (which by the way used to be a totally awesome venue.)

Their hit at the time was "Into Philadelphia" which, I am sure you can imagine, was a smashing success at Grape Street. Even those who didn't know Ike and who didn't know that track we're still singing along and jumping around like music loving fools by the time it was over. "Into Philadelphia" (which was really a rock lullaby written for Faye's newborn son) is one of the most infectious songs I have ever heard. Definitely repeat worthy. Though it is not a lullaby, my son loves it and sings along while we're jamming in the car.

Not long after the release of The Real Life in 2005, things took a bad turn for the band. And then there were two...guitarist Cliff Hillis and drummer Dave Anthony left the band. Guitarist Cliff Hillis, tragically lost both his parents within months of each other in early '06 began to reassess his personal and musical goals. "I don't blame Cliff at all for his decision; if ever a there was a time for him to take stock, that was it," says Faye, "but there was a long time when we weren't the best communicators with each other and no one knew what anyone was thinking. He would never want to be the one to let us down, so I think he stayed a lot longer than maybe he should have at that point."

Many feared for the end of Ike and for a bit of time perhaps so did they. But as mending took place, lead vocalist John Faye and bassist Joann Schmidt added two new musicians to their roster. Guitarist Brett Talley and drummer Tom Kristich were chosen to jump in and become band mates with two talents who were doing everything possible to rise above some rough times.

So it is not a surprise that their recent release is titled Where To Begin.

If you were a fan of Ike in 2005 when their release was peppy, upbeat and exuberant with fantastic energy then this new album will probably kick you down a notch. The two albums rely on polar opposite materials. But, and this is very important, do NOT, I repeat, DO NOT dismiss Where To Begin. The music in this album is amazing. The lyric content is 100% real and though you may feel forlorn or wander down a best forgotten memory lane, you'll get hooked on every track. (If you're looking for any sort of "old Ike" in the album check the track "Say Luvva.")

Listen:
Ike - "Better Off Alone" (mp3)

BUY ALL OF THEIR MUSIC!!!

Fitting in a June Giveaway

2008-06-20T08:00:00.004-04:00

For the past few days I have been listening to a copy of Justin Hopkins album Here Goes Nothing. It just so happens he also sent a copy for a giveaway. Yes, that's right and hopefully you know the drill. Leave a comment on this post with your e-mail address (only to be used for this purpose) and a winner will be chosen by 12 p.m. on Friday, June 27, 2008.

Justin Hopkins has great potential and there are two tracks in particular which make the album worth it to me. The opening track and reason for the title is "Here Goes Nothing" and then the closing track "It Ends Tonight" are my personal favorites. You'll have to let me know which ones you enjoy. There isn't one song I would say I dislike, though I have heard some of his music NOT on this album which I absolutely love and hope to hear on albums to come.

Hopkins does for piano what Colbie Caillat does for the acoustic guitar. I use her as an example because I think she is an aspiring artist and I really enjoy the fact that her music isn't "run of the mill". I feel the same about Justin Hopkins.

So be sure to leave a comment (and a way for me to contact you if you are the winner.)

Listen:
Justin Hopkins - "It Ends Tonight" (mp3)

Oh the elephant in the room

2008-06-18T08:05:00.003-04:00

Bringing Down Goliath is the debut album from New York City based indie-rockers, Second Dan.

Right off the bat their publicists are comparing them to U2. To me the comparison is brazen and a bit far-fetched. This is because I am a huge U2 fan and they are unmatched. However, I also don't think they have the same style music as U2, they are definitely more Oasis and Stereophonics.

This music is catchy and upbeat in most cases. There are guitar riffs I've heard other places and being unoriginal is done every day. Don't think I'm being harsh, as that is not my intention. It's perfectly fine to copycat major artists, in most cases the record world has made it necessary. Without sounding like someone else you are less likely to gain a substantial following. There are those of you who roll your eyes at such a remark, and I agree this is not the place to air my grievances against the record industry.

Second Dan has their own music hidden in the tracks. You'll hear it peak out from time to time, like towards the end of "The Elephant Fell to Earth". You'll also get a better sense of who they are if you note the lyrics. This isn't fluff content, this is some powerful verbiage going on here.

As a debut this music is solid, it has the potential to permeate out into the mainstream via songs on One Tree Hill or some other prime time drama like Gossip Girl. And once that happens they'll have the chance to step it up a notch and break out of their run-of-the-mill niche.

Listen:
Second Dan - "The Elephant Fell to Earth" (mp3)
Second Dan - "Forget To Remember" (mp3)

And of course, BUY THEIR MUSIC!

Lovin' Sheila Sondergard

2008-06-17T08:50:00.004-04:00

How do you type out "dee-amn" so that it looks like it would sound if you just heard something amazing? I don't know.

Sheila Sondergard is Korean and Danish, she sings, she writes and she plays guitar. All done in a sweet, catchy way that hooks you within the first 30 seconds.

Picking up the trumpet at the age of 9 and the guitar at 11 cannon balled Sheila Sondergard into something she couldn't wait to 'tap'. Having been inspired by each of her diverse and contrasting homes and drenched in exotic cultures her style has evolved as a copacetic melting pot of genres such as: Classical, Reggae, Folk, Rock n Roll, Punk, and many others.

The girl is a fount of musical deliciousness! I'd say if you tried to combine Jack Johnson, Toby Lightman and Norah Jones into an audible sundae you'd top it off with some Sheila Sondergard.

She released her album Spoke Too Loud on her own independent label Da lil' Branches records with distribution through City Hall records on January 22nd, 2008.

In the band you'll be hearing Jason Littlefield on bass, Sean Martin on second guitar, Jeremy Miller on the keys, Bill Ray drumming and Chuck Prada handling the remainder of the percussion.

They are currently scheduled for a few shows in sunny California.

Listen:
Sheila Sondergard - "Spoke Too Loud" (mp3)

Hey you guys! For Goonies Fans!

2008-06-16T18:04:00.002-04:00

Since returning home from their first US tour, Ottawa's pride 'n joy, The Acorn have been enjoying the fruits (and nuts) of home-life, but furtively gearing up for an especially busy summer, as well as their forthcoming Tin Fist EP out this fall on Paper Bag Records!

Rolf of The Acorn recently recorded a lovely cover of Cyndi Lauper's upbeat, yet tear-jerking classic "(Goonies!!) Good Enough" for the May/June edition of Cokemachineglow.com's popular podcast. This summer cover is indeed good enough for Sloth, Chunk, Data and the rest of the gang.

Listen:
The Acorn - "Good Enough" (mp3)

You'll be able to catch The Acorn live this summer at many of Canada's sweatiest music festivals including:

July 6th - Ottawa Blues Fest
July 11th - 13th - Winnipeg Folk Festival
July 25th - 27th - Hillside Music Festival (Guelph, ON)
August 1st - SappyFest (Sackville, NB)
August 2nd - Quebec Folk Festival
August 9th & 10th - Wolfe Island Festival (Kingston, ON)

The Acorn will be making their way across the pond for their first UK tour from September 5th - 14th in support of the Glory Hope Mountain, which will be released in Europe, Australia and Japan by England's Bella Union label (home to Fleet Foxes, Beach House, Midlake, Dirty Three, more).

BUY THEIR MUSIC!!!

Happy Day to the Papas

2008-06-15T06:29:00.003-04:00

On this Sunday in June let us wish all the fathers in the world a very happy Father's Day! And for the men who fill the role of dad to those children who need you, a great big happy Father's Day to you as well!

Father's Day is the day to honor fathers and celebrate fatherhood. It was during a 1909 sermon about Mother's Day when Sonora Smart Dodd became inspired to create Father's Day....

Anywho, how about we get some music up for the pops!

Listen:

James Brown - "Papas Got A Brand New Bag" (mp3)
Garth Brooks - "Papa Loved Mama" (mp3)
My Morning Jacket - "Lead Me Father" (mp3)
George Michael - "Father Figure" (mp3)
Peter Gabriel - "Father, Son" (mp3)

Skip to M'Alu

2008-06-13T08:01:00.002-04:00

It was really only a matter of time before the realm of social networking picked up another "Pandora" like engine.

Well it turns out these things already exist but were kind of riding below the radar, at least until now. MSN.com called them all out for their gift of giving free music (legally) and also streaming other music you might be interested in while you're there.

Foolishly msn.com titled the article like my Granny might. "5 Groovy Sites for Free Music."

For your Thursday tunes from Bring Me Up, we have Alu. With either a detailed production with each note in perfect position or with a more simple instrumentation, Alu's music is all shoegaze dreaminess melting into some modern jazz.

Her voice is deliciously similar to Gwen Stefani but a little bit smoother. Combine the vocals with the finger snaps and keyboard it's addicting music. I can imagine her on stage with bright musical colors spinning in ribbons around her whlie she sings.

There is much energy bouncing around in her music. She's not interested in falling in a particular genre, she just likes having fun with all the different sounds and textures you can add to music. The result is an album that offers a great deal of varied sounds and influences. You must understand creating records where each track is uniquely enchanting isn't easy to come by in today's music.

I am confident you will love this music! I'm sharing a track from her upcoming album Lobotomy Sessions, which releases on July 15, 2008. Alu both wrote AND produced the record. Mark your calendars girls!

Listen:
Alu - "Buzzin' in My Brain" (mp3 track down)

Buy some of her original tunes!

*~*~*~*

Christy Mannering of www.scrink.com
featured weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine

The Cure is not Flannel

2008-06-10T08:30:00.004-04:00

"What goes around, comes around, what goes up, must come down."

That's me singing along with Alicia Keys. No, I can't share her music, not legally anyway, so let's see who we can jam to today from the inbox.

It's been 4 years since their last album and The Cure is slated to release their 13th studio album later this year tentatively titled 13. This also marks the first contribution of famed guitarist Porl Thompson as a full time member of the band since his departure from the band in 1995. Rock!

So I'm going to post an old b-side you'll love from the band.

Listen:
The Cure - "NY Trip" (mp3)

And here's some flannel, ehm, Flannel for you. Flannel is a one man indie pop unit hailing from Japan. Just typing the word flannel is making me break out in a sweat. Do you know it was 80 degrees this morning driving Brae to day care. I don't even want to think about what the temp will be when I go to pick him up.

Listen:
Flannel - "Morning, about Mill, and Mugs" (mp3)

Copper Box of music

2008-06-06T08:09:00.002-04:00

"Copper Box performs music that crosses boundaries as effortlessly as a supersonic jet."

Her voice isn't Shania Twain or Sheryl Crow but a combination. And the music wants to be country, but it has a polka flair which rather than making me cringe is indeed amusing me. Normally music isn't meant to be amusing, I know, but I like this, this is fun music.

Danny Jerabek and Michelle Jerabek, decided to form a band after getting married in 1997. They traded their wedding gift money in for a very used, bright, granny-smith green utility van so they could travel with the band from gig to gig.

Come on, you know they have you hooked now, you have to give them a listen.

So listen:
Copper Box - "Hopeless Lover" (mp3)
Copper Box - "Need A Little Squeezin'" (mp3)

BUY THEIR MUSIC!!!

El Rey: Wedding Present

2008-06-05T07:50:00.005-04:00

The Wedding Present have a new album out, El Rey, it is their eighth full release and hit stores on May 20, 2008. If you're lucky you'll snag the limited edition 12" vinyl through Vibrant Records.

They have had eighteen UK Top 40 hit singles, however are not as widely known in the states because they refuse to play the industry game and therefore haven't been picked up mainstream.

The new album is less whirlwind guitar and more skittering drums with an upbeat experimental rock kind of sound. Whereas critics gave them a hard time in the past for being all about "meat and potatoe" indie tracks they have once again shown fans they have a vast aptitude for music and got a little 80s on us.

The band is on tour in England now through July 27, 2008 where they have a show scheduled at the Tower Lounge in Blackpool.

Listen:
The Wedding Present - "The Thing I Like Best About Him Is His Girlfriend" (mp3-remix)
The Wedding Present - "Convertible" (mp3)

Buy their music!!!

A sunlight kind of sound

2008-06-04T14:24:00.006-04:00

This is not the first or last time you'll hear me gush over the Blue James Band. I've never been to New Orleans, but I imagine during prime fest time it would sound like all the elements in this music.

But they're not from New Orleans, they are from Southern California. They dabbled with a delicious mixture of jazz, funk, reggae, and rock on their debut album That's That.

The music has an attention grabbing energy and a jovial care-free feel. You'll appreciate the diversity in instruments and find yourself humming along to the lyrics. Imagine you are dipping your toes into glistening waters, warm sun on your face...

Yes, it is a sunlight kind of sound. (If you like Sister Hazel, you'll totally dig this music.)

Listen:
Blue James Band - "Same Person" (mp3)

Buy the music!!!

Blink the Brightest

2008-06-03T14:03:00.004-04:00

Tracy Bonham is a singer and a violinist, she incorporates her two talents to create her music. When her first album released in the early 90s it was an alt-rock themed record. But her most recent album, Blink the Brightest, went a different route; it also released on a different label.

She's not a diva, she's not teeny bop pop music, she's more like a Paula Cole with a violin. I think there needs to be some more harmonizing going on, specifically with vocals because at times her voice sounds too strained for my liking.

But I like that the music is unconcerned, it's innocent and it's real.

Listen:
Tracy Bonham - "Shine" (mp3)

Buy her music!!!

These Bridges are not for burning

2008-06-02T08:02:00.003-04:00

The Alabama group consists of siblings Natalie Byrd (piano and guitar), Stacey Byrd (guitar), Isaaca Byrd (bass) and Jeremy Byrd (drums), and cousin Brittany Painter on lead vocals. Yes, the entire group is made up of family. Kind of reminds me of Straylight Run in that way; but we're talking about "The Bridges."

The group is currently on tour with Rooney promoting their forthcoming debut, titled "Limits Of The Sky".

Brittany Painter has such a strong and unique voicel it's a tidbit raspy. The background vocals are fantastic, too. The band as a whole has supreme harmonizing qualities. I just love the sound!

"The Bridges" are absolutely charming.

Listen:
The Bridges - "Pieces" (mp3)

Pre-order the album, Limits Of The Sky.

Lilac Wine

2008-05-29T08:25:00.004-04:00

You know what song is stuck in my head right now? Gwen Stefani's "Sweet Escape." This is not a bad thing, I like the song, but I haven't heard it recently and I don't know why it has put itself on repeat in my brain.

Anyway.

Today, I am going to pour out some Lilac Wine from Katie Melua. Nothing like drinking in a little music with your wine. =o)

Katie Melua - "Lilac Wine" (mp3)

I first found out about Katie Melua after hearing one of her songs in the movie starring Reese Witherspoon, "Just Like Heaven" which came out in 2005. She sang a rendition of The Cure's "Just Like Heaven" and it was stunning. I've loved everything about her music ever since.

Katie was the best-selling UK female artist of 2004 and 2005. So even I was behind the times in finding out about her music. But once I did know her music I immediately bought every album.

Katie plays guitar, violin, piano and she sings. The girl is gifted, just face it. She has a new album, Ghost Town, coming out in the US on June 23, 2008. And with this album she'll once again be stretching her talents with reggae influenced tracks.

Plus the girl is drop dead gorgeous so what can you say she's just perfect.

One last track from Katie...

Katie Melua - "Crawling Up a Hill" (mp3)

Now buy up her music!

Brace yourselves

2008-05-27T11:20:00.004-04:00

Joséphine. Like Cher, Madonna, Prince. She's just Joséphine.

As a singer/songwriter she sings about all the romantical aspects of life, sweetly and softly. But there are a few tracks on her recent album which makes the pain and difficulties she has experienced through life come into the light.

Knowing she still has far to go, this Parisian moved Canadian and now in New York gal produced the album Unfinished Life.

Listen:
Joséphine - "Meant To Fly" (mp3)

*~*~*~*

Songsmith and drummer Jon Hollins is from the Pendle area of Lancashire, a place well known for its music, magic and inspirational country.

After writing and performing with numerous Northwest indie/rock bands over the last decade, Jon went solo in 2005 to focus on guitar and the possibilities of digital recording.

Now in 2008, Jon Hollins' eagerly awaited debut album Line In is set to be released and will feature tracks gigged by bands such as The Futile Bros, Battenburg Pig and The Mirrors. Jon is sure that fans will remember the live versions and will like the brand new material as well. He says: "Half the tracks are ones that the fans know, so I wanted to include those, the other half are new. 'Line In' will be promoted in a local grassroots way as much as possible but it's the net that makes the difference for independent music these days. I hope people enjoy the sound and the vibe as much as they did before."

It is a little bit too produced for my liking. I can't grasp the vocals because so much energy was put on the music. If I could pick it apart I would probably appreciate each element separately, but put together like this it's just a mess. It's just too much for me. =o/

Listen:
Jon Hollins - "Days of Wonder" (mp3)

Paramore Soundcheck

2008-05-23T17:56:00.006-04:00

You might recall a few weeks ago when I first brought up Soundcheck and the band of the moment was Panic at the Disco. Well this time around the featured band is Paramore.

The exclusive interview was taped live in San Jose and can be viewed, word-for-word at Soundcheck. It's like having a backstage pass without all the in-your-face craziness of an emo punk concert.

Fronted by enigmatic lead singer Hayley Williams, the buzzed-about new band get candid about crossover sounds and the Deep South - and perform tracks from their critically acclaimed album, Riot!. Paramore was featured on the cover of February 2008 issue of Alternative Press magazine and voted "Best Band Of 2007" by the readers. They were nominated for "Best New Artist" at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards presented on February 10, 2008 but lost to Amy Winehouse. Bleck, I will never know why she won over them. =o/

Regardless, be sure to check out Soundcheck for some fantastic footage of Paramore live and electric. It is thrilling!

I'd also like to mention their summer tour, because they are going to share the stage with Jack's Mannequin. Seeing the two performing on the same night and same stage gives me goosebumps!!! Not to mention some of the shows will include Phantom Planet AND Paper Route! Awwww man what a collection of talents!

Soundcheck is an original performance series where you get up close and personal with your favorite artists. Check out live performances and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from original in-studio sets - all filmed exclusively in HD.

Acoustic rock delight

2008-05-22T08:03:00.007-04:00

Yahoo! Music and iTunes have kicked-off an exclusive video partnership with the official unveiling of the new Kooks' promo.

"Shine On" got its first play yesterday and sees the two forces join together for the first time to bring users the best music service in Europe.

"Shine On" is the latest single to be taken from The Kooks' second album, Konk, which came out earlier this year.

Konk was produced by Tony Hoffer and was released on 14 April 2008. In an interview with NME.com, Pritchard revealed that the band have "80 or 90" songs written and ready to record. "I want this album to be big," he said. "I've got an ego - I want the album to do well. I want our singles to come on the radio and for people to literally have their heads blown off by them."

The band will perform at the Isle of Wight festival on June 15th.

Listen:
The Kooks - "See the Sun" (mp3)
The Kooks - "Shine On" (mp3)

Be sure to buy the album, it's a must have!

For the music blog whores

2008-05-21T12:07:00.002-04:00

I was preparing a post and found for some reason I am unable to upload anything at the moment. Images and files are not posting. Sorry guys.

But here are some other reviews to look at in the meantime.

Actually, you should just bookmark The Yellow Stereo, they have a fantastic site filled with new music, reviews and witty interviews. Brilliant music site.

And then we have Fluxblog, which is a little bit hard on the eyes as a site, but the content is perfect. This blog is authored by Matthew Perpetua and he writes for several other sites so you may have heard of him.

And then there is Side One: Track One and I'll just tell you how the site describes itself because I think it's cute, "Side One: Track One is an Mp3/Audio Blog. I post up songs here throughout the week and share my thoughts on them with the sugary sweet idea that those who stop by this place won't feel like I wasted their time."