Music Nibbs

Cool in the Cool Way

2010-04-23T15:46:00.002-05:00

I feel so dirty, in the cool way that is. Trendy hipsters unite under this anthem satire. The video is pantomimic in delivery, and I would say most people could relate. Especially if you want to geek out to be hip. How to fit in by being an individual; A social paradox that threatens to explode one's head. Same issues threatened New Wavers and Punk Rockers in the 80's; wear the uniform and you conform, but if you don't you won't stand out. Nowadays it's all about "indie" cred, and to be honest, no one, and I mean no one at all cares, except for you of course.

Okay that was a fun little tangent. Back to My First Earthquake.

The band themselves are fantastic. With songs like "Cool in the Cool Way", "Outta the Band", and "Sweet Frown", Earthquake is gathering quite the following. For some just having the beautiful Rebecca Bortman as the band's front-woman is a sure sell, however the songs to quite well on their own in my opinion. In closing, if skinny jeans and zip up hoodies are your forte, you can earn a cred patch and be the first in your circle to know all about My First Earthquake; http://www.myfirstearthquake.com/

Saved by Synth ~ Ronald Jenkees

2010-04-22T13:50:00.007-05:00

So what more can I say; I like this guy. I like his over-sized pop bottle glasses. I like the synthetic overtones mixed without hard club beats. I like that he takes no shame in over-looping to bring such an original sound. But most of all I am just digging the music. It sounds vintage yet fresh and new all at once. I am a huge fan of techno of all kinds; House, Trance, D&B, however this isn't anywhere near the mainstream club techno that remixes your favorite pop song fifty different ways while you dry hump a complete stranger and drink two liters of vodka Red Bull.

No this is a chill groove; dirty yet clean all at the same time. Crisp is the best word I can think of to describe Ronald Jenkees. Muthafuckin Crisp. Hell yeah, that's exactly how this guy sounds to me. Just picture George Clinton hanging out with Moby, and The Talking Heads, and you might get an idea of just where Jenkees fits in. This guy is a great of example on how you no longer need the machine of the music industry to get yourself heard; Kudos to you internet. Do your ears a favor and download yourself some Ronald Jenkees. You'll thank me later. http://www.ronaldjenkees.com/

Passion Pit

2010-04-15T15:15:00.002-05:00

*Redemption. Paranoia. Guilt. And brief glimpses of a better tomorrow, all cloaked in pop hooks that truly help the medicine go down.

What is this? Another lost LP from Brian Wilson's sandbox phase? If only things were that simple. What we're really alluding to here is Passion Pit's first proper full-length, Manners, a bird-flipping break from the blogosphosphere by a 21 year old with much more on his manic mind than girls, girls, girls. You know, important matters, like the end of the world and learning to love someone other than the man in the mirror.

That's the thing people missed about Passion Pit's debut EP, Chunk of Change. While it was originally meant as a Valentine's Day gift for a girlfriend who "put up with" frontman Michael Angelakos, that detail's only half of a story that isn't so cuddly when you consider the circumstances.

You see, Angelakos has written songs since he was a piano-pounding 5 year old, from spooky and spare folk tunes to pit-stirring ska punk. But one day, he just stopped. Not by choice. Angelakos' creative well was simply in need of a severe refill, so he started toying with the plug-ins and infinite possibilities of a computer program. Six tracks later, Chunk of Change was born by default. In need of an impromptu thank you card and some feedback from friends, Angelakos started spreading the songs around quite casually, really. Which is impossible to do in an era when blogs are as obsessed with breaking the Next Big Thing as labels are.

Flash forward to 2008. With Chunk of Change's official unmixed/mastered pressing in tow, Angelakos and the ever-evolving Passion Pit band play to a sold-out crowd at New York's Bowery Ballroom. A crowd that sees nothing wrong with singing along to every word; even several Manners selections, learned via osmosis by the second verse. With flash bulbs popping in his face like the frontline of a rifle-toting army, Angelakos notes the bizarre scene in front of him but never loses sight of why he's here, of his calling to craft pitch-perfect pop songs- hooks that nip at your heels and choruses that burrow into your brain.

A real deal album in other words, one that delivers on the blissful and bright promises of early fan favorites like "Sleepyhead." It took nearly two months of explosive off-the-cuff sessions with producer Chris Zane (Les Savy Fav, The Walkmen) to get there-everything was written and recorded on the fly-but Manners is exactly that, an irresistible, filler-free glimpse into the mind of a man who'd like to unleash his very own Pet Sounds someday.Check the carefully-sculpted songwriting on display: the speaker-panning synths and slightly sinister children's chorus (straight outta P.S. 22 in NYC) of "Little Secrets" and "The Reeling," the lead dulcimer loops and melancholic melodies of "Moth's Wings," the ecstatic, riled-up climax of "Folds in Your Hands." All part of a greater plan, the next step of which is taking Passion Pit's live show to a level that matches, and eventually exceeds, Manners ambition and kaleidoscopic soundscapes. Because when Angelakos says he wants to be the next Randy Newman, he's dead serious. And when he adds that Passion Pit is a band with a lead songwriter, not just Michael Angelakos and these guys, it's clear he's just getting started.ere by a 21 year old with much more on his manic mind than girls, girls, girls. You know, important matters, like the end of the world and learning to love someone other than the man in the mirror.

That's the thing people missed about Passion Pit's debut EP, Chunk of Change. While it was originally meant as a Valentine's Day gift for a girlfriend who "put up with" frontman Michael Angelakos, that detail's only half of a story that isn't so cuddly when you consider the circumstances.

You see, Angelakos has written songs since he was a piano-pounding 5 year old, from spooky and spare folk tunes to pit-stirring ska punk. But one day, he just stopped. Not by choice. Angelakos' creative well was simply in need of a severe refill, so he started toying with the plug-ins and infinite possibilities of a computer program. Six tracks later, Chunk of Change was born by default. In need of an impromptu thank you card and some feedback from friends, Angelakos started spreading the songs around quite casually, really. Which is impossible to do in an era when blogs are as obsessed with breaking the Next Big Thing as labels are.

Flash forward to 2008. With Chunk of Change's official unmixed/mastered pressing in tow, Angelakos and the ever-evolving Passion Pit band play to a sold-out crowd at New York's Bowery Ballroom. A crowd that sees nothing wrong with singing along to every word; even several Manners selections, learned via osmosis by the second verse. With flash bulbs popping in his face like the frontline of a rifle-toting army, Angelakos notes the bizarre scene in front of him but never loses sight of why he's here, of his calling to craft pitch-perfect pop songs- hooks that nip at your heels and choruses that burrow into your brain.

A real deal album in other words, one that delivers on the blissful and bright promises of early fan favorites like "Sleepyhead." It took nearly two months of explosive off-the-cuff sessions with producer Chris Zane (Les Savy Fav, The Walkmen) to get there-everything was written and recorded on the fly-but Manners is exactly that, an irresistible, filler-free glimpse into the mind of a man who'd like to unleash his very own Pet Sounds someday.

Check the carefully-sculpted songwriting on display: the speaker-panning synths and slightly sinister children's chorus (straight outta P.S. 22 in NYC) of "Little Secrets" and "The Reeling," the lead dulcimer loops and melancholic melodies of "Moth's Wings," the ecstatic, riled-up climax of "Folds in Your Hands." All part of a greater plan, the next step of which is taking Passion Pit's live show to a level that matches, and eventually exceeds, Manners ambition and kaleidoscopic soundscapes. Because when Angelakos says he wants to be the next Randy Newman, he's dead serious. And when he adds that Passion Pit is a band with a lead songwriter, not just Michael Angelakos and these guys, it's clear he's just getting started.

*excerpt from http://www.thesixtyone.com

Tax Day Playlist

2010-04-15T12:45:00.004-05:00

Here you go, the long awaited Tax Day playlist. Enjoy and Happy Tax Day!

1. Kiss With A Fist - Florence And The Machine

2. Lisztomania - Phoenix

3. 70 Million - Hold Your Horses

4. Major Tom - Shiny Toy Guns

5. Rise - Eddie Vedder

6. My Hope - Molly Lewis

7. Golden Age - The Asteroids Galaxy Tour

8. Holiday - Vampire Weekend

9. Slingshot - The Black Seeds

10. Time To Pretend - MGMT

11. Written In Reverse - Spoon

12. Right Hand On My Heart - The Whigs

13. Under The Landslide - Mat McHugh

14. Ikea - Johnathan Coulton

15. Cousins - Vampire Weekend

16. Multiplayer - The Voluntary Butler Scheme

17. And At The Belle Inn, I Told You - Bombhappies

18. If You Wanna Go - The Western Investor

19. But What About The Future - Toy Horses

20. I Fight Ganon - I Fight Dragons

Axis of Awesome

2010-04-03T13:37:00.004-05:00

These guys are great. Check this video out.

Know thy Art

2010-03-09T12:17:00.003-06:00

Fantastic music video - 70 Million by Hold Your Horses. Very creative, diving into different art masterpieces throughout the song. Directed by L'Ogre. Very interesting, and hey great song to boot.

70 Million by Hold Your Horses ! from L'Ogre on Vimeo.

The Killers - Greatest Band of the Decade?

2010-02-17T11:05:00.003-06:00

Yeah I think so. I might even go as far as donning them an even loftier title, as others have done, but I am sure this drives home the point that The Killers are more than just a great band.

An American indie rock band from Las Vegas, Nevada, formed in 2002, The Killers have topped the charts ever since. With numerous AMA, Billboard, BRIT, Grammy, MTV, People's Choice awards and nominations, to name a few, The Killers have taken the spotlight in stride and have continued to produce songs and albums that inspire a generation.

But really all that just doesn't matter to me. I hardly care if they ever were given all the recognition they have, to me it's all about the music, and the music.... is just that damn good.

Look. There are tons of great bands and songs out there, some get airtime, some are never heard, however The Killers are a notch above the grain, a band with music that will last generations. Do you really think your grandkids will be popping in Kanye West or Lady Gaga in their awkward teens like we did with Led Zeppelin, The Stones, or The Beatles? DOUBT IT. The Killers, like U2 before them, create music without an expiration date, music that resonates with human experience.

The variety of music they play is the perfect medium used in presenting such an emotional journey on every album. You feel empathy in each song, from pumped up to mellow-dramatic. I have yet to hear a song I don't like. However where they really shine is on stage.

Brandon Flowers has been voted one of the most dynamic and explosive front-men of all time, and it is clear why. I sadly have yet to see them live, but you would truly agree if you have seen their video "Live from The Royal Albert Hall" taped last year. Do yourself a favor and pick up this CD/DVD combo and you will soon be applying to become a "Victim" - the savvy name of their fan club.

Seriously I could go on and on about how grand and amazing the Killers are, but writing a novel is hardly my intent. So check out this video, and spend some time on their site.

The Killers - Greatest Band of the Decade? Yes, and most likely the ones to come as well.

Have a very Vamp Weekend

2010-01-30T14:07:00.003-06:00

First of all - Super Fun Videos - That being said......

Vampire Weekend. Yeah I know, they have been out for a couple years now, not the newest kids on the block, but figured I should give em a mention. Reason being because their newest album Contra has peaked in the US and UK at number one and for all the right reasons. Are they ska? Are they Indie? Who really cares, it's just fun music. Their 2010 album is much more mature and artsy then their previous attempt, filled with various styles yet keeping a pop like catchy tone that I think that may be one reason they have struck a chord in the mainstream. I for one, like them. I think their music is brilliant, and until I get sick of hearing "Cousins" and "Horchata" over and over again on the raido, I have nothing but nice things to say about this group. I posted two vids - A-Punk off their 1st self-titled album and "Cousins" off the new Contra record. Enjoy!

Oh and they are from NYC USA for all you who think this a UK band.

A Punk - Vampire Weekend
Uploaded by btvs27. - Music videos, artist interviews, concerts and more.

Vampire Weekend - Cousins (2010)
Uploaded by Percolardon. - Music videos, artist interviews, concerts and more.

Madden 10 Delivers On Soundtrack

2009-08-18T17:00:00.003-05:00

I have to give it up to all the folks over at EA who continually put out not only great titles, but also include great music to compliment their games. Madden 10 (odd that it is now just 10 and not not 2010) hits the mark for their target market. As always there are high energy hip-hop and rock tracks that keep you pumped up, but I think this time around the abundance of that style of music from the 90's really hits home to their biggest market - 20 somethings. When you can hear "Breed" from Nirvana back to back to "Sabotage" from the Beastie Boys and not be in your car listening to your favorite Alt radio station in 1995, there is something special at work. Lastly I must emphasise how great the game is as well. Although I do miss some of the Madden commentary that has become a staple in the franchise, the game is just that much more realistic you almost forget you're playing a game. Tracks listed below.

2Pac – Can’t C Me

Airborne – Heads Are Gonna Roll

Alice in Chains – Them Bones

B.o.B. – Created A Monster

Bang Camaro – Revolution

Beastie Boys – Sabotage

Black Sabbath – Paranoid

Cypress Hill – Get ‘Em Up

Helmet – Unsung

Iron Maiden – Aces High

Judas Priest – Painkiller

Kid Rock – I Am The Bullgod

Killswitch Engage – Reckoning

Korn – Blind

Mastodon - Divinations

Nas featuring P Diddy – Hate Me Now

Nirvana – Breed

Pantera – Walk

Public Enemy – Shut Em Down

Rage Against The Machine - Guerrilla Radio

Set Your Goals – Gaia Bleeds (Make Way For Man)

Slipknot – Duality

System Of A Down – Sugar

The Vanity Plan – Before I Die

Young Dre The Truth – Cheah Beah

2009-07-21T23:08:00.000-05:00

The Beatles Were Terrifying

2009-07-18T12:43:00.002-05:00

The Beatles Were Terrifying w/Fred Willard from Fred Willard

Jonas Fever

2009-07-08T12:24:00.004-05:00

Okay, Hanson, New Kids On The Block, The Back Street Boys, NSYNC, I get it, there will always be young boy bands and teenie groups out there to appeal to the younger generations. No argument, no criticism, no poking fun, it is just the way it is. No problem.

But please, I mean please tell me what the appeal of these weird looking kids called "The Jonas Brothers" is. I just don't see it. Usually the teenie pop stars look half way descent so they will look good on posters and t-shirts. And they usually have at least one hit that gets stuck in your head weather you like them or not. These Jonas kids don't seem to even have that.

Miley Cyrus at least can belt out a few tunes and sell movies, even if you don't like her you know why she is who she is. Yet these squinty eyed tweens are fricking everywhere you look, why? Is Zac Efron and High School Musical not enough for kids nowadays? Am I just so old that any thing super young and new automatically looks and sounds like garbage? Is there some subliminal message in their music that forces kids to purchase Jonas merchandise? I am not trying to be a complete ass, I just want to know. I would love to hear your thoughts.

Farewell Michael

2009-06-26T10:48:00.006-05:00

It makes no difference weather you loved his music, or shunned his character, Michael Jackson and his shocking death will always be in your memory, and you will remember where you were when you learned of his death. Michael's music shaped a generation, and his performances whether live or on video were ground breaking and innovative. June 25th 2009 will be a date that echoes in time mirrored by August 16th 1977, when we lost another "king".

Michael Jackson was more than just an icon or a super star, no he was much more than that. He was someone who has entertained the world in every decade of his life. There are few people that would rival how much impact he had on the people of this planet, for good or bad, and that truly confirmed him as a living legend.

Although his legacy has been skewed and tainted, his appearance grown increasingly bizarre, and his life shroud in mystery, let us remember the talent, the love, the dedication, and of course the music. I hope he finally found peace.

The Avett Brothers Vid Pick

2009-06-20T12:29:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to post this video quick. The Avett Brothers are one of the most amazing bands I have heard in recent years and this is a video that meshes a mellow a capella version of their 2006 track Talk On Indolence with their 2007 track Will You Return. Brilliant stuff. More to come on The Avett Brothers, stay tuned.

Lucky Number 311

2009-06-16T10:35:00.005-05:00

For me to go ahead and say that I will be writing a review of 311's latest installment with out bias I would be obviously lying. 311 is a band that I have followed and loved since the release of their self titled album 311 (or the blue album) way back in 1995. This is a band that has evolved from the funky hip-hop fused punk rock style that they brought to the music scene starting in 1993 with their first LP - Music. They have mellowed out and really focused on their reggae influences especially on their previous two albums, Don't Tread On Me and Evolver. However, as a long time fan it is very exciting to hear a fresh crisp sound from the Omahaian band with a large dose of their original sound that makes Uplifter indeed a huge success in my mind.

Just play the track Indian Ink and you will be swept back to a time when Clinton was President and flannel was all the rage. Or you can listen to the track Jackpot and actually think you were listening to their sophomore album Grassroots. Now let me be clear in that there are still many great "chill" songs on this new album such as Golden Sunlight and My Heart Sings. So for all you 311 fans that relish in the mellow stuff, you will be just as pleased. I must say that Never Ending Summer is my favorite track so far, but that will most likely change the more I listen to the album. I could go on and on about Uplifter but I for once I am going to shut up for a minute and get back to this fantastic music, I suggest you do the same. Kudos 311, kudos indeed.

The Way Out Is Through - A Review

2009-06-02T12:38:00.001-05:00

Fresh, inventive, emotional, deep; all choice adjectives when I first heard the EP Bandages from the newley formed Massachusetts band The Way Out Is Through. Here is a band that is in the infant stages what potentially could turn into a successful outfit.

Each track on Bandages is it's own monster complete with a story that delves deep into the story teller's psyche. The variety of musical styles used on each individual song makes you aware of the talent that TWOIT possess.

For example if you play the track Don't Care you get a Rollin's Band meets Hip Hop sound littered with funk that is reminiscent of an early Anthony Kedis flow that was the at the forefront of the 80's Red Hot Chili Peppers. Whereas if you then play the track 1900 you have an almost NIN sound that has that mellow draw with a heavy and crisp climax. On the track Endorphin you get a sense of a more current sound almost sounds reminds you of Chevelle. Then Necronomicon has an early Misfits sound in the vocals.

With styles that can fall into Hard Rock, Punk, Alternative, Electronica and Hip-Hop, it is almost hard not to compare TWOIT with bands such as Incubus or Linkin Park, however TWOIT has a sound unique to themselves and can't be grouped into the same category.

Have you ever found a band early in their career and then held on as a fan throughout the climb up the music industry's ladder, only to say years later, "Dude, I totally was into those guys way back when"? Well here's the chance to jump on the TWOIT bandwagon and get some more bragging rights. Check out the Bandage EP on Myspace Music and Reverb Nation, tell em Wisco sent cha.

Take Me Back Country Roads

2009-05-27T09:50:00.001-05:00

When was the last time you turned on the Country Western radio station and actually heard Country music? I will admit that country music is hardly my favorite genre, but if I am in the mood to hear Country I want to hear Country. Try it once, go ahead I'll give you a minute...... Okay, I am willing to bet that what you hear (unless a commercial is on) is closer to Rock Adult Contemporary than Country. With acts such as Taylor Swift, Sugarland, and Dierks Bentley on top of the Country charts, you wonder where the genre has gone astray. This "new" Country reminds me of the GOP, a party with out a true leader that has wondered off too far from it's roots.

Don't get me wrong there are some great Country artists and the ones I named above excellent in their own rights. Nashville stars still turn out hit after hit, sell out shows, and have a truly loyal fan base, but many of the same fans are one in the same as the John Mellencamp, Tom Petty, and Jimmy Buffet fans. Once again there is nothing wrong with this. I am the first person to admit that music genres are used in labeling music almost as a joke. Kid Rock - Country? Ummm, no not really at all, but yes he may have some country influences in some of his tracks. Does this make him country? Of course not. Same as Carrie Underwood not being labeled as Pop Music, although many of her songs fit that label to a T.

I suppose that what I am looking for in Country Music is the good ol' style that has long been forgotten. Let's hear some Johnny Horton, Jim Reeves, or Tennessee Ernie Ford. How about Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, or Patsy Cline? Whatever happened to Alabama, or David Allan Coe, or Waylon, and Willie and the boys? Yes I know those are all name drops, and I would not expect new Country to sound like the classic stuff, but some sort of attempt to bring a true American sound back to where it started would be refreshing.

So please let me know of some current acts that I just haven't heard that will take me back to when Country really was Country. There is a comment bar just below this article. What do you think?

So Long Scrubs And Thanks For All The Music

2009-05-20T15:42:00.001-05:00

Scrubs appears to have had their last episode this May, at least with their star protagonist Zach Braff and I for one will truly miss the show. The show was able to finish out their 8th season on ABC after NBC had their time slot replaced during the Writers Guild of America strike in 2007. Scrubs has brought their fans years of laughter and tears as it crossed many lines between drama and comedy. No matter the content of the episode, music played an enormous role throughout the show's entire repertoire.

Scrubs has featured a very wide variety of musical styles and each episode usually ends in a musical montage that sums up the feeling and theme featured. There have been two official soundtracks, and an exclusive Scrubs iMix that featured music from the span of five seasons on iTunes.

The cast has also had many singing parts through out the show and there has even been a musical worked into an entire episode named, you guessed it "My Musical". Many of the songs picked for the show actually come from the cast and crew along with Scrubs creator Bill Lawrence. Zach Braff's college friends Joshua Radin and Cary Brothers have both had their songs featured on the show, Radin on six separate episodes. Keren DeBerg has had her music featured on fifteen episodes and made a brief cameo on "My Musical"

With in episode performances by Colin Hay, The Polyphonic Spree, The Blanks (aka Ted's Band or The Worthless Peons), and Kate Micucci, Scrubs has truly brought artists to a mainstream audience that may have not otherwise been heard. Some of the great artists who have had their songs featured include Ben Lee, The Fray, Del Amitri, Endeverafter, Death Cab for Cutie, Jose Gonzalez, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Matt Nathanson just to name a few that come to mind.

A show that allows music to not only be the back drop to a story, but become an essential piece to it, is very special to me. Scrubs let music play a role that was just as rich with talent as the actors and actresses that played the characters we came to love. With that I bid Scrubs a fond farewell and am grateful to have not only enjoyed the story but the music that completed it.

Throwback Spotlight - Donovan

2009-05-19T14:02:00.001-05:00

Once dubbed "The British Bob Dylan", I cannot stress enough how much the music of Donovan has touched me. His work has opened a metaphorical window for me to gaze back at a different time when music was music, unlike the current music is money motto.

I first discovered Donovan via my Mother when I was still a young boy growing up in Milwauke, WI banging my head to Metallica and Guns & Roses. Little did I know at the time the sweet cool melodies and groovadelic bliss that wait for me in the other room stashed away in my Mom's vinyl collection. She had told me about the song "Atlantis" and it really did not hook me, it was a bit too bizarre for me at the time, and sounded very spooky. It took "Mellow Yellow" to draw me in and peak an interest. Then I really got into "Rikki Tikki Tavi" which took me back to the "Jungle Book" short story I had loved.

I soon found myself making mix tapes (yes cassette tapes, not Cd's or play lists) that included "Sunshine Superman", "Wear Your Love Like Heaven", "There is a Mountain", "Catch the Wind", "Epistle To Dippy", and "Hurdy-Gurdy Man". I of course had no clue at all to all the drug references. I just loved the music. Before long I was jamming out to the Rolling Stones, Herman's Hermits, The Beatles, The Animals, The Doors, The Who, Cream, .... just really diving in to the music that had defined a generation that was well before my time.

As I grew into a teenager I found my own musical niche in the music of the 90's - the music of my generation, and kind of forgot about Donovan. It wasn't until the early 2000's when I watched the move "The Rules of Attraction" that I fell in love with Donovan all over again. There is a scene in the movie which I will post below that is still one of my all time favorite scenes in a movie. The scene featured the Donovan song, "Colours" and fit it brilliantly. I had to get this song and ran out to buy the soundtrack the same day. "Colours" is defiantly on my top 10 all time greatest songs list, and that is a hard list to get on.

Donovan was ahead of his time and is still a major influence to many musicians the world over and that's why Donovan is the Throwback Spotlight of the day on this inconspicuous blog that will some day change the world.

The Rules of Attraction-Split screen scene

Buffalo Tom, New But Not Really New At All

2009-05-15T13:26:00.002-05:00

So I was recently asked by a very dear friend if I had anything to say on Buffalo Tom. I must admit I don't think I would have even thought of Buffalo Tom with out being provoked. I have not even heard much of BT since the 90's and I hardly even heard a peep from the music industry with the release of their 2007 album "Three Easy Pieces". I best remember BT from their cover of "Lolly Lolly Lolly, Get Your Adverbs Here" from the "School House Rock!" album that was all the rage when I was a teen in the 90's. They did have some memorable hits like "Big Red-Letter Day" and "Sleepy Eyed", and I suppose you could say it is sad that all that came to mind was the "School House Rock!" stuff. Funny what sticks out in your head huh?

Well since I was asked about what I had to say on BT I did download some tracks form the newest album and lost myself in what was a very relaxed listen. I was most intrigued with the track "Thrown" and did repeat it for a second helping. "Three Easy Pieces" from what little I have heard sounds like a buyable album, and is what you expect when you hear many of the 90's alt bands all grown up. More mellow than before and more mature, yet you almost wonder where some of that was when they were younger.

I would recommend "Three Easy Pieces" to anyone who can sit back and actually listen to music. There is a very crisp and soulful sound that keeps BT true to their original sound. The lyrics are smart and seemingly honest. Really take a listen to the lyrics on "Bad Phone Call" I must say I am very glad to have checked it out and that should say something right there.

Lastly do not expect to discover a new Buffalo Tom here, just a bit aged, but like all good things ........

The Airborne Toxic Event - Setting a New Standard

2009-05-12T12:31:00.001-05:00

If you have not done so yet, there is no better time than now to discover The Airborne Toxic Event. No matter what your musical taste you will find yourself humming along and rooting for front man Mikel Jollett as each song brings you down a musical journey. It is rare to find a band out these days that can really draw you in and keep you through the whole album.

The Airborne Toxic Event is a fairly new band, formed in 2006 in the Los Angles area, that I suppose would be considered "indie" although that label hardly describes any band that is donned that title. They would be considered a typical four-piece if not for keyboardist / violinist Anna Bulbrook. She brings a much more dynamic depth to their sound which is what originally drew me to the band.

They have an ever changing mellow to upbeat sound with grungy overtones presented with true harmony. The build-ups to climax that seem present in most of their songs is reminiscent to bands such as the Killers or Arcade Fire. They have gained a following on the success of songs "Some Time Around Midnight" and "Gasoline". I have personally taken quite a liking to the tracks "Innocence", and "Wishing Well". The whole album is a great work of art.

They have featured on "Last Call" with Carson Daly and "The Late Show" with David Letterman. Their self-titled debut album is available on iTunes or you can order it on Amazon with this link.

2009-05-12T10:56:00.002-05:00

"Success is having to worry about every damn thing in the world, except money"

- Johnny Cash

Bri Tunes ? Ummm... Really?

2009-05-11T16:31:00.001-05:00

So, today I was scrolling through my favorite online news source, MSNBC, and came across a new Internet music series called Bri Tunes. "Is this some new take on the popular iTunes?" I thought to myself as I clicked to learn more. To my surprise the link took me to a fresh web page featuring new music as discovered by none other than Brian Williams of "Nightly News with Brian Williams" respectively. "Dare I even look any further?" I was still in shock that the host of this thing was the same guy who brings me the horrific news throughout our world on a daily basis.

No offense to Mr. Williams of course, I just don't think of him as my source for new music, more like my source of ahhh, I don't know... World News. Why would I take the music advice of a middle aged corporate guy over the 17 year old gas station attendant, or the punk rock wannabe trying to skate board down my street, or really anyone else for that matter? Well Mr. Williams explained in the first part of the web page - "Okay, so I didn't name this thing, but I did come up with the idea. I have always loved identifying good music and good groups" - Brian Williams. Oh, well that makes sense, most of us do love identifying good music and more often than not, identifying with that music.

"Well why not check it out? I am no better than Brian Williams when it comes to music right?" I honestly never thought I would have a thought like that. So anyway I did linger on the page to see what ol' Brian had to say about new music. Bri Tunes was featuring a band called "Deer Tick" out of Brooklyn NY, although after watching the interview they could have easily been from my native Wisconsin. They are a folky rock band that fits the mold of many "bar bands" and reminded me of the Avett Brothers but with much more of a rock influence. They were actually quite a good band. I had not yet read about them in Rolling Stone, although they were quoted with stating that Deer Tick was the most emerging band of the South by Southwest Music Festival in Austin, TX. They are a good band with a bit of southern rock influence with a modern indie sound and I suggest checking them out. Deer Tick.

All and all Brian Williams truly amazed me with this new feature and I will be checking back with Bri Tunes soon to see what new bands I should be listening to. Touche Mr. Williams, you are more hip than I could ever be and for that I salute you.

Rush - Hall of Fame Worthy?

2009-05-11T15:42:00.001-05:00

Ahh yes, Rush. Canadian rock superstars before Nickelback was even out of diapers. The band who brought us amazing synthesizer melodies accompanied by the memorable drumming of Neal Peart and chilling vocals of Geddy Lee.

So the good ol' US of A does not feel Rush fits the bill when it comes to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. Rush has been inducted to the Canadian Music Hall of Fame way back in 1994 and have been eligible for induction in the states since 1999. It seems as though that the "Progressive Rock" genre is being overlooked in Cleveland, and this has caused some controversy in the music world. There is even a petition floating around to get the band there spot to be immortalized.

With cumulative worldwide sales of over 35 million, and such hits as "Tom Sawyer" and "Fly By Night" among many others, it is almost sad that Rush is not given the respect they deserve.

In my opinion Rush may not have been the greatest band to top the charts but they sure should have a spot waiting for them at the HOF. If Rush is skipped over the bigger picture is what about all the other aging progressive rockers? Are you going to tell me that back in the early 80's you only listened to Loverboy and Madonna? This genre is rich with great music that we take for granted. Pink Floyd, Yes, Styx, Genesis, Jethro Tull, Moody Blues, Traffic.... The list of artists could go on and on. C'mon HOF have some sense, let Rush in, as if the music business wasn't already clogged with bureaucracy.

There is a great article about this you may want to check out all about this very subject.