Andrew McMahon of Jack's Mannequin has recently released to a recent concert goer that in the near future, before the release of the September 30th [what an extensive wait as it was scheduled originally to be released in April] and upcoming album The Glass Passenger; that there will possibly be another EP in the works. Surely this will definitely keep fans on the edge of their seats and waiting, that honestly is a good way to approach things by 'accidentally leaking stuff,' through music blogs and myspace streaming and all that good stuff. So I daresay I hope that the recent news is true and not a factual rumor! We'll keep you posted on this. In the meantime, here's yet another track that was featured on the recently released EP featuring two songs from the upcoming and long awaited album as well as a couple live songs from the past album Everything in Transit. This is definitely keeping me hopeful that not only that his change in attitude over the new album will not only be perhaps a bit more uplifting, and something different for fans, but just a great release overall and one that's been rightly anticipated. But here's the stream of 'Bloodshot.'
Along with some other bands and artists I've been stumbling upon, one of the better ones definitely has to be Annie Clark and her project St. Vincent. I've also discovered that not only Ladyhawke has a hit song titled 'Paris is Burning,' but also this artist does too. Both songs are unique and original in their own ways, and I have to say I'm entirely more fond of Annie Clark's vocals than I am of Ladyhawke's. Perhaps it's the fact that it doesn't sound like synthenizers and all those other instruments are taking up more of the sound than the vocals.
But here's the stream of the song 'Now, Now,' and an mp3 of a different song on the bottom of this particular post. If you comment, do be sure to leave some feedback - it will be much appreciated! As with reccomendations that any of you have to give. Enjoy!
I was browsing through music blogs and all that jazz, and I came across the new P!nk [you know, the one that sang 'Who Knew,' 'Get the Party Started,' 'U& Ur Hand,' and various other pop hits] single, gave it a listen, and had to admit that it was decent. Which is odd for me to say, being someone that'd rather stray away from such mainstream artists. It's definitely not an original sort of tune being a kiss off to her now divorced husband Carey Hart, in the likes of Kelly Clarkson and Britney Spears alike, but it's definitely some catchy shiz at the minimum. This song has even been produced by Max Martin, the guy behind many of Britney and Kelly's songs.
Give it a listen, yourself, and judge if it's a hit or miss! This is via imeem.
Also, I'll be updating some more this evening, so keep in tune!
In light of the growing trend in pop culture, I decided it was only fitting to feature some of the 80's music that inspires singers and bands today. Madonna, Michael Jackson, Guns n Roses, Pat Benatar, Starship, Heart, Bon Jovi, to name only a few were some of the growing trends in the mid and late 80's. Their legacy, of course, most definitely lasts with many hit singles and trends of it's time. What are some of the bands that you or your parents grew up listening to? If you'd be interested in having them featured on here, don't hesitate to comment!
As with all the others, these mp3's will be up for a short time. These are being featured to spark some interest in these classic artists, and perhaps rejuvenate you to go out and support these artists.Enjoy!
Alright, so I wasn't sure exactly what to expect from this band. It seems like Fueled by Ramen bands these days are getting much more attention than a lot of better unsigned indie bands, but I have to admit I was impressed with TAI's new work. They released their first single off their up and coming album Fast Times at Barrington High [which comes out August 19th.] After listening to it, sure it's a bit poppy fluff, but I was suprised with the lead singer William Beckett's vocals which have drastically improved. Formerly rather a bit whiny sort of voice, it's now a lot more nice for the ears and makes you at least want to start headbopping to this teenage anthem - which I sounds odd, yes I know. But I promise you, give it a listen! It's catchy stuff, but that's probably the purpose of it. And hey, it's a guilty pleasure, but not the bad sort like a lot of the mainstream music I've oddly found himself addicted to these days. So have a listen at 'About a Girl,' the newest single released by The Academy Is.
It seems like the time of year for bands to be offering new music before their album comes out, as the case with Jack's Mannequin and other artists. But Keane's actually releasing their single for free, which is a rare thing in itself as they are quite an established band. It's comparable to how Radiohead offered their album for free a long, long time ago - it seems, at least. But I think this is great of them to do, honestly, especially for us music bloggers and fans that can't afford to spend every single cent they earn on a new record.
But here's the gist of this post! They're offering until around 11:00 AM on August 11th, their single 'Spiraling' for free on their official website. If you didn't see it above, here's the link once more, and it directs you automatically to get the download when you get onto their site. No purchase required, or anything! Via http://www.keanemusic.com
This single's actually pretty good, reminding me of some of their older stuff!
It's worth the download, that's for sure, so go out and get it while it lasts.
If you're not sure if you want to download something before you listen, have a listen via imeem:
I haven't updated in a while, I know, but I'm going to try and get back into the swing of things.
Jack's Mannequin [sideproject of Andrew McMahon of Something Corporate] has recently released their tracklist for their upcoming album, due September 30th, the Glass Passenger. Knowing it would be an impossible wait for many of his impatient fans, he decided to make a quickie Itunes exclusive include a couple new tracks off the Glass Passenger as well as a couple off his previous album Everything in Transit. Have a listen at The Resolution, his first single off of the up and coming album. And from what I hear, I'm loving it.
Originating from Indiana, lives in Pennsylvania; United States
Compares to: Jenny Lewis/Rilo Kiley, Allison Krauss, Fiona Apple, Kate Havnevik
I've had a recent writer's block, and it's been difficulty to get myself out of the laziness of not to write or update here. That was when I saw that for the first time we were featured on elbo.ws, and that absolutely made my evenining enough to give me inspiration to write and feature some amazing artists. Recently, I've come across a great number of female singers that have yet to gain much fame - which I hope will change as these are the artists that need all the support and attention they can; seeing as most of them are on independent record labels.
My first artist I'm featuring this evening is the lovely and most certainly talented yet outspoken Natalie Walker. Originally from Indiana, my home state coincidentally - which intrigued me, and now living in Pennsylvania; she is a contemporary alternative/pop/rock artist that compares herself with the likes [rightly said] of the great Fiona Apple, and Alison Krauss, as well as many outstanding female or female-vocalist led groups/singers.
As I couldn't even find her stuff on imeem, I'm just going to give you one of her tracks I recently got off of Itunes to sample and check out. Like all the others, it will only be avalible for a certain time only and then be rid of. If you like her, go out and check her out on her myspace: www.myspace.com/nataliewalkermusic
Next is another relatively more famous, at least in the United Kingdom and surrounding areas, is the gifted Norwegian singer. She's following in the footsteps of many women of the same nature and genre - that is being a mixture of jazzy pop and electronics - as Imogen Heap and many others have been doing over the past year or so. Some draw comparisons with her and Imogen Heap in particular, but I find that she has much more of a breathtaking and spell-binding voice that truly gets you intrigued - and not just through the background music. The music's quite theatrical at times, particularly in the Grey's Anatomy featured single 'New Day' in which a lengthy, but pleasant introduction starts out the piece.
Another suprising tidbit about the talented songstress is that she's independently funded, in other words, she'd self funded through her own record label.
All the more reason for me to egg you on in going out and seeking her music on I-tunes, or whatever local music retailer is in the area for you. For me, I get most of my music through Best Buy or through the internet. Mp3's are becoming the next big thing as many people are starting to feel as I do, and would rather purchase their music online and get it immediately rather than using a tank full of gas to go out and get the cd in its entirety.
I just recently found these ladies out, browsing through the top electro bands on myspace, purevolume, and whatnot; and I was pleasantly suprised. I also noticed that their single 'Not a Love Song,' was just released on I-tunes yesterday. I gave them a listen, and they weren't pretty bad - then I had my friend Bee give them a listen, and that secured my opinion even further that this were an up & coming artist. They recently glammed the front cover of Curve magazine, and have been making waves all across the United States, both in the clubs through electronic playing speakers and through the indie airwaves.
& a few bonus tracks. Remember, these will be up for a week or less and go out and support the artists if you really enjoy their tracks. These are for reviewing and publishing use only. If you would like any of these songs removed for legal or copyright reasons, please email or comment here and I will do so immediately.
For fans of: Flyleaf, Evanescence, Metric, Tegan & Sara Lately, I've been getting into a lot of female fronted bands. I've stumbled upon through a friend the three-sister led act Eisley most notably, and they're pretty good. There's a lot going on in their songs, with vocal harmonies, and unusual drum and guitar rhythms. Here's their hit 'Many Funerals,' for you to test out on imeem.
And here's a couple songs that you can sample, decide if you like, and go out and buy the album or downloads if you want to support them. Honestly, bands depend on the money they get from their album and mp3 sales so I'd highly and earnestly ask you too if you like them - especially with the gas prices so damn high many tours and bands are having to cancel dates.
These will be on less than a week, this time I promise, unless there's some sort of computer malfunction up again. Ew. Norton Anti Virus does NOT protect well. There's even a virus apparently that's developed to crash the system apparently.
Bonus mp3's for testing & reviewing use only. Respect the artists, and please go out and buy the record if you fall in love with the song or artist. Today, they are going to be mostly folk/blues, soul, and remixes: the genres I've fallen in love recently.
A little bit of background story on the next song that I'm offering this week. It's a new Lily Allen demo, that is featured on her myspace, but its not going to make it on her sophomore release because she sampled some stuff and was lazy to get the necessary copyrights if she'd use it on her album. Haha, I can understand laziness. But this isn't an A+ track, but her vocals are soaring on this song, and it's highly recomended.
for fans of: the shins, the french kicks [with heavy austrian accents in this case], [early] the cure, death cab for cutie [resemblances in the catchy hooks and instrumental genius]
It seems like there are a lot of bands that are giving out free Eps and demos these days, but hell, I'm not complaining and I doubt you as the recievers should be either. This is a band that I could not pass up the opportunity to feature from the moment that I first listened to them, and downloaded their free and [lega] tracks off their site. Right now, they're giving away a couple of their songs on their site, so make sure to check out the offer while it lasts. They're giving away their two hit songs 'Neon Sign,' 'Words on Logs,' for free on their site - Here! And don't forget to review, or at least leave a comment on what you think of them. :]
Thanks to the blog dirtysexymusic.blogspot.com for this one. A fairly modern and newer band named Feral Children has decided to give away it's newest EP for free, catching onto the growing trend in the music industry as it seems, so I'd recomend go out and get it while you can. It has great instrumentals from what I'm listening to by them at the moment, it's first track Zyghost, and even though the vocals could use some improvement; I have to say this is a pretty good freebie. And legal, mind you. Go get the ep on their website, Here!
You can get the Subways {the masterminds behind the hit 'Rock'n Roll Queen') latest single for FREE, off their official website. Their single is called 'Girls & Boys,' and it actually isn't half bad for something to be given away. Click Here to get it.
Punk/ska veterans of over 16 years as a band, Less than Jake, released their new album in the United States officially today. It isn't very often that a band can stay together for as long as they have, hell, even a lot of friendships and marriages don't make it 16 years; and nevertheless release decent music after this long. Their last album, In with the Out Crowd, was a huge success - at least to me - and immensely underrated. But GNV FLA is definitely a stepback in time, and by that I mean a step back to their old roots. A little bit less punk, a little more ska, and a little more of the originality in the lyrics that we all familarized ourselves with with Less than Jake. Not only that, but they also tie back their roots with the first track being labeled 'City of Gainsville.' If anyone remembers their old single, 'Gainsville Rock City' then you'll know what I mean. I perhaps see that as a tribute to their old days, and recognizing that their last release wasn't quite as faithful to their roots as they'd like it to be. But no worries, this is complete ska for you. And an incredible release from LTJ at that point. I have to say I'm immensely impressed with this release, so much so, that I may have to stream it on here at one point or another. Still, as most bands do, they could improve on sound quality and making their lyrics much more understandeable when they speak. All in all, don't have much to complain about.
But for now, here's a couple of their better songs off this album for you to stream.
Latest Release: Proudly Present a Guide to Love, Loss & Desperation [LP]
I may be a litle late jumping on the bandwagon, but better late than never. This is a band I've heard of for a few months but never really started to appreciate them until I just now listened to their entire disc which was just released in the United States today. It's great, really. They're definitely an example of what makes up the good of the indie-pop community. I do have to admit that the look of their lead singer reminds me a bit of the Cure's Robert Smith's hair.... and I'm not sure whether or not that's a compliment. =x
Here's their single 'Let's Dance to Joy Division,' which was offered for a while as a free single on Itunes music store. Download, listen to it, share it with your frends. And if you like them, buy their record and support them! Like everything else, this is for reviewing purposes only, and the file will be deleted or removed after a certain amount of time.
Yes, I did just use a damn Chinese Proverb as a title for my first post. Shoot me. To continue with my little foreign theme, why not put songs that you'll enjoy only for the melody? Lyrics that you can't comprehend because they're in a different language?(Unless, of course, you comprehend Portuguese or ask for a translation.) Well, I've compiled a list of Brazillian songs, and am posting them here along with some story from them. Since, yes. Brazil has good rock music. And bad, too. But this is good, trust me. Enjoy <3 http://www.box.net/shared/xnwusx8o4w That is a song played by "Nação Zumbi" (Zombie Nation). Can you classify them as anything but 'Alternative'? I doubt it. They created a music genre, called 'Mangue Beat', and have weird music videos. Worth checking out on YouTube, too. The band isn't insanely popular, here. But still quite famous for it's originality and influence. http://www.box.net/shared/rd617m4wsc LS Jack. Quite popular ten years ago, and I hated them until quite recently. Their singer almost died of hemorragy some time ago, though I'm pretty sure he's better now. Uncapable of singing, but that's alright. No one talks about the band anymore, but I don't care. http://www.box.net/shared/nm1esgj6sg Paralamas do Sucess. 'Mudblockers of Success' (random name, right?) You can feel the Police's influence in that, though they adapt it well to a less pop-y thing, in my view. They've been a band for over 25 years now, and have never had drama between them. Something to admire, I dare say. http://www.box.net/shared/3zqrkr2o0w Legião Urbana, 'Urban legion', is considered one of the greatest bands in Brazil's history. Their lead singer died of AIDS when I was exactly three years old. This is one of their earlier works, and I'll soon post newer stuff so you can see the insane progress they made (they abandon most of the punk influences and make great harmonies). http://www.box.net/shared/s70f0d5sko Mhm. This vocalist is insaaaaane with lyrics. This one's about a woman that always takes care of her abusive husband, even after he comes home drunk and smelling of other women's perfume. Pretty poetic. Check it out. http://www.box.net/shared/ih5uwi3pcc A nice blend of punk with Red Hot Chili Peppers and skate culture. This was mad eby their oldest formation, since now only the Vocalist is in it (Oddly remembering me of Guns n' Roses). Their new music continues being good, I'll post some soon. http://www.box.net/shared/0fe0iyococ Mhm. Our biggest pop punk exposer, CPM 22 is probs one of my favourite bands. So I'm going to put two of their songs here. http://www.box.net/shared/0tdhr5ds00 ^ That one's also by them. Hope you like their style. http://www.box.net/shared/hb647dkcog Feel the influence by 'The Strokes' on our new bands. This one's very, very recent, comparing to all the rest. I like older music, but this one's worth listening to.
I ramble a lot, forgive me. Next time, less rambling, more music!
[this is not credited for me writing. i merely saw the article on mypark.uk and decided to share it with you guys.]
Last Shadow Puppets' pole dance?!
The Last Shadow Puppets are learning to pole dance. The band - better known as Arctic Monkeys star Alex Turner's side-project - are rehearsing some steamy dance moves in preparation for their appearances at this year's Reading and Leeds music festivals. Alex said: "We're working on the routine now. We're not really born dancers but the music is there already, so we're working on the dancing, you've got to be an all-rounder if you want to survive in the music industry these days."Pole dancing is not the only unusual surprise the group have in store for their fans. Alex added: "At Reading, we're going to have a massive firework show and elephants. "Arctic Monkeys suffered problems with their sound levels when they headlined 2007's Glastonbury festival, and Alex had a tip for this year's headliner Neil Diamond. He told BANG Showbiz: "What are we going to say to Neil Diamond? Neily, Neilo, Nilo. We'll tell him to get the speakers turned on at Glastonbury." (C) BANG Media International
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Listen to their first single off their debut album/sideproject 'The Age of the Understatement.' This is the title track.
Also, what do you think of Tom Delonge playing yet another Blink 182 song on the recent Angels & Airwaves tour promoting their second full length release I-Empire. I find it odd, personally, as he was the one that left the band, and Mark/Tom wrote most of the songs on all of their albums together. Then again, he has reasons. But here's the video of him talking at a concert back in February, and performing Reckless Abandon/Rite of Spring - this is the more high quality one that I could find but there were many when it came to youtube of him playing 'Reckless Abandon,' with AVA. I'm guessing that he's sort of looking back on Blink 182.
On similar note, there was recently a trailer linked from the up and coming Angels & Airwaves documentary 'Start the Machine.' Here's a clip of it, with Tom discussing his reasons behind starting AVA and leaving Blink 182. What do you guys think? Is this BS or is this sincere? I think it sounds more genuine than anything else that's come out on the matter, though this has been several years ago and should have been long forgotten by now if Tom really had moved on.
Here's the video/trailer from 'Start the Machine,'
Onto another note, there have been several other great music videos premiered recently. Namely, stuff from the Kills, the Films, MGMT, Katy Perry, AVA, and such. I already showed the new Ting Tings video earlier in my blog, and I've noticed that it's quickly growing on both the UK and US youtube charts hit-wise.
First up on the Sunday batch, is MGMT's 'Electric Feel.' These pair have recently made it big with their explosive first single from their first release 'Oracular Spectacular.'
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Katy Perry's 'I Kissed a Girl.' A little bit of a 180 from the former CCM [contemporary christian musi] star in the early 90's that was to be a success in that industry under the name Kate Hudson, huh? What do you all think of this single reaching high in the Itunes charts?
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The third single to be released off of Domino Records' artist The Kills's release Midnight Boom, the song 'Last Day of Magic,' is just as catchy addictive as the music video is. Personally, I find it similar to the whole Mr. & Mrs Smith love scene, rather sexy to be honest.
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The Last Shadow Puppet is the 'side project,' of the leader singer of Arctic Monkey's Alex Turner. Though honestly, it's not like all those other sideprojects out there [with the exception of Andrew McMahon's fantastic Jack's Mannequin] that deserve to be stuck in with the label. I think it's just as fabulous, diverse as it may be, as the Arctic Monkeys. Also, the band recently won the best new artist award at the Canadian's acclaimed Juno awards. If that's not saying something, then I don't know what is. But here's the 'Standing by You,' video from them. It's their newest single that's officially going to be going to the airwaves starting July 7th.
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Angels & Airwaves 'Breathe,' will be third third music video off of I-Empire.
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This wraps it up for this evening's music bash. If I have anything important or amazingly uber that you should listen to I'll update later tonight, if not, tommorow it is!
Styles/Genres: Piano Ballads, Electronic, Experimental, Alternative, Pop
For Fans of : Jack's Mannequin, Mates of State, Broken Social Scene, The Winter Club
[Quoting from his Purevolume] "Polaris At Noon was conceived in January 2008 after Jason Suwito realized that his back catalogue of songs was piling up. Being a writer who’s music ranges from rock, to pop, to piano ballads, and electronic, releasing music in a serialized manner (one week at a time) was perfect for a collection of songs that don’t necessarily fit into one cohesive album. The dynamics of fan-to-artist relationships are changing with the plethora of social networking sites popping up on the net. With no record label, no distribution, and literally no startup fan-base, what better way to start up a project than with something new and heavily reliant on the Internet. "
His EP for a while was actually featured on Absolutepunk.net for free, so I feel that it's almost obligatory to give you guys the same opportunity after listening to him, if you like it you can download his 3 MP3's that I'll have down at the bottom of the page up for a certain amount of time [a week, or possibly just a few days]. I thought this was definitely one of the more stunning releases of 2008, and I think you will too, so check it out.
These three songs that I'm giving away where once part of a promotion of Absolutepunk.net, and this is to be used as the same. This is to promote Jason's music and to grab attention and fans, and if you like it, go out and buy or download his stuff. These will be taken off after due time, in a few days after people have gotten the chance to listen and review.
Alright, today I'll cut straight to the cheese with a few of my favorites and whatnot. I've been a bit late to climb on the boat but Tilly & The Wall, Tegan & Sara, Metric are absolutely amazing. I've been realizing that the amount of female singers in the indie/alternative scene has been climbing over the past year or so, and the amount of talented ones has doubled. So I decided to feature a few of the ones that I've observed for a while for you guys to listen to.
Remember, the mp3's are up for a temporary time, and are used for purposes that have to do with reviewing and learning to like different artists. If you want to support them, go out and buy the album, or EP. It really does help the artists, particularly in the indie scene.
Tilly & The Wall - Omaha, Nebraska.
Latest release: the album 'O,' was released last Tuesday.
Rating: 4/5.
For People who Like: Jenny Lewis with the Watson twins, Tegan & Sara, Rilo Kiley, Of Montreal, Metric
Another notable musician I want to bring to you is a girl that names herself 'Lights.' Is it just me or does it seem to be a growing trend to be only known by a single sur or first name? I mean, there's 'Adele,' 'Duffy,' 'Pink,' and so on. But this girl's pretty good, she has a new/wave, electronic sound to her, and she's going to be appearing at a couple dates of the Vans Warped Tour. Unfortunately the Warped Tour isn't coming anywhere within 4 hours of where I live.
Yes, I am late on this trail, but released on Tuesday; there were several great releases including new albums from Tilly and the Wall, The Hold Steady, The Offspring, Wolf Parade, and My Brightest Diamond. All are great, and I'll try to be including featurettes on all of the above artists in the next few posts that I will put together.
The Offspring, [1989 - now] sometimes quoted 'Offspring,' are a alternative/punk act from Garden Grove, California. They've released many cds over the years, but most notably the succesful 'Smash' [1994], the best selling independant album of all time; 'Americana [1998], Conspiracy of One [2000], and 'Splinter,' [2003]. So it's no suprise that their latest release: Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace has been highly anticipated for years to come.
It seems to be a growing trend lately, for artists to either give away their album for free download [as the case was for Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails] or to stream their entire album for listeners to listen to before going out and buying. I think of this highly as a wise decision, so that we all know what to expect before buying the record. The Offspring, have followed this trend, by having their album streemed in its entirety on a great music streaming/playlist site called imeem. Here is the playlist, official, of their new full length album that you can listen to on the side of this blog. Enjoy!
This is the song that you've probably recognized off fo the Apple-Ipod commercial recently. It's 'Shut up and Let Me Go,' by the Ting Tings; a new British arrival on the scene that has recently released their album 'We Started Nothing,' already #1 on the UK charts, and have released several additional singles ['That's Not my Name,' 'Great DJ']. They're a great band, though they aren't making up their own genre of any sorts, all their songs are fun and addictive.
Also, check out the great Calvin Harris remix of their song Great DJ.
Poets of the Fall is a great Finnish band that I've recently discovered through several friends. They've been around for a good several years, and have released several albums and LPS. Unfortunately, it's extremely hard to find a good price on their actual cd to import into the United States for under 50 dollars even if I'd really want to buy it. That's why I'm offering this download of their hit song 'Carnival of Rust,' for a week's time. It's great alternative.
On a more recent note, there's a woman named Duffy that's being rumored to be the next Amy Winehouse, lyric and vocal wise that is, seeing as most certainly she doesn't seem to be going down the path of alcohol destruction that the 'Rehab,' singer did. She actually recently won against the best new artist The Last Shadow Puppets for her song 'Mercy,' as the best single of the year at the Canadian Music Awards. That song was also avalible free for download on Itunes for a good while, and it has to be one of the best that they've offered. This woman has an extroadinary voice that combines the sounds of jazz and modern alternative/pop in one.
Anyways. Check out her single 'Warwick Avenue,' here for mp3 download temporarily. This is for promotional use only, and it is licensed to the artist.
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Kate Havnevik - Norway
