When first starting my blog I tried choose genres to describe the types of music I’d be sharing to put in my “about” section. As any music lover knows, it’s hard to define the types of music you like. It’s just whatever makes you happy at the time, right? Instead of putting indie or alternative, which in most cases is what I post, I decided to leave the blog specifics out thinking I would cover everything eventually. But the truth is, I know next to nothing about hip-hop, but wish I knew enough to blog about it. Of course I know the classics and can appreciate a good song when I hear it, but it’s certainly not something I google at night hoping to find the next big hit. But in my quest to share a little something for everyone, this gives me just the right excuse to invite my brother, Jordan, to help me out. Here is what he said below:
I search for new hip-hop artists constantly. I need to know who the next big thing is before they blow up and become too popular, or else I just can’t enjoy them as much. Most of the rappers I come across aren’t worth a second listen, but every now and then I find an artist that reminds me why I love music so much. Chiddy Bang, a four man group from Philadelphia, has the best and most original sound of anyone I’ve heard since The Cool Kids. The beats they use have an electronic feel with just the right amount of bass, and front man Chidera Anamege delivers some of the smoothest flowing lyrics I’ve heard in years. Anamege, who goes by the rap name Proto, is just a freshman in college.
Check out my favorite song of theirs, Fresh Like Us. I get sick of most music quickly, and I can’t get tired of hearing this song. I’ve tried.
Manchester Orchestra released their second full length album today, and so far I have nothing but positive things to say about it! Their song released in 2008, I Can Feel A Hot One, is what originally got me following this band; and including the track on Mean Everything to Nothing makes this new album even stronger. The band has been recognized for its powerful lyrics written by frontman, Andy Hull, who is only 22 years old. He wrote their first album at 19, I’m like a Virgin Losing a Child, claiming the songs were voiced as fictional characters he created to obscure his own emotions. Yet the intensely personal songs on Mean Everything To Nothing are all him. Andy admits “I was able to be more honest when singing as someone else. Now I’ve realized, although it’s incredibly difficult, it’s more powerful to just say it myself.” New York Times called their first album “music to swoon to” and I don’t expect anything less for today’s release. Play the tracks I’ve Got Friends and I Can Feel A Hot One below. Other favorites are Shake it out, Pride and Jimmy, He Whispers.
Music is all about discovering, listening and sharing. That’s why ever so often I’ll be asking my friends and readers to share a song or artist with us. I asked my good friend Ashley (who blogs at the Madgrad) to help me out this week and here’s what she said below:
I could not be happier when I came across The Train Song, from Feist and Ben Gibbard. I’ve always been a fan of both, and by fan I mean I cannot think of anyone else I’d like to sing at my wedding, or make the soundtrack to my life. Angelina and Brad Pitt have nothing on this musical power couple. Feist and Ben Gibbard (from Death Cab) may not be a couple romantically speaking, but melodically their soothing, radiant voices could not be a better match as they intertwine to create this beautiful song. This song was originally sung In 1966 by Vashti Bunyan an equally intriguing and talented artist. It’s strikingly similar to her later released song 17 pink sugar elephants. The lyrics speak to the vulnerability and chances that come with love: “How do I know I can come and give to you, love with no warning and find you alone?”
As if this song couldn’t be any more perfect, it was donated for the Red Hot Charity Compilation, Dark was the Night. This CD released in February, falls nothing short of amazing featuring tracks from Nick Drake, Spoon, Arcade Fire, My Morning Jacket and The New Pornographers. Proceeds from this CD, go to the Foundation’s goal to raise money and awareness of HIV and AIDS.
Check out the track by Feist and Ben Gibbard, and the original by Vashti Bunyan below:
So I have been listening to this band, La Rocca, for quite some time now. Their album, The Truth, I must have played 300 times when it came out in 2006. Non Believer off that album is one of my favorite songs of all time (yes I know, such a daring thing to claim. Although if you know me, you know there’s got to be hundreds on that list by now). Anyways, I just googled them and hardly found any reviews and even less blog posts. How is no one talking about this band? They are so good! The band is from Dublin, Ireland but they currently live in LA. I’d say their sound is indie pop with accents of folk and a little 60?s british rock. Their latest album came out in September called OK OKAY and I love this one as well. Listen to Half Speed from this album posted below.
If you missed SNL last night, watch this performance from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Zero is the first single off their new album, It’s Blitz! The new album is notable for its electronic and more synthesized sound than we are used to hearing from them. The album was co-produced by Dave Sitek of TV on the Radio (also an amazing band) which probably has a lot to do with this new sound of theirs and why I’m liking it!
About a month ago I saw Meiko play live at the Great American Music Hall here in San Francisco. Before that I had heard some of her songs and thought she was pretty good, but seeing her in person made me realize what an understatement that was. Her voice is amazing and she sounds even better live! On top of that she is actually hilarious. She told the funniest stories about how all her songs came to be, which left me wondering how I could make her my new best friend. Meiko sold over 200,000 single downloads on itunes before she was even signed. In 2008 she signed a recording deal with MySpace Records/DGC, who released her self titled album in partnership with Lucky Ear Music (Meiko’s own indie label). I think Meiko is definitely someone we will be seeing more of in the future. Another good song to check out is Real Real Sweet.
My Morning Jacket is a band I just discovered recently. They’ve been around a long time and apparently I have been missing out. This band is well known for fitting unusual genres together blending country, electronic, folk and rock music. When I first listened to this album it truly baffled me, yet in a good way. I couldn’t believe how different each song sounded from the next. I actually checked to see if MMJ was still playing when I could have sworn it was Prince singing Highly Suspicious. Two Halves sounds like it came straight out of the 60?s, and I’m Amazed has a total southern rock feel. All in all, My Morning Jacket has a little something for everyone.
Matthey Perryman Jones is another incredible singer/songwriter from Nashville. Seriously, what is in their water? So many good singers are from there! He is one of the well known “Ten out of Tenn”, and that is exactly what I would give him as an artist (if you don’t know whatTen Out of Tenn is, you need to visit the myspace and listen right now). My favorite song of Matthew’s is Save You, but he is most well known for his single, Letting Go.
I’ll have to admit I was a little late on this one, but I recently found out that two of my favorite bands have collaborated on a side project. Saves the Day‘s Chris Conley and David Soloway plus Say Anything‘s Max Bemis and Coby Linder have come together under the name Two Tongues. Both known for their distinctive vocals, it’s interesting how wildly contrasting both singers sound together. Their call and return throughout each song is by far the best thing about the album. My favorite song would have to be If I Could Make You Do Things, but Dead Lizard and Don’t You Want To Come Home are also favorites.
I couldn’t have been more excited when I came across this MGMT cover. Not only do I love MGMT but The Kooks are pretty amazing as well. This acoustic version of Kids is definitely something to listen to.
