Danny Carbo: Diversified Style

Danny Carbo appeared in my blog last month for a video post/music preview I did, and I am blogging about him again this month to review his music because his album is nearly finished! I recorded Carbo performing three of his original songs with his friend Jonathan Freeland so that you can hear his music before it even makes it to iTunes. Think of it as my Christmas present to you :)

First up is "Not Even Me," a fierce, bluesy track that warns its audience of the vulnerability created by trusting others. Carbo belts out the song's cynical lyrics while an angry chord progression gives the song even more attitude. Carbo's vocal range soars in this song, making the lyrics impossible to ignore. The musical intensity of "Not Even Me" will not only cause you to sing along but to also question those around you.

"When Ya Gonna Get It" is a B.B. King-esque jam with sleazy-sounding guitar riffs that propel the song to blues greatness. Carbo varies the style of his singing with this song to express the frustration and impatience felt with the fool he describes in the lyrics. The seductive, drawn-out chords of the guitar pair perfectly with the aching heart heard in Carbo's voice. His passion for blues is definitely showcased in "What Ya Gonna Get It."

Lastly, "Lovesick Lullaby" might be the cutest song of 2010. It consists of gentle guitar chords blended with Carbo's sassy belting and love-drunk lyrics. Its melody is reminiscent of a 1960s bubblegum pop tune with a dash of updated blues. This song is my favorite from Carbo because it flawlessly showcases his incredible song-writing talent. From start to finish, the song sounds complete, polished and precise.

Danny Carbo's music mixes pop, blues and rock to create an ear-pleasing fusion that is his unmistakable, diversified style. I will definitely be posting about him again in the future when the album goes to iTunes. Until then, I encourage you to keep jamming to these videos so you can be his biggest fan even before his music makes it to the masses.

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Secret Secret Dino Club is Good Clean Fun

Today is a first: I am going to review an indie HIP HOP pop band. Exciting, right? I think it is because I love when unlikely genres are blended together. Secret Secret Dino Club, a three -piece band from New York, produces quirky lyrics, catchy rhythms and delicious hooks to hypnotize their listeners into a bubblegum pop trance.

"Upside Down (Spin Me All Around)" is an adorable duet about a lovey-dovey relationship. I am usually a cynic for such songs, but I could not turn this one off. "I love you so much with all my bones" tugged at my heartstrings. The electronica style instrumental parts are the perfect backdrop for the dialogue between boy and girl. The rhymes in this song are genius. This song is too cute from start to finish.

"Look at Me Now!" is a triumphant love anthem celebrating finally establishing a relationship and being proud of finally getting a great catch. This song made me realize I appreciate Secret Secret Dino Club's lyrics the most out of their music's characteristics. Everything rhymes just right, and they always tell a story. I like when music is a narrative so Dino Club definitely has me in the palm of their hand.

"Ain't Falling in Love" is a slow, cynical song with stellar guitar parts. This song definitely has more of a hip hop feel than their other music, and it works. The beat is very easy to follow, making it easy to keep up with everything going on in the song. This song is just good clean fun.

Secret Secret Dino Club is the perfect band for fans of Hellogoodbye, The Rocket Summer and The Friday Night Boys. Here's a lyric video for "Upside Down (Spin Me All Around)." What do you think of this band? Comment and let me know what you think!

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Photo Credit: http://www.purevolume.com/secretsecretdinoclub/photos/3073556

It Pays to Have Music Lovers as Friends

Thomas Cornell and I became friends at the beginning of the fall semester in our history class. At some point, I chose to tell him about this blog, and since then he has become one of my most faithful readers. Our conversations about music exist on this blog and in our classroom, and sharing our passion has made our friendship very fulfilling.

Thomas is such a good friend that he decided to make a set of CD's for me of music that he thinks I need to listen to, which is incredibly appropriate considering the theme of my blog. I thought it would be a sin not to blog about some of the artists Thomas blessed me with.

After listening through almost half of the hundreds of songs Thomas gave me, I have created a list of artists, in no particular order, that everyone should check out.

1. Who: Leslie Hunt

Sounds Like: Fiona Apple, Liz Phair

Why Listen: Hunt's powerhouse voice and personal lyrics should not be ignored.

2. Who: The Bird and The Bee

Sounds Like: Cute Daft Punk, Lily Allen

Why Listen: The Bird and The Bee's tracks are full of life and fun. Their techno remixes of Hal and Oates classics are fantastic, and their originals are even better.

3. Who: Elizabeth and the Catapult

Sounds Like: Sara Bareilles, Regina Spektor, Lisa Loeb

Why Listen: Elizabeth has a beautiful tone to her voice that is wonderfully relaxing and the instrumentations in her songs fit her lyrics perfectly.

4. Who: Eisley

Sounds Like: Sara Bareilles, Florence and the Machine

Why Listen: Eisley's tunes are catchy and her voice is irresistibly sweet.

5. Who: Paloma Faith

Sounds Like: Amy Winehouse, Duffy

Why Listen: Faith's tracks span a broad array of styles. Her music is sassy, fun and fresh.

What do you think of these artists? Who do you like and dislike? Let me know by leaving some comments. Let's have a conversation!

A big thanks to Thomas for making this post possible!

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Photo Credit: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150355791135157&set=a.10150355790700157.583505.892080156

Hot Chip Makes Hot Hits

Diversified sound has never been showcased better than in the music of the UK's Hot Chip. Their electronica jams feature differing musical styles yet they are all cohesive. Hot Chip is obviously not afraid to experiment with their sound, and that boldness filters into their phenomenal music.

"Ready For the Floor" is a techno-heavy song with pristine, delicate vocals. It has a very Klaxon/La Roux feel to it and makes for an ideal dance hall hit. Looped vocals give it a hypnotic vibe and the pulsing rhythm makes it easy to groove to. Listen to this song if you feel like dancing.

"Made in the Dark" is a slow, melancholy piano ballad with soft vocals. It almost sounds like a Don Henley tune. I was surprised at how different it was from "Ready For the Floor" because I was expecting another upbeat techno song, but instead I was met with a beautiful, simple ballad. This song is a lullaby.

"Shake a Fist" sounds like a mash-up of old school video game sound effects that evolve into a mysterious, tribal percussive sounds. This song reminds me of a lot of MGMT, which is definitely a good thing. It is very anthem-like and space-y. There is a breakdown halfway through the song that involves some listening instructions from one of the band members and an outbreak of techno chaos that excites the ear. This is my favorite Hot Chip song by far.

I recommend Hot Chip to fans of experimental and techno music. They vary their sound from song to song, but in the end it all turns out to be electronica gold. Here's a video of them performing an addicting groove called "Over and Over." What do you think of them?

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Photo Credit: http://www.purevolume.com/hotchip/photos/2239832

Perfect Timing with Lovedrug

Let's get a little personal. I am obsessed with being in the Christmas spirit. After Black Friday happens, I am all about the holidays and enjoy as much Christmas-related things as possible: Christmas television specials, Christmas cookies, Christmas sweaters, Christmas socks, Christmas decorations, etc.

The top dog of all my Christmas favorites? Christmas music. I crank it until the voices of Bing Crosby and Burl Ives are stuck in my head for the entire month of December. In fact, I don't even really listen to any non-Christmas music during the holiday season, but of course I have had to make an exception for my blog.

I didn't have to compromise today though because Purevolume led me to Lovedrug, an adorable rock pop band that just released a Christmas EP. HOW PERFECT? Not only are they featuring some of my favorite Christmas songs on their Purevolume, but they make those favorites sound better than I have ever heard them before.

"The Christmas Song" is interpreted in a very blues/jazz fashion by Lovedrug. They have slowed it down a good bit and given it a killer guitar part. The vocalist takes his good old time with each word making the song almost trance-like. The tempo speeds up halfway through the song making it sound really grunge-y and wonderful. I cannot get over how well Lovedrug plays this song. It has so much more style than any version I have heard before.

"Blue Christmas" is crooned to perfection. The vocals sound almost sleazy with how whiny yet whisper-y they are. The instrumentation sounds exactly like the original except the percussion has a lot more life in it, and the guitar solo towards the end of the song really rips into the usually hum-drum chords. I love this version because Lovedrug pumped a lot more flair into it than the original.

"Christmas All Over Again" impressed the life out of me. Lovedrug definitely captured the fun vibe of the holiday hustle and bustle with this one. The vocals again are simply delectable, and the percussion parts are very tight and polished. It sounds like they had fun recording this one, and that's what Christmas music is all about to me. Five stars for Lovedrug on this one, especially for the awesome guitar parts.

If you are looking for some fun, updated Christmas tunes, listen to Lovedrug's Christmas EP. You will not be disappointed.

Here's an adorable holiday video from Lovedrug. What do you think of them?

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Photo Credit: http://www.purevolume.com/lovedrug/photos/3228713

Darynyck: Folk Pop Perfection

Folk pop almost always appeals to me, and quirky music duo Darynyck is no exception. In fact, members Daryn and Nyck (adorable choice of band name, I know) create some of the catchiest, cutest folk pop I have listened to in a while. Their simple lyrics and easygoing rhythms make listening to them very enjoyable. They have an irresistible charisma about them that makes me want them to write a song about me.

"Same Old Song" features an upbeat tempo and a variety of instrumental parts. Layered vocals enhance the song's fullness to a high degree, while the rattle of a maraca breaks up the repetitive guitar part and gives the song a fun edge. There is a bit of a campfire-sing-along vibe to this song that makes it perfect for a party playlist. This song is packed with sinfully sweet folk fun.

"Chaotic (Under Control)" is a mellow, guitar-driven track with a tambourine that fits in perfectly. My favorite aspect of this song is a rugged harmonica part that accompanies the attitude of the lyrics very well. The tone is somewhat cynical and pessimistic, making it a nice departure from Darynyck's often brighter vibe, yet it is impossible not to bob your head to this song. It's addicting.

"Now or Never" features a terrific harmonica part and song structure. The harmonica waits for the vocals finish, as if they are taking turns expressing themselves. It makes for a very fun interaction. Halfway through the song, everything slows down to make way for a quiet, slow verse that ends the song with the woeful lyrics, "Will you ever love me again?" Because of their creativity, I am willing to love Darynyck over and over again. This song is proof that this band writes catchy folk pop like it is the only thing they were put on Earth to do.

I recommend Darynyck to fans of Bob Dylan, Dave Melillo and Busman's Holiday. This duo makes fun folk with a dash of edginess that is sure to please any folk pop lover. Watch this live video of them and tell me what you think! Do you like Darynyck?

I also found this gem while perusing Darynyck's YouTube videos. It's one of my favorite Weezer songs. I simply could not pass up posting it.

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Photo Credit: http://www.purevolume.com/darynyck/photos/3118914

Last Conservative Produces Great Alt-Rock

Nothing is more musically refreshing to me than a dose of decent alternative rock. Buffalo, New York's Last Conservative bring a feisty attitude to their energized music that makes listening to them feel like someone is pouring their soul out to you. I like what they do because it is clear that they have whittled away at their sound to find a musical identity that is unique to them.

"Your Place or Mine (All This Fire)" is a passionate, sex-driven inferno of a song. There is so much emotion behind the vocals and the powerful guitar riffs that it is hard not to understand what the song is trying to say. This song is loud, outspoken, fearless and honest. It's a winner.

"Pretty New Things" is a slow, symphonic song with deep lyrics. "The whole world shudders every time we sneeze" is just one example of the lines that calls for individual interpretation. I like when bands leave the meaning up to the listener because it makes listening a more personal experience. This song never falls flat once. It is incredibly polished and epic.

"The Way You Would Kiss Me" is another slow song that romances the ears with a quiet piano part and low vocals that sound like they are being directly whispered into the listener's ear. With lyrics like, "You can't give what you haven't got," the song packs a heavy meaning that is adequately expressed not only through the lyrics but through the tone of the instrumental parts. It's not all romantic hums though. An alternative rock vibe is heard in several parts of the song, especially in the vocals. Very well done.

Fans of Pearl Jam, Edwin McCain and Lifehouse should try out Last Conservative. They have a clean sound with a lot of heart. Here's a video of them performing "The Way You Would Kiss Me." Do you like Last Conservative?

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Photo Credit: http://www.purevolume.com/lastconservative/photos/1693704

Q: Dream Job? A: Rock Star.

This week I had to create a quiz to post on my blog for an assignment in my multimedia class. I could have made a quiz to help you find out what indie band you are or what genre best describes you, but I decided to dream a little bigger and a little louder.

I made a quiz to help you find out what kind of rock star you would be if you were in a rock band. Take the quiz and tell me what you think of your results! Do you think your answer is accurate?

Quizzes by Quibblo.com

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Photo Credit: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/archive/f/f3/20051022203016!Question_mark_alternate.png

Wolftron = Acoustic Pop at Its Finest

The folk acoustic pop gods must have been thinking fondly of me today when they blessed my laptop's speakers with the lovely sounds of Wolftron, the side project of Daphne Loves Derby's front-man Kenny Choi. He produces symphonic music of epic proportions, complete with pretty vocals and even prettier instrumentation.

"Sugar Skulls" is cutesy, electronic jam accented with smooth acoustic guitar rhythms. The vocals hit every pitch just right. The song plays nice and easy on the ears. I love how delicate every note sounds. It is truly a work of art.

"Crystal Skulls" is another great slow and simple song with perfectly placed crescendos and decrescendos. I could hear the song grow emotionally with the color in the vocals. It sounds so beautiful I would consider playing it at my wedding. Even the ending is flawless with a soft, slowing percussion rhythm. I would not change anything about it.

"Ms. Luna Grim" is an upbeat track with intriguing lyrics. "Wait out in the dark until the moon burns through your heart. Then you'll find some peace. You'll never know my name again," is an example of the thought-provoking words supplied by Wolftron. Various electronica sounds are featured in this song, adding to its delightful mystique. The precise guitar-picking exemplifies the close attention to detail Wolftron pays to all of its songs.

Wolftron epitomizes great acoustic pop. The combination of Choi's whisper-like voice and the strong, full sound of the instrumentation works out very well. Watch this video of Choi performing "Ms. Luna Grim." Do you like his sound? Comment and share your opinion!

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Photo Credit: http://www.purevolume.com/wolftron/photos/2234860

5 Reasons Why You Should Listen to Lady Danville

Recently I had the pleasure of attending a Ben Folds concert at Pittsburgh's Club Zoo. I had no prior knowledge of an opening act being there, so I was pleasantly surprised when indie pop powerhouse Lady Danville took the stage and blew my mind. Here are five reasons why you should listen to Lady Danville.

1. Their music is SO FUN - I had no choice but to dance when they started strumming their first song. Their music is incredibly easy to groove to.

2. Their lyrics are easy to learn and sing along to - After hearing the first chorus of their song "Spoon" I felt like I had listened to the song a million times before. That catchiness makes their music feel like a warm welcome home into their world.

3. They have keys - I am a sucker for any band that utilizes a keyboard, and Lady Danville uses it to their very best advantage. Their music's happy pop feel is enhanced by the playfulness of the keys.

4. They can croon like there is no tomorrow - The sweet tones of their vocals knocked me off my feet. Their song "Sophie Roux" exhibits this trait. Don't fight it if you instantly form a crush on the band post-listening.

5. They sound like the love child of Ben Folds and A Fine Frenzy - Need I say more?

Check out this video of their divine song "The Uke Song." What do you think of Lady Danville?

And for good measure, here is the music video for "Sophie Roux." *Sigh,* so cute.

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Settle: Intriguing Song Titles with Buzzworthy Music to Match

Song titles catch my eye right away when I am looking at a band's Purevolume page. Two kinds of titles tend to grab my attention almost immediately: the bizarre and the awkward. In the case of alternative punk band Settle, their song titles could be summed up by both descriptors, so I was really curious as to what kind of music they create. Their tunes turned out to be just as intriguing as their titles.

"Naked at a Family Function" is a dark, alt rock jam with a new wave vibe that shines with guitar riff greatness. There is not much instrumental variation in the arrangement of the song. The verses have a specific, repeated instrumentation as well as the chorus, making the song uniform and easy to follow. The same lusciously catchy guitar riffs are repeated giving it consistency. I like this song because I can count on the fact that I will hear my favorite parts multiple times during the song. It's an interesting format.

"Affinity for My Hometown" resonates with hometown pride. Its sentimental theme makes it feel like an anthem for a homesick band on tour. The universal feeling featured in the song is punctuated with sentiments particular to the band members, which makes it very personal. "When I die, just bury me in the backyard," is the lyric that made me love Settle. This song is a win for me because I like the way the subject matter is presented, and the percussion sounds absolutely killer.

"I Saw an Inferno Once" features more infectious guitar riffs. The vocals are intense and somewhat monotone, which proves appropriate for the serious lyrics. The transitions into the verses are crisp, and the busy sound of the instrumental parts go well with the energetic vocals. This song packs quite the punch as far as establishing a specific vibe goes.

Settle made me a fan because their songs are all very different, from lyrics to instrumentation and chord progressions to arrangement. I recommend them to fans of Dr. Manhattan and Halifax.

Check out Settle's video for their song "Murder." What do you think of them? Comment this post and let me know your opinion! Feedback is always appreciated and welcomed.

Settle - "Murder"

Settle | Myspace Music Videos

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Photo Credit: http://www.purevolume.com/settle/photos/2563297

I am Grateful for Gratitude

Purevolume is most certainly a gold mine of great alternative rock, and San Francisco group Gratitude is a prime example of the gems out there in Purevolume's vast network. Their tracks are very well polished like a finely tuned machine. Members Jonah Matranga, Mark Weinberg, Jeremy Tappero, Bob Lindsey and David Jarnstrom have honed their skills to a tee.

"Begin Again" is a sorrowful, easy tempo song that does an excellent job at featuring the range of the vocalist's voice. The guitar riff that presides over the verses is quite powerful and clean. All of the instruments settle down when it is time for the vocals to take the spotlight. This song demonstrates Gratitude's exceptional understanding of playing as an ensemble.

"Another Division St." is another easy listening alt rock track with quiet, gentle vocals that build up into incredible crescendos during the choruses. This song has a very full sound, with consistent participation from every instrument. The guitar part in this song is so catchy and upbeat that I found it difficult not to partake in typical music-related toe-tapping. This song is very, very O.A.R. If you like O.A.R., listen to this song and prepare to fall in love with Gratitude's sound.

"This is the Part" is a very guitar-driven song that goes back and forth between a light, relaxed yet conflicted vibe and a heavier, full-blown angst-filled vibe. The instruments have a nice balance in this song while the vocalist does the damn thing. This song is full of emotion and energy. The only complaint I have is that I think the random scream that occurs at the end of the song sounds very misplaced. Other than that, I think it is an exceptional track, especially for a first time listener to check out.

I like Gratitude's simple, easy listening style. Their passion is apparent in their music, but they do not let that passion cause them to over-do their music. Everything is edited to perfection. Definitely listen to them if you like O.A.R.! Check out their music video for their song, "Drive Away." What do you think of Gratitude? Comment and let me know! Let's have a conversation.

Drive Away

GRATITUDE | Myspace Music Videos

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Photo Credit: http://www.purevolume.com/gratitude/photos/434169

Athlete Creates Electronically Enhanced Grooves

Some great talents have come from the United Kingdom: The Coral, Radiohead, Joss Stone, etc. Another UK group that should be recognized for their musical capabilities is Athlete, an indie rock phenomenon that produces beautiful, electronic-saturated tunes with articulate guitar rhythms. Purevolume blessed me with their creations and converted me into a fan almost instantly.

"Half Light" is a spacey groove with tender vocals that serve as the perfect accompaniment for the meliffluent chord progressions of the guitars and symbol-laden percussion parts. Gentle pauses in between verses and choruses give the song a story-like feel, as if the band members are making sure the audience is still paying attention. The electronic aspects of the song and percussion parts give the song a powerful pulse making it extremely kinetic.

"The Outsiders" consists of a melancholic sound from Athlete's electronic instruments supported by low, mysterious vocals. There are so many pleasing sounds in this song, yet together they come off as somewhat spooky and sorrowful. The texture of the song is soft, but the serious tone of being an outsider is not lost thanks to the distant keyboards and lyrics like, "Let's pick a fight on whomever we like, 'cause we're never wrong. Nobody likes us. We don't care, so let's lose ourselves." This song showcases how well Athlete can rock some electronica in their indie rock.

"In Between 2 States" is a melodic celebration of the strange, unexpected sounds electronic instruments can create. It is chock full of sound variations, giving it a very Pink Floyd-with-a-pinch-of-David-Bowie vibe. I think making it purely instrumental was a fantastic decision on Athlete's part because since so many diverse sounds are produced in the song, adding vocals would have taken away from the quality of the song. The best part about this song being on Purevolume? It's free to download it! Go to the band's purevolume page to get this gem in your iTunes.

Athlete is the perfect match for ears that enjoy relaxed, electronica-heavy music. Fans of Coldplay, Plushgun and Keane will fall in love with these guys. Watch the music video for their song, "Wires" that captures their entire musical aesthetic.

What do YOU think of them? Comment and let me know your thoughts on Athlete's style.

Thank you for reading. Shuffle on.

Photo Credit: http://www.purevolume.com/athlete/photos/2173850

He is We Appeals to Me

Timing worked out perfectly today when I visited Purevolume. I came across He is We, a two-piece acoustic indie pop band made up of Trevor Kelly and Rachel Taylor, who is releasing an album, "My Forever," in three days. How perfect? I happened upon a band that is releasing very fresh music and probably trying really hard to get that music out to the masses. So perfect. I did not only review their latest songs but also some older ones because I wanted to get a taste of how they have developed. Three songs in, and I was hooked.

"Forever and Ever" sounds a lot like a Charlotte Sometimes style of song mixed with a little bit of Vanessa Carlton. Its lyrics are passionate and optimistic, and the instrumentation goes well with the flow of the song. The crescendos and decrescendos are inserted in all the right places, and the acoustic guitar sounds fantastic with the gentle tone of the vocals. I especially appreciate the layered vocals of the song, which give it a symphonic sound. Every instrument's part is tweaked to perfection.

"A Mess It Grows" starts out with a haunting keyboard pattern with three notes and turns into an angst-filled, look-what-karma-can-do anthem. "I'm alright and I'm alive," is just one of the many examples of personal triumph found in the song. Percussion-filled rhythms and the simplistic keyboard pattern propel the song into musical greatness.

"Kiss It All Better" is another melancholy song punctuated with a quiet acoustic guitar and keys. The longing for improvement in a relationship is clearly heard through the aching, delicate vocals. The emotion heard in them is heartbreaking. I felt as though I was losing someone just like the band was.

He is We demonstrates command of their individual talents and an exceptional ability of letting those talents work together to create beautiful sounds. I like the way they combine acoustic guitar and piano/keyboards to give their music a soft yet emotionally charged feel. I recommend them to fans of Charlotte Sometimes.

Here's a great live performance of their song, "Happily Ever After." What do you think of them? Comment and let me know what you think of their music.

Thank you for reading. Shuffle on.

Photo Credit: http://www.purevolume.com/HEISWE/photos/3165698

Dear The Escape Frame: Please Reunite

Perhaps the only disappointing aspect of this blog for me is finding a band I really enjoy listening to, only to realize they are now defunct, leaving their golden tracks on Purevolume for fans like me to continue listening in hopes of a reunion. The Escape Frame epitomizes that sort of experience for me. They are the perfect balance of electronica and rock, using heavenly hooks and catchy choruses to draw in the listener. Their music is fun and refreshing. Why, oh, why do they have to be on hiatus?

"'The Desire" is a sinfully sweet-sounding pop tune with adorable lyrics. The lyric "So don't be afraid. Just tell me how you want this thing to play out," appeals to me because of how up-front yet flirty it is. This song proves cute lyrics and a good beat can hypnotize a electronica-pop-loving girl. I found the percussion parts very impressive, and they fit very well with the guitar's chord progressions. The guitar also wowed me from how it switched between a sweet, ukulele-like sound to a harder, grittier sound. It really pumped up the energy of the song by giving it texture. The song did not play flat at all.

"Unlike the Ordinary" is another decadent rock pop song that showcases The Escape Frame's electronica appeal. The lyrics are extremely positive with lines like, "Everything in front of you is something beautiful. Just open your eyes to see it all." The song captures man's ability to effect his perception of life's appearance. Kudos to them for succeeding in expressing something so profound in such a simple, jumpy, little ditty.

"Before We Die" is a slow semi-electronica, semi-acoustic song with a melancholy tone. The vocals convey the reflective theme of the song, crooning lyrics like, "Life amounts to nothing but a lot of time spent trying to figure it out before we die." The song shows a different side of The Escape Frame, dismissing the upbeat tempos of their other songs and exchanging them for a mature, thoughtful nature.

I like The Escape Frame's multifaceted sound. Their songs vary between super synth-y, pop and rock. Sometimes they blend all three sounds together, and other times they are showcased separately. Regardless, their sound is vibrant and addicting. Check out their lovely cover of Dr. Dre's "Nothin But a G Thang." Tonight I will pray to the electronica gods for them to get back together someday.

Thank you for reading. Shuffle on.

Photo Credit: http://www.purevolume.com/theescapeframe/photos/2593327

The Stills Have Skills

Purevolume gave me an impressive dose of good music today in the form of The Stills, an indie rock Canadian gem. Members Greg Paquet, Oliver Crowe, Tim Fletcher, Liam O'Neil and Dave Hamelin blew me away with their incredibly unified sound and the way they take full advantage of every instrument's capabilities in each song. Their music is full of life and feeling and has the ability to perk up any ear.

"In the Beginning" is a spirited, pulsing, bittersweet jam about coming to grips with moving on. The steady tambourine and constant guitar riff move the intro along by providing an unwavering cadence for the rest of the instruments to follow, resulting in a powerful sound and victorious vibe. The vocals blend perfectly with all of the instruments with its low tone and even pitches. I appreciate the different levels of emotion this song goes through. It feels like a story, a very easy-to-listen-to story.

"Helicopters" is a spacey, percussion-driven tune with an interesting rhythm within the vocals that contrasts with the rhythm of the instruments. It is easy to hear the immense effort The Stills put into perfecting this song. It almost feels like an epic because of the various layers of sound in it. The song plays like a motivational track on a cross country runner's playlist, giving it a very distinct personality that stays consistent throughout the entire song.

"Lola Stars and Stripes" features some fantastic guitar action that basically dictates the energy of the entire song. A simple percussion rhythm moves in and out of the song, giving the song a fuller sound when appropriate. Each instrument bows out when it is clear that one particular talent is to be showcased, which goes to show The Stills definitely have a sense of musical unity and respect for each other's talent. Very cool.

The Stills stand out because their skills and overall sound are polished. They do not sound like anybody but themselves. Check out the video for "Lola Stars and Stripes" here, and let me know what you think of their sound. Comments are always welcome!

Thank you for reading. Shuffle on.

Photo Credit: http://www.purevolume.com/thestills/photos/1799860

Friendly Spotlight

I was recently given an assignment in my multimedia class that required me to create a video that related to my blog and could be posted on my blog. Being that my best friend at school, Danny Carbo, is ditching Point Park University after this semester to start a music career, I knew I had the perfect subject.

I have known Danny since the second week of my freshman year, and after just a few conversations with him about the music industry, it became pretty obvious this kid belongs on a stage and not in a musical theater program.

Though I am very sad to see him go, I am so excited for the huge jump he is about to take. I made this video not only to meet my class' requirements, but to show that Danny Carbo is someone music lovers should know about.

Watch the video and comment! Feedback is always appreciated!

Thank you watching. Shuffle on.

Holiday Unheard Of Should Be Heard

Experimental rock is always a hit or a miss for me, and Holiday Unheard Of is an absolute hit. Members Jared, Keegan, Keaton, Nick and Kelly seem to have cultivated a style quite unique to them and perfected it. Their sound is very full, powerful and distinguished. I wanted to listen to every song again and again and again.

"Winds" consists of sorrowful vocals backed by some hefty lungs. The instrumentation accents the strong presence of the vocals. Everything just fits in this song, from the intricate guitar picking to the intense percussion. Each instrument was paid obvious attention to in the songwriting process. This song showcases Holiday Unheard Of's high level of musical skill.

"Greater Calling" also comes alive with angst-driven vocals. There is a mix of belting and screaming that clearly conveys the emotions of the song. I focused the most on the great guitar parts of this song that rang out above the vocals at times without really trying. I appreciate a band that can make the individual musical talent stand out, not just the group's collective talent. This song accomplishes that without a hitch. Listen to a live performance of it here:

"The Golden Strand" rocks (pun intended) back and forth between quiet, haunting guitar riffs and upbeat crescendos, while maintaining one unifying quality: pristine articulation. I love every measure of this song because everything just sounds the way it should. Not one aspect sounds like it drops the ball. This song packs a punch, a very talented punch.

Listen to Holiday Unheard Of for an epic musical experience. They are definitely capable of profound musical expression. I recommend them to fans of The Receiving End of Sirens.

Thank you for reading. Shuffle on.

Photo credit: http://www.purevolume.com/holidayunheardof/photos/2406903

I Want More of Say No More

The indie pop gods blessed me today with California's fun, fresh Say No More. Members Peter Pedrazzi, Peter Holbert, Jon Rasmussen and Tim Spier create music that is just as delightful as they look in <-- that photograph. Their efforts equal the formula of idyllic pop rock: catchy percussion rhythms, bright vocals, driving guitar riffs and one heck of a toe-tapping beat in every song.

"Long Drive Home" does not waste any time jumping into an anthem-like vibe. Every instrument sounds completely focused on the final product, which results in an impressive cohesion amongst them. As cliche as it may be, I would probably listen to this song to get through a long drive home. It has a sinfully contagious optimistic energy.

"This is Our Way" sounds very Motion City Soundtrack-esque, and I am ALL about it! The lyrics are very free-spirited, which match the peppy instrumental parts perfectly. I think there are even some trumpets playing around -1:40. Whatever instrument that is, it adds to the positive attitude of the song. Every second pulses with excitement and bounce. Say No More won me over with this one.

"Tell Me What You're Thinking" is a somber acoustic ditty with simplistic yet emotionally heavy lyrics. The vocals combine just the right amount of croon and whisper to create a very intimate feel. The song sounds so personal, I felt like it was directed towards me. It's so cute yet so tragic. I like that they manage to capture both of those sensations in one song. Watch it performed live here:

Say No More can definitely count me as a fan now. Their music has heart and vitality, two qualities that characterize great pop rock in my mind. I strongly advise anyone and everyone to check them out.

Thank you for reading. Shuffle on.

Photo credit: http://www.purevolume.com/saynomore/photos/2402714

Brilliant Red Lights Lacks Total Brilliance

Purevolume really disappointed me today with Brilliant Red Lights. Please understand that members Evan, Noah and Aaron did not fail me completely. In fact, I rather enjoyed their instrumental talent. However, the vocals killed it for me though. I was so excited for each song whenever the intros would begin, but that feeling quickly faded with each ear-shattering verse. I just really get so down in the dumps for a band whenever they are so close to success, but fail to get that metaphorical cigar. One lacking element can throw off an entire sound, and Brilliant Red Lights is unfortunately a perfect example of that.

"Numb Songs" starts off with some killer guitar-picking and percussion that plays like a well-oiled machine. Then screeching, pitchy vocals pour mediocrity all over the song. The guitar and bass continue to sound great together, but all of that magic is blanketed by the weakly supported vocals. They sound so forced and unrehearsed. I could love this song if that single aspect was re-recorded.

"A Declaration of Purpose" sounds mismatched and awkward. The notes the vocals hit do not seem to blend with the guitar and bass parts. If putting a left shoe on a right foot had a sound assigned to it, this song would be that sound. Again, the vocals sound strangled while a very catchy rhythm is developed by the guitar parts. What an tragic case.

"New Flags" has a very catchy groove to it with very tight percussion and intriguing guitar patterns that make my ear want to hear more. The vocals kind of fade into the background, making this song more bearable than the others. That quality of being easy to ignore still does not make them enjoyable though. I wish that once piece of the puzzle could be replaced to make the song a masterpiece.

I commend Brilliant Red Lights for creating decent rhythms and instrumental parts, but I think they should definitely rethink the vocals. I do not want to sing along to a song with a second-rate vocalist. I am second-rate enough myself.

Thank you for reading. Shuffle on.

Photo credit: http://www.purevolume.com/brilliantredlights/photos/1009857

What Makes a Band a GOOD Band?

I recently interviewed some music fans about what they think makes a band a good band. The answers were very diverse. Listen to the results by clicking the play button on the media player below that adorable picture of a rock band.

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Photo credit: http://www.kudlian.net/products/stikfas/

SGT is Not A-OK

I can never ever get enough pop rock, as long as it's good pop rock. Good pop rock makes me happy. SGT came close to making me happy today. They have some moments of talent in their music, but those moments are balanced out with a lot of mediocre moments. They left me wondering if I would like them more five years from now when they have had more time to practice. My main issue with them is that for every song I listened to I could think of at least three other songs it sounded like.

"Goodnight Goodnight" is a beautiful song, but I was hung up on the fact that it sounded like a Hot Hot Heat song and the beginning of "Float On" by Modest Mouse. I want originality from a band, not a well-played mimic. I like when individual skills sound like other bands, like when vocals remind me of another great singer, not when an actual riff or melody line is stolen. The song sounds great, but there are flaws in the breakdown of it.

"Burning Bridges" is a poor display of vocals. A whiny, nasally tone destroys the song. The instruments sound sub-par. I felt like the production of this song was rushed, like they didn't have enough time to re-record the vocals or they had to write the guitar parts on a deadline. The song fails musically and does so in a miserable fashion.

"Two Hearts" has decent instrumental parts, but the whiny vocals ruin the fun. I could not get past the strained vocals enough to really appreciate everything else happening in the song. I wanted to give the vocalist some lozenges to fix the issue. The song just does not please the ears. It is brash, rough and messy.

I honestly believe that if SGT polished their act a little more, they could make some exceptional music, but unfortunately the sound is not quite there yet. Nice effort, but no gold stars for SGT.

Thank you for reading. Shuffle on.

Photo credit: http://www.purevolume.com/sgt/photos/239530

College Radio Jackpot

This week, my college's radio station WPPJ held their 30th annual Rock-a-Thon, a 67-hour long, non-stop broadcast that includes various fundraising activities to raise money for The Early Learning Institute. One of those activities included a CD sale of all of the CDs that were taking up space in the radio station including promos, demos, compilations and full-length albums. Students paid $5 to fill up a grocery bag with as many CDs as they wanted. I immediately saw this as a blogging opportunity. I bought several albums by artists I never listened to before so I could check out their Purevolume pages and review them. I picked my favorite two to share with you: Sherwood and Anthony Green.

I purchased Sherwood's 2007 album "A Different Light," a bevy of indie rock gold. The album is energetic, emotional and full of depth lyrically. Each instrument is in touch with the others, creating a warm balance in every track. Sherwood establishes a pop rock tone but distinguishes themselves from others in that broad genre by incorporating very tight instrumentation and clear, heartfelt vocals into every song. They don't just sound good. They sound like they know exactly what they are doing. My favorite song by them is "Song In My Head," because the vocals are absolutely stellar. Listen to it in the video below and tell me what you think of it!

Anthony Green's 2008 album "Avalon" also made its way into my bag of goodies. A member of Circa Survive and former member of Saosin, Green fares quite well as a solo artist. "Avalon" is chock full of acoustic jems, supported by Green's delicate voice and thoughtful lyrics. He reminds me of a mix between Bright Eyes and The Downtown Fiction. His sound is soothing while his lyrics are thought-provoking. My favorite song by Green is "Babygirl." Listen to it here!

I think the CD sale served me well: I discovered two great artists that I plan on listening to more often. I could not have asked for anything more.

Thank you for reading. Shuffle on.

Nate Currin = Cool, Calm and Talented

Purevolume sent me to Nate Currin today, an Atlanta indie rocker with a seductive, raspy voice that accompanies his crooning with simple, easy-listening rhythms. I did not fall in love with Currin's music immediately, but his laid-back vibe eventually grew on me.

"Goodnight California" felt a little lackluster to me. The lyrics are very pedestrian, and the synth-y, acoustic backdrop does not make the song pop out at my ears. The vocals sound exceptional, but unfortunately the music that goes along with them did not. I kept waiting for something big to happen, some moment of saving grace that would catapult the song to an opinion-altering climax, but that miracle never came. The song is not terrible, but it is definitely not amazing.

Currin really turned things around for me with "Yellow Springs." I could not get enough of the guitar riffs and chord progressions. They match perfectly with his light, melancholy vocals. The climax I searched for in "Goodnight California" actually happened in this one, with an uplifting crescendo. This song has soul.

"Dance Away the Night" is another great track from Currin. The lyrics are adorable. For instance, "We slow-danced in the kitchen to sound of all the crickets and the crackle of the old tv" melted me. His use aural imagery is stunning. I also liked the progression of the song in general. The verses are slow and quiet with hard-hitting choruses. I like this song because its happy, and the message is not too heavy. It can make you feel good, and who doesn't want music that will make them feel good?

I like Nate Currin's style a lot. He's simple and understated in each aspect of his music. There is a comforting sense of consistency when listening to him. I recommend him to fans of Howie Day and Edwin McCain.

Here's a lovely video of him performing live for you to enjoy.

Thank you for reading. Shuffle on.

Photo credit: http://www.purevolume.com/natecurrin/photos/3174692

The Cardinal Sin Plays Well in an Average Way

Mediocrity dressed up in decent talent appeared before my ears today in the form of The Cardinal Sin. Hailing from Minneapolis, members Becky, Jon, James and Mark play well, but their music lacks a distinguishable spark. Their pop punk songs are almost predictable in arrangement. Despite their obvious developed individual musical talents, they come off sounding undeveloped as a unified sound.

"Light Years Behind" is an upbeat, safe song. The absence of edginess makes the song perfect for nice background noise when you just need something, anything to listen to. The song does not express a lack of talent whatsoever, but does not inspire any particular feeling. I want to feel something when I listen to music. My mind only imagined a blank slate devoid of any color or design. "Light Years Behind" came up short in the vivid expression category.

"Good For Nothing" contained tight guitar riffs that unfortunately overpowered everything else in the song. The vocals sounded muted and strained. The percussion was lackluster. The first word I thought of during this song was noisy. It is just plain loud and gritty. There's no clear direction or theme within the relationship of the instrumental parts and the lyrics. Sadly "Good For Nothing" is not good for very much at all.

"The Saddest Song" is difficult to listen to. The vocals are devoid of a pleasant tone, while the guitar riffs sound rushed like they are racing against the percussion. I found the most fault with the vocals because they sounded forced and nasally to me. Nothing stands out in this song because so much of it seems so sloppy.

I am not very fond of The Cardinal Sin because I do not feel they have a well thought-out sound yet. I commend them for their decent effort, but their music sounds generic and garage-band-ish. Even the sounds of the instruments were flat and one-dimensional. They lost my interest.

Listen for yourself here.

Thank you for reading. Shuffle on.

Photo credit: http://www.purevolume.com/thecardinalsin/photos/1325163

Epic Hero Revives 90s Alt-Rock Vibe

Purevolume gave me a delicious dose of alternative rock laced with a 90s feel today via Minneapolis rockers Epic Hero. The intensity of the vocals was enough for their music to garner two thumbs-up of approval from me, but the band is talented in every arena of musical ability.

"Hello Hello" from their album "New Life" has talent written all over it. The marriage of the percussion and guitar is the driving force behind the catchiness of the song. The lyrics are riddled with a sense of moving on and finding contentment post messy break-up, which gives the song a relatable tone. The song projects a theme of feeling good and living free while delivering phenomenal guitar and percussion parts. Epic Hero produced quite the pick me up with this song.

"End of the Line" exemplifies Epic Hero's uncanny ability to tell a story and match instrumentation to it impeccably. The vocalist's exceptional range is noticeable, while the soft picking of the guitar acts as a great accent to the relaxed percussion and piano. This song sounds a lot like something Howie Day would compose. Epic Hero gives this song a very serene, soothing spirit.

"Stars" sounds like an R.E.M. tribute band singing an original song. If R.E.M. vocals were juxtaposed with Epic Hero's vocals in this song, they would sound like layered tracks of the same voice. The chord progression works well with the increasing depth of feeling in the lyrics. The song is hopeful, with lyrics like, "And every complication turns out fine. I believe the stars will all align for you." "Stars" makes me want to believe.

I like Epic Hero because they are simplistic yet bursting with profound lyrical themes and a great blend of musical talent. If you like 90s soft rock, definitely try out Epic Hero.

I leave you with a great live video of Epic Hero performing my favorite song of theirs, "Hello Hello."

Thank you for reading. Shuffle on.

Photo credit:http://www.purevolume.com/epichero/photos/1132509

Buckeye Knoll Warms the Heart

Most every girl is a sucker for a crooning rock star. The idea of a charming vocalist singing right to them is a dream. I firmly believe Buckeye Knoll could easily melt any girl's heart and buckle her knees. The clarity of the vocals and instruments in this band's soul pop, acoustic-guitar-infused tunes is astounding. The band consists of Doug Streblow and an ever-changing arrangement of fellow instrumentalists. After listening intently to songs on Buckeye Knoll's Purevolume page, I would love to commission Streblow to compose a song about me...and maybe make him fall in love with me. Too much? No. You would understand after listening to his sweet sounds.

"Luck Be a Lady" played like a tribute to Streblow's pristine voice. The melody is calm, simple and catchy. The lyrics are heard perfectly, as well as each instrument's part. The electric guitar does some great things, adding a twist of boldness to the background of consistently tranquil piano and percussion. As Streblow sings, "The days blow by like a breeze. We're all moving on," the tone of the song is obvious. Buckeye Knoll just wants to kick back and let life do its thing no matter how rough the road gets. I cannot complain about any aspect of this song, which is a huge compliment to the band. Listen to perfection in the video below, complete with stunning photographs of Streblow (ooh la la, bonus).

"Counting Sunsets" proves to be another winner from Buckeye Knoll's catalog of flawlessness called "People and Place." With a relaxed, slow tempo and vocals that take their good old time with each note, belongs to the soundtrack of some tragic love story. The greatest achievement in this song is the incredibly apparent emotion. I knew exactly how Streblow felt. That is a very important characteristic to me because music should be about people finding a platform for sharing whatever they think, feel or believe. I definitely experienced a sharing session with Streblow during this song. Watch the official video for "Counting Sunsets" below!

"I Roll" was a peppy departure from the usual lovey dovey melodies of Buckeye Knoll. It is upbeat, laden with energetic percussion, and two vocalists that take turns belting passionate lyrics. For some reason, the lyric "All I need is something out of nothing is how I seem to roll" really appealed to me. I think the honesty conveyed in such generic words makes the song sound profound in an understated fashion. This song has heart. Watch Streblow perform it live. "I Roll" is also available for free download on their Purevolume page.

If you have not noticed yet, I really like this band. I am crazy about the idea of each song being collaborations with different artists yet maintaining the same vocalist and song writer at the heart of each track. If you like acoustic, you will love Buckeye Knoll. Check out their official website here.

Thank you for reading. Shuffle on.

Photo credit: http://www.purevolume.com/buckeyeknoll/photos/3082827