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.

Thank you for reading. Shuffle on.

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!

Thank you for reading. Shuffle on.

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