Have you heard of Wave Machines? Yeah, I hadn’t either. But, you’ll be glad you did.
Click here to access their MySpace page, and DOWNLOAD for FREE their track “Keep the Lights On”. It is amazing. I love it. These Liverpool lads aren’t gonna know what’s hit them once everyone finds out about ’em.
I am quite glad I downloaded it without even knowing what it was, which is rare. Hmmm…now I just need to find out when their album is going to come out.
Filed under Check 'em Out!
I just found out today, (WHY am I finding out things late?) that one of my favorite bands, Jupiter One, are coming to town on Saturday!
I am trying to remember how I discovered New York based Jupiter One a couple years ago. It’s quite hard to say, BUT I do know that once I heard a couple of their songs, I was a HUGE fan.
Two years ago, I wrote up a blog post review of some sort about them. Then I sent it to them, etc. I talked through messages via MySpace with them and when they came here for a show on my BIRTHDAY weekend, I couldn’t have been more ecstatic. Plus, I thought I was super cool since I’d been in touch with them before they even came here. I was a few steps ahead of everyone else, like Jupiter One were my treasures that not too many people knew about yet. They are very, very cool people. I felt like I was hanging out with friends I’ve known forever.
ANYWAYS, whoa…getting a little bit off track…
I am very sad to say that I’m not sure if I am going to be able to make their show Saturday at the Hard Rock, with Easter and everything. Plus, I didn’t even know about it until 20 minutes ago, and I’ve got my itinerary for the weekend pretty set. *sigh* We shall see.
Even the flyer is cool! Mr. Rogers LOVES Jup One
BUT, if YOU have the chance to go…DO IT!!! It’ll be a blast, I promise!
Preview their stuff on Myspace by clicking here.
Filed under Shows
Eight years ago, Miss Kittin & The Hacker electrified with their track, “Frank Sinatra” which had fans ranging from Marilyn Manson to Elton John! After one album they both moved along in separate directions pursuing solo careers. But, now they are back with a new album called TWO that’s set to come out next month.
This collaboration is said to be more mature electronica with a poppiness glint to it. The video for their new single “1000 Dreams” is posted on Perez Hilton’s site, which you can watch by clicking here. Though Perez likes it, it seems that a lot of his readers would rather go with out. But, you of course are your own judge. So “dream on”!
The new album also features a cover of Elvis’ “Suspicious Minds”*. You can check out that video on YouTube by clicking here.
Even if it seems like something you’re not into, check them out anyways. I mean, Miss Kittin & The Hacker ARE predicted to be one of THE great electronic music events of 2009. You’ll want to know what everyone’s talking about.
*Might I mention that “Suspicious Minds” seems to be hot on the cover list again as of late. Rusted Root has their version on their new album Stereo Rodeo, too.
Filed under Check 'em Out!, new albums
If you were at this year’s SXSW festival in Austin, hopefully you got a chance to catch Melissa McClelland. Her third album Victoria Day is being released this month.
From her website:
Melissa and husband/producer Luke Doucet masterfully deliver us rebel-rouser guitars in 1950s Hollywood- style infused with a southern-country twang.
The songs capture all of the beauty and charm of the girl next door while lacing the punch at the sock hop with home-made moonshine.
We know you’ll be fall down drunk in love with it and can’t wait for you to see Melissa perform these songs live — check out her shows in Ontario with Justin Rutledge and shows out west with Jason Plumb.
She’s worked with Randy Newman, Bruce Springsteen, and she used to be backup for Sarah MacLaughlin.
I was really entertained and liked what Uptown Magazine had to say:
This is what Jewel might have become if she hadn’t gone to pop-radio hell. Melissa McClelland is a singer-songwriter at heart – she’s been doing it since she was four years old – but she also isn’t afraid to kick in a little distortion, play with drum loops or experiment with her sound. The result is a mixture of slow, woman-with-guitar tunes and uptempo plugged-in tracks that push the folk/guitar-pop envelope.
Have a listen to one of the song’s from her new album, “Glen Rio” here.
Filed under new albums
When I first read a short description of Chase Pagan’s music, I wasn’t sure if this Arkansas guy would be anything I’d want to listen to very much. But, after hearing his single “Gun and the Sword” from Bells & Whistles, I realized I judged too quickly.
The beginning of the song is great! It really captures your attention. All of Pagan’s songs tell a story, and from listening to “Gun and the Sword” you can hear that these songs intrigue the listener. He changes up the tunes in the middle, almost making all the critical points stand out musically like plots do in a book. Not only that, but he plays all kinds of instruments. There’s the piano, which is definitely one of my favorites. Then, there’s also guitar, drums, a banjo, an accordion, and…wouldn’tyaknowit, bells & whistles!
Have a listen by clicking here, and enjoy a 3 minute and 47 second long vacation.
Chase Pagan’s newest album Bells & Whistles will be out June 9th, you’ll be able to get the rest of it then!
Filed under Check 'em Out!, new albums
I got really excited because Thunderheist’s self-titled debut album is out today. But…um…I don’t really like it. The 13-track album is available from Amie Street so I went to preview it…and I’m not impressed. The only song I like enough to download is #3 “Jerk It”. I like the electro beats, but there’s something about the lady rapper’s voice that just isn’t cool.
Very saddening. You can check it out if you want, but don’t say I didn’t warn you. Lower those expectations unless you want to be put in a funk the rest of the day like me.
Filed under new albums
MSTRKRFT can definitely kick out the remixes, but many wondered if they have the goods to produce their own sounds. Well folks, they do have the goods. This week MSTRKRFT released their album Fist of God. Yes, they do sound a lot like Daft Punk, but they love Daft Punk…so I think of it as a form of flattery. Besides, MSTRKRFT chooses to add in much more vocals than Daft Punk.
I got the album the day it came out. I’d heard their single “Bounce” featuring N.O.R.E. many months ago and loved it! The rest of the album isn’t disappointing, either. The first track “It Ain’t Love” features Lil’ Mo. This track is something I’d expect to hear a little more about, since it could attract some mainstreamers.
Second, is “1,000 Cigarettes”, it’s all beats, no vocals, so I could see where this one might remind most of Daft Punk. It’s fun though, and there’s what sounds like a cow bell involved. And who doesn’t love cow bells?!
Next, is popular track “Bounce”. It’s definitely a fun song, and it’s definitely a party song. ‘Nuff said.
Now, I’m just going to touch on my favorites from the album. Track 5 features John Legend. It starts out with the piano, and then the beats come in. They make a wonderful blend that’s finalized when John’s voice enters. It’s called “Heartbreaker” and it’s divine.
“You’re in my mind/You’re in my heart/I wish I knew/right from the start/All my friends say/you break my heart/a heartbreaker/right from the start”
My other favorite is track 10, “Breakaway”. Actually, it might be my No. 1 fave on Fist of God. It’s a great song to dance around to. The whole 11 tracks on the album make up only around 38 minutes, but it’s a pretty fun-filled 38 minutes. Go ahead and preview it on Amazon if you’re not sure.
Filed under new albums
After waiting a few years, Tortured Soul is set for their sophomore album release on the 24th. Their debut Introducing had lots of people talking, amazed with the new aspect of LIVE house music.
Now, Did You Miss Me is a 13 track continuation of Introducing. It’s being released on their own new label, TSTC Records.
Here’s a couple things that have been said about Tortured Soul:
“The future of house music…you have to see them live.” – Gilles Peterson, Radio 1
“Tortured Soul create blissed-out tracks that curl around your head like cigarette smoke.” – XLR8R
Incorporating soul with pop and dance, Tortured Soul has dance-able tracks with jazz elements. They’re hitting up some awesome cities this spring, including Pittsburgh, so I’m definitely going to try to make this show.
Filed under Check 'em Out!, new albums
Last week, Rusted Root released their new album Stereo Rodeo.
You can download the full first track “Dance in the Middle” from the album for free over at Amie Street!
Filed under new albums
Musically Amusing 