Young Rebel Set is a new band from the oddly named Stockton-on-Tees in North East England and Curse Our Love is their debut album. I’ve only heard a handful of songs, but I’m sold on them already. Sure, the songs aren’t pushing any limits or breaking new ground, but there’s still something to be said about creating heartfelt songs with passion and doing it very well. The band relies on a pub/rock/folk sound with equal nods to Springsteen and Dylan and accent-tinged vocals that carry the lyrics with gusto. Keep an eye on this band, I cannot see how they wouldn’t be popular with an audience that has embraced the likes of Mumford and Sons, Avett Brothers and The Felice Brothers. The first single from the band is an excellent driving rocker called “Lions Mouth”, but I’ve chosen the quieter and heartfelt “If I Was” as todays featured MP3. Enjoy: continue reading...
I’ve already admitted my love for this band in a previous blog post, but with a new EP available and news of a full length in 2011, I am once again featuring Clothes Make The Man. The new EP is a 4 song collection of new songs called Control and it does a great job of showcasing the bands sound, while also making me wish there was more material to dig into. Vocalist Ryan McLennan has such a distinct voice that it immediately jumps to the forefront of the music, but the whole band together as a whole is what really makes this band what they are. Almost every song features multiple hooks and guitar parts that are both layered over a thumping rhythm section. If there’s anything that I could complain about it’s that the band does rely heavily on the quiet/loud formula, but it’s tough to complain when the songs are great. continue reading...
So after a very brief teaser yesterday, Liam Gallagher and his new band Beady Eye have released their first tune for free download… and it sounds nothing like the teaser? The song is called “Bring The Light” and features a pounding piano progression that drives the song forward and Liam’s vocals, which sound quite decent, supported by some tasteful backup vocals and bright guitar fills. It’s quite the rollicking tune and although it does seem to distance itself a bit from the ”Oasis sound” (Liam’s voice notwithstanding), it’s still using the same old tricks by borrowing sounds from the Stones and Beatles. Not that that ever stopped me from loving Oasis… All in all, an interesting first tune from Liam and the gang. I’m now quite curious to hear the rest of the songs they’ve come up with. I’m going to assume they don’t stray too much from “the formula”, but if the tunes are good then who gives a shit. Download “Bring The Light” from the widget below: continue reading...
I’ve only recently discovered this English band, but I’m quickly being converted into a fan. Mystery Jets have released 3 albums prior to 2010’s Serotonin and all 3 have been critically acclaimed and well received back in England. An English friend of mine recently recommended them as a band I’d probably enjoy and quite soon after I stumbled across the title track of the new album. It has a ridiculously catchy synth line and whisper-y verses that hooked me immediately. Not to mention a chorus that I can’t stop humming in my head… According to Wikipedia, “serotonin” is a hormone in the human body that is “a well-known contributor to feelings of well-being”. This all seems to be falling into place… I think I’m getting it. I guess it’s time for me to dig into their back catalog. Enjoy: continue reading...
I have to admit, I really didn’t understand all the buzz Sleigh Bells was generating… unofficially labeled an experimental noise pop band, the critics were frothing at the mouth for the debut album Treats. I passed it off as “not my thing” and went along with my life. Then I heard the song “Rill Rill” and my opinion was quickly changed. Sure it’s probably the most accessible tune on the album, but who cares. I finally connected with this band and can begin digging into the album a little more. Enjoy the tune and try your best not to replay it immediately: continue reading...
After the Arcade Fire played a handful of “secret” performances it was inevitable that a few of the new songs would leak as bootlegged live versions. Two of those tunes, “Ready To Start” and “We Used To Wait” have now made their way to the internet as studio recorded versions. Both of these songs are fantastic. The bootlegged versions hinted at how good they were but the recording quality left a lot to be desired. These new versions paint a much clearer picture and paired with lead single “The Suburbs” the new album seems to be taking shape and sees the band moving in a slightly new direction. Check out the new songs and join me in counting the minutes until this album is released, continue reading...
When I first heard that Jack White’s wife Karen Elson (primary occupation: model) was making an album I scoffed and filed it under “do not listen”. I should have known better… pretty much everything Jack White touches turns to gold. Including his musical protege of a wife. Granted this debut album The Ghost Who Walks was produced by Jack and features Jack on drums, and yet Elson has still managed to carve out a spot in the busy female alt-country/roots/folk niche. Her songs are spooky and memorable and her dark and rich vocals stand out as a highlight. The first single is the title track “The Ghost Who Walks” and it should give you an idea of her sound and banish any thoughts of this being a vanity, wife-of-rockstar side project. Enjoy: continue reading...
After 2 moderately successful albums it appears that Band of Horses are not going to stray to far from what works. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but the songs still have to be good. With their 3rd album Infinite Arms Ben Bridwell’s vocals remain the centerpiece of the bands sound and when his powerhouse voice connects with a good melody, good things happen. This is definitely the case with the first single “Compliments” and the inclusion of crunchy guitars and a propulsive drum beat makes this tune a winner. Enjoy, continue reading...
Great news for music fans across the nation. Check out the newest single from the Arcade Fire, “The Suburbs”, as well as the freshly announced tour dates, continue reading...
If you wait long enough every genre will be revived for a new generation of music fans. Over the past 15 years Ska, Swing and Folk have all seen various levels of new attention. Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings are currently leading the pack of a new wave of 70’s Soul/Funk/Motown sound that has been sorely missed. Well, maybe not… I mean the Motown music from the 70’s was so amazing that you’d almost think there is no need for a revival of the sound. Luckily Sharon Jones and her band are the real deal. Listening to the music you’d swear it was actually recorded in the same era as the classics that everyone is familiar with. The band is based out of Brooklyn (which is where it seems all the coolest bands are these days…) and their latest album is 2010’s I Learned The Hard Way. For your listening pleasure is the first single and title track, continue reading...
