Categories
Song of the Week

Song of the Week: “Until You”

Gearing up for Miranda Lambert’s concert next week at Terminal 5, I’ve been listening to country music all day. (Not that I don’t normally listen to country music to begin with…) I came across Billy Currington’s song, “Until You” off his latest release and decided to make it my song of the week until I found out it was a cover of Dave Barnes’ original. Having featured Barnes on the blog several times, I couldn’t believe that I had never heard it before. Watch the video below, I’d love to know your thoughts!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNB_McG-1mA?fs=1]

Related Links:
Q&A; with Dave Barnes
Song of the Week: “God Gave Me You”
Lady Antebellum Bring Nashville to New York at Sold-Out Show
Artist of the Week: Billy Currington
Categories
CD Reviews

Album Review: Matt White’s “It’s the Good Crazy”

With 11 tracks of infectious falsetto and defined soul, Matt White impresses on sophomore release, It’s the Good Crazy. From the very first track, “And the Beat Goes On” White manages to capture the listener’s undivided attention with his powerful singing, piano playing and whistling. The versatility between each song on the LP electrifies as it’s nearly impossible to predict what will come next.

Catchy songs like first single, “Falling In Love (With My Best Friend)” are instantly likable and easy to picture heard on Top 40 radio while the sexy “She’s On Fire” offers surprising diversity with a seductive beat matched well with White’s deep vocals.

The slower “Taking On Water” follows “She’s On Fire” and embodies lyrics that are bound to make every girl’s heart swoon. “It’s your eyes that keep me hanging around/Make me drive all night to get to your house,” he sings over light percussion and acoustic guitar accompaniment. 

While White demonstrates his ability to be more serious on a number of ballads throughout his LP, it’s on more playful tracks like the 70s influenced “Teacher Teacher” that showcase his talent best. Alternating between slower singing and belting the chorus, his transformation is impeccable. “Off My Wall” follows suit with higher vocals and slow groove building that is sure to bring even the shyest wallflower to the dance floor. 

Overall, a remarkably solid release, White makes a name for himself on It’s the Good Crazy. In an industry of predictability, White remains to stand out from the crowd.

For more on Matt White, be sure to visit MySpace and to learn about the stories behind his songs, read a recent interview with him on The Huffington Post. Watch him perform latest single, “Falling In Love” below.


Matt White performs “Falling in Love” at Joe’s Tavern, Sept 2010 from Julia Allison on Vimeo.

Categories
Features Videos

New Music Wednesday: 2AM Club, Hope, Kellee Maize

Always on the hunt for the latest tracks from up-and-coming artists, this week brings three new artists in completely different genres. I think you’ll enjoy each one. Love to know your thoughts!

I caught 2AM Club live a few months ago and was blown away by their catchy harmonies and infectious rap interludes. Watch the video for their latest single, “Worry About You” below.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT7O_-NR4KA?fs=1]

With airy vocals that bring to mind Colbie Caillat and Kina Grannis, singer-songwriter Hope teams up with Jason Mraz for this breathlessly delicate ballad.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guQ5VLh0Gg8?fs=1]

Female rappers don’t get enough credit. I’ve received a few emails from Kellee Maize and was impressed by her words and style. Watch the video for “Third Eye” below.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uny5DPn23Jk?fs=1]

What new songs are you listening to? Let me know!

Categories
News

You Sing I Write Wins Music Award!

I received an email last week informing me that You Sing I Write won a Web Excellency Award from Theater Seat Store!

When checking out the site for myself, they write:

“Sometimes it seems that everyone has an opinion about music. This award goes to those blogs who’s opinions matter.”

The site went on to explain their process of choosing the blogs that stand out for music coverage.

“The team has once again composed a list of the best blogs in music, this time focussing on the heavily-stamped ground of music reviews. We provide the unique sites below in one simple location for your review and enjoyment, while at the same time using the opportunity to award each for their fine writing skills and services to the sprawling world of music and, of course, the dear reader.

The amount of music review blogs out there is staggering to say the least – from professional publications to personal journals, we focussed not on the size of the operation (or indeed the subsequent output) when choosing our award winners but on the sheer quality of content on offer. This will be manifestly apparent to anyone who takes the time to read them.”

Thanks for all your support over the years! Mark your calendars for a special 3-year anniversary blog bash November 12th in Brooklyn. More details to come! To check out the other blog winners, visit Theater Seat Store.

Categories
Artist of the Week

Artist of the Week: Joy Ike

Pennsylvania based singer-songwriter Joy Ike has been making a name for herself. After releasing her second album independently, she won an opening slot performing at this summer’s reinstated Lilith Fair through a fan voted contest on OurStage. Since then, she has continued her grassroots approach to music to stay true to her values.

With vocals that recall popular singer-songwriters Sara Bareilles and Regina Spektor, Ike’s soulful singing style and breathtaking piano accompaniment impress. What is most striking of Ike is that she embodies a timeless and familiar quality. Songs like opening track, “Sweeter” draw the listener in with her upbeat singing style while the nearly one minute piano intro on “Give Me Truth” relaxes.

Beautiful title track, “Rumors” leaves an impact on the listener with Ike’s slow and powerful vocals accompanied by the light strokes of the piano and fitting string features. Despite the impressive music, it is Ike’s hopeful and introspective lyrics that allow her to stand out from popular singer-songwriters.

In fact, in an interview with OurStage.com, she touched upon the importance of creating memorable music.

“What a person says reflects who they are. I want to make music that’s purposeful and I want to create music that people can hold onto for a long time.”

With a release as strong as Rumors, Ike is well on her way.

For more on Joy Ike, be sure to visit her on MySpace and watch the interview below. You can download her track, “Sweeter” here.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smC4Gb80NE8?fs=1]

Related Links:
Artist of the Week: Amy Regan
Band of the Week: Titus Andronicus
Artist of the Week: Elvis Presley
Artist of the Week: Matt White
Categories
News

Join YSIW and The Ramblers Next Sunday in Brooklyn!

I can hardly believe it’s been a month since I moved to Brooklyn. While I’ve been exploring all the venues in the area and attending numerous shows in cool locations like rooftops and friends’ backyards, I thought, “Why not host my own backyard concert with my roommates?” So, instead of the typical housewarming party, my roommates and I are planning a show at our friend’s backyard in Park Slope next Sunday.

Won’t you join us?

Brooklyn-based band The Ramblers will bring their soulful Americana for a set you won’t want to miss. They’ll be performing the night before at Mercury Lounge, so if you’re in the area definitely check them out there and come to our soiree the next day for a scaled down, acoustic set. The Ramblers have been compared to The Band and like to refer to themselves as a mix of Jim Croce backed with Booker T. & the M.G.’s. With rave reviews by numerous music publications, they will surely impress.

Be sure to listen to The Ramblers on MySpace and to RSVP for the location of our backyard concert E-mail me. Hope to see you Sunday!

Related Links:
Q&A; with The Ramblers
Band of the Week: The Ramblers
The Show Goes On…Despite Blizzard
The Ramblers Showcase New Tunes at Joe’s Pub
Categories
Concert Reviews

Lights Resolve Host Van Listening Party After Maxwell’s Show

One of the hardest working indie bands I’ve come across, Lights Resolve has spent the past four years incessantly touring and building their fan base. Whether on the road or online, they continue to form relationships with fans and Sunday night was their way of thanking fans for that support.

For nearly 40 minutes, Lights Resolve diehards piled into their van and listened to their soon to be released debut full length. Parked outside of Maxwell’s, it was the first time they heard the record in its entirety.

“Whenever you guys want to leave, you can. We’re not holding you,” Reich joked.

By the tenth and final track most were still there, often singing along to the songs they heard earlier that night.

For the complete review, visit Hoboken Patch.

Related Links:
Q&A; with Lights Resolve
Rolling Stone Names Lights Resolve Band to Watch
Lights Resolve Win Opening Slot On Rock Band Live Tour
Lights Resolve Tear Up the East Coast
Categories
Concert Reviews

Asbury Fever Showcase Jersey Pride in Hoboken

New Jersey’s Asbury Fever entertained an energetic crowd at the 84th annual Hoboken Italian Festival Friday. On a stage set up in Frank Sinatra Park, the 10-piece band performed over 20 hits, including Jersey staples made famous by acts like Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes, among others.

Complete with saxophone, trombone, trumpet, guitar, bass, keyboards, and percussion, the group was reminiscent to Springsteen’s powerful E Street Band. With strong vocals by lead singer Brad Hobicorn, Asbury Fever had Hobokenites singing and clapping along.

For the complete review, visit Hoboken Patch.

Categories
Song of the Week Videos

Song of the Week: “Magic”

While it’s been in constant rotation on many radio stations recently, I cannot get enough of this track. “Magic” features B.o.B. rapping with guest vocals from Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo. With a catchy beat and a music video that makes crowd surfing look so tempting, it’s the perfect song to distract you from the realization that summer is over.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cq-NShfefks?fs=1]

Categories
Concert Reviews

Bob DiPiero, Jamey Johnson Tell Tales Behind Hits in New York

“How y’all doin? Welcome to Nashville,” Bob DiPiero joked before introducing fellow celebrated songwriters Jamey Johnson, Buddy Cannon and Kendell Marvel at the CMA Songwriter Series at Joe’s Pub in New York City Wednesday night.

Now in its sixth year, the CMA series brings country to the city every few months, recruiting some of Nashville’s finest songwriters to the Big Apple to tell the stories behind their biggest hits. “This is our country hillbilly outpost up here in Manhattan,” continued Bob, whose laundry list of country hits include Tim McGraw’s ‘Southern Voice,’ George Strait’s ‘Blue Clear Sky’ and Vince Gill’s ‘Worlds Apart.’

“They make fun of rednecks. What about ‘Jersey Shore’? You’ve gotta be kidding me. No wonder Bruce Springsteen wants to get the hell out of there in every song he sings. Makes me embarrassed for being Italian, and I’m Italian! Good God in heaven. This is as far from New Jersey as you can get. This is down in Apalachicola,” Bob said before he introduced ‘Southern Voice.’

For the complete review, visit The Boot and be sure to catch Jamey Johnson tonight on the “Late Show with David Letterman.”