Tag: Listen

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Artist of the Week Band of the Week

Band of the Week: MayOrWest

Together since 2005, MayOrWest got their start practicing at guitarist Pete Cataldo’s apartment on Hoboken’s Jackson Street. The four-piece alternative punk rock band has since performed throughout Mile Square City at venues including Maxwell’s and The Dubliner, the location of their first show.

“Our friend bartended there and said he could get us a gig. We only had three original songs, [so I told him] we could play a bunch of covers,” Cataldo said.

The band played nearly 30 songs for three-and-a-half hours. An enjoyable experience, they’ve been performing and recording ever since.

I sat down with the quartet outside Hotel Victor Bar and Grill over beers as they filled me in on their lives as musicians, the inspiration behind their songs and near death van experiences traveling to gigs. Easy-going personalities coupled with a hard work ethic, MayOrWest is one Hoboken act to pay attention to.

For my complete interview, visit Hoboken Patch.

Related Links:
• Band of the Week: The Boxer Rebellion
• Artist of the Week: Joy Ike
• Artist of the Week: Amy Regan
• Band of the Week: Titus Andronicus
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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.

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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
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Artist of the Week

Artist of the Week: Amy Regan

Two years ago, I introduced you to Amy Regan as an artist to watch. Since then, the New York singer-songwriter has continued to record new material, tour and have her music featured in a national Hertz commercial. (Watch video below).

In fact, it was at a gig playing Rockwood Music Hall in New York that art director Haley Fulop witnessed Regan live and later brought her on with the idea for the Hertz campaign. While she’s been compared to Norah Jones and Joni Mitchell, Regan continues to make a name for herself with latest EP, Gonna Get Better.

The four-track EP kicks off with energetic title track, “Gonna Get Better.” Complete with edgy guitar and percussion accentuated by her soulful vocals, Regan quickly grabs the listener’s attention. Next song,
“Keep You Warm” is a ballad with fitting piano accompaniment. With her deep and powerful singing style, the song strikes a chord.

Though only four tracks, Gonna Get Better demonstrates Regan’s versatility as a singer. Effortlessly jumping from a sultry ballad to a more energetic number, she manages to keep the listener intrigued.  “Crazy” is just one example. The track showcases Regan’s more playful side and is a surprising transition from “Keep You Warm.” With piano and vocals that bring to mind Sara Bareilles, one can only expect to hear more from Regan in the near future.

For more on Amy Regan, be sure to visit her MySpace or Web site. Stay tuned for a full album release later this year.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN39rkphWqQ?fs=1]

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Band of the Week

Band of the Week: Titus Andronicus

Earlier today, I came across a Tumblr post by Titus Andronicus’ guitarist and violinist Amy Klein. Titled “Tour Diary Day Four: Rock and Roll Is Dead,” Klein writes about the way women are perceived in the media and music industry. Being the only female in indie rock band Titus Andronicus, she’s had her fair share of experiences and insults thrown her way. On Saturday, she wrote a powerful post after she dissected the latest issue of Rolling Stone, and asked why females are left out of the discussion and coverage of rock & roll.

“What we’re doing when we exclude women from rock and roll, and from the sense of rebellion that rock and roll promises, is disallowing women that independent perspective. We’re never giving them the chance to think critically about the world, and about the systems that oppress them. When we take women out of the arts, and take them out of art’s ability to critique the way things are, we’re making sure that women keep swallowing the status quo, day after day, and it’s the status quo that keeps us down,” she writes.

An insightful read, her entry got me thinking. Having recently read Pat Benatar’s memoir and learned of all the hardships she went through being a female in the industry in the 80s — 30 years later, why aren’t more women being showcased for their talent?

It’s musicians like Klein who leave an impact. One fifth of Titus Andronicus, her violin interludes are an intriguing addition to the punk rock outfit. With countless Bruce Springsteen and Jersey mentions in their songs, (see “A More Perfect Union”) the New Jersey based band has been garnering praise from music publications everywhere. Their popularity only seems fitting, because their songs embody a certain punk urgency that hasn’t been heard in years. And with Klein’s passion about women in rock, one can only wonder what her influence on future albums will hold.

While slower songs like “No Future Part One” showcases their more serious side, it’s tracks like the fast paced “Titus Andronicus” that brings to mind the beginning of the punk era. Complete with heavy percussion and relentless vocals, Titus Andronicus impress.

For more on Titus Andronicus, be sure to visit them on MySpace and check out the video for “A More Perfect Union” below. Definitely give Amy’s Tumblr a read. I’d love to know your thoughts.


A More Perfect Union
http://mediaservices.myspace.com/services/media/embed.aspx/m=103846998,t=1,mt=video
Titus Andronicus | MySpace Music Videos

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CD Reviews

Album Review: June Shellene’s “Wait ‘Til Midnight Ends”

With soulful vocals, June Shellene impresses on latest release, Wait ‘Til Midnight Ends. No newcomer to the music scene, first album The Lost Art of Love, won two achievement awards from Billboard Magazine. Additionally, her songs have been covered by numerous artists, including jazz musicians and Broadway acts. A powerful vocalist, Shellene satisfies the listener as she blends jazz, blues and soul on Wait ‘Til Midnight Ends. 

Self-produced with bassist Jim Cox, the 13-track album combines delicate piano, fitting percussion and soulful saxophone features throughout. Despite the talented musical accompaniment, it is Shellene’s powerful vocals that leave the greatest impact. Her singing style blends well with the music, soaring at the perfect moment and fading to a whisper when she sees fit. Whether she’s singing about things she wishes life would present her on “Not Good Enough Blues” or belting out her emotions in between horn features on “We Won’t Let It Bring Us Down,” Shellene’s talent is undeniable.

Wait ‘Til Midnight Ends begins with the six-minute long title track. A glimpse of what’s to come on the remaining 12 songs, Shellene’s voice accentuates the piano, bowed bass and percussion accompaniment. The seductive “Make a Little Time for Love,” brings to mind Rosemary Clooney’s infamous “Mambo Italiano.” With upbeat percussion and a telling European vibe that transports the listener back in time, it is a song easily enjoyed on repeat. The standout track combines accordion, bass and percussion alongside Shellene’s pitch-perfect singing.

Though the piano is the chief instrument heard on most of the album, additional saxophone and horn interludes add diversity. “Lincoln Avenue” showcases Shellene’s sultry singing style combined with soulful saxophone while “We Won’t Let It Bring Us Down” switches gears with a slow story-like introduction with trumpet and clarinet features.

“Tattoo” is a refreshing change from previous songs. Not a complete escape from her roots, the track showcases a rustic country vibe. While previous songs could easily be envisioned in a jazz club, “Tattoo” has a telling southern influence that brings to mind soul music championed in Memphis.

A voice beyond compare, Shellene’s latest release embodies a timeless quality that brings to mind numerous jazz greats before her. An album that no doubt will stand the test of time, Wait ‘Til Midnight Ends, demonstrates her prowess as a singer and pianist. Continuously evoking emotion throughout each track, one can hear her passion for music on each song and only wonder at the power her next album will evoke.

For more on June, visit her on ReverbNation.

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Song of the Week

Song of the Week: “Life Is a Highway”

Summer is winding down (I know, I’m sorry. No one wants to hear this), but that doesn’t mean the end of  road trips, BBQs and good music. This week’s song of the week is inspired by Sammy, Darla and Julia, three girls about to embark on a 20-city road trip to discover authentic stories of food, fashion and music throughout the nation.

Watch the video below to find out more on the idea behind Road Hug USA as they embark on their road trip next week.


Road Hug USA from Road Hug USA on Vimeo.

Be sure to follow Sammy, Darla and Julia’s adventures on Twitter. And for some inspiration to start planning your own road trip, check out Rascal Flatts’ video for “Life Is a Highway” below.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvsmRuRp4cM?fs=1]

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Features

Artists You Should Know: Jason Reeves, Matt Hires

I’ve been listening to phenomenal singer-songwriters lately. Although I’ve already featured and interviewed both Jason Reeves and Matt Hires previously on You Sing I Write, since both have new music released today I figured I’d reintroduce them to you.

Jason Reeves is one of my favorite artists. His name may sound familiar because he’s co-written on both of Colbie Caillats’ albums. Reeves described himself as a hopeful romantic when I interviewed him last year at SXSW, and this can easily be seen in the emotional tales in his songs. You can preview the first track off his upcoming album, “Helium Hearts” on his Web site as well as purchase it on iTunes.

Watch a video of Jason performing “Droplets,” a track he wrote with Colbie below.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_aAMGl8rEA?fs=1]

I first witnessed Matt Hires live when he opened for Tyrone Wells last year. Since then, his music has been featured on numerous television dramas including “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Private Practice.” About to embark on a headlining tour promoting latest EP,  A to B, Hires’ wavering vocals and acoustic guitar are sure to impress concertgoers. To stream his EP on AOL click here.

To learn more, watch CNN’s video interview with Matt below.

http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/apps/cvp/3.0/swf/cnn_416x234_embed.swf?context=embed&videoId=showbiz/2010/04/08/cook.matt.hires.cnn

Related Links:
• Q&A; with Jason Reeves
• Jason Reeves Talks SXSW
• Q&A; with Matt Hires
• Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers and Matt Hires Satisfy Fans at Maxwell’s
Categories
Artist of the Week

Artist of the Week: Elvis Presley

I find it only fitting to make Elvis Presley my artist of the week, being that today is the 33rd anniversary of his death. The King of rock & roll, I’ve been listening to Elvis for as long as I can remember. Whether it’s his infamous, “Jailhouse Rock” or the beautiful “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” his songs are classics.

I’ve posted a few of the more popular videos below for your enjoyment. You can also view previously unreleased photos of Elvis as a 21-year-old at Rolling Stone here. What’s your favorite Elvis song?

“Suspicious Minds”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTYg2Q-vDJ0?fs=1]

“Jailhouse Rock”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UcY_KsvHho?fs=1]

“(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhdUucs8AlY?fs=1]