Tag: Listen

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Song of the Week

Song of the Week: “I’d Rather Be With You”

I first came across Joshua Radin when catching the Hotel Cafe Tour this past March and fell in love with his voice. His music is somewhat laid-back and comparable to that of Jack Johnson, having that perfect acoustic singer-songwriter feel. I received a stream of his song, “I’d Rather Be With You” in an email a few weeks ago, right before his second full-length album, Simple Times was released. If you haven’t picked it up yet, definitely do. Incredibly solid, both lyrically and musically, Simple Times has that intimate feel — almost as if you’re sitting in Joshua’s living room as he’s serenading you on guitar.

This week’s song is my favorite track from his recent album. You can listen to it here. Be sure to check out his MySpace for tour dates and more music.

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CD Reviews Features

You Sing, I Write’s Fall Album Preview

It’s that time of the year again — the leaves are changing colors, you can find candy corn in all your local grocery stores and now it’s the appropriate time to carve some pumpkins. Fall just may be my favorite time of the year, except for the fact that I have to put all my summer flip-flops away. Wearing sneakers and boots instead of sandals is a huge adjustment, but I digress. This fall there are many albums hitting the shelves or more aptly, iTunes — many from bands I’ve covered for the blog, as well as some others you should definitely check out. Below is brief list of some albums I’m especially looking forward to.

Antony and the Johnsons – out this week 10/7
Another World
I recently received a copy of Antony and the Johnsons‘ EP — a five-song piano-filled disc of deep, emotional ballads. At first listen, the EP gives off an incredibly relaxing and soothing feel. But, when listening more closely to the lyrics the perception is quite different. Called an EP of “political- and eco-minded songs” by Rolling Stone, I couldn’t agree more.

Ray LaMontagne – 10/14
Gossip in the Grain
You heard him and song, “You Are the Best Thing” from my previous “Song of the Week” post two weeks ago and from what I’ve heard on his MySpace and other reviews, Gossip in the Grain is an album to definitely give a listen. LaMontagne has that classic singer-songwriter feel, but offers the listener something unique as well. I haven’t been able to stop playing “You Are the Best Thing” over the past few weeks and if this is any indication as to how his album sounds, LaMontagne will be the talk of the town pretty soon.

Brett Dennen – 10/21
Hope for the Hopeless
I was lucky enough to catch Brett Dennen‘s performance this summer on John Mayer’s tour and he blew me away. Brett has such a skill for songwriting and aptly gets the message in his lyrics across to the listener, not always an easy task for a musician. Check out a live performance of his first single, “Make You Go Crazy” — which features Fela Kuti on the album — below. Stay tuned for his music video for the song with Mandy Moore within the upcoming weeks.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycqhqDKq5a0]

Fall Out Boy – 11/4
Folie a Deux
The kings of long song titles are back with their fifth studio album on Election Day. Avid advocates for Obama, while the disc apparently has no politically charged songs, if it’s anything like their last album, Infinity on High, Fall Out Boy are sure to surprise and make every die-hard FOB fan content.

Switchfoot – 11/4
The Best Yet
It’s surprising that Switchfoot doesn’t have a “best of” album yet, being that they’ve released six albums and have been touring for the better part of the last 10 years. However, this November ‘Foot cans can look forward to The Best Yet, which features 18 hit singles including “This Is Home” from The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian movie soundtrack as well as radio hits “Meant To Live” and “Dare You to Move.” In addition to the songs, the deluxe edition will feature 14 videos which includes MTV hits as well as rare, never before released videos.

To listen to a stream of “This Is Home” for Windows, click here.
For QuickTime, click here.

Taylor Swift – 11/11
Fearless
Taylor Swift has become a personal favorite of mine as of late. Maybe it’s my desire to move to Nashville and cover more country artists and emerging musicians. Whether you like country or not, you can’t deny her crossover power between genres. Not only is she a respected country artist, but pop fans love her as well. Her first single off the album, “Love Story” is that perfect story-book tale of a Romeo and Juliet romance. Down to the appropriately catchy banjo accompaniment, the song is full of that hopeless romantic vibe that draws many music fans to her. Check it out on YouTube.

All-American Rejects – 11/18
When the World Comes Down
I featured their first single, “Gives You Hell” last week on the blog and it’s undeniably catchy. A bit more of a mature sound than their previous two albums, AAR have grown up and their musicianship and solid guitar riffs can be heard throughout. This album is one I’m personally looking forward to and planning on picking up for myself. Check out “Gives You Hell” below.

http://media.imeem.com/m/61tvnwcGSh/aus=false/

David Cook – 11/18
TBD
I recently read an article which reported that Cook will be working with frontman Raine Maida of Our Lady Peace for his release expected in late November. I caught Maida’s performance a few months ago at the Mercury Lounge and I can only imagine the creativity he will bring to Cook’s debut since winning American Idol.

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Artist of the Week

Artist of the Week: Michael Tolcher

I’ve been covering a lot of acoustic singer-songwriters lately. I guess everyone goes through a new phase of music every once in a while. My friend Wendy (and talented concert photographer as you can tell from the awesome photos used on my blog — check out her photos here) suggested me listening to Michael Tolcher, sending me his Web site. From the first song I heard, I was hooked.

“Sooner or Later” is a catchy song right off the bat. Being a writer myself, I tend to analyze each lyric throughout every song I listen to, and this song in particular is so deep in meaning. Almost a guideline to life, Tolcher’s song strikes a chord. Lyrics like, “Some things you have to learn them all on your own/And you can’t rely on anybody else/Or the point of view of a source unknown/If it feels good and it sounds nice/Then it’s your choice so don’t doubt yourself/Don’t even think twice” intrigue the listener. When he sings, “We only want what’s best for you/That’s why we tell you what to do/And nevermind if nothing makes sense/’Cause it all works out in the end” you believe him. Visit his site to take a listen.

“Bad Habits” segues nicely from “Sooner or Later.” A moving ballad with a piano intro that features Tolcher’s deep vocals and light guitar strumming, “Bad Habits” grabs the listener’s attention. Another striking song is”No One Above,” a seductive, almost jazzy song with a smooth drum and guitar beat.

Slightly reminiscent to “Sooner or Later” is cleverly titled, “Mission Responsible.” You can check out a live performance for “Mission Responsible” below.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shTlNLZpMrY]

For more on Michael, be sure to visit his MySpace.

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Song of the Week

Song of the Week: “Gives You Hell”

I’ve been a HUGE All-American Rejects fan since back in high school when I heard their first single, “Swing, Swing.” Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to attend a bunch of their shows and meet and interview frontman Tyson Ritter a few times. I’m so psyched for their new album, due out in November, and this week’s song, “Gives You Hell” is their first single off of that album — When the World Comes Down.

The song is strong and definitely has that catchy pop-rock radio friendly feel of their previous hits. Not a huge stray from the AAR that fans know and love, but you can hear the growth of their music since their debut. Whether it be the solid guitar riffs, edgy musical interludes or Ritter’s vocals, the All-American Rejects are back and better than ever. You can listen to the song below.

http://media.imeem.com/m/61tvnwcGSh/aus=false/

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Artist of the Week

Artist of the Week: Pete Murray

My friend Deana recommended Australian singer-songwriter Pete Murray to me after she studied in Australia and constantly heard his music playing while she was there. She said I’d love him since I’m a fan of most acoustic singer-songwriters, and I definitely can’t help but repeatedly listen to his MySpace page while at work, especially his song “Opportunity.” I think an accurate comparison could be calling Pete Murray the Australian John Mayer.

When listening to his MySpace, there’s a blend of soft singing and acoustic guitar playing as well as the occasional harmonica feature, exhibited in his song “Saving Grace.” Murray’s voice is mellow and mixes well with the various musical interludes. Whether it be piano, guitar or strings, Pete’s voice sounds strikingly perfect throughout.

“You Pick Me Up” demonstrates the laid-back feel to Murray’s music. It’s faster than first track, “Saving Grace” but his voice is still ever so gentle and tuneful. “Better Days” and “So Beautiful,” both somewhat somber songs, the listener can easily hear the pain behind the lyrics and meaning encompassing the song.

I absolutely LOVE his song, “Opportunity.” The lyrics have so much meaning and it’s one of those songs that just hit you. I don’t do this often, but I’m posting the video and full lyrics below. I hope you like it just as much as I do.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbCuvsFMSyE]

“Opportunity”

Verse 1:
So it goes another lonely day
You’re saving time but you’re miles away
Your flowers drowning in some bitter tea
Forseeing lost opportunity
Find your mirror
Go and look inside
See the talent you always hide
Don’t go kid yourself, well not today
Satisfaction’s not far away

Chorus:
Hold on now, your exit’s here
It’s waiting just for you
Don’t pause too long
It’s fading now
It’s ending all too soon you’ll see
Soon you’ll see

Verse 2:
Your coffee’s warm but your milk is sour
Life is short but you’re here to flower
Dream yourself along another day
Never miss opportunity
Don’t be scared of what you cannot see
Your only fear is possibility
Never wonder what the hell went wrong
Your second chance may never come along

(Chorus)

(Music)

(Chorus)

Soon you’ll see
Soon you’ll see
Soon you’ll see
Soon you’ll see

Categories
Song of the Week

Song of the Week: “You Are The Best Thing”


I received an email this week that Ray LaMontagne’s video for “You Are The Best Thing” premiered on Amazon’s homepage, so I decided to check it out. I love it! It’s one of those songs that a music video only accentuates the beauty of the lyrics and meaning behind it. Lately, I’ve been listening to various jazz tunes, and with the horns featured throughout the song and light drum beat encompassing Ray’s soulful lyrics, it’s a song that I’ve can’t help but listen to over and over again.

You can view the video here. Let me know what you think! If you like what you hear, check out his MySpace.

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Features

New Artist to Listen For: Amy Regan

From the second her voice introduces first track on her EP, Amy Regan catches the listener’s attention. Her EP, And Then There Is This, is the perfect compilation of soft ballads and soulful songs. While at times Regan’s voice is reminiscent to that of angelic Priscilla Ahn, she most certainly has a flavor of her own.

New York singer-songwriter Regan began classical vocal training when she was just 11-years-old and her most recent release showcases her dynamic versatility. From edgy track “Everybody Needs Somewhere To Go” to jazzy number “Nighttime Bird,” Regan’s six-track EP is rich and refreshing.

The light guitar strumming in the beginning of first song, “Everybody Needs Somewhere To Go” soon speeds up to become quite the interesting storyline. Lyrics like “I’m too quick for my own tricks/’Cause I left him at nine, found another by six/I said I’d try him just for kicks/But then I’m cravin’ him like an addict needs a fix” leaves the listener curious and asking for more. While she may be classically

trained, it is no doubt that Regan’s vocal ability stretches among many genres.

“So In Love” starts off with acoustic guitar as Regan’s soft singing tie the musical accompaniment and vocals together ever so gingerly. The ballad talks of a couple in love who seem “better off as friends with some small mistakes to hide.” A heartfelt song, you feel the pain and confusion throughout Regan’s singing. “So In Love” segues fittingly into “Carry On,” a more upbeat song with its fast drumbeat, while Regan seems to be questioning the world around her as well as a past relationship.

Possibly the strongest, most diverse track on the EP is “Nighttime Bird” — an incredibly jazzy Ella Fitzgerald-esque number that takes the listener back in time. Featuring piano, light percussion and vocals, “Nighttime Bird” sounds like it could easily fit in at a speakeasy or jazz club in the 1900s. While we’re well into the 21st century, Amy Regan has that classic spark that survives the test of time.

For more on Amy, check her out on MySpace or her Web site and be sure to catch a show of hers, she’ll be playing many New York gigs in the upcoming weeks.

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Artist of the Week Features

Artist of the Week: Josh Charles

I stumbled upon Josh Charles on MySpace last week and was incredibly impressed with what I heard. His music is reminiscent to the Motown classics with solid, jazzy horn features and piano interludes while his soulful voice and lyrics blend well into the structure of each song. In fact, you can hear the influences of Ray Charles, James Booker and Sam Cooke in some of his songs, no doubt major inspirations to Josh himself. A review on his EPK described his music as “timeless songs that have a classic but modern sound” and I couldn’t agree more.

Take his first single”Pickin’ Up the Pieces” — a jazzy number that starts off with simple guitar strumming before horns come in, taking you back in time. Josh then begins singing, his voice segueing perfectly into the musical accompaniment throughout the song. Possibly the catchiest track on his EP, it’s one that is sure to stay stuck in your head.

“It Ain’t Easy” is a soulful ballad with musical accompaniment taking the listener back to the Motown era of the 1960s. The piano-based song is a bit slower than “Pickin’ Up the Pieces,” but shows Josh’s versatility. Like many Motown songs from back in the day, “It Ain’t Easy” seems to be the story of love lost. With his moving lyrics accentuated by his saddened vocals, “Try to keep my heart beating from night until day/Wish I could be sleeping, sleeping the pain away/Find myself pacing, all over town/I find myself facing living and dying without you around,” Josh exemplifies the heartbreaking story throughout the song.

While all the tracks on his MySpace deserve a good listen, one song you should be sure to check out is “Love, Work and Money.” An edgier, more fast-paced track, this song will find you tapping your feet along and getting ready to press that repeat button to listen to it all over again.

Whether you’re into the slower ballads or his faster tracks, Josh Charles’ music is timeless and he is someone this ever-changing music industry needs to pay more attention to. Take a listen, I think you’ll dig it.

For more on Josh Charles, visit his Web site and catch a show when he’s in town! He’ll be playing a few in New York in the upcoming weeks so if you like him, check him out.

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Song of the Week

Song of the Week: “Semi-Charmed Life”

I am so excited to report that I’ll be interviewing lead singer Stephan Jenkins from Third Eye Blind next week! In early 2009 they’ll be releasing their first album in over five years, so I’ll be sure to find out all the details for you. While refreshing myself with their music, I’m amazed that “Semi-Charmed Life” was released over 11 years ago. It seems like just yesterday I was listening to it on the radio! Feel free to E-mail me questions you may have for him or leave comments of things you want to know.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=087pjPX3z_8]

Be sure to check back within the next week because I have some more pretty awesome interviews to post. I chatted with lead singer of piano pop/rock band Strive as well as singer-songwriter Matthew Perryman Jones so those transcriptions and audio will be posted soon.

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Band of the Week

Band of the Week: Southside Serenade

Since creating a MySpace for my blog (you can add me here if you haven’t yet!) I’ve been getting tons of band requests. While not every band I accept catches my ear, quite often I am pleasantly surprised at some of the bands I do listen to. Similar to my “Song of the Week” post at the end of each week, I’ve decided to start a “Band of the Week” or “Artist of the Week” post in the beginning of each week. Whether it be a band I stumble across on MySpace or hear in a commercial, I’ll feature a new band each week that I think deserves a listen.

This week’s first “Band of the Week” is Florida-based band Southside Serenade. With vocals reminiscent to Dave Matthews and catchy, upbeat guitar playing recalling that of John Mayer, their music is sure to get stuck in your head after the first listen. “Ms Pristine,” featured on their MySpace, is an example of one of these tracks. While the track is comparable to Dave Matthews, the faster musical accompaniment has the listener coming back for more.

“Troubled Premonition” is another strong song, featuring a solid drum and guitar interlude. Slower ballad “Birthday at the Beach,” is a nice transition from some of the band’s faster material, having that huddled around the campfire feel while playing acoustic guitar, or perhaps in Florida natives’ Southside Serenade’s case, more appropriately situated around a bonfire on the beach.

It seems that Southside Serenade plays gigs mostly in Florida for now, but after giving their MySpace a listen, I’m pretty sure the rest of the country won’t be out of reach for too much longer. Take a listen and let me know what you think!