Tag: Listen

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Song of the Week

Song of the Week: Country Edition


Lady Antebellum Fan Club Party, 2009 CMA Music Festival
Photo Credit: Wendy Hu

Being that just around this time last year I was in Nashville covering my first country festival (and first country concert for that matter), I found it fitting to pick a few country songs to feature this week. Keith Urban is one of the first acts I discovered back in college and I’m excited to post a video from his CMT Crossroads performance with John Mayer. I think you’ll love it!

Keith Urban More CMT Music More CMT Music Videos

My next track is by an up-and-coming band that is starting to make waves in the country scene. Indiana based Shakin’ Bake will share the stage with country superstars Luke Bryan, Justin Moore, Randy Travis, Bucky Covington this summer. Listen to current single, the emotional “The Underdog” a listen here.

Nashville based country artist Chelsea Rae has a powerful vocal style that brings to mind Carrie Underwood with a rock side that recalls Miranda Lambert. Having garnered an audition for the coveted Sunday Night Writer’s Night at the famous Music City Bluebird Café, Rae is well on her way. Give her a listen on MySpace.

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Song of the Week

Song of the Week: “You and I”

Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Jenna Bryson sent me  her new single last week and I instantly fell in love with it. Her airy vocals sounds familiar and beg reference to fellow Californian Colbie Caillat, but with distinct personality. Her music has been described as, “If Kelly Clarkson and Sarah McLachlan had a baby and then sent it to be raised by Jewel.”

Bryson’s voice soars over the music beautifully on “You and I” and switches gears midway through the song with edgier percussion and more forceful vocals. It’s unexpected and puts her in a category of her own.

You can listen to “You and I” on MySpace, Facebook and Last.fm. Take your pick, and let me  know what you think! You’ll be hearing much more from Bryson in the upcoming months as a new record is on the way.

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Artist of the Week

Artist of the Week: Sahara Smith

Texas-based singer-songwriter Sahara Smith‘s vocals are a unique blend of rustic and angelic. An old soul, the 21-year-old’s lyrics are descriptive and well beyond her age.

While tracks like the twangy “All I Need” relax, others, like seductive “The Real Thing” intrigue the listener.

“I used to think that happiness was hiding in the dark/I believed in everything but love,” she sings emotionally on “All I Need” with light guitar and percussion accompaniment.

Born in Austin, Smith started performing locally at 14. She garnered national attention at 15 after she was selected to compete in A Prairie Home Companion’s ‘Talent from 12-20’ contest and took home second place. Since then, she has been pursuing a career as a singer-songwriter and hasn’t turned back.

Smith will be making her New York debut June 14-16th supporting her upcoming August release, Myth of the Heart. Overseen by the legendary T Bone Burnett and producer Emile Kelman, the album will feature many of Burnett’s first-call session players including drummer Jay Bellerose, guitarist Marc Ribot and bassist Dennis Crouch.

To hear more from Sahara Smith, visit her on MySpace

Related Links:
• Artist of the Week: Billy Currington
• Band of the Week: The Spring Standards
• Band of the Week: 6th Street
• Artist of the Week: Ari Hest

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Artist of the Week

Artist of the Week: Frank Sinatra

After reading an article on Frank Sinatra today, I opted to make it Hoboken Week on the blog. Born in Hoboken in 1915, Sinatra began singing in public during the 1930s and continued performing until 1995.

Currently, Martin Scorsese has plans to film a biopic about ol’ blue eyes. While the film is still in talks, Scorsese’s first choice to play Sinatra is Al Pacino. Sinatra’s daughter, Tina, said she favors George Clooney in the lead while Leonardo DiCaprio’s name also came up. What are your thoughts? Who would you want to play Sinatra? For the complete Guardian article, click here.

Rather than provide a complete biography, I’ll post some Sinatra classics below. Which song is your favorite?

“Fly Me to the Moon”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9h0MNMfKuQ]

“New York, New York”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WV02nP9PLnQ]

“My Way”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vua8wka5Cys]

Related Links:
• Artist of the Week: Billy Currington
• Band of the Week: The Spring Standards
• Band of the Week: 6th Street
• Artist of the Week: Ari Hest

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Artist of the Week

Artist of the Week: Billy Currington

Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Billy Currington burst onto the country scene in 2003 with his critically acclaimed self-titled release. Two albums later and many concerts later, Currington continues to make a name for himself with hit songs and festival anthems.

CMT recently reviewed California’s Stagecoach festival and wrote praises of his performance:

Billy Currington proved to be a wise choice to join the Stagecoach lineup. So many of his songs could have been the event’s official anthem — “People Are Crazy” (painted on numerous T-shirts and tailgates), “Swimming in Summertime” (lots of bathing suits but no pool in sight) and “Don’t” (as in, “Honey, should I keep doing drunken handstands even though that guy behind me is trying to watch the show?”). Currington’s new single fits the bill, too — an easygoing tune called “Pretty Good at Drinking Beer.”

Recently nominated for the 2010 CMT Music Awards for Male Video of the Year for hit single, “People Are Crazy,” 2010 is a promising one for Currington. Additionally, he was just added to Carrie Underwood’s upcoming fall tour.

With his relatable, reflective lyrics and soothing vocals, Currington proves to be a force to watch in the country music scene. Songs like passionate ballad “Must Be Doin’ Something Right” and the fun, life-affirming “People Are Crazy” in which he sings, “God is great/Beer is good/And people are crazy” leave an impact on the listener.

For more on Currington, visit his Web site and watch some videos below.

“People Are Crazy”

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

“Party For Two” with Shania Twain

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzD0nd7tzNI]

“Must Be Doin’ Something Right”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbQfE2Oi6Wo]

Related Links:
• Band of the Week: The Spring Standards
• Band of the Week: 6th Street
• Artist of the Week: Ari Hest
• Band of the Week: Hot Chelle Rae

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Song of the Week

Song of the Week: “Honey And the Moon”

Last night, I caught Joseph Arthur‘s impressive set at Maxwell’s in Hoboken (review to come). One of the most unique shows I have witnessed, Arthur painted at the start of end of his set, his artwork up for sale at the end of the night.

In addition to painting, Arthur looped drum, guitar, and harmonica alongside his vocals with the help of multiple loop pedals and took many eager fan’s requests shouted out to him. One of my favorites was his acoustic performance of “Honey And the Moon.” A beautiful ballad with descriptive and relatable lyrics, it demonstrates Arthur’s talent as a singer-songwriter.

Watch the video of Joseph Arthur performing “Honey And the Moon” a few years ago on the “Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn.” To listen to his music, visit Arthur on MySpace.

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

Temporary People
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Features

MP3 Wednesday: New Tracks From Jody Porter, Misty Boyce and Sia

Jody Porter’s debut album isn’t out until May 11th, but Engine Room Recordings is offering a download of his single, “Aurora.” Guitarist of Fountains of Wayne, Porter has collaborated with everyone from Albert Hammond Jr. and Jesse Malin to Ivy and Juliana Hatfield. To listen to the energetic “Aurora” click here.

Compared to Regina Spektor, Misty Boyce is a singer who will touch your heart. Her beautifully light vocals are accompanied by soaring string arrangements and light percussion on “All You Need Is Here.” Featuring Ari Hest, the track captivates the listener. Catch Misty currently on tour promoting her recent, self titled release. To listen to “All You Need Is Here,” click here.

You all know by now that Sia is one of my favorites. I featured the video for latest single, “Clap Your Hands” a few weeks ago but she just released a brand new Diplo remix of the track that you HAVE to hear. If it doesn’t get you dancing, I don’t know what will. Listen to “Clap Your Hands” here and stay tuned for her new album due out June 22.

What have you been listening to? Are there any new releases I  need to check out? Let me know in the comments!

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Band of the Week

Band of the Week: The Spring Standards

New York trio The Spring Standards offer listeners a diverse experience on their debut full length, Would Things Be Different. Produced by Bryce Goggin (Pavement, Phish, The Apples in Stereo), the release mixes jazz, country and a throwback to 1950s rock & roll. Alternating between James Cleare, James Smith and Heather Robb on lead vocals, each track brings something new and refreshing to the listener.

First track on MySpace, “Halcyon Days” starts things off with light whistling before Smith enters. With soft banjo, string and bell accompaniment, the trio relax the listener. Not for too long, though as “Queen of the Lot” quickly switches gears. With fitting piano introduction, Robb’s airy vocals captivate before horn and percussion pick up the pace. The music suddenly segues into a jazzier sound as Robb belts, “Why not have it all/You’ve every right to take what’s not tied down.”

Known for their impeccable harmonizing, it is not their individual solos that impress, but when the band sings together. Tracks like the energetic “Goodbye Midnight” and “Little Bug” on EP No One Will Know showcase The Spring Standards’ vocal ability best and continues to intrigue the listener.

Standout MySpace track, “Little Bug” takes the listener back to doo-wop days of the 1950s and 60s combined with their seductive electric guitar accompaniment. Bearing resemblance to The Doors and Elvis Presley with their musical build up, it is hard to place The Spring Standards into one genre. This is not a detriment, however. Music fans of every genre can find something to like within The Spring Standards release. After all, isn’t that the dream of every musician?

Watch The Spring Standards perform “Halcyon Days” below. For more, be sure to visit them on MySpace.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ag6D_S3meE0]

Related Links:
• Band of the Week: 6th Street
• Artist of the Week: Ari Hest
• Band of the Week: Hot Chelle Rae
• Band of the Week: Athlete

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Song of the Week Videos

Song of the Week: “God Gave Me You”

I received an email about Dave Barnes’ latest video “God Gave Me You” earlier this week and instantly fell in love with it. Maybe it was my sister’s wedding approaching and the constant wedding talk over the past few weeks, but the lyrics and story behind the song really struck a chord. It makes sense though, considering he wrote the song as an ode to his wife, PopEater reports.

“I believe that people are built for community with each other. We often times take relationship for granted,” Barnes said. “I wrote ‘God Gave Me You’ because I’m thankful for my wife, and how she makes me a better person.”

I have a feeling “God Gave Me You” will become a popular wedding song. What do you think?

http://o.aolcdn.com/videoplayer/AOL_PlayerLoader.swf

You can catch Barnes on the road promoting his latest release, What We Want, What We Get. For more, be sure to visit him on MySpace.

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Band of the Week

Band of the Week: 6th Street

With catchy melodies and moving ballads, electro pop duo 6th Street offer listeners much diversity throughout their danceable tracks. Whether it’s the beautiful piano based “Angels Falling” or the fast paced “Try and Stop Love,” Mike Miller and Grant Cook capture the listener’s attention.

While their upbeat tracks are club friendly, it is their ballads that leave the biggest impact. “Angels Falling” begins with a delicate piano intro before Miller’s soft vocals enter. A heartbreaking tale of questioning life, love and death, the song strikes a chord.

“Never Gone” follows suit with piano and amps up the energy with additional musical accompaniment providing a strong soundscape to the track. With what sounds like soaring string features and electronic beats in the background, the band bears striking resemblance to Owl City. Miller’s vocals sound vaguely familiar and at times echo that of singer-songwriters Mat Kearney and Matt Nathanson.

Continuing to showcase their talent and ability as musicians by combining energetic beats with emotional vocals, 6th street give a new definition to the ballad. Hard to place into one genre, the duo provide a unique music experience.

Back from a recent stint of showcases at SXSW, the LA-based band will perform two New York shows this week. Tomorrow night, at Kenny’s Castaways and Saturday at Arlene’s Grocery. I have two tickets to giveaway for Saturday’s show thanks to AMP3 PR. You can be in the running by adding the band on Facebook and Twitter and RT this blog post.

Just tweet, “@yousingiwrite I want to attend @6thstreetmusic’s concert Saturday. http://bit.ly/d2eIuc.”

I’ll pick a winner Thursday. Good luck!

Recommended: For fans of Owl City, The Postal Service, Mat Kearney, Matt Nathanson.

Related Links:
• Artist of the Week: Ari Hest
• Band of the Week: Hot Chelle Rae
• Band of the Week: Athlete
• Band of the Week: Murder By Death