Categories
Artist of the Week

Artist of the Week: Eren Cannata

Though this is Eren Cannata‘s first solo release, don’t let that fool you. No stranger to the music industry, he has practically grown up on tour as his father, Richie Cannata was saxophone player for The Beach Boys and Billy Joel. With an avid Long Island fan base and many industry admirers, his solid debut release is only a sign of what’s to come.

Cannata’s album, Blame It On The City, is a diverse mix of emotional ballads like “Tonight” and radio friendly tracks (see title track “Blame It On The City”). With catchy hooks and infectious melodies, Cannata is well on his way.

While piano-based track, “Post High School Years” switches gears up a bit from his previous pop-centric tracks, the album never loses it’s flow. Cannata’s deeper and darker vocals bring a welcoming change. Singing with the ease and grandeur of Josh Groban, “Post High School Years” is one of the album’s stand-out tracks.

Segueing quickly to “Other Side,” Cannata continues to take a different approach. His heart-on-your-sleeves lyrics stand out to the listener: “And still I wonder/If you will work it out/And that’s just insecurity/Making castles out of clay/I wanna be your everything/I still get embarrassed when I sing/I need a promise from you/That I will be your other side/And not another you confide,” he sings.

“Sounds of Summer” is another surprise track. An edgier sound than previously heard, Cannata proves he can change things up and still sound fresh and unique, not always an easy feat for a musician. With such a solid debut release, I can only imagine hearing much more of Cannata in the future.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhFzfrtii30]

Watch Eren’s music video for “Blame It On The City” above or give him a listen on MySpace and if you like what you hear, be sure to see him on tour. If you’re in New York this Wednesday you can catch him opening up for Ryan Cabrera at Sullivan Hall.

Categories
Song of the Week

Top 10 Songs of the 1960s

Last night I went to a tribute concert for the Rat Pack and it got me thinking. Surprisingly, I knew most of the songs performed throughout the night thanks to my parents’ music selection growing up. While the majority of the songs featured were from the 60s, I started wondering about all the hits from that era and others I might like.

Low and behold, I present to you my Top 10 list. I realize this barely scratches the surface of the amazing music that came out of this fruitful decade, but thought I’d share with you some of my favorites (in no particular order). What songs did I miss? Which artists should I have showcased? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

1. “Everybody Loves Somebody” by Dean Martin

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMQFsjs21OQ]

2. “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfsvE4j4ExA]

3. “My Way” by Frank Sinatra

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w25TylDyQBY]

4. “Daydream Believer” by The Monkees

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kG34bDwJcVc]

5. “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” by The Beach Boys

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L–cqAI3IUI]

6. “Like A Rolling Stone” by Bob Dylan

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xO0gSJGJ7Fs]

7. “Walk On By” by Dionne Warwick

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07cS50j46T0]

8. “Build Me Up Buttercup” by The Foundations

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

9. “Baby Love” by The Supremes

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23UkIkwy5ZM]

10. “Mrs. Robinson” by Simon And Garfunkel

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVdJ5_X2dUQ]

These are only a few of the hits from the 60s. What did I leave out?

Categories
Song of the Week

Songs of the Week: 5 Oldies But Goodies

I’ve been freelancing at Rolling Stone the past two weeks helping out with their “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” online package — be sure to check it out next week! I’ll definitely write a post about it once it’s live so be on the lookout. Most of the songs featured I remember from my childhood, growing up and listening to the oldies with my Dad. At the time, I wished more than anything that he’d change the oldies station to Z100, but I must say I’ve gained a newfound appreciation for classic rock ‘n’ roll over the past few years. So much so, I even have an “Oldies” Pandora channel I listen to at work. I really wish I could live a day in the 50s and 60s and cover a show back then. Not to mention interview Elvis Presley, that would be amazing!

This week instead of my typical “Song of the Week” I’ve picked five of my favorite songs from the rock ‘n’ roll era. I really couldn’t narrow it down to just one, so enjoy my mix of songs for the week!

1. “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys.

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

2. “My Girl” The Temptations

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCRcra2o964]

3. “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfsvE4j4ExA]

4. “In the Still of the Night” by The Five Satins.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBT3oDMCWpI]

5. “Hound Dog” by Elvis Presley.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=We8P_Ww27hY]

Honorable mention: “Why Do Fools Fall In Love” by Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers. You have to watch this hilarious video from “The Frankie Laine” show from the 1956. Lymon was only 13 when he wrote this song!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q96ylFiQK_I]

What are some of your favorite oldies songs?