New (to me) music Friday

MOCK ORANGE
The guys in Mock Orange have continued to produce some of the most interesting music I've heard in a long time. The band will release its latest offering, Captain Love later this summer.

Song in D

SCHOOLYARD HEROES
Seattle's Schoolyard Heroes are a hardcore band with as much raw, epic intensity as the Spartans going to war. They are touring the country right now to promote their record Abominations, which is described as a "fierce horror metal-laden onslaught that confronts the evil side of human nature, with narratives that take place during the apocalypse."

I'm not really a hardcore or a metal fan, but this song sticks in my head very easily. Lead singer Ryann Donnelly's eerie vocals lure me in like a siren ready to destroy my ship.

Dude, Where's My Skin?

THIS IS IVY LEAGUE
These guys have arguably one of the best band names that reflect their sound. When I listen to them, I honestly feel like I should be riding my bike through Princeton while wearing a polo shirt. Very light and melodic, This Is Ivy League's music feels like I can spend a lazy Sunday afternoon listening and not having a care in the world.

The Richest Kids
London Bridges

Serenade Me Sweetly

The Sweet Serenades are from Stockholm, Sweden and are mainly influenced by acts such as Tom Waits, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, the Arcade Fire, The Strokes, etc. They call it Jungle Rock. Or testosterone Pop.

The songs are infectious and I haven't been able to get them out of my head all day.

I Can Never Die
First Taste of Trouble
Coming Closer

all from First Time EP which you can buy here.

What I learned in Canada

Recently back from my trip to the Great Nation of Canada. Edmonton, Alberta to be exact. Nothing like seeing old friends and experiencing a bit of culture shock.

Some things I learned in my trip there.

Canadians love their hockey

It's cold and sometimes snows even in May

The Mounties do not wear the red uniform and hat anymore. At least not in Alberta anyway. That was a disappointment.

They like to make fun of the U.S. (being the only American in the group, I was an easy target)

Everyone is in love with The Tragically Hip. That's the only music I heard over there. That and Hawksley Workman.

The Tragically Hip - New Orleans is Sinking

New Offspring album out this summer

Honest to God, The Offspring used to be my all-time favorite band when I first started getting into music. Still are probably, even though more names have been added to that ever-growing list.

I haven't payed much attention to them in a while - not since Splinter, which I was a bit disappointed in. Turns out, they have a brand new album called Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace with producer Bob Rock (Metallica, The Cult) that will be released June 17.

Holy crap, why did I not even hear about this until now? I used to be so up to date on obsessed with The Offspring.

--Whoa! [Offspring guitarist] Noodles has long hair now!--

The guys have released the song "Hammerhead" for download from their site.


Rise And Fall, Rage And Grace track-listing:
1. Half-Truism
2. Trust In You
3. You‘re Gonna Go Far, Kid
4. Hammerhead
5. A Lot Like Me
6. Takes Me Nowhere
7. Kristy, Are You Doing Okay?
8. Nothingtown
9. Stuff Is Messed Up
10. Fix You
11. Let‘s Hear It For Rock Bottom
12. Rise And Fall

Heading North

I'll be gone for the next 2 weeks visiting the great country of Canada. Try not to miss me (and my music updates) too much.

Five Iron Frenzy - O Canada

Sounds of Richmond

Style Weekly released their music issue last week featuring the best local bands of 2008. Included is a companion CD featuring a wide variety of local artists.

After being disappointed with the similarly themed CD from RVA Magazine (who seem to think that the only type of music played in Richmond is hardcore), I'm looking forward to hearing Style's version.

I still don't know where to find this CD. Plan 9 doesn't seem to ever have any copies when I go in. Maybe a desperate call to Style's offices is in order.

Here are some samples of the artists featured. Samples. Go out and get this album for the real deal.
David Shultz and the Skyline - Cant Can’t
Josh Small with Liza Kate - Move Your Hips
Richmond Afrobeat Movement - GPS
Pennyshaker - Jenny Jane
The Gaskets - Trap Me Indoors
Divine Profitz - Do It Thourough
Fight The Big Bull - Bandolier
Tulsa Drone - Laurel Street
Emily Easterly - Shadows (Oh Honey)

If babies dreamed like this...

Alan Wilkis seriously came out of left field. The Brooklyn-based musician skillfully combines R&B, classic rock and electronic music into something entirely different. His album "Babies Dream Big" has been on constant repeat since I got it. And every time I play it, I have a new favorite song. It's nothing but a great mixture of electronic groove-shaking, can't-help-but-having-a-good-time music.

It's Been Great
Milk & Cookies

New (to me) music Friday

mr. Gnome
mr. Gnome comes to us from Cleveland. Nicole Barille and Sam Meister experiment with instrumental sounds and have been described as "utilizing elements of AltRock, Metal, Post Punk, and Prog, but lands in a realm of their own making, crafting a compelling sonic-psychedelic melange of indie rock." Their debut full-length CD, Deliver This Creature, hits stores May 6.
mr. Gnome - Rabbit
mr. Gnome - Night of the Crickets


Amy Studt
Amy Studt used to be huge pop star. Then she went the way of most teen stars and vanished. She's now returned with a new album ("My Paper Made Men") to be released next week. Soulful melodies and hard rock beats combined with intensely powerful sounds. "Furniture" delivers a painful story of feeling neglected almost enough to make you cry.

Amy Studt - Furniture

Zak Smith
I don't know much about Zak Smith other than the fact that he is a musician who independently relased his latest album "As Rome Burned." And I know that I like it.
Zak Smith - K
Zak Smith - Shots


Culture Reject
These Canadian rockers know what their listeners want. Soft, tender melodies fill the air as Culture Reject plays. The band pulls together a distinct sound almost effortlessly. I can't get enough of this band since I first started listening to to them.
Culture Reject - Inside the Cinema


Red Light Company
Red Light Company has been described as "Arcade Fire goes goth." Not really sure I agree, but I like what I'm hearing. Infectious sounds of nod-your-head rock is enough to keep me entertained.
Red Light Company - With Lights Out

Are you ready to rock?

My inner rock star has finally emerged thanks to the video game Rock Band. I've spent the last few days playing this game nonstop. Yes, it's that much fun.

Much like Guitar Hero, you can play various rock songs on your special kick ass guitar with colorful buttons. But this time, you can also play bass, drums (my personal favorite) or even sing.

I've been rocking out on this game with friends and we have nothing but a good time. I've actually gotten much better on the drums and guitar. I could easily play those in real life.... right.

Our "band" talk about the direction we're going, we get in fights, we trash the hotel room, we do our solo projects and we come together for our reunion show. It's all about the fans really.

Some of my favorites from the game:

Kiss - Detroit Rock City
The Sweet - Ballroom Blitz
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Maps