"WONKY" POP -- Pixie Lott, Cry Me Out

I fell in love with this song the very first time I heard it. The lyrics are great and even though it was this that stuck out to me, Pixie Lott's vocals are a very close second. Even though the video's a bit boring, the song is definitely worth listening to over and over again.

HIP-HOP --- K'naan, ABCs

The blog is back! After a semester-long hiatus, I'm back and hopefully for good now since I'm practically done with school. So here's your first treat since my return:



Do I understand what he's saying? No. But these are sick beats nonetheless.

POP ROCK -- The Feeling

Twelve Stops And Home

POP ROCK -- Melee

Gosh, I really must love American expatriate bands. I was at work on Friday and as I was scrolling through my iPod trying to find music to listen to, I came across Melee, a band I hadn't listened to in a really long time. Now, I'm falling in love with them all over again.

They're simple, clean, fun pop rock. Okay, their beats are not the most elaborate, but why should every band have to try so hard that it's borderline too hard? It's really funny how although these guys are known throughout the world, they're virtual unknowns (just like Orson) in their home country.

The first song that I heard from them, thanks to Capital FM, was "Built to Last." Chris Cron's voice really sits right on top of the music; it's light, yet assertive, and has a very genuine touch to it.



After I got their album, Devils and Angels, Rhythm of the Rain was a stand-out to me. So many songs start off the way this one does, but this one manages to set itself apart from other "imitations." I really do credit the sincerity of Chris' voices, as well as the simplicity of the lyrics.

I've also gotta point out Frequently Baby (She's a Teenage Maniac) because it's such a great car song. Kinda retro, total fun.



There are so many good songs on Devils and Angels (including Can't Hold on and my personal favorite, You Got) that it's one of those albums that you can listen to in its entirety without skipping filler tunes every 3rd song. Definitely check these guys out.

Official website: http://www.meleerocks.com/

ELECTROPOP -- La Roux, Bulletproof

ADULT ALT -- Meiko, Boys With Girlfriends

You know what? I think I'm gonna follow her lead.

Boys With Girlfriends - Music Video

ACOUSTIC -- Rodrigo y Gabriela, Tamacun

ACOUSTIC -- Rodrigo y Gabriela, Diablo Rojo

ELECTROPOP -- La Roux, Bulletproof

Bulletproof - La Roux

ALT POP -- Erin McCarley, Love, Save The Empty

I can't believe I missed a free live performance by her. :(


Love, Save The Empty

POP -- Lily Allen, 22

Don't let this be you!!!

NEW WAVE -- Marina and the Diamonds, Obsessions

INDIE POP-ROCK -- The Wombats, A Guide To Love, Loss, & Desperation

I especially love "Let's Dance to Joy Division." Really great music to jump around to in your room by yourself when you feel like letting lose.


A Guide To Love, Loss & Desperation

GRIME -- Wiley, Wearing My Rolex

Usually drink, usually dance, usually bubble...

NEW WAVE -- Iglu and Hartly, In This City

In This City - Iglu & Hartly

POWER POP -- Switches, Lay Down the Law

My go-to power up song! Why aren't they big here yet? This British band has toured with The Bravery but haven't broken out yet. In the near future, everyone on this side of the pond will know them.

FUNK DANCE -- Leon Jean Marie, Bring It On

Last summer as I was packing to leave for China, I would listen to this song on repeat because the beats were awesome, yet this song STILL isn't that popular! Anyway, it deserves to be heard.

Leon's MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/leonjm

R&B POP -- Jamelia, Superstar

An oldie, but a goody. Oldie, meaning 2003. =)

ALT POP FOLK -- Fanfarlo, Luna

Ahh! I knew about their promotion involving selling their album for only $1 until July 4th, but I still missed out! The trumpet sounds stand out and give the band's music added pop. The songs on their MySpace page are definitely worth checking out, especially Luna.

TRIP HOP -- Royksopp

Again, letting the music speak for itself. I love this group! The entire album is amazing, but I definitely love Happy Up Here, The Girl and the Robot, and Vision One. Hope you guys have an imeem account. If you don't, try to find the album, Junior, somewhere!!! You won't regret it.

Junior

HIP HOP -- Mos Def, Quiet Dog Bite Hard

I'm just going to let this song do all the talking. HOT.

ELECTROCLASH -- Jay-Jay Johanson, 100,000 Years

So this feminine-looking version of Daniel Craig was once voted the Most Beautiful Man in the World by God knows who. I don't see it, but maybe it's a Swedish thing. *shrug*



100,000 Years is a song I came across on Pandora that reminded me of the 80s. Jay-Jay's voice is hauntingly beautiful, and even though this song has the power to depress you, it can really provide some peace and calm. I can't believe he's relatively unknown in the U.S., though. Check out this little gem. The tears you get from (possibly) becoming depressed after listening are worth it.

INDIE ROCK -- Passion Pit, Part II

I simply cannot get over this band! I definitely recommend checking out the new album, Manners. I have conveniently it here for you guys. Enjoy!


Manners

INDIE ROCK -- Passion Pit, The Reeling

I am absolutely addicted to this song. The first time I heard a song from Passion Pit, I was like, "What is this?" It wasn't necessarily said in a good way, either. I was confused. There were so many instruments clashing in the background and I didn't enjoy what I heard at all. But they grew on me. Fast. This five-member band is like a happier, upbeat version of MGMT (whose recently released official video of "Kids" is extremely odd and nightmarish), so for those of you who like electronic synthesis as the backdrop to the male voice, Passion Pit is a must-hear.



The story of how the band came together is quite cute. Michael, the lead singer of Passion Pit, formed the band after presenting four of the songs on the band's first EP, Chunk of Change, to his girlfriend for Valentine's Day while they were still students at Emerson College. It doesn't seem like they're together anymore, but how could anyone say no to a guy who wants to be that creative for you?

Both Chunk of Change and Manners, which came out in May of this year, are worth checking out. Passion Pit doesn't just produce dance-with-yourself-in-your-bedroom music, but songs that will keep you coming back for more. Fun stuff, guys.

Passion Pit's MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/passionpitjams

RIP Michael Jackson (1958-2009)

I can't believe he's gone. I remember I was absolutely in love with his music when I was five years old. My mom brought up the fact today that when I was little and en route to Asia on the 20+ hour plane ride, I listened to a cassette tape of Black and White throughout the entire trip.

"With headphones?" I asked my mom.

"No, you didn't wear headphones."

"What? Did I drive all of the other passengers crazy?" I asked. Apparently, I didn't drive them crazy. They were pleasantly surprised that I listened to Michael Jackson and was a young fan. Still, I can't believe I didn't wear headphones when I listened to that tape over and over again on the flight. Apologizes to all who did go nuts because of me that day.

Anyway, respect to the man who was an amazing musician/artist/performer. May he rest in peace.

INDIE ROCK -- Cherry Ghost, Mathematics

I came across this song over two years ago and I still love listening to it. There's something extremely romantic and sad to the song, and maybe that's what makes "Mathematics" so appealing; we can all relate to the mood of the piece, in one way or another.



Meet me on the corner by the fire escape and I’ll be waiting,
Every inch of back roads that have put me here will disappear,
And I’d hold you in my arms,
Cold mathematics making its move on me now,

Peacocks on the chopping block and in the docks, my hopes are burning,
Beautiful and trivial and baby just out of reach,
So hear the unforgiven sounds,
Of cold mathematics making its move on me now,

Warm starts the great silence,
The only place I have left to go,
And I’d hold you in my arms,
Cold mathematics making its move on me now,

It’s funny how I always seem to alienate the people that I'm trying to impress,
One day I will learn to shine,
To the unforgiven sounds,
Of cold mathematics making its move on me now,

And I’d hold you in my arms,
Cold mathematics making its move on me now,

Cold mathematics making its move,
Cold mathematics making its move,
Cold mathematics making its move.

Simon Aldred, the lead singer of Cherry Ghost, has a really folksy voice that allows the song to be sad, yet not mopey. All of Cherry Ghost's songs on the band's debut album, Thirst for Romance (2007), show off Simon's distinct sound in many different ways, but "Mathematics" is the best track on the entire album (not that the other songs aren't worth checking out).

For more on Cherry Ghost, visit http://www.myspace.com/cherryghostband.

COMING SOON!!!

Rock or Not? There are a couple of bands/artists that I'll be taking a look at who are ... undergoing identity crises? Hard to say. One of the bands is trying to establish a rock image, but is that possible with the background of the lead singer? Here's a hint: Mmmmmm. :D

Another singer, a much venerated rocker from the 90s, has taken quite a few experimental turns with his solo albums. He's gotten a lot of criticism for his every endeavor, but I'm going to try to explain how it all works out for him.

** I know there's been a lack of rock/hip-hop so far and I'm working on it. I've just been in an electro phase of late. It'll be over soon. **

INDIE-POP -- The Hoosiers, The Trick to Life

Now these boys are adorable. Don't let the name fool you, though. The Hoosiers are NOT American. The name came about (according to Wiki) after Alphonso (drums) and Irwin (vocals) attended the University of Indianapolis (located in the Hoosier State) on a football scholarship. Hailing from various parts of Europe (although concentrated in the UK), The Hoosiers are bright, refreshing indie pop. These guys sound like they're truly having fun making music and what listener wouldn't appreciate that?

"Worried About Ray," the band's first single off of their 2007 album The Trick to Life, really provided a great intro for The Hoosiers. The beats were solid, the lyrical content was mysterious (who is Ray?), and the video also showed the comedic sides of the band members. Their second single, however, was even more infectious.



"Goodbye Mr. A" is a go-to, feel-good song that proved to be even more successful than "Worried About Ray" in Europe. Some people think the song is a complete rip from Electronic Light Orchestra's "Mr. Blue Sky," but I personally believe the differences are enough and that the similarities are merely stylistic ones. Upbeat and fun, The Hoosiers are a band you listen to when you're feeling good or want to be energized. Irwin also proves he has the vocal chops to take the tempo down a notch, too; in "Clinging on for Life," his voice is mellow yet steady enough to float over the music to make it work.

I enjoy this band's music because their songs are simple, fun, and enjoyable. There isn't too much thinking or speculating involved, and I think we could all used some of that now and then; not everything has to be "deep and meaningful" and cause a controversy. Other songs worth checking out on The Trick to Life include "Killer" and "Cops and Robbers." Definitely check out their website; very animated, just like them.

ELECTRO POP--Kerli

So if this is the first time you're seeing Kerli, you probably think she looks like a cross between Amy Winehouse and Natasha Bedingfield. Yes, you'd be partially right; Kerli does sound like a grittier Natasha when she sings "The Creationist," one of my favorite songs on her 2008 album, Love is Dead.



The cover art, as well as the album name itself, says a lot about Kerli as an artist and the songs that she sings. She has a very dark and ethereal image and her voice is haunting, somewhat reminiscent of Evanescence (what happened to them, anyway?), but more feminine and romantic. This isn't music to rock out to, though; if anything, it's more ... contemplative music? Hailing from Estonia, this 22-year old is finally breaking through in America.

Kerli's most well-known song is probably "Walking on Air," a song with a really catchy chorus and (as might be expected) a really creepy video.



A lot of people, after viewing this music video, label Kerli a wannabe Lady Gaga, but that's definitely not the case! Their sounds are completely different. Kerli is more child-like and doll-like, whereas Lady Gaga is ... you can see for yourself on the latest Rolling Stone cover. Kerli has something else going on, and whatever it is, I definitely hope it continues.

Kerli's Official Site: http://www.kerlimusic.com/

INDIE ALT -- The Bird and the Bee

I recently came across this band on Pandora, and I immediately fell in love with them. The station was set to Ramalama by Roisin Murphy, a song I had heard on So You Think You Can Dance two years ago, and when I finally heard The Bird and the Bee's Love Letter to Japan, I had to listen to the song over and over again.



The band has a light, ethereal sound to it and the beats are infectious and carefree. The songs, performed by Inara George (the "bird") and Greg Kurstin (the "bee"), are great for chilling out, hanging out, and anything in between. Hailing from L.A., they bring with to their music their love for jazz and experimentation, and so far, their product has been nothing less than amazing.

For those of you who like Chairlift, Feist, and Ingrid Michaelson, The Bird and the Bee is worth checking out. Aside from "Love Letter to Japan," "My Fair Lady" and "I Hate Camera" are must-hears. Most of the band's music from their self-titled debut album and sophomore effort, Ray Guns are Not Just the Future, is available on imeem.

Check out their MySpace here: http://www.myspace.com/thebirdandthebee

POP--Charlotte Sometimes, AEIOU

When I first heard this song, I immediately loved it. Her voice is unique and distinctive and her lyrics are pretty simple and relevant. What's also really good is that the song isn't overproduced the way many songs are these days. The beat is catchy and her voice is addictive. This Jersey girl has attitude and she isn't afraid to show it, but she definitely as a soft side, which can be heard on her track called Build the Moon. Fans of Sara Bareilles will definitely appreciate this up-and-coming singer/songwriter. Charlotte Sometimes is worth checking out and I have a feeling we'll be seeing much more of her soon.

Visit her MySpace page here.

POP-ROCK -- Orson: The American Expatriates

In a class this past semester, I researched a band called Orson for a music ethnography project in order to investigate why they just didn't catch on in their home country of America. All in all, the band is satisfied with being a BRIT award-winning artist rather than having a Grammy under their belt. This doesn't mean, however, that Americans don't have the privilege to listen to their catchy music.

With the help of Orson's MySpace page, the band's music can reach American ears with ease. Although this ease comes after a little bit of effort (how would you know that a band named Orson exists to begin with?), more and more Americans are growing aware of the Hollywood, California band.

Orson delivers a really fresh, upbeat sound that people can dance or chill out to. My personal favorite is their song called Broken Watch, which is available on their album, Culture Vultures.

Although No Tomorrow and Ain't No Party (from the band's debut album, Bright Idea) are Orson's two most well-known songs to date, the band's two albums contain many gems that were never released as singles, such as Little Miss Lost and Found and Cool Cops.

All in all, the band has catchy riffs and well-written lyrics that deserve attention and success.

A Prelude

I decided to start this on whim because I've grown tired of America's lack of quality music being played on radio stations or t.v. Music currently being mass-produced and widely circulated is no representation of the amount of talent that is still out there, struggling to find enough popularity to keep going. Luckily with natural online marketing (YouTube? MySpace?), more and more people are discovering bands and musicians that deserve to be famous. These are not the acts you see on t.v., lip-synching to a recording that barely had their original voices to begin with. This is true singing, true playing, and true talent. These days, it's hard to come by musicians who have the right combination of mass-production feel and musical skill, so many who have only the latter are pretty much screwed when it comes to getting popular recognition. Because of this increasing phenomenon, lots of truly musical fans end up digging, searching far and wide for obscure sounds that really are worth listening to. Others reminisce of previous times of music glory and stick with tracks from then. Still, there are many of us who really don't have the time or patience to not be introduced to music that is real music, and that's what this blog is for.

Every week, an artist, song, or album will be introduced that I believe is worth listening to because it is NOT crap. They will span many genres because good music should not be defined by style. Any type of music can be great. Some music will be to chill out to, others will be to work out to. I will admit, there is some manufactured music out there that although overproduced, is still quite decent. Our generation does not need to be defined by past musical greats or current performing faces that lack that same greatness. Here, we will see that good music still exists these days. Somewhere.