Numero Uno

Hey everybody!  So here is my first official blog post.  I'm not really sure what kind of format I want to use so I'm just gonna wing it and hope it works.  I have three bands that I have discovered in recent weeks that I want to share with you.

Harper Blynn is my top release this week.  They are a New York City quartet that is formerly known as Pete and J.  Their debut album "Loneliest Generation" was recorded in 10 days in NYC with producer David Kahne who has produced for the likes of Paul McCartney and it shows in their sound.  They have an epic pop/rock sound that makes one reminisce of the days of Wings.  The songs are simple but they are very well written using contrast and wonderful harmonies making this a very enjoyable album.  Take a listen to their song "25 years" and I promise you won't just listen once.


Harper Blynn - 25 Years

You can stream the rest of their album for free here: http://www.spinner.com/new-releases#/3

The next group I have to talk about is for those who love intelligent rappers.  Blakroc is a collaboration between The Black Keys and 11 hip/hop artists including Mos Def, Raekwon, Q-tip, RZA, and even ODB.  In my opinion this album is at the top of the list of Hip/Hop albums released this year.  Not only is the rapping incredible but it is set against the bluesy backdrop created by the always amazing Black Keys.  This album was recorded in 11 days and features 11 tracks (unless you buy from itunes in which case you don't get the ODB track). You can watch webisodes of the recording process as well as read bios of all the featured artists at www.blakroc.com.  The following track features Mos Def and Jim Jones.


Blakroc - Ain't Nothin' Like You (Hoochie Coo)

The last group I want to share with you is from Canada.  They are called Zeus and I think they are a really exciting up and coming band.  They have a 60s and 70s rock feel to them with upbeat songs that you can't help but sing along with. They use great harmonies and even incorporate some fuzz guitar into a rockin' cover of the Genesis song "That's All."  Right now their only release is a 5 song EP titled "Sounds Like Zeus" but be sure to look for their full length LP "Say Us" on Feb 23, 2010.  You can also stream a few live in studio performances on their myspace page www.myspace.com/themusicofzeus.  In the meantime here is a song from their EP. 


Zeus - Marching Through Your Head

Last but not least in my "artist everyone should know" for this week.  Last week I played you a song by Cold War Kids.  They are an amazing band with a bluesy soulful sound with hints of R&B flavor.  They typically write dark lyrics, like many other bands, however the lead singer has a strain and dissonance in his voice that works incredibly well with the tone and mood and makes for great, well put together songs.  Their songs paint an incredible picture if you just sit back close your eyes and listen.  Here are two songs from Cold War Kids; one from their latest LP "Loyalty to Loyalty" (which you should listen to with your eyes closed) and another from their forthcoming EP "Behave Yourself" due out next week


Cold War Kids - Every Man I Fall For



Cold War Kids - Coffee Spoon

Hopefully everyone found some new music to listen to this week.  If not tune in next week because I have a wide range of music that I like and maybe you will find something more suitable to your tastes.  I definitely have plenty more to share with you.  Until then happy listening.

-Emerson