Better Late Than Never

Sorry it took me so long to get this post up.  I had more technical difficulties and i ended up having to switch my music player because the other one was giving me problems.  Anyway, I am pretty psyched this week because Gorillaz has a new single and a new album coming out and the single is awesome! They are back in a big way with Mos Def and R&B/Soul legend Bobby Womack featured on their first single titled "Stylo." The song is driven by an infectious, funky, techno/dance beat that is typical of Gorillaz music. Mos Def starts out the tune with a nice short rhyme; but what makes this song great is the vocals by Bobby Womack. He has that classic 70s sound that could be straight out of "Shaft" or "Starsky and Hutch" but is's a sound that is not often heard over an electro hip/hop beat. It is an interesting sound and has grown on me every time I have listened to this song. The creativity and musical genius of Gorillaz is hard to match. They are continually pushing boundaries and creating masterpieces that are beyond their time. I for one am pumped for their new album. Take a listen to "Stylo" and be sure to check out the album "Plastic Beach" when it drops on March 9th.

Gorillaz - Stylo (Album Version)


Keeping with the R&B/Soul sound, the next artist I ahve for you is Corinne Bailey Rae.  Her new CD "The Sea" was released on Tuesday and it is wonderful.  Corinne has a gorgeous voice that is mellow, jazzy, and smooth.  She can be soft and intimate and then other times more sultry and funky.  Her songwriting ability seems to have only improved with this new album.  The expanded the styles of songs that she writes and, like her debut record, her lyrics are personal and poetic.  She creates a mood with her songs to engulf your mind and draw you in to her world.  This album is one that is a great listen all the way through.  Take a listen to these tracks (especially her cover of Jimi Hendrix's "Little Wing" because it is sick) and then buy the record because it is worth every penny.

Corinne Bailey Rae - Feels Like The First Time


Corinne Bailey Rae - The Blackest Lily


Corinne Bailey Rae - Little Wing


My featured band this week is a group from Glasgow, Scotland appropriately named "Glasvegas."  I guess the best way to decribe this band would be epic arena rock (think U2) meets 50s girl groups and Phil Spector's wall of sound.  They have gleaming poppy vocals that disguise the somewhat depressing lyrics and still give the album an overall uplifting feel.  This group are one of the more unique bands to come out of the UK in a while.  You should turn your volume way up for this band.  It makes it sound even better.  Enjoy.

Glasvegas - Geraldine


Glasvegas - Daddy's Gone


Glasvegas - Flowers & Football Tops

Kansas City Jammers Ride Again

Sorry that my post is so late this week, I had some technical difficulties getting the post to work.  I have also been busy this week and I didn't want to just throw something together because you deserve nothing but the best from me because that's what you came here looking for.  So before I get to anything else, I have a concert to review for you.  This weekend I had the pleasure of attending a show that was inspiring to say the least.  The Kansas City Jammers formed in 1971 at Ohio Wesleyan University and spent most of their career playing small gigs at frats and college bars around the state.  When they split they put their dreams of fame on the back-burner, but this past weekend they got back together to play a benefit show at OWU and live out the dream, if only for one night.  The concert was absolutely amazing.  These guys still know how to rock a show.  KCJ have that great sound from the late 60s early 70s.  They fuse folk, rock, and psychedelic music to create gorgeous songs with harmonies inspired by the likes of The Rolling Stones, Simon & Garfunkel, CSN&Y, and The Beatles.  They sing catchy tunes with heartfelt and personal lyrics (With a few goofy exceptions) and even though it's been over 35 years since they split, The Jammers sounded as though they had been playing together non-stop since 1972.  They had a chemistry at the show that can only be shared by long time friends and such great enthusiasm on stage you could tell how much they appreciated every single person in the room.  They rocked, they rolled, and they serenaded listeners who came from far and wide for another chance to hear some incredibly talented and wonderful human beings fulfill the dream they created in 1971.  As I said, it was inspiring.  Take a listen to some songs from the original album titled "Got Good (If You Get It)" and as soon as the show is up on youtube, I'll post the link.

Kansas City Jammers - Midnight Watch


Kansas City Jammers - For Father


Kansas City Jammers - Back Road Woman


Kansas City Jammers - Live In Harmony


The next band I have for you this week is Cavalier Rose, a four piece band from Brooklyn, NY.  When I first heard this group I was blown away because the sound is so unique and awesome.  Their songs fuse bluesy rock songs with jazzy rhythms.  This by itself is enough to grab my attention.  But then, throw in a female lead singer who has a voice like a soulful, strung out swing jazz singer from the 50s with a sexy swagger, and you just may have one of my new favorite bands.  Heather Christian (lead singer/pianist) creates an intense mosaic of emotions with her voice and words; at times sounding desperate and strained, while others soft and beautiful.  Her voice accents the music in a way that will send shivers down your spine.  This is probably one of the most exciting new finds I have heard in a long time because they have such a different and creative sound.  Take a listen to these amazing songs, all of which are available for free on cavalierrose.com

Cavalier Rose - Primary Colors


Cavalier Rose - Lie To Me


Cavalier Rose - Kiss Me In Closets


My band you have to hear this week is Citizen Cope.  Citizen cope is actually Clarence Greenwood, a singer/songwriter from Brooklyn.  He has an infectious sound that is slow urban hip-hop rhythm with rural, bluesy melodies.  He has a lazy slurred voice that is soulful and perfect for the sound he creates which is very laid back and mellow.  This is the kind of music that will have you bobbing your head and humming long after it is over.  I have decided to feature Citizen Cope this week because I just got a hold of the pre-release EP from his new album "The Rainwat LP" and I couldn't wait to share it with everybody.  So turn your speakers up, lean back, and listen to some absolutely fantastic songs.  The first three are from his pre-release and the fourth one is a favorite from his last album "Every Waking Moment."

Citizen Cope - Healing Hands


Citizen Cope - Keep Askin'


Citizen Cope - Lifeline


Citizen Cope - All Dressed Up


Next week I will hopefully have my blog up on time.  Hope you think this week was worth the wait.  Until next time enjoy listening.

-Emerson

Peter Bradley Adams

This is a special post because I want to acknowledge Peter Bradley Adams and his manager Marc and thank them for commenting on my blog.  I think it is awesome when musicians are interested in what lowly, non-official critics have to say about you because some artists could care less.  I really appreciate the links to the songs too, because I am always looking forward to hearing new music and I plan on buying "Traces" tomorrow.  If anyone didn't get a chance to check out the new songs they are from the new album "Traces" which was released on Oct. and they are posted at the end of this blog.  If you want to download them the links are there too.  I also want to give a more thorough review of this wonderful music because Peter deserves the praise. 

Rarely do you find an artist with such raw talent not only musically but lyrically as well.  Peter Bradley Adams possesses this rare gift.  His incredibly soothing and soulful voice impeccably compliments the music he makes.  His lyrics are deep and moving and very heartfelt.  His songs bring emotion to the surface and leave you with a lingering impression in your soul.  This is not just one track I am referring to either; it is consistent throughout his entire repertoire of albums and that does not happen because of luck. This the kind of music that can stop you in your tracks and force you to listen.  Peter Bradley Adams is the real deal and seems only to be getting better with each consecutive album.  Don't miss this exceptional display of genuine musical ability.

Peter Bradley Adams - For You


Peter Bradley Adams - From The Sky


Peter Bradley Adams - One Picture (From "Gather Up")


Peter Bradley Adams - Los Angeles (Winter '09)


Here are the links to download these songs:
www.peterbradleyadams.com/free/ep
www.peterbradleyadams.com/free/foryou 

I also have the link to buy his new album traces here if you want to show your support:
Peter Bradley Adams on Amazon

Thanks again to Marc and Peter and keep making great music.

- Emerson

Me Likey

Well...another week has gone by.  I've been busy this week getting new music for everyone and I think I have found some pretty great stuff.  The first band, OK Go, is known to many by their awesome music video for the song "here it goes again."  Their third album "Of The Blue Colour Of The Sky" was released yesterday and I have to say from the moment you hear track 1 you can tell it's gonna be a completely different sound than we are used to.  The first song is a bass heavy, funky, Prince and Muse inspired gem that sucks you in and prepares you for the album to come (the first time I heard this song I was like "damn").  What follows does not have the poppy, cheerful vocals and upbeat rock music that were prevalent on the last record.  Instead we are greeted by a funky psychedelic 80s style dance record.  To some this may sound disconcerting but I assure you that Kulash and the gang pull it off nicely (think MGMT).  And, their old sound still manages to shine through this new dark and hazy sound at times.  I have included two tracks that I think will give you decent picture of the overall album.  "WTF?" is the first track that I mentioned before.

OK Go - WTF?


OK Go - I Want You So Bad I Can't Breathe



The second arist this week is Peter Bradley Adams.  He is a singer/songwriter from Brooklyn with an acoustic guitar and a great voice.  Erin actually heard a song by this guy on the show Brothers and Sisters so we checked out his album.  I am only going to write one word to describe the music Peter makes on this album: beautiful.  

Peter Bradley Adams - The Longer I Run


Peter Bradley Adams - I'll Forget You


The third group is a special treat because this album isn't really out yet.  Spoon is four guys from Austin, TX who have been around playing dirty gritty fuzzed out alt rock since 1993.  They have consistently been able to progress their sound and set the bar incredibly high for all the other indie rock bands with their creativity.  This next album, titled Transference, is no exception.  The single "Written In Reverse" is an incredible piece of songwriting craftsmanship.  It has some nasty dissonant chords and some rough and stressed vocals which create this sense of urgency like you know the outcome of something and you're trying to warn someone about it.  The rest of the album is just as amazing and forward thinking.  Spoon are the epitome of cool as always. 

Spoon - Written In Reverse


Spoon - Trouble Comes Running


My band you must hear this week is The Morning Benders.  Hailing from Berkley, CA these guys have been one of my favorite bands since i first heard them.  They are an indie-pop band with great musical sense.  They write simple songs with subtle complexities and by that I mean they don't overdo production or add things that don't need to be there.  The songs have a simple sound but the subtleties in rhythm or chord progression make them interesting.  I also like that they write many different types of songs and like to play in different styles.  They have released alternate versions of several of their songs for eg.  they released the "super soul" version of Damnit Anna which slowed the song way down and gave it a little more swagger.  Another reason I like The Morning Benders is that they are influenced by, and pay homage to, some of my favorite classic bands like The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, or even Paul Simon.  I highly recommend downloading their free album "Bedroom Covers" because it is all covers of people that influenced them.  I chose the Morning benders for this week because they just released a free single from their upcoming album "Big Echo" called "Promises" so I figured I could share that with you as well as some other stuff.  Take a listen and I hope you enjoy.

The Morning Benders - Promises


The Morning Benders - Grain Of Salt


The Morning Benders - Patient Patient


I hope you liked the music this week.  Stay tuned for more.

- Emerson

New Music For A New Year

Happy New Year everybody!  I hope you had a great holiday.  So it's that time again and I have some new music for you that I think you will like.

First off is an artist named Jonah Smith who I have been listening to for a while who just recently released a new CD this past Aug.  It's been about 3 years since his last release and I just got my hands on it yesterday.  I first saw him in Cincy opening for Xavier Rudd.  Jonah played what looked like an old pump organ and absolutely rocked the house.  He was probably one of the best openers I have seen that I previously knew nothing about.  Jonah has a raspy, soulful voice that at times reminds me of John Mellencamp or early Phil Collins.  His songs are wonderfully crafted with aspects of Jazz, Soul, and Funk.  Most songs on the new LP titled "Lights On" are soft and easy but the album is rounded nicely by a few upbeat poppy tracks.  I have 2 songs here for you to listen to but you should also check out some of his older stuff because it is also amazing.


Jonah Smith - Love Gets Lost


Jonah Smith - Can't Find My Way Home

The second group I have is Vampire Weekend.  They are an indie-pop group out of NYC who have hit it big time with their self titled debut album.  Their second album titled "Contra" is set to release next week and has been creating a lot of hype.  After listening to the new album I have to say that I think they are fully capable of living up to the standards everyone has set for them.  Contra picks up right where Vampire Weekend left off.  It continues the trend of Paul Simon-esque Afro-pop with 80s new wave reggae beats reminiscent of The Police and just like its predecessor, the arrangements of instruments on this record are nothing short of stunning.  As far as being better than their debut, I don't necessarily think it is.  But, it does give it a run for it's money and as a sophomore record it is fantastic.  Vampire Weekend are poised for big things.  Here are two tracks off their upcoming LP.


Vampire Weekend - White Sky


Vampire Weekend - Cousins

My band you must hear this week is The Rosewood Thieves.  They are another group out of New York with a great 60s rock sound often with R&B groove and some honky tonk folk feel to round it off.  The lead singer Erick Jordan sounds like a mix between Bob Dylan and John Lennon and brings a dirty gritty sound that blends perfectly with fuzz guitar or the bouncy piano.  Not only does he write spectacular songs that have an atmosphere of their own, but he sometimes draws inspiration in some unique and unusual situations.  The first EP, "From The Decker House," was recorded during a stay in a shanty town in New York.  The second EP, "Lonesome" was then recorded overnight while the band were snowed in in the mountains.  If you think about where he was while writing/recording these songs, they make you feel like you are right there in the same room.  This is one of the most exciting unknown bands in the country.  They need to be in everyone's playlist.  I have included two of my favorite originals as well as a kick ass cover of Solomon Burke's "Home In Your Heart."  Enjoy!


Rosewood Thieves - Los Angeles


Rosewood Thieves - She Don't Mind The Rain


Rosewood Thieves - Home In Your Heart

That's it for this week.  I hope you have been enjoying all the music so far.  See you next time.

-Emerson