A few months ago I wrote an open letter to record labels offering a solution to music piracy. Since that time Sleeping At Last, arguably a band creating some of the most beautiful orchestra rock, has unintentionally put my theory to the test. The band pretty much came out of nowhere with the news that their album was done and that within weeks (about 2 weeks), not months, it would be available for download with pre-order. I got a chance to ask the band’s lead singer, Ryan O’Neal a few questions about putting the album up for download immediately after it was finished.
Full of ambient rock, ‘The Sleeping House’ has it’s dark moments but it also has the parts that shine an optimistic point of view. With a slower overall tempo this album should fit many different moods as well as scratching a lot of different itches people may have. Any fans of Copeland, Noise Ratchet, or Thrice’s newer material should check this album out.
The new album from Copeland is outstanding, but not perfect. The old song which the album title is based off of describes what journey you can expect the record to take you on. Singer Aaron Marsh, has remarked “Initially, that song is very lovely and when you think of it, it immediately conjures up fine memories of your childhood, but actually it’s super creepy in the latter verses of the song. It gets quite dark”.
You can think of ‘Limbs & Branches’ as a ‘best of’ which takes songs from Jon Foreman’s 4 seasonal EPs that were released over the last year. There is not a lot more to say about the songs that hasn’t been said in each of the reviews we did covering all 4 discs, except to talk about the 2 new songs which merely the thought of should make any fan’s mouth start to water (or ears start to perk up? Food analogies don’t work well for sound).
Indie/rock mixed with indie/folk pretty much sums up the music of Pompeii’s new album ‘Nothing Happens For A Reason’. Don’t let the fact that the music and style is easy to categorize lead you to believe this album is anything less than stunning. Any fans of Lydia or even Death Cab For Cutie’s older material should be right at home, but one listen to the lead single “Rabbit Ears” and anyone should be a fan.
Remember he had those songs called “Industry” and “Beautiful Disaster” which had all that great piano? Remember how Jon Mclaughin sorta reminded you of a James Blunt, or Matt Nathanson or one of those solo artists who are bigger than the singer-songwriter persona? Seriously though, Jon Mclaughin is a talented guy who does have a new record coming out Tuesday which is worth checking out.
Slow burning, passionate, and solid the entire way though, ‘Only By The Night’ is an instant classic rock ‘n roll album. “Manhattan” takes the cake in terms of memorable melodies but it’s closely followed by other standout tracks like “Notion”, “Revelry”, and “Use Somebody”. The album which is unassuming and plays up its simplistic side has an incredible wide reach so if Kings Of Leon weren’t your cup of tea before, they might be now.
We’ve had posts about choosing between Anberlin and Jack’s Mannequin’s new albums but we love both of them and so we recommend you go out and pick up both or at least one. There are several places online which you can get bonus tracks such as iTunes or you can get the deluxe version of ‘The Glass Passenger’ which comes with a DVD “Choke, CA”.
Singer of the band Switchfoot, Jon Foreman, released 4 EP’s in the last year covering all the seasons, 6 songs at a time. He, or his label, will be releasing a new album titled ‘Limbs And Branches’ which will be a ‘Best Of’ type of album also featuring 2 new songs. Normally I wouldn’t be too thrilled about this as it sort of feels like a cash grab but I couldn’t be a bigger fan and so any way to get more songs is worth it.
Limbs and Branches track listing:
1) Your Love Is Strong •
2) Behind Your Eyes •
3) The Cure For Pain •
4) Resurrect Me •
5) Southbound Train •
6) Broken From The Start * •
7) House Of God, Forever •
8 ) Instead Of A Show •
9) A Mirror Is Harder To Hold •
10) In My Arms •
11) Learning How To Die •
12) Over The River *
(* New songs)
Somewhere between the band’s first album and their second one Anberlin stepped up their game 900% and ever since, everything they have touched has been absolute gold. The 3rd album, ‘Cities’, was so over the top amazing that ‘New Surrender’ may not seem as impressive but I’d argue that it’s just as good. Let me also say that this band is such a rising star in the industry that no matter where you place this album compared to their other work, it is still better than 95% of the other music out there today.
The Morning Light is just like the typical scene band except for two big differences. The first thing that sets them apart is that their new record is full of talent which comes out in the unique, quality melodies that come through in every song. The second thing which sets them apart is that the band is actually good. Don’t be fooled by the fact the band is on Fearless Records, or that they look like every other pop/rock band because their compelling style sets them above a lot of other bands out there. Any fans of Melee or even Deas Vail should be quickly heading to this band’s page to check them out.
Fans of The Weepies, Death Cab For Cutie, or even Sleep Station should really be anticipating the new album from Pompeii. The band has wide appeal and genre reach but always comes down slightly more on the indie side of the fence. Definitely give their new song a listen.
Plain White T’s are a band that have been around for awhile and most would agree that any dues had been paid in full. On the coattails of a single acoustic song the band shot in the mainstream over night and this record is the result of having your name and song known by just about everyone.
Matt Nathanson has been growing in popularity slowly since the release of his latest album but I’m willing to bet there are a lot of people who still don’t know who he is. His acoustic/pop style resembles Matt Wertz or even Mat Kearney to some degree more on the pop side of the road.
Mega Christian superstar Chris Tomlin’s new album falls in line with all his other material. I’m not sure it exceeds his previous album, ‘See The Morning’ but this record definitely contains quality songs. The 2 singles, or ones which will be pushed on the radio, are not the best but rather tracks like “My Deliverer” and “I Will Rise” are the songs that carry the album.
The first thing I thought of when I heard “I’m Not Sorry” from Test Your Reflex was “man that sounds like U2″. Their other songs aren’t as heavy in the U2 style but all over the place actually. I would imagine this band would give you some good workout music, although I don’t workout so I don’t know.
Apparently Walmart is offering a free download of the song “The Hit” from The Punchline. I thought the band just named “Punchline” but nevertheless it’s nice to get a free mp3 (even though you have to use IE to access the page).
You know how you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover? Well the same applies to a Myspace page. Though highly unlikely you would find quality music coming from such a basic and dare I say “homemade” page, The Great Fiction defy great odds and hide beautiful music there. There is a slight Mute Math thing, mixed with a slight Augustana thing mixed with a bunch of other things to create beautiful, hypnotic, and rhythmic music. Please listen to this band…
A week or two late but as they say, “better late than never”. We’re giving away a copy of Chris Tomlin’s newly released album ‘Hello Love’. The album falls in line with his other work and is sure to delight fans.
To win, simply leave a name (and link) of an undiscovered band/artist that you enjoy in the comments. Easy as that. Update: Contest is now over, thanks for entering.
Fine print: You can only enter once, contest ends Saturday Sept. 20th at 11:59 EST. Please leave a valid email, other people will not be able to see it.
The Plain White T’s have always had talent and will probably always put out somewhat decent records, but that being said, this record is simply watered down MTV rock. This is an attempt to capitalize on “Hey There Delilah” and cross over even further into the adult contemporary radio stations arena. You may tap your foot when listening but these songs are a lot of filler, not to mention “1234″ is only repeating an old formula.
Who knows if anyone actually takes these daily recommendations seriously and check them out but here is one more for Tuesday. If you have yet to check out the energetic rock from Driver F then you are missing out. Picture rock music with horns that isn’t ska. You will love this band. If you have already listened to this band and love them then listen to Dameria again.
Song to start with: “Temple Of Doom” they’re all good though
Straylight Run’s new EP has the theme of three which should be evident by the album’s title and although very short it somehow sums up their entire career up until this point. “Try” should take you back in time to when the band first started and hints at an older style. “Ten Ton Shoes” covers their experimental side with more ambient and very slight electronic elements while “Wait and Watch” fills in all the other gaps. For fans and soon to be fans this EP does a great job of giving you some good music.
Runner Runner (e.g. Over It) recently covered U2’s “With Or Without You” adding an electronic element to it that makes it pop out at you, not to mention the vocals are stellar.
Song to start with: “With Or Without You” then “So Obvious”
Usually a band’s sophomore record is not as raw and a little bit more radio friendly which is exactly what occurred here. Jonezetta has changed their path slightly and pretty much dropped the dance rock style which was so predominant on their debut, ‘Popularity’.
Here is an update from Third Eye Blind and what they are up to as they finish up their new record ‘Ursa Major’ which should be released in the early part of 2009.
Welcome! Third Eye Blind is asking Indaba members to inspire them and participate in the band’s creative process as they complete their upcoming album, Ursa Major.
Here’s the deal. As 3EB finishes laying down tracks, the band will post unmixed instrument stems for you to tweak, shape, and edit through a series of contests. They want to hear your vision for their songs. The first track, “Non-Dairy Creamer,” is already available for you to work on!
Through a regular blog that chronicles their experience of creating an album, access to the unmixed stems and the dialogue among Indaba members, you’ll have the chance to watch the group develop their artistic concept.
Since going independent with their own label, 3EB has a renewed sense of freedom and purpose – including a strong desire to interact directly with their audience in innovative ways. Here are some of the things you can do to participate in 3EB’s new sound:
* Mix, remix, or add your own part to their new songs
* Get to know the band through pictures and videos of them in the studio
* Read and respond to blogs from band members
Best Buy has Eric Hutchinson’s latest album for $4.99 this week. I picked up this album a few months back when it was the same price and it has been one of the best deal’s from 2008. The music is poppy/upbeat and a lot of fun. Please give him at least a brief listen.
Songs to start with: “Food Chain” or “Rock ‘n Roll”
We had an earlier post that talked about the rumors of iTunes 8 a few days before it was actually released. Now that it is actually out and we’ve had some time to play around with it, we can dive into what it means for your music library and how people discover new music.
Name, (band, if applicable), age, and voting state
Obi Best, age: 26, CA
What kind of political background do you have? How did you become interested?
My grandparents are borderline communists… just kidding but they’re very liberal. They were always very involved in civil rights. I went to a few protests with my aunt when I was ten — it was a blast partly due to the fact that I like shouting.
My grandmother and I are both obsessed with preventing old buildings from being destroyed. And there’s a huge tree in their Portland neighborhood that is still there because twenty years ago my grandma chained herself to it when it was about to be cut down. Everyone loves that tree. To me that’s partly what being a Democrat is about — caring about the common good, keeping things beautiful, being aware.
The new album from Copeland is outstanding, but not perfect. The old song which the album title is based off of describes what journey you can expect the record to take you on. Singer Aaron Marsh, has remarked “Initially, that song is very lovely and when you think of it, it immediately conjures up fine memories of your childhood, but actually it’s super creepy in the latter verses of the song. It gets quite dark”.
Somewhere between the band’s first album and their second one Anberlin stepped up their game 900% and ever since, everything they have touched has been absolute gold. The 3rd album, ‘Cities’, was so over the top amazing that ‘New Surrender’ may not seem as impressive but I’d argue that it’s just as good. Let me also say that this band is such a rising star in the industry that no matter where you place this album compared to their other work, it is still better than 95% of the other music out there today.
Plain White T’s are a band that have been around for awhile and most would agree that any dues had been paid in full. On the coattails of a single acoustic song the band shot in the mainstream over night and this record is the result of having your name and song known by just about everyone.
