Blu Sanders: Meditative, folk-inspired poetry set to music. Love's hangups, love's better moments. All catalogued in this guy's discography. For fans of Matt Nathanson and Toad the Wet Sprocket. http://www.blusanders.com
Marty Lloyd: There's a bit of country twang in Marty's vocal delivery, and a bit of a weathered troubador, but the music is pretty awesome. The songs are safe, and simple. Nothing too overwhelming just good roots-based Americana rock. The Bruce Springsteen fan in all of us will dig this CD. His song American Dream off his CD Marigold is a must have for your iPod.
http://www.martylloyd.com
Angie Aparo: An Atlanta songwriter who released a CD "The American" on a major label that was brilliant. One song from that CD "Cry" became one of Faith Hill's biggest hits. Angie Aparo knows how to write good songs. His live set is nothing short of stunning and is often hilarious and entertaining. An absolute and definite must listen just be prepared for a high pitch and tons of falsetto. http://www.angieaparo.com
Gabe Dixon Band: This is smoky barroom, piano-based jazz/blues rock. Dan Wilson, singer of the once great Semisonic produced this band's latest effort, Live from the World Cafe. Their major label debut never made a big splash but it should have. This is seriously good music and is awesome for chilling out and relaxing. http://www.gabedixonband.com
Rockwell Church: Not sure if these guys are still kicking it. A duo from the DC area, virtuoso musician Joti Rockwell and smooth, soulful vocalist Nathan Hubbard write breezy, bristling pop/rock gems that venture somewhere between John Mayer and the Lemonheads. Very good stuff. http://www.rockwellchurch.com
Ike: Former Caulfields singer John Faye's latest project is nothing short of astounding. Faye's vocals are on par with some of the better singer/songwriters out there. The confidence and sincerity in both his words and his crooning is always worth a listen. http://www.itkeepsevolving.com
Matthew Ryan: This guy has one of the most recognizable voices around. Jagged, crackling, smoke-induced grovel that is highlighted by caustic, witty lyrics and truly driving, rocking music. Sometimes sparse, other times blistering, Matthew Ryan should be on everyone's radar screen. His new band Strays Don't Sleep is getting some good press. Check them out. http://www.myspace.com/straysdontsleep
Peter Mayer: Not related to John, Peter is a simple folk-based singer/songwriter who has a pleasing voice and pleasing tunes. This isn't exactly stuff that will make you stop the car and rush to the nearest CD store, but his songs are worth hearing. http://www.petermayer.com
Jim Henry: One of the most talented instrumentalists I've ever known (and I don't even know him personally) Jim Henry has put out some great instrumental CD's, and also some great folk records. Honest, beautiful songs that bring back memories of the great 70's songwriters, Jim Henry will never make it big, and he's ok with that. I just think he's worth at least a few listens. He writes some really really moving songs. You'd have to be from another planet to not appreciate his songs. http://www.jimhenrymusic.com
Knee Deep Shag: This music is all out fun. They have a confident, charismatic frontman/vocalist and a total party, jam rock vibe that has me anxious to see them live. One of the better colege-rock/frat-rock sounding bands I've heard from in awhile. http://www.kneedeepshag.com
Rebeecca St. James: Christian artist, whose voice is worth listening to and her songs are worth playing loud in your car. It's hard to go wrong with her stuff, and it's worth checking out.
http://www.rebeccastjames.com
Brazil: This band qualifies as "scene" but does so in a Mars Volta-Coheed and Cambria kind of way. Blurring the lines between prog-rock and emo, Brazil writes some amazing songs that more people should be listening to. http://www.braziltheband.com
The Fingers: This is fun, good rock from San Francisco (I think) At some time it's ambient, artsy and vibey, othertimes it's downhome, ass-kicking and chill. A band I think could make a big impression if enough people get into them. http://www.thefingers.com
The National: A Tom Waits kinda sound with sandpapery vocals, not too far off that Matthew Ryan sound, but a little different. They've played some tours with some big bands, so I think that says something to their credit. http://www.myspace.com/thenational
Denison Witmer: One of the few signer/songwriters out there who stays true to who he is. This guy is a Jackson Browne clone who keeps the 70's singer/songwriter vibe going. You'll be hard pressed to find a song of his that doesn't move you. A definite add to your iPod playlist and someone to keep on your radar screen for years to come. http://www.denisonwitmer.com
Sunday Runners: Their song Elected is so good radio stations should be playing it. This band has everything there is to love in a rock band. http://www.sundrayrunnres.com
Braddigan: Former dude from Dispatch doing his own thing. This time the songs are more acoustic-based and folkier. These are rootsier songs that show a different side you never saw in Dispatch. Definitely good stuff. http://www.braddiganmusic.com
Peter Katz: A folksinger to the core that features very sparse songs, and wistful harmonies. He is however an An amazing lyricist with a decent voice and something worth storing away.
http://www.peterkatz.com
Blue Merle: Another band that breaks the laws of this blog. A major label band. However they arent nearly popular as they should be. Their lead singer sounds strangely similar to Chris Martin. They have the same kind of songs, a bit rootsier, they feature a violin and more stringed arrangements. But the songs have the same movement, and I personally like his voice better. They played Lollapalooza last year, and are from Charlottesville, VA. Great band. http://www.bluemerle.com
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Jason Scavone and the Noises Ten: Total power pop, sugary in some spots, snappy in others. He is a very confident vocalist and his music echoes that with a total swagger. The songs sometimes have herky-jerky rhythms. Reminds me a bit of Jason Falkner and that kinda sound. Good stuff. Totally doesnt feel like stuff from Charlotte, NC. Feels more New York City, or LA to me. He'll remind you of a bunch of different artists and bands to be honest. The music is very familiar. Good stuff though. Definitely an up-and-comer. I'm a huge fan of his song Miss You. Everyday is a good example of his pop-rock stylings. http://www.jasonscavone.com
The Big Creak: Very confident vocals, remind me of Verve Pipe and Billy Joel. If you can imagine that. Their music is very polished, kinda college-rock format, but very accessible pop/rock. Many people should dig it. Fun music. Their licks, and choruses actually are as big as Maroon 5 and this band kinda has that bend to them. They could definitely become as big as them, if people keep listening and spread the word. So start now!!! http://www.thebigcreak.com
Blue Island Tribe: This is very well done reggae, OAR with more edges. Definitely good hooks, feels like it came from a frat house and the islands. Fun music, definitely makes you want to sway, and shake and dance. http://www.blueislandtribe.com
Aaron Booth: Singer/songwriter folk that can turn indie rock at times. Just gentle, sweet music. His song When She Appeared is a perfect example of that. I think in both music, lyrics and tone it's one of the sweeter love songs around. Just a total beautiful aww song. It should also be noted that When She Appeared is a few years old and is not one of Aaron's newer song. However, the song and his music sounds like a soundtrack to a movie song. It's a song (and his songs) are suited for a long walk home in the rain, after getting a first kiss. And that is the best way I can describe Aaron Booth's music. http://www.aaronbooth.com
Christopher Dallman: He has the John Mayer style of vocals, a bit more richer and fuller though. Actually he sounds more like Jason Mraz, especially on his song Mistake. His song Over My Head is more Mayer-ish but still more rich and fuller. I think personally Over My Head is one of the prettier songs out there. Really just a beautiful song. It takes a bunch of talent to write such a beautiful song. Hope you all get to listen to it. The guy is from NY and relocated to LA. Probably one of my favorite unknown singer/songwriters in the US right now. I think he has a chance of landing it on radio but he needs your help. Listen, hit up his website, buy his album, and check out his myspace. Christopher Dallman. Hell yeah!!! http://www.christopherdallman.com
Colonel Rhodes: Beautiful harmonies. Shared male-vocals. It's a bit alt-country, AAA, folkie, but it's good music. It's pretty. Very chill music. Reminds me a bit of the band Dolly Varden, at least the shared vocals, and the movement, plus their female singer has a voice similar to Diane Christensen. At least to me. Their song In the Movies is very good. http://www.colonelrhodes.com
Courtney Jaye: She's on a major label (which technically goes against the blog's rules) and yet I dont think she's even got people whispering. I have only seen two reviews of her CD, and saw the good press Tower Records had on it, but other than that, I haven't heard anything. Haven't seen her touring anywhere, no real buzz press, no radio stations, TV or anything, and yet she's remarkable. Her music is awesome. www.courtneyjaye.com, check it out and get into it.
Creede Williams: This guy is the coolest. Refreshing, captivating voice. Good lyrics, awesome and I mean awesome choruses, very catchy guitarwork, danceable grooves. Why is he not on radio? Who the hell knows. This music is amazing. Check it out and fall in love. http://www.creedewilliams.com
David Mead: He has put out 5 albums, some on major labels, some not, some are stripped down, others feature glossy production, but the point is this David Mead puts out some of the best singer/songwriter records being made in the last 10 years. he has a bit of a high voice, but his lyrics, music, choruses and instrumentation are second to none. I haven't even bought his last two, it's so hard to keep up with him, he's just so prolific. A New Yorker, lived in Syosset, moved to Nashville, opened up for John Mayer in spring 2001, and is just as fabulous as they come. An absolutely awesome guy, and just terrific music. I promise if you download his music you'll hear at least 6 or 7 songs that will rock your world and move your soul. Notables: "Indiana, Comfort, Flaming Angel, Girl on the Roof" http://www.davidmead.com
Greg Fine: New york based singer/songwriter that has worlds of potential. A booming soulful voice that is immediately captivating, a great songwriter and a great live performer. His EP Profile came out in 2003 and was an auspicious beginning. www.gregfine.com http://www.myspace.com/gregfine
Doyle Bramhall: Classic blues guitarist from Texas. Rollicking good fun. If you're into this stuff, you'll really dig it. If you're not into it, Doyle may convert you into a fan. It's truly awesome music. His CD Fitchburg Street was pretty top notch. http://www.doylebramhall.com
Five-Eight: They sound very familiar, but I know they aren't. Its modern pop/rock with a bit of an original flare. Highly recommended. http://www.fiveeight.com
The Big Creak: Very confident vocals, remind me of Verve Pipe and Billy Joel. If you can imagine that. Their music is very polished, kinda college-rock format, but very accessible pop/rock. Many people should dig it. Fun music. Their licks, and choruses actually are as big as Maroon 5 and this band kinda has that bend to them. They could definitely become as big as them, if people keep listening and spread the word. So start now!!! http://www.thebigcreak.com
Blue Island Tribe: This is very well done reggae, OAR with more edges. Definitely good hooks, feels like it came from a frat house and the islands. Fun music, definitely makes you want to sway, and shake and dance. http://www.blueislandtribe.com
Aaron Booth: Singer/songwriter folk that can turn indie rock at times. Just gentle, sweet music. His song When She Appeared is a perfect example of that. I think in both music, lyrics and tone it's one of the sweeter love songs around. Just a total beautiful aww song. It should also be noted that When She Appeared is a few years old and is not one of Aaron's newer song. However, the song and his music sounds like a soundtrack to a movie song. It's a song (and his songs) are suited for a long walk home in the rain, after getting a first kiss. And that is the best way I can describe Aaron Booth's music. http://www.aaronbooth.com
Christopher Dallman: He has the John Mayer style of vocals, a bit more richer and fuller though. Actually he sounds more like Jason Mraz, especially on his song Mistake. His song Over My Head is more Mayer-ish but still more rich and fuller. I think personally Over My Head is one of the prettier songs out there. Really just a beautiful song. It takes a bunch of talent to write such a beautiful song. Hope you all get to listen to it. The guy is from NY and relocated to LA. Probably one of my favorite unknown singer/songwriters in the US right now. I think he has a chance of landing it on radio but he needs your help. Listen, hit up his website, buy his album, and check out his myspace. Christopher Dallman. Hell yeah!!! http://www.christopherdallman.com
Colonel Rhodes: Beautiful harmonies. Shared male-vocals. It's a bit alt-country, AAA, folkie, but it's good music. It's pretty. Very chill music. Reminds me a bit of the band Dolly Varden, at least the shared vocals, and the movement, plus their female singer has a voice similar to Diane Christensen. At least to me. Their song In the Movies is very good. http://www.colonelrhodes.com
Courtney Jaye: She's on a major label (which technically goes against the blog's rules) and yet I dont think she's even got people whispering. I have only seen two reviews of her CD, and saw the good press Tower Records had on it, but other than that, I haven't heard anything. Haven't seen her touring anywhere, no real buzz press, no radio stations, TV or anything, and yet she's remarkable. Her music is awesome. www.courtneyjaye.com, check it out and get into it.
Creede Williams: This guy is the coolest. Refreshing, captivating voice. Good lyrics, awesome and I mean awesome choruses, very catchy guitarwork, danceable grooves. Why is he not on radio? Who the hell knows. This music is amazing. Check it out and fall in love. http://www.creedewilliams.com
David Mead: He has put out 5 albums, some on major labels, some not, some are stripped down, others feature glossy production, but the point is this David Mead puts out some of the best singer/songwriter records being made in the last 10 years. he has a bit of a high voice, but his lyrics, music, choruses and instrumentation are second to none. I haven't even bought his last two, it's so hard to keep up with him, he's just so prolific. A New Yorker, lived in Syosset, moved to Nashville, opened up for John Mayer in spring 2001, and is just as fabulous as they come. An absolutely awesome guy, and just terrific music. I promise if you download his music you'll hear at least 6 or 7 songs that will rock your world and move your soul. Notables: "Indiana, Comfort, Flaming Angel, Girl on the Roof" http://www.davidmead.com
Greg Fine: New york based singer/songwriter that has worlds of potential. A booming soulful voice that is immediately captivating, a great songwriter and a great live performer. His EP Profile came out in 2003 and was an auspicious beginning. www.gregfine.com http://www.myspace.com/gregfine
Doyle Bramhall: Classic blues guitarist from Texas. Rollicking good fun. If you're into this stuff, you'll really dig it. If you're not into it, Doyle may convert you into a fan. It's truly awesome music. His CD Fitchburg Street was pretty top notch. http://www.doylebramhall.com
Five-Eight: They sound very familiar, but I know they aren't. Its modern pop/rock with a bit of an original flare. Highly recommended. http://www.fiveeight.com
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Mieka Pauley. Really awesome music, she's got a good voice, and a lot of grit. She reminds me a bit of that girl that song "What I Got" but that might be a stretch, download her song and see if you like it, if you don't, move on. Personally I think she's remarkable. I hope she gets big. Just really awesome lyrics, great songwriting musically, and just a really nice voice. A lot better than the other girls. She's definitely more of a girl than Avril Lavigne and yet somehow she got big. Now Mieka sounds nothing like Mieka, I'm just saying I'd rather see her in the spotlight than that Canadian punk) http://www.mieka.com
Tamara Bedricky. She sounds a bit like Mieka, but her music is a bit more rocking. She sounds like she'd be great live, and I definitely feel her music. She's got a good vibe, and what a cool name. Personally, she's probably an album away from landing on a major label. I suppose Jennifer Knapp is a pretty good comparison, as far as music, maybe not in voice, but in music. :) http://www.tamarabedricky.com
Builder. I could probably talk up this band until my face turns blue. Their lead singer has this serpentine, snake-like voice that crawls along and glides on every note and it's really remarkable. I dont know, it's just incredible. Their music is ambient, and gorgeous, and they just really know what they are doing. I think they are a side project and are based in the Midwest, so the chances of me seeing them are slim to none, but oh my gosh people, listen. Their song If I Care About Anything was my favorite song of 2004, and as a lyrical love song, it's remarkable. I dont know if there were many much better than it. I dont think everyone will take to this music, but I think those that do will realize they are listening to something special. http://www.buildermusic.com
The Why Store. This band hails from Indiana, my Mom's home state, so immediately they rock. But more seriously they are an extremely talented band. Displaying both 6 and 12 string guitars and heartland based rock. They are sometimes placed into the jam-band crew, but they are more roots-rock, Americana. They put out a few CD's on a major label and they were top notch. Their lead singer has an extremely deep, husky, smoky, throaty voice, Tom Waits but a step down. It's incredible music and I wish them only the best of success. A friend of mine from high school was into them and it blew my mind. I had no idea anybody but me knew this band. If you've heard of them feel to drop me a line on AIM: gh0421, or via email: Robber81@yahoo.com I'd love to talk about this band in depth. http://www.thewhystore.com
Wheat. This band is no longer, and this probably the biggest shame in the music business in the past few years. Wheat was immensely talented in both lyrics, stage presence, writing hooks, and songwriting. Their second Per Second, Per Second, Per Second Every Second was the best album of 2003 and it barely made a dent in anyone's radar screen. I advise anybody that reads this to pick up this CD. If you do not like it, you can send me spam mail until the year 2007. But this CD rocks in all the right places, is soft and gentle when it needs to be and is an absolute delight. They are missed every day. http://www.wheatmusic.com
Nic Armstrong. Judging by the success of the White Stripes, Hard-Fi, We Are Scientists, The Bravery, and The Strokes, people should love Nic Armstrong. This song is abrasive, thrashy, classic sounding, and just incredible. I don't really get into this whole garagey, gritty thing and yet his song If We Can't Escape My Pretty kicks my ass it's so good. Definitely check out his music. It has a total 70's vintage thing going on, it even emulates some Beatles stuff, some Doors stuff. It's really incredible. Of all the bands listed today in the blog, I think Nic Armstrong will go over quite well. Man he makes me want to dance. http://www.nicarmstrong.com
Maia Sharp. She's sort of already known but mostly by critics and industry bigwigs. Well maybe some AAA radio people know here. She has a gorgeous voice and Bonnie Raitt calls her the best singer/songwriter of the female variety out there. Edwin McCain (my musical hero) is really close with her and they have written a bunch of songs together. She's Nashville based and has written tons of songs with plenty of other artists. Her latest album features the song A Home that the Dixie Chicks made the title track of their last album. Maia was the songwriter and if you want to hear the song how it was supposed to be then check out her album. Her song Understudies is my favorites from her last album, self-titled. Anyways, she's a big deal, and you can check her out for more info. http://www.maiasharp.com
The Argument. They just broke up. A piano-based quarter from West Virginia that made waves up and down the East Coast. Just pure straight up fun rock. They were immensely talented at writing hooks, harmonies, and melodies. Some amazing choruses, some funny, witty and insightful lyrics. An amazing live band that had real confidence and a real swagger. A bit cocky yes but extremely sincere, and a real shame that they broke up. Their website should be up for a bit longer if you want to check out some of their tunes. My guess is all of them will do different musical projects and I endorse you all to check them out. This band could have definitely gone places. A band that could have had the appeal of The Fray, although their sound is nowhere similar with the exception of the piano base. http://www.theargument.net
Shearwater. This guy has the voice of an angel. Really he does. It's so fragile and innocent. You cant help but feel for him. Immensely talented. Really great songs. Quiet as a whisper and then build into a symphony. It's very ambient, ethereal stuff, you really gotta be in the mood for it. I'm pretty into it though. Definitely think he is something else. St. Mary's Walk is a good example of his stuff. Definitely a quality song.) http://www.shearwatermusic.com/
Tamara Bedricky. She sounds a bit like Mieka, but her music is a bit more rocking. She sounds like she'd be great live, and I definitely feel her music. She's got a good vibe, and what a cool name. Personally, she's probably an album away from landing on a major label. I suppose Jennifer Knapp is a pretty good comparison, as far as music, maybe not in voice, but in music. :) http://www.tamarabedricky.com
Builder. I could probably talk up this band until my face turns blue. Their lead singer has this serpentine, snake-like voice that crawls along and glides on every note and it's really remarkable. I dont know, it's just incredible. Their music is ambient, and gorgeous, and they just really know what they are doing. I think they are a side project and are based in the Midwest, so the chances of me seeing them are slim to none, but oh my gosh people, listen. Their song If I Care About Anything was my favorite song of 2004, and as a lyrical love song, it's remarkable. I dont know if there were many much better than it. I dont think everyone will take to this music, but I think those that do will realize they are listening to something special. http://www.buildermusic.com
The Why Store. This band hails from Indiana, my Mom's home state, so immediately they rock. But more seriously they are an extremely talented band. Displaying both 6 and 12 string guitars and heartland based rock. They are sometimes placed into the jam-band crew, but they are more roots-rock, Americana. They put out a few CD's on a major label and they were top notch. Their lead singer has an extremely deep, husky, smoky, throaty voice, Tom Waits but a step down. It's incredible music and I wish them only the best of success. A friend of mine from high school was into them and it blew my mind. I had no idea anybody but me knew this band. If you've heard of them feel to drop me a line on AIM: gh0421, or via email: Robber81@yahoo.com I'd love to talk about this band in depth. http://www.thewhystore.com
Wheat. This band is no longer, and this probably the biggest shame in the music business in the past few years. Wheat was immensely talented in both lyrics, stage presence, writing hooks, and songwriting. Their second Per Second, Per Second, Per Second Every Second was the best album of 2003 and it barely made a dent in anyone's radar screen. I advise anybody that reads this to pick up this CD. If you do not like it, you can send me spam mail until the year 2007. But this CD rocks in all the right places, is soft and gentle when it needs to be and is an absolute delight. They are missed every day. http://www.wheatmusic.com
Nic Armstrong. Judging by the success of the White Stripes, Hard-Fi, We Are Scientists, The Bravery, and The Strokes, people should love Nic Armstrong. This song is abrasive, thrashy, classic sounding, and just incredible. I don't really get into this whole garagey, gritty thing and yet his song If We Can't Escape My Pretty kicks my ass it's so good. Definitely check out his music. It has a total 70's vintage thing going on, it even emulates some Beatles stuff, some Doors stuff. It's really incredible. Of all the bands listed today in the blog, I think Nic Armstrong will go over quite well. Man he makes me want to dance. http://www.nicarmstrong.com
Maia Sharp. She's sort of already known but mostly by critics and industry bigwigs. Well maybe some AAA radio people know here. She has a gorgeous voice and Bonnie Raitt calls her the best singer/songwriter of the female variety out there. Edwin McCain (my musical hero) is really close with her and they have written a bunch of songs together. She's Nashville based and has written tons of songs with plenty of other artists. Her latest album features the song A Home that the Dixie Chicks made the title track of their last album. Maia was the songwriter and if you want to hear the song how it was supposed to be then check out her album. Her song Understudies is my favorites from her last album, self-titled. Anyways, she's a big deal, and you can check her out for more info. http://www.maiasharp.com
The Argument. They just broke up. A piano-based quarter from West Virginia that made waves up and down the East Coast. Just pure straight up fun rock. They were immensely talented at writing hooks, harmonies, and melodies. Some amazing choruses, some funny, witty and insightful lyrics. An amazing live band that had real confidence and a real swagger. A bit cocky yes but extremely sincere, and a real shame that they broke up. Their website should be up for a bit longer if you want to check out some of their tunes. My guess is all of them will do different musical projects and I endorse you all to check them out. This band could have definitely gone places. A band that could have had the appeal of The Fray, although their sound is nowhere similar with the exception of the piano base. http://www.theargument.net
Shearwater. This guy has the voice of an angel. Really he does. It's so fragile and innocent. You cant help but feel for him. Immensely talented. Really great songs. Quiet as a whisper and then build into a symphony. It's very ambient, ethereal stuff, you really gotta be in the mood for it. I'm pretty into it though. Definitely think he is something else. St. Mary's Walk is a good example of his stuff. Definitely a quality song.) http://www.shearwatermusic.com/
Monday, June 05, 2006
A bit of a hiatus....
Jude Christodal: He goes by just Jude, and he's remarkable. He put out two records on Elektra, but I really highly doubt anybody knows who he is. He played with a bunch of noteworthy top 40 acts, and played a ton of festivals. He has a very high vocal delivery and for that reason alone you may not dig him, but his music is remarkable and he writes some very clever lyrical pieces. These days he's faded into obscurity and last I heard he was living in France. His website is, and his latest CD is available at CDBaby. Highly, highly recommended. http://www.judemusic.com
Keni Thomas: He was featured on CNN because he's a soldier that came back to America after fighting in the Middle East and cut a country-rock record. It's more for mainstream country fans but it has a lot of rock heart. All of his songs are patriotic and often based on his time in Iraq. There is a lot of solidarity for his troops and just a real honest sound. It's nothing to blow you away, but I don't see whyit shouldn't be on radio. Enjoy :) www.kenithomas.com
Adam Ezra: Sometimes he reminds me of Ryan Shupe, the bluegrass singer, and other times he's just a simple, gentle folksinger with careful, delicate melodies and nice, tranquil songs. Adam Ezra is the kind of musician I want playing in the background while I'm on a really pleasant summer date. www.adamezra.com
Joy Zipper: I'm hesitant to include this band because they are on a major label and are generating a buzz but aside from the folks at Insound nobody I've spoken to about this band has known them so they're making the blog :) This is light, ethereal, electronic, keyboard, synth based stuff. Very prog, very early 80's, sunny, beachy pop that draws on both the Beach Boys and British tones. It's very hypnotizing and intoxicating. They are huge in the UK, which often doesnt translate into big sucess here. But ya know, then there was Keane. This music is no Keane but they do have good melodies and some sing-a-long, memorable choruses. A gamble, but a very worthwhile one. www.joyzipper.co.uk
Panoramic Blue: This band rocks. Flat out. Straight forward power-pop. They have a song called Thing For Me that was a demo that didn't even make it big. It was just a song that they recorded and it never even made it onto a record and yet the song was better than half the stuff on the radio. I have not uncovered a bad song by this band. They are flat out exceptional. Do yourself a favor and get into them. Just wow, so good. www.panoramicblue.com
Sherry Austin: She has an old time feel to her. It's just delicate folk, singer/songwriter. She has a pretty voice, but I'm more in love with her arrangements and her lyrics. It also reminds me of the stuff that you heard during Dawson's Creek. Whether or not that entices you, I don't know, but between you and me, I thought they picked some great music on that show. www.sherryaustinmusic.com
Sam Fisher: He used to front the Carolina pop/rock outfit Weekend Excursion which sold out just about every Carolina venue. Nowadays he's on his own, though he once had a backing band called Mercury Blue. His debut album People Living is available in stores nationwide on a tiny label called Namavi. There are times his voice leaves a bit to be desired but there are other times he truly proves his mettle. The guy is a showman and loves to entertain. I swear he never dissapoints. An awesome combination of blues, r and b, gospel, soul, rock and funk, Sam Fisher is a revelation. There need to be more like him in this world, but then again maybe we're lucky there is only one. He could blow up, so get it before it becomes huge.
http://www.samsongs.com
Bill Deasy: Former lead singer of Pittsburgh's The Gathering Field who put out a remarkable album Lost in America on Atlantic Records in the late 90's. I personally thought The Gathering Field would be the next Counting Crows but that never happen. Bill is 3 albums into a solo career, and works as a songwriter in Nashville and other locales. Based out of Pittsburg he plays the East Coast every now and then. He has a slight rasp to his voice and other times its dry and breathy. Very easy to listen to, and very warm and welcoming. His music is heavy on simple, gentle Van Morrison based melodies. Definitely a cool singer. http://www.billdeasy.com
Stir: They had a CD Holy Dogs that was produced by Howard Benson and came out on Columbia. Holy Dogs is a really great disc of modern rock, with a bit of a spacey, ethereal, machinist sound. There are some amazing songs on this CD and because of it I am a big fan. Based in St. Louis I don't see them tour too often but I know they are still making music. Their lead singer has the kind of vocal delivery that will grab you and beg you to listen. I promise you won't be dissapointed. This band is definitely worth recommending and playing for others. http://www.stirband.com
Swinging Mechanics: This is old time, down home, bluegrass straight from O Brother Where Art Thou or something even more hokey than that. It's freaking good, but you have to have an ear and an appreciation for this stuff. Definitely not for everyone. http://www.swingingmechanics.com
Woodswork: Oh man, I love this band. DC based. Violin, chick vocals, and an amazingly captivating male vocalist. This guy has an amazing voice. Wow. Dude. Wow. It's roots based music. They had an EP produced by Ted Comerford of Melbourne (mentioned in an earlier post) and as always he has a magic touch. The two notable songs on that EP were Queen of the Tides and Main Street. Their other song For What It's Worth is gorgeous. I wish this band would tour more I'd love to see them one day. Amazing stuff. http://www.woodswork.com
Keni Thomas: He was featured on CNN because he's a soldier that came back to America after fighting in the Middle East and cut a country-rock record. It's more for mainstream country fans but it has a lot of rock heart. All of his songs are patriotic and often based on his time in Iraq. There is a lot of solidarity for his troops and just a real honest sound. It's nothing to blow you away, but I don't see whyit shouldn't be on radio. Enjoy :) www.kenithomas.com
Adam Ezra: Sometimes he reminds me of Ryan Shupe, the bluegrass singer, and other times he's just a simple, gentle folksinger with careful, delicate melodies and nice, tranquil songs. Adam Ezra is the kind of musician I want playing in the background while I'm on a really pleasant summer date. www.adamezra.com
Joy Zipper: I'm hesitant to include this band because they are on a major label and are generating a buzz but aside from the folks at Insound nobody I've spoken to about this band has known them so they're making the blog :) This is light, ethereal, electronic, keyboard, synth based stuff. Very prog, very early 80's, sunny, beachy pop that draws on both the Beach Boys and British tones. It's very hypnotizing and intoxicating. They are huge in the UK, which often doesnt translate into big sucess here. But ya know, then there was Keane. This music is no Keane but they do have good melodies and some sing-a-long, memorable choruses. A gamble, but a very worthwhile one. www.joyzipper.co.uk
Panoramic Blue: This band rocks. Flat out. Straight forward power-pop. They have a song called Thing For Me that was a demo that didn't even make it big. It was just a song that they recorded and it never even made it onto a record and yet the song was better than half the stuff on the radio. I have not uncovered a bad song by this band. They are flat out exceptional. Do yourself a favor and get into them. Just wow, so good. www.panoramicblue.com
Sherry Austin: She has an old time feel to her. It's just delicate folk, singer/songwriter. She has a pretty voice, but I'm more in love with her arrangements and her lyrics. It also reminds me of the stuff that you heard during Dawson's Creek. Whether or not that entices you, I don't know, but between you and me, I thought they picked some great music on that show. www.sherryaustinmusic.com
Sam Fisher: He used to front the Carolina pop/rock outfit Weekend Excursion which sold out just about every Carolina venue. Nowadays he's on his own, though he once had a backing band called Mercury Blue. His debut album People Living is available in stores nationwide on a tiny label called Namavi. There are times his voice leaves a bit to be desired but there are other times he truly proves his mettle. The guy is a showman and loves to entertain. I swear he never dissapoints. An awesome combination of blues, r and b, gospel, soul, rock and funk, Sam Fisher is a revelation. There need to be more like him in this world, but then again maybe we're lucky there is only one. He could blow up, so get it before it becomes huge.
http://www.samsongs.com
Bill Deasy: Former lead singer of Pittsburgh's The Gathering Field who put out a remarkable album Lost in America on Atlantic Records in the late 90's. I personally thought The Gathering Field would be the next Counting Crows but that never happen. Bill is 3 albums into a solo career, and works as a songwriter in Nashville and other locales. Based out of Pittsburg he plays the East Coast every now and then. He has a slight rasp to his voice and other times its dry and breathy. Very easy to listen to, and very warm and welcoming. His music is heavy on simple, gentle Van Morrison based melodies. Definitely a cool singer. http://www.billdeasy.com
Stir: They had a CD Holy Dogs that was produced by Howard Benson and came out on Columbia. Holy Dogs is a really great disc of modern rock, with a bit of a spacey, ethereal, machinist sound. There are some amazing songs on this CD and because of it I am a big fan. Based in St. Louis I don't see them tour too often but I know they are still making music. Their lead singer has the kind of vocal delivery that will grab you and beg you to listen. I promise you won't be dissapointed. This band is definitely worth recommending and playing for others. http://www.stirband.com
Swinging Mechanics: This is old time, down home, bluegrass straight from O Brother Where Art Thou or something even more hokey than that. It's freaking good, but you have to have an ear and an appreciation for this stuff. Definitely not for everyone. http://www.swingingmechanics.com
Woodswork: Oh man, I love this band. DC based. Violin, chick vocals, and an amazingly captivating male vocalist. This guy has an amazing voice. Wow. Dude. Wow. It's roots based music. They had an EP produced by Ted Comerford of Melbourne (mentioned in an earlier post) and as always he has a magic touch. The two notable songs on that EP were Queen of the Tides and Main Street. Their other song For What It's Worth is gorgeous. I wish this band would tour more I'd love to see them one day. Amazing stuff. http://www.woodswork.com
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