What a Pleasant Surprise!

As I was scanning through the newest album releases this morning I came across something that put an immediate smile on my face. The Shout Out Louds have (finally) released a new CD entitled, Work, and although I just dove in a few mere minutes ago, I'm already impressed with their new laid-back sound and beautiful vocals. They have traded in catchy, quick beats for smooth melodies and I'm hooked. Check it out for yourself and we can explore together.

Download it: "Walls" / "1999" / "Play the Game" / "Too Late Too Slow"

New Song - "Audience"

I can't quite place it, but there is just something about the new release from the Cold War Kids. I have been following this band for the past 3 years and imagine my delight when I came across their latest EP, Behave Yourself. Each song has its own appeal, but "Audience" definitely stands out as this fan's favorite. Do yourself a favor. Purchase the song....watch the video. Done.

Lollapalooza Rumors

Headliners: Lady Gaga / Green Day / Soundgarden

Rumored bands joining the lineup: The Strokes / Arcade Fire / The Flaming Lips / Company of Thieves / Phoenix / The xx / Hot Chip / Drive-by Truckers

Questions, comments, concerns?

Happy Valentine's Weekend!

Breathe in for luck,
breathe in so deep,
this air is blessed,
you share with me.
This night is wild,
so calm and dull,
these hearts they race,
from self control.
Your legs are smooth,
as they graze mine,
we're doing fine,
we're doing nothing at all.

My hopes are so high,
that your kiss might kill me.
So won't you kill me,
so I die happy.
My heart is yours to fill or burst,
to break or bury,
or wear as jewelery,
which ever you prefer.

Hands down this is the best day I can ever remember,
I'll always remember the sound of the stereo,
the dim of the soft lights,
the scent of your hair that you twirled in your fingers
and the time on the clock when we realized it's so late
this moment we share together
and the streets were wet
and the gate was locked so I jumped it,
and I let you in.
And you stood at your door with your hands on my waist
and you kissed me like you meant it.
And I knew that you meant it.

Download it: Dashboard Confessional - "Hands Down"

New Song - "The High Road"

I have to give credit where credit is due with this little gem. Broken Bell's newest single, "The High Road", is currently the free song of the week through iTunes and it is something special for sure. Broken Bells is the brand new brainchild of Brian "Danger Mouse" Burton (best known for his contribution to Gnarls Barkley) and James Mercer (of the Shins....swoon!) who have combined forces for this supergroup. They are getting ready to release their first official (self-titled) album on March 9 so be sure to scoop up this free song before next Tuesday so that you can check it out for yourself. It's definitely worth a listen...

Bear in Heaven is Taking Over

Here's the timeline....

October 6, 2009
Bear in Heaven kicks off their 2009 tour

October 19, 2009
Beast Rest Forth Mouth was released

December 14, 2009
"Lovesick Teenagers" listed as song #40 on Pitchfork's Top 100 Tracks of 2009

December 19, 2009
Listed #32 on Pitchfork's Top 50 Albums of 2009

Enough said.

Download it: Bear in Heaven - "You Do You" (my personal favorite!) / "Lovesick Teenagers"

New Song - "Odessa"

It might seem as if 95% of my posts revolve around the Born Ruffians, but let's be honest...why shouldn't they? I am joking (slightly), but my love for everything "Born Ruffians" or "Luke LaLonde" has become a gateway for other new artists. Recently it was announced that Luke would be collaborating on Caribou's upcoming album (release date set for April 20th) to lend his lead vocals to their closing song, "Odessa". They're Canadian rockers that have bonded over interesting beats and an unexpected use of psychedelic sounds which I can say that I fully support. The kicker is that you can currently download the first track from Caribou's new album for FREE. Happy listening!

http://www.caribou.fm/swim_download/

It wouldn't hurt to check out Caribou's past albums as well. I could name a few, but Andorra has stolen my heart for the time being.

I'm Back for Good This Time...I Hope!

I can't even begin to explain the reasoning behind the 2 month hiatus I took from contributing to this "project", but all I know is that it has been way too long. It's been a cold, long winter (so far...we still have another month or so, I'm sure), but that time has been spent searching for great new artists and interesting videos so hopefully all is not lost. My hope for 2010 is to achieve the following:

- Write more....in general (open to any and all suggestions to help get my creative juices flowing)
- Post at least 4 new songs each week
- Attend more live shows (Already making that happen...just purchased tickets to the upcoming Shout Out Louds show at Lincoln Hall. Those babies are worth their weight in gold...to me at least!)

Let's start there. I do have a few side projects in mind, but if I've learned anything it's that you have to keep a few aspirations to yourself. It's those little personal victories that are going to get me through another great year...hopefully. It might be February, but I'm finally ready to welcome in 2o10. Looking forward to seeing where I end up.