I've been watching Pop Siren via Tivo for a couple of months now, and I've found the video blog to be fresh, entertaining, informative, and hip. You can check out their latest episode below:
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Great Music Vlog: Pop Siren
It's the show that "redefines pop culture."
I've been watching Pop Siren via Tivo for a couple of months now, and I've found the video blog to be fresh, entertaining, informative, and hip. You can check out their latest episode below:
I've been watching Pop Siren via Tivo for a couple of months now, and I've found the video blog to be fresh, entertaining, informative, and hip. You can check out their latest episode below:
Monday, October 27, 2008
Let SonicSwap Translate Your iTunes Collection into A Video Playlist
If you want to experience your iTunes collection away from home and in a whole new way, SonicSwap may be a useful service for you. Simply upload your iTunes library file to the site, and it will provide you with video playlists of your music to watch and listen to free and legally. And the nice thing is, you don't have to upload each individual song---just the library xml file. (Compare that to Anywhere.fm).
Check out this video playlist aggregator by clicking here.
Check out this video playlist aggregator by clicking here.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Wheelchair Werewolf
It's Halloween season, and what better way to celebrate than with a movie trailer for the next great slasher film. Watch 'Wheelchair Werewolf' below:
If you want to watch some more great videos featuring writer and director Joe Avella, check out 'Time Gun,' or cruise his Youtube page.
If you want to watch some more great videos featuring writer and director Joe Avella, check out 'Time Gun,' or cruise his Youtube page.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
The Dead Trees - 'Shelter'
Here is the new single from The Dead Trees, a quartet based out of Portland, Oregon. 'Shelter' begins as a slacker rock tune, but as soon as the chorus arrives and the vocals kick in, the song is taken to a whole new level. (Think John Lennon's splitting voice box on 'Twist and Shout'). Simply, the song kicks!
You can stream 'Shelter' below, or you can access the mp3 directly from the band's label here.
The Dead Trees - 'Shelter'
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Scott Weiland - 'Paralysis'
Here is the first single from Scott Weiland's forthcoming Happy in Galoshes. The album won't drop until late November, but you can spin the track here now.Stream 'Paralysis' by clicking here, and let us know what you think.
Beck - 'Gamma Ray'
'Gamma Ray' is probably one of Beck's hippest and catchiest songs to come out in awhile. To be sure, it is one of my favorite cuts from Modern Guilt.Stream 'Gamma Ray' below:
Beck - 'Gamma Ray'
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Radiohead Live in Concert: NPR Music Podcast
If I could get away with just linking to National Public Radio music articles all day, I might. But posting on this one was simply beyond my control.
NPR's Bob Boilen takes us back to Radiohead's August 28th concert at the Santa Barbara Bowl in California for a 2-hour performance of epic proportions.
The band brilliantly showcases it's latest effort, In Rainbows, while scouring it's extensive catalog for old favorites and deep tracks alike. Every song manages to sound meticulously practiced, yet completely spontaneous. Decade-old singles are rejuvinated as if being played for the first time.
The result is a spectacularly atmospheric retrospect of the band's career, and NPR's live recording of the show captures the quality and sheer intimacy of the moment.
Boilen compares the show to the first time he saw Pink Floyd perform Dark Side of the Moon, saying, "Radiohead's show at the Santa Barbara Bowl came as close for musicianship and creativity as any show I've seen in 37 years. I've seen a lot of shows."
You can stream and download the entire experience for yourself by clicking here! And I highly suggest you do so!
NPR's Bob Boilen takes us back to Radiohead's August 28th concert at the Santa Barbara Bowl in California for a 2-hour performance of epic proportions.
The band brilliantly showcases it's latest effort, In Rainbows, while scouring it's extensive catalog for old favorites and deep tracks alike. Every song manages to sound meticulously practiced, yet completely spontaneous. Decade-old singles are rejuvinated as if being played for the first time.
The result is a spectacularly atmospheric retrospect of the band's career, and NPR's live recording of the show captures the quality and sheer intimacy of the moment.
Boilen compares the show to the first time he saw Pink Floyd perform Dark Side of the Moon, saying, "Radiohead's show at the Santa Barbara Bowl came as close for musicianship and creativity as any show I've seen in 37 years. I've seen a lot of shows."
You can stream and download the entire experience for yourself by clicking here! And I highly suggest you do so!
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Earth To Andy - 'Still After You'
Earth To Andy was one of those bands that released a pretty decent album, and then just up and called it quits. 'Still After You' was the stand out single from Chronicle Kings, and it screamed crunchy guitar, orchestral crescendo, and a guttural vocal. For the brief time it was played on the radio, the tune was pretty ultimate. Stream 'I'm Still After You' below:
Earth to Andy - 'I'm Still After You'
Friday, August 29, 2008
Caught On Tape: Nine Inch Nails - 'March of the Pigs'
Need to let out a little angst?
Trent Reznor sure has done his share of venting. For all of the tortured songs that Nine Inch Nails has recorded over the years, few have matched the level of breakneck sonic annihilation that is 'March of the Pigs.' From NIN's 1994 album, The Downward Spiral, the song captures all the industrial nihilism Reznor could muster in a 3-minute single.
But it's not the rapid-fire drum beats or dehumanized noise that make 'March of the Pigs' so brutal. It's the two rare moments of Reznor's unaccompanied clarity that break from the grind to create a subtle, pop hook.
The music video for 'March of the Pigs' was stripped-down to a single, shaky camera shot, with the band performing live in a white room. The minimalistic video emphasizes the raw sound quality and aggressive nature of the band's performances.
What makes such a simple concept work so well here is Reznor's full-on rockstar takeover. He screams, he stumbles into the other band members, and he throws his microphone more than once - causing stagehands to enter the frame to fix problems. The video seems completely unrehearsed, and embraces its awkward flaws to emerge as a strong (and amusing) declaration of defiance.
Watch below to see what I mean:
There. Now, doesn't it make you feel better?
Trent Reznor sure has done his share of venting. For all of the tortured songs that Nine Inch Nails has recorded over the years, few have matched the level of breakneck sonic annihilation that is 'March of the Pigs.' From NIN's 1994 album, The Downward Spiral, the song captures all the industrial nihilism Reznor could muster in a 3-minute single.
But it's not the rapid-fire drum beats or dehumanized noise that make 'March of the Pigs' so brutal. It's the two rare moments of Reznor's unaccompanied clarity that break from the grind to create a subtle, pop hook.
The music video for 'March of the Pigs' was stripped-down to a single, shaky camera shot, with the band performing live in a white room. The minimalistic video emphasizes the raw sound quality and aggressive nature of the band's performances.
What makes such a simple concept work so well here is Reznor's full-on rockstar takeover. He screams, he stumbles into the other band members, and he throws his microphone more than once - causing stagehands to enter the frame to fix problems. The video seems completely unrehearsed, and embraces its awkward flaws to emerge as a strong (and amusing) declaration of defiance.
Watch below to see what I mean:
There. Now, doesn't it make you feel better?
Thursday, August 21, 2008
New Snow Patrol Album Out in October
Snow Patrol will release a new album, 'A Hundred Million Suns', on October 27.
The Scottish band will precede the release of the album with a single, 'Take Back The City', out October 13.
Read the full article here.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
The Steeples - 'Britney's Tears'
'Britney's Tears' is a tune that sounds like a bumpier version of a song that could have been done by The Kooks.You can stream below. But beware, it's quite catchy:
The Steeples - 'Britney's Tears'
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
The Envy Corps - 'Party Dress'
'Party Dress' is probably one of my favorite cuts off of The Envy Corps' Dwell. The Iowa-based band has been compared to Modest Mouse, but this track comes out on the Radiohead side of things.Give 'Party Dress' a spin, by streaming below:
The Envy Corps - 'Party Dress'
Jim Noir - 'Look Around You'
Psychedelia is back in this wistful, summertime tune by Jim Noir. 'Look Around You' is full of thick British accents, various woodwind loops, and a feel good melody.Stream 'Look Around You' below:
Jim Noir - 'Look Around You'
Monday, August 04, 2008
Santogold - 'L.E.S. Artistes'
Bearing strong resemblance to Tegan and Sara, 'L.E.S. Artistes' is catchy and bumpy. And if Gwen Stefani were to ever return to the alt rock scene, it is easy to envision her covering this tune.Stream Santogold's 'L.E.S. Artistes' below:
Santogold - 'L.E.S. Artistes'
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Dick Prall Concert Recap - August 2, 2008
Weatherwise, it was a nearly perfect evening when Dick Prall took the stage at the Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater last night in Des Moines, Iowa.It was my first time seeing Prall live, and I'm very glad I did. His entourage included an electric cellist, as well as a sax player. And Prall's voice was in tip top pitch. The ambiance was very chill and relaxed---especially with the Honker's Ale flowing freely. At the end of his set, Yours Truly and his girlfriend had the opportunity to meet Prall, as he autographed a newly bought copy of Weightless. Prall was a very classy guy.
As you may recall, I previously posted a stream of 'The Cornflakes Song.' This time around, I'm including a few other choice cuts from Weightless. Overall, I think its quite a solid album.
The music streams are below:
Dick Prall - 'Side by Side'
Dick Prall - 'Halfway to Hollywood'
Dick Prall - 'If it Bends'
Monday, July 28, 2008
Forgotten Gem: Simply Red - 'Something Got Me Started"
By the time Simply Red released its hit 1991 album, Stars, it had already been around for half a dozen years - building success through tracks like 'Holding Back the Years' (1985) and 'If You Don't Know Me By Now' (1989). However, it was Stars' opening track, 'Something Got Me Started,' that got me started listening to Simply Red.
The song's dance grooves and jazzy keyboards were a pleasant shift from the group's easier-listening, soul-pop leanings. The album as a whole was funkier than the group's previous three offererings. While the album's title track went on to become the bigger single, 'Something Got Me Started' still deserves recognition for its pure clubability.
To start your own 90s dance party, click the song below:
Simply Red - 'Something Got Me Started'.mp3
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Kenny Loggins - 'Playing with the Boys' - Video
Taking a page out of Title IX litigation, Kenny Loggins pleads for athletic gender equality with his eighties video, 'Playing with the Boys.'
The video's storyline is pretty cliche: cocky-jock men challenge a modest group of women to a game of volleyball, in a gymnasium packed full of spectators. The men have no problem in the beginning running up the score and partaking in outrageous dance celebrations. But the women refuse to give up, keep working hard, and tie the score toward the end of the game. Who ends up winning the match? Think "Mentos Commercial," and you can easily figure out the answer.
'Playing with the Boys' may be cheesy and dated, but its a sweet song nonetheless. Watch the video for 'Playing with the Boys' below:
The video's storyline is pretty cliche: cocky-jock men challenge a modest group of women to a game of volleyball, in a gymnasium packed full of spectators. The men have no problem in the beginning running up the score and partaking in outrageous dance celebrations. But the women refuse to give up, keep working hard, and tie the score toward the end of the game. Who ends up winning the match? Think "Mentos Commercial," and you can easily figure out the answer.
'Playing with the Boys' may be cheesy and dated, but its a sweet song nonetheless. Watch the video for 'Playing with the Boys' below:
Friday, July 18, 2008
Fleet Foxes - 'Blue Ridge Mountains'
Fleet Foxes is arguably one of my favorite new bands of 2008. An amalgamation of folk-gospel, soft-rock and Brit-pop, the band's retro stylings fall somewhere among the likes of America and Iron & Wine.
'Blue Ridge Mountains,' a track from the group's self-titled June release, builds from acoustic strummings and subtle vocal harmonies into a full-fledged piano rocker.
The band makes such a convincing argument here for Southern-fried folk-rock, it would be hard to peg Fleet Foxes as a Sub Pop act from Seattle.
You can stream 'Blue Ridge Mountains' below:
Fleet Foxes - 'Blue Ridge Mountains'.mp3
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Dick Prall - 'The Cornflakes Song'
Iowa-born, Chicago-based Dick Prall's 'The Cornflakes Song' is one of 2008's sleeper hits. Lo on the fi, and high on the cheer, the song is a breezy indie tune.Stream 'The Cornflakes Song' below:
Dick Prall - 'The Cornflakes Song'
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Journey - 'Something to Hide'
Journey's Infinity first introduced the band to FM audiences with such hits as 'Wheel in the Sky' and 'Lights.' But it was the album's deep cuts that really shaped the album into one of the band's best.One such track was 'Somethin' to Hide.' Not only did Perry's incredible vocals shine through, but Schon's bluesy guitar riffs and Rolie's keyboard arrangements provided perfect complements as well.
You can stream 'Somethin' to Hide' below:
Journey - 'Somethin' to Hide'
Monday, July 14, 2008
New GNR Song Featured on Rock Band 2
A new Guns N' Roses song, "Shackler's Revenge," apparently from the decade-in-the-works album "Chinese Democracy," will be included in the video game "Rock Band 2," according to a report in the New York Times.
The game will be released in September.
Read the rest of the article here.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
The Pigeon Detectives - 'This Is An Emergency'
Like its other alt-rock analogues, the secret ingredient to 'This Is An Emergency' is its chorus. Frolicking and rollicking, this raucous song can be streamed below: The Pigeon Detectives - 'This Is An Emergency'
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Plants and Animals - 'Bye Bye Bye'
The first track to begin Plants and Animals' Parc Avenue is 'Bye Bye Bye.' Endearing and melodic, the song channels The Beatles and Arcade Fire.Stream 'Bye Bye Bye' below:
Plants and Animals - 'Bye Bye Bye'
Thursday, June 26, 2008
The Dresden Dolls - 'The Kill'
For a song with such a simple title, "The Kill" is excitingly intricate. Lyrically, zingers like "Say what you will / I am the kill" and "Put Pat Sajak back in office," and "But the sun still sets on you / And your retarded party" provide plenty of cerebral fodder. Musically, the disjointed song parts shatter the radio rock paradigm.You can stream The Dresden Dolls - 'The Kill' below:
The Dresden Dolls - 'The Kill'
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Estelle Featuring Kanye West - 'American Boy'
America and Britain's hip-hop scenes are bridged in this ultra-chill, ultra-cool collaboration between Estelle and Kanye West. Kanye's always killer lyrics, and Estelle's smooth vocals combine to spawn a chic summer tune.You can stream 'American Boy' below:
Estelle Feat. Kanye West - 'American Boy'
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