Archive for the 'Major Label' Category

Griffin House - Flying Upside Down

I’ve been listening to Griffin House ever since his “Lost and Found” album.  There are several songs off that album that I still love but the one that initially captured my attention was “Waterfall”, it’s such a beautiful sad song.  Another one of my favorites was “Tell Me Lie”.  It wasn’t until this weekend when my iPod was on shuffle that I was reminded of him again.

I was online today buying some music and ran across a review of Griffin’s new album, so I ventured over to his page to hear a little more.  It’s funny because I’ve never really thought he sounded much like Jack Johnson but for some odd reason someone did.  Maybe it’s just me but I don’t hear the comparison.

Review below from Fingerprints:

Griffin House - Flying Upside Down
Griffin is a songwriter who will forever be compared to Jack Johnson, only because Jack got there first. Griffin has a laid-back feel to his music, but where Jack feels like the beach, Griffin’s music is much more informed by solid characters and an earthy-ness that just isn’t associated with the coast - it’s music that is much more like a house-fire than a bonfire.

He’s currently on tour, I’m thinking of catching his Troubadour show I’ve missed him every other time he’s been in L.A.

 
 Tell Me A Lie - Griffin House [4:21m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Jesca Hoop - Enemy

jescahoop.jpgToday is your lucky day. I’m in a music state of mind. Jesca Hoop was on KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclictic this past September and left a pretty lasting impression on Nic Hartcourt, so much so that he named her album his #1 pick on his Top Ten Album’s of 2007. You can check out his other picks down below.

I’m really excited about where music is heading and in particular where women singer song writers are taking it. It’s been a great year of new albums and it’s fantastic to see that there are some talented woman out there brining the music to the forefront. Some of you might like this album and some may not. I found it to be different and somewhat refreshing. A fellow blogger describes this album perfectly:

First of all, what the hell is going on with “Kismet”? It is simultaneously one of the most unique, strange, interesting, engaging and challenging records I’ve heard so far this year. The girl has some serious musical multiple personality disorder thing going on, and somehow it all works well. Album opener “Summertime” is like a strangely looped alt-country hit, heading straight into “Seed of Wonder,” which has a very hip hop M.I.A.-like feel to it, mixed with odd Native American tribal dances. Then you get soft acoustic ballad “Enemy,” which is another stylistic shift. I could keep going through all 11 tracks, but then when you listened there would be no full-on surprises left. I’ll just say this much: you get pieces of gypsy/Eastern European dance, blues, jazzy elements from the 1940’s, tango, and drum n’ bass stylings- all of which manage to surprise and impress. It’s amazing how flawless the transitions are and how many curveballs get thrown at you over the course of the record. Adventure is the word I’d use in describing what it’s like listening to this. Foronheit

Head on over to KCRW and check out the performance if you like what you here, buy here album.

Nic Harcourt’s Top Ten Albums of 2007

1. Jesca Hoop
Kismet (Columbia)

2. Ting Tings
Demos (Self-Released)

3. Salt & Samovar
Old Joy, New Joy (Self-Released)

4. Radiohead
In Rainbows (Radiohead.com)

5. Aqualung
Memory Man (Columbia)

6. Seawolf
Leaves In the River (Dangerbird Records)

7. Great Northern
Trading Twilight for Daylight (Eenie Meenie)

8. LCD Soundsystem Sound Of Silver (EMI)

9. Federico Aubele
Panamericana (ESL)

10. OnceOriginal Soundtrack
(Sony)

Jesca Hoop w/ the ditty bops - live on kcrw 9/19/07
1. summertime
2. intelligentactile 101
3. enemy
4. money
5. seed of wonder
6. love and love again

 
 Enemy - Jesca Hoop [3:29m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Damien Rice

Damien Rice

I know everyone is always talking, writing, blogging about Damien Rice but I have to say a little something. I went to see him perform last night at the Greek Theater it is such an amazing venue. I loved the fact that he didn’t stick to is usual I want to cut my wrist open until I bleed to death line up, although when he started signing “Accidental Babies” I did turn over to Susana and ask her for a razor. He didn’t finish the song, thankfully for me, my eyes were already starting to well up. He did however sing several songs that were not on any of his released albums. It’s always refreshing to hear new old stuff, if you know what I mean. He sang this beautiful song called “Insane” which I’ve only heard him sing once on KCRW. I’m attaching here for your listening pleasure.

Vyvienne Long, Damien’s cellist played her song “Never Leave You” it was much funnier live, a little unexpected take a listen here.

Overall a fantastic night.

Slower version of Insane on Youtube

Lyrics: Insane

Should I speak?
Should I bother shaking hands?
Am I weak If I leave it as it stands?
I’ve submerged
And I’ve surfaced with the blame
I guess I’m no good
I guess I’m insane

Should I go
If she calls out my name?
And if she bleeds
Should I wipe up the stain?
And if I’m low
Can I drown in this rain?
I guess I’m no good
I guess I’m insane

And I hate when you say
That I never fight for you
Sometimes you breathe
All over my skin
And you always end up
Closer than close
That’s where I give in

Should I confess
The actions of my hand
In my mind
I’ll betray you once again
Why should I climb?
What is there to gain?
This is no good
This is insane

And I hate when you say
That I never fight for you
Sometimes you breathe
All over my skin
And you always end up
Closer than close
That’s whenre I give in

You’re taking
You’re taking
You’re taking me down
You’re taking
You’re taking
You’re taking me down
And you always end up
Closer than close
That’s where I give in
That’s where I give in
That’s where I give in

 
 Insane [5:30m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Eisley

doors_miranda.jpg

These Texas natives first grabbed me when my best friend played me “Telescope Eyes” a couple years back…one of those infectious pop-rock songs we just loved to drive around a sing-a-long to. Saw them at the Double Door in Chicago a few years ago and I was quite impressed.

Eisley is composed of siblings Sherri, Stacy, Chauntelle and Weston Dupree and their cousin, Garron Dupree. Their new album “Combinations” was release last month.

I’m really liking their new song called “Invasion”

Buy the new album on iTunes or here
Eisley on MySpace
Eisley Official Site

 
 Eisley - Invasion [3:34m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 
 Eisley - Go Away (Live, Dallas, TX) [4:01m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Ben Harper - Lifeline

I know, I know, I know this isn’t “new” artist stuff but I have to give Mr. Ben Harper a plug on here. I saw him a few months ago in his home town and was absolutely floored by his new song “Lifeline”, well let’s just say I was in tears. I’ve posted a a video of the song below. Haven’t found an MP3 as of yet, however I have put in my order for the new CD/DVD combo. They have a pre-sale going on at the moment. I usually like to wait and shop at my local indie shop but I really wanted the extras that came along with the pre-sale.

LIMITED TIME PRE-SALE OFFER!!!

“LIFELINE” IS OUT AUGUST 28th!Pre-order and we’ll e-mail you a code to download an exclusive 5-track live solo acoustic EP when your order ships!

(Complete details posted on product page.)

PRE-ORDER DELUXE CD+DVD OR CD

Download:

Ben Harper

Track:

01: In The Color

On Tour

“Lifeline” Live on You Tube

 

A FINE FRENZY - One Cell in the Sea

It’s so refreshing to see that not all young woman are following in the failing footsteps of today’s poor representation of a “pop” star. No need to mention their names it would be an injustice to Alison Sudol.For those who don’t know, Alison Sudol is the beautiful voice behind, A Fine Frenzy. She is only 22 years old, and her single, “Almost Lover,” off her debut album, One Cell in the Sea, has been haunting me for days. I wake up singing this song in my head and I find my self humming it through out the day. If I was breaking up with someone this would be my anthem song.

In the upcoming months she will be touring with Sean Lennon and Rufus Wainwright, not too shabby. She’s definitely on my to see list for this year. I hope you enjoy her music as much as I do. If you like what you hear please make sure you support by buying her CD or seeing a live show.

Download:

A Fine Frenzy

From One Cell in the Sea:


Tracks:

01: Almost Lover (Must Download)
02: Ashes and Wine (Edited Version)
03: Rangers (Edited Version)

*A Fine Frenzy’s Myspace**A Fine Frenzy’s Official site*


 

“Almost Lover” VideoUpcoming Tour Dates

DATE VENUE LOCATION INFO
08/17/2007 Mann Center for the Performing Arts Philadelphia, PA map
08/19/2007 Central Park Summer Stage New York, NY map
08/21/2007 Avalon Ballroom Boston, MA map
08/23/2007 LC Pavilion Columbus, OH map
08/24/2007 Michigan Theatre Ann Arbor, MI map
08/25/2007 Ravinia Festival (Pavilion) Highland Park, IL map
08/27/2007 Pabst Theater Milwaukee, WI map
08/29/2007 Centennial Hall London, Canada map
08/31/2007 Place Des Arts Montreal, Canada map