|
|
|
|
|
 Gabby Parsons is the Music Director at 105.5 Triple M and you can catch her every Thursday at 8:30am during the Jonathan and Kitty Show, for Gabby Parsons M.D. She heals your new music needs by previewing two up and coming artists.
Here’s the latest reviews...
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jan. 25
 I totally love it when I discover a new artist right out of the box. The Kyle Mann Combo from Chicago suburb Elmhurst, blew me away with their debut album “ Goodbye Kites.” An obvious comparison can be made to Ben Folds Five, as this combo is piano driven, but have a style all their own. Still in college by day, they perform nights and weekends and have opened for artists like Medeski, Scofield, Martin and Wood. This self released album can be purchased thru their website www.kylemanncombo.com . We heard a cool song called “Lyrical Rhapsody for the Cell Phone Abusers. Give them a listen. I predict good things for them in the near future
|
|
Jan. 11
 Citizen Cope is Clarence Greenwood, now in Brooklyn NY. As a younger man, he traveled around a lot, living in Mississippi, Texas and Washington DC, where he started working on his music more seriously. IN the mid 90’s, he started passing out demo’s of his music, but people had trouble categorizing it….was it folk? Hip hop? Soul? Well, whatever you call it, it’s a funky groove. A big break was when Carlos Santana heard Cope’s demo “ sideways” asked him to record it for his album Shaman, which sold 5 million copies.
His third album, Every Waking Moment” is out now, including the very cool song “ Brother Lee, which, as he put it “ pulls us all in, wherever we are, from “Brooklyn USA to a tinsel town where now the Dodgers play.” It’s an emotional update of Woody Guthrie’s line in “This Land Was Made For You and Me,” the line “From California to the New York island.” Cope makes it clear that the things that tie us all together are stronger than the things that tear us apart, as he chants in his nearly hypnotic smoky, soulful voice, “I got a brother named Lee who looked just like me, both sides of the Mississippi.”
 One of today’s more emotional songwriters is Lucinda Williams who has a new album coming out Feb 13. “ West” reflects the changes in her life in recent years, from the loss of her mother to the end of a tumultuous relationship. Her highly personal songs are filled with pain and struggle, but with a look towards the future. I was a little surprised to read that her newest musical influences are the White Stripes and the Black Keys, since I would never have compared her to bands like that, but it’s great when a musician and songwriter stretch and grow . If you like Lucinda, you will love this new album.
|
|
Nov. 30:
There is a long tradition of topical/political songwriting, and we heard from two of them. First up was Tyrone Wells, a skinny boy from Spokane Washington. He grew up the son of a preacher who didn’t allow his son to listen to popular music, only gospel. You can hear that influence in his work. If you are a sports fan, you’ve heard his song “ Dream Like New York” used on FOX Sports. He has also had songs on17 TV shows, including One Tree Hill, Numb3rs, and Rescue Me, to name just a few. We heard “ What Are We Fighting For” from an album called Hold On which will be released in February, but you can get a digital download right now if you can’t wait.
 Brett Dennen is a 26 year old with a very unique voice. Once you hear it, you recognize him immediately! If fact, if you watch Grey’s Anatomy or Men In Tree’s, you’ve already heard him. Home-schooled, Brett taught himself guitar at 12, with the support of his family. He obviously has a strong social conscience because he co-founded a non-profit organization what works with children, developing a music program that includes songs about empathy, diversity, conflict resolution and peace. This holiday season reminded Brett that this country is embroiled in war and the world is full of suffering, bigotry, hatred and fear. His song “ The Holidays are here (And We’re Still at War)” expresses the feeling that so many have at this time of year. His sophomore album, “ So Much More” is in stores now and I just got word that he will be coming to the Majestic Theater in late February. Don’t miss this dynamic young performer!
|
|
Nov. 16:
 The Black Keys are the loudest group of two I’ve ever heard! Hailing from Akron Ohio, Dan Auerbach (guitar and vocals) and Patrick Carney (drums and production) have been friends since they were kids and together make a sound that can be compared to the North Mississippi Allstars in energy and style. They got their name not as a play on the White Stripes, but from a comment made by an Akron artist, who says the term Black Keys refers to people who are not quite right! You might have heard their song “ set You Free’ in the film School of Rock, and were named “ One of the Best Acts of 2003” by Time Magazine. We heard a song called Your Touch, from their album “ Magic Potion”, which is in stores now.
They were at the Majestic Theater Nov 27 and, of course, I was there and I hope you were too. They totally rocked the house!
 Willy Porter, Milwaukee based singer songwriter wrote a song to remind people to think about the needy at this time of year. It’s called The Give Song, and you might have seen him singing it on radio and TV commercials for Goodwill. The song is only available as a download, so download it, help support Goodwill.
|
|
Oct 26:
 Todd Snider is a young singer songwriter in the John Prine tradition. His sense of humor permeates everything he does. Todd’s newest album, “ The Devil You Know”, in stores now includes a “ tribute” to George Bush called “ You Got Away With it ( A Tale of Two Fraternity Brothers)”. Check out his clever website at www.Toddsnider.net and try and catch his frequent appearances in Madison. The next show is November 11 at the Barrymore Theater.
If you are a fan of John Lennon, you probably are aware of his several month-long period called the “ lost weekend”, where he hung around LA with his friend Harry Nilsson, drinking Brandy Alexanders, being rowdy and being kicked out of clubs. Well, during that period, they went into the studio with Ringo, Keith Moon and a bunch of others and produced a fascinating album called “ Pussycats.” Fast-forward to the present, as NYC based band The Walkman found themselves with some studio time on their hands, and decided to re-create, song for song, the Pussycats album. The result is a wild album, including versions of Rock Around the Clock, and the one we heard, “ Subterranean Homesick Blues”. Pussycats is stores now. A must for the diehard Nilsson or Lennon fan.
|
|
Oct 19:
Well, I have been remiss in updating this, so if you have any questions you can write to me at GParsons at Entercom.com ( no link because I get TOO much Spam! )
SO, here we go...
There are lots of cover and tribute albums out there, and this one is a benefit for the TJ Martell Foundation to help find a cure for cancer , leukemia and AIDS. This is a 14 track album with songs by Lenny Kravitz, U2, Madonna, Tori Amos, Sarah McLachlan and many more. We heard “ If I Needed Someone” by the Bacon Brothers! Look for “Between the Covers” in stores now.
 If you are a fan of YouTube or have a teen in the house, you will have seen one of the most downloaded videos, “Here it Goes Again” by OKGO. ( This is the one on the treadmills ) . But this Chicago based band is more than clever videos. Kinda geeky, but so much fun, OKGO was the house band for National Public Radio’s This American Life 5th anniversary tour. Whether you see the videos or not, this band gets you smiling and moving, and really, what else do you want in a band. We heard a song called “ A Good Idea at the Time” a line for line response to the Rolling Stones’ Sympathy For the Devil. OKGO’s 2nd album, Oh No is in stores now.
|
|
9/21
 An Alabama native, singer songwriter Eliot Morris tried to make it in Nashville, but didn’t quite fit in with the country vibes there, as his favorites are Paul Simon and the Motown Sound. But he DID learn a lot about songwriting, and took that back to Alabama where he started making a name for himself, which led to him touring with john Mayer, Counting Crows and James Taylor, to name a few. It’s always interesting to see where someone gets his or her songwriting inspiration. Eliot Morris says, “ You have to be aware that life is happening all around us all the time- in everyway things, and songs flow from that”. Check out his excellent album in stores now, “ What’s Mine is Yours” We heard a song called “ Balancing the World.
 Coming to us from Dee-Troit City is long time rocker Bob Seger. If you are a fan of this guy from the 70’s, you will be delighted in this new album “ Face the Promise” which is in stores now. Rolling back the clock musically (but still sounding GREAT!) is the song Wait for Me. He’s looking good too!
|
|
9/14
 Deborah Holland says not being able to do cartwheels changed her life, and instead of becoming a cheerleader, she picked up a guitar and started writing songs. She has had an amazing career so far, scoring music for movies and TV as well as teaching music at Cal State Los Angeles. You might remember a band called “ Animal Logic” featuring Stewart Copeland of the Police and jazz great Stanley Clarke. Deborah was the third member of that trio.. oh yeah, and also managed to find time to be a Mom. Her latest album “ Bad Girl Once” is full of cleverly written songs with a twisted bend. We heard Bad Girl Once ( Soccer Mom Now)! Check out this album if you like clever lyrics with a cross between Johnny Rotten and Peggy Lee!
Trey Anastasio has another solo album coming out October 3. “Bar 17” was going to be his first solo album after Phish broke up, but he felt he had some things to say to the world and presented those to us in the Shine CD. Bar 17 ( from what I’ve already heard) defiantly sounds more Phishy. The album comes out October 3, but if you pre-order it you will also get a bonus called “ 18 Steps” of material from the recording sessions. Here’s a link for the pre-order:
|
|
9/7
 50 years ago, legendery Sun Studio’s was the home of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis. Jerry Lee Lewis is now the “ Last Man Standing”, which is the title of a new album featuring duets with some of rock and rolls greats. Appearing on this album with Jerry Lee is Bruce Springsteen, Robert Plant, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Neil Young, Little Richard, John Fogerty, Robbie Robertson Buddy Guy, Van Morrison and many more. Still sounding great and still going strong, Jerry Lee Lewis deserves all the accolades this album is receiving. Check it out for yourself. “ Last Man Standing” hits the stores Sept 26.
 If you wanna know what rock and roll with it’s roots in Russia sounds like, listen to Regina Spektor’s album Begin to Hope. Born in Soviet Russia, she and her family emigrated to the US when Jews were allowed to leave the Soviet Union. Her father was an amateur musician and mother was a music professor, so Regina grew up in a musical atmosphere. While in NYC, she fell into the “ anti-folk” scene. With roots in punk rock , anti-folk is raw and sometimes abrasive , frequently politically charged, using the sounds of American folk traditions. “ Fidelity” is a catchy song with a hook you can’t get out of your head. Look for the album in stores now and a visit to the Majestic Theater ( if it’s still open by then) October 17.
|
|
August 31
 If you’re looking for a fun song to put a smile on your face, check out “Stick Flip Flop” from Willie Herath ( pronounced like Harris with a lisp). Growing up in Milan IL, Willie’s parents never let him buy music or listen to the radio. Then one day he found his father’s old Beach Boy records...and decided to start playing guitar along with the piano lessons he was already taking. Once he started writing songs at age 14, he dropped the piano and got heavily into guitar. An offbeat sense of humor is obvious, as he names early influences Adam Sandler and the Presidents of the United States of America. Then he found Smashing Pumpkins and Weezer, moved to California, and discovered Jack Johnson’s laid back California sound and crated what he calls his “ nod your head beach rock.” We heard a cool song called “Sticky Flip Flops” from his Cohgie Never Landed CD which is in stores now. Check him out!
Harry Connick Jr has made a name for himself as a crooner and actor. As New Orleans native, Harry went hone right after Katrina and was devastated by what he saw. And as a musician, did what he could by writing a song called “All These People.” As he put it, “The song is about all the people who were stranded at the Convention Center” This moving tribute is comprised of four verses, each describing what he saw as he was taken around the convention center by a man named Darrell that he met on the street. Joining him on this song is gospel singer Kim Burrell. All royalties from this song will benefit the New Orleans Habitat Musicians Village. The full album “Oh My NOLA” was released on August 29, the one-year anniversary of Katrina.
|
|
August 24th
 Robert Randolph’s incredible pedal steel work has it’s roots in the “sacred steel” of the House of God Church, and he got his start playing there. What turned him from strictly playing church music was a Stevie Ray Vaughan tape where he fell in love with the passion and soul that Stevie put into his songs. Robert took that that joyous passionate energy into his music and created a unique sound. And his live performances are not to be missed! Robert Randolph and the Family Band are just that, with his cousins on bass and drums. I’ve been to concerts where everyone switched instruments in mid-song without dropping one note. Robert Randolph and the Family Band have another exciting album, called Colorblind, in stores October 10. We heard a song called “The Thrill of it.”
 It’s hard to believe sometimes that it’s been one full year since Katrina hit the Gulf Coast flooding one of this countries most important cities for music, New Orleans. One of those typically NO groups is the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. Like thousands of local musicians, they lost everything to Katrina… everything except their talent and spirit. This year marks the one year anniversary, but also the 35th anniversary of the release of Marvin Gaye’s classic album, "What’s Going On." When Marvin Gaye released his album, the country was torn apart by war, ecological disaster and poverty. Now, in the aftermath of another ecological disaster and a nation torn apart by war and poverty, the Dirty Dozen Brass band reworked this political classic and , in their words, make a plea for “common sense, decency and cooperation.” With special guests Bettye LaVette, G Love and Ivan Neville, What’s Going on is an album to make you stop and think, and yet celebrate life. What’s Going On is in stores now.
|
|
August 17th
 Rory Block - If I had only one form of music to listen to for the rest of my life, I choose the blues because there are so many forms and styles of blues… but when you strip it all away, it seems like it always comes back to Robert Johnson. So many people have recorded his songs and each artist brings a little something different to the table. Rory Block is one of those artist that have tackled Robert Johnson's music, but in her latest release, "The Lady and Mr. Johnson" she tries to re-create his unique sound, and in my opinion, does an amazing job. Growing up in NYC in the 60's, Rory started listening to Robert Johnson as a child and remembers the impact his music had on her. She recorded her first album in the mid-60's, called "How to Play the Blues Guitar" (under the name Sunshine Kate!) and 30 years later, was named Traditional Blues Female Artist of the year in 1997 and 1998. Not too long ago, she made a pilgrimage to the Mississippi Delta and met surviving members of Robert Johnson's family. His grandson was so impressed by her music that he said he deserved a PhD in his grandfather's music. I totally agree. Check out this awesome album, in stores now.
 Scissor Sisters - If you had told me that I would love a band with influences in disco, pop and the NY gay club scene, I would have laughed in your face. But I'm not laughing now that I've heard Scissor Sister's latest song, "I Don't Feel Like Dancing." What a fun song! This band got their start in 2001 in the UK and received initial recognition from a cover version of Comfortable Numb. Their debut album was the best selling album in the UK in 2004. It's taking a little longer here in the states, but if the rest of the soon to be released album "Ta Da!" (out September 18) is any indication, they won't be unknown for too much longer. The song we heard, I don't Feel Like Dancing" was co-written by Elton John and he plays piano on the song. Just like a listener said, "it sounds like the Bee-Gee's but it makes me smile and I'd listen to it again". A song that makes you smile… what more do we want?
|
|
Aug 10
This week we looked at the growing crossover projects between the hip hop community and rock. There have been many crossovers and special projects with Hip Hop and rock ( Run DMC and Aerosmith’s “ Walk This Way" comes to mind.) One great thing about radio stations like Triple M is that we DON’T categorize music into little boxes. If it’s a good song and sounds good that’s all that matters.
 Jurassic 5 is a five piece hip hop group from LA, but refuse to do gangsta rap. Instead, it’s an infectious rhythm that gets you moving. There have been many cross-overs and special projects with Hip Hop and rock...(Run DMC and Aerosmith’s “Walk.") No stranger to rock stages, Jurassic 5 have shared stages with Bruce Springsteen, Fiona Apple, Green Day and more...and have received accolades from folks attending the Bonaroo Music Festivals. Now they are out with a new album, their third, called “ Feedback” . Guests on this album include Dave Matthews on the song we heard, “Work it Out”. The album is out in stores now.
 P!nk. (first of all, gotta love someone with punctuation in their name) P!nk was born Alecia Beth Moore and burst onto the scene in 2000 with her unique fashion sense and soulful sound. You might remember her teaming up with Christine Aguilera, Lil Kim and Mya for Lady Marmelade. Now she is out with a new album called I’m Not Dead, which includes a scathing political song with the Indigo Girls called “ Dear Mr. President”. The album is in stores now.
|
|
August 3rd
 RobinElla, the daughter of a Baptist Deacon and choir leader got her start singing in church and in the shower! AS she put it, she majored in “art and boys” at the University of Tennessee. One of those boys was Cruz Conteras and they formed a group, RobinElla and the CC String Band (the CC being Cruz Conteras). After several albums as the CC String band, she released some solo projects. The latest is “Solace for the Lonely” and combines her smoky Norah Jonesish jazz vocals with her love of traditional instruments. The song “All I’ve Given” is a great example of her style. The album is available in stores now.
 The New York Dolls are back. After 32 years, they sound as exciting today as they did when they were the darlings of the NY punk scene along with the Ramones and the Sex Pistols at CBGB’s . Founded by David Johansen, who went on to become Buster Poindexter, (remember Hot Hot Hot) and Sylvan Sylvain, The New York Dolls still have it! Back when they were first recording, the punk sound was so different from what mainstream rock was doing, But when you listen to them today, it is contemporary as well as a little retro. The song, “Dance Like a Monkey” (a dig on Creationists) can be found on their album “One Day it Will Please Us to Remember This.” This album is a fun one!
|
|
Thursday, July 28th
 The Derek Trucks Band has been delighting audiences for years. Allman Brother’s Butch Trucks nephew, Derek is also married to Susan Tedeschi. Derek picked up his first guitar for five dollars at a garage sale, and had his first paying gig at the tender age of 11. In 1993, he was honored as the youngest player to make Rolling Stone magazine’s Top 100 Guitarist of all time! Just listen to the new album, “Songlines” and you’ll know why he has joined the ranks of Jimi, Eric, Stevie Ray and Keith Richards. We heard a cool song called “Jane Crow.” Find the album and DVD of Songlines in stores now.
 Richard Thompson has been making amazing music for decades, first as a founding member of Fairport Convention with his then wife Linda. Leaving the band in 1971, we proceeded to release album after album, showcasing his extraordinary guitar work and song writing skills. Richard Thompson's astounding body of work includes over 40 albums' giving him a spot on Rolling Stone’s top 20 guitarists of all time. Last year, Richard embarked on a great project, called “1,000 years of Popular Music,” touring with vocalist Judith Owens and percussionist Debra Dobkin. With a repertoire if songs ranging from madrigals to traditional folk songs to contemporary songs, this stripped down show was totally awesome! And now he has released a 2 CD set of the show, which includes the cover of “Oops I Did it Again.” The album is available for mail order.
|
|
Thursday, July 20th
 Golden Smog. Gotta love the super groups! This one was formed in Minneapolis back in the early 90’s by members of Soul Asylum, the Replacements, the Jayhawks, the Honey Dogs and Run Westy Run. They released an album in 1992 called “On Golden Smog” and thought it would be a one time thing. But, with an ever-changing line up, 2 more albums were released in the mid to late 90’s. So now it’s 8 years later, and the core of musicians was joined by Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy and Big Star’s Jody Stephens. A fun time was had producing this album, “Another Fine Day,” with little rehearsal and lots of spontaneity. You can hear it in the song 5-22-02. The album is in stores now.
 Mika. Don’t know too much about Mika, except that he was born in Beirut and fled the country with his family during the war in the mid 80’s. His father was held hostage at the American Embassy in Kuwait and eventually, they all settled in London. With his early years in flux, Mika became quite introspective and decided at the age of 9 that he was a songwriter! And in his younger years did things like perform with the Royal Opera House to making Orbit gum commercials. Citing musical influences as diverse as Prince, Harry Nillson and Elton John, Mike liked “amazing pop records that couldn’t be made by anyone else.” Except, maybe the late Freddy Mercury. The tune, “Grace Kelly” sounds very Queenesque! Look for an album called “ Life in Cartoon Motion”. No info on release date yet, but you can check out his way cool website.
|
|
Thursday, July 13th
 Alejandro Escoveda. Born in San Antonio into a musical family of immigrants, Alejandro Escoveda has been involved in the music scene for years. As were his brothers, who have played with Santana and Malo Some early bands for Alejandro included The Nuns, Rank & File, and The True Believers. He went out on his own in the early 90’s and put out 8 previous albums, sometimes as a solo artist, sometimes with a 13- piece orchestra. The latest album, “The Boxing Mirror” is diverse and rich in texture. We heard “Break This Time.” This album is in stores now.
 Michael Franti and Spearhead. Franti has always been politically aware and active. His latest projects, the album “Yell Fire” and a documentary film, “I know I am Not Alone” were inspired to a visit to war zones in the Middle East in search of what he calls “The human cost of war.” The film offers different perspectives on the war, one from cab drivers, musicians, homesick soldiers and children. You can check out more about Michael Franti in the July issue of Relix Magazine. The album comes out July 25.
|
|
Thursday, July 6th
 Katie Melua “Piece By Piece” Born in soviet Georgia, Katie moved to Belfast as a young girl, where she thought he’s grow up to be a politician because she wanted to bring about world peace. That didn’t happen, but a move to London brought her recognition as a winner in a local TV talent contest. She was discovered by a guy named Mike Balt, who was looking for musicians to form a jazz band. That was just the beginning for Katie and her career took off, boosted by a win as “ Best International Newcomer “ in Germany in 2004. She released an album “Piece by Piece” and it zoomed up the charts in the UK...and now...on to America. We heard “9 Million Bicycles.” The album is now in stores.
 Frank Black “Fast Man Raider Man” - Remember The Pixies or Frank Black and the Catholics? ( real name Charles Thompson) is out with a solo album called “Fast Man Raider Man” and it’s just TERRIFIC! Black worked with great musicians from such diverse acts as Captain Beefheart, Donnie and Marie and They Might Be Giants. We heard “If Your Poison Gets You” from this double album, chock full of cool rock and roll songs. It’s in stores now.
|
|
Thursday, June 29th
 Matt Costa is another one of the sun drenched California surfer Jack Johnson crowd. Like so many others, he was given a guitar at a young age, but dropped it when he got his first skateboard, and even turned pro! But had a bad accident, and while recuperating, picked up the guitar again. His sounds fits the summer so well! And has been busy touring with Jack Johnson, Gomez and many more. Look for Matt to roll into Madison September 9th for a show at the Majestic. His album “Songs we Love to Sing” is out. We heard the song “Sunshine,” You can also find a duet with Jack Johnson called “Lullaby” on the Curious George soundtrack.
 Peter Gammons. Sometimes someone else turns me on to some good music. This is an artist Jonathan Suttin told me about. Peter Gammons has been covering baseball since the late 60's. He's even in the writer's wing of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Gammons also plays guitar and has a new album coming out on the fourth of July, called Never Slow Down, Never Grow Old. He gets some assistance from George Thorogood and Paul Barrere of Little Feat. Some former and current players from the Boston Red Sox also contribute.
Gammons plays everything from a Warren Zevon tune (Model Citizen) to some long forgotten "classics" like NyQuil Blues.( which is the song we played ) The money raised from the album, "Never Slow Down, Never Grow Old" goes to charity. For a full-time baseball guy, Gammons is pretty good with the guitar. By the way, Gammons had a brain aneurysm the other day, but is recovering at home and doing well.
|
|
Thursday, June 15th
 THE DITTY BOPS are out with a new album called “Moon Over the Freeway.’ This is another album chock full of their light hearted old- timey good feeling swing. We heard “Waking up in the City” Abby DeWald and Amanda Barnett are taking a unique approach to their current tour. Perhaps the high cost of gas has prompted them to use bicycles to cross the country for their tour. Or perhaps it’s just their whimsical nature. At any rate, look for some very well-toned Ditty Bops to bike into Madison in time for their August 8th show at the Barrymore Theater.
 Sometimes you come across an artist you’ve known forever and discover a whole new side to them.. Growing up in NY, I heard a lot of songs on the radio by Dion and the Belmonts...you remember, “Runaround Sue,” “The Wanderer” and “Abraham Martin and John.” Dion grew up in the Bronx in the 50’s before there was rock and roll, and like a lot of people, got exposed to R&B and Blues on the southern radio stations he could pick up late at night. And decided to pay tribute to these musicians. Well, an album crossed my desk called “Bronx N Blue”, full of songs like “Built for Comfort,” “Statesboro Blues” and the one we heard, “Who Do You Love.” Recorded in 2 days with no overdubs, no other musicians, no tricks, just him and his Black Martin. If you like your blues traditional and stripped down, this one is for you.
|
|
Thursday, June 8th
 David Lowry is back with a new CRACKER Album. Joining him is co-founder Johnny Hickman, former Camper Van Beethoven’s Victor Krummenacher and tons of great guest and studio musicians. It’s always fun to hear what the guys who brought us “ Take the Skinheads Bowling” are up to. Check out the new album “Greenland” that is now in stores. See Cracker in Chicago Sept. 1… and keep our fingers crossed for a Madison date to be added to the schedule.
|
|
Thursday, June 1st
 Rock Kills Kid is the brainchild of Jeff Tucker. Unlike many, Jeff did not grow up wanting to be a musician. At nineteen he was socially withdrawn, barely employed and directionless. He called himself the world’s worst waited. “ People would ask me if I was on drugs. They’d order a coke and I’d bring them a salad!” So he started to write songs. Restaurant goers everywhere celebrated! Rock Kills Kid album “Are You Nervous”, in stores now is chock full of catchy angst ridden songs...kinda like a young Bono meets the Cure.
 Flaming Lips is out with a new album. This time around, their goal was to make a slightly more rock based album, as well as their usual combo of existential space rock protest songs, social commentary and some weird pop songs. The Yeah, Yeah, Yeah song is a little bit of everything! ”At War with the Mystics” is in stores now.
|
|
Thursday, May 25th
 Tom Sartori is a poker playing singer songwriter. After winning $300,000 on ESPN’s World Series of. Poker, his parents highly encouraged him to invest it in a house. Instead, he took the money and produced an album instead. Catchy lyrics and great melodies make this an artist to watch. The album “Long Ride Home” is in stores now.
 Corinne Bailey Rae sounds like she was raised in the bluesy soul drenched south, but she hails from the UK, where R&B is very popular. She got her start at the age of 15 in a band named “Helen”, but when their bass player got pregnant, the band broke up. Corinne then went out on her own with a unique sound. This 26 year old has a great future. Her album, “Corinne Bailey Rae” is in stores now
|
|
Thursday May 18th
 Belle and Sebastian is a 7 piece group from Glascow Scotland. Formed in 1996 by singer / songwriter Stuart Murdoch and bass guitarist Stuart David, Belle and Sebastian have delighted audiences on both sides of the ocean with their melancholy whimsy.. jaunty pop and sinister edged lyricism. If you are a fan of Death Cab for Cutie or Ray Davies and the Kinks, Belle and Sebastian is for you. Their latest album "The Life in Pursuit" is in stores now.
 The New Orleans Social Club is a gumbo mix of piano players, rhythm and blues singers, Mardi Gras Indians , troubadours and funkateers, all celebrating the greatest city in the USA for local music. Artists appearing on this album include Ivan and Cyril Neville, Dr John, Irma Thomas and Marcia Ball , the Subdudes and many more. The CD Extra includes a bonus documentary video. "Sing Me Back Home" is in stores now.
|
|
|
Advertisement
|
