Friday, December 4, 2009

Sparked My Interest

I'm sure this song is not new to many of you, but do you know the artist whose track "She's Got Me Dancing" is gracing the new iPod Touch ads? Here's the run down: His name is Tommy Sparks. His sound is pop and alternative fusion. His origin is Sweden, but he now resides in the UK where he released his first, self-titled album this past May. It seems to me as though his music was almost written with the goal of soundtrack stardom, as each of his songs exhibit a "hamster wheel" rhythm that work well in commercials or scenes.

In any case, I can't say Apple "stepped outside of the box" with this one. I'm a huge fan of what Tommy Sparks is doing, including his collaborations with The Prodigy and Filthy Dukes. I'm confident that you will as well-- just as long as you don't expect a unique or ground-breaking sound.

Like what you hear? Check out his other singles, including "I'm a Rope" and "Much Too Much" at http://thisistommysparks.com/.

Monday, November 9, 2009

X Marks the Spot... Twice

A fellow music lover suggested I give the xx a listen. Thanks to their male/ female dynamic and their indie London pop sound, I'm hooked. This is ideal "chill" nighttime music, as their tracks have proved reminiscent of every one from Chris Isaak to Radiohead. Their debut album, xx, was released this past September and quickly propelled the band to be placed #6 on the popular UK music magazine New Music Express's "Future 50" list. My favorite tracks? Try listening to "Islands," "Infinity," and "Heart Skipped a Beat."

If you like what you hear and are in the New York area, they are playing the Bowery on November 11th. Check out xx by clicking on the link below.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Red Hot

Once in a while, a song will come along that I become so obsessed with, I put it on repeat. "Bulletproof" by La Roux is no exception. What may appear as a solo act is actually an electro pop duo, comprised of the band's red-headed namesake, Eleanor Jackson, and synth player/ writer/ producer, Ben Langmaid. La Roux's sound seems to echo the sounds of 1980's synth pop, as the pair is clearly influenced by acts like Depeche Mode and David Bowie.

They've been a big deal in the UK for a while now. Their single "Bulletproof" debuted at #1 on the UK Singles Chart. Other mentionables? "In for the Kill," "Quicksand," and "I'm Not Your Toy."

Just be warned-- the track is titled "Bulletproof," not "Mulletproof."

Monday, November 2, 2009

For Your Entertainment

I have to blog about the highly anticipated first single from who many feel was American Idol's rightful Season 8 winner, Adam Lambert. The single "For Your Entertainment," off his debut album of the same name, is a fun, high energy single that I can see having more than just Top-40 appeal. Packed with his signature Mariah Carey-esque tenor riffs, it actually sounds like Adam. I have to say I'm also kind of turned on by all the innuendo in this song because, although we were fed only the "wholesome Adam" during his time on Idol, the erotic themes in his lyrics are totally and completely believable to me. I am also really impressed as he (or his writer) seems to be one of the only artists to get the concept that, yes -- you are, in fact, here for our entertainment.

His new album hits stores on November 23rd. If you voted for him on AI, here's a thought-- support him and buy his album. Revolutionary, I know.




Tuesday, October 27, 2009

The Current Time is 11:11

It's about time the rest of the world caught on to Rodrigo y Gabriela's eclectic blend of acoustic, folk rock and metal. Their new album, 11:11, is the highly anticipated and long awaited follow-up to their self-titled 2006 album, Rodrigo y Gabriela. What I find interesting and somewhat sentimental about their new album? The fact that each song pays homage and is dedicated to a musician that has influenced the duo over time. The track "Buster Voodoo" (a nod to Jimi Hendrix because of his nickname "Buster" and his song "Voodoo Chile") has already made it to the late night show stages as well as local rock stations. Listen to tracks from this album and previous on their official site...

http://www.rodgab.com/home.html

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Folk Family

I just listened to a band called "Family of the Year" for the first time. While they define their genre as "American Music," they embody all that is folk hippie acoustic harmony to me. With lyrics like "Let's go to the country where the sky is blue and the grass is green," there's no denying their California sound and laid back style. This song, entitled "Let's Go Down," and others such as "Summer Girl" comprise the playlist for the ideal beach bonfire experience. Maybe it's the East Coast in me, but I gravitate to the more electro synthesized song, "Psyche or Like Scope." Listen to these tracks along with the rest of their album on myspace...

http://www.myspace.com/familyoftheyear

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Sultry

Yes, his name causes a bit of confusion, but there's lots to love about James Morrison. His new album, Songs for You, Truths for Me, was released just a few weeks ago and is already stirring something up inside the ladies as the source of the theme song to Overstock.com's new ad. And, while I think "You Make it Real" has a message that would be better served in a melodramatic love scene or at least an ad for a diamond company (i.e. the perfect "marriage" between DeBeers and Landon Pigg last year- pun intended), it is a good song.

I, on the other hand, love the chase and, as a result, I love his song "Nothing Ever Hurt Like You" off the same album. Take a listen to these tracks and the rest of his album on his official site, http://www.jamesmorrisonmusic.com/.




Do It For the Story

Looking for praise-worthy soundtracks? Discover the moment all music supervisors dream of-- the moment a movie-goer is overcome with emotion due to the synchronicity of a song and a scene that, individually, would evoke a far less intense reaction. Here's my pick for the week:

Although unorthodox, Where the Wild Things Are proves that a successful musical compilation can consist of all original songs by a single artist, Karen O and the Kids.


Listen Up


I'm currently obsessed with Grizzly Bear. You may know their song "Two weeks" off their album Veckatimest or "Knife" off their EP Friend. Listen and discuss...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjecYugTbIQ&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuYZbYtAl9A&feature=related