Happy 40th, AMA's.

Sure, it's no Grammys. But after 40 years, the American Music Awards has undeniably made an impression on the industry's landscape. Following the format of 2012's Grammys, the telecast was reminiscent of an IHeartRadio concert, sporadically interjected by the presentation of an award. Strange, considering each category showcased only three artists (are we running out of nominees?). The direct result? A show lacking the drama, substance and wardrobe malfunctions we all anxiously await with our thumbs on the "pause" button of our DVR remotes. An indirect result? A very happy Music Chik. 

As Julie Andrews once sang, the beginning is "a very good place to start." Apparently, the AMA's thought that a good place for Usher as well. I disagree. At the ripe ol' age of 34, Usher struggled to get through the middle of his montage, running out of steam enough to prompt the back tracks on the last leg. Similarly, seeing Ryan Seacrest from the "get-go" almost made the AMA's a "no-go" for me like, say, every New Year's Eve special, Top 40 countdown or red carpet pre-show hosted by the media mogul. Appropriate given his involvement in pop music but predictably bland in his presentation.

I feel compelled to organize my thoughts by way of "hits" and "misses," and in the spirit of tradition, I'll give you the bad news first. The "Everyday Birthday" dedication made by Swizz Beatz, Chris Brown and Ludacris was, well, ludicrous. Talk about a gag gift. Pitbull's performance was (pun intended) the icing on the stale, dry cake. The biggest disappointment for me, however, was Kesha's rendition of "Die Young" -- not because she gave a lackluster or talentless performance (eh-swizz beatz-hem) -- but because she is better than that. What many may not realize is that, underneath all that "garbage glam," is some legitimate vocal talent. Don't believe me? If Kesha had sung it this way, absent the naked men, fishnets and stage-floor gyrations, you would. 

Now for the good news. I have a newfound respect for (and teenage girl crush on) The Wanted after their performance of "I Found You."  Nathan Sykes' rock star-worthy solo blew my socks off (to put it PG) and threw The Wanted to the top of my wish list. Santa, can you hear me? See for yourself... 

As for the rest of Sunday's pro's, I'll put it simply. Pink showcased her insane post-baby bod, athleticism and grace, and thoughtfulness in her artistic expression, albeit a bit vividly for an internationally syndicated telecast. I was pleasantly surprised by Taylor Swift's non-acoustic, sans-peasant dress performance, as well as Justin Bieber's stool-set ballad intro. What's the lesson here? Think outside the box and keep people guessing (regarding your performance choices, not your posse choices). 

On a final note, Stevie Wonder's Dick Clark dedication was the highlight of the evening; that is, until the finale. Who could dream that the most glamorous and talented (I use those terms loosely) musicians of our generation could all look so ridiculous at the same time (besides every female songstress who thought a Beyonce bodysuit mandatory)? That, my friend, is truly the definition of "too legit to quit." 

It's Better with the Bahamas

Okay, it may not be the Bahamas you're thinking of, but Afie Jurvanen is just as hot (and far more accessible). Born and based in Toronto, Afie's part of an elite social circle, with friends like Kathleen Edwards, Jack Johnson, Feist and Ryan Adams. While not all Canadian-bred, musicians like Johnson are flocking to Toronto, creating a prominent music scene similar to that of Seattle or Brooklyn.

The gifted guitarist, who alone comprises Bahamas, is no newbie. Prior to going solo in 2009 (with his first album Pink Strat), Afie played with Feist, Zeus, Jason Collett, and the like. Lucky for us, Afie found the spotlight and a modified sound on his latest EP, Barchords. Afie's backup singers bring us back to the days of doo wop, creating a sound that is effortlessly pretty. 

What I love about Afie (besides the obvious) is his composure and control. His guitar skills are strong and his voice smooth -- the perfect storm of sexy. On this EP, try tracks like "Montreal," "Never Again" and "Overjoyed" to satisfy your acoustic cravings. More rock are "Caught Me Thinking" and "Okay Alright I'm Alive." The obvious front runner, however, is the bittersweet "Lost in the Light," a song, Afie admits, is about "the death of a relationship." I'd never let you go, Afie...

http://bahamasmusic.net/

Girl, Uninterrupted

Admittedly a bit late on the uptake, but I bet most of you, too, are DeVotchKa virgins. How I've gone all these years sans the musical stylings of the Denver, Colorado quartet is beyond me. Incorporating instruments that you probably can't even pronounce (dare you to say "bouzouki" five times fast), even the band's name is fun to say. DeVotchKa, a derivation of the word "girl" in Russian, has been at it for quite some time -- since 1997, to be precise. The band can attribute its humble beginnings to the vivacious crowds of underground burlesque and the loyal subjects of the genre's reigning queen, Dita Von Teese, with whom the members toured nationwide. 

Fortunately for the DeVotchKa crew, they elevated above ground and to greener pastures, nabbing an Oscar nod for the Little Miss Sunshine soundtrack (the majority of which the band scored). We may have glazed over the praise-worthy compilation -- and who can blame us after Abigail Breslin "Super Freak"-ed her way into the musical memory of the film -- but the Academy Awards sure didn't. Similarly, the band's sound has been recognized by the producers of "Everwood," "Weeds," the Bonnaroo Music Festival, the Grammy Awards and Billboard. 

The hardest part about loving this band is attempting to describe it to others, especially because of its eclectic sound. Described by some as "gypsy folk," the band reminds me a bit of Mariachi El Bronx at times (like on "Contrabanda" and "Along the Way" for example), The Drifters ("Somethin' Stupid") and even The Killers / Bruce Springsteen ("All the Sand in All the Sea;" "The Last Beat of My Heart;" The Alley"). And while the aforementioned tracks are among the top of my list of DeVotchKa tunes, the hands-down fav seems to be the oldie but great-ie "How It Ends." Try to keep your composure; it's quite melancholy. 

Near the West Coast? DeVotchKa is touring close to home through the month. Info at its site below.

http://devotchka.net/

Sundrenched Everywhere

We all know that I'm an alternative rock groupie (anyone else feel compelled to organize a sit-in at the WRXP studios in protest of its switch-over to WFAN?). What you may be unaware of is the newly launched www.InvenioMusic.com, which may just be my new vehicle for new music. Described by HartfordBusiness.com as "music social network that combined elements of American Idol and YouTube," the site gives aspiring artists a platform to enter contests, get feedback and achieve exposure and prizes. 

Thanks to Invenio, I've discovered the Connecticut-bred quartet Echo & Drake and what has become my sleep-song serenade.  Check out the band's "Morning Dove," below. While you're at it, try "Sundrenched Elsewhere," the title track from the band's late-2011 debut, as it is Invenio Music's recent "Original Song Winner." Looking for a reference? Think Snow Patrol meets The Cure meets Phoenix. 

http://www.echoanddrake.com/music/

Feel like celebrating? Join the site's creators and yours truly at the site's launch party tomorrow at NYC's Session 73 at 8pm. Comment for more details. 

Minor Glimpse of Major Lazer

The good news is -- after three long years -- Major Lazer has finally announced the upcoming release of its second studio album Free The Universe. The bad news? The Diplo project announced the album's delay shortly after, as the original November 6th date has now been pushed back to February 19, 2013. Lucky for us, it gave us a little taste to whet our appetites. An appropriate amuse-bouche for what is sure to be some scrumptious musical sustenance, as this is a compilation of the industry's finest. Featuring collaborations with Vampire Weekend's Ezra Koenig, Tyga, Bruno Mars, Wyclef Jean, Shaggy, Wynter Gordon, Dirty Projectors' Amber Coffman (on "Get Free") and others, the guest list is impressive. Check out the first single from the album below. 

Unfamiliar with the brainchild of Diplo (and formerly, of Switch)? You're more familiar with its work than you think. Have a listen to "Pon de Floor" ft. Vybz Kartel (also below). Ring a bell?

Major Lazer is playing Bowery Presents' Terminal 5 in New York on October 27th if you're looking for an excuse to start your Halloween boozing a few days early. Tickets and other info at the website below.

http://majorlazer.com/

In memory of MS.

The Beat Goes On...

Thus the time dreaded by middle-schoolers and adults alike is upon us: the end of summer. And while I maintain that there is nothing quite like listening to the feel-good sounds of Bob Marley or Michael Franti and the like with a cold beer on a summer's eve, the cool mornings and clear nights are a change welcomed by all those ready to part with the thick air and thunderstorms characteristic of August in New York. Still, most of us drudge into fall with a teary eye on summer in our rear view. How do I cope with this inevitable parting? I relish in the tunes that make the transition of seasons a little bit easier. Here are a few that strike me as uniquely autumn.

1. Crystal Fighters - "AT HOME"

One of the more recently released singles off the band's debut album Star of Love, this group describes its music as "fast, mesmeric and passionate." Frankly, sometimes that staccato rhythm works (see below) and sometimes, well, not so much (see "I Love London," off the same album). Either way, there's no denying that Crystal Fighters provides a great work out soundtrack. Run faster, bitch.

2. Real Fur - "ANIMAL"

With only this single to its name, this band has proven quite elusive. We know that "Animal" was released under the French Indie Label deBonton and that the group has perhaps a handful of songs to boast as of yet. More importantly, however, we know that this song kicks ass. See for yourself and have a listen.

3. Xaphoon Jones - "THE JACKSON PIT"

True that two wrongs don't make a right, but Xaphoon Jones proves that two olds make one badass new. Jones mashes Jackson 5's "I Want You Back" and Passion Pit's "Sleepyhead" to create a sound that's oh-so-September.

4. Of Monsters and Men - "SIX WEEKS"

At this point, we're all relatively familiar with this Iceland gem and their wildly successful single "Little Talks." My guess is, however, that you're just about sick of it and looking for something new from the group to stimulate your senses. Try this.

5. SKTRKT feat. Little Dragon- "WILDFIRE" 

Have you ever heard of an artist who is uncomfortable with attention? Me neither. Until now. A project founded by Aaron Jerome, this DJ/producer utilizes an alias and native masks to promote anonymity. His reasoning? "Let the music speak for itself." Amen brother.
(Thanks, MS).

Blame It On My ADD, Baby.

If at first you don't succeed... well, you know how that ends. Just ask Aaron Bruno, face and founder of AWOLNATION, formerly of the bands Under the Influence of Giants, Hometown Hero and Insurgence. Awolnation's single "Sail" is making big waves in the alternative rock community with the return of New York's "New Rock" station, 101.9 FM (apologies to my less-than-local readers for the nonsensical reference). Regardless of your proximity to the Empire State, however, you may still be familiar with the band, as its music has been featured on everything from a BMW commercial to "House" to "Sons of Anarchy," even a Portuguese Nokia LTE commercial. Released in March of 2011, "Sail" has now gone Platinum in the US and double-so in Canada.

The title of Awolnation's debut album, Megalithic Symphony, pretty much gives it away at the go. Listening to this album in its entirety seems as if intended to provide an all-inclusive, transcendent experience, beginning with an almost-instrumental title track that spans less than a minute to a grand finale "Knights of Shame" reminiscent of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" -- not in style or composition -- rather, in its length and constant evolution. The 12-minute song acts as a sort of summary of the album as a whole, showcasing the band's eclectic sound. Some of my other favorites include "All I Need" and "Kill Your Heroes." Like what you hear? Catch the guys on their US tour this Fall with (one of my absolute favorites) Imagine Dragons. Website's below for more info...

http://awolnationmusic.com/