Ingrid Michaelson: The Way You Say Good Morning

I first saw Ingrid Michaelson perform in 2007 as an opening act for Matt Nathanson.  I had never heard of her, and just expected her to fill the time before seeing Matt Nathanson take he stage.  She did way more than that.  Her performance was outstanding.  Not only did she have a beautiful voice, but she also sang the themes to "Fresh Prince of Bel Air" and "Full House".  Awesome, right!?  Then she came back out to accompany Matt Nathanson on one of my favorite songs, "Loud".

Since then, Ingrid Michaelson has experienced a great deal of success.  Her songs have been featured on way more TV shows than I can name, and she's worked with a plethora of great musicians.  Her 2007 album Boys and Girls features "The Way I Am" and "Breakable" two of her most popular songs.  Two subsequent releases Be O.K. (2008) and Everybody (2009) have been met with positive reviews.

Here's Ingrid Michaelson performing "The Way I Am".  It's a lovely song, and holds a special place in my heart due to the reference to Rogaine.... I'm balding.

Enjoy the song?  Take a gander at Ingrid Michaelson's website.

Concert Review: Freelance Whales @ 9:30 Club, Washington, DC- 5.6.11

I only started listening to Freelance Whales in December, but ever since I've been looking forward to an opportunity to see them live.  Last night I got my chance!

Their debut release, Weathervanes, does not have a weak point on it.  It's one of those albums that needs to be listened to from start to finish, as if each song is a chapter to a story.  The outstanding nature of Freelance Whales' debut release led to high expectations.  I was a little nervous though.  One of my favorite things about Freelance Whales is that they play very unique instruments, and many of them are electronic.  I wasn't sure it would all come together live, like it does on the studio album.  It turns out, my fears would unfounded.  In fact, they sounded better than the album!

The band came out to "Vessels" an instrumental track from the album, then opened with "Generator (First Floor)".  This song was meant to open a show-perfect!  Next, the band played "Enzymes" which was released as a single this past November.  If it's an indication of what's the come on the next album, then I'm excited!  Throughout the show, every song off Weathervanes was played.  Seeing them perform live, it's easy to see how talented every member truly is.  They consistently switch instruments, and take turns grabbing the lead.  These aren't your everyday instruments either.  Sure there's a guitar, drums, and keyboard.  There's also a banjo, glockenspiel, mandolin, and synthesizer to name a few.  Highlights included "Starring", "Ghosting", and "Hannah".  I was thoroughly impressed, and will hopefully be seeing them again soon!

Freelance Whales: If You're Vaguely Attracted To Rooftops

Since I first heard Freelance Whales, I've been looking forward to seeing them live.  Tonight, they're playing the 9:30 Club and I'm very excited!  I'm also pumped because Foals is co-headlining the show tonight, and I don't know too much about them.  Hopefully, I'll have another band to feature on the blog after seeing them! 

To celebrate tonight's show, today's post has not one, but two videos!  Freelance Whales recently visited Public School 22 in Staten Island and the PS 22 Chorus.  These kids and their teacher rock!  Check out their blog and see all the amazing people they have met and the amazing music they've made!  This is the reason why the arts need to remain a part of education!  Freelance Whales and the chorus performed a couple songs, and the band answered a few questions.  I'm completely jealous of these kids.

Check them out performing "Hannah" complete with some bonus footage.

Here's the band and chorus collaborating on "Generator (First Floor)".  Then, via request, Freelance Whales perform "Generator (Second Floor)" for the students.

Concert review of tonight's show to follow!

Cover Thursdays- Everything Looks Perfect From Far Away

"Such Great Heights" is most likely one of the defining songs from the last decade of Indie music.  From it's original Postal Service version, to it's immensely popular Iron & Wine cover version, this song maintains it's beauty.  It's difficult to beat Postal Service's or Iron & Wine's take on the song.   However, this version from Ben Folds is a whole lot of fun. It includes dozens of guitars and even cell phones and instruments.  No one in music uses audience participation better than Ben Folds.

Here's Ben Folds' cover of "Such Great Heights", originally by Postal Service!



Manchester Orchestra: When I Need You, I Need It Quickly

If you just looked at the members of Manchester Orchestra, you may not expect them to sound the way they do.  But this band plays with so much emotion, you get over their looks pretty quickly.  They play with an energetic passion that shows up in all their songs.  Formed outside of Atlanta in 2005, Manchester Orchestra has really taken off.  Their next album Simple Math hits stores next Tuesday May 10th.

Here's Manchester Orchestra with an amazing performance of "I've Got Friends" off Mean Everything and Nothing.

Need more right?  Check out the website.

Ryan Montbleau Band: A Mighty Dose Of Hey Look At Night Time Me

Ryan Montbleau has been turning out music, either as a solo artist or with a band, since 1999.  Like so many other artists today, he cut his teeth on the streets of Boston, developing a devoted following.  With a soulful voice and generally uplifting lyrics, Ryan Montbleau Band is a refreshing taste of something new.  Last year Martin Sexton produced the band's latest release, Heavy On The Vine.  I'd also recommend 2006's release, One Fine Color.

Here's Ryan Montbleau with a solo acoustic performance of "75 and Sunny" off 2007's Patience On A Friday album.  It's an incredibly positive song/message.  Hope you enjoy!

Ryan Montbleau and his band are currently touring!  They'll be at the Iota in Arlington on May 20th.  Check out their website for more tour dates, as well as information on the band!

Meiko: Give Me A Reason To Fall In Love

Oh Meiko, how I love you.  Waaay back in 2008 I was at Jammin' Java to see Joe Purdy in concert.  Then out of nowhere, an angel walked on stage.  That angel was named Meiko.  I'm kidding, I don't know if she's really an angel.  But if angels exist, I'm pretty sure they look and sound like Meiko.

Anyway, I had never heard of Meiko, but she put on a great opening set.  I loved her voice, but perhaps more than her voice she had a great stage presence.  She was hilarious, poking fun at herself, her hometown, and a few polite jokes about the audience.  Her self-titled debut album was released in 2007, and experienced a good deal of success on iTunes.

Here's Meiko performing "Reasons To Love You".  Enjoy.... but not too much... we're seeing each other.

Meiko on myspace!  Go here!