Ray LaMontagne can sing just about anything and it would sound beautiful. He does a masterful job with this Lucinda Williams song, "Fruits Of My Labor"
This is the last update for a few days. I'll be without internet for a stretch as I just moved into a new house!
Be on the lookout for a future updates on Ray LaMontagne. I just have to settle on which song is my favorite!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Matt Nathanson: I Can Almost Believe That I'm Almost Enough
Matt Nathanson is absolutely one of my favorite artists to see live! Not only is he incredibley talented, but he's also hilarious. It's a concert and a comedy act all rolled into one. While Matt Nathanson's humor is an added bonus, the real star is the music. His songs are geniune with powerful lyrics, that are some of my favorite to quote. He also plays off the wall covers. Songs like Prince's "Starfish and Coffee", Boston's "More Than A Feeling", throw in some Bon Jovi, Springsteen, Ozzy Osborne, the man can find a way to play anything.
One of my favorite things about Matt Nathanson is how in touch he is with his fans. More than any other artist I know, he is constantly in contact with fan through facebook, twitter, mailing lists, and blogs. He's a pioneer and lover of music as well. While music companies are struggling to figure out how to utilize the internet, Matt Nathanson has been a strong supporter of using the internet to help mid and lower level bands get their music heard. He's a champion of struggling musicians, and I think, and excellent role model to follow for anyone starting out in music.
So, Matt Nathanson hasn't released a new album in almost four years. However, just a few weeks ago we received the great news that a new album, entitled Modern Love will be coming in June! It's been far too long. Here's Matt Nathanson performing "Suspended" from 2003's Beneath These Fireworks.I
One of my favorite things about Matt Nathanson is how in touch he is with his fans. More than any other artist I know, he is constantly in contact with fan through facebook, twitter, mailing lists, and blogs. He's a pioneer and lover of music as well. While music companies are struggling to figure out how to utilize the internet, Matt Nathanson has been a strong supporter of using the internet to help mid and lower level bands get their music heard. He's a champion of struggling musicians, and I think, and excellent role model to follow for anyone starting out in music.
So, Matt Nathanson hasn't released a new album in almost four years. However, just a few weeks ago we received the great news that a new album, entitled Modern Love will be coming in June! It's been far too long. Here's Matt Nathanson performing "Suspended" from 2003's Beneath These Fireworks.I
You need to see Matt Nathanson live! You won't regret it. I'm sure tour dates will accompany the June release of Modern Love, so be sure to check in with Matt Nathanson's website for updates!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
The Avett Brothers: Every Chorus Was Your Name
I never thought I'd enjoy a band like The Avett Brothers. Before I was given their CD, anything that was somewhat similar to bluegrass just wasn't appealing to me. Well this band changed that. Three songs in, and I was sold. Not only on them, but on bluegrass too. Since that time I've discovered bands like Frontier Ruckus and Trampled By Turtles.
The Avett Brothers rise to fame is refreshing. Sometimes it seems like being a "successful" artist is more about looks than it is about talent. However, for a band from the hills of North Carolina playing bluegrass, to make it on to the Grammy's it can't possibly be about looks... trust me! The Avett Brother's 2009 release, I and Love and You catapulted the band into stardom, but their entire catalog is outstanding.
The Avett Brothers are an amazing band to see live! Here they are playing "Laundry Room" from I and Love and You.
The Avett Brothers rise to fame is refreshing. Sometimes it seems like being a "successful" artist is more about looks than it is about talent. However, for a band from the hills of North Carolina playing bluegrass, to make it on to the Grammy's it can't possibly be about looks... trust me! The Avett Brother's 2009 release, I and Love and You catapulted the band into stardom, but their entire catalog is outstanding.
The Avett Brothers are an amazing band to see live! Here they are playing "Laundry Room" from I and Love and You.
The Avett Brothers' website always has something new, so check it out!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals: If I Was A Judge I'd Break The Law
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals formed in 2002, and have been steadily growing in popularity ever since. Their musical style is a bit refreshing in a day where few female musicians venture into the world of rock, choosing to remain in the confines of the pop world. Ten minutes into a Grace Potter and the Nocturnals concert and it's clear that this band goes far beyond pop.
Here's Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, using some pretty inventive instruments to perform their latest single, "Paris (Ohh La La)".
Here's Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, using some pretty inventive instruments to perform their latest single, "Paris (Ohh La La)".
For more info, take a look at the band's website.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Concert Review: The Damnwells @ Iota, Arlington, VA- 3.26.2011
Last night was my first trip to The Iota, a small club and cafe in Arlington, Virginia, with a capacity just under 200 people. A few weeks ago, my friend Teresa mentioned The Damnwells and the concert. Never one to turn down a suggestion from Teresa, I was happy to tag along for the show.
I only started listening The Damnwells this week when I downloaded their new release, No One Listens To The Band Anymore, but they've been around for the better part of a decade now. They remind me of a 90's band, but in the best way possible. They have pretty catchy lyrics, but none that are prepackaged or cliched. They remind me a bit of a band like Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers, or to go back to high school, a band like Tonic or The Wallfowers would be suitable comparisons.
We arrived at the show right before the second opening band, Harper Blynn, took the stage. I think every inch of space was accounted for, as tiny club must have been sold out. Harper Blynn performed a very good set, and I'm looking forward to listening them a bit more. I was quite impressed. The Damnwells took the stage just a shade past 11. They played a very energetic set, featuring a good split between songs from the new album and songs from albums past. The highlight for me was their new song "Werewolves". Not being terribly familiar with their material, they really kept me engaged throughout the entire show. It was a great way to end a tremendous day!
Here's a performance of "Werewolves" from a previous show. I'd highly recommend getting to know The Damnwells. I know their album will be playing on my speakers for quite some time.
To see if The Damnwells are coming to a town near you, or to purchase some Damnwells music head here.
I only started listening The Damnwells this week when I downloaded their new release, No One Listens To The Band Anymore, but they've been around for the better part of a decade now. They remind me of a 90's band, but in the best way possible. They have pretty catchy lyrics, but none that are prepackaged or cliched. They remind me a bit of a band like Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers, or to go back to high school, a band like Tonic or The Wallfowers would be suitable comparisons.
We arrived at the show right before the second opening band, Harper Blynn, took the stage. I think every inch of space was accounted for, as tiny club must have been sold out. Harper Blynn performed a very good set, and I'm looking forward to listening them a bit more. I was quite impressed. The Damnwells took the stage just a shade past 11. They played a very energetic set, featuring a good split between songs from the new album and songs from albums past. The highlight for me was their new song "Werewolves". Not being terribly familiar with their material, they really kept me engaged throughout the entire show. It was a great way to end a tremendous day!
Here's a performance of "Werewolves" from a previous show. I'd highly recommend getting to know The Damnwells. I know their album will be playing on my speakers for quite some time.
To see if The Damnwells are coming to a town near you, or to purchase some Damnwells music head here.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Cover Thursdays- Where You Goin' With That Gun In Your Hand?
Martin Sexton is a treasure of modern music. This video is like watching some average Joe who just enjoys playing music for people.... except Martin Sexton is extraordinarily talented. He adds so much soul to the song, without extra bells and whistles.
Here's Martin Sexton covering Jimi Hendrix's "Hey Joe".
Here's Martin Sexton covering Jimi Hendrix's "Hey Joe".
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
The Heavy: And I'm In Deep
The Heavy's hit song "How You Like Me Now?" has been featured on just about every TV show imaginable. Well, not every TV show, but according to Wikipedia it's been on at least five seperate shows... oh, it was also prominently used in the 2010 Academy Award Nominated film "The Fighter." Not bad, I suppose. This band from the UK seemed to find their niche with their blend of rock, funk, and soul. The energy they bring to a live performance would even make me dance!
I couldn't pick just one video of The Heavy performing "How You Like Me Now". Both videos are just too good. So here they are performing their hit at KEXP in Seattle, and on the David Letterman Show. Letterman liked it so much, he asked them to perform it again! Enjoy, and try not to dance too hard!
Here's the website! Check 'em out!
I couldn't pick just one video of The Heavy performing "How You Like Me Now". Both videos are just too good. So here they are performing their hit at KEXP in Seattle, and on the David Letterman Show. Letterman liked it so much, he asked them to perform it again! Enjoy, and try not to dance too hard!
Here's the website! Check 'em out!
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