What I'm Listening to Lately

Oh Hello.

I know, it's been awhile. Things have been busy, so this blog has been neglected a bit, but I'm hoping to not let it slide too much anymore with new music coming out in 2013! I thought I'd share some music that I've added to my iTunes as of late.

Our Wild Love - Low 
From the guys in Plain Jane Automobile comes a new project. Low is the first single off their new album, due out sometime next year. I love this song a lot - its a bit dark and ethereal, and a totally different direction from the Plain Jane Automobile music. I'm really itching to hear the rest of the album now. Oh and you can download their song, for FREE at the above web site.

Mumford & Sons - Babel
I love their folk-rock alternative sound and Babel is the follow up album to Sigh No More, which is just fantastic. As much as I love the first album, I think Babel is amazing. Mumford and Sons stay true to who they are, and it's worked for them. That's a true artist.

Flagship
This is a relatively new band that a friend of mine introduced me to this year, and oh lord they are fantastic. They have their Debut EP out on itunes right now, but I'm going to link to their newest song, Hollywood Underwater. I am VERY much looking forward to their full length album due out this spring on Bright Antenna.

Ryan Star- Stay Awhile
I know I posted the video for this song earlier this year when it came out, but I really can't get enough of it. Its sexy and suggestive, but still has an absolute rock vibe to it. Acoustic or full band, this song soars. Ryan is current in the studio working on his new album, which will hopefully be released early next year. I can't wait for the new stuff!

And because it's the holiday season, I have to link to my favorite holiday album right now

Josh Groban - Noel 
This album is just a beautiful album of classic songs, and Josh is one of my favorite artists. Not to mention, I'm a sucker for a baritone. The only thing missing in my opinion is his version of Oh Holy Night, which is not only one of my favorite Christmas songs, but I love how effortless he makes it seem, soaring through the high notes.

What about you? What are you listening to lately?

Kris Allen - The Vision of Love Video Premiere!

The Vision of Love video is here! The gorgeous video features Kris singing alone in a loft while the stories of 2 high school teens are intertwined. Directed by Lenny Bass and filmed in LA last month, the video is simple and well done, without the storyline taking away from the message of the song and promoting anti-bullying as well. The song is the lead single off of Kris's upcoming sophomore album, Thank You Camellia, set to drop on May 22. I personally love the song and I can't wait to hear the rest of the album.

Check out the video below, and don't forget to preorder the album!

Plain Jane Automobile - The Starlight Sessions Live Recordings

Plain Jane Automobile recently released the  Starlight Sessions Live Recordings -an acoustic recording of 3 songs - two of which are on the new album and were just stripped down, and the third is a great cover of Lykke Li's I Follow Rivers. I Follow Rivers opens the EP and it's a great upbeat tune to kick it off with. I honestly have never heard the original song, but I really dig their interpretation.

Stones is up next and if I didn't already love this song so much, the acoustic version would have sealed the deal. I love how gorgeous it is stripped down. Lead man Duke Crider's vocals just bring a sense of longing and wanting to the song, while the piano just takes it to a completely different place. This is hands down my absolute favorite track off the EP.

We Live in the Dark, Part 1 rounds out the three song set, and while its not stripped down as much as Stones, I love it. The acoustic track just brings a completely different vibe to the song while keeping the PJA sound that they're known for. I'd love to hear them do a completely acoustic album, and this EP is a great start. Also, did I mention that you can download the Starlight Sessions Live Recordings for FREE from Plain Jane Automobile's web site? While you're there getting the 3 acoustic songs, check out the rest of their music on their web site. Because that's free too.

Ryan Star - Stay Awhile Video

Hey, the blog is alive! I know its been a long time, but I'm finally getting back into the swing of things and will be periodically updating. I haven't abandoned it, no worries, dear readers. :)

Last week, Ryan Star unveiled the official video for his new single, Stay Awhile. I really love the song - I feel like it'd do well on radio and will be a great song for the summer. If you're in the Phoenix, AZ area, Mix 96.9 has been playing it - and it can also be streamed online. I'm super excited to see what's going to happen with it - and I can't wait for more new music from Ryan.

Here's the video - its PG-13 for some nudity and probably not safe for work. Let me know what you think!

Ten Years Later - 9/11

I can't believe its been 10 years since the day America changed forever. Ten years ago, I was a junior in college. I had not been feeling well and skipped my first class. I got up and turned on the computer before I turned on the TV and a good friend of mine had posted as his away message on AIM - There's some scary shit going on in NYC today and we still have to go to class.  This intrigued me, so I turned on the tv. and I saw the first tower fall. I can't even tell you what was going through my head at that moment. I decided that I wasn't going to go to the rest of my classes that day, so I stayed home and just watched the coverage. I didn't know anyone personally, but I knew that this was the moment in my life that I would always remember where I was in that moment. At some point, I had called my mom just for the assurance that she was ok - I remember that I didn't want to be alone anymore, so I went over to the newspaper office on campus and found all the other editors there too. There was a vigil on campus that night. I cried and wondered what would happen next. The creepiest thing though was the sound of silence - there was a small airport near campus, and we were so used to hearing the planes fly overhead. The silence in those first few days while all air traffic was grounded was just deafening. I remember I flew to New Orleans 6 weeks later. Everyone said to my mother How could you let her go? But we all knew that it was probably the safest time to be on a plane.

Now, 10 years later, we remember. Earlier this year I went to NYC and went to the memorial museum at ground zero for the first time. It was one of the most powerful experiences I've ever had. From seeing the images again, to hearing the stories of the people who had to help, to seeing the way that the memorial would look when it was done. I was in tears the entire time I was in there. I would like to go to the memorial the next time I'm in New York, now that it's finished, to remember and reflect. I will also say that last October, I went to New York and walked the Brooklyn Bridge. It was a hugely emotional and powerful moment, knowing so many people took to the bridge to just get the hell out of Lower Manhattan. Even though I'm not in New York today, I remember. The weather is strangely reminiscent of the way it was 10 years ago - sunny and warm with a hint of fall in the air. It seems fitting.

Thank you to all the first responders and may those who lost their lives and their families feel peace today. The anniversary will never be easy and it should never be a day that's just passed by. It will forever be a day of reflection and a day of remembrance.
Never forget. 9/11/11

Middle Class Rut - Busy Bein' Born Video

A few weeks ago, Middle Class Rut's newest video for Busy Bein' Born hit the airwaves (well, the internet). Following on the heels of the their first single New Low, the video is dark, following a young boy who is kidnapped and forced to participate in violent combat. I'm putting a warning on this for any triggers that anyone may have and this video contains adult themes/subject matter. While the concept and subject matter for the video was a huge risk, it works well for the song. Busy Bein' Born is featured on the Transformers 3 soundtrack and has helped Middle Class Rut break into the rock scene. After touring with Linkin Park, the California-based alternative rock duo was named the "2011 Artist to Watch" by MTV and is currently part of the Vans Warped Tour lineup.

I would usually embed the video on here, but since its pretty dark and really not suitable for anyone under I'd say, 18, I'm just going to link to it. Please use your own judgment watching it.

Busy Bein' Born Video

Jimmy Gnecco (of Ours) - Studio at Webster Hall, NYC, 7.17.2011

So I'm doing things a little out of order here, but that's what keeps life interesting, right? I originally wasn't planning on going to this show, since it was a Sunday night and weeknight shows can be hard for me with travel and work. But I was already going to be in NYC that weekend for the Culture Fix show the previous Friday so with a little bit of convincing, I decided to stay the full weekend and wrap my 4-show run at the Studio at Webster Hall. I'm so glad I did - it was one of the most awesome shows I've been to. But let me back up and start at the beginning.

Plain Jane Automobile - Fontana's, NYC 6.25.11

Photo Credit: Lisa Gansky Photography

I was really glad I was able to catch this show since Plain Jane isn't coming to Boston on this tour, and I love seeing them live. When it turned out they were playing in NYC the same weekend that I was already in the area, I decided to stay an extra night for the show. Fontana's is an interesting venue - its tiny, first of all, and second of all, the music room is downstairs, so its almost like being in someone's basement. PJA wasn't playing until 11, so Lisa and I got there around 10:30, right in the middle of the opener's set. Liat was really interesting - very folksy and bluesy, and sang a great medley of the Cranberries' Zombie and Dreams, along with her own original music. From what I heard, I liked a lot. She finished and Plain Jane got ready to take the stage.

Jimmy Gnecco - Northstar Bar, Philadelphia 6.24.11

Photo Courtesy of Lisa Gansky Photography

This was the show that we almost didn't make it to thanks to the traffic from hell. But we made it, just as Lukas Rossi was finishing his set, so we didn't miss any of Jimmy.  Northstar is a cool venue with a high stage, so even if you're standing in the back of the room, you can still see the performer. When we first walked in, Lukas Rossi was just finishing up and was sitting on a chair on the stage. Even though I was at the bar, I could still see him and the acoustic were great. In addition, there is an upstairs balcony that pretty much hangs right over the top of the stage. Its a nice alternative that gives you a different perspective. Its also nice when its super crowded. The show that night wasn't, but there was still a good crowd.

Jimmy Gnecco - Mystery Video + Summer Tour Dates

The video for Jimmy Gnecco's  Mystery, off of The Heart was released yesterday and its simply gorgeous. This song became a quick favorite from the minute I heard it - the video makes me love it more. I'd love to know who the song is about but I get the vibe that it's so insanely personal I know that I'd never ask Jimmy about it. He has mentioned that he wrote it in about 30 seconds though!



Also, Jimmy is touring this summer. Check out the dates!  More details on JimmyGnecco.com

June 24 - Northstar Bar, Philadelphia, PA
June 25 - Blind Tiger, Greensboro, NC
June 29 - Rodriguez Room @ The Goat Farm, Atlanta, GA
June 30 - Pale Eddies, Birmingham, AL
July 2 - Allways Lounge, New Orleans, LA
July 5 - The Plaza Live, Orlando, FL
July 7 - 12th and Porter, Nashville, TN
July 8 - Rumba Cafe, Columbus, OH
July 10 - TT the Bear's, Cambridge, MA
July 14 - Jammin' Java, Vienna, VA
July 15 - Culture Fix, New York, NY
July 17 - The Studio at Webster Hall, New York, NY
July 28 - The Walnut Room, Denver, CO
July 31 - Martini Ranch, Scottsdale, AZ
August 3 - Stubbs BBQ (Inside), Austin, TX
August 5 - The Prophet Bar, Dallas, TX

More dates TBA.

Ryan Star - Wolf Den, Mohegan Sun 6.10.11

I'd never been to the Wolf Den at Mohegan Sun before last weekend - but its a place I will definitely be back to. Its such a unique venue - literally right in the middle of the casino, and open, so anyone can see in but it's intimate and only holds about 300 people. Perfect for a night rocking out with Ryan Star and his band. I arrived around 530, as I wasn't sure what time doors were going to be opening and met up with Melissa, Emily and Christy. There wasn't a real long line when we arrived but as time went on (and we listened to soundcheck), the line got longer. Finally, around 645 we were allowed in, and seated. I was off to the left side of the stage, but at one of the front tables. We all got up once Ryan came out and stood at the stage anyway, so seating really didn't matter. The show was free, but not sold out - there were some empty booths along the back of the room.

David Cook - WXLO Music Loft - Green Hills Golf Club 6.7.2011

David's been doing quite a bit of radio promo for his upcoming album, This Loud Morning, set to drop on June 28, and one of the stops along his way was in Worcester MA, at WXLO's Music Loft. I was stoked to win tickets, as I've been to a few other loft shows before, and they're always super intimate and super fun. I was surprised to find out that it was off site at Green Hills Golf Club in Worcester instead of at the radio station but it was a gorgeous summer night (a bit on the warm side) and we were in a gorgeous location.

30 Seconds to Mars - A Cinematic Call to Arms (Cross Linked from The Screen Door)

I don't usually cross link to other blogger's posts but this is one really worth reading. This was posted on 30 Seconds to Mars' homepage today, as well as published on antiMusic.com as part of the 13th anniversary of the site. This blog puts into words exactly what This is War, 30STM's latest album makes me feel when I listen to it. It's honest. And raw. And brilliant writing.

There's certain artists who's music I love because its good. I enjoy listening to it. I'd go see them in concert if they came locally, but wouldn't travel for it. Then there's artists that make music that make me feel. The songwriting is raw and honest and the vocals are incredible. 30 Seconds to Mars now goes onto that very short list of artists. (I'm sure from the bands I write about on my blog, you can guess who the others are).

Even if you're not a fan of 30 Seconds to Mars, I encourage you to read this. Because it holds true not just for that one band, but for any album or song that has ever made you feel alive, made you shed tears and be hopeful all at the same time. The one band that you will jump through hoops to see live, travel for, spend hours trying to explain to those who just don't get it - and then finding out that you're in good company when you find those who do.

30 Seconds to Mars - A Cinematic Call to Arms - The Screen Door, with Anthony Kuzminski

Plain Jane Automobile - Bowery Electric, NYC 5.14.11

Saturday night was Plain Jane Automobile's last CD release show at the Bowery Electric to celebrate the release of Your Tomorrow, and I was glad I got to be there. The turnout was really fantastic - I had arrived a bit early (doors were at 730) and there was really no one there by the time the first opening band, Two Lights, played to an almost empty room (too bad, they were quite good) and then the second opening band Sons of George continued to warm the crowd. By the time Plain Jane was ready to come on, it was pretty full. They never fail to put on a great show, and Saturday night was no exception. The set started off with the single, You Were Only a Song and it did the exact thing that it does on the album - really set the tone for the rest of the night. I loved hearing these songs live - they are so fabulous on the album, and live the songs just came to life.

Mike Robins - Rockwood Music Hall, NYC - 5.14.2011

While I was in NYC last weekend, I found out my good friend Mike Robins was playing a show at Rockwood after the Plain Jane show - so once that wrapped up, I headed over, as it was pretty close and he wasn't playing until 1am. I'd never been to Rockwood before. Its a fantastic intimate venue, with kickass acoustics and no cover. It's probably one of the best kept secrets in New York, and no matter who's playing, its a great time. When I arrived, I met up with Serena and we hung out with Mike for a little bit before it was time for his set. A couple of the other bands had run a little over, so by the time he took the stage, it was after 1, but it didn't matter. There was still a good crowd there and since it was so intimate, you could be anywhere in the room and still see, but like to be right up front because its all about the connection. And connect Mike did. Even though it was him and his acoustic guitar, he had me captured from the first note he sang to the last. His stage presence is just incredible. I'd actually love to see him fronting his band as well - because I think that'd be amazing.

One Year Later + Music that Inspires Me

I realized the other day that I've had this blog for a full year. I can't believe it's been that long - and its been quite a year. Looking back - the amount of shows I've been to, the amount of things I've done - I just can't wrap my head around it. I feel like I've done a lot and shared so many experiences - and just the fact that I've kept up with it for so long. When I started, I was just doing this for me, and while I still am - I also love sharing it with all of you - thank you to everyone who's read this, supported it, and shared it. I am excited to see what the future brings!

That all being said, I've been thinking about doing a post about this the last few days, and I figured this was a good tie in with the sentimental post. I'm inspired by music daily and it sometimes hits like a ton of bricks and sometimes it worms its way into my head over a period of time. Here are a few songs that have inspired me over the last year.

Ours - Ran Away to Tell The World
This song was one of the sneaky ones. It wormed its way into my head over a period of time and just didn't leave. It's now one of my favorite songs and one that I listen to to feed my brain daily and to remind me that I can't wait around for things to happen - I need to make them happen.

Ryan Star - 11:59
The whole album actually ties in with the theme of live in the moment and don't let life pass you by because the best times are the ones right now, but I just love the simplicity of it. I first heard it the first time I heard him play live and went nuts trying to find it because I needed it in my life, and I'm glad to say, it was absolutely worth the wait.

30 Seconds to Mars - Closer to the Edge
This came about kind of randomly - I saw 30STM 2 weeks ago in Boston, as I'd won tickets. I've liked them for awhile and really really loved their latest album, but this song hit me like a ton of bricks when I ended up really listening to the lyrics. And now I've fallen down the rabbit hole. Which is really not a bad place to be!

I'm headed to NYC this weekend to catch Plain Jane Automobile's release show and also Mike Robins is playing an acoustic set, so look for posts on both of those next week. :)

Plain Jane Automobile Your Tomorrow Available TODAY

Today's the day folks! Plain Jane Automobile's highly anticipated new album, Your Tomorrow is now available at their web site. Definitely go and check it out, it has a distinct sound that carries from a small club to an arena setting (someday) without losing the PJA twist. My full recap of is here and you can go here and order it.

Also don't forget about the upcoming release shows!

May 11 - Center Stage/Vinyl, Atlanta GA • Tickets/Info
May 12 - 12th and Porter, Nashville TN • Tickets/Info
May 14 - Bowery Electric, New York,  NY • Tickets/Info

30 Seconds to Mars - Agganis Arena, Boston 5.1.11

I was not only lucky enough to win tickets for this show, but I also won meet and greet passes to meet the band beforehand. I had never seen them live before, but have loved This is War since I heard it and I'd heard nothing but good things about them in concert, so I was excited. I had no idea if my tickets would be GA floor or if they would be assigned seating, so I arrived at the Agganis Arena early. Apparently, arriving early paid off - I got street parking - score! I picked up my tickets and stressed a little as no one seemed to know anything about the meet and greet for the radio station.

Plain Jane Automobile - Your Tomorrow - First Reaction

Plain Jane Automobile’s new album, Your Tomorrow, is set to be released on May 9, and it’s probably one of my most anticipated for this year. I’ve loved PJA since I saw them on tour with Ours 3 years ago, and not only are they fantastic musicians, they are fantastic guys. I had heard some of the new stuff last September/October, but this is the first time I’ve heard the cohesive album. And it’s really fantastic. Overall, it tells a complete story from beginning to end, and brings it full circle with the radio edit of the lead single You Were Only a Song. The album has a very U2-esque sound without losing the distinctive Plain Jane sound that fans have come to know and love.

David Cook - The Last Goodbye VIDEO

David Cook premiered his lead single, The Last Goodbye off his sophomore album, This Loud Morning, slated to drop on June 28. And man, was it good to see him and the band back on the Idol stage again, and just on my tv singing new music in general. It'd been too long. The single, which is a Cook/Ryan Tedder co-write, is amazing, and I really think it is going to blow up the radio this summer. It's a perfect song for driving with the windows down and the radio cranked up.

You can preorder the album on David Cook Official or Amazon, and you can buy the single on Amazon or itunes. And check out the video from tonight's performance, right here!