3.21.2008

Branching Out

Just want to let you all know that, hopefully within a few days or so, you will be able to find my musical rantings on another page. I have been invited by the talented designers, and contributors, of 'Max Bumps' to join my fellow sixtyone brethren in blogging nothin' but music. I'm both delighted and flattered by the invitation; and hope that I'll be able to live up to the site's greatness.

And with that, I invite you all to visit MAX BUMPS to see what's new in regard to the artists and listeners involved with the greatest music site on the web.

Ta.

2.29.2008

It Comes But Once Every Four Years...

Yes, it's 'Leap Day' and I think I'm posting just for the sake of letting others know that yes, I am indeed still among the living. I survived my work 'marathon' (albeit barely) and spent today cleaning my apartment and getting my life back into a semblance of order. I'm so behind on everything now that it's darn near scary - but at least I have clean socks. So, rather than freak out and try to accomplish everything in a day, I parked my kiester on my couch this afternoon and watched a few episodes of the phenomenon that I missed until now: The Tudors. I highly recommend it to any of you out there that might like to watch the corruption and smut of the 16th century.

And with that, I think I shall return to my divot on the couch and refuel for tomorrow...

2.03.2008

2.02.2008

Super G-Men



They beat Dallas - in Dallas.
They beat Green Bay - in Green Bay.

They proved everyone wrong.

Now they've landed in Pheonix to play the Patriots for all the marbles.


Go Giants Go!!!


And even if they don't win (although I have a firm belief that they will; albeit in a squeaker), I'll still be smiling...


2.01.2008

Ready, Set, FAWM!

Welcome to a very special Friday edition of 'NRT'. Today, Friday, February 1st, marks the first day of FAWM (February Album Writing Month) 2008. Bring on 29 days of music making joy!

For those of you unfamiliar with the joys of FAWM, here's the quick and dirty:Back in 2003, four music lovers in Madison Wisconsin got together with the idea to make the darkest, coldest and shortest month of the year something special - each of them write 14 songs in 28 days. Needless to say, they had more material for the weekly 'open mike night' at the campus pub than ever before and plenty of folks (myself included) were quite impressed that most of the work was completed in just a day or two.

Now, it's five years later and there are over 1300 FAWMers taking the challenge! So, in honor of all the greatness that is FAWM, this month's NRTs will feature FAWM artists and their music (whether it be FAWM created or not). Consider this week's Ear Candy link to be a preview of the great things to come.

And with that, let the onslaught of demo uploading begin!!

1.18.2008

An Arsenal of Sound

Greetings and welcome to another edition of NRT (albeit a day late). This week, I thought I would change it up a bit and feature a female fronted group. Say Wa??? Yes, it's true... From time to time I actually do enjoy listening to the sound of someone from my own gender category. OK then, now that the shock of that is over, let's get down to business shall we? Put your hands together for:

Hot Bitch Arsenal

HBA is Christina - gifted with a smooth as silk made for jazz voice who does her own thing with her friend Kim - a man and his laptop (no, I'm not kidding). Now, I probably wouldn't have discovered their smooth, relaxing sound if it had not been for a funky, super-cool remix of their tune Double Down Quick done by the artist Nebulae. To hear this gem click
here and then click on the Double Down Quick (Nebulae Mix) link (it's the last one on the list in the player found to the left of the page).

Then, enjoy the smooth sounds of this duo by treating yourself to a warm drink and...

All Along The Chilltower

From The Start

You Bet I Will

Sailing On Right By

For an extra goodie (a surprising, and fabulous cover), check out the Ear Candy link on the sidebar.

1.13.2008

What's A Girl To Do?




The Giants won!!! So now, they head to Green Bay to play my
other favorite boys for the NFC Championship. **SIGH**...

This is tough to say, but months ago I had said that I would love
to see The Pack play New England and have The Pack win in
a
squeaker. So, (and I'm sorry NY) GO PACK!!

1.10.2008

I think I'm in love...


Today, I present lyrical genius Jonathan Coulton - a Yale grad who quit his day job as a computer programmer to focus on writing/performing music. Granted, I may have a bias given that he sings about all things science and geeky (and seems to have an affinity for monkeys!!); but damn, his stuff is catchy! All the tunes speak for themselves; so I'm going to keep it short and just let you decide (like I have) that this man deserves to a have a shire erected to him someplace.

I Feel Fantastic

I Crush Everything

Skullcrusher Mountain

1.03.2008

The Return Of NRT

So I totally admit that I've been slacking when it comes to ye olde blog. Especially when it comes to one of the reasons that I initially started it up in the first place - to expose readers to music. Thus, one of my resolutions this year is to do a better job with the music exposure and to bring back the weekly post of NRT (New Release Thursday for those who may have forgotten). Also, I am going to attempt to use NRT to expose brand new or under-exposed artists. And with that, let's get back to the music, shall we?

The first NRT of this new year brings you probably the best rock band you've never heard: Tenpenny Joke. Five amazingly talented guys from Down Under; the band is influenced by the likes of Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Black Sabbath. On first impression, they may come across as five average guys in yet another cookie-cutter alternative band; but they are anything but average. Lead singer Anthony Casey conveys such deep emotion with his voice that he draws listeners into each and every tune (many of which contain powerful, eye-opening lyrics) . While there, your ears are delighted with the amazing musicianship of guitarist (and sometimes vocalist) Brian Rimmer, drummer Jay Pinfield, guitarist Pete Coon, and bassist Jules Senserrick (what's not to like when they've got a guys named Jules?). Their sound is unlike anything I have ever heard and I was hooked the first time I heard the amazing
She. And if you like (and I'm certain that many of you will) please take a listen of other gems Black Satellite, Don't Go, Sense, and of course this week's ear candy link. Enjoy and then find their website and demand that they finish up that new record and get themselves state side pronto. I'm still trying to find a way to get my hands on a hard copy of the current album as it seems to only be available in Australia. Bah.

And with that, I will allow you to entertain your ears with the magical sounds of Tenpenny Joke. While you're at it, feel free to check out the new primate spot as well.

1.01.2008

Happy New Year!!

They got started late, but the Mummers have begun to strut their stuff down Broad Street here in Philadelphia. Thus, 2008 may officially begin!! Seriously, nothing is better for a New Year's hang over than a bunch of middle-aged men in elaborate costume carrying parasols down the street to the sound of a plucking banjo.

So, gather your sequins and feathers...




Grab your banjo...




And whatever you do, for heaven's sake, don't forget your parasol!!















HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!