Bryan Scary & The Shredding Tears

+ Chicago native BRYAN SCARY recorded his 2007 debut solo, before recruiting the rest of THE SHREDDING TEARS and setting up shop in Brooklyn. The five-piece group features Graham Norwood on guitar, Mike Acreman on keys, David Ostrem on bass, and Brian Bauer on drums, with Scary on vocals and keys. BSST has been called "psychedelic," "progressive," "quirky," and "strange," but they consider themselves first and foremost a pop band. 2008's FLIGHT OF THE KNIFE fused glam, psych rock, and theatrical 70s pop with science fiction narratives and elaborate children's stories. A conceptual tour-de-force, the album hit #6 on the iTunes Rock Chart after being made Editor's Choice, and amassed a significant cult following. The group continues to win fans with their flamboyant and maniacally-energetic stage shows -- multimedia events which showcase the band's story-telling and flair for the dramatic.

BSST's new EP, MAD VALENTINES, is a joint release with Elijah Woods' Simian Records and Old Flame Records - it will drop on October 27th. The band recorded the album in LA with producer Jonathan Sadoff (a member of the band thenewno2). An additional EP track was then recorded in Brooklyn and produced by Bryce Goggin (Pavement, The Apples In Stereo). The lead-off track on the EP, "Andromeda's Eyes," is available here.

Pretty in pink for a good cause!

Ariel recently released a cover of the Psychedelic Furs’ classic “Pretty in Pink.” The cover takes a new twist on the ‘80s rock classic by adding a string section and infusing Ariel’s Bowie-esque sound. Ariel covered the song not only because of his love for the Furs, but also because he thought it to be the perfect vehicle for spreading optimism and hope amongst women battling breast cancer. Ariel’s close friend of twenty plus years was diagnosed in May 2005 with stage III breast cancer, and today can call herself a survivor. This inspired him to partner with the Greater New York City Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and donate proceeds of $.54 cents from each iTunes sale of the single during the entire month of April.

It’s a great way for music lovers to make a contribution towards eradicating breast cancer while adding new music to their iTunes libraries.

Please visit www.arielaparicio.com/komen for the direct link where you can purchase the single.

Raul Malo, he's a lucky one

+ Soon, a review of cuban-american musician Raul Malo, leader of the great The Mavericks.

+ Raul Malo’s Fantasy Records label debut album, Lucky One, finds him fully shedding his musical shackles. “I have been fighting my whole life against people who want to pigeonhole music. I feel like I’ve got no restrictions anymore.” Malo is known for his work as the frontman of the Grammy Award-winning, globally platinum- and gold-certified band the Mavericks. Following two albums of covers, Lucky One is Malo’s first album original material in seven years.

+ Malo has earned much critical respect over the years. USA Today applauded “a voice that seems to have no limits of range or versatility.” The New York Times said, “Malo has an exceptional voice, a burnished tenor that harks back to Roy Orbison and the great Cuban singer Beny Moré.” Rolling Stone added, “Raul Malo has a voice on par with the best of ‘em: Sinatra, George Jones and Orbison.” And The Wall Street Journal opined: “Malo’s superb voice is big and melodic with a natural vibrato. Exquisite.”

+ Malo wrote Lucky One over a two-year period at his Nashville home and was so happy with the results that several of his home demos appear as final versions on the CD. For the balance of the album, he once again enlisted Steve Berlin, best known for his work with Los Lobos and who worked on Malo’s 2001 Today album, as co-producer. “I trust Steve musically,” Malo says. “Art comes first with him. That’s the most important quality of all. Nothing gets in the way of that.” Lucky One follows You’re Only Lonely and After Hours, two CDs of cover songs written by Malo’s favorite tunesmiths including Kris Kristofferson, Dwight Yoakam, Willie Nelson and Roger Miller. "How could that not influence my songwriting on Lucky One?” Malo asks. “It certainly had an effect on how I wrote for this. There’s an appreciation for song structure, melody and lyric that these guys certainly had.” Songs on Lucky One range from the upbeat “Moonlight Kiss,” to songs like “One More Angel” and “Rosalie,” which take on mortality and the loss of life. “Hello Again” is a deceptively upbeat, swinging tale of heartbreak, and the closing track “So Beautiful” is an ultimately uplifting benediction influenced by events in and outside Malo’s home.

* Listen to lucky one.
* Listen to for you.
Listen to The Mavericks:
* Listen to hot burrito #1.
* Listen to dance the night away.
* Listen to Dolores.
* Listen to someone should tell her.

Green River Ordinance, rockers

+ The name Green River Ordinance is given to a common American city ordinance prohibiting door-to-door solicitation. Under such an ordinance, it is illegal for any business to sell their items door-to-door without express permission from the household beforehand. Some versions prohibit all organizations, including non-profit charitable, political, and religious groups, from soliciting or canvassing any household that makes it clear, in writing, that it does not want such solicitations (generally with a "No Trespassing" or "No Solicitations" sign posted). The ordinance is named for the city of Green River, Wyoming, the first city to enact it (Wikipedia dixit).

+ But, Green River Ordinance are texan rockers releasing Out Of My Hands on February 24, 2009. The band is composed of singer/guitarist Josh Jenkins, brothers Jamey (guitar) and Geoff Ice (bass), Denton Hunker (drums) and Joshua Wilkerson (guitar). For Out Of My Hands, the band teamed up with producers Mark Endert (Natasha Bedingfield, Maroon 5, Gavin DeGraw), Jordan Critz and Paul Ebersold (Sister Hazel, 3 Doors Down, Third Day) while still keeping the songwriting in-house. The resulting album will be familiar to the band’s hardcore fans while reflecting the additional time and expertise that went into its creation.

+ Out Of My Hands builds on accessible, hook-laden songs suitable for cruising—windows down and radio blaring. Reminiscent of arena-ready, larger-than-life rock bands, Green River Ordinance expertly blends emotive vocals, guitars-to-11 and anthemic choruses to deliver moments certain to move crowds, with lighters (or phones) inevitably waving in the air (unknown writer, good!).

+ Listen to the guys in their space or in facebook.

Nerina Pallot - Everybody's Gone to War

* Now that we know that they knew, although we knew it from the beginning, again, we have to say it again:

* Nerina Pallot: everybody's gone to war.

I've got a friend, he's a pure-bred killing machine,
He said he's waited his whole damn life for this,
I knew him well when he was seventeen,
Now he's a man who'll be dead by Christmas.

And, so...
Everybody's going to war,
But we don't know what we're fighting for,
Don't tell me it's a worthy cause,
No cause could be so worthy.

If love is a drug, I guess we're all sober,
If hope is a song I guess it's all over,
How to have faith, when faith is a crime?
I don't want to die...
If God's on our side, then God is a joker,
Asleep on the job, his children fall over,
Running out through the door and straight to the sky,
I don't want to die...

For every man who wants to rule the world,
There'll be a man who just wants to be free,
What do we learn but what should not be learnt?
Too late to find a cure for this disease.

so...
Everybody's going to war,
But we don't know what we're fighting for,
Don't tell me it's a worthy cause,
No cause could be so worthy.

If love is a drug, I guess we're all sober,
If hope is a song, I guess it's all over,
How to have faith, when faith is a crime?
I don't want to die...
If God's on our side, then God is a joker,
Asleep on the job, his children fall over,
Running out through the door, and straight to the sky,
I don't want to die...
I-I-I-I
I-I-I-I
don't want to die,
I-I don't want to die...

so...
Everybody's going to war,
But we don't know what we're fighting for,
Don't tell me it's a worthy cause,
No cause could be so worthy.

If love is a drug, I guess we're all sober,
If hope is a song, I guess it's all over,
How to have faith, when faith is a crime?
I don't want to die...
If God's on our side, then God is a joker,
Asleep on the job, his children fall over,
Running out through the door, and straight to the sky,
I don't want to die...
I-I-I-I
I-I-I-I
don't want to die,
I-I don't want to die...

I've got a friend, he's a pure-bred killing machine,
I think he might be dead by Christmas...
_______________________________________

Keane

+ British pop-rock group Keane has a brand new album, Perfect Symmetry.

* Check out these gifts:

* “Spiralling” Widget:
* “Spiralling” Audio Stream:

+

“Perfect Symmetry” Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jf1RDO9SkiY

“Spiralling” Widget:

http://www.umusic.ca/keane/mediaplayer/index_us.php

“Spiralling” Audio Stream:

http://www.imeem.com/keane/music/TtkHzyFw/keane_spiralling

Keane Ipod Touch Contest:

http://www.myreg.net/checkform?force_form=1&form_id=13854

In the meantime, please visit their page.

Jessie's girl, Rick Springfield

+Be advised that the man has got a brand new album. Great!

*One *Two *Three

Jessie is a friend,
Yeah, I know he's been
A good friend of mine
But lately something's changed
That ain't hard to define
Jessie's got himself a girl
And I want to make her mine
And she's watching him with those eyes
And she's lovin' him with that body,
I just know it
Yeah 'n' he's holding her in his arms late,
Late at night

You know, I wish that I had Jessie's girl,
I wish that I had Jessie's girl
Where can I find a woman like that
I play along with the charade,
there doesn't seem to be a reason to change
You know, I feel so dirty
When they start talking cute
I wanna tell her that I love her,
But the point is probably moot
'Cos she's watching him with those eyes
And she's lovin' him with that body,
I just know it
And he's holding her in his arms late, late at night

Like Jessie's girl,
I wish that I had Jessie's girl
Where can I find a woman,
Where can I find a woman like that
And I'm lookin' in the mirror all the time,
Wondering what she don't see in me
I've been funny,
I've been cool with the lines
Ain't that the way
Love supposed to be
Tell me, where can I find a woman like that

[Solo]

You know, I wish that I had Jessie's girl,
I wish that I had Jessie's girl
I want Jessie's girl,
Where can I find a woman like that, like
Jessie's girl,
I wish that I had Jessie's girl,
I want,
I want Jessie's girl

+ 17 songs! Impressive number. Bah, just imagine 17 symphonic rock songs, each one with its unavoidable guitar and drums solo. Whatever, do not lose your number.

+ If you are seventeen, this is your record. 'Cos I am much more than that, I do not understand yet why I love these 17 songs!

+ You can try to see if you like them by visiting their space, you will never tell they are great, but you know you should!, you can try to explain why you like the wonderful record under the radar, but you know you should buy all the records they have!

* You can even critizice them for their updated version (thanks guys) of the wizard of oz, somewhere over the rainbow, but you know that you were already very worried for always listening to that good old version (Judy Garland).

* You should say, The Goldbergs, where were you all my life?

It's a shame about Ray reissued! includes a DVD!

+ The Lemonheads' second album for Atlantic Records was an unforgettable gem. Powered by infectious melodic hooks and a mix of sweet and subversive lyrics, IT'S A SHAME ABOUT RAY helped put the band on the map in 1992. Now, Rhino honors the album with the label's special Collector's Edition treatment, remastering and expanding the original for a CD/DVD set that includes unreleased demos along with the DVD debut of the 1993 video Two Weeks In Australia.

+ The album features the trio -- Evan Dando (guitar, vocals), David Ryan (drums) and Juliana Hatfield (bass, backing vocals) -- breezing through 13 songs in just under 30 minutes, including the title track, "My Drug Buddy," "The Turnpike Down" and a romping cover of the Simon and Garfunkel classic "Mrs. Robinson. The 10 bonus tracks feature "Shaky Ground," which was originally released as the B-side to "My Drug Buddy." The remaining nine songs are unreleased demos that Dando recorded in 1991, including early renditions of album tracks "Confetti," "Rockin Stroll" and "Hannah & Gabi," plus "Bit Part," which includes vocals from Hatfield.

+ The DVD contains 45 minutes of videos and live performances that were previously released only on VHS as Two Weeks In Australia. The disc features videos for several songs from IT'S A SHAME ABOUT RAY, including the title track, the breakout single "Mrs. Robinson," "My Drug Buddy" and more. Also included is a video for "Being Around," a song that would appear a year later on the follow-up to RAY and "Half The Time" from the Lemonheads' Atlantic debut, Lovey. A trio of live performances include "Alison's Starting To Happen," "Ride With Me" from Lovey and "It's About Time" from 1993's Come On Feel The Lemonheads. The DVD also features candid commentary by Dando recalling the band's wild Australian antics.

* Ok, listen to it's a shame about Ray.
* or to drug buddy.
* or to Mrs. Robinson.

* Or, watch them here:

It’s A Shame About Ray Listening Party:

http://rhino.edgeboss.net/real/rhino/listeningparties/424444/424444_specialops.smi
http://rhino.edgeboss.net/qtime/rhino/listeningparties/424444/424444_specialops.mov
http://rhino.edgeboss.net/wmedia/rhino/listeningparties/424444/424444_specialops.wax

+ Enjoy greart music!

The Meadows: California grass' n pop

+ These two guys, Todd Herfindal and Kevin Houlihan, The Meadows know how to make perfect briliant songs. Their songs have a unique mix of brit-pop and americana, all covered with a light layer of America (ventura highway).

+ Give it up recalls Coldplay and wheels on the road remembers me Poco, Loggins & Messina, also Neil Young singing cowgirl in the sand.

+ Please, visit their space and listen to their work. It is worth it.

With love from Milwaukee to you

+ Milwaukee's finest pop-rock band The Lackloves have a new album. I was surfing not lame when I saw it!

+ I don't have listened to the whole record yet, but knowing them as I know them, if you like beatlesque pop, you can't miss them!.

* Listen to the guys in their space!.

* Mike Jarvis!, you squared the circle this time! Isn't Marlena a new Peggy Sue?.

* Listen or download two of these new songs, from the rainbow quartz records page:

On My Way

Summer Rain

Rooney, scoring for melodies

+ Yeah, I know, you know Rooney, the Manchester United's football player. But do you know, have you heard Rooney sing?. Better not.

+ Instead, listen to Rooney. Those guys follow the best tradition of british pop. Rhythm 'n' melodies.

* Listen to what for.
* Listen to calling the world.

Fountains of Wayne kicks off in Murcia

+ Last night, local radio DJ and now programmer of the Villegas Auditorio in Murcia, Angel H. Sopena, was happy enough to see that his excellent work resulted in success, both artistic and economic, probably also. His debut was not anything.

+ Pop rock band from New York, Fountains of Wayne, gave an energetic show to an enthusiastic audience who sang, shouted and danced all the songs the band played. Although the show was named to present their last record, the excellent "Traffic and Weather", already commented here, the guys also played some of their hits, including radiation vive, stacy's mom, or sink to the bottom.

+ The sound was alright but not impressive. Maybe some more watts could be added to the concert hall (also, the organizers should bring enough beer barrels instead of using litronas and tercios, ji, ji).

+ The guys are on tour, so check out their space to be able to see and hear FoW. If you like pop, pop-rock, alt-rock, power pop, you can't miss them.

+ As usual, listen to the guys from here:

* Hey Julie. * Maureen. * Mexican wine. * Sink to the bottom. * I-95.

+ Or, watch FoW videos from here:

* Hey Julie. * Stacy's mom. * Mexican wine. * Radiation vibe. * Someone to love (live).

+ One of these nights, you might find someone to love!, be careful.

Note: image taken from http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2007/08/29/alternate-takes-grown-up-pop-dreams/

Michael Veitch,music and compromise

+ I have had the privilege of listening to a great record. I found a man I did not know, but with perfectly crafted songs that talk about love and compromise, today's problems? You bet.

+ These songs were recorded with special care, as you will find if you listen to them. The Producer is Julie Last, who worked with Joni Mitchell, John Lennon, Shawn Colvin, to name a few. She said that "every song was given complete attention to detail", and I agree with that. She adds that " Michael's mature lyrics, strong singing and unique guitar work made it easy to build this set of compelling songs. They all come from his heart and the production has remained true to his vision". And I add, if you like Matthew Sweet or Iain Matthews, you'll love Veitch's music.

+ Finally, important in these days in someway, catchy rhythms, lyrics and verses that go to the bottom of your soul. Later, when you forgot the record, the songs will come back to you, naturally, and you will find yourself singing them. Isn't that the goal of an artist?. Michael Veitch got it.

+ Pleas, visit his webpage and be amazed by his goodbye-counter!. At the bottom of the page, you'll find another proof of his compromise. The cost of the war!.

+ I hope the man does not get mad at me for linking the song, but Goodbye is number one:

* Please, listen to Goodbye (never sounded so sweet).

* and to Come talk to me.

* (for a limited time only).

The Silver Seas, golden harmonies

+ This Nashville band, led by the multi-talented Daniel Tashian, made the catchiest album of the week.

+ I have had this song in my ears for the whole week. With their effortlessly breezy harmonies and indelible hooks, the members of Nashville’s Silver Seas dispense an abundance of beautifully rootsy pop.

+ Their latest album “High Society” is like a soft rock (in a good way) record out of the 70’s that is so pleasant, it’s kind of impossible not to like. They’ve been compared to James Taylor, Jackson Browne, The Eagles, The Beach Boys, and Van Morrison. In fact, tell me if you recognize a Van Morrison song in the country life.

* Listen to The Country Life.

* Listen to Imaginary girl.