Filed under: media | Tags: French music, Gregoire, Music, Song of the Week, Toi + Moi
Thanks to Olivia for this week’s Song of the Week. French vocalist Gregoire’s single Toi + Moi has been a top ten song in France for the past three weeks rising to #5 this week. The song is a catchy pop tune about bringing everyone together to achieve better things, and the video (below) is equally charming.
Check out Gregoire at his official label page.
Finally laid my hands on a Moto ROKR E8, the latest effort by Mot to deliver the crossover phone/media player. My motivation was largely professional, the ROKR is the first phone shipping in the US using the podcast service from Podcast.com, but I have been very impressed with the device which I had gotten only a little time with at 3GSM in Barcelona in February and at CTIA in March.
The haptic keyboard is very useful, once you get used to it…with no moving keys, haptics give you the sensation of a key depression so you know you are pushing controls without having to have audible feedback (the annoying clack clack of the iPhone) or visible feedback that you have to stare at.
As a music player, it’s controls are simple and intuitive. The headphone jack is a nice touch, as you can use your favorite headphone and not a dealer set of USB headphones or a USB converter as with many of the other multimedia phones.
Perhaps the nicest feature is the converting keyboard, which provides one set of visible controls in music player mode, and a standard phone keyboard when in phone mode. Unlike the iPhone, one doesn’t have to open separate applications or navigate a touchscreen full of icons. This is a dedicated media player with a nice phone built in, not a portable computer, so everything is simpler to use. It also allows a slimmer form factor, and the sharp, slim design is a true pocket-sized candy bar.
If you are looking for a media player phone, and are more interested in ease of use than packing 1000 applications onto your phone, this is a really nice little phone. …oh, and you can use the Sync software that comes with the phone to load all your AAC and MP3 files onto the 2G of onboard storage, which is expandable via microSD to 6G. That means all your favorite music and podcasts.
Filed under: Music, Song of the Week | Tags: Hip-Hop, Kanye West, Love Lockdown, Music, Song of the Week
Song of the Week this week is Kanye West’s ‘Love Lockdown’, a single released in advance of his next album. Kanye is no stranger to controversy having offended almost everyone with one set of lyrics or another, but ‘Love Lockdown’ is brewing an entirely new form of controversy…musical. Hip-hop fans are criticizing the track because it has few of the boilerplate elements in standard hip-hop.
West has established a gold-plated track record for layering clever and pointed MCing on top of the most musically creative production work. His production work for other artists is a huge body of work. But ‘Love Lockdown’ is a bare set of lyrics on top of an even sparser instrumental track.
‘Jesus Walks’, ‘Gold Digger’ and ‘Stronger’ were all immensely creative tracks, but fit within the context of mainstream hip-hop at the time. With ‘Love Lockdown’ West goes from creativity to redefining the boundaries of the form.
Check out the track at his MySpace page. West’s website is chock full of content and has a very creative interface, but as of this date doesn’t have this new track.
Filed under: media
Neat to see something new from both of these guys…. Not sure this is a song of the week but its a nice track…..
http://www.everythingthathappens.com/
Filed under: media, Music, Song of the Week | Tags: Lenka, Music, Pop, Song of the Week
Australian pop songstress Lenka has this week’s Song of the Week ‘The Show’, which is available for free from iTunes this week. Her vocal style has been compared to that of Regina Spektor, though Regina’s songs show more clarity, range and stylings. This track is more comparable to Yael Naim’s Apple-Air-powered hit New Soul from earlier this year. And like Naim’s work, the track is already out in an ad, appearing as background music for Old Navy jeans.
Lenka Kripac is the keyboardist and vocalist for Australian band ‘Decoder Ring’, but produced her eponymous debut solo album in the US while on hiatus from the band. The pop works include cameos from the likes of Howie Day and Missy Higgins.
The album is available on iTunes now, and available everywhere September 23rd. You can check out several other tracks for free at either her MySpace page or her official website. Be prepared for plenty of sweet, happy music. If your in a foul mood, this is not the album for you.
A special Song of the Day today. Believe by Yellowcard was released in 2003 on their Ocean Avenue album. A tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11th, this is driving, punk-inspired piece that never-the-less gets across the sadness of this day.
Thank you to Paul Vogelzang for dedicating this song to his friends in iLike.
Ne-Yo’s ‘Miss Independent’ is this week’s Song of the Week. Mainstream hip hop that is clean enough for pop fans, and dance-worthy, is rare enough…throw in musically interesting and we’re going to be hearing this single a lot this Fall. Ne Yo’s third album, ‘Year of the Gentleman’ was released in June, but this single is just being released now, and it is heading to the top of charts worldwide.
Ne-Yo has a remarkable track record as a songwriter, having credits (under his given name, Shaffer Smith) on such superhits as Beyonce’s ‘Irreplacable’, Mario’s ‘Let Me Love You’, and Rihanna’s ‘Unfaithful’, not to mention his own hits. But as this year’s ‘Closer’ and ‘Miss Independent’ have shown, Ne-Yo is a talented vocalist as well.
Sample more of his music at his MySpace page or his official website.
Filed under: media
This week’s Song of the Week “Sometime Around Midnight” is from LA band ‘The Airborne Toxic Event’. The track has been out for awhile, but the band is starting to get some real traction with the release of their debut album earlier this month and appearances on TV (Conan O’Brien) and at festivals (Virgin Vfest and SXSW).
The orchestration is very cool, the mood of the piece is Wallflowers-sombre, and even though this is a very long track it continues to build throughout. This is a track you can listen to many times without losing interest.
Here’s a live version courtesy YouTube. The acoustics aren’t nearly as good as the studio version, so check that out on Myspace or their website, and I’ll publish an official video as soon as it is released:
Filed under: media
This week’s Song of the Week is ‘The Bomb’ from LA-based trip-hop duo Bitter:Sweet. The retro sounds are reminiscent of 60’s TV themes.. The single was also picked up by TV’s ‘The Lipstick Jungle’. The Bomb is off the group’s second album Drama.
Bitter:Sweet are vocalist Shana Halligan and producer Kiran Shahani. Catch more of their music at their Myspace Page or their official website.
Here’s the video from the group’s 2006 top single “The Maiting Game”:
…at least year to date.
OK, everybody has their touch screen, icon driven, 3G-iPhony, “me too” device, but Nokia introduced the coolest phone of the year today. Made of carbon fiber, titanium, polished glass and stainless steel, this 3G device has a 3.2 MegaPixel camera and 4G of storage, and features a touch sensitive pad to switch from phone to clock display. But the 8800 Carbon Arte is a “lifestyle statement” at over $1600.
Filed under: media
This is the best piece I have seen on the challenges facing camera phones as they attempt to replace the digital camera in the single greatest battle of consumer electronics consolidation. The article written by Mike Bereziuk comes courtesy of Wireless Week
http://www.wirelessweek.com/Cameraphones-Replace-Still-Cameras.aspx
Filed under: media
Dublin based, ‘The Script’ have this week’s Song of the Week with ‘We Cry’.  The Script consists of Marc Sheehan (guitar), Danny O’Donoghue (vocals)  and Glen Power (drums), and they describe their music as Celtic Soul, but there are elements of hip hop, rock and electronica blended in very gracefully. Â
We Cry was a hit single for the band on the UK charts, and the band got an album deal as a result. The Script Debut album is to be released August 11, and contains at least one new single that will be a hit in ‘The Man Who Can’t Be Moved’.
Check out The Script on their MySpace page or the band’s website where you can download the single Before the Worst. We Cry is available in the US on iTunes and the album should follow shortly.
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The Script in London
Sony BMG has locked down the we cry video, but here’s the video for ‘The Man Who Can’t Be Moved’.
Filed under: Music, Rock, Song of the Week | Tags: Music, O.A.R., Song of the Week
This week’s Song of the Week is ‘Shattered (Turn the Car Around)’ by O.A.R., a band that developed a loyal following with early songs circulated on file sharing sites and freely distributed by the band.
O.A.R. (stands for ‘of a revolution’) formed in Rockville, Maryland, got it’s start at Ohio State University with a roots and reggae style and lot’s of live performance. The band’s new album, All Sides, shows the maturity and polish of a veteran band, which disappoints many of their original fans, but the alt/light rock style is well executed.
Check out the band’s website or grab the album which is up on iTunes.
This week’s Song of the Week is “Find the Time” from ‘Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly’, the first single off Get Cape’s new album ‘Searching for the How’s and Why’s’ which has been released in the UK, but not in the US yet. Get Cape is primarily singer/guitarist Sam Duckworth, with backing band members that help produce a nicely sophisticated/orchestrated sound behind Duckworth’s acoustic indie sound. Get Cape is touring all over Europe this Summer, and is starting to get airplay in the US.
Here’s the video for Find the Time, and you can download another single from the album for free from the band’s website.
Filed under: Electronica, Music, Rock, Song of the Week, techno | Tags: drum'n'bass, Electronica, Music, Pendulum, Song of the Week, techno
This week’s Song of the Week is ‘Propane Nightmares’ from Australian electronica masters Pendulum. The single is off their new album ‘In Silico’ released on Warner UK. Pendulum has been around for a half dozen years, forming in Perth before moving to the UK. Modifying the drum’n’bass style of some of their early single, ‘Propane Nightmares’ is pumped up with synth horns and a ton of energy. This is not music to relax by, but the fusion of styles produces a really slick, driving and melodic sound.
You won’t catch Pendulum live outside of the UK this Summer unless they book some additional shows, but In Silico has been released in the US (their US debut) and you can see/hear more at their website or MySpace Page
Filed under: Fratellis, Music, Song of the Week | Tags: Fratellis, indie, Music, Rock, Song of the Week
This week’s Song of the Week is the Fratellis’ ‘A Heady Tale’ from their new album ‘Here We Stand’. You know their music even if you don’t know the band thanks to Heineken’s use of their 2007 hit ‘Chelsea Dagger’ in the massive Amsterdam (Dam Good Beer) campaign. ‘Here We Stand’ could well be one of the top 10 albums of 2008, and there are 4 or 5 good singles there.
The video for A Heady Tale hasn’t been released yet, so enjoy the Fratellis’ video for Flathead and check out the audio for ‘A Heady Tale’ at their website ….
Filed under: Akon, Hip-Hop, Kardinal Offishall, media, Music, Song of the Week | Tags: Akon, Hip-Hop, Kardinal Offishall, Music, Song of the Week
This week’s Song of the Week is Dangerous by Kardinal Offishall featuring Akon. Kardinal Offishall is Canadian rapper and producer Jason Harrow, regarded as one of the best producers in Toronto. Released as a single, Dangerous has become a Top 40 hit, and will likely continue that run for some time. An upcoming album, allegedly titled Not 4 Sale, is expected to contain additional collaborations with Akon, a match that blends hip hop and Akon’s dance/R&B appeal.
The single comes in both explicit and clean form, and both are mature so watch the younger kids on this one.
Check out the official website and MySpace page to sample the single.
Filed under: Music, Rock, Song of the Week | Tags: Alternative, Music, Rock, Saving Jane, Song of the Week, Supergirl
This week’s Song of the Week is Supergirl by ‘Saving Jane’ from the band’s upcoming album ‘One Girl Revolution’, due out at the end of July. Carrying over the success of ‘Girl Next Door’ from their last album, Supergirl has already been picked up by Danica Patrick as the theme song for Patrick Racing, and is getting airplay on alt rock and top 40 stations alike. Fronted by Marti Dodson, this three sometimes four piece band is producing solid rock tunes, and appears to be poised to take the body of work and start to get some recognition.
Their website offers little, but you can learn more and listen to a few tracks at the Myspace page.
Filed under: Music, Song of the Week | Tags: Alternative, indie, Music, Newton Faulkner, Song of the Week, UK music
This week’s Song of the Week is Newton Faulkner’s “Dream Catch Me” from his debut album ‘Hand Built by Robots’ which was a #1 album in the UK, but was only just been released in the US in April. Faulkner has been compared to Jack Johnson and James Morrison, but has a folk/alt style that is more creative and random than either peer. The album has more top 40 capable singles (Gone in the Morning), and Faulkner will take the world stage by storm this summer, appearing at both Bonnaroo, Isle of Wight, and Glastonbury in June, and Lollapalooza in August, with dates on both sides of the Atlantic in between.
Take a listen to his music at his MySpace Page, or his official website.
Filed under: media
A new video from Claire who will be joining our family in August!
Filed under: Music, Rock, Song of the Week | Tags: Coldplay, Song of the Week, Violet Hill, Viva la Vida
This week’s Song of the Week is Coldplay’s title track from their upcoming album ‘Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends’. The lead single for the album is Violet Hill, which is also a fine track, but ‘Viva la Vida’ is available via iTunes as a teaser track, and the title track has legs….you will be hearing it all summer on A/C radio (along with Duffy). It’s got the signature Coldplay ethereal-yet-rich sound, a a good hook, and the kind of lyrics that leave you more curious than content. This will become one of the Coldplay singles that gets airplay for years, if the rest of the album is as strong as Viva la Vida and Violet Hill, the band is in for another smash with their fourth album.
Check out Violet Hill at the band’s MySpace page. The album won’t be released until June 17th, but the single ‘Viva La Vida’ is available on iTunes. Coldplay will be touring almost all year with dates in Europe, North America and Japan starting in June and running through November.
Because there isn’t a video released yet for Viva la Vida, I am embedding the ‘Violet Hill’ performed live video, and I’ll put up the Viva la Vida video as soon as it is available.
Filed under: Music, Rock, Song of the Week | Tags: I Kissed A Girl, Katy Perry, Music, Pop, Rock, Song of the Week, UR So Gay
This week’s Song of the Week is Katy Perry’s new single, ‘I Kissed a Girl’, from her upcoming album ‘One of the Boys’. This non-PC single will get no airplay in parts of the country, the even more non-PC track ‘UR So Gay (And You Don’t Even Like Boys)’ is apparently Madonna’s favorite song right now. ‘UR So Gay’ was released as the title track of Perry’s first EP last November. While many of the lyrics are adult, in a sarcastic/humorous, Alanis Morissette kind of way, the music is catchy and engaging.
Perry, born Katy Hudson, started out as a gospel singer, but has adopted a pop rock sound that is reminiscent of ’80’s bands like Heart. [Her cover of The Outfield’s ‘Use Your Love’ is an improvement on the original.] ‘I Kissed a Girl’ is available on iTunes. You can check out the single and several more at her MySpace Page or her website. Not youngster appropriate though….
Podsanity 