Cold War Kids - Audience

The new music scene has been dry as of late. Thus the lack of posts. But we return with the Cold War Kids and their new song "Audience."

Artist: Cold War Kids
Album: Behave Yourself (Out 12/21)
Song: Audience

Rating 4 Thumps

PS - Will post song to playlist once I can...

PSS - The name of the song is "Audience," the video below is not official and has the wrong name...

Ingrid Michaelson - Maybe

Great new tune "Maybe" by Ingrid Michaelson that fits well with the grey weather we've had recently in Seattle. Ingrid is most noted for her single "The Way I Am."

Artist: Ingrid Michaelson
Album: Everybody
Song: Maybe

Playlist update: The song is currently not available on Playlist, but I'll add once it is.

Rating: 4 Thumps

Pearl Jam - Just Breathe

Pearl Jam is experiencing somewhat of a Renaissance recently. Their latest single, "Just Breathe" is a perfect compliment to their latest surge. Sit back and enjoy.

Artist: Pearl Jam
Album: Back Spacer
Song: Just Breathe

Rating: 5 Thumps

Choir of Young Believers - Action/Reaction

Cool new Danish band Choir of Young Believers enters the fray with "Action/Reaction." I've checked a few of their other tunes and these guys have serious potential for big things.

Artist: Choir of Young Believers
Album: This is for the white in your eyes
Song: Action/Reaction

Rating: 5 Thumps!

The Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition

After some business in my life recently, I heard this song and it helped me find my zen.

The Temper Trap is yet another down-under band showing off that their water must be full of creativity. I must have a half-dozen or so songs from Australian artists on my blog.

Artist: The Temper Trap
Album: Conditions
Song: Sweet Disposition

Rating 4 Thumps

Kelly Clarkson - Already Gone

This is where I expose a guilty pleasure: American Idol. Yet surprisingly with that, I haven't loved all the music that contestants have put out post-Idol. Like when she was on the show, Kelly Clarkson's career has been fairly consistent and successful.

"Already Gone" is a moving power ballad that caters to her strong, and at times breathy vocals.

Artist: Kelly Clarkson
Album: All I Ever Wanted
Song: Already Gone

Rating: 5 Thumps!

FYI - The video quality is not great.

Train - Hey Soul Sister

I'm a sucker for a little ukulele and a funky drum line. I just am. "Hey Soul Sister" is completely different from your typical Train song. And does definitely take a little from previous ukulele led songs, but I have to say, I don't care. It's good.

Artist: Train
Album: Save Me San Francisco
Song: Hey Soul Sister

Rating: 5 Thumps!

Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson - Relator

Here's a catchy tune to send you on your weekend ways: "Relator" by the duet of Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson.

Rating: 5 Thumps

Weezer - (If you're wondering if I want you to) I want you to

Weezer, to me, have always been hit and miss. But when they're on, they tend to be really on. "(If you're wondering if I want you to) I want you to" is definitely on for them. A really catchy, fast-paced love song.

Artist: Weezer
Album: Raditude (Releasing Oct. 27, 2009)
Song: (If you're wondering if I want you to) I want you to

Rating: 5 Thumps

The video I originally used was taken down :( Will post a new one once one becomes available. Meanwhile, you can still enjoy the song on my playlist!

The Big Pink - Velvet

As record companies trim fat in this economy, it's not surprising to see a rise in 2 person bands follow along. The Big Pink is the latest duo band to make a run at music's glory with much less than a full band. Their latest single, "Velvet" says they'll likely stick around with their full sound. "Velvet" feels like it could have been released 2 decades ago...

Artist: The Big Pink
Album: A Brief History of Love
Song: Velvet

Rating: 4.5 Thumps

PS - This song is not yet available on playlist, but once it is, I'll add it.

La Roux - Bulletproof

If you like Erasure, Yazoo, or early Depeche Mode then you'll enjoy La Roux's, "Bulletproof." A fun, catchy synth-pop tune that makes you bob your head.

Artist: La Roux
Album: La Roux
Song: Bulletproof

Rating: 4.5 Thumps

The Noisettes - Never Forget You

Here's a 60's style pop tune that will get your weekend started a bit early. From the other side of the ocean, I give you London's own: The Noisettes, with "Never Forget You."

Artist: The Noisettes
Album: Wild Young Hearts
Song: Never Forget You

Rating: 4 Thumps

MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD - Say Hey (I Love You)

The barefooted Michael Franti is no newcomer to the music world. But perhaps his new single, "Say hey (I Love You)" will give him wider notice. I know this is the second reggae (type, cause it's not exactly reggae) song in a row, but doesn't summertime lend to feel good music? If so, then sit back and enjoy.

Genre: Reggae / Hip Hop
Artist: MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD
Album: All Rebel Rockers
Song: Say Hey (I Love you)

Rating: 5 thumps

Kudos to Franti for not blocking his original video for this song:

Matisyahu - One Day

Matisyahu, pronounced Mah-Tiss-Yah-Who, with his new single "One Day" (available starting today for digital download) seems to be on the cusp of breaking through to mega stardom. Seriously.

His first appearance on the music scene was back in 2004 with a surprising hit "King Without a Crown." "One Day" has all the makings of being a smash summer hit with its message of hope, smooth synth backgrounds and super catchy tune. This is easily my favorite new song of the year so far.

Artist: Matisyahu
Genre: Reggae / Rock / Hip-Hop
Album: Light
Song: One Day

Once available on playlist.com, I'll add it to the playlist....for now, enjoy the fake video ;)

Rating: 5 THUMPS!!!!

The Airborne Toxic Event - Wishing Well

It's been forever since I've posted. I know. But ask yourself this question: "Have I heard a truly catchy song recently?" I would say probably not, especially since I haven't posted in about a month :)

That's where The Airborne Toxic Event comes in. I first introduced you to them last July with their hit song "Sometime Around Midnight." They're following up this summer with a new tune "Wishing Well." Enjoy.

Artist: The Airborne Toxic Event
Genre: Rock / Alternative
Album: The Airborne Toxic Event
Song: Wishing Well

Rating: 4 Thumps

Death Cab For Cutie - Little Bribes & Grapvine Fires

Maybe it's because I live in Seattle that I'm swayed to like Death Cab. Or maybe it's because these guys know how to write a decent tune. Either way's fine with me. I give you 2 great new songs: Little Bribes & Grapevine Fires.

Genre: Alternative / Rock
Artist: Death Cab For Cutie
Album: The Open Door
Song: Little Bribes & Grapevine Fires

Rating 5 Thumps

Little Bribes:



Grapevine Fires, Official Video:

Emilie Mover - Ordinary Day

I've been searching folks, for that new song that keeps me coming back. And it has been difficult recently, until I heard Emilie Mover's "Ordinary Day." Let me know what you think!

Genre: Folk / Acoustic
Artist: Emilie Mover
Album: Good Shake, Nice Gloves (iTunes)
Song: Ordinary Day

Rating: 4 Thumps





Bonus song: "Brand New"

Plain White T's - 1,2,3,4

Find something that you're good at, and keep doing it. That's what I say and that's what the Plain White T's have done. Following up their smash hit, "Hey There Delilah" with "1,2,3,4." a sweet acoustic love song that should spring couple's everywhere.

Genre: Pop / Alternative
Artist: Plain White T's
Album: Big Bad World
Song: 1,2,3,4

Rating: 4 Thumps

Calahan - Like A Ghost

Here's your diamond in the rough on an otherwise cloudy day in Seattle. "Like A Ghost" mixes a grooving beat with a catchy tune. Always a formula for success. This song is hard to find in a downloadable format, but Calahan was cool enough to offer it for free if you email them at calahanrocks@yahoo.com.

Genre: Rock/Pop/Alternative
Artist: Calahan
Album: Superstar
Song: Like A Ghost

The song's not yet on playlist.com, but I'll add as soon as it is.

Rating: 5 thumps

Bon Iver - Skinny Love & Blindsided

It's funny what you find when you dig a little. I heard "Blindsided" the other day and was intent it would land as one of my new favorite songs. Well, I found that I like just about everything by Bon Iver and especially liked "Skinny Love."

And since this is my blog, I took the liberty of adding them both today. Just your luck! From the woods of Wisconsin to your ears, I bring you Bon Iver.

Genre: Folk
Artist: Bon Iver
Album: For Emma, For Ever Ago
Songs: Skinny Love & Blindsided

Rating: 5 Thumps

Skinny Love (Performance from David Letterman):



Blindsided:

Depeche Mode - Wrong

Ladies and Gentleman, introducing DM's latest song, "Wrong." Here's why I really like "Wrong": It's simple. Classic Depeche Mode. And maybe that's why I like it so much.

They'll be following up the relaase of their album, "Sounds of the Universe," with a world tour this summer. So check out http://www.depechemode.com/tour.html to see if they'll be visiting a city near you.

Genre: Alternative
Artist: Depeche Mode
Album: Sounds of the Universe (April 2009)
Song: Wrong

Rating: 5 Thumps

Iglu & Hatly - In This City

Happy Friday folks! "In This City" is a perfect tune to have on if you're cruising in your car today. I have no idea what the song means, but it's catchy and makes you want to move.

Genre: Alternative/Pop
Artist: Iglu and Hartly
Album: And the boo...
Song: In This City

Rating: 5 Thumps

Eric Hutchinson - Rock & Roll

Eric Hutchinson might be Jason Mraz 2.0, fun upbeat songs with quick lyrical rifts. And when I heard "Rock & Roll" on the radio the other day, with the cloudy Seattle sky hiding the bright sun above me, I knew I liked this song.

Genre: Folk Rock, Rock
Artist: Eric Hutchinson
Album: Sounds Like This
Song: Rock & Roll

Rating: 5 thumps

Jack Johnson - Angel

This song won't end up on the radio. Not because it's bad, it's on here isn't it? The only thing wrong with this song is that it's not long enough. Other than that, it's definitely one I'm listening to over and over again. Thus landing here. And probably not on the radio.

Genre: Acoustic / Surf
Artist: Jack Johnson
Album: Sleep Through The Static
Song: Angel

Rating: 5 Thumps

The Panics – Don’t Fight It

The Panics come to us from the land down under. Seriously, the Australian gonvernment must have put something creative in their water. Watched a movie lately or heard a good song? Chances are pretty high they stem from across the ocean.

Genre: Alternative
Artist: The Panics
Album: Cruel Guards
Song: Don't Fight It

Rating: 4 Thumps

Shiny Toy Guns - I Owe You a Love Song & Season of Love

Love, love, love Shiny Toy Guns. And I honestly didn't like their latest single, Ricochet. But they definitely pulled out of my doghouse by once again playing to their strong suit: Variety. I appreciate how they don't let one musical style influence what their end products reveal.

Case in point: I Owe You a Love Song and Season of Love

Genre: Alternative / Rock
Artist: Shiny Toy Guns
Album: Season of Poison
Songs: I Owe You a Love Song & Season of Love

Rating: 4.5 thumps



Season of Love, Shiny Toy Guns

Kings Of Leon - Use Somebody

After my long sabbatical, I'm back for 2009 listing my favorite new songs.

One of my favorite groups to come out of last year was Kings Of Leon. Lead singer Caleb Followill easily has one of the great rock n roll voices to come around in a long time.

Genre: Rock / Alternative
Artist: Kings Of Leon
Album: Only By The Night
Song: Use Somebody

Rating: 5 Thumps