Patent Pending (July 31, 2011

Patent Pending is this week's featured group (FYI - explicit content) and this pop punk band is right now tearing it up on the Warped Tour. Their latest album, Second Family, is great - full of loud, sometimes angry, sometimes funny, but always good songs. This is music for when you need to blow of some steam, when you're pissed off at someone or when you just want to let loose.  "Douchebag" is a funny/great song that simply speaks the truth. "Shake Weights & Moving Crates" is also a great track about the post break-up challenge of dividing up the stuff. And "We're Freakin' Out" is another favorite.

You can stream the whole album for free on AbsolutePunk.net - http://absolutepunk.net/artists/showlink.php?do=showdetails&l=2598

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira Miller

Of Verona (July 24, 2011)

There simply aren't enough good female fronted rock bands out there - but now there is one more!  Of Verona (http://ofverona.com/) is fronted by the incredible Mandi Perkins and their debut EP has just been released - and it's free! (go to their facebook page  (http://www.facebook.com/ofVerona) and click the "free download" tab)

"Castles" is an enchanting and haunting track that immediately pulls you in and doesn't let go. It's not just good but also interesting (a rare combination).  This is an impressive debut for so many reasons including the incredible layers of music that they've put together. So often bands first attempt at recording is simple and basic - but Of Verona's "Fall Like Roses" is beautiful and complex.

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

New County (July 17, 2011)

New County (http://www.facebook.com/newcountyband), a talented young band from Philadelphia with a just released self titled EP, is this week's featured band.  Their first EP "Lives We Lead" showed a lot of promise which is developed even further with the new collection of songs.  One of the best songs is "Open Up To Me" which can be downloaded for free at http://www.newcountyband.com/. 

This pop/rock act sets itself apart by not being afraid to be a tough band to categorize.  Some songs sound almost like a boy band, others sound like they belong on Warped Tour and some make them a great band to open for an artist like Usher.  Regardless of how you categorize them they create great songs and you should check them out!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!!
Ira