The Main Squeeze (November 25, 2012)

THE MAIN SQUEEZE (https://www.facebook.com/mainsqueezemusic) is like no other band featured in the 5 plus years of the Emerge Music Group. This incredible funk band is grounded in the great traditions of the best funk of the 70s but has modernized their sound to fit in just perfectly in the 21st century.  Lead singer Corey Frye (who is also part of the amazing a capella group Gentleman's Rule) has an amazing voice and the songs on their debut album will leave you breathless. Wonderful music created by supremely talented musicians - what else could you ask for?

The Main Squeeze is heading out on tour throughout the midwest and I highly suggest trying to catch them live.  And make sure you pick up their debut album at: http://mainsqueezemusic.bandcamp.com/

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

American Authors (November 18, 2012)

Even though most of the bands I feature are mostly unknown they often have thousands if not tens of thousands of followers.  But this week I'm excited to let you know about American Authors (https://www.facebook.com/weareamericanauthors) a new band out of Brooklyn that is still on their way to their first 1,000 "likes" on Facebook.

I was immediately intrigued by this band from the first time I heard their song "Feels Like Yesterday."  The lead singer had a great voice and there is just something special about the music this band creates.  If I needed to be further sold that was done quickly when I heard "Blowing Up" which starts off slowly, builds and has one of the most addictive choruses I've heard in a very long time.  I can't remember the last time I was so drawn in by a great drum part.  To top everything off they entered a contest (which they just won) and did an unreal cover of the Cyndi Lauper song "True Colors" (one of my all time favorite songs).  Please check out the video: http://youtu.be/b2zqlWZ3SbE

At this time they don't have any music for sale but go to their Facebook page and click "LISTEN" and then like them and follow them and realize that you are one of the lucky few that will be able to say "I knew this band before anyone else!"  They are amazing!

Have a great week, Happy Thanksgiving, and enjoy the music!
Ira

Clarensau (November 11, 2012)

Clarensau (https://www.facebook.com/clarensau) might just be my favorite band of 2012 and their new album "This One's For You" is at the very top of my favorite albums of the year.  While I can't quite figure out if they should be considered folk, pop, country or simply "acoustic" I know that I love every single song on this new album (which will be released on Tuesday 11/13).  This is musicianship at its finest.  Incredible voices that are beautiful and pure. Instruments that are simple yet striking.  And songs that make your heart swell, your voice sing along and your face smile, sigh, or cry (depending on the song). 

Head over to their website and hear a few of the new songs (http://www.clarensau.com/) and then do yourself a big favor and buy their album on Tuesday. It is the closest thing to perfection I've heard in a very long time.

Have a great week and enjoy the music,
Ira

A Great Big World (November 4, 2012)

I had already planned to feature A Great Big World  this week but with the aftermath of Sandy in the New York/New Jersey area it is even more appropriate. This great indie pop band (made up of Ian Axel and Chad Vaccarino) calls New York home.  These guys gained some notoriety in 2011 with "This Is The New Year" and now have officially become a band.  Their brand new EP is upbeat and uplifting while taking listeners on a journey all over the musical map.  The opening title track sounds like a children's song or a take off on They Might Be Giants.  "I Really Want It" is an amazing piano driven pop song.  "Land of Opportunity" belongs on Broadway as the first act of a show comes to close.  "Rockstar" has a Billy Joel quality to it. "There is an Answer" is an anthem for a new generation and "You'll Be Okay" should be playing all over the Northeast has people struggle to get back on their feet after this terrible storm.  All in all this is a wonderful, moving and enjoyable debut for this great singing/songwriting team.

Go get it!! (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/a-great-big-world-ep/id569332659)

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira