Oh Honey (March 30, 2014)

Oh Honey not only has released their debut EP "With Love" in the last week but it includes the early front runner for the song of the summer (assuming it ever actually warms up) with their super catchy "Be Okay."  It's hard to not smile and sing along with this song and it's a perfect anthem to accompany those car rides with the windows down.  This EP may only be 4 songs but it's 4 great songs.  "I Love You Will Still Sound The Same" is a great twist on the typical love song and "Lonely Neighbor" and "Get It Right" have a lot to offer as well.  If you like fun songs, great harmonies and complementary male/female lead vocals this is your new jam!

Have a great week and enjoy the music,
Ira

Jared & The Mill (March 23, 2014)

I wish I had never heard of Jared & The Mill - simply because the reason I learned about them was because of a horrific incident at the SXSW festival in Austin, TX. As you may have heard, a drunk driver plowed into a group of concert goers killing 2 and injuring another 2 dozen.  A few days later, Jared and his band went to visit some fans in the hospital. I saw a news story about it, and while the band was never mentioned by name, I was intrigued to find out more.  What I found was one of the best sounding bands I've come across in quite some time.

Jared & The Mill fall in line with bands such as Mumford & Sons and The Avett Brothers but if I'm being honest I like this band more.  Their album "Western Expansion" is outstanding and avoids the pitfall that Mumford seems to fall into where songs tend to sound the same after a while. "Breathe Me In" starts the album with gorgeous harmonies and Mumford fans will love it.  The album is full of incredible banjo picking, guitar playing, lyrics and vocals.

It is hard to use finding a new favorite band as a silver lining for such a terrible tragedy, but I was impressed with them for reaching out to fans who had been injured and equally impressed with their music.

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Royal Teeth (March 16, 2014)

In my never ending quest to stay ahead of the curve, I'm excited to give you a head start on Royal Teeth, an outstanding pop group out of Louisiana who's debut album "Glow" is incredibly enjoyable.  With a nice mix of male and female lead vocals, this group had crafted an excellent album with catchy songs such as "Hold Me," "Vagabonds" and "Pick up the Phone."  There songs have caught someone's attention because this week they will appear on American Idol's results show on Thursday. This season the show has been showcasing lesser known bands that the judges suggest. I'm guessing that this is Harry Connick Jr.'s pick with the Louisiana connection.  So before they gain another 10,000 followers later this week, hop on the bandwagon know and impress your friends as you let them know you heard them first!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Carleton Stone (March 9, 2014)

Few things get me to check out a new artist faster than a recommendation from another artist I like/respect.  And that's how I came across Carleton Stone and his brand new release "Draws Blood."  This Canadian singer, recommended by Andrew Austin (who co-wrote one of the songs), is everything I'm looking for in music.  He has a great voice, the songs don't all sound the same (but each one sounds great) and the songs are interesting, enjoyable and make me happy. Carleton references several singers that he compares himself to and I would add Jackson Browne to that list - a soulful yet easy sound to his vocals.  I keep listening to this album over and over again and I just like it more and more.  Check it out, available now on iTunes!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

The Fairground (March 2, 2014)

The Fairground is a wonderful country group from Australia. They are making a name for themselves "Down Under" and hopefully we will see more of them in the US in the near future.  I adore their ballad "Our Love Is Everything" as well as the gritty "Burn The Room."  Their self titled EP includes these two songs along with 3 other great tracks.  If you are into groups like Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town or the recently reunited Trick Pony you'll want to take a listen to The Fairground.

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira