Greg Sykes and Karlene Markham (April 27, 2014)

Perhaps I should warn you that I'm coming off an emotional weekend which  may have something to do with why I chose to feature Greg Sykes and Karlene Markham this week.  Indepedently, they do great work (Greg is a worship leader and Karlene lists herself as a singer/songwriter).  Together they are creating some of the most beautiful duets I've heard in a long time.  They have several singles out and I urge you to check them all out at http://www.reverbnation.com/gregsykeskarlenemarkham.  I particularly enjoy "Forever After Yours" and "Before the Sun Goes Down."

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

The Wild After (April 20, 2014)

The Wild After's debut EP "Lesson Learned" was released earlier this month and it's timing is perfect to serve as a complement to springtime. Their music is like a warm awakening after a long, cold winter. A great combination of pop, acoustic and folk music that just goes down easy.  This Denver based band (which includes members of The Heyday) is off to a great start!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira
http://thewildafter.bandcamp.com/album/lesson-learned-ep

The Strange Familiar (April 13, 2014)

The Strange Familiar's new album, "The Day The Light Went Out," was streaming online this past week and I am obsessed with it.  Kira Leyden, the lead singer, has the most incredible voice and each song on the album is outstanding.  This is a wonderful pop rock album that hopefully will make this band a household name.  I want to tell you which are my favorite songs but each time I go back and listen I like each song so much and each time a different one stands out. So go check out the whole thing!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Circa Zero (April 6, 2014)

Circa Zero is the new collaboration between Rob Giles (of The Rescues) and Andy Summers of the legendary band The Police.  It's a great rock album with Rob's amazing vocals and Andy's guitar featured throughout.  Be sure to check out "Levitation" and "Say Goodnight" which are two of my favorite tracks.  For fans of The Police it's the closest thing to that epic band that I've heard in a long time.  A great album through and through!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

P.S. The video for "Levitation" has just been released - check it out: