An Honest Year (May 17, 2015)

An Honest Year call themselves a pop-punk band and I guess that label fits but it is also a bit limiting. While this band can rock out with the best of the them they are also have a high level of musicianship which isn't always the case in this broad genre.  Their latest EP, "Horizons" showcases their vast skill set, incredible song writing, delicious hooks and so much more.  "I Hope This Hurts" and "Chin Up, Kid" are two of my favorites from this 5 song collection. Check out what these guys from Philly have to offer.

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

The Ballroom Thieves (May 10, 2015)

I'm not exactly sure why, but I love it when a modern bound adds a cello to their lineup.  Not just for a song or two, but as an integral part of their band.  Years ago I loved a band called "Verbow" that did just that and now I am enjoying the fantastic sounds of The Ballroom Thieves, who beautifully use the cello as a focal point of their music.  Their debut full length album, "A Wolf in the Doorway" is out now and really wonderful. Music full of warm sounds, great harmonies and incredible song writing.  Some of their music sounds somewhat similar to The Lumineers or The Lone Bellow but that cello just adds something special. Start with the amazing song "Wild Woman" and then just keep listening, there is a lot to like!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Katrina Stone (May 3, 2015)

Katrina Stone sounds a little bit like every female singer you've ever liked, and at the same time presents a sound that is truly her own.  While she's spent some time in the duo "The Likes of Us" she really shows her true colors with the release of "Never Wanna Grow Up" - the title alone grabbed my attention and the song is a total favorite.  The whole album is full of music that is warm, inviting and full. Where most singer songwriters stick to the basic guitar/bass/drums set-up this album has a much more full sound with multiple layers of vocals, full band including horns and much more.  The album kind of feels like the Katrina Stone Variety Show and it works from beginning to end.  What's even better is that she isn't selling the album on iTunes but giving it away for the cost of your email address on Noisetrade (tips are always appreciated and accepted).  There's so much to like!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!

Ira

Max Schneider Projects: MAX, Witchita (April 26, 2015)

Max Schneider may be an actor (and a handsome one at that) but he also has a quickly growing musical career and this week we are featuring two of his "projects" Max and Witchita - each of which has a few songs out with more to come.

MAX is his solo pop music that is upbeat, fun and catchy.  He just released "Gibberish" that features Hoodie Allen and it's a lot of fun. "Mug Shot" has more of an old school feel and really has a great groove to it.

Witchita is a throwback to the classic soul band sound with horns, keyboards and back up singers, imagine if Jerry Lee Lewis was just starting his career now. "Mrs. Magoo" is a totally fun party song that may cause you to look up how to do the mashed potato!

Regardless of whether he's in a band or flying solo, Max has a ton of talent and known how to get your heart rate going with his music. Ideal for your next workout mix!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

The Speedbumps (April 19, 2015)

The Speedbumps couldn't have come up with a better name for their band.  A speed bump forces you to slow down and take it a little easy and that's exactly what this band does.  They combine gorgeous vocals along with an array of acoustic instruments to create a warm and welcoming sound.  Imagine walking out to your backyard and finding the best array of musicians sitting around a camp fire - those are The Speedbumps.  Their new album, "Soil To The Seed" will be released on May 5th and the first song "Done Treading Water" is now available.  Also available is a free five song sampler on Noisetrade called "The Cabin."  Give it a listen and you're likely to find the only speed bump you've ever actually enjoyed.

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Hudson Taylor (April 12, 2015)

While some may disagree, when I listen to Hudson Taylor I can't help but imagine them as a modern day version of Simon and Garfunkel.  This singer-songwriter duo knows how to tell a story and make a point with their music and do it in a variety of styles.  But they always do it with excellent musicianship, great harmonies and songs that you never want to end.  These brothers from the outskirts of Dublin have just released their debut full length album, "Singing for Strangers" and it is an epic endeavor.  21 songs that will keep your musical appetite satisfied for days and songs that you will keep coming back.  Be sure to check out "Battles," "Weapons" and "Chasing Rubies" which was the first song of theirs that really got my attention.

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Will Hoge (April 5, 2015)

It seems a bit funny to feature Will Hoge as he prepares to release his 10th album, especially since I've been a fan for years and even had the privilege to see him live and meet him years ago.  He has so much great music in his past including one of my all time favorite songs, "Baby Girl."  This song stayed in my head for almost 10 years until the birth of my first daughter.  Will's new album "Small Town Dreams" is coming out on Tuesday and the first few songs that have been released are incredible.  The comparison I keep coming back to is a modern day John Cougar Mellencamp. These songs come from the heartland and tell stories of the people, the places and the moments in life.  Start with "Middle of America" and also be sure to check out "They Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To." I can't wait to get my hands on the rest of the album in a few short days and hope you will give it a listen as well!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira