Stages and Stereos (September 29, 2013)

Stages and Stereos has just released their new EP, "Small Town Favorites," which has the potential to be a favorite in any town or city, regardless of size.  While they could be lumped together with lots of other bands that have that modern indie rock/pop punk sound they stand out with their outstanding vocals, great lyrics and terrific song writing.  Each song stands out on its own and this isn't music that all sounds the same.  It's music that sounds great!

Have a good week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Walk Off The Earth (September 22, 2013)

Walk Off The Earth has more fans than many of our featured groups but deserves even more attention. It was their song and video for "Royals" that grabbed my attention and I've been fascinated with them every since.  I dove headfirst into their album R.E.V.O. and love their incredible combination of harmonies, jam band energy and pop/folk sound. Skip the 5 hour energy drink and put on their music and you'll be just fine!

Be sure to check out the "Royals" video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgD5p1XiVT0&feature=share&list=UU9PEibgWOqZ-1I1JdxRmr6g

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Oh No Fiasco (September 15, 2013)

Do you remember when No Doubt was the coolest band you could think of? An awesome female lead singer with a great band creating awesome/fun/cool music. Update all of that to 2013 and you've got Oh No Fiasco from Knoxville, TN.  They just released their EP "No One's Gotta Know" and I hope the title is wrong and everyone knows them before long!

You can check out a free steam of their EP on Pure Volume at: http://www.purevolume.com/news/oh-no-fiasco-ep-no-ones-gotta-know-stream

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Nathan Angelo (September 8, 2013)

Nathan Angelo has been one of my favorite singer songwriters since I first heard about 8 years ago.  He's put out one good song ("September 22") and album ("Follow Your Heart") after another - and now he is getting ready to release an incredible new album this Tuesday (Sept 10) called "Out of the Blue."  I have been lucky to hear this album already and I love it!  It pays homage to the sounds of classic Motown while keeping a distinctly modern feel.  It starts off with one of my favorite songs of the year, "Get Back," a song that forces me to sing and clap along.  It has an incredible groove to it!

I like every song on this album but also have to mention "You Could Be My Girl" which sounds like it could be a Jackson 5 remake. So much fun! Do yourself a favor and get this album when it comes out on Tuesday!

For a limited time, American Songwriter magazine is streaming the album for free go so give it a listen! http://www.americansongwriter.com/2013/09/album-premiere-nathan-angelo-out-of-the-blue/

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

John Newman (September 1, 2013)

There are good bands and then there are truly special talents, one that you can't help but take notice of.  John Newman is a special talent.  I've been captivated by each and every song he's released (and so far there are only a few with a full length album due in October).  "Try" is a free download on his Facebook page (I fell in love with this song in the first 20 seconds) and "Love Me Again" (this one took me 45 seconds) is available on iTunes.   Musically he reminds me of a British version of Bruno Mars - playing homage to classic soul sounds but with a distinctly modern sound.  His newest video "Cheating" is phenomenal and I can't get enough of his sound.  You can see the video below:



Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Seabird (August 25, 2013)

Sometimes when I hear a new band I know exactly who they remind me of.  But in the case of Seabird, it wasn't so obvious.  They kind of sound like a bunch of different bands and none of them at the same time. As I listened to their great new album, "Troubled Days," I decided that trying to find one band to compare them to was useless and instead I just enjoyed what I was listening to.  Their pop rock music is unique yet familiar and that is a perfect combination.  There's a lot here to like and I highly recommend giving this band and the album a full listen.

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Throwback Thursday - Ben Rector - August 22, 2013

When I first heard Ben Rector (originally featured March 21, 2010) he was opening for Matt Wertz while also playing in Matt's touring band. It didn't take long to figure out that his days in the backup band were numbered.  He is special. He has a great voice, a quirky style and his music was centered around some incredible piano playing, a nice change of pace from the more typical instrument of choice for singer-songwriters, the guitar.  Ben's sound and music just keeps getting better and better and he's finally getting some of the attention he deserves. A few weeks ago he was iTunes featured "Free Single" of the week and they were offering his album as a pre-order.  Well that album, "The Walking in Between" was released earlier this week and it is outstanding. Do yourself a favor and check out this incredibly talented artist! And if you get the chance to see him live (he's touring this Fall) do it!!