Distant Cousins (May 18, 2014)

The time is right for Distant Cousins to become a household name. This acoustic/folk/rock/pop trio sounds like the perfect opening band for Mumford and Sons, The Lumineers or other similar bands and hopefully won't be opening for others for long.  Their debut EP is near perfect (and could only be better if it was longer) and contains gems like "On My Way" and "On Your Own" (yes, similar titles, different songs) as well as their single "Raise It Up." "On My Way" is now being heard up and down the East Coast in partnership with Shake Shack's "No Kid Hungry" campaign (see below).  Each song is full of incredible harmonies, foot tapping rhythms and thoughtful lyrics. Time to join the family!

Have a great week and enjoy the music,
Ira

Fort Hope (May 11, 2014)

At a time where there seem to be few music labels that you can really count on, UK based LAB Records continues to sign one incredible band after another. They have done it again with Fort Hope who released their new album "Courage" today!  This is great rock music with powerful lyrics, soaring vocals, catchy hooks and much more.  The whole album is fantastic but some of the songs that really stand out include "The Rapture," "Earthquake" and "New Life." But in all honesty I could have listed any of the songs from "Courage" here because they are all standouts.

There is so much to like here - please go check it out!
Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Breaking Southwest (May 4, 2014)

I spent this weekend in Atlanta so forgive me if I'm in a country music mood!  Go give a listen to Breaking Southwest, a great Dallas band that brings it with a fun country/southern rock mix. Their latest release, "Take A Moment" includes some of my favorite songs, "Breathe," "Party Till Sunday" (which is as much of a fun party song as you might think from the title) as well as "Raise A Glass." Summer is almost here and this band/album is a great accompaniment to your summer fun!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

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: