Paperwhite (October 19, 2014)

We used to live in a world where musical genres were broad and general (rock, pop, R&B, country) but now there seem to be an endless number of narrowly defined categories (pop punk, surf pop, acid rock, mathcore, etc.). So I don't generally pay a lot of attention to these categories - until I came across paperwhite which calls itself "dream pop." I had no idea that that meant until I started listening to their music and it all made sense.  This brother/sister duo has created light and airy pop music that seems to float among the clouds.  Dream pop does not, in this case, mean sleepy but rather imagine a great dream where you are floating on air;  just happy, seeing all of the people and places you want to go and enjoying a beautiful day. That's what papewhite brings to mind.  Check out their latest single "Pieces" or my other favorite "Take Me Back." Right now they only have a few singles out but an EP is in the works.  I for one can't wait to hear what else they come up with.

Have a great week and enjoy the music,
Ira

Listen to their music here: https://soundcloud.com/paperwhite

Lower Than Atlantis (October 12, 2014)

LOWER THAN ATLANTIS is one of the best UK based rock bands out there and their new self titled album is awesome.  These guys can turn it up loud with the best of them but never lose sight of the lyrics or the music. No matter how high the energy or how intense the music it never gets messy.  "English Kids in America" is a favorite of mine as is "Here We Go." "Words Don't Come So Easily"  is a more laid back song that also grabbed my attention from the first listen. And I can't help like a song called "Emily" since that's my daughter's name.  This is a great band and album and someone should be booking these guys on next summer's Warped Tour!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Trinity (October 5, 2014)

Trinity is the ultimate feel good band as they combine the high energy of Latin music and the classic folk sounds of Irish music to create something really special.  It doesn't seem to matter if the song is in English or Spanish (they do some of each) because the music is just so good and infectious.  The song that grabbed my attention is "Unbreakable" of their latest album called "Mundo."  It's without a doubt one of my favorite songs of the year.  You can get this song and several others for free on Noisetrade.  Give this great band a listen and you just might find some of your favorite music of the year!

Have a great week and enjoy the music,
Ira

Matt Nakoa (September 28, 2014)

Matt Nakoa has the perfect blend for today's modern singer-songwriter. He has a great voice that wavers in between rock, pop, country and folk music.  His songs are perfect for a late afternoon bbq or a drive through the country side.  His songs are soothing but never boring.  His latest album "A Dozen Other Loves" features great songs like "Fool Of A Knight," "You Are My Moonshine" (a free download on his website), and the beautiful "Chokecherry Hill." I also love "Diamonds into Dust" from his previous album "Light In The Dark."

His new album is currently available on his website and on CD Baby (not yet on iTunes/Amazon) but it's worth the extra effort: http://www.mattnakoa.com/music.html

Have a great week and enjoy the music,
Ira

Natasha North (September 21, 2014)

UK based Lab Records has done it again by signing Natasha North who released "Fire," her latest EP, today!  Natasha grabbed my attention with her last EP "Gather and Run" (released September 2013) which I finally heard in the early summer. The title track and accompanying video (see below) were enough for me to know that I had found something special.  Lessons Learned, the first song on "Fire" is simply stunning.  She is basically an unknown commodity if you base it off of her Twitter followers (just barely over 1,000) and FB "likes" (almost 2,000).  I sure hope that she won't be anonymous for much longer!

Natasha's music falls into a weird in between zone - it doesn't feel right to call it pop or alternative and her voice sometimes sounds like she's singing traditional folks songs. So forgive me if I can't categorize it other than to say that it's exceptional.

Video for Gather and Run:


Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Amber Run (September 14, 2014)

Amber Run would have been one of my new favorite bands anyway, with songs from their "Spark" EP released earlier this year. "Heaven" and "Spark" are both great songs that showed me what this UK Alternative band is capable of. But then they took it to a whole new level with the videos for two of the songs from their new "Pilot" EP which is scheduled to be released September 21 (hopefully in the US as well as in the UK).  I'm not normally someone who gets excited about music videos but these are different.  It's three songs/parts - I Found, Pilot and part three which I can't wait to be released.  It's great music and an intense story that I'll let you watch for yourself.

I Found (Part One)
Pilot (Part Two)
Enjoy the videos, and the music, and have a great week!

Ira

Us The Duo (September 7, 2014)

For me, there is just something special about bands that feature male AND female lead vocals.  Us The Duo does this as well as anyone and their songs are sweet, sultry and sensational.  This married couple released their latest album, "No Matter Where You Are" this past May and it is full of incredible songs.  The title track is a favorite as is "Make You Mine." But there are no disappointing songs on this album - it's just a lot of great, gorgeous music sung by two amazing talents.

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira