Coles Whalen (March 25, 2012)

Coles Whalen (https://www.facebook.com/coleswhalenmusic) intrigues me. She has a great voice and uses it in a variety of ways - some of her music is straight pop, some has a country slant to it and sometimes she takes on the attitude of a true rocker.  Whatever she does she does it well!  Her latest album, "I Wrote This For You" is her best work to date and hopefully will bring even more fans her way!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

The Bright Things (March 18, 2012)

The Bright Things (https://www.facebook.com/thebrightthings) are a great band from Brisbane who keep getting better and better with every song they release.  Their album "Question. Answer." included really good songs "Circles" and "Rocking Your Body" (among others) and recently they've released two more songs which I am loving.  "Castaway" is a great pop number with strong vocals and a very catchy/harmonious chorus.  "Bye Bye" (which is also free for giving them your email address at http://www.thebrightthings.com/) reminds me a little of Owl City (but not nearly as "girly" .  Lots of good stuff to like here!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Rob Giles (March 11, 2012)

Rob Giles (http://www.facebook.com/RobGilesMusic) has one of the best voices in music today.  In addition to a nice solo career he is part of one of my favorite groups, The Rescues (http://www.facebook.com/therescues) - but today's post is all about Rob and his new album "When We Were Happy."  Rob may be labeled as a "singer songwriter" but that doesn't really do him justice. He is a true artist. This album hits every part of the musical and emotional spectrum.  The re-released "You're Not Listening" is one of my favorite songs of the last few years - incredible lyrics and amazing vocals.  "I Don't Know Anything At All Anymore" is true bliss - just sweet perfection. 

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Tonight Alive (March 4, 2012)

I liked Tonight Alive (http://www.facebook.com/tonightalive) the first time I heard them back in 2010 when they released "All Shapes and Disguises." They've been on my list of bands to get around to featuring here.  Then I was reminded how good they are when they covered Mumford and Sons' "Little Lion Man" on Punk Goes Pop, Vol. 4. Now they are about to hit it big with the release of their new album "What Are You So Scared Of?"  This is awesome, high energy pop-punk music with great female lead vocals and a solid band to compliment her. 

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Cattle & Cane (February 26, 2012)

This week, on Oscar Sunday,  I am excited to feature Cattle & Cane (www.facebook.com/cattleandcane) a gorgeous group from the UK that just knows what a perfect song sounds like.  I chose this band to feature today, the day of the Academy Awards, because so many of their songs sound like they would fit perfectly into a great movie moment.  "Sold My Soul" is a favorite with incredible harmonies, a great feel to the song and so much more.  There is a lot to like with Cattle & Cane and if you're a fan of Mumford and Sons, Bon Iver, etc. be sure to give this group a listen!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Act As If (February 19, 2012)

I love coming across the perfect band at the perfect time!  That's just what has happened with Act As If (http://www.facebook.com/actasifmusic) - an incredible LA based quarter that features great lead vocals (both male and female) and intriguing songs.  Their new EP, "The Iron is Hot" is coming out this Tuesday (2/21) and you can give it a listen on their PureVolume page (http://www.purevolume.com/new/actasif).  While you're there you can see a video with an awesome acoustic version of "Oh My My" which is a great song.  You can also pick up a free download on their FB page.  Great stuff!!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Adam Barnes (February 12, 2012)

Adam Barnes’ (http://www.facebook.com/AdamBarnesMusic) music should come pre-packaged with a fireplace. He just has one of those special voices that makes you feel all warm and cozy and ready to cuddle up by the fire.  He has a great voice, his songwriter is simple and soulful, and the music he creates is fantastic.  This British songwriter is ready to make his move on the US music scene as he prepares to tour in about half a dozen cities in March. Check out his facebook page where you can get a free download of one of his songs. Or head over to iTunes and download his EP “Blisters.” 

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira