Andrew Morstein (October 27, 2013)

In over 6 years of weekly posts, I haven't ever featured an artist like Andrew Morstein, but now is the time as Andrew has just released "The Runaway EP", his first solo release.  Andrew's incredible voice is often (and appropriately) compared to Josh Groban and I can see him following in those footsteps.  This EP (available on iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-runaway-ep/id730143306) contains 4 songs (3 in English, 1 in Italian) and each shows the beauty of his voice and the versatility of this artist.

Andrew is also a part of the a capella group Gentleman's Rule and takes the lead in the song "Not Over You" (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/not-over-you/id578470457?i=578470614) which shows off more of his pop side.

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Courage My Love (October 20, 2013)

Courage My Love is a Canadian alternative rock band started by twin sisters who could easily be related to Avril Lavigne based on the great music they create.  Their latest release, "Becoming," is full of loud guitars and drums but also contains quieter and softer moments, insightful lyrics and quality singing.  These sisters, Mercedes and Phoenix, along with their band mate Brandon, have formed a band that will speak to so many young people and their upcoming tour across Canada and much of the US will hopefully get them a bigger audience. They deserve it!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

The Fold (October 13, 2013)

I had to double and triple check my records to realize that I have never featured The Fold before. This surprised me because I've been a big fan of theirs for years. Their album "Secrets Keep You Sick" (which came out in 2007) is one of my all time favorite albums and "Gravity" (from 2006 release "This Too Shall Pass") is one of my favorite songs.  Sorry it's taken me so long to share them with all of you but now is the time - especially with the release of their brand new album "Moving Past" dropping this Tuesday (Oct 15).  It's another fantastic release from this rock band that fits in quite nicely next to a band like Jimmy Eat World.

You can check out two of the songs from their new album here:
Moving Past: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKn8PBhB-UU
Bye Bye Love: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_GeuNBf75c

Please give them a listen and get ready to pick up their new album on Tuesday!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Prince of Spain (October 5, 2013)

Prince of Spain has just released their debut album "His Majesty" and it's pop music that is smooth and sweet.  The guys who make up this band came from The Scene Aesthetic and it's unclear if this is a side project or a full transition to a new band. Either way, these songs are warm and lush and made for enjoying with a cup of hot apple cider on a beautiful autumn day.  The album is available for $8 on iTunes and you can stream all of it on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/princeofspain/sets/his-majesty

Have a great week and enjoy the music,
Ira

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