What are you listening to this summer? What band or artist does everyone need to check out? Leave a link in the comments.
1 Liner: Sunfold - Toy Tugboats
I’ve been listening to this album for a little bit and was really getting into it but missed the chance to recommend it when it came out on July 22nd. The album is more jazzy than you might expect but it is blended perfectly with a bit of folk which creates a different sound than other band’s are providing. This is now a formal recommendation to pick up the album, as it is really good.
Daily Rec: 7/23
We’ve recommended The Album Leaf before, but if you’re looking for some really good ambient, relaxing music then this is it.
1 Liner: Valencia - We All Need A Reason To Believe
It seems kind of strange that Valencia ended up on a major label because although these new songs are catchy, they’re in a less obvious way than the band’s previous record was. There is a lot of heart and passion cramed into these 11 songs and this record will turn a few people’s world upside down.
First Impressions: Valencia
After receiving the Valencia’s new album in the mail I have a few first thoughts about it. The first thing is that this doesn’t sound like a major label release, which is not a bad thing but just interesting.
The thing is that the production is really raw. This is not the reason the album doesn’t sound like a major label release but the raw production does seem to help help the overall feel and give it charater.
This is definitely an album that you will need to listen a few times to fully enjoy. Full review will be coming soon
Daily Rec: 7/22
There is a lot of new songs being posted so we thought we should point out a few. Underoath has a new song for all the hardcore kids, and The Academy Is has a 2nd new song for all the pop rock kids.
Let us know what other new songs are being posted today.
Tuesday: 7/22
Music out today worth buying
* The Classic Crime - The Silver Cord
* Above The Golden State - Self Titled
Full Review: The Classic Crime - The Silver Cord
The Classic Crime are a hard/alt rock band which I always forget about, but never seem to have a problem earning back my attention with only a tiny bit of effort. ‘The Silver Cord’ is interesting in that, even now, it doesn’t get me super excited but it still is very solid the entire way through.
Daily Rec: 7/21
Think of the not-as-quite indie version of Vampire Weekend and you’ve got U.S. Royalty. The stuff on their Myspace is really addictive and worth listening to. Can’t wait for their new album coming out as it should provide some good end of summer music.
1 Liner: Man Alive - Self Titled
Man Alive is still trying to prove that good old fashion punk is still alive and well. Their self titled album is definitely worth looking as the music is fast, and although catchy, it doesn’t cater to the radio scene.
Daily Rec: 7/19
Just a heads up, Sunfold’s new record is gonna blow some people’s minds as the blend of jazz and folk are perfect and very different than the tradition stuff going around. (no new tracks up yet, should be soon)
Daily Rec: 7/18
Anyone aware that Man Alive, the punk band from Israel, has a new album out? Give it a listen, good chance you’ll like it. I mean if you like that type of stuff.
Full Review: Family Force 5 - Dance Or Die
Interestingly enough Family Force 5 released a 3 song EP under the same name, ‘Dance Or Die’ a little bit ago as not to be confused with this new full length record which gets released in August. As the album’s title would suggest the band has turned and focused their attention on coming up with a punk/rock interpretation of ‘dance music’.
New Finch?
Anyone want to hear 2 new finch songs?
Update: While the new songs are not “old Finch” they are still worlds better than the previous album and are very promising. Any thoughts?
Daily Rec: 7/17
On the left hand side you will see a link that says “need to know” these are some unsigned bands and artists who we think are gonna be big. Driver F is a favorite who has put out a pretty awesome album and chances are you haven’t experienced the aggressive rock that is reminiscent to Taking Back Sunday or Saves The Day. Driver F is as authentic as they come and deserves to be checked out.
Also the “need to know” link will be going away shortly for a redesign and update.
Daily Rec: 7/16
Although Valencia’s new song “Where Did You Go” may seem like a break up song at first glance I’d encourage you find out more as it gives the song a whole new meaning with such a positive message. The song’s chorus is unbelievably catchy as well as the verses are raw with emotion. Do yourself a favor and check it out.
1 Liner: The Classic Crime - The Silver Cord
I never get excited about this aggressive rock band but they always end up impressing me, or at least entertaining me. ‘The Silver Cord’ has more bright spots than dead ones but it still falls on the side of mediocre. “The Beginning” (which is the last song) is easily the band’s best song ever and is reason enough to check out the album.
Click image for full review
1 Liner: The Reign Of Kindo - Rhythm Chord And Melody
The Reign Of Kindo may be a new name for you but they are definitely worth making a note of. The music is smooth, jazz like tunes that glide effortlessly, while the lyrics are deep, thoughtful and intertwined with the melodies. The only issue is that on the surface it may seem a bit boring in certain situations.
Upcoming Releases
There are still some huge releases yet to come out which may disrupt some people’s ‘best of the year’ list.
- Jack’s Mannequin
- Lovedrug
- Underoath
- Mute Math?
- Anberlin
Which albums are you still looking forward to that have not been released yet?
Mute Math Studio Vlog
More and more I am convinced this will be a Mute Math pop record based on what people are saying.
Daily Rec: 7/15
Chances are you haven’t heard The Gallery but you need to. Unassuming, graceful rock music which is innocent yet full of passion. Start with the song “Where We Began”.
1 Liner: Family Force 5 - Dance Or Die
Is ‘hardcore dance’ a genre yet, because it may be one shortly. The new full length album from Family Force 5 is full of dance beats but it is also jam packed with distorted sounds, screams, and every other electronic noise imaginable. At first glance, or listen, this album is nothing more than a gimmick but after a few times through it begins to grow on you and in certain circumstances, is a good time.
Click image for full review
Tuesday: 7/15
Daily Rec: 7/14
I have actually really been digging the new Kutless album. It did take a few times through to feel connected but it is worth checking out for the mid-hard rock fans.
1 Liner: Tickle Me Pink - Madeline
Tickle Me Pink use a fairly standard pop punk formula which will catch a few ears, however the band does employ darker undertones than the competition. The biggest problem with the album is that it seems to be hung up on a break up or heartbreak which most likely won’t work for those not in that place.
Rock Band 2 Track Listing
Here’s the official 75 song track listing for the upcoming game ‘Rock Band 2′. Any favorites?
Rock Band 2 Track List:
1. AC/DC “Let There Be Rock” 1970s
2. AFI “Girl’s Gone Grey” 2000’s
3. Alanis Morissette “You Oughta Know” 1990’s
4. Alice in Chains “Man in the Box” 1990’s
5. Allman Brothers “Ramblin’ Man” 1970’s
6. Avenged Sevenfold “Almost Easy” 2000’s
7. Bad Company “Shooting Star” 1970’s
8. Beastie Boys “So Whatcha Want” 1990’s
9. Beck “E-Pro” 2000’s
10. Bikini Kill “Rebel Girl” 1990’s
11. Billy Idol “White Wedding Pt. I” 1980’s
12. Blondie “One Way or Another” 1970’s
13. Bob Dylan “Tangled Up in Blue” 1970’s
14. Bon Jovi “Livin’ on a Prayer” 1980’s
15. Cheap Trick “Hello There” 1970’s
16. Devo “Uncontrollable Urge” 1980’s
17. Dinosaur Jr. “Feel the Pain” 1990’s
18. Disturbed “Down with the Sickness” 2000’s
19. Dream Theater “Panic Attack” 2000’s
20. Duran Duran “Hungry Like the Wolf” 1980’s
21. Elvis Costello “Pump It Up” 1970’s
22. Fleetwood Mac “Go Your Own Way” 1970’s
23. Foo Fighters “Everlong” 1990’s
First Impressions Of Family Force 5 ‘Dance Or Die’
First, if you have never seen this band play live either in person or in videos then you should probably do so before continuing on. Assuming you have seen this band and have an idea of what to expect, you can forget all of it because the new album ‘Dance Or Die’ is a huge evolution and even more outrageous, even for Family Force 5.
The songs are bigger and more focused on a specific theme than before although it’s almost not fair to compare this album to the band’s last record because it’s completely different. All the songs are dancey grunge anthems which are a bit hard to make heads or tails of upon first listen. I’m not sure how favorable this album with land with me but it’s definitely interesting.
How many people are looking forward to this release?
Daily Rec: 7/13
I like to re-post recs of bands that deserve the attention because I’m sure a lot of people either miss it the first time around or just didn’t check them out for whatever reason. Switchfoot fans should absolutely fall in love with This Holiday Life, another San Diego band who follow the same basic laid back rock principles.
