Thursday, March 31, 2011

A New Indie Song Everyday (Lady Venom) 3-31-11

Another late night of work and on the look out for some Trance Techno.  I found Orbit by Lady Venom. 

Find Lady Venom here:
http://www.unsigned.com/ladyvenom
Lady Venom composes Dark Trance in with some Latin beats in this song Orbit.  The balance between Drum and Bass and Techno has a nice variation.  I am not personally a fan of all out Drum and Bass.  Orbit has some nice synthetic clips of a dark looming voice that mixes in with the other sounds.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

A New Indie Song Everyday (Fighting Chance) 3-30-11

Got out of work late tonight again.  I needed a little pickup so I was looking for some Reggae.  Initially I chose Dreadstarr, but they only have a sample up and I can't review that fully.  Fighting Chance won out today more ska than Reggae, but will have to work for tonight.

Find Fighting Chance here:
http://www.unsigned.com/fightingchance

First impulse is a cross between Nickelback and The Urge.  I am a huge Urge fan.  "Go inside and get my pickle" old stuff before Stereo the not so great able.  The longer I listened though the more they proved themselves.  The Urge factor thankfully was working for them.  As the son Falling In is a heavy ska influence it also has a nice little Rock beat to stave off the chance of sounding too much like Sublime.

Wish they had more songs on here.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

A New Indie Song Everyday (Straight Jack) 3-29-11

I hit the Jackpot right off!  Straight Jack from Joliet, IL with Lush.  Just as I was thinking I wish I would have chose a blog about movies instead of music, I get lucky tonight.

Find Straight Jack here:
www.myspace.com/straightjack

Lush has that cross between a pop song and a hitting hard The Runaways.  She starts off with a sexy sultry voice for about 30 seconds and then rocks it out for the chorus.  Returning to the softness in between the rock'n out the strumming keeps it light and fluffy to compliment the calm voice.  I really appreciate that Straight Jack is a band that has some change ups and doesn't over do the pop factor.

Monday, March 28, 2011

A New Indie Song Everyday (Elisa Victorial)03-28-11

I try not to write about anyone over 3.000 friends, but it is hard to find talented female singers either not at a high friend count or worthy of listening.  So Elisa Victoria is unsigned and I thought a good pick for today.  The song I chose is Who Do I Run to. 

Find Elisa Victoria here:
http://www.myspace.com/elisavictoria

It is a trance bordering dance song with a feel good beat.  This song in particular is a synthetic sounding song with a nice steady dance charge.  Although not a very deep intimate song, it contains a strong vocal melody. 

Sunday, March 27, 2011

A New Indie Song Everyday (Silent Film Project)03-27-11


Much has kept me busy and unable to dedicate the time to fully listen to the songs I have chose and I have been ill.  Light at the end of the tunnel I found my headphones, feeling better, and my time consumer is coming to an end.    Yielding from the UK Silent Film Project gives us The Communicator's Gifts. 

Find Silent Film Project here:

http://www.unsigned.com/silentfilmproject

The Communicator's Gifts strikes a big band note with a rock influence.  Fluid playing is greeted with a new approach almost midway through with female harmonizing backup vocals.  I find it hard to concentrate on the meaning of the song as I am too preoccupied with all the melding of the sounds played seamlessly. Toward the end the band  begins emphasizing the quirky change ups with the off beat stops and really pronounces the abilities that have been less noticeable in the beginning. 

Saturday, March 26, 2011

A New Indie Song Everyday (Oh, My Glory Days!l)03-26-11

Collecting Dust by Oh My Glory Days is the song today.  At first listen I think they are confused.  They define themselves as Folk Rock yet it sounds like a cross between Guns'n Roses and weird electronics without point.

Oh My Glory Days can be found here: http://www.unsigned.com/ohmyglorydays
With that being said.  If they picked a direction that didn't conflict so much I think the song would speak more and have less of the psychedelic theme.

 

Friday, March 25, 2011

A New Indie Song Everyday (Age of Echoesl)03-25-11

Feeling low and not so well I bring you some Ambient music from Age of Echoes Vapor Trail. A peaceful note with all the war going on and nuclear reactors.

Find Age of Echoes here:
http://www.myspace.com/ageofechoes

Vapor Trail brings me into a tranquility I really needed right about now.  Stress levels begin to flatten when I hear the rhythmic sound of the keyboard.  Such a nice flow and the vocals very close to an Enigma style lull me
to rest.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

A New Indie Song Everyday (Laindiarose)03-25-11

Laindiarose with the song Remembering the Day is my choice.  It is a dance/reggae infused song.  The singer is a female which is what interested me.


Find Laindiarose here:
http://www.unsigned.com/laindiarose

Remembering the Day has a 90's dance beat with a world influence.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

A New Indie Song Everyday (Something Simple) 3-23-11

Today we have very raw duo Something Simple with Backstage Screenplay.  Acoustic has a certain quality that appeals to me.  It screams out I am real look at me here I am!  I appreciated the title to this song and was curious about its contents.

Find Something Simple here:
www.myspace.com/somethingsimplemusic
http://www.unsigned.com/somethingsimple

Backstage Screenplay really seems to be about creating a perfect atmosphere that is camera ready.  Those magnificent cinematic moments we see in movies are really what Something Simple depicts for me.  With descriptive lyrics like, "camera roles backdrop ride lighting up our scene one starry night".  It makes me think of 3 point lighting of just stars, but not that we see any in the bright city.  Songs like this make it nice to think about the ideal love setting where you are the center of attention.  The song takes an unexpected turn with the words "Cut".  Backstage Screenplay seems to take a 180 and reverse meaning at this point.  I begin to wonder why he states, "Calling out your Bluff".  I thought all was going well did I miss something?  So maybe it is they are acting fake?

A New Indie Song Everyday (Carl Hauck) 3-22-11

Sorry, I did miss Tuesday but here is the band for yesterday.  Carl Hauck's song Windjammer is my pick.

Check him out here:
http://www.facebook.com/carlhauck
http://www.myspace.com/carlhauck

Windjammer is a soft melody beginning with a gentle guitar and a lovely voice to follow.  The slide in the guitar adds a touch that feels the song out until the 2nd verse comes.  The easy going lyrics really keeps it calm and the extra instruments fill out the song to a spectacular level.

Monday, March 21, 2011

A New Indie Song Everyday (Babyoil)03-21-11

Pretty awful day woke up to oil leaking from my car because I helped a friend move.  He left one of my oil gallons in my car and piled his musical equipment on top and low and behold oil spill in the automobile.  With this insight to my day I bring you Babyoil Army of Butterflies.

Check out Babyoil here:
http://www.myspace.com/babyoilmusic

Sassy pop with spurts of indie rock form Army of Butterflies.  Excellent concept an army of butterflies, but I think I am probably too mad to fully listen to the meaning and give it my attention.  I do like the energy these guys are leaving me with, but too bad I just spent 2 hours not counting the morning hours pulling my seats apart to clean.  Hopefully I can revisit their website to listen better.

My cars oil spill did leave me with a new band to listen to today!

Sunday, March 20, 2011

A New Indie Song Everyday (Amalie)03-20-11

Feeling stressed and searching for a screamo band I found a now broken up Amalie.  The song Beauty of Surrender interested me since it had a heavy female singer backed up by a death metal male vocalist.

Find the remains of Amalie here:
www.myspace.com/amalieband

 Beauty of Surrender is a melodic song with hardcore riffs and extra heavy backups.  Described as Christian/Screamo it starts out mellow with easy guitar then jumps right into hard rock with a pretty vocalist that shines as opposites attract.  The dichotomy of the vocalists really lends this song a different feel than most and has enough balance to not be distracting.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

A New Indie Song Everyday (Circus of Dead Squirrels)03-19-11

Done with the series and feeling very lazy and unmotivated, clicked on the first advertised.  However, I was pleased with the results and went with the flow.  On the industrial/gothic end of the spectrum I came across Adfinem.  They struck me as influenced by the KMFDM era, however they were signed so I started searching for Industrial and knew it was right as I saw Circus of Dead Squirrels.

Elmo's last laugh is a distorted song that carries crazily along like a parading Nintendo game.  I am not going to pretend like I understand the lyrics, but I do love the quirky sound clips, especially Elmo's laugh.  I doubt this one will last long with big corpa getting offending Elmo is tied in with LSD and OCD.  Laughing hard on this song give it a listen.

http://www.unsigned.com/circusofdeadsquirrels

Friday, March 18, 2011

A New Indie Song Everyday (White Ninjaz) 3-18-11

Going back to the series I started before St. Patty's Day is White Ninjaz from talented artist from Astronauts of Inner Space.  I am working late so I will finish post the deadline sorry busy week.
http://www.unsigned.com/astronautsofinnerspace

Thursday, March 17, 2011

A New Indie Song Everyday (Emerald Frequency) 3-17-11

Happy St. Patty's Day!  Emerald Frequency is my Celtic Band pick and the song All Turns.

Check them out here:
http://www.myspace.com/emeraldfrequency/music

All Time warps us to the forest with the glimpse of chimes.  The flute sounds like a voice in the first few notes.  This magical flute transforms the instrumental setting as a Celtic woman's voice begins.  Sweet melodies cascade as a traditional Irish tune is played.

This song is a perfect match for St. Patrick's Day. The right amount of reverb captures her tone like she was in an echoing forest.  The instruments all blend together in a nice Celtic medley.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

A New Indie Song Everyday (INCOHERENT STUDENT) 3-16-11

The second song in the continuation series from 3-15-11 is INCOHERENT STUDENT with 1 Light Year Away.  This song is taking us in a space ship sci-fi style.  Different dimensions of vocals duplicated give this song a full feel under the electronica.  Although, not as psychedelic as the last encounter with this multi-faceted musician, 1 Light Year Away still has that spacey feel.

The best part of the song for me is the chorus, "I'm so content with my philosophy you bite your tongue I live for truth pour right outta me."  This verse cuts me down to my innards, but the vocal effects sells the impact of the song.  The vocals have a daunting quality as if the listener should be aware this musician is serious about his stance.  So many people are biting their tongue at danger or burying their head in the sand when something frightens their comfort zone.  We could all take a lesson here to stand and be content with what we may feel is against our beliefs.  Let us not lie down like a rug as society tramples are values.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

A New Indie Song Everyday (Astronauts of Inner Space) 3-15-11

Still not feeling tip top and haven't had any coffee so got a headache.  The band today is very interesting to me as the artist is involved in 5 projects.  I might just make them my next four songs.  Spin Progressions is the song for today.

Astronauts of Inner Space can be found here:
http://www.unsigned.com/astronautsofinnerspace

It is always interesting to me to see artists involved in other projects and not solely devoted to one single project.  Many bands find being tied up with other bands as equaling a lack of focus for their band.  I always tend to think it certainly depends on the level of skill, level of commitment to a band, and dedication to music in general.  I am curious to explore the other bands connected with Astronauts of Inner Space.

Trippy is what comes to mind with the song Spin Progressions, however it has a desirable soft guitar motion that rides throughout the song to bring harmony to the piece.  The first part sounds almost like a carnival meets Danny Elfman, but then the guitar settles in to the flow.  Later a basic drum beat of a wooden character interjects ever so often to add a volume to the instrumental song.

We will see what tomorrow brings with the series of bands from this artist.

Monday, March 14, 2011

A New Indie Song Everyday (Fractal Folk) 3-14-11

I am feeling under the weather and this will not be the best review of a song.  Today my pick is Love That Could Not Speak.  It is a bouncy song the trombone keeps in check.  The folk singer has just a touch of jazz in her voice during the song.  The harmony effect keeps it light and carefree and the jangling guitar also helps.

Toward the end a male voice that comes close to a Jimi Hendrix like style, mixes it up.  Have a love that could not speak.  I will get back to what this could mean.  Maybe I can't be free in love?  I will think about it more.

Visit them at
www.fractalfolk.com
http://www.unsigned.com/fractalfolk

Sunday, March 13, 2011

A New Indie Song Everyday (A Bitter Mind) 3-13-11

This one is going to be personal and humorous.  Every song that comes on the radio my husband decides to interject the word squirrel and it is just random and silly  The song for today comes very close to his radio interpretations.  He approved of this song by A Bitter Mind called Secret Life of Squirrels.

A Bitter Mind can be found here:
http://www.unsigned.com/abittermind

Is Secret Life of Squirrels a  punk/ska comedy song?  Noticeably ska sounds starts out and lyrics early on reveal the point of the song," In my Rock'n Chair away from the world... think'n bout the Secret Life of Squirrels"   My imagination goes wild as A Bitter Mind sets in on the guitar playing.   

Are these squirrels like the guinea pig show G Force?  No I think we miss the point when we get into the comedy aspect.  A Bitter Mind actually seems to be locking the world out and really sick of everything.  The squirrels are merely the scape goats in this song.  The song rocks out a little anger with some humorous ska beats and weird sound effects and shortly ends with "Sick and tired of Shit".  He Sums it up that the secret life of squirrels could actually be better than his little world for that moment or two.

Secret Life of Squirrels makes me chuckle, but examining it to true potential, the little quirks of sound effects in the song help me to visualize the escape method focused on in A Bitter Minds song. 

Saturday, March 12, 2011

A New Indie Song Everyday (Eric Harrington) 3-12-11

Eric Harrington can be found here:
http://www.myspace.com/harringtonsongs

After a very long week Young and Foolish by Eric Harrington hit the spot.  A nice laid back elegant tune sets the mood for relaxing.  This ballad is a throwback to the true early jazz makers.  Sweet piano melodies that lull me into a sense of security. 

The balance between Eric's voice and the gentle piano strokes could put anyone in a mood for romance.  When you step back from the beauty of the jazz and listen to the lyrics, it could be seen as a song about the past golden days.  Young and Foolish depicts a  love that has lost its luster from being the carefree young foolish love they use to know.  He asks,"What is wrong with being Young and Foolish"?  Even though as young ones the actions we displayed while in love may have actually been silly at the time there was nothing wrong with just being worry free and young.  The blue bird must fly away and love must grow older but it does not have to tarnish as long as we can be young and foolish at heart.

Eric ends the song with a faint piano almost mocking him saying a last good bye to the Young and Foolish days of the past.  The piano fades out into the distance as we calmly and sadly say our goodbye.

Friday, March 11, 2011

A New Indie Song Everyday (I said I said) 3-11-11

Thought I would look for chicks today.  No, not in that way.  For the song coming out of  Atlanta, Georgia we have Everchanging by I said I said.

I said I said can be found here:
http://www.myspace.com/isaidmusic

Everchanging starts out shredding it all to hell then carries into a candy pop beat and easily transitions into rocker super chick.  The vocals have that No Doubt like quality mixed with a tad of Hole.  The rough demo quality of Everchanging improves through the song and really doesn't compromise the song as a whole.  I could have picked a different song not in demo mode, but I liked the raw quality of this one and bonus it was a real kick ass song. 

The song appealed to me because the thought of ever changing.  After being stuck in a rut as we all go through, it is nice to have a little reminder.  Hey I am ever changing!  The lyrics are a little hard to understand in some areas but the chorus does bleed through nicely.   Fairly, I can't decipher the full idea of what I said I said is really trying to accomplish here, but it is a fun indie song.   I find myself bopping my head along to the beat that teeters between pop and rock.  Of course they do however, shred it up in the ending to tie it all back together in a pretty little bow for the listener.

I look forward to an ever changing new version of Everchanging.  It is Friday been a rough day just a little lame humor.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

A New Indie Song Everyday (Banjo Goiter) 3-10-11

Banjo Goiter can be found here:
http://banjogoiter.bandcamp.com/
http://www.facebook.com/banjogoiter

Alright with a name like Banjo Goiter I just couldn't resist writing about them.  I chose Jalisco Sling from these psychedelic, grunge, rock guys out of Beverly, MA.  Jalisco does not quite come up in the dictionary other than as a Spanish word.  Here is your cultural lesson for today.

Jalisco: a state of W Mexico, on the Pacific: crossed by the Sierra Madre; valuable mineral resources.   

What does that have to do with anything you may ask?  What does Banjo Goiter have to do with anything in the first place?  Makes for an original name and leaves us wondering where the inspiration has been derived.  Serves its purpose I am already thinking about the voyage to look for the minerals.  Pack your bags here we go.

Jalisco Sling starts out on the funky bass line full on slap bass.  It is an experimental instrumental song.  However, like many of the artist I write about they have different styles in the set list.  Vocals are included in some of the other songs that are available to listen.

Jalisco Sling is a jam band song that puts you front and center in the hype and full glory of a jam room.  It has that creative inspirational feeling.  One could easily feel like they are witnessing a brand new song form.  It could be that maybe it is still in the phase of evolving.  For example Jalisco Sling Part 1 might be finished but Banjo Goiter leaves it open to make the listener search for a version 2.  A version that completes the voyage and the minerals are retrieved.  Just a thought it is pretty psychedelic after all.

 I do like the mashing up of the heavy drum beats in the earlier part of Jalisco Sling.  As it moves on it intensifies and then stops mid song to reboot; taking on a different texture with only the guitar leading into the next section.  Jalisco Sling finishes with the jam carrying on in an abrupt fashion.  Then it just ends.  Done, no more to see folks move along.  Which again is why I will be looking for Jalisco Sling Version 2.

Thanks for letting us in the jam room.  Banjo Goiter, what a great name.






Wednesday, March 9, 2011

A New Indie Song Everyday (Ivory Drive) 3-9-11

Ironically, the band I found today was Ivory Drive.  Struck me a bit meant to be since yesterday was the band iD.  If you don't get that it's not too important.  I really am digging the trumpet with these guys.  I am going to just dive into the music as it has left me feeling really inspired.

Ivory Drive check them out here:
http://ivorydrive.com/
www.myspace.com/ivorydriveband

Yep, I can take on the world with these tunes. The song for today is Breath of the Victory March.  First off major props for being able to keep in tune while singing "Victory".  Has anyone tried singing the word victory?  Singing that word is an accomplishment in itself.

The organ begins our mission into Breath of the Victory March and at this brief moment sets the mood.  Shortly, following the bass and the organ come in together to create a chaotic background and really ignites the song.  The music pauses and then with the drum roll launches us off into the war march.  This kicks off the trumpets disco blend.  A light pause and the energetic vocals set in.

The song is all over the place, but in an utmost wonderful way.  Such a graceful blend of genres from jazz, rock, tad of 70's. really a beautiful array of styles.  Towards the end of the song the music dies down with only the vocals and a soft reflecting piano.   Then ramps up again with the same energy to fuel us press forward.   I really enjoy all the stops and different tempos throughout Breath of the Victory March.  Oh, yes I definitely want to stop and take a look at the stars now.  The song wraps up with the same uncertain organ as
the opening.

Breath of the Victory March in general keeps me motivated to tread on to victory.  I could go deeper but Ivory Drive did some work for me so I will spare the further dissecting.  Here are the lyrics:

Simple to take a step with thee
Forward then, and on your knees
Everyone take a look at the stars
Simple to take a single stride
Toward then and bow down with pride
On your shoulders
Reaching for the stars
Everyone take a look at the stars
Another step and a march begins
Moving then and we all will win
Everyone sees the third step not so far
Another stride in time with all
The drums will drive this past the wall
Of stubborn standards staring from so far
Everyone sees this march could take us far
Lighting torches, grabbing swords and knives
Guns and shells would soon arrive
The only thing that’s scarce is victory
Hail to the champion of
Victory of war, not love
Look for the white flag waving for victory
Victory is what is sought
Vision goes past what is fought
Vows that rows of people have died for
Victory to continue through
The different ways to get to you
Is what they go to all this trouble for
Is the way they go worth dying for?
Another simple step with thee
We, the people, on our knees
Marching, yet, a path with ways to war
Something in the stride we lend
Is possibly finally different
Maybe come a fork, we’ll veer from war
Or march down the glory path to war
Lighting torches, grabbing swords and knives
Guns and shells would soon arrive
The only thing that’s scarce is victory
Hail to the champion of
Victory of war, not love
Look for the white flag waving for victory
Victory
Simple to take a step with thee
Forward then, and on your knees
Everyone take a look at the stars
Simple to take a single stride
Toward then and bow down with pride
On your shoulders
Reaching for the stars
Everyone take a look at the stars
Everyone take a look at the stars
Everyone take a look at the stars
Everyone needs to stop
Everyone needs to stop and take a look at the stars

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

A New Indie Song Everyday (ID the Poet) 3-8-11

I am extremely excited about the song for today and do believe I have come to an agreement with myself.  After hearing the rap band and researching to find them signed to an indie label, I reevaluated my goal.  What I want to accomplish with the blog is to give people a chance to hear some music that they might otherwise have never heard and to give the band much needed and well deserved exposure.  I was torn if they are signed then should I listen and give my thoughts on the bands song?  I came to a conclusion as long as they do not have a high amount of fans I will consider it fair to write about them.   I was in a political mood today and happened to run across the political band iD the Poet.  The song is Wilderness.

Christian Based and Political
iD the Poet can be found here:
http://www.myspace.com/idthepoet
iDthePoet.com

A voice mocking an Edgar Allan Poe style opens the song Wilderness.  Poetic layers of lyrics continue until we are matched up with the truth seeker.  Ominous cello carries throughout the song.  The Wilderness keeps a steady beat of an almost sinister impending doom, however just light enough to keep hope.  It is a warning to a lost listener and it becomes in your face evident with this lyric, "Waiting for the Saviors tremendous yell".  With other lyrics such as.  "Children kept from the sun", "Governmental Collapse"  and "Devour our Young", the future of the song looks bleak until we hear the verse "I drown them out with my music".  Now we start to realize he is fighting back and trying to get his listeners to come to grips with a reality that he foresees to be coming true.

I could go on and on about this song it is so multi-faceted but in line with past posts I will rap
it up.  In the ending we hear the tinkling of the cowbells as iD says, "And we're oh so civilized hanging ourselves, ourselves with our ties.".  To me this last line is a look at how can we be the debonair ones when we are so brutal to allow things to happen.  The irony here is we claim this civilized state but we still allow children to starve in the world, wars in the name of peace, and greed to run-a-muck by men in ties.  (A child dies every 5 seconds.)  What good is it to be the civilized human when we are in fact left with the carnivorous animals as he basically puts the "wolves are locked up with the rest". Metaphorically, we have hung ourselves in certain ways with our government by giving up certain rights under the guise of safety.

iD appeals to me with their truth jaunts in Wilderness.  Thanks for taking me on this journey where I will heed the warning and seek to understand the trials we may have before us.

Monday, March 7, 2011

A New Indie Song Everyday (C2) 3-7-11

Getting a jump start on the post for today and realizing that the time zone is different.  I reposted with the correct date.  My song pick comes from Paris , KY.  C2 describes themselves as follows, "C2 is a fusion of synthpop and classic Americana. It's pretty fun, check it out."   Yep its fun got that Kings of Leon meets Mumford & Son's mix.  The song I chose was Beauty Queen.

Check out C2 here:
http://www.facebook.com/officialC2music?sk=info
http://www.myspace.com/officialc2music

Beauty Queen begins with a gentle shaker leading into the strong power pop synthetic beat and picks up into dance/electronic riffs.  The first lyrical note belts out on an accent.  The same country accent that the mainstream tries to bleed out of us.  Being from Texas, and hearing this most of my life, I know it to be pretty true.  C2 lets it stand out in the open for all to hear and appreciate.  Not by any means is it a country song, but the accent fights the electronically driven drums enough to pull it into border on Americana. 

Beauty Queen appears to be about a beautiful woman that really can't settle down. The lyrics, "Her eyes could tell the story of a heart that's always broken and a soul that's always look'n for a mate", make me think that it will probably be a simple song.  However, "Her smile could burn me up inside although she's never satisfied she's Late, make me ponder if she let her guard down to be with him and maybe she could be pregnant.  What does Late mean here, I asked myself this question.  Could it be she is just running behind schedule?  Not the way it is used in the song and disguised.  He only mentions it one time but that was enough to get my creativity flowing.  As Beauty Queen goes on to the chorus he reassures her he will always be there for her, and mid song you can hear a break in his voice of sincerity.  Towards the end C2 lets out a little yelp of excitement to end the song on an optimistic note.

So at first listen the song comes across as shallow, but with an in depth listen I was almost in tears.  Beauty Queen is not just another dance/ feel good song.  In my interpretation it is a tune that shows he is putting it all down on the table and taking the utmost risk for a life.

Beauty Queen helped me to realize that emotional lyrics can be laid on top of the most unexpected beats. 

Sunday, March 6, 2011

A New Indie Song Everyday (Quiet Hostility) 3-6-11

After a hard night of disappointment from the Mardi Gras Party at Poor David's Pub I was really hoping to find something heavier to appease me.  A few words of a rant, Corey Ledet and His Zydeco Band would have blew these guys away.  I came intentionally to the Party/Live Music Gumbo Cook off to see the real instruments but instead they were replaced with a sound effects keyboard.  SCREAM!!!!  This blog really tries to spotlight great shining artist who are true to the creativity and individuality music provides.  The band was still a good band but I was going for Authentic and yes I do realize a keyboard is an instrument.  Luckily I found Quiet Hostility to take my mind off of the frustration today.  Not much of an interesting story on the search to find them but somehow our paths have crossed.

Quiet Hostility can be found here http://www.myspace.com/quiethostility

The song Hidden Clause starts out hard hitting with those punchy riffs then lands into a melodic undertone.  The first time through I could not concentrate on the lyrics I was jamming so hard.  The second time around the meaning surfaced.  Obviously, I knew a hidden clause was the point of the song, but I thought with the lyrics, "I would give my life for yours and you have found the hidden clause," was simply he would give his life.  Just when I thought I had it figured out, he very cleverly and quickly jolts in the word Love.  I'm found thinking this is a Love song.  Yes, it is a resistant love clause, but still it is love.  A pressured and stressed love but still a love that has almost been wrote in an agreement to defend.  The heartfelt lyrics are a nice touch on an otherwise aggressive song.  Hidden Clause shows that men can have a gruff exterior but still have some softness underneath. 

This metal song is especially nice since it does not have an overpowering reminder of 80's hair band days or 90's grunge.  It strikes a happy balance with the music of the 2000's.  I did in fact enjoy listening and deciphering my interpretation of Hidden Clause.

Good Rock'n Out in Brisbane, QLD Australia.  I am definitely a new fan in Dallas, TX USA.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

A New Indie Song Everyday (Corey Ledet and His Zydeco Band) 3-5-11

Starting off this is an exhausting genre to search for independent artist.  Strangely enough most of my searches came up with different states that do not to pertain to the original background of Mardi Gras.  And although I do believe in fate leading me in the direction I need to go,  finding Corey Ledet and His Zydeco band was a nice detour.  http://www.myspace.com/coreyledetandhiszydecoband/music/songs/mom-sue-20701490

Here is a a little history on the event of Mardi Gras taken from
theholidayspot.com/mardigras/origin.htm
Mardi Gras in the Melting Pot:

"Although Mardi Gras is basically a Catholic holiday, today it is party for everyone here in United States. This is especially true in New Orleans and other parts of Louisiana which can be credited for introducing this tradition in the country.

Mardi Gras first came to New Orleans through French Culture in the year 1699 when the French explorers celebrated the holiday on the Mississippi River. Over the years, the celebration has witnessed growing national attention with many parades and parties coming in to add to its hue and flavor. Despite the Hispanic invasion later the celebration has not lost its original French influence."
Taken from:
http://www.theholidayspot.com/mardigras/origin.htm

Being it is Saturday and I like most folks, work during the week, I was able to heavily search for a worthy indie artist residing in Louisiana.  I found Corey Ledet and His Zydeco Band.  His facebook page confirmed him as an independent artist.  http://www.facebook.com/coreyledetandhiszydecobandfanpage?sk=info

The song I picked out was Mom Sue.  The common factors that make up zydeco music are displayed here, but Corey Ledet and His Zydeco Band really capture the Louisiana atmosphere.  He has a soothing blues voice and I can almost feel the soulful culture oozing from the kaleidoscope of instruments.  A seamless blend of the accordion and scrub-board really puts you in the mood to boogie down.  One can't be still while listening to these guys.  The sound is reminiscent of the past zydeco legends, and in my opinion is certainly a staple band for the area.

Mom Sue begins with an almost angelic church like hymn.  Then eases us into a dancing rhythm.  Lyrics, "Help from you my poor mom sue", are the nutshell of the song.  Although the song is not puffed up with lyrics the intention of the song is left open.  In a world where we are bombarded with what to think, Mom Sue gives us much needed freedom and a clean palate.  I live the culture and experience the idea associated through this song.  Corey Ledet and His Zydeco Band have done justice to the French Culture, and I can almost hear a cajun french tongue, where if I put my mind to it becomes a different language all together.

Well worth the search and look forward to the tour leading them to my hometown.

Friday, March 4, 2011

A New Indie Song Everyday (The BluesBox Bayou Band) 3-4-11

Since the 10th Annual Mardi Gras Gumbo Party is tomorrow at Poor David's Pub in Dallas, TX, I deliberately looked for some Indie Zydeco.  Thanks to KNON 89.3 Voice of the People for advertising this event, as it is not a most popular genre in my city.  Zydeco in all its flair and personality has to be one of my favorite types of music.  I am as you will find a lover of all varieties.

However the zydeco song I found this morning surprised me a bit.  It was not the typical Buckwheat Zydeco or  Beau Jocque, or Alligator Stomp sound with the bluesy distinct voice.  No, this was a zydeco with a country spunk.  What comes to mind might be a style like that of The Texas Tornadoes, however The BluesBox Bayou Band is very different.  Don't get me wrong The Texas Tornadoes have a great style but it lends itself to more Tejano with zydeco sprinkles.

We start the song Down the Zydeco Road out on an almost ska beat.  True Zydeco as a whole does have that very energetic vibe and the BluesBox Bayou Band does not disappoint.  The singer stretches into the country zone but the accordion is a nice addition to pull the song back to Zydeco.  It is with this mingling of the two genres that impresses me most.  Going into the search, it really pleased me to find such a diverse song.  I have to admit I was looking for a typical style.  All I can say is WOW!  They are so refreshing and original.  This band has all an avid Zydeco fan would want even if they are not keen on the country americana.  Residing in Modesto, California it is hard to believe they are playing a style associated primarily with the good ole south.  They do however, make me proud to have listened today and able to experience a different sound.  A new type of Cajun that I can't help but wonder what influenced them. 

As I continued writing, I realized contrary to the band's myspace page stating they are unsigned, they are in fact signed. Since the day is closing and I have put in my effort to listen I am leaving my song review up and will look into the record label to find out if it is an independent label.  Sorry that I did not find this information out until the closing of the day.  None the less still a great band even if they have graduated from Indie.

http://thebluesbox.net/music.html

http://www.myspace.com/thebluesboxbayouband

Thursday, March 3, 2011

A New Indie Song Everyday (A Million Tiny Anchors) 3-3-11

After thinking maybe I bit off more than I could chew, I discovered a little band in AZ.  Funny how I arrived here.  I guided the mouse did a little search and came across a band.  I looked at the image and thought  "Not Real Impressed".  So I scanned the page without even clicking on the music, after all it was one of the first to pop up in the searches and had to already be known.  Instead of listening to the first band, I came across a post by a friend or fan of that particular band.  She was advertising another band -X_(hello universe)_X- said: SERIOUSLY LISTEN TO... AMILLIONTINYANCHORS --INDIE/POP (: Jun 28.

So I did....and I liked it.    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtyoKVv0pdM
http://www.purevolume.com/AMILLIONTINYANCHORS


What struck me first and foremost was the image, some young guy fairly emo and genuine in appearance.  I looked a little further and saw a quote. "As humans we all have set backs, or things that hold us down. For me it feels like I've experienced a million tiny anchors."  I know the feeling.  What a brilliant quote!  I pondered for a moment the thought process that must have went into the music and proceeded to give my ears.

With all the technology, I wasn't sure if A Million Tiny Anchors had other live musicians or if Matt the singer was a solo act.  Honestly, I am still not sure if other musicians are involved in the project?  Tried a little searching to find out if others played, but came up empty. 

Moving on, the first song I heard was Partly Cloudy Dreams.  The song starts out with a happy catchy tune.  Quickly, the lyrics make us realize this is not so happy of a moment.  With an open, raw, deep, passionate emotion, Matt vividly describes a bed scene.  I get the sense he is searching for clarity in a relationship that has been somewhat not what either expected.  He goes on to say, "sorry for the words I misunderstood that day".  The word Love comes to my mind and A Million Tiny Anchors does not sugar-coat the truth.  It is a pure song about experiencing that confused emotion that Love has made us all feel at some time or another. 

After hearing the heartfelt music, I looked for a video to put with the song.  And while watching Matt's videos I could see the love he has for making his music.  Without a care in the world, he would play for one as he would for many.  Playing music is what he craves, it is his life line.  To see a singer/songwriter play for the heart and the meaning without caring what the big labels think is what I discovered today.  Matt states, "he doesn't care about the latest trends or what bands should sound like in order to get a massive record deal."   I say in turn, passion truly is what people want even if they do not realize.  So Matt, I encourage you to play to your hearts content what you love and care not what trends pass because you, my friend, are a trend setter.

A Million Tiny Anchors your music moves me.  I am glad our paths have crossed and I hope to see many great songs come from your heart and soul.     




 

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

A New Indie Song Everyday (Andonia Layr Band) 3-2-11

I am super new to this idea of blogging.  Yes, it has been out for a very long time, but I have always been reluctant to start a blog.  Today is the day, as Andonia Layr would say.  She is first on my list for discussion.  What I hope to accomplish with writing is a sense of discovery.  I realized the other day that I listen to the same songs and depend upon someone else to guide me through the new released music.  Well "Today is the Day" that I discover new music.  Today I start my new journey into the wonderful world of Indie and not just Indie Rock.  I seek to bring about a fresh new outlook.  One that will open up my world, and hopefully others, about music.  Music that the corporate world denied or has not yet seen the potential.  World Music, Instrumental, Zydeco, Celtic, whatever it may be that so crosses my path I will hear its voice.

As time goes by this year,  maybe people will get involved and send over some music for me to take a listen.  I encourage everyone to start exploring the idea of finding new music locally and across the world.  Music has far been thought of as this boxed formula that only the select know how to accomplish.  Let us break those predetermined lines and fuel the idea that anyone with a voice can express feelings and emotions that create music.

Back to Andonia Layr or more correctly Andonia Layr Band.   www.andonialayr.com
What does she bring to the table?  Andonia Layr Band brings a  freshness that shows a different view of the world.  Instruments involved include a cello, djembe, conga, guitar, and voice like a ruffled angel.  This trio puts it all out there with heart, soul, and melody.  Some lyrics are politically inspired, while others are directed toward a relationship gone awry.  Whatever direction the band takes, we are sure to find an open outlook on life.  One that makes you ponder the situations that the band experienced.  What feeling comes to mind when the cello player starts playing or the percussionist is beating his hands against the skins?  When listening I feel something that resonates.  I smile, I gently breathe in the clarity that the band gives freely.  And I can't help but think the band feels the same way.  Of course the lyrics pertain to the singer on a personal level, but the performance coupled with the connection of each member lends me to believe they all relate.  Like a harmony that mimics natures companions, Andonia Layr Band works in unison while straining each individual component out of the mix.  Each member displays an uniqueness that shines ever so brightly as a whole unit.

The song I chose was Owl.  It is a very creative take on being something other than a human.  The symbolism in the Owl is unlike anything I have heard a songwriter produce.  It astonished me and was really set apart from the normal mainstream songs that flood the radio.

This musical gem resides in Dallas, Texas and is dear to my heart as first of A New Indie Song Everyday.  May they press on and share the feeling with the world.