My blog has moved!

My blog has moved to tumblr! Follow me: http://semi-breve.tumblr.com/

Stonefeather: The Funk Rock must-have of summer

As summer approaches, buzz bands become more frequent on everyone’s playlists.  But a more fun and definitely more “groovy” type of music is perfect for the hot days that loom ahead.  The Funk Rock sound explodes in the band, Stonefeather.  This band combines lyrics and beats that one moment have you riding the music sound waves and then transitioning to amazing head jamming guitar solos.  Their use of guitar solos is something I applaud, with each solo occurring at the perfect moment with the perfect sound. Stonefeather understands that music is more than just the lyrics, which is commonly forgotten.  Every instrument is very distinct, and strangely every instrument is the star without competing with the others, and this quality allows the listener to be consumed within the jams.  Ian Thomas’s vocals are the epitome of funk, and would be the perfect soundtrack for strolling down a boardwalk at the beach.  Their California roots are extremely evident in the laid back but cool way the band exposes its sounds.  Everyone take a listen, and be prepared for the feeling of summer to wash over you. 

Band of Horses.

Band of Horses played an EXCEPTIONAL live show in Tallahassee. The set list played in a loop of 1, 2, 3...A song from each album.  Reguardless of this being the "Infinite Arms" tour, Band of Horses made the wise choice (that I wish may other bands would make) and played a range of the music that made us love them to begin with. 
Most bands play live, and the experience is a great one, but just not what was expected. But Band of Horses is truly talented.  The songs sounded as if they were coming straight off the record, But not in a synthetic way. All of their voices touched my soul, and will leave me in an uplifted mood all week.
The highlight of the entire show however, was when Ben Bridwell stole my heart as he lit up his cigarette on stage, and made the entire audience feel as if we were at an intimate show.
I applaud Band of Horses...

And I thank them, For showing me that the beauty of the world still resides in music.

Blog love.

I have discovered my new favorite blog...Indieball is AMAZING! I listened to what may possibly become a new favorite band, U.S. Royalty, on their site today, and this blog is a treasure trove! Definitely go there if you have not already, and if you already have, GO AGAIN!

http://www.indieball.com/

James Blake live at Other Music and Dig For Fire's Lawn Party at SXSW

Feel the Music Radiate.

Years ago my relationship with instrumental music was one of disdain, but one day I realized not only the beauty but the power of such music to influence you purely through sound.  You mind and body go on a ride through the uplifting and the sorrowful, and you end the experience with vibrations running through your entire body.  Waking up and experiencing Penguin by Avicii has focused my mood of the day to be one of positivity. It was an experience and a ride I would take again anytime.

http://hypem.com/#!/item/19yc0/Avicii+-+Penguin+Original+Mix+

As I was driving today, my Ipod connector could not find a good station to override, and thus, I was forced to listen to the Radio...
If I hadn't already had my ears bleed from watching Rebbecca Black's video, perhaps the vacation into the world outside of my Ipod would have been refreshing.  But lets just say my mind was unconsciously mocking it rather than enjoying it.
But with this rather depressing post, I bring along a little light!The Hot Chip album released February 2010 is OUTRAGEOUS.
Here is a little taster for you:

Enjoy.

"Brick by Brick" music video

It is amazing to me how a band can create a music video where absolutely nothing happens and yet is still seems like a masterpiece.  The new Arctic Monkey's music video does just this, and I couldn't pull my eyes away.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riV77WoFCBw&feature=player_embedded#at=189

Light from underground.

Months ago I saw a documentary named "Catfish." It was an excellent film, but part of its charm was that no one had heard or seen it. Its like being part of the lucky few when you get to see something like that.  Now however, people are just realizing it exists and starting to watch it, and constantly talking about it.
Is this another way people see themselves as being alt?  Sometimes, its really unfortunate when the underground goes mainstream.  Part of the reason I like listening to bands people rarely hear of, or watching weird movies, and reading obscure novels is that its like my own little world and publicity ruins that.  It takes the closeness out of the relationship.

However, I suppose this constant chase is what will keep me working to stay one step ahead and always looking for the next great thing. I guess the mainstream can't exist without influence from underground.

I just watched M.I.A's music video for "Born Free" and it was more a mini movie with the most perfectly chosen soundtrack.  So epic. Check it out:

"Goodbye Lullaby"....Goodbye Avril.

My sister and I just listened to Avril Lavigne's new album, "Goodbye Lullaby," in order to get a good laugh...and we were not disappointed.  As I listened to it, I truly wondered who could actually believe this was good music.  Then I realized, the 14 year old girls of the world.  Every song, enlightening them with the fantasies of what life will be like when they grow up and experience love and life...
Anyways, this post was not about anaylizing this new album, but rather to share the ability of a good laugh....Enjoy everyone!

Radiohead makes me alternative...Right?

My recent desire to blog has come about due to the release of the new Radiohead album, "The King of Limbs."  However, this post is not about reviewing the album, but rather the audience that this new creation has been viewed by.  Radiohead, appeared to connect to the alternative side of society for many years, however with the release of "In Rainbows" the popularity of the band among the mainstream appeared to skyrocket.  "In Rainbows" is clearly the most commercial friendly album released by Radiohead, but would I say it it is the best? No, I wouldn't.  But I also don't think "King of Limbs" is the best either.
My facebook newsfeed was littered with new status updates that simply said "Radiohead-The King of Limbs."  Yet later the same posters had statuses proclaiming their distaste for the new album, saying "In Rainbows" was much better.  It was at this point I realized the line drawn between those individuals who thrive on the idea that they are part of the "alternative" and those who actually are.  The stauses themselves demonstrated that these individuals wanted people to know they were listening to Radiohead, a band they consider "cool" and "different" which thus makes them "cool" and "different".  But then there are the people who actually love the music, and are part of the underground scene, yet the reason they are the epitomy of "cool" is because they are just being themselves.