Thoughts On Music + Love, Robot

Today, people would argue that it's easier for musical artists to gain attention because of the accessibility of the internet. Using Facebook, Myspace, iTunes, Bandcamp, ReverbNation, and many more, artists have all sorts of new avenues they can pursue to gain attention for their music. The problem is that only a small population of music listeners are actually pursuing new music. People have found artists and genres they are comfortable with, and unless a new song is really pushed, people are more comfortable with what they're used to (myself included). Mainstream music suppliers know that people will react positively to a proven playlist, and they further exacerbate the rut we find ourselves in.

Instead of bringing us to new music as they are intended to, all of these new media avenues allow listeners to easily reach and stay in their musical comfort zone. Luckily, there are exceptions to this rule, and they help discover and spread new, creative, good music. I was recommended this song by a friend, and it's one of the best emo songs I've heard in a long, long time. Please listen and enjoy Love, Robot's new single "Cucha":

Stevie B. Wolf

In the last few years I've spent a lot of time with musicians, some very successful and some not so much. It's clear to me that it takes a lot more than talent to succeed in anything, but especially music. Stevie Wolf is clearly a musician who works. He's the guy who's spent thousands of hours crafting, perfecting, practicing, rehearsing, and it shows.

With his first release Sky Blues: A Demo, Stevie had an edgier sound, almost like a Sonic The Hedgehog soundtrack in the best way. It leans towards pop-punk, ska, with a little bit of surf rock thrown in. While these older songs definitely demonstrate Stevie's talent, I feel that in his newer releases on Myspace are much closer to the real Stevie. Writing music is always a self-searching, self-defining process, and with his new songs I think he's gotten a lot closer to his real style. Almost Perfect, Christmas In July, and Life Through a Camera Lens sound like they were written by John Mayer's younger and better looking brother. They're chilled out, super polished and they allow Stevie some breathing room for his smooth, playful vocals and melodic, classy, technically complex guitar parts.

Stevie is a very talented musician with a work ethic to match. His songs are fun, catchy, and easy to pick up and sing along to. If you dig John Mayer, Dispatch, or just good music, you should give Stevie B. Wolf a few moments of your time, you'll be glad that you did.

For more info check out:
http://www.myspace.com/steviebwolf

Super Cool Dance Time Club

Usually my taste in music falls somewhere between nuthuggers with straightened hair almost until pointy Rumpelstiltskin indie boots. This latest recommendation really comes to you straight from my dancing shoes, instead of my usual my emo teen angst. Two Door Cinema Club is very quickly taking over the world. Holding their own somewhere near Passion Pit and Phoenix, Tourist History is sure to get those timmy toes a tap tap tappin.

Side effects of not listening may include: Becoming that guy who still wears a denim vest and blasts Poison out of his refurbished 1987 Chevy.

Trust me, you don't want to be that guy.



If you're interested check out more here:
http://www.myspace.com/twodoorcinemaclub

All The Day Holiday

Lately I've been on a Buried Life kick. It's an awesome show about four guys who just set out to accomplish their goals in life and help a lot of people along the way. Not only is it an entertaining way to spend 22 minutes of your life, but the Buried Life is absolutely inspiring. If you haven't seen it, you should definitely check it out.

The same inspired and limitless feeling that I get from watching the Buried Life also struck me today while jamming on LastFM. Greener by All The Day Holiday is a soaring anthem that invokes the bittersweet notion that no matter who you are or where you are in your life, you have the chance to seize life and live it to the fullest.



For More Songs and Info Click Here: http://www.last.fm/music/All+The+Day+Holiday

And if you love this song, get the album HERE

Lydia Assailants

The news is out, Lyida is breaking up, but they left us with a little gift in the form of their Assailants EP. I listened to their full length a good amount, but it never grabbed me enough to really get into them. The band had some time to mature, and they really stepped it up with their last release as Lydia. The Assailants EP is a little more poppy while keeping the stock Lyida sound, and also not being so depressing I can't listen to the whole CD(see the full length).

Some of the highlights come from the great lyric and melody writing. From the first full song We Clean Up So Well comes some great musical moments.

Just stay with the V.I.P's
Limousines.
It's all in the photography,
and the parties.
Now that you're here,
I guess we made it.
I saw the fear, it covered your faces.



Another highlight for me comes from track 4 I've Never Seen A Witch.

All hail the queen still
I've never seen a witch this mean

This really isn't a review, this is one music lover telling you to listen to this EP right now, you won't be disappointed.

To hear some trax check out: www.myspace.com/lydia