New Tunes Tuesday #4
Each Tuesday we will feature new music that should (or whatever) be on your radar.
Standouts:
1. Plumb - Blink: Plumb, on her website, defines her inspiration for her latest album thusly: "I have tried to make albums that reflect where I am at the time and right now my cup overflows with the inspiration of [my] two little boys...so they are evident in this project." Clearly. From the waltz-lullaby in "God Will Take Care of You," to "In My Arms" it is very evident that this album is dedicated to her children. Though this is incredibly cute and sometimes touching, it tends to be a little more personal than personable. She continues, "however it's an album ANYONE can enjoy. I promise." Enjoyable, yes but there are only so many songs that we can listen to that tell us to "Sleep, so soundly" or "You are my child," - it tends to be a bit much. Like Plumb goes onto say, "If you have a wife and you have children...um...buy it." We definitely agree with that sentiment.
Download: "In My Arms" and "Always"
2. The Kin - Rise and Fall: The Kin, comprised of Australian brothers Issac and Thorry Koren, delivers a solid rock sound with the added Australian flair that includes digerradoos and rhythmic percussionist "Shakerleg" who plays just with his hands. We were instantly impressed when we, on the spur of the moment, saw these guys play at World Cafe Live this past summer. Their strong blended vocals, emotionally charged lyrics, and memorable melodies are the reasons why these brothers are selling out shows in NYC. They'll be in SF on October 15th at the Independent.
Download: "Rise & Fall" and "Nowhere to Now-where"
For more info on other CD releases, take the jump...
Please Let Us Know What You Think About:
1. Band of Horses - Cease to Begin: Rolling Stones gave Cease to Begin a 4 out of 5 stars - not bad for a sophomore record. Band of Horses continue to create powerful ballads like "The General Specific" and "Window Blues."
2. Beirut - The Flying Club Cub: Tonight, Beirut will be playing their Eastern European flavored carnival indie-rock music at Herbst Theatre. The album was leaked back in August.
3. Sunset Rubdown - Random Spirit Lover: A lot is going on in Sunset Rubdown. The orchestration includes an accordion, glockenspiel, keyboards, guitar and drums. It's Spencer Krug's voice that is a bit much for us.
Upcoming Holiday Music:
1. Mindy Smith - My Holiday: Last year we had Sarah McLachlan's Wintersong to keep us in the holiday cheer. It seems that this year, it will be Mindy Smith. The instant you hear Smith's gorgeous lyrical voice singing on the title track, "My Holiday" you know the holidays are here, she sings: "Some will say that it's not about how many gifts are given out - it just makes the holiday feel like Christmas, when Christmas time is here." With six original songs and five classics such as "Away In A Manger" and "Silver Bells," it's not too hard to fall in love with soon-to-be-classic holiday album.
Download: "My Holiday" and "Follow the Shepard Home"
2. Josh Groban - Noel: It's Josh Groban; you either love him or hate him. We're sure that this album (though we haven't heard it yet) will be perfectly Grobanized - gorgeous string accompaniments, long high notes, huge endings, orchestral arrangements, different languages and of course several collaborations (the angelic Mormon Tabernacle Choir is one of them). We have a feeling you won't be disappointed.
Past Hits You Should Know About:
1. These Electric Lives - These Electric Lives EP: Earlier this summer an EP was released by an Canadian indie-rock band that blew us away with their strong vocals, catchy melodies and danceable beats. We're looking forward to the 2008 record that no doubt will be on our Top 10 list. Too bad they've only played the U.S. once (back in August) - they are planning a Northeast tour later this year.
Download: "Teach me to Focus" and "We Should Be Believing"
Guilty Pleasure for the Week:
1. Jennifer Lopez - Brave: We do dig her newest song but what's up with her newest video? (see below) Really, though. Kicking guys down the stairs, big fat girls, S&M, nasty club - we don't get it. What was with the kid at the end? Seems like the standard J.Lo album, something that will be popular for awhile but soon outplayed and hopefully forgotten.
Photos courtesy of:
Plumb: Press Photo
Mindy Smith: Press Photo