Real Talk

Alright so this album is a step out of my musical box. I humbly admit that I am by no means a hip hop authority, which is what makes P.O.S.'s "Never Better" all that more incredible to me. This record sticks out to me lightyears ahead of all the Kanye West, Jay Z, Ludacris etc. mainstream artists I've heard pervade the airways (and just about every other medium that music can be forced out of). This guy has a musicality to his tracks that even pretentious prog-rock aficionados can appreciate. He obviously is a fan of hardcore/punk music as he name drops the likes of Fugazi in his songs, and that kind of influence really shows in his ability to create the unique sound on Never Better (just try listening to "Drumroll" and not getting stoked about the beat). Music and backbeats aside, homie can straight flow! Again this may just be my hip-hop naivity coming out but the vocals on "Savion Glover" are unreal! I recommend this album for hip hop fans looking for something that deviates from the "bitches and ho's" rap of Q104.7 and anyone else who just cant "stomach hip-hop"...seriously.

Never Better-http://www.mediafire.com/?mwn33wzma3w

Purchase It

Preview it

Ladies Night

Ok so I have to give credit to former MTV VJ and current bug-eyed late night personality Carson Daly for this one (I have insomnia and there was nothing else on, don't judge me!). First off if you are one of those people who are allergic to fun, stop reading now, because Ida Maria's album Fortress Round My Heart is nothing if not that! I usually just can't seem to get into female fronted bands, (sorry Haley Williams) but this album is just too damn catchy not to. Ida has come to party and she's not taking no for an answer. She has a strong voice, a punk rock attitude that would make Joan Jett proud, and the ability to write one hell of a hook! *see-"I like you so much better when your naked". So seriously sulking emo kid, put down your black nail polish, pop some prozac and get on this train...as for the rest of you pour a shot of Johnnie Walker, put on your dancing shoes and let Ida Maria do the rest.

Borrow It
Purchase

Preview It

Simulated Birds

Today's album comes from a band called The Helen Earth Band with their album "Our Own Ghost City". The band has risen from the ashes of Counterfeit and Finch, with stylistic leanings much closer to the former. The music features great angular guitar work, varied time signatures, and an overall improved version of Counterfeits brand of post hardcore. The songs consistently paint contemplative atmospheres and music that draws the listener in, despite a lack of immediate pop sensibility or overt catchiness. The more upbeat tracks remind me of moments on Dameira's M(US)IC. The vocals from former Finch drummer Marc Allen provide strong melodies to accompany the wandering and technical musicianship, making "Our Own Ghost City" a solid debut effort. I recommend popping this sucker in on a solo night drive with the windows down and the speakers blaring.

Download It

Buy It (also has a stream of the song "Shakencutt")

Without Further Ado...

For my first album, I will defer to the album that my blog title pays homage to, which is from a song off of Paul Baribeau's album "Grand Ledge". This folk-punk singer from Michigan plays some of the most honest, heartfelt acoustic music i've had the priviledge of passing through my 23 year old Cochlea. His lyrics are straight forward and emotional without being cheesy. His vocals aren't perfect and the intense strumming undoubtedly has murdered more than a few set of strings, but that all adds to what makes every second of Grand Ledge an infectiously catching and endearingly real listen.



Paul Baribeau-Grand Ledge: http://www.mediafire.com/?qgizid22nnk

Listen to "Ten Things"-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=749g_DBG618

Get all your friends together...

Prologue:

Alright, I'm not exactly sure what motivated me to start this blog...Ok maybe its the fact that most music that is being devoured by all to eager souls these days irks me to no end.

I often hear "there is no good music being made these days...nothing will compare to [insert obligatory "classic" band name here...lady Gaga is so creative and amazing..." You are all wrong, oh so very wrong. Because of the magic of the interweb and cheap home recording kits, any tone deaf kanye west or blink 182 wanna-be can put together some "sick beats" or "songs that shred" which has been both the biggest blessing and curse the music industry has seen since illegal downloading.

Great music is out there...I mean really great stuff, you just have to both know where to look for it and be patient enough to weed through the turds to find the polished diamonds out there.

All that to say, I will be posting about the shiny polished morsels of musical gloriousity that I find in my endless treasure-hunts on here so that if you so desire, you can put down your Jay Z album, or that playlist full of fall out boy and Jonas brothers songs your friends little sister made for you, and listen to something worthwhile. (oh and anything else i feel like talking about, because its MY blog)

So sit back, kick off your shoes, and let that oh savage of beasts be soothed...