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More pop-rock here. We’ve been on a role finding some great little pop rock gems recently and ‘Burn The Maps’ from Castledoor is no different. Although, in the spirit of full disclosure, I found this track quite some time ago and I’m just now getting around to sharing it with you. I know, I know, I should get this stuff posted sooner. But at least I got it out there and I’m sure your ears will be glad. It’s got a nice little loud-quiet thing going on and soaring chorus vocals. Basically, it’s got everything you need to make a great rock song.

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Cooper is a solid melodic rock band that writes noticeably radio-ready tracks for mass consumption. And they do it well. ‘Aftertaste’ has a sound that reminds me of the softer moments from Hoobastank. Same sort of approach as well. They shoot for the big hooks and choruses. These guys are ready-made for alt. rock radio.

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OK, I’m as giddy as a little schoolgirl… so forgive me for my excitement here. However, it’s a really rare thing to come across a track as good as the one that you’re about to indulge in. Now add to that the fact that this is a ‘Creative Commons’ release and you can see the source of my excitement. Not only does this wonderful band know how to write a killer track, they want you all to share it with the world! Rock on guys!!! Read the rest of this entry »

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For some reason I had always thought that Cat Power was J-Pop. I’ve been hearing about her for a very long time, but I’d never heard any of her music. No idea where the J-Pop thing came from. Maybe it’s because her first name is Chan, although it’s a nickname for Charlyn. Either way, that’s just what I’d always thought. Anyway, take a gander at this track from her most recent release also titled, ‘The Greatest’. And despite the confusion, this is NOT a greatest hits compilation. Read the rest of this entry »

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The Decemberists are an indie rock wet dream of sorts. They are an almost perfect melding of two perennial flagship indie rock bands, Death Cab For Cutie and Sunny Day Real Estate. They also work in a heaping helping of Celtic influence into their music. And I’m hooked! Read the rest of this entry »

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‘Control Freak’ is great track that is highly reminiscent of Mae or Switchfoot. It’s off their most recent release called ‘Eat, Sleep, Repeat’, which I can also recommend as it’s a very good album. This particular track, much like the rest of the album, packs an instantly likable chorus and a comfortable melody and washes the whole thing with atmospherics that just feels right without being overdone.

Also, according to their website, Copeland just signed on with Columbia, so I can just about guarantee you that you will be hearing much more from these guys soon.

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Jim Gilmour brings us a nice laid back track called ‘Quarterline’ that evokes the best aspects of Americana. Along the same lines of The Eagles or even more contemporary artists like Amos Lee, ‘Quarterline’ just goes down nice and smooth. Perfect listening for late-summer Saturday afternoons.

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Okay.  Let’s clear something up right away.  There apparently are a tubload of bands out there running around with the name Smokescreen tattooed on their backs.  To be clear:  This is not the British band known as Smokescreen.  This is not the Black Label Society-sounding metal band known as Smokescreen.  This is the Tempe, Arizona kids that combine some late 80’s alternative sensibilities with a dose of moderate rock in the end making some quite catchy music. Read the rest of this entry »

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You are gonna like Josh Woodward.  Trust me.

The arrangement on Fight the Sea (from his 2005 album Crawford Street) is clean and simple, a treat to hear in today’s overburdened - overpolished pop productions.  Combining a keen feel for the trappings of pop and a tinge of what appears to be Americana (I could miss my guess on that one), Woodward lets the instruments build slowly through the intro like they were searching for their muse.  When found, they bang together and then mellow out to support the main focus here…his words and vocals.  His voice is honest and sincere and although the lyrics beg the listener to “turn around, there is nothing to see here” … the listener should do anything but that, as this singer / songwriter offers much to hear and therefore “see”. Read the rest of this entry »

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With a little bit of David Gray and a little bit of Sunny Day Real Estate, Shortwave Radio have a sound that seems to tow the line between indie rock and pure unadulterated pop. And as you listen to ‘Cardiac’ you’ll see that they take these two sounds and blend them into a song that is stunning. With their use of layered strings, Shortwave sounds thick and lush, yet the lyrics remain personal and intimate. “All I wanted was someone to mend my broken heart”, singer Andy Spilburg sings in the chorus. ‘Cardiac’ belongs on a soundtrack to a rainy Sunday afternoon.