Auld Lang Syne - as performed by Joel Rakes

'tis the time of year.
Joel Rakes bases himself out of Nashville, TN.  Originally from Delaware, then Philadelphia before Nashville, he's been writing, recording, & producing music for himself & for others.  Drawing influences from the likes of Sufjan Stevens, Jon Foreman, & Derek Webb, he has thus far released 2 EP's, starting with "A Sudden Change in the Atmosphere"[ind.] in 2008, followed by "The Philadelphia Session"[ind.] two years later.  Alongside those, he's also released a handful of Christmas songs & compilations.
The song itself comes from a Scots poem, the first version written in 1788 by Robert Burns.  One of the first major versions that popularized the song in North America was of course Guy Lombardo's late 1920's version.
Rakes has released two versions of Auld Lang Syne for free (if you wish) for this New Years - the first aptly titled "Auld Lang Syne (Happy)" & the second - you guessed it - "Auld Lang Syne (Sad)".  Enjoy   :)
http://christmas.joelrakes.com/album/auld-lang-syne

(Happy new year!)

I Robot - by the Alan Parsons Project

From the band that brought you what came to be the Chicago Bulls' entrance music... (that is, "Sirius", from the album "Eye In the Sky"[Arista; 1982]
The Alan Parsons Project* was from the UK & consisted of engineer/producer/keyboardist Alan Parsons (b.1948) & writer/vocalist/producer/pianist Eric Woolfson (b.1945).  The two of them met in 1974 at Abbey Road Studios where Parsons already got experience in the music field working on such albums as The Beatle's "Let It Be"[EMI; 1970] & Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon"[Harvest; 1973].
In 1975, after Woolfson approached 20th Century Records (whom Universal now owns the rights of) & they accepted his proposal to follow through with this 'Alan Parsons Project'**.  The pair of them subsequently released 10 studio albums into the late 80's with the help of a number of studio musicians & additional singers.  Parsons is still currently doing live shows, however, & sadly, Eric Woolfson passed away just two years ago, in December 2009, from cancer.  This song is from their sophomore album "I Robot" released in 1977 on Arista.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=td56XAHxLpw

* - this links to the official fan website
If you wish to read a bit more concerning the name of the Alan Parsons Project & its importance, go here:
** - http://www.the-alan-parsons-project.com/whyapp.php

Falling In Love With Glaciers - by Listener

Been meaning to post this one for a while, so here it is.
Listener is based out of Atlanta, GA.  Dan Smith (from Deepspace 5) heads the project with Chris Nelson. They've been touring since 2002 (starting with more of a hip hop sound), & they've had 8 releases, starting with "Whipsermoon", released July 29th, 2003 on Mush Records.  The mentioned touring has been all around the world, including dates in Japan, England, Norway, & Canada, among the few; & appearing alongside the likes of mewithoutYou, The Myriad, Cool Hand Luke, Astronautalis, & more.  This song is from "Wooden Heart".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cI7brs4yfJo

Also: you can download their "Wooden Heart Poems" album for FREE here, from their BandCamp page:
http://listener.bandcamp.com/album/wooden-heart-poems

Jesus Gave Us Christmas - by Emery

Another one of my absolute favourite Christmas songs.
& I guess, just as some FYI: Emery is based out of Seattle, WA.  They formed in 2001 in Rock Hill, SC before being signed to Tooth & Nail Records.  Most recently, they were officially 'moved' to T&N's 'daughter' company Solid State Records where they released their latest studio album "We Do What We Want" on March 29th, 2011.  This song was released on T&N's "Happy Christmas Vol. 5" compilation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuiTQPEO5ys

& at that:
Have a merry Christmas.

Beneath the Snow - by The Gentlemen with Philippa Hanna

The countdown's almost over (that is, if you're counting down until Christmas).
The Gentlemen are from Sheffield, England.  The band is made up of guitarist Sean Walsh, brothers Joel & Josh Cana who do drums & bass, respectively, & the "enigmatic wizard-like lead singer"* Nicholas Noble.  They've released 2 studio albums - "Smile Back At Me"[Authentic; 2007] & "A Candid History of Faith, Hope, Love"[The Stereo Tree; 2009] - since their inception about half a decade ago.  Most recently, they released this Christmas single [for FREE, too - link below...] earlier this month.
Philippa Hanna is also from Sheffield, England.  She changed some of her direction in 2005 & she started to appear on the bigger scene with her 2007 LP "Watching Me" when she was 23 years old.  She has also performed alongside the likes of Chris Tomlin, Third Day, Delirious?, & YFriday.  More plans her are also on the horizon for 2012.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlK94mBPZO4
(& here's the... erm... 'cute'... preview that came before the official release...  :P
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lUJuZ3-JkY

& as they have on the YouTube video, you can download the single for FREE from here:
http://www.4shared.com/audio/-xsbfTsc/Beneath_the_Snow_Mix_2.html

* - http://www.yourmusiczone.com/artists.php?area=details&code_artist=GENTLEMENT

His Favorite Christmas Story - by Capital Lights

One of my favourite Christmas story songs...
Capital Lights is based out of Tulsa, OK.  They started initially as a screamo band called afterEIGHT, but after a couple people left, bassist/vocalist Bryson Phillips rewrote some material & they became Capital Lights.  They signed with Tooth & Nail Records in 2007 & released their debut LP "This is an Outrage!" on July 8th, 2008.  As fate would have it, however, they broke up, announcing this in August 2009.  But don't be disappointed - they announced late last year that they plan to record a new album!  A couple of things have changed in their personal lives since, as guitarist Brett Admire got married & guitarist Jonathan Williams got engaged (& if either of you see this: Congrats to both of you!).  As such, they tweeted a tweet on Twitter just 2 days ago, stating: "Just got some mixes back for the new record!! Can't wait for you guys to hear them".  It's still going to be released on T&N, however, I do not believe they have released an official date.  This song was released in 2008 with T&N's Christmas compilation "X Christmas".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNgSMCaje4c
& here's a cool music video that someone did for their senior thesis at university:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CU6Dtb5tcoI

11th & final...

Hey, The Gentlemen have posted their 11th & final mashup for 2011 - check it out! (features a number of... ummm... 'guests' from their previous videos, too!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVY-GwM4R18

Happy Christmas (War is Over) - as performed by Stacey Randol & Katelyn Epperly

Another single/version released only today.  Enjoy  :)
Stacey Randol is based out of Nashville, TN.  She attended Millikin University in Illinois where she studied songwriting, & public relations with a minor in business.  Afterwards, she found herself traveling the world before settling in Nashville; she released her debut album "Steady Rhythm" [ind.] on July 15th of this year.
Katelyn Epperly - the other half of this version - is also based out of Nashville, TN.  Her first major appearance on the music scene was in 2010, on the 9th season of American Idol, where she almost made it to finals.  Originally from Iowa, she was singing by age 2 & playing piano by 9, & has long since started writing her own songs.  She's released an EP ("From the Basement"[ind]) & there is currently a full-length slated for release on February 14th, 2012.
The song itself is of course the 1971 single from John Lennon (& Yoko Ono).
http://noisetrade.com/warisover  (<-- you can download it for FREE as well, if you wish)

Carol of the Bells - as performed by The Paper Melody

Hot off the press! (as in, just released today)
The Paper Melody is based out of Yuba City, CA.  The predecessor to TPM was a band called Brightest Light, formed with members Jill Sullivan (voc's/bass) & Dan Vallier (voc's/guitar).  Come 2008, guitar Anthony Reeder joined them & they officially formed The Paper Melody.  Drawing their influences from the likes of Tim Burton, Danny Elfman, & even Harry Potter to accompany their musical influences of Thrice, Muse, & The Receiving End of Sirens; they recorded their debut EP "Conducting the Motion" in Vallier's room & followed that with a couple small tours & a win at the Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands.
Another EP has since arrived - "The Nightmare Academy" was released on March 11th, 2011.  Also: as a fun fact: Reeder also loved psychic Pokémon*.
This song is, of course, a cover of the early-early 1900's Ukranian Christmas carol composed by Mykola Leontovych.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y81F7gtLKnE

& you can download this song (& another) on TPM's PureVolume page:
http://www.purevolume.com/new/thepapermelody

* - http://getanearection.blogspot.com/2011/04/interview-paper-melody.html

White Christmas - as performed by Bing Crosby

A good ol' classic that I can really relate to right now... as it's supposed to get above 5ºC later this week (at least, where I am)...
"White Christmas" was written by Irving Berlin around 1940.  The first public performance of this song was on December 24th, 1941 - "unheralded & unrecorded"* on the Kraft Music Hall radio program - which aired on NBC from 1933 to 1971.  The Crosby version itself has reportedly sold over 50 million copies & is one of the most - if not the most - well known versions of White Christmas; it also spent 11 weeks at the top of one of Billboard's charts.  However, the recording that is most often heard is his 1947 recording.  Enjoy   :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJSUT8Inl14

* - http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703499404574561734246276554.html

Sleigh Ride - as performed by Jukebox Logic

Fun a cappella Christmas music.  :)
Jukebox Logic was based out of Harrisonburg, VA.  The 4-piece a cappella group "began as merely an experiment in arranging & recording back in late 2005"*.  They released their first album, a Christmas album, around that time, & followed it with a sophomore Christmas album in 2007.  This song is from that 2nd Christmas album called "Let It Snow".
http://noisetrade.com/jubkeboxlogic  (<-- it's the 2nd track, & the whole of "Let It Snow" can be downloaded for FREE [legally, of course] from NoiseTrade)

* - http://www.myspace.com/jblogic

O Come Emmanuel - by MidiVert

Awesome-ness.  Looking forward to seeing what more may come, too...
MidiVert is based out of Moncton, NB.  It is a side project consisting of The Silent's vocalist & bassist Marc Joliceour, & the Jeff Somers Band's lead man... Jeff Somers.  "Long time friends & collaborators [Jeff & Marc] have been scheming for the last 5 years how to make the kind of electronic music that doesn't fit in with their current projects or appearances. In 2006, they released a Christmas single called 'Bleak'"*.  Lo & behold, they released a new single a little over a month ago, called "Three Ships (In the Morning)", & on Nov. 29th, 2011, they released their "Jumpin' Jiminy Christmas" EP.  Currently, they have hopes to release their first "non-jingle-belly release"* - & also 'attempt' to play live - in 2012.  This song is from the "Jumpin' Jiminy Christmas" EP.
http://noisetrade.com/midivert  (<-- it's the 5th track once you hit the play button)
& at that: you can download the EP for FREE from the NoiseTrade link above...

* - https://www.facebook.com/MidiVert?sk=info

Direction - by High Flight Society

Ok, so I know it's not Christmas, but it's new & I'm excited to hear the rest of the EP.
High Flight Society is based in Atlanta, GA.  They formed in 2001 - 2 brothers Michael & John Packer (guitar & bass, respectively), John Wilkes, & Scotty Lockridge (vocals & drums, respectively), but didn't have their first release until their "From Far Above Somewhere EP"[Selectric Records] in 2006.  In the next year, however, they released their self-titled full-length with RKT Music (a short-lived imprint of Rocketown Records), produced by Tony Palacios (from the 90's hard rock band Guardian - who, as a side note, just recently released a new EP with plans for a new 2012 release).
In 2008, they introduced another member to the band - guitarist Jerad Griffin; & in spring of the following year, they were signed with Word/Warner Brothers.  However, as it would happen, their was a change in the label's employment, & HFS was dropped.  They still released their new EP "Par Avion " in 2009, but as an independent band.  Further disappointments arose, & Jerad Griffin parted ways to work on his own project, Rilian.  But, after "an amazing show"*, they stuck together, & they are now releasing their brand new EP "Lights Come Down" on Dec. 20th, 2011.  This song is from "Lights Come Down".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3MUg5yQfbs

Also: in December of 2010, they announced that they would make their "Par Avion" EP available for FREE.  You can get it from NoiseTrade.com
http://noisetrade.com/highflightsociety

* - https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=486773953005

Jingle Bells - by Brian Setzer Orchestra

Ok, now I'm starting to get into Christmas music! (& as I've an exam tomorrow, I'm gonna keep this short).
Brian Setzer was born in New York, in 1959.  Setzer picked up the guitar sometime in his younger years, & after performing locally at a number of shows, he, drummer Jim Phantom, & bassist Lee Rocker formed The Stray Cats in 1980.  Following their almost 15 year stint & break up, Setzer kept playing & he & his current band are currently scheduled for their 2012 'Rockabilly Riot' tour.  This particular live version of the 1850 classic is from the Brian Setzer Orchestra's "Christmas Extravaganza", released... for certain in 2008 with their "Ultimate Christmas Collection"...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFhon5eo3Yc

some stuff:

2 things I want to show you:
1st: The Gentlemen have posted a preview video of their new Christmas single that will be available to download for free.  "Beneath the Snow" is what it is, & here's your preview.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lUJuZ3-JkY
& here's last year's free Christmas song, "We Can Be Your Friends"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZ-b9J8a5RE

2nd: Falling Up put up a remix of their song "Blue Ghost" from their latest album "Your Sparkling Death Cometh" for download for FREE on NoiseTrade.  Check it out!
http://noisetrade.com/fallingup

...to tell EP announcement

Hey, so I didn't get to post a song tonight, but while I sit here & wait for a project to print (& re-print 'cause I just screwed up the order), I figured I should tell you about To Tell's announcement.
It was announced just earlier today that they are going to be releasing over the next bit of time a few new tour dates in support of their new & upcoming EP "Away from Everything" which was recorded & produced by Joel Bruyere (bassist for Thousand Foot Krutch; also has done his own awesome side project, the drawing room).
The first date they announced is the CD release party, which will be held January 27th, 2012 in their hometown at London Music Hall.  Check it out if you're around.
(& here's the video announcement itself)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJmOjwzRsyY

Lose Yourself - by IAMMEDIC

I have a craving for this, apparently.  (& I was considering trying to make a pun about needing a cure & them being the medicine/'medic', but I thought I'd leave that for today.  ;)
IAMMEDIC is based out of Los Angeles, CA.  The project came about in 2010 - vocalist & writer Enik Lin (who started classic piano at age 2-3, violin when he was 5, & then guitar, drums, & vocals in the years to come), came from the recently disbanded Burning Tree Project, started IAMMEDIC & enlisted keys player & former fellow BTP member Andre 'Dre' Harris (who started rapping at age 11) & bg vocalist Danny Park.  Shortly after their formation, Authentik Artists found them & signed them on, releasing their debut EP "The Tale of Abigale Withers" in October of the same year.
Following that release, they've certainly kept themselves busy - the release of an EP that preludes their full length "Perfect"[ind.]; followed by the actual release in June 2011.  Touring has been going on, a music video release for their single "Spaceship", &, as of right now, they are working on a new album entitled "Monster Monster".
This song is from "The Tale of Abigale Withers".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ct9DQJOKgqw

& you can download 5 of the tracks from "Perfect", plus a single from the upcoming album for FREE from their BandCamp page:
http://Iammedic.bandcamp.com/

I'm On My Way - by The Proclaimers

For some reason, this song popped into my head the other day... So here: let it invade yours, too! (not that it's a bad thing by any means; I do love this song)...
The Proclaimers are from Leith, Scotland.  Twin brothers Craig & Charlie Reid were born in Leith in 1962 & grew up in a variety of places around the UK listening to the classic rock 'n' roll & country of such acts as Jerry Lee Lewis & Merle Haggard.  While in high school, they played in punk rock bands & it was in 1983 that they formed The Proclaimers.
They gathered a following around Scotland, & in 1987, they released their debut album "This is the Story" [Chrysalis], & while their first release was very much acoustic, their sophomore, "Sunshine on Leith" [Chrysalis; 1988], took on the likes of their country & rock 'n' roll influences.  This album brought forth their ever-popular "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" & "I'm On My Way", the former peaking at #3 on Billboard's Hot 100 after appearing in the '93 movie 'Benny & Joon' featuring Johnny Depp.  In between those years, they continued to grow & build up more & more of their fanbase in Europe with their "King of the Road" [Chrysalis; 1990] EP.
They released 6 more albums, & had a number of other songs appear on soundtracks, including this song for the first installment in the Shrek series.  As of right now, there are plans for a new & 9th album to be released in spring 2012.  This song is from "Sunshine on Leith".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1yYDuSf3C4&ob=av2n

Nice Guy - by Starflyer 59

You'll have to excuse my writing style for now as I remember how to write again & also kinda fight to stay awake at the moment...  But nonetheless: enjoy.
Starflyer 59 is from Riverside, CA.  Band leader Jason Martin is the only original member left, but currently on their roster you'll (at the least) find bassist Steven Dail (Project 86; Crash Rickshaw), & drummer Trey Many (Velour 100; His Name is Alive).  They've had over 2 dozen releases since SF59's formation in 1993, including EP's & 2 re-releases & [at least] 1 live release.  Aside from music (& actually as his main line of work right now), he co-owns with his brother, Ronnie Martin, a trucking company inherited from their father.  This song is from their album "My Island", released in 2006 on Tooth & Nail Records (where all of their releases thus far have been released from).
http://sf59fans.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=61:my-island&catid=17:post-cloud-epoch&Itemid=144 (<-- you'll have to use the Amazon player to get a sample; it's track 2)

& for kicks, here's a band that I stumbled across on YouTube while looking for "Nice Guy".  They're called Legally Paranoid & they were apparently practicing this song back in 2009:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wn47XcUPT0

(& here's the iTunes link if you really wanted; also with a sample)
http://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/my-island/id189216060

It Was a Dark & Stormy Night - Five Iron Frenzy (+, I'm back to the blog!.. on Thursday)

The project I was focussing on last week is finally done & handed in, so hopefully I'll be back to researching & posting a bit (that is, if you'd like that... I know I would as I enjoy learning that stuff. :).
But... on Thursday, as I'm busy tomorrow night, & have a practical tomorrow morning.

That said, I'll still at least leave you with the high recommendation of going to listen to Five Iron Frenzy's new song, "It Was a Dark & Stormy Night" (& considering that's the way the weather's been where I am for the past few days, it's appropriate).
http://fiveironfrenzy.com/site/album/it-was-a-dark-and-stormy-night/
& you can get the song for free if you give them your e-mail address to send it to.  & you should do that ('cause it's amazing).

Five Iron Frenzy is BACK!

I think you should read this:
http://5ironfrenzy.tumblr.com/

Excited?
& check out the song they mention on their Facebook BandPage... page:
https://www.facebook.com/5ironFrenzy

Also: I'm going to post this link so you too can watch how fast this is jumping.  It was at 35 thousand dollars in less than 70 minutes.  Amazing.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fiveironfrenzy/new-five-iron-frenzy-album

But seriously: I'm excited.


:D

break...

Hey, so, as you may have seen, I've started a bit of a break (unintentionally, but you know what I mean...); thing's've been a bit busy.
That said, I'm going to take a bit more of one as I have a project I need to focus on.  I may still post an occasional song or bigger news (probably related to Five Iron Frenzy sometime soon), but I likely won't be posting regular until (at the latest) roughly the beginning of December.
Take care.
I'll be back.

Malleable - by Bigfoot Wallace

I Love Love Love this album, too! (... ok, so that doesn't quite work the same way as last night's post, but nonetheless!).
Bigfoot Wallace is from Chandler, AZ.  It's the solo project of early 20-something Jon Hubbell, originally coming from another Arizona band, started in 2008, by the name of Bearhug.  They released a couple EP's, & then earlier this year, Hubbell came out with his own solo EP: "Malleable", independently released in May, 2011.  (& that's all I've got).
This song is, of course, from "Malleable".
(you'll have to either download the album [which you should because it's amazing] or here:
http://bigfootwallace.com/music  (<-- you just have to select the song in the TuneCore menu...)

& you may still be able to download the album for FREE (it was only supposed to be a limited time thing, I think, so get it while you can!  It's totally worth every second.)
http://www.indievisionmusic.com/2011/08/02/bigfoot-wallace-malleable-2/

& here's a bit of a cool remix by Ryano, of the opening track from "Malleable", "Turn em Loose"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bb42PvfoHxA

find Five Iron Frenzy's blue comb!

I know it sounds slightly weird, but Five Iron Frenzy has launched a search to find a blue comb here.
If you find it, you get a code which will allow you access to a website at 12pm MST on Nov. 16th (2011).

Trust me: it is possible.  & you do get a code...  I did!  (it's not as hard as you think...)

Have fun!

Love Love Love - Avalanche City

I'm in love love love with this song!  ;)  (as if you didn't see that coming...)
Avalanche City is from Auckland, New Zealand.  Inspired by The Rocket Summer's DIY first album, Dave Baxter decided to take matters into his own hands.  Baxter has come from a personal background of music involving being a guitarist in the hardcore bands One Must Fall, & The Chase (the former starting in high school), & also obtaining a degree in music & writing [music] for television.  Roughly 4 years ago, however, he bought a folk guitar, & "just started writing riffs, little plonky cute kinda riffs"*.
Baxter wrote, produced, recorded & performed all the instruments** on the City's album "Our New Life Above The Ground", which was released on April 4th, 2011, & distributed through Warner.  "Love Love Love" was the first single & it reached #1 on New Zealand's singles chart, & "Our New Life..." debuted at #1 on the iTunes album chart.  Since Avalanche City's inception, other musicians have joined Baxter, creating a 6 piece band who have joined in & are becoming the official band.  They've since played to a 3000+ crowd at New Zealand's Parachute festival, & are currently on a small U.S. tour.
This song is from "Our New Life Above The Ground".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWzzbuJJYQc

* - http://www.libel.co.nz/blog_posts/2539-interview_with_avalanche_city
** - all instruments except a drum circle, during which he & a couple of his friends brought floor toms & played in a circle on a couple tracks; he also had another friend play harp for another song

Damaged (2011) - by Plumb

Love it.  ... simply put.
(I'm just going to post what I did last time [except slightly updated] so I can keep working on homework...)
Plumb is Tiffany Arbuckle Lee – she was born in 1975 in Indianapolis, IN, but ‘grew up in Atlanta, singing in church & school’. “At 19, she began working as a backup singer, in part to earn money to help pay for nursing school. She began doing studio work & then touring. College went by the board & she eventually moved to Nashville, where, a month before her 21st birthday, she signed with a small label”*. She met guitarist Matt Bronlewee, formerly of Jars of Clay, & together they wrote the debut record for what became ‘Plumb’. It was a self-titled album released in 1997 on Essential Records & it sold over 100,000 copies. “candycoatedwaterdrops” was the next in line, released in 1999, & it won Modern Rock Album of the Year at the 2000 GMA Dove Awards. In 2003, she released “Beautiful Lumps of Coal” on Curb Records, but as a ‘solo’ artist still under the name of Plumb. 2 more albums have followed, since, & there is now an upcoming album, titled “Faster Than a Bullet”. This song is from her NoiseTrade sampler ("NoiseTrade Sampler (2011)")**, released not too long ago...
https://www.facebook.com/plumbmusic?sk=app_178091127385
(^ it's the second one there; under "Drifting")(& if that doesn't work, just go the NoiseTrade link below...)


(here's the original, by the way, from "candycoatedwaterdrops")
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEs1e8880c4


** - You can download that EP for FREE at NoiseTrade
http://noisetrade.com/plumb

* - https://www.facebook.com/plumbmusic

Thank You

Instead of dedicating a specific song, perhaps it be best to just dedicate this space to the memories & fights fought in the years past & to come, in the hopes of finding freedom & peace in an unjust world.  Lest we forget.
To those who sacrificed their time, energy, & lives:

Thank you.

*Major news

(* ^ pun intended)...(ok, well, I know it was lame, & it was funnier in my head, but nonetheless)  :P

EMI was just bought out earlier today by fellow competitors Universal & Sony labels
http://www.aux.tv/2011/11/emi-bought-by-sony-and-universal-reducing-the-music-market-to-three-major-labels/

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/international-news/european/music-powerhouse-emi-split-and-sold-for-41-billion/article2233431/

Kinda curious how this next run in the music industry is gonna change (or not???)

Dare You to Move - by Switchfoot (+ awesome cover by Jayesslee)

Switchfoot posted on their Facebook wall today a link to a cover of this song, & I wanted to kinda re-post...  So:

On the people who made the version that prompted me to post this:

Jayesslee is twin sisters Janice & Sonia Lee from Sydney, Australia.  Janice is 10 minutes older than Sonia, & they use a Rode NT1-A microphone & Canon EOS 7D camera. (& that's just about all I can get on them)  :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zn6n3boBMJg

~~~

On the original artist:
Switchfoot is from San Diego, CA.  The band's beginning can, in essence, be traced back as far back as singer/guitarist Jon Foreman can remember - in an interview, he described how he & his brother, Tim, had been "playing music together for as long as [he] can remember"*.  Then came another member of the to-be band, drummer Chad Butler, whom Jon knew from their high school days; the two of them had been in separate bands in college, & after they went separate ways, Jon, Tim, & Chad came together & formed Chin Up in 1996.
Signing with Re:think Records, they re-named themselves Switchfoot - a term taken from surfing - "to switch your feet means to take a new stance facing the opposite direction. It's about change & movement, a different way of approaching life & music"*.  As the records came, they eventually recruited guitarist Jerome Fontamillas, & finally Drew Shirley.  Since Switchfoot's inception, they've released 8 studio albums (the latest being "Vice Verses" on Switchfoot's own lowercase people records [w/ distribution through Atlantic] on Sept. 27th, 2011), in addition with a number of EP's & B-sides.
This song is from their 3rd LP, "Learning to Breathe"[re:think; 2000] (it was also re-mixed for their next album "The Beautiful Letdown"[Columbia; 2003]).  It peaked at #17 on Billboard's Hot 100 & more, & has won two 2005 Dove Awards: Rock/Contemporary Song of the Year & Short Form Music Video of the Year.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOTcr9wKC-o&ob=av2e

* - http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/interviews/Switchfoot.asp

Fight Like This - by Decyfer Down

Been craving a bit of these guys lately, too...
Decyfer Down is from North Carolina.  The 4-piece band originated as the 3-piece Allysonhymn (All-eyes-on-Him) in 1999, & under that moniker, they began touring with the likes of Puddle of Mudd, & Breaking Benjamin.  In 2002, guitarist Chris Clonts joined guitarist Brandon Miller, & brothers Josh & Caleb Oliver - drums & voc's/bass, respectively.  They changed their name simply to Decyfer & released a self-titled EP in 2005 before being signed to S/R/E/ Recordings (a subsidiary of INO Records).  A name change followed, shortly before the release of their major debut LP "End of Grey" which was produced by Jim Cooper (who was part of Petra for a couple years) & Tony Palacios (of famed rock band Guardian) & released June 6th, 2006.
A lot happened in between "End of Grey" & their sophomore release, "Crash"[INO; 2009] including being the victims of two robberies; & a serious vehicle collision.  Their tour van veered "off the road during an icy snow storm, colliding with a parked car, spinning across three lanes of traffic (with trailer in tow) & crashed against a guard rail"*.  However, they fought through all the twists & turns that resulted during their touring, & kept going.  A line-up change also happened before "Crash", involving singer/bassist Caleb Oliver leaving & being replaced with current singer TJ Harris (formerly of Fighting Instinct).
Their songs have been featured at WrestleMania XXV & a promo for the UFC as well.  Currently, they're working on new music, with over 70 songs to choose from for their next album.  This song is from "End of Grey".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-chUZlxRLOU

Also: check out this cool deal with FreeCCM if you're interested in a copy (digital or physical) of both their albums...
http://freeccm.com/deals/

* - http://www.myspace.com/decyferdown

Made to Love - by tobyMac

Been listening to my toby CD's lately; loving every bit.
Kevin Michael 'Toby' McKeehan (aka tobyMac)(b.1964) is based out of Nashville, TN.  His start in the music industry was with famed dc Talk with fellow members Kevin Max & Michael Tait in 1987/8.  They were signed to Forefront Records in 1988 & released a number of records before disbanding in 2000.  tobyMac's debut solo album "Momentum" was released in 2001, still on Forefront Records, with whom he remains today.
Backtracking to 1992, he, alongside Joey Elwood & Todd Collins, started a company together, sporting "the same cropped beards & were together enough that people began to start calling them the 'goatee brothers'"*.  After working with the music group Out of Eden & label shopping, they decided build their own.  Gotee Records subsequently came about, & they've been the label for such acts as SonicFlood, Storyside:B, John Reuben, Family Force 5, & currently on their roster, Abandon Kansas, Jamie Grace, House of Heroes, Stephanie Smith, & Relient K.
There are currently plans in the making for a new & 4th studio album by tobyMac come 2012.  This song is from "Portable Sounds", released in 2007, & was also nominated for a Grammy Award in 2008.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrT7sqV14_E

& here's the live version from his live album "Alive & Transported"[2008]:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pc6BYqGeLRk&ob=av2n

* - http://www.tobymac.com/about/gotee/

A Clean Shot - by The Myriad (in memory of Randy Miller)

Today marks one year of the passing of The Myriad's drummer Randy Miller...
The Myriad is based out of Redding, CA.  Singer/guitarist Jeremy Edwardson & bassist John Schofield came together & formed The Myriad roughly a decade ago, inviting guitarist Steven Tracy, guitarist Jonathan Young, &, later, drummer Randy Miller to join.  They released 3 EP's starting in 2002 before being signed to Floodgate Records & releasing their first full-length "You Can't Trust a Ladder" in 2005.  2 years after that release, they were part of MTV's 'Dew Circuit Breakout'; after being picked out by music critics, they were left to the people's votes to get them through the competition - subsequently, after being one of 12 finalists (of the original 4000), they won.
Somewhere in that timeframe, they switch over to Koch Records (E1 Music as of 2009) for their next 2 releases - the first being a prequel ("Prelude to Arrows EP"[2007]) to the 2008 release "With Arrows, With Poise".
However, in that same year, Randy Miller was diagnosed with chondrosarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer.  The band took a hiatus over the next while, but as much of a fighter as Randy was, cancer overtook & he passed away November 5th, 2010.
This song is from "With Arrows, With Poise", & this post is dedicated to his memory.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6phx3Qw3JPM&ob=av2e
See you in Heaven, brother.

Son of a Gun - by Lord Huron

Just found this yesterday, & I am in love with this music.
Lord Huron is based out of Los Angeles, CA (but is originally from Michigan).  It's the alias for Ben Schneider, a one-man band in the studio (but not live, of course).  The name comes out of his childhood summers, when he would spend time in the north of Michigan on Lake Huron.  Years later, he spent a week's vacation there with some gear, his old guitar, & some songs; three of these songs came together & formed the "Into the Sun" EP [ind.; 2010].  Lord Huron also released a second EP later in the year, - "Mighty" - this one on Nov. 2nd, 2010.  Since the music's been written, he/they've played SXSW & this year's Lollapalooza.  This song is from "Mighty".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hS6hfVyCW5I
(& for kicks, here's "The Stranger" - also from "Mighty")
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oVsdiPTsv8

Also: you can download both "Into the Sun" & "Mighty" for FREE from Noisetrade (though, I'm not sure if it's limited time or not... so get it now!)
http://noisetrade.com/lordhuron

News updates

Indie Vision Music released their latest FREE compilation just yesterday called 'Punk Never Dies Vol. 1'.  Features songs (some new, some old) by Addison, belair., Blood and Water, Dogwood, eleventyseven, Flatfoot 56, Grave Robber, MxPx, [Anberlin side project] Sins, & Watashi Wa, to name a few.  Check it out!
http://www.indievisionmusic.com/2011/10/31/punk-never-dies-vol-1/

~~~

There are less than 20 days until Five Iron Frenzy... does something.  Nobody seems quite sure yet.  But there's less than 20 days remaining (& the countdown's been going on for a couple months now, sssoooooo.....)... http://FiveIronFrenzy.com/ ... yeah.. Get excited!

~~~

As I'm sure you're aware: there's quite a number of exciting things happening on 11/11/11.  Including, but not limited to, Skryim (as a couple of my friends have made quite clear), the official version of Minecraft, & a couple friends' marriage.
But aside from that, there is also Our Heart's Hero's Christmas EP, which you can get for FREE if you follow them on their Twitter.
Wavorly's new EP is also being released that day.  Keep an eye out!
(you can also download a new song from both of those EP's; links are on their Facebook pages...)

I Put a Spell On You - as performed by The Savvy

I totally meant to post this one yesterday, but ran out of time.  Happy Halloween?
The Savvy are from Monticello, KY.  The Savvy came to be after a number of years of touring as Nineball; however, the only remaining member, Joe Stockton (voc's) "decided he wanted to create a new beginning for himself & his best friends. These are the men who stuck with him through thick & thin. These are The Savvy"*.  The band released their "Kill The Noise" EP independently on July 9th, 2010 & have released a handful of additional singles here & there, including their 3 song "Home For Christmas EP" later last year.
They did a cover of this 1956 Screamin' Jay Hawkins (who's recording is listed as #320 in Rolling Stones magazine's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time) song for Halloween, released on Oct. 18th, 2011.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wz-bskBPN_o

* - http://www.purevolume.com/thesavvy (& while you're there, take a look at their Michael Jackson "Thriller" cover - it's available for FREE there, too - just click on the 'album)

Yllipsis

Hey everyone.
So: I'm in a band (yay!) & I'm going to let you know (yay?).  We're called Yllipsis, & we're aiming for kind of an 'epic' sound - epic as in there's epic poetry, & there's epic music.  Strings/arrangements, "whoa's", & an assortment of things.  For fans of Coldplay, U2, Muse, Radiohead, perhaps Anberlin, & a bunch others (I'm keeping with the bigger names for now.  :P  ).

Check us out!  Our first demo that we're working on is "Ginkgo Tree" - it's up on most of the sites...

www.yllipsis.bandcamp.com
www.facebook.com/yllipsis
www.purevolume.com/yllipsis
www.reverbnation.com/yllipsis
www.soundcloud.com/yllipsis
www.twitter.com/yllipsis
www.youtube.com/user/yllipsis
& you should be able to find us on Google+ as well (just search Yllipsis the Band)
(^ we like to be accessible..  ;)

Throwdown - by Pillar

Hehe; so: I may or may not find myself dreaming about drums tonight as I've spent 7+ hours editing them today (still more to do - though, let me clarify: they weren't a bad take by any means [in fact, it was awesome] - just simply having everything neat & tidy & EQ'd, compressed, etc. & a clean session...).  Just lettin' ya know.
That aside:

I love this song.
Pillar is from Tulsa, OK.  Starting in 1998 (originally in Kansas), they came together & in the next year independently released "Metamorphosis".  After one more release ("Original Superman"[ind.; 2000]), the rising stars were signed to Flicker Records, & not too long after, current guitarist Noah Henson came into the scene.  Pillar won their first Dove Award in 2001, for Hard Music Album of the Year with "Above"[Flicker; 2000].  From "Above" until their 2008 release "For the Love of the Game", they've been working with producer Travis Wyrick (Éowyn, Spoken, Disciple); however, their latest, "Confessions"[Essential; 2009] was with Rob Graves (Red, Wavorly, Natalie Grant) - the album also got them another Dove Awards nomination (wins aside) for Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year' in 2010.  This song is from "For the Love of the Game" (which was also nominated for Rock Album of the Year).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7F3CD-70VyY

free Moderne Man album

Hey, here's the link Moderne Man posted on Facebook to get their album for FREE:
http://www.moderneman.com/album

Enjoy.  :)

I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home) - by The City Harmonic

Guess what I'm gonna get myself for Christmas...
The City Harmonic is from Hamilton, On.  Not too long after beginning in 2009, they signed with Kingsway Music (Derlirious?, Matt Redman, Benton Brown) & released a debut EP aptly titled "Introducing The City Harmonic" on Nov. 23rd, 2010.  This EP brought them much attention, & their leading single "Manifesto" has been viewed on YouTube over 1.08 million times.  They've also been nominated for 5 awards in the 33rd annual GMA Canada Covenant Awards, being held in Calgary, AB tonight!  Their latest, full length release "I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home)" hit the streets Oct. 18th, 2011 & has already reached #1 on iTunes in Canada, & #3 in the U.S..  This song is from that album.
(& the video was released just this week)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59sH_oCC1rg

You can also download this song for FREE from their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/thecityharmonic?sk=app_261137620592117

Also: "Manifesto" just won them the Modern Worship Song of the Year - congrats to them!

Free music (reminder & something to watch for)

Hey, Moderne Man posted earlier today on Facebook that...
       "We will be giving the Moderne Man record away for FREE on our website... stay tuned & we'll let you know when it's up!!!!"
In case you don't know who Moderne Man is, they are brothers Dan & Josh Ballard, formerly of Until June - cool indie pop rock... or something to that extent (I've never been good at picking out genres... plus I'm tired right now  :P  )
It'll be available on their website... but they'll let us know when.  So keep an eye out!
http://www.moderneman.com/

Also, just as a reminder: Neulore & Jars of Clay both have music available for FREE on NoiseTrade.com.  However, Neulore's album is only up for roughly another day.
http://noisetrade.com/neulore
http://noisetrade.com/jarsofclay

Mashup Vol # - by The Gentlemen

They've been releasing these mashups over the past few months.  I wanted to post one, but couldn't decide which... so, I'll post them all.
The Gentlemen are from Sheffield, England.  The band is made up of guitarist Sean Walsh, brothers Joel & Josh Cana who do drums & bass, respectively, & the "enigmatic, wizard-like lead singer"* Nicholas Noble.  They've released 2 albums - "Smile Back At Me"[Authentic; 2007] & "A Candid History of Faith, Hope, Love"[The Stereo Tree; 2009] - since their inception about half a decade ago.  Currently, they've been playing shows & working on new music including mashups.  These songs, as mentioned, are something that they've been releasing every few weeks; looking forward for some more!

Here are the links ALL OF THEM:
Vol. 1 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KUvINr0GN0 - Beatles vs. Pulp
Vol. 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLC6iFAIB_A - Sugababes vs. Ben E. King
Vol. 3 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nco-S2XcPsk - La Roux vs. Dizzee Rascal vs. Calvin Harris vs. Darude
Vol. 4 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PO-g_kTDuMM - Heartbeats vs. My Hero
Vol. 5 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB3Mj7L_U5E - Katy B. vs. Human League vs. Donna Summer
Vol. 6 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9t5SqfySn8o - Lady Gaga vs. (? - I'm not sure who the other component is from...)
Vol. 7 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN3_Yiwzoa8 - Dead or Alive vs. White Stripes vs. Dr. Who
Vol. 8 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hyJ3g4ojdQ - Mumford & Sons vs. Arctic Monkeys
Vol. 9 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRdZd4GXu20 - Van Halen vs. Katy Perry vs. (? - again, I don't recognize that part of the song...)

I personally enjoy 7 & 8 the most; but that's just me.  Really, I (& hopefully you too) enjoy them all.  :)

* - http://www.yourmusiczone.com/artists.php?area=details&code_artist=GENTLEMENT

2 more things:

If I had time tonight to do a 'song of the day' sort of thing, I would be picking between these two that have kinda hit me again tonight:

Praise & Adore - by Wavorly
&
My Surrender - by Steven Curtis Chapman

Free downloads!

Hey, so: 2 things you should look into...

1)
You may have seen some time ago that I posted a song by Neulore... well, there's less than 2 days left to pick up their album for free on Noistrade.  Highly recommended that you do if you haven't already.
http://noisetrade.com/neulore


2)
Jars of Clay has released an awesome collection of songs, also on Noisetrade.  Not sure if it's limited time, but you should also check this one out.  It's kinda like a bit of a greatest hits, but there's also a couple of never-before-released songs, I believe.
http://noisetrade.com/jarsofclay

Enjoy.  :)

Soldiers Under Command - by Stryper

The one; the only.
Stryper was formed in Orange County, CA.  Originally called Roxx Regime, vocalist Michael Sweet, brother & drummer Robert Sweet, & guitarist Oz Fox started the band in 1982.  However, after releasing a demo in that same year, they recruited bassist Tim Gaines, signed to Enigma Records, & changed their name to Stryper, which stands for 'Salvation Through Redemption Yielding Peace, Encouragement, & Righteousness"; & they directly connected their name with Isaiah 53:5*.  Their debut release "The Yellow and Black Attack" came in 1984, & they followed that with "Soldiers Under Command" [Enigma] in 1985 - it remained on Billboard's Top 200 for over half a year, & was the first ever Christian metal album to go Gold.  They released 3 more albums (plus a re-release of "The Yellow...") before their break-up in 1992.
They went their separate ways & released various material as or with different acts, but in 2000, they reunited for "an informal jam at the first annual Stryper expo in New Jersey"*.  Hollywood Records released "7: The Best of Stryper" (which contained 2 new songs) in 2003, & later that year, Stryper went on a 35 city tour & they were officially reunited.  Since then, they've released 3 full length albums (the latest being a cover album aptly titled "The Covering"[Big3; 2011]).  This song is from "Soldiers Under Command".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iPZ0cNtqIQ

* - Isaiah 53:5 - But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; & with His stripes we are healed. (KJV)
** - http://www.stryper.com/Band/thestryperstory.htm

[Prélude] (&) The Wind May Be Beautiful - by Timbre

I know this is crazy late, but I just found out about this beautiful music a short bit ago.  I think you should hear it, too.  (& as a side note, & as mentioned, hopefully I'll be able to get back into this - & earlier, too.......)
Timbre is from Nashville, TN.  She (that is, Timbre Cierpke) is a classically trained harpist & vocalist who's music has been featured on such albums as Cool Hand Luke's "The Fires of Life" [Floodgate; 2004]; mewithoutYou's "Brother, Sister" [Tooth & Nail; 2006] & their latest "It's All Crazy! It's All False! It's All a Dream! It's Alright" [T&N; 2009] (& yes, I just enjoy saying & typing out the full name of the album); Anathallo's "Floating World" [ind; 2006], & more (including one of Hundred Year Storm's, but I can't find which...).  Timbre has released 2 solo albums (tracks featuring family members, choirs & other assorted orchestral instruments) to date: the first being "Winter Comes To Wake You" [ind] - released April 16th, 2008; then "Little Flowers" [ind] on May 1st, 2010.  Currently, she has started a KickStarter page to help with funding a new [family] Christmas album.  These songs are from "Little Flowers".
http://timbre.bandcamp.com/album/little-flowers  <-- (just hit the big play button at the top & it'll play the songs...)
& here's a live clip of "The Wind May Be Beautiful"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0C_lQ1x498

& here's her KickStarter page, should you be interested..:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1018061216/harpist-songwriter-timbres-family-christmas-album

Quick question:

Why are handheld mixer beaters designed in such a way that they're so hard to lick?

...
just thought I'd ponder.  Any ideas?  :P

[anything] - by The River Empires

Just wanted to post something up tonight, & I was listening (& of course loving) their album "Epilogue", & wanted to share it.
That said, The River Empires are from Oregon; & released "Epilogue" on April 6th, 2010.  Said of the album: "Debut album from The River Empires entitled 'Epilogue'. Although it's the first album for the band, it's part 7 in the series of albums claiming to be released. The band is attempting to write & release the albums backwards following the mini series penned by the singer & songwriter Jessy Ribory."* (yes - Jessy Ribory of Falling Up).
Now: go listen to it (I couldn't pick a single 'song of the day' from it...)
http://theriverempires.bandcamp.com/

* - http://theriverempires.bandcamp.com/

Also, as it turns out: you can download a small collection of tracks/songs for FREE from that BandCamp page (songs available for that price say "(free)" beside them...)

Daylight - by Run Kid Run (& additional note)

To be efficient: I'm putting this all in one post (but, it's not like I'm saying much anyways).  Sorry for not being able to keep up - school & other commitments've been keeping me busy, plus 2 & 5 am studio times, etc. etc.  But, long story short: I've been busy.  Short story continued: I do plan to keep this going as best I can, but for now: it may occasionally be scarce (as you may have noticed).  But for now - I give you this:

One of Run Kid Run's new songs from their upcoming album "Patterns", to be released Nov. 15th, 2011.  Needless to say, I'm excited & can't wait to get my hands on it... (& "Love at the Core" for that matter - I have yet to see one [that is, a physical CD] around... but, never fear - I'll find one somewhere...)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_aHItbTRCM

I'm excited...

for tomorrow.  Dignan is offering their tour EP online for only 1 week, starting midnight (central time) tonight.  From 12am Tues. Oct. 18th until Monday, Oct. 31st at 3am, they will have their EP on their BandCamp page.  Can't wait to check it out in the morning!
http://dignan.bandcamp.com/

& here's the event page on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=277121568975574

Carol of the Bells - as performed by Our Heart's Hero

Is it weird that I'm excited for Christmas just so I can listen to Christmas music & not be looked at strangely?..
Our Heart's Hero is from Huntington, WV; & are now based in Nashville, TN.  They were first known as Fireproof, having formed in 2002; an EP by the name of "The Dizzy EP" [ind.; ?] soon followed.  They switched their name before their first full-length, "Can You Hear Me" [ind; 2004].  OHH released a live album & another - self-titled - LP before being signed to Gotee Records.  Their first release on the label was also self-titled, & hit the streets in 2007.  After much touring & more work, they went independent again to release their "Becoming Nothing EP" [2009], which was a step in a different musical direction.  They now have set plans for releasing a Christmas album called "Love is Breathing", on Nov. 11th, 2011.  Another LP is also in the works.  This song was a single released last year.
https://www.facebook.com/OurHeartsHero?sk=app_178091127385
Also: on their Twitter, they mentioned that they were filming (& have since completed) a music video for this song.  That said, you may see this song on here again... besides: it's not Christmas yet.

& you can get the song for FREE (with e-mail) from their website
http://www.ourheartshero.com/   <-- (it's down the page a short bit)

My Redeemer - by The Heel, The Serpent

I listened to this for the first time in too long & I realized how much I was missing listening to it.  So, I thought I'd share.  Hope that's ok.
The Heel, The Serpent is from Greensboro/Trinity area in North Carolina.  They formed in 2007 & have released one 8 track LP called "Salt of the Earth" [ind.; ?].  Touring helped them develop a name for themselves in & around their area, & they've also had dates alongside Holding Onto Hope.  Since then, however, the members have split off, with new lives involving other bands, college, kids, & marriages (not necessarily all at once).  This song is from "Salt of the Earth".
http://www.myspace.com/theheeltheserpent  <-- it's the 5th track in the playlist

They've also allowed Indie Vision Music to host a FREE download of "Salt of the Earth":
http://www.indievisionmusic.com/2010/01/01/the-heel-the-serpent-salt-of-the-earth-free-album-download/
Do it.  It's... wonderful.

Eve - by Neulore

FREE download for LIMITED time on Noisetrade.  You should pick it up.  I'm listening to it right now for the first time, & it's growing on me.
(But, I'm going to keep this quick & to the point as I have to be up at 1am.  But I wanted to bring this to your attention before it's too late, 'cause it's sounding quite wonderful.)
Neulore is from Nashville, TN.  They began in fall of 2009 "to tell stories of hope"*.  They released their "Apples & Eve" EP on Sept. 1st, 2010, & most recently released a music video for their song "Eve".  This song is from that EP.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8McNMfxLvVI

& if you want to check out a bit about the EP & them:
http://neulore.com/story/

& here's what they've offered, but again, only for a limited time.  'Get your copy now!'
http://noisetrade.com/neulore

Also of note:

I didn't find this until earlier today... sadly...
But on a happier note: it's quite exciting & good.

http://www.paperrouteonline.com/

Turns out, they've a few videos concerning the new & upcoming album.
http://vimeo.com/24320380
4 videos currently, to be exact.

Enjoy.   :)

Fly - by We As Human

Awesome, awesome song.
We As Human is based out of Nashville, TN.  Though they formed in 2001, they had to work hard & after 5 years, they were able to release their LP "Until We're Dead" [2006] to the masses.  Their "Burning Satellites" [Atlantic; 2008] EP followed, & was produced by Travis Wyrick (P.O.D.; Disciple; Pillar; Éowyn) & featured a number of hits & charting singles including "Dead Man" & "Fly".  Recently, they've been rehearsing for the Awake & Alive Tour featuring Skillet, & Disciple.  They've also been recording some new music with Grammy award winner producer Nick Raskulinecz (Rush, Paramore, Foo Fighters).  This song is from "Burning Satellites".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRiBMG26-DE

& if you sign up for their mailing list, you can download their song "Dead Man" for free...
http://www.weashuman.com/

How Great Thou Art - by The Ember Days

Mmmmm... You can never say that music can't move people (I won't let you!).
The Ember Days are from Auckland, New Zealand.  They began with Jason & Janell Bechler (guitar & keys, respectively; but both sing lead) in 2006, followed by a few more musicians & some subsequent changes (the lineup has since been 'solidified').  They toured New Zealand for their first [almost] 2 years as a band before coming to the U.S. & touring with Showbread.  Since the band's inception, they've released 2 EP's & 2 LP's - their debut LP "Your Eyes Light Up" [Come&Live!] hitting the streets in 2007; they've also toured with the likes of All Left Out, The Glorious Unseen (to which, their song "We Can Be Renewed" featured the vocal talent of Janell Bechler), Arms Reach, & ~ of course ~ more.
This song is from the LP "Emergency" [Come&Live!] - their latest, having been released just earlier this year.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnyvKizVexw

But really, you should just download all their music for FREE (legally) from Come&Live! Records because you can & their music is absolutely amazing.
I had a bit of a time trying to figure out if I should/could just post one song...
http://comeandlive.com/downloads/  <-- all their releases are there, scattered throughout...  (& don't be afraid to donate if you can & want)

Also: this song is featured on Indie Vision Music's "Passionate Hope Vol. 1: Songs of Worship" compilation, available for FREE here:
http://www.indievisionmusic.com/2011/10/01/passionate-hope-vol-1-songs-of-worship/

Happy thanksgiving! & such

So, I had an interesting thanksgiving, & seeing as I have a blogspot, I thought I'd share something to truly be thankful for.

Life.
Simply put.

We had a bit of a scare with a family member & a visit from a couple of friendly paramedics.  Thankfully, everyone's alright & alive.
That said, I just wanted to say what I'm thankful for:

Thank You for Life - by Jeff Deyo

I wasn't going to post anything originally, but then I thought of this song; & being Thanksgiving (here in Canada, at least) & all...
Jeff Deyo (pronounced 'Dee-oh') based out of Minneapolis, MN.  His music career started as the lead singer for the band SONICFLOOd; they formed in 1999 & released 3 albums, before Jeff Deyo took to his own solo career.  His debut album "Saturate" saw light in 2002, followed by "Light" in 2003; both on Gotee Records.  He's released 3 more albums: 1 live ("Surrender" [Gotee; 2005]), another studio album ("Unveil" [Indelible Creative Group; 2007]) & a greatest [worship] hits album ("The Worship Collection" [Gotee; 2007]).  Deyo is now a professor at North Central University (NCU) in Minneapolis, MN.  This song is from "Saturate".
http://www.amazon.com/Thank-You-For-Life/dp/B002C6EJPM  <-- this & iTunes were the only 2 places I could find even a clip...

http://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/saturate/id278227172  <-- 10th track

Abba - by belair.

Just found this the other night; interesting but compelling video, & amazing song.
belair. is based out of Magnolia, AR.  The 4-piece band originally began as In Spite of Catastrophe; but following some sort of actual catastrophe within each of their lives, they strengthened & reformed into belair.; "a follow-up & a retaliation to the catastrophe that has held onto Wesley, Austin, Tyler & Jameson... the band is based on 1 Corinthians 13:13"*^.  belair.'s appropriately titled "Goodbye Catastrophe" [ind.] was released on Aug. 24th, 2010; & in July 2011, they released another EP, this one called "MOVE".  This song is from "Goodbye Catastrophe".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9FdGZHS2Hc

* - http://www.purevolume.com/belairlove

^ - 1 Corinthians 13:13 [NIV] - And now these three remain: Faith, Hope, & Love. But the greatest of these is Love.

Hoth - by Deraj

I was in a rap mood today.  This came up.
Deraj is based out of Orlando, FL.  Originally, however, his journey began after a move to Richmond, VA in 2002, where he "discovered the light of Jesus Christ that would illuminate his life"*.  Subsequently, he became a member of Nfluential Music Ministries (other members include Nfluence, Taliah, & a few more).  His debut solo project "Honesty Of The Heart" came to in 2009, & along with his music, he has also received a B.S. in Digital Arts & Design from Full Sail University (Winter Park, FL).  This song is from "Honesty Of The Heart".

http://noisetrade.com/derajmusic  <-- you can download his album "Honesty Of The Heart" for free on NoiseTrade

* - http://www.derajmusic.com/about/

Lovesick Zombie - by House of Heroes

Hehe; halloween must be getting closer.
(& yes, I know I posted another song by them just the other week; but I wanted to share this now, & seeing as I've still some work & reading to do...)
So: just some quick info: House of Heroes is from Hilliard, OH.  Their debut as House of Heroes was in 2003, called "What You Want is Now" released through Vanishing Point.  4 more LP's have since surfaced, plus a couple EP's.  This song was premiered just today on Alternative Press' website.  Enjoy.  :)
http://www.altpress.com/aptv/video/premiere_house_of_heroes_lovesick_zombie_lyric_video

quick note:

Hey; so, if you haven't already heard, Apple's founding & former CEO Steve Jobs has passed away at age 56 after battling pancreatic cancer.  If it weren't for his & his company's initiatives, it's quite possible the music industry wouldn't be in the same place it's in now - seeing as my college music program is entirely Mac based...
Rather sad news; but I just wanted to send my prayers out to his family.

RIP Steve Jobs - 1955 - 2011
http://www.apple.com/ca/
http://www.apple.com/ca/stevejobs/

Don't Grieve For Me, For Now I Am Free - by Holding Onto Hope

Love it.
Holding Onto Hope is from San Luis Obispo, CA.  Forming in Aug. 2008, they've since done extensive touring; & have self-produced & released their LP "Of the Sea" [Come&Live] in the summer of 2009.  Since that album, they've undergone a lineup switch-up involving the introduction of bassist Gabe Davis (formerly of Ascend the Hill; also a Come&Live Records band) & vocalist Anton Kellner.  In 2010, they started & received enough funding to complete a KickStarter campaign; since then, they've recorded - finishing in Dec. 2010 - a brand new album.  The self-titled full length was released today, Oct. 4th, 2011.  This song is from that album.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wx2Ype4xGK0

Go download the album for FREE (if you wish - you can donate, too) from Come&Live Records here.

Enjoy.

NEWS FLASH!!! CHRISTMAS IN OCTOBER

This Beautiful Republic is offering their "Covers EP" for FREE, but only for TWO HOURS starting 15 minutes ago!  I may have just had Christmas in October.

http://www.thisbeautifulrepublic.com/free/coversep.html

Because I won't be on later...

Just as yet another reminder, Holding Onto Hope / Holding Onto Hope (on Come&Live) is releasing their self-titled album in 2 days, on Oct. 4th, 2011.  As mentioned previously, they're still with Come&Live Records, which means you'll be able to get it here for FREE.

Two more days!

Also, if you haven't heard: Barry Blaze/Code of Ethics/Code is releasing their album that day as well.

That's right, get excited for Tuesday.

Hold On - by subseven

Oh, how I wish some bands didn't have to break up...
subseven is from Weatherford, OK.  They formed in 1999, & remained independent for 4 years, & in that time, they released 2 EP's: "The Black Album" in 2000, & "Larusso EP" the subsequent year.  They signed with Flicker Records, where they release "subseven: the EP" in 2004 with producer Bob Burch (Number One Gun, Olivia the Band).  In an interview, the band explained the meaning of their name:
"subseven is two words. Basically, 'sub' is short for submitted & 'seven' is God's number, & the name just means submitted to God"*
Since their inception, they've played with the likes of Project 86, Pillar, Falling Up, Disciple, & even Stryper.  But their next & final release came out in 2005, also on Flicker Records.  Their final show was on December 3rd, where they "recorded the video for 'Hold On' at OKC's the Green Door; after the video shoot the band announced that they were calling it quits. They played their last show that night"**.  This song is from that album, called "Free to Conquer".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ubp6hkuOb2Q

* - http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/interviews/Subseven.asp
** - http://www.purevolume.com/subseven  <-- this is also where you can download 4 tracks from their years with Flicker Records - "Emotion" & "Game of Love" from their "the EP"; & "Hold On" & "Free to Conquer" from "Free to Conquer"

1 last reminder

Mosquito Fleet has their music available for FREE (that includes an LP & an EP) on their BandCamp page - but only until TOMORROW; then you'll have to buy it (but it's still totally worth it!).  Get it quick while you still can.
HERE:
http://mosquitofleet.bandcamp.com/

Axiom - by Alex McKenzie

I found an EP a long while ago (ok, well, maybe a year ago; feels like a long time though...) on NoiseTrade.com & I've enjoyed it, but haven't listened to it for a while... until less than an hour ago.  & so I thought I should share it with you.
Alex McKenzie is from Nashville, TN. ... & that's about all I've got.  He's a 22 year old composer & has released an EP of some work that he's done for fun.  That EP is called "Epic Life EP".
http://noisetrade.com/alexmckenzie    <-- &, as I mentioned - it's from NoiseTrade, so you can download it for free

Reminder:

Mosquito Fleet is offering their music for FREE on their BandCamp page, but only until FRIDAY, Sept. 30th, 2011.
So:
If you've "ever wondered to yourself, 'Man, I wish I could get some Mosquito Fleet music but I just don't have the cash for it.' Look no further."
"
This week, all of our music is FREE in light of our homecoming show in Marion, IN. Check out our bandcamp page (http://www.mosquitofleet.bandcamp.com) as well as the even page for Friday's show. If you get a chance, please retweet or repost this message so we can get the word out.
"

Independence Day for a Petty Thief - by House of Heroes

So I know Independence Day is long over, but I was listening to this song earlier & I'm like: "I'm loving this right now".  Enjoy. :)
(& again, I've stuff to do, so I'm going to post what I had from Feb, except revised)...
House of Heroes is from Hilliard, OH.  They've been influenced by the likes of "Bruce Springsteen & Tom Petty, The Who, E.L.O. with a touch of Meatloaf"*.  They've toured with such artists as tobyMac, Skillet, Seabird, Family Force 5, & have performed at the Purple Door & Creation Festivals (& of course more).  Their first release ("What You Want is Now" [Vanishing Point]) as House of Heroes came in 2003, but only after a name change & album as No Tagbacks.  4 more LP's have been released since, plus an acoustic EP & also a Beatles cover EP.  This song is from "Suburba", released Aug. 3rd, 2010 on Gotee Records.
Note: this video also contains the ending from the previous track on the album, "Salt in the Sea".  "Independence Day for..." actually begins at 33 seconds...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZIOrs6Fn5I

* - https://www.facebook.com/houseofheroes

Also, if you sign up for Gotee Record's mailing list, you can get multiple free songs, including from House of Heroes.
http://www.freehoh.com/ might work too.

Everything's Different - by Mosquito Fleet

So, I'm likely to not be doing posts like what was normal for some time 'cause I've work & reading to do.  Yay for mandatory gen. ed. courses.

But aside from that, this is some great music.
Mosquito Fleet is based out of Marion, IN.  They've released a debut album called "All Those Who Wander Are Not Lost" [ind.] in March 2010; followed by their latest "Swings & Cloves EP" [ind.] on Jan. 11th, 2011.  & for some fun trivia: in an [e-mail] interview*, Josh Yoshonis (lead voc's, rhythm guitar) described their worst touring experience..:
"
Probably the worst point of that string of shows was driving from Marion to a venue in Detroit, sound checking, walking out to play only to find the room completely empty & having the venue owner come up & tell us the show was canceled.  No questions asked, no compensation (we learned to make contracts with venues after that), & some very poor manners. So we sucked it up, loaded up our equipment, & drove straight to Chicago for our next show. I should note that Phil drove the whole trip, which was insane. He was a trooper. Also, before we left Detroit, Alex (lead guitar) weaseled his way into some free Dunkin Donuts for us all which made everything a little bit better. :)
"
This song is from their "Swings & Cloves EP".
http://mosquitofleet.bandcamp.com/

Also, as mentioned in the previous post (just below here), you can get all the music they've released for FREE, but only until this FRIDAY, Sept. the 30th, 2011 (see below for details about it...).  Available on their BandCamp page listed above.

* - http://www.indievisionmusic.com/2011/02/24/mosquito-fleet-2/