2 things I'm in love with right now...

1) http://www.indievisionmusic.com/2011/03/21/blood-and-water-in-character-2/  (I think it's up for only another week)(definitely worth grabbing!)(P.S. It's FREE!!!)(P.P.S. Spread the word!)


2) http://conteanimated.com/the-animation-2/thought-of-you/  (I'm in love with the song & video...)(yeah, I know: kinda sappy, but... oh well.. lol)
(& for that matter, you can view full screen on his Vimeo page: http://vimeo.com/14803194 )

We, Myself and I - by Shad

Speaking of Shad, whatcha think of the turn-outs of the Juno's?

Shad is Shadrach Kabango - born in Kenya in 1982, but raised here in London, On.  While he was studying at Wilfred Laurier University, he released a 'self-made' album "When This is Over" in 2005 with prize money he won from 91.5 The Beat's Rhythm of the Future talent competition.  He signed to Black Box Recordings in 2007 & released "The Old Prince" on Oct. 23rd, 2007.  He was nominated for a couple of awards in the years to come, & released his hit album "TSOL" on May 25th, 2010.  Then, this past weekend, he won Rap Recording of the Year for the 40th Juno Awards.  This song is from that album, "TSOL".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5UaQCQoOwc

Ryan Woodward's "Thought of You" (song: "World Spins Madly On" by The Weepies)

This is Ryan Woodward's amazing 2D animation that uses "World Spins Madly On" by The Weepies.  The video has won 6 awards (they're listed under the video on the site...)

http://conteanimated.com/the-animation-2/thought-of-you/

World Spins Madly On - by The Weepies

Amazing song.  You need to (ok, well maybe it's not a "necessity", but you really really should) see the video that Ryan Woodward built around this song.

The Weepies are a married couple who met 10 years ago in Cambridge, MA.  They started with their "Happiness" EP in 2003, then followed with 3 LP's (+ a live EP after their first LP); & they've had numerous songs featured on numerous shows & movies (& other spots including Old Navy & JC Penny) including Grey's Anatomy, Gossip Girl, Scrubs, Because I Said So, & their song "Can't Go Back Now" was featured in an ad for Barack Obama's election campaign in 2008.  They toured last year for the first time since 2006/7 in lieu of their release of their latest LP "Be My Thrill".  This song is from their first LP "Say I Am You", released March 7th, 2006.

The full length song:

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

The official music video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4sa2HoXpsE

Safe to Say - by To Tell

New [cheesy but fun] music video released for this song today…

To Tell is from London, On.  Zach Havens is the sole member, playing a "piano-driven pop/rock" drawing influences from the likes of The Rocket Summer.  To Tell has shared the stage with Superchic[k], Sanctuc Real, Group One Crew, & other big names; he's also appearing at Kingdom Bound this August.  (Additionally, he's even recorded with Joel Bruyere of Thousand Foot Krutch and The Drawing Room).  This song is from the LP "So Much More", released June 19th, 2010.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zm_bp3qFPbc

The Opened Way - from the PS2 game Shadow of the Colossus

An freakin' epic song from a freakin' epic video game.
SotC is made by Team Ico - yes, the company that made the game "Ico", also for PS2 (but incredibly hard to find being as it is now a collectors item...).  The game follows the story of a young man (old boy?) who brings a girl to the 'Shrine of Worship' in the Forbidden Land - a peninsula that is, well, forbidden.  The story goes that she was sacrificed by her/their people because she was thought to be possessed.  So, the guy brings the girl to this forbidden peninsula in the hopes of resurrecting her.  To do this, he must defeat these colossi.  & the rest is almost history.  Go play the game if you want to find out more; it's epic.  (in my personal opinion, though, the ending coulda/shoulda been done differently, but that's my opinion; but the overall gameplay certainly makes up for the lack of a good ending...).
This music plays as you find your way up the colossi to defeat them. (& it's one of the few times you'll actually hear music - when you're wandering around searching for these colossi, it's silent except for your steps, your horse's gallop, and the wind... makes for an awesomely eerie & lonely setting...)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3PRXFLJYcw (& by the time it hits then end note, it would normally repeat if you took more time than the song... which usually happens; lol)
Here's a live version I found, too:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-g1ncoKihw

P.S. This is gonna look nice on the PS3:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qi07zl6yvV4

& here's a bit of a cool rock remix:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ha320edRi8

Also, Team Ico is making another game - "The Last Guardian" (aka Project Trico).  Here's the E3 trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHzHoMT5eRg

Free album (only for 2 more weeks) from Blood & Water

So, just to keep this completely clear, now:

Blood and Water has offered their newest album "In Character" for free for 2 weeks on Indie Vision Music.com.
They're a ska-ish band (that is very influenced by Weezer & Five Iron Frenzy) with awesome music & heart.  I wish I didn't have to stop listening, but I have to because of the nature of having classes...
Here's the link:
http://www.indievisionmusic.com/2011/03/21/blood-and-water-in-character-2/

I'll repost this every now & again, just to make sure *you* are aware...
Seriously - it's worth paying $20, but they're offering for free - check it out!
http://www.myspace.com/bw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfjGlOmoEhQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzlXB1JPPuc (<-- this one's not on the album)

The Curse of Perfect Days - by Emery

I know I keep calling so many of these songs "awesome" or "beautiful" or something along those lines (& I may have made this point already)… but that's because they are. (at least in my opinion, right?  ;)

Emery is from Rock Hill, SC & they moved to Seattle, WA to pursue music as a career.  They were signed to Tooth & Nail Records sometime around 2002/3/4 (not sure exactly…)(they released the EP "The Columbus EEP Thee" in 2002 & their next release was w/ T&N).  They've released 4 LP's & 2 EP's with T&N, but have since moved ("have since moved" being 'a month or so ago') to one of T&N's 'daughter' company Solid State Records (who also hosts August Burns Red, Demon Hunter, The Showdown, Underoath, & other such acts).  This song is from their upcoming album "We Do What We Want" - to be released in 3 days (March 29th).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOrILA9j0Fc

In addition: here's what they have posted on their Facebook about this song:
"
"An unquestioned milestone comes four tracks into We Do What We Want, with the haunting "The Curse of Perfect Days," a song destined to become a fan favorite and live staple.  Morrell's sober, melancholy opening lines betray the deep personal significance of his words, before erupting with incendiary drums blasts and walls of shuddering overdriven guitars.  The song captures all of the elements of Emery, from the fragile and beautiful to the epic and sonically thundering.
"That song's about dreams I sometimes have about my wife dying," says Morrell.  "When I was younger and didn't have a family, I feel like death never even affected me, but now there's this under-the-surface anxiety, like if I were to die, what would I leave behind?  And if she were to pass away, what would that mean for me?  Would I go off the deep end, or would I be able to handle it and still try to be the best father I could be?  I've been so blessed in my life, that sometimes things are so perfect that I don't know what would happen if something changed."
"

IVM update...

& just so you know, IVM (Indie Vision Music) has their site up & running again, so you can download Blood & Water's album "In Character" for free from their site.  It'll be up for 3 weeks (total or from now, I'm not sure offhand; but you've got at least 2 weeks…), now, due to the inconvenience.  I would highly recommend checking them out.

http://www.indievisionmusic.com/2011/03/21/blood-and-water-in-character-2/

Faint Not - by Jenny & Tyler

A husband-wife duo with awesome music..

Jenny & Tyler are based out of Nashville, TN (but where it all started, as they say, was at the University of Delaware where they met).  In Dec. 2007, they released the LP "A Prelude".  The following year, they moved to Nashville & then quit their day jobs & released "This isn't a Dream in April of '09.  Since then, they've done much touring & released "Love Came Down: A Christmas EP" in Dec. '09, then their latest LP -  "Faint Not"; released Nov. of 2010.  This song is of course from "Faint Not".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G3tQKA2GSI


Also, they put up their album "Faint Not" to download for free from Noisetrade.com - but it's only up until Mar. 30th.  https://www.noisetrade.com/jennyandtyler#

download updates...

So, kinda random, but just so you know:
IVM (Indie Vision Music) is currently working with a new host to get their site up again; so, hopefully (if you want) you can grab Blood and Water's album (for free; legally - supported by the band themselves, just to clarify; lol) soon.
Also, I'm not sure if this is just for today, but Mosquito Fleet has their first LP up for grabs for free as well. It's on their bandcamp page & it's the 1 year anniversary of its release (hence why I'm not sure if it's just for today...).  Check it out.  (I posted their [beautiful] rendition of "Come Thou Fount of Ev'ry Blessing" a bit ago...)

Dagger - by Spoken

If you want to listen to something heavy tonight, this can be it.  ;)

They started in 1996 & are from Fayetteville, AR.  They've released 6 LP's; the latest 3 were on Tooth & Nail Records (& the preceeding three on Metro 1 Music); but they have since left T&N.  Their latest LP (self-titled) released on Sept. 5th, 2007.  They are currently touring (& for that matter, currently in Germany).  For their next project, they are planning for a fall release date.  They released this song/single independently October of 2010.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZ2iFVV2J8M

Sleep It Off - by Blood and Water

Awesome stuff - check it out!  You can download their album "In Character" for free from IVM (link provided below…)! (but only for 2 weeks...)

Blood & Water is based out of… well, depends on what site you look at.. but they're based out of California.  They're a 4-piece band who started as a ska band in 2004 (but, as their MySpace says: "began taking shape in the summer of 2006, when they released their first EP") inspired by the likes of The O.C. Supertones, Five Iron Frenzy, Weezer, & Jimmy Eat World.  They've released 2 EP's, followed by 2 LP's - their first was self-titled in 2008; their latest was after signing to Eden Records, based out of San Fransisco - called "In Character", released July 13th, 2010; it was produced by Masaki Liu who did Five Iron Frenzy, The W's, & Matisyahu.  This song is from "In Character".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-ywcO_zPHI

& here's a live version from the Avalon (camera phone quality, but somewhat audible, still… surprisingly…)..:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zhvpPQrdzw

… So, I just went to get the link for the download, but as of last week, their host server has been giving them problems.  I managed to get my digital copy this morning (it was supposed to be available yesterday), but their site is down again.  It's up for at least 2 weeks from yesterday, so still check in every now & again until it's up (it is a legit site - not sketchy; it's just the host they've been dealing with…)

http://www.indievisionmusic.com/

Where You Want Me - by Grey Holiday

Something tells me they had a low budget for the music video... ;)  (but it's still a great song!)

Grey Holiday was based out of San Antonio, TX.  The band as they were known as (they had different earlier variations...) started in Oct. of 2004.  They signed to Essential Records sometime around 2006/7 (they had released 2 independent EP's before: "The Low EP" in March of '04; & "The Afterglow EP" in April of '06) & released their only LP "The Glorious Revolution".  They broke up in August of 2008, but their song "You Belong to Me" featured in the hit movie "Fireproof" (they also made a music video for the recently released [or upcoming?] movie "The Grandfathers" [a documentary about on the Waodani tribe & the inspiring & true story that turned the South American tribe around] directed by Jim Hanon; the music video was put up on YouTube in 2009).  This song is from "The Glorious Revolution", released Sept. 25th, 2007.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7yHsaaizaw

Tonight - by Reform the Resistance

Pending on which song you listen to, I'd say they combine hints of Linkin Park, Rage Against the Machine, Incubus, & more...

Reform the Resistance is based out of Nashville, TN, but they have travelled & toured quite a bit of Europe (in addition to their tours here in North America, of course…).  They became the band they are now in July of 2006, after "2 years of writing & recording" (& that's when they [the 2 brothers Jason (lead voc's & guitar) & Sambo (bass & bg voc's)] got their drummer [Ryan Dugger] to complete the three-piece outfit).  They've released an EP "And it Begins…" in… the past decade (I can't even find year offhand & I've got homework that I need to focus on…), & their latest self-titled LP on Oct. 7th, 2010.  This song is from "And it Begins…".

http://www.purevolume.com/reformtheresistance   (3rd on their playlist)

& here's their website where they… did offer their latest LP completely free.  But it looks like you may have missed it.  Glad I didn't, at least!  lol

http://www.reformtheresistance.com/

The Waiting - by A ship at Sea

Reminiscent of Bill Mallonee & the Vigilantes of Love - kinda how I'd describe it.
Can't tell you much about A ship at Sea besides they're from Canton, Ohio; the band consists of 5 members, & you can download their album "Train Songs" (which, according to their BandCamp page was released March 11th, 2011; but I had it in early February via Noisetrade...) for free from their BandCamp page.
This is a live video of them performing the song (which is not from "Train Songs")
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F00p9VbYXI

Here's their BandCamp page (where, again, you can download their album for free)   :
http://ashipatsea.bandcamp.com/album/train-songs

Arafax Deep - by Falling Up

A beautiful, heart-felt song with awesome lyrics that I wish I wrote... lol.

Falling Up is from Portland, Oregon.  They've released 5 albums (including "Exit: Lights" - a remix album), & are currently working on a fan-funded independent album.  They broke up in Jan. of '010, but in Oct. of the same year, they announced that they have plans to make new music again, & recording started during the first whole week of Feb.  This song is from their debut album, "Crashings", released February 24th, 2004.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rXLKY0nQoU

& here's a link to their site to find updates on what they're up to…

http://www.fallinguplives.com/


& on a separate note: My prayers are going out to the families of the two firefighters who lost their lives back home in Listowel...........

The Thief - Relient K

Kind of a sad, but ladened-with-hope song…

There website puts their start simply: "Relient K played its first gig in December 1997, back when Matthew Thiessen and guitarist Matt Hoopes were still in high school and tooling around in the latter’s Plymouth Reliant K, which inspired the band’s name".  They've released a number of LP's, EP's, and 2 Christmas albums.  Additionally, they're advertising their being on the 2011 Van Warped tour for this summer.  This song is originally from their "Apathetic EP", released Nov. 8th, 2005, but they did an updated & extended version on their "The Bird & the Bee Sides" album/B-sides release that was released on July 8th, 2008.

Original:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sALTnilw5FE

From "The Bird...":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPIzZ3B4tHw

& a live version to kick:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmm1H8SGDPc

Sadly true...

Coincidentally, just today I was looking to see if I could find some liner notes on iTunes...


http://blogs.metrotimes.com/index.php/2010/12/don-was-on-itunes-and-the-death-of-liner-notes

Trucker's Son - by Starflyer 59

Classified under shoegaze according to some sites.  Should be 'Awesome shoegaze'. (yeah, I know - silly/stupid... lol).

SF59 is from out of Riverside, CA, & is Jason Martin (Bon Voyage, Neon Horse, & The Brothers Martin) Steven Dail (Project 86, Crash Rickshaw) & Trey Many (Velour 100, His Name is Alive).  They've released a dozen LP's since the formation in 1993, 8 EP's in between, & more bits & pieces here & there (including live recordings, 7" vinyls, etc.).  Aside from playing & writing music, he also co-owns & trucks for his late father's company.  This song comes off their latest album "The Changing of the Guard", released August 10th, 2010.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7t7HMP27B0

On a separate note, you can download their song "Wake Up Early" for free from their Purevolume site:

http://www.purevolume.com/starflyer59

& on another separate note: most of the bands listed in brackets that the members are part of are either broken up or they are ex-members (such is the case with Project 86); but Bon Voyage is still going.

Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da - as performed by MercyMe ft. a few other bands...

An awesome acoustic cover performed by MercyMe ft. Jars of Clay, Matt Maher, Thousand Foot Krutch, The Afters, & Lecrae.

(being as so many played a part in this & I've got other stuff I need to do, I'm not going to much of a bio… but:) MercyMe has been doing these "Cover Tune Grab Bag" 'episodes' since June 2008.  They've done songs like "Thriller", "Jump", Wanna Be Like You", "Dead or Alive", & other big songs.  Check 'em out! http://mercyme.org/category/cover-tunes-grab-bag/  This one is their latest addition, added yesterday (March 13th).

"Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da" is of course originally written by McCartney & Lennon from The Beatles.  It was released on their 1968 album "The White Album".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6BKhvhSehc

Barbra Streisand - by Duck Sauce

Thanks to a friend, I am now hooked on this song...

Duck Sauce is based out of New York, NY.  The DJ duo consists of Armand Van Helden (from Manhattan, NY) & A-Trak (from Montréal, Que.; he owns Fool's Gold Records and has toured as Kanye West's DJ).  They released an EP, "Greatest Hits" in September of 2009, from which their single "aNYway" came.  This song was, of course, named after the singer of the same name & even made its way to number 1 in Austria & the Netherlands & charted well in Ireland, France, the UK, and other countries, too.  It was released in 2010.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zd8lP4YnQNE

Seamus - by Leahy

A song that is from where my musical roots lay.

Leahy is from Lakefield, Ont., & consists of 8 of 11 brothers & sisters from the Leahy family.  They started playing musically in the 80's and apparently privately released LP's & cassettes (<-- & yes, I remember those things are - I'm not that young!), but their first major release was in 1996 - a self-titled LP from which they won 3 Canadian Juno Awards - for "Best Instrumental Group" & "Best New Group" in '97, then "Best Country Group or Duo" in '98.  It was in '98 when Shania Twain invited them on a tour when they became internationally successful (it was a 2 year worldwide tour they were on…).  They then released "Lakefield" (2001), "In All Things" (2004), then a live DVD  filmed in Gatineau, Que. (2006), & "Handmade" in 2007 & they are still touring today.  This song is from "Lakefield", released in 2001.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llrheWBheY8

& here's [the incredible performance] from their live DVD:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQly4jyo8wo

Things that are making me sad as of late...

Update to post below:

It's confirmed that they are breaking up.  However, they have releasing an EP of covers with Wonderwall's "Oasis", Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy", & the hymn "How Great Thou Art".  You can get details (& buy & download the EP) here:

http://www.thisbeautifulrepublic.com/


In contrast to the last post..:
It seems that I spoke too soon about This Beautiful Republic.  They posted this late last night:
"All good things come to an end.
This is the end. 
http://www.thisbeautifulrepublic.com/"

Oh well...  but maybe they'll be like Falling Up? (whom, if you don't know, broke up Jan. 2010 but are now back together making a new [independent] album...)   ...

Things that are making me happy as of late...

So, I've been meaning to post some links here for the past yet.  I finally broke after a band I love posted something on their Facebook page.  That said, here are a few links to some things that make me smile/laugh:


Axis of Awesome - "Four Chord Song"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pidokakU4I


Aux.com's "Top 10 Dancing Thom Yorkes" - in lieu of Radiohead's latest video for "Lotus Flower"
Here's the original:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsoolN7Icd8
Here's the... ummm... new dance renditions...
http://www.aux.tv/newmusic/music-news/top-10-dancing-thom-yorkes/


I'm sure this has been around a bit, too, but it made me smile:
http://www.nomorefriends.net/
I know it's kinda morbid, in a sense, but...  yeah.... lol


& that band that I mentioned, This Beautiful Republic (I posted a song from them the other day), released a short 20 second or so clip of some music that is very like them.  Check it out (it's called "?" )  :
http://www.facebook.com/pages/This-Beautiful-Republic/237828153569  (<--- you should be able to find it here for a while..; but when you can't:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/This-Beautiful-Republic/237828153569?sk=info 
It's on their 'info' page, but you seem to have to click your way through the whole list of songs (play one, click to the end seconds, let it load the next, click to the final few seconds, repeat... it's weird...)


:D

Breathe Your Name - by Sixpence None the Richer

Awesome song.  Period.     .

Sixpence None the Richer (or 'abbreviated', Sixpence) is based out of Austin, TX.  Their story started in 1989 when guitarist Matt Slocum & singer Leigh Nash met - he heard her sing when she was 13, & they released "Original Demo's" in 1993.  They ('they' were a trio at that point, with bassist T.J. Behling) were then signed to R.E.X. Records, & released "The Fatherless & the Widow" on April 26th, 1994.  They released 2 more LP's on R.E.X. before switching through a number of labels.  They broke into the mainstream with their '98 song "Kiss Me" & the song has since appeared in numerous spots.  In 2004, after 5 total LP's, they broke up, & Leigh Nash had her own successful solo career.  However, they re-united in 2007 & they released the EP "My Dear Machine" on July 8th, 2008 (& it was available for free on Noisetrade until 2009, apparently…).  They are now Nash, Slocum, & bassist Justin Cary, & they are releasing an album sometime this spring.  This song is from their 5th album "Divine Discontent", released Oct. 29th, 2002.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nwo-xezj7Ts

& here's this song live on David Letterman:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6bpSl96Nb4


& here's a better quality live video..:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0i9lo8FIWA

A Conversation with the Sky - by Abandon Kansas

Hooky indie pop/rock.

AK is from Wichita, Kansas (surprised!?  lol).  They started off in their high school years & played random shows here & there until their 2006 tour, which, as stated in an interview, was "the least successful outing ever, and [they] had an absolute blast". They released a self-titled EP in 2005 followed by "Exactly What We Needed EP" in 2006.  2 EP's & an LP later, they were signed to Gotee Records in spring 2009 & they released the EP "We're All Going Somewhere" Sept. 8th, 2009.  Their latest, "Ad Astra per Aspera" (an LP), was released today, March 8th.  The album name translates from Latin to English "to the stars through difficulties".  This song is from that album.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXTwQZ98MQM

Live the Life - by Michael W. Smith

So true.

M. W. Smith was born Oct. 7th, 1957 in Kenova, West Virginia.  His career started with him playing keyboard for Higher Ground (1979-81); in that time, he signed a songwriting contract with Paragon/Benson Publishing Company.  In 1982, he was asked & played in Amy Grant's backing band while he continued to write. Her managers started Reunion Records shortly after to sign him and Kathy Troccoli (neither of whom would be signed by other labels…).  His first record came in 1983, &, as the saying goes: 'the rest is history'.    Almost 2 dozen albums released, 3 Grammy Awards, 13 Grammy nominations, 36 Dove Awards, 16 Gold albums (including Christmas & a live albums) & over 30 #1 songs.  Also, in 2010, he co-wrote "Come Together Now" - another big benefit song for Haiti.  This song is from his 1998 album of the same title.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2ySTgD2OLw

& here's the music video (if you can bare it - it's very 90's… lol) :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLSPAEgP0Ps

Change the World - by This Beautiful Republic

This [beautiful] song crossed my mind as I've been hearing more & more on the news about the wars & protests, esp. in Libya, Egypt, Yemen, & the genocides still happening today...

TBR is from Toledo, OH & they formed in 2004.  They were signed to ForeFront Records in 2006 and released "Casting Off" - a debuting EP released Jan. 9th, 2007.  Later that same year, they released their LP "Even Heroes Need a Parachute" on April 3rd.  Their singles "Black Box" & "Going Under" got some attention and charted in ChristianRock.Net's top 5.  Their next LP was "Perceptions" - released Aug. 19th, 2008.  They've toured with the likes of NEEDTOBREATHE, Ever Stays Red, Falling Up, Family Force 5, Jars of Clay, TFK, other well-known acts; and have also appeared at some festivals including Ichthus, Creation Festival, and even some international festivals.  However, in late 2009, they announced that their lead singer was parting ways (& this left only Kunkle [guitar], Paxton [bass], & Toews [drums]).  Sadly, it seems that they may have broken up - there hasn't been much in the way of news aside from them selling their van & trailer, and some pieces of equipment.  This song is from "Perceptions".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4XxoDgySSM

You can also download their single "Surrender Saved My Life" from their PureVolume site..:

http://www.purevolume.com/thisbeautifulrepublic

Light of Your Face - as performed by Ian McIntosh

Tim's song of the day: Light of Your Face - as performed by Ian McIntosh (ft. Melissa How).

Ian McIntosh is a 23 year old from Redding, CA.  He has released 2 albums; the first being "Awakened", released July 27th, 2007; & the latest called "Alive", which was released May 14th, 2009.  He is also a keyboardist for Jesus Culture.  This song comes from "Alive".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVmC3BxDWQI

The song was originally done (as far as I can tell, anyway) by Misty Edwards:

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

P.S. You can download "Alive" completely free (& legally, of course) from Come&Live! (just so you know…).

http://www.comeandlive.com/CLD/IanMcintosh/index.html

Feel It In Your Heart - by Abandon

Just found out today that they released this almost a month ago.  Wish I had'a known.  I'm in love! (with the song, that is…)

Abandon is from San Antonio, TX.  They started their music careers earlier, but didn't release anything until their first LP ("Ambush") in 2005; an EP (Who Are You") followed the next year, and they were signed  onto to Forefront in late 2007.  In the following year, they released their attention-grabber "Abandon I EP" on July 22nd, 2008; then "Abandon II EP" on April 21st, 2009.  Their "Searchlights" LP was released Aug. 25th, later that year; their next LP is coming up April 19th of this year & is titled "Control".  This song is from that upcoming LP.

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

& here's an acoustic one for BREATHEcast.com:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BsPSeKe9P4

& a video about the song (also done for BREATHEcast.com)..:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWtqLKca6nA

Spotlight - by Mutemath

I haven't listened to them enough lately.  That changes tonight!  :P

Mutemath is from New Orleans, LA.  They started in 2003, and have taken off to the stars from there.  Consisting of Paul Meany (vocals, keys), Darren King (drums, sampling), Greg Hill (guitar), and Roy Mitchell-Cardenas (bass, percussion).  Meany, King, and Cardenas all were previously from Earthsuit, but after they broke up, they started the new project with Hill, & they released their "Reset EP" Sept. 28th, 2004.  Next came their self-titled debut album featuring the hit "Typical" (yes, the one with them playing the whole song backwards in the music video); & then their 2nd LP "Armistice" (& they've had a live DVD, an EP between & then another live DVD after that...).  They've had songs placed in/with the movies Twilight ("Spotlight was the one that was featured…), Transformers, Never Back Down, The Rocker, and more; and have appeared on the Tonight Show w/ Leno, Late Show w/ David Letterman, Late Night w/ Conan O'Brien, and more late show hosts.  They are currently working on their third album.  This song is from their album "Armistice", released Aug. 18th, 2009.

[Awesome] Music video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ry6GAwDCI2I

Live from their Armistice tour in Japan:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxWrXmUR1HM&feature=BF&list=PL310066C2D5FC6482&index=6

Live for the KINK.FM radio station:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XisD_Byo7Jk

Someone who did a drum cover/lift pretty much spot on:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKSW9RP06ZQ

& the Son Lux Remix (from their "Spotlight EP"):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTYoyZ9tWEo

Enjoy

(at least watch the first two videos, is all I ask…  :P)

Saving Grace - by Éowyn

& yes, her father named her after the Lord of the Rings character.

Éowyn has her base of operations in Nashville, TN.  She has released 3 LP's with one coming up in May of this year (called "Beautiful Ashes" - releases May 3rd, 2011)(but as a side note, her MySpace page calls "Silent Screams" her 4th album, but most other sites only acknowledge 2 before that one…).  Nashville's Embassy Music awarded her as the grand prize winning songwriter for "Break Free", which was from her 2003 album "Shattered Illusions".  She's toured with many big names including Krystal Meyers, Petra, Pillar (for that matter, some of the members of Pillar appear on her albums), & more.  This song is from "Silent Screams", released March 4th, 2008.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHmJLmHxY9g