Merry Christmas from Singapore

If I could have one Christmas wish, I would wish all Christmas songs were original - like this.

Say hello to Ee Thai, a teenager direct from Singapore, who took time out of his directing life as head of Crappy Films to write this Christmas piano piece. Entitled "Christmas Wish," its crisp, wintery flavor conjures thoughts of Jim Brickman melodies and a little bit of Eastern flavor.

Throughout this Christmas season, I'd like to spread the holiday cheer to any suffering independent artists out there whose Christmas songs have gone unnoticed and unappreciated. If you are such an artist (or if you know of one), just post a YouTube link of your Christmas music video in a comment; you just might see that video in the next post!




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Laron - Not Just Another Rehashed Christmas Song

Like it or not, the Christmas season is upon us, yet again. In my case, it's "like it not." Call me Scrooge, but Christmas comes once a year too often. It's not the snow. It's not the ice. It's not the sound of the cash falling out of my wallet at the speed of sound that gets me down. It's the constant drone of "Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire" whined by the likes of Clay Aiken and "Jingle Bells" sung in seven different languages that nearly grosses me out. And Ashley Tisdale's "This Christmas" has been played ten too many times on too many different television shows.

SO I've made an end-of-the-year resolution: I will not tolerate rehashed Christmas songs. Nope. No more American Idol Christmases, no more George Michael remakes. This Christmas, I'm going completely indie.

That's why I'm so hyped about this Christmas song by a young man known only to me as Laron. His viewers have described him as sounding like Teddy Geiger, and personally, I think we can throw in a little James Blunt and a smidge of John Mayer. This is one Christmas song you're likely to play over and over again throughout the season, and I can bet you this: the radio will not be playing it over and over like a broken record. So are you ready for the fresh sounds of indie Christmas? Just press play.



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Margaret's Daughter is GreekIrish

Okay, okay, enough with the ethnic jokes.

Margaret's Daughter, better known as Ami and her accompanist, Etienne, are neither Greek nor Irish, but rather South African. An accomplished guitarist and vocalist, her music is more reflective of Grecian ports and Spanish islands than it is of South Africa.

Quite the up-and-coming indie artist, Margaret's Daughter's toned vocals ring out like Sarah McLachlan and Alanis Morissette over percussive guitar and African drums.

GreekIrish

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Charmless Young Man

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It also appears they caught the attention of a UK recording group - taste this next song for a truly homemade recipe of music. But despite the lack of acoustic recording equipment, it still sounds great!

Margaret's Daughter and Chestnut Productions - Lay Your Weapons Down


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Sacha Sacket, the Iranian (Song) Leader

It's not every day you find an Iranian artist on airwaves, and when you do, you're not likely to listen. Leaving behind me the usual Iranian cliches (seeing as he is half-British), I reluctantly YouTubed Sacha Sacket and was... pleasantly surprised. He's self-described himself as a cross between Snow Patrol and Damien Rice with a plunge of Coldplay, but he sounds more like Howie Day, IMHO. But then, what do you get from a guy who likes everything from Frank Sinatra to RATM?

Three ladies accompany Sacha in his musical endeavors - Jennifer Trani on guitar, Anna Marie Rosales on the bass, and Alexa Brinkschulte sings backup.

Their new album, Lovers and Leaders is currently on CDBaby's top thirty bestsellers list, and they're doing playing more (major) gigs than you can count on one hand.

Below is the video to "Maybe You Can Save Me (From You). And not to fear, there's no Arabian Nights music that's going to greet you at the punch of the play button.



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The Motion Sick - Satellite

Self-described as a mix of Rilo Kiley, The Arcade Fire, Bright Eyes, and Violent Femmes, The Motion Sick proves there's yet another band from Boston that's not "just another band outta Boston." Their hit song, "Satellite" from their debut album Her Brilliant Fifteen, hit #7 in the top ten on Indiependence, and caught the attention of Spin magazine just a short while back.

So how'd they get their name? Apparently in the 1900's, stowaways on a ship were called "the motion sick." You can figure it out from there. No word yet as to the possibility of their participating in tea-dumping parties.

Check out the animated vid of "Satellite" and prepare to be launched. It's not exactly Rilo Kiley's "Moneymaker," but more like Arcade Fire's "Wake Up." Sorta.



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Wired to the Revs

It's been a while since we've heard from The Revs; after their announcement early this year to take an "indefinite break," they've been dinkin' around and touring here and there in Ireland, but that doesn't help those of us who aren't in leprechaun haven. But for all of you Revs fans out there, there's hope; two of The Revs' hits will be surfacing in the upcoming film, "P.S., I Love You," starring Gerard Butler and Hilary Swank. So listen up for "Take It All Back" and "Streets" when you hit the theaters December 21st for opening night.

A Revs post wouldn't be complete without a video; the Revs' debut hit, Wired to the Moon, surfaced on YouTube just a few months ago, making it one of the newest editions to my Revs vid collection, even if it's their oldest song. So listen and enjoy the fresh sounds of Rory Gallagher.




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More AnaFree

YouTube favorite AnaFree is back with a new video! This Portugal songstress had her videos pulled (for some mysterious reason) a couple months ago, but that's old news. They're all back - with interest.

Ana was born in Cascais, Portugal, raised in Lisbon, but filmed her video in Canterbury. Our guess? This girl gets around, and it looks like she's done a few gigs, no less. And don't forget to wish her Happy Birthday - her twentieth birthday's on Friday!

Anyhoo, her most recent song is entitled, "Nothing to Fear," unquestionably one of her best. So check it...

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anafree

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Solaris - L'espoir Acoustique

English is a beautiful language, make no mistake about that... but it pales terribly in comparison with the linguistic beauty of l'francais, and this song is hard evidence of that. Malheureusement, however, very little is known about the band itself, but we do know that Solaris' hometown is Paris, France (what a surprise) they've been touring France (really, now), and they just released a brand new album last Avril - that's April, to the non-French speaking demographic. The surprises never end.

Even though they're pretty tight-lipped about the bandmembers' identities, here's what a few digs around the 'net produced:
Solaris is:
JB (vocals and guitar),
Lionel (bass),
Mathieu (guitar solo),
Aurelien (keyboard)

Their influences include Louise Attacks, Noir Desire, Jacques Brel, M, Serge Gainsbourg, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. According to them, they sound like Louise Attacks, Noir Desire, MUSE, The Beatles, Oasis, and Raphael.

Technically speaking, their music needs no explanation, but in case you can't make out the English from the French subtitles, there's a little translation jobbie below. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the sounds of "The Hope" in acoustic.

The Hope

You know if the life separates us
Say that one will be re-examined
In one century or randomly
For that time does not have a law
I will play on my guitar
To fly away to you

REFRAIN
I will whisper your name
With the ear of the winds
I know that they will find you
Then for a moment
I will be there
I will be there
With you…

VERSE 2
The hope never should be lost
It is all that it us remains now
Let us keep a place in our reports
Through the paddle and laying down it
If you hear this guitar
I will have come finally

REFRAIN
I will have whispered your name
In the air and the currents
I know that they will find you
Then for a moment
I will be there
I will be there
With you…

VERSE 3
One has that to sing this song
To put our hearts at unison
To renovate a moment just
And to remember good old days
When you were there
When you were there
With me…



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Esmee Denters

Well, today we're taking a break from the usual self-written, self-recorded songs to feature Esmee Denters. Maybe you've heard of her already. In fact, it'd be difficult not to if you've been on YouTube at all during the past few weeks. Her "What Goes Around...Comes Around" cover has graced the front page of YouTube for a little while now and boasts over 2.5 million views. Usually we're not interested in covers, as you know, but our curiosity was piqued when we saw the video, so we naturally chequed it out.

At first we thought it was just Esmee singing in a studio... big deal, right? Until we saw Justin himself at the very end. It takes guts to sing Justin's own song right in front of him while he's sitting in the very same studio with you.

Then, we checked out her fan site, www.EsmeeWorld.com, where we found out she's signed a record deal with Justin's new company, Tennman Records. This girl from the Netherlands is really going places. Literally. She's opening for Justin Timberlake during his Europe tour. Not bad for someone who started out posting covers on YouTube. So root for Esmee and check out some of her best cover efforts below.

What Goes Around...Comes Around (you know who)


Too Little Too Late (JoJo)


Irreplaceable (Beyonce)


beyonce
Esmee Denters

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Brienna Lauren

American singer/songwriter Brienna Lauren might be an 18-year-old missionary kid in Croatia, but music is her second calling. Apparently everything isn't peaches and roses in Croatia, either. Brienna's music is uplifting on the one hand, but thought-provoking on the other. "Front Lines", below, wrenches of troubled teens and the satire of life in a way not too many of us think about.

Front Lines


youtube

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ViRGiNiE

A girl, a guitar, a voice and some songs... that's how ViRGiNiE, aka Mischaaa, describes herself. Along with Piper, her guitar, ViRGiNiE pens some of the sweetest French folk songs that ever you heard. This bilingual songstress/guitarist made it famous this week on the front page of YouTube, but her best songs are yet undiscovered.

Ce Soir (This Evening, tonight)


Regarde (Look)


My Angel - For the French language challenged


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youtube

The Raconteurs

Self-dubbed "a new band made up of old friends," The Racontuers are a conglomeration of some of the most well-known names in indie rock, the most obvious being Jack White of White Stripes. Here's the list:

Jack White (of The White Stripes) – vox, guitars, keyboards, synthesizers
Brendan Benson – vox, guitars, keyboards
Jack Lawrence (of The Greenhornes and Blanche) – bass guitar
Patrick Keeler (of The Greenhornes) – drums
Dean Fertita (of The Waxwings and currently Queens of the Stone Age) as a live touring member only – guitars, keyboards, tambourine, vocals

Some have complained The Raconteurs feature too many lead singers. Don't ask me what those critics were thinking. Their latest album (as of 2006, anyway) is Broken Boy Soldier, featuring the hit "Steady As She Goes." But "Level" is pretty equal with, if not better than, "Steady."

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And if you needed any further proof that The Raconteurs really don't take themselves too seriously, check this out, and don't root for the cheater.



And to any of you that say this is old news, pipe down. The videos are timeless.

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Starpilots

There's no words to say how much I love foreign indie bands... and plenty of words to convey my displeasure that every single one of their official sites is in any language under the sun except English! So, malheuresment,
I won't be able to bring you too much trivia about Starpilots. But I will tell you what I do know.

Based in Austria, Starpilots has been in existence since 1994, with eight different tape/CD productions to date. Their most recent release, Population, just came out this year. The band itself is comprised of four gents, with Alex Panrok thumping drums, Horst Ruger on guitar, Tom Schauppenlehner on the bass, and Gernot Grassl as lyricist. Apparently, they all sing, and quite well at that. But this is only my opinion. See for yourself, with their newly released video, "Gasping for Air."

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And for those of you who speak and understand the German language, here's a promotional interview they broadcast on Viennese television for your listening and viewing enjoyment.



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Smoosh It Up

I've been watching these two girls for a couple years now as they've gone from their "La Pump" days and matured to their new video, "Find a Way," which debuted last year on the Free to Stay album from Barsuk records. At a mere 13 and 15 years of age, sister team Chloe and Asya (aka Asy) have made their mark on the indie rock world, especially during their performance with Jimmy Eat World. Here's what some digs from their home page and YouTube produced:

From Smoosh News

Smoosh is one of the hottest indie/pop bands in Seattle. Comprised of two sisters, Chloe, 13 and Asya, 15, who are very passionate about their music. Already veterans on the Seattle music scene, they have been playing together for over 5 years and opened for such notable artists as Death Cab For Cutie, Pearl Jam, The Go! Team and Bloc Party.

In 2004 they released their first CD, She Like Electric, on Pattern 25 records. This first effort showed a youth exuberance combined with a songwriting ability well beyond their young ages. Spanning musical style from pop to proto-punk to all-out fun, this is an excellent beginning. In 2006, they released Free To Stay, their sophomore effort, on Barsuk records. This is a much more mature, progressive recording, showing an ever-expanding knack for songwriting.

From YouTube


Here's a glimpse of how the video was made from Mike, Smoosh's dad:
"The director is the same as who did the La Pump video. His name is Ace Norton. As a film maker, you would have loved to see the video shoot. He would have fill ins for where the multiple Asy and Chloe's were to be so it wouldn't look too artificial when the girls were interacting with themselves, and he had a big monitor where you would see like ghost images of Asy and Chloe as they would film on top of a scene where the girls had shot previously. It was really neat to see, and from what I understand it is the same technology whenever in a movie you see something fake, like a dinosaur or explosion or whatever dubbed into a video. And all the shots were done in one building (or on the roof of the building) near Los Angeles. The girls shot the video just before the rehearsal days with Eels for this tour."

The first video bleeds a little bit of Tokyo Police Club, but the piano stairsteps in "Find a Way" really rock.

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"La Pump"

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"Find a Way"


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British Indiepop Candy

Although their career was short, British indiepop band Hefner wrote some right good music. Fronted by Darren Hayman, Hefner produced songs similar to Scandinavian band The Confusions.

Darren's music involvement included music with not only Hefner, but The French, an up-and-coming bluegrass band of buddies, and a solo career of his own. Last year's latest, "Table for One," proved to be a labor of love. Here's what some digs from his website produced:

"Bruised and bloodied, former Hefner front man Darren Hayman, crawls out from his car wreck life armed with only his battle scarred telecaster and ukulele for protection. Darren’s been given a right kicking by the music biz, but he’s not down, in fact he’s smiling ear to ear. In the past two years since his last album with The French Darren has worked for The Peoples Dispensary for Sick Animals, Battersea Dogs Home, gotten married, formed a bluegrass band, put on a lot of weight and is currently studying an Art PGCE at Goldsmiths College. “If I don’t work I go nuts; I wasted 6 months addicted to internet chess.” says Hayman. This album is his best so far until the next one. Real drums and guitars mark a return to the indie folk style of Hefner, but better. “Every time a write a song its better then the last one”, continues Hayman, “I thought it was that way for everyone?”."

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Their video, "Good Fruit," showcases the incredibly bored Hefner clan, moping about with nothing to do until Darren turns up the tunes. You'll turn it up, too, when you hear this hit.



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Je Suis Jalouse

Okay, okay, so she's not exactly indie. Seeing as she did sign a deal with Sony records. But no matter; French songstress Emily Loizeau caught my eye on YouTube's feature page and my curiosity was piqued. The French language has always held my interest, so why shouldn't a video that happens to be entirely in French?

Part real and partially animated, the combination of song and movie lead one to believe they were transported into an early 20th century French country scenery alongside a jealous wife, a husband, and an ex. I'll let you figure the rest out on your own, as the translation for the number one song off the "L-Autre Bout du Monde" album just so happens to be "I am jealous."



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miaarose - Never On Your Own

Yes, half of YouTube loves her, but the other half hates her. Is it because she's so talented? Probably. Because she has a good voice? Probably. Because she actually writes and performs her own songs? You decide. Whatever it is, this girl can do it all, and she's not ashamed to show it. And there's certainly no lack of creativity with her hit "Never On Your Own." And did I mention that NextSelection took YouTube notice and signed her? Come on, that's old news. But you can still appreciate the vid anyway.



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ITWY

Excuse all the noise... this one's definite garage band grunge. I almost turned it down until I heard the hook. And yes, I got "hooked." I won't bother making comparisons; I'll leave that up to you. As far as I'm concerned, it's a great song, especially on behalf of the drummer, and the lyrics (those that I can make out) carry the all the rocking power you'd expect in a garage band.

Band: Ian Twyford Kicks You-Know-What
Title: Way Out
Album: Songs for the Solemn



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Mando Diao

This is one Swede band you've all probably heard of... if you haven't, you must not have known about their SXSW concert either, where they apparently had a blast in the US. (At least, that's what their diary leads one to believe.) But you don't wanna hear what you already know... you just came for the videos, right? So here you go. The first one's "Long Before Rock and Roll." Hey, you've gotta appreciate their detached door fetish.

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"Mr. Moon"



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The Official Korben Music Video

Okay, so you saw Korben's "Super Selfish" making-of music video; I now bring you the real thing, along with some factoids about the band from their free and easy indie label, 3D People. This vid caused just a smidge of confusion on YouTube, so I'd better post the official explanation too. But first, here's a little something from 3D People:

"Erin and Chad Gerber began playing music at an early age, Erin singing in local theatre, choirs, and talent shows, while Chad toured with various bands playing guitar. In addition both wrote and played music together and performed for small-scale events in their hometown of Billings, Montana. They decided they needed to pursue their music on a larger level, so Chad and Erin began working on a demo to send out to various contacts throughout the U.S. Due to the positive response they received from the demo, Korben decided to move to Los Angeles in 2003. Upon moving, they began to frequent the major venues on Hollywood's Sunset Strip, along with other popular venues around Los Angeles, and caught the attention of Stone's Throw Recording artist, Aloe Blacc, whom they began working in the studio with on a regular basis. As a result, the duo began to receive attention from Sony Records, Capitol Records, Thrive Records, producers, and entertainment professionals, but none committed to anything worth pursuing. This left Chad and Erin frustrated towards the music industry, but helped them in realizing what creative direction they would take Korben. A direction that didn't involve corporate owned record labels, hired song writers, or producers. Chad and Erin became adamant on maintaining creative control over their career, and the creative process that encompasses being an artist. Eventually Korben signed to the small independent label 3D People Records in Los Angeles, completely under their own terms. They immediately began working in the studio on their debut album "Steady Fools" produced by the band's own Chad Gerber, which would follow up a string of EPs and singles that were currently receiving airplay nationwide, along with airplay in the UK, and South America. Since the release of "Steady Fools" the album has received airplay worldwide, Korben has been featured and interviewed on countless radio stations, online stations, podcasts, made live appearances on web TV, and been guests on the Music Plus TV show "10 Deep". To summarize the signature sound of Korben, one can't help but hear how Erin's glassy vocals float and cut throughout the lyrics, while Chad's rich toned guitars push melodies over driving hooks.
Korben is currently touring the U.S. in support of the Steady Fools album."

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And now for that explanation I promised - hey, they wrote it, not me.

"Korben has been programmed by a mysterious computer hacker, to perform a private show in a mysterious location. Watch along the way as they experience intense hallucinations on their pre-programmed journey."

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Friday Night Feature

Prepare for the German Invasion! Were you getting tired of Scandie bands? Then check out this ultra-awesome band from Germany: Nu-Matix. Fronted by lead singer and guitarist Manuel Demann, this band has rocking power like Red and sounds like Linkin Park, while at the same time managing to pull off a sound that's uniquely their own.

From the sound of it, they're gonna have a pretty busy summer. They've been touring a while, and they're getting signed soon.

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So are you ready for the videos? This one's apparently their official one; it's a live set, so you might want to turn your speakers up REALLY LOUD. It's called "Set Me Free."

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This vid's got great sound; one of their fans was kind enough to put it together for them. Enjoy, it won't let you "Down."

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Don't forget to check out their website and fan site!

And a special thanks to Andy, Manuel's friend, who made this post possible.

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It's "Confusing"

May I be the first to say this video is so underrated on YouTube. But judging from some Stereogum posts, there will be more than one nasty comment about them and this post. However, anyone who loves Scandie rock is likely to have a great appreciation for The Confusions (see my previous Confusions post for more of their vids). It was a big hit in Sweden; made it to the top five at MTV Up North (or so I read). Check out the rest of their 5AM album for more good stuff. Until then, enjoy "Window."



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Don't Kill Any More DJ's

We just love The Revs, so I can't help but stream this one through da blog. This tune takes a lyrical twist, going from lasting advice for saving your money on a rainy day in "Broken" to killing off a DJ. What a switch. Tell me how you like it, but if you're a DJ, you're taking your life into your own hands.



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Strumming Struts

Here comes another hit, instrumental this time. I usually like the ones with words, but this one's too good to pass up. The guitarist definitely has some experience under his belt, as he moves up and down the struts with ease. The beginning kind of reminds me a Heart song mixed with a little Beatles and therefore, Oasis. But tell me what you think... what I think doesn't matter.



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Kylie - Are We "Still Friends?"

Are you ready for the next talented female artist? She looks like Carrie Underwood, sounds like Carrie Underwood, and... ooops, except, she's more talented than Carrie Underwood. Meet Kylie, the new sixteen-year-old girl on the block, who seems to have snuck her way to a couple thousand views on YouTube in just a few months. "Still Friends," to which she wrote both the lyrics and the music, has a fantastic tonal quality unlike a lot of other um, shall we say, sub-par YouTubers.



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Saturday Special

Say hello to the newest guitarist on the block, Peter Patrick Pitter. He made the jump to my Saturday Special today by being "Everything I Don't Want to Be." No, I don't think he'll be playing Coachella this weekend, but hey, if you didn't make it to the concert, I've got stuff here instead. So don't feel bummed.


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Friday Night Feature

Meet this talented artist from Sydney, Australia. Says he's a medical student, but I think he ought to consider a record deal. They rhythm of his song is phenomenal, and the tune reminds me of, well, let's say, Rob Thomas. OK, this guy sounds better yet. By the time you're finished watching the video, it will have taken your breath away. Literally. So sit back on this Friday evening and enjoy "Can't Breathe." BTW, don't be afraid to let me know whatcha think.



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54 West's Dave Ongena

Looking for one of the best one-man shows around? Meet Dave Ongena, member of 54 West, who's decided to go it alone for this vid... and a few others, too, actually. Creative strumming methods really caught my attention on this one, and who doesn't dig the fisherman's cap? Hold your breath, and get ready for "I Can't Breathe."



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Rev It Up!

Ready to Rev It Up? More of The Revs comin' atcha right now! This time, join the band as they make their way through the mall singing and dodging people with bags. Looks like they're up for handouts, too. So enjoy "You Shine!" By the way, I've got another Revs video up my sleeve, but um, I think we'd better let the Virginia Tech thing die down a bit before I bloggit. All of you Revs fans know what I'm talking about.



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Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin

Don't pick on the name... how did they know Yeltsin would die so soon? And don't say for one minute that they were trying to snag publicity; they named themselves MONTHS before, um, yesterday. So enjoy the music. They sort of sound a little like Weezer, and a little like Peter Bjorn. But nevermind what I think they sound like... it's what you think that matters! So feel free to comment.

First up is "I Am Warm and Powerful." With a name like this, the song can't be bad.



One word of advice. If your house is on fire, don't call these guys. The song is called "House Fire" for a reason.



OKAY, so it's filmed in their neighborhood AND their home. But we don't care. This one sounds like George Harrison, more or less, so sit back and the view of "Pangea." And say hello to the dino for me. Please.



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Monday Already?

I don't know about you, but I'm pretty bummed that it's Monday already. But I'm looking at it on the bright side... I get to post another video! You should be rejoicing too. So who gets to start off the week? This guy from California, who also thinks Mondays stink. I'm getting the feeling he doesn't like his boss too well. But everybody can appreciate his hospitality; he gives his guitar to a homeless man to make his day better. What else can you do to feel better on Mondays? (If you respond "Call in sick!", that doesn't count!)



PS. You know how I heard Korben was from Russia? I think my sources were wrong... they're from Montana. Oops. Big difference. Oh well.

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Are You "Super Selfish?"

Heard this band was from Russia... does anybody really know? Anyway, here's one from Chad and Erin of Korben. Looks like they shot this part live, part at home in their family room. As this title might suggest, the song is "Super Selfish" off of the "Steady Fools" album, recorded in Los Angeles.




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Saturday Special

Are you ready for this? It's by The Revs, and I want to extend a special thanks to one of my viewers for introducing me to the band... they rock! Ireland should be proud! If you like, say, Oasis, or anything else Beatlesque, for that matter, you'll LOVE these guys. Or if you don't like Oasis or anything Beatlesque, you'll like them anyway! I found another one of their videos, too, but "Broken" is all you get for now; you'll have to come back for the rest!



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Friday Night Feature

Welcome to the first installment of Friday Night Feature, and I might as well finish off the week on another Swedish note. So I'm gonna give you one of the coolest Christian Swedish bands existing: Remission. Sunny sound and unashamed lyrics with a message helped put this band on my list of favorites... I can't wait to see more from these guys. Check out their video "Here to Stay" below.



Next up... "I'm OK." Is anyone else getting the idea that Swedish bands like to turn cartoons into music videos?


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More from Sweden - Sabrosa

Wow... two Swedish bands in one day; how in the world did I manage that? Check out this hit from Sabrosa, who some have compared to U2. I think they sound 10 times better than U2, with more feeling.

"Sympathetic Symphony," the first vid comin' atcha, is sure to catch your attention, if not for the mere, shall we say, unique visual quality. The concept is supposed to look like a comic strip coming to life. Pretty neat, if I do say so myself.



Next up is a hit called "Let it Free." I gotta hand it to these guys; I'm thankful all of their lyrics are in English; though even if they were in Swedish they would sound just as good.

Check it out - The Confusions

Check it out... direct from Sweden comes an awesome band called The Confusions. Have you heard of them? They've been around a while,from the sound of it, so why haven't I heard of them until now? Must be because US stations refuse to play the good stuff... so if you've got the radio station blues, watch these awesome vids from The Confusions and forget about your commercial-inundated stations. The first video's called The Pilot - I couldn't resist watching this one.

Next up is one of the most awesome, I think. It's called "Don't Let the World Catch You Crying". The film shoot took place at an old mental institution - which The Confusions apparently thought was pretty spooky, but their vid turned out great.

Virginia Tech Tribute

Alex Lloyd's "Illusion"

Searching for an Angel

Here comes another hit from Ana Free! Direct from YouTube, Ana's made yet another hit with "Searching for an Angel"! I won't bother to compare this song to anybody else's; she's got a style all her own. She can write inventive lyrics as well as music. Hey, you know she's good when everybody's trying to do covers of her stuff on YouTube.

Dear Nobody

AnaFree

Meet AnaFree, who got her start on YouTube singing a cover of Bic Runga's "Sway." Minus the tongue piercing, which, you know, I really don't care for, this girl's got great potential. Sweet, mature vocals with fantastic range coupled with soft acoustical chords sound out a homemade music video drenched in perfection.

Hero

Kitchen Diaries - aka Too Much Time on His Hands

Aside from just plain having too much time on his hands, this kitchen dude with the blonde wig can really chunk out some beat box rhythm. With his mouth. No, the bowls aren't making the "boom-chic-ah" that only a human can spit out. I wonder how tired his mouth must have been after shooting the footage. I dare you to watch it until the end... I want you to tell me how exactly that pan grew.

Terra's New Song

Fresh off the bandwidth - TerraNaomi's new song just got posted on YouTube yesterday, and it's no disappointment. Filming from a London hotel room, Terra's new hit "In the Summertime" takes her ear for music one step farther with a fruity piano routine behind soft vocals perhaps reminiscent of Carly Simon and Carole King.

Smile by TerraNaomi

I'm tempted to make a whole section for TerraNaomi; here's yet another of her songs, ingeniously crafted, lyrically thought-provoking, and, of course, audibly enjoyable. I wonder if she's self-taught on the piano or the guitar; her music doesn't seem to reflect the normal teaching methods... thankfully.

Close to Your Head

Say hello to TerraNaomi, the girl with the guitar featured on YouTube singing her own song after her cover was such a hit. Not surprisingly, everybody likes her song better, and it's not hard to see why. With over half a million views, this one's a hot topic.

TerraNaomi's unique vocals and expansive voice range make "Close to Your Head" one of the best homemade guitar solos on video. Tenderly sweet lyrics with a melody yet hinting toward angst, you can't help but feel as though today will be a "very special day..."

Song with Lyrics - So Original!

Is there any correlation to be made? This girl posts on YouTube with the name Mia -- golly, she looks just like Mia Thermopolis from "Princess Diaries!" But that's neither here nor there. Not only is she pretty good at the guitar, she's got a stellar voice to accompany with it! And yes, the music and lyrics are her own. Finally, someone who's not trying to sound like Britney Spears. However, she's somehow linked to the infamous LonelyGirl of YouTube.... hmmm. But hey, it's here. Might as well enjoy it.

Piano Songwriter

Blues guitar

Flautist Fantasy

This flautist really knows how to blow! Once he finally finishes adjusting himself, that is. I almost lost interest after the first five seconds of him-hawing around waiting for this guy to start playing. But it was worth the ride, though. He injects the Jethro Tull sound of Ian Anderson into this Inspector Gadget remix for one sweet piece. The percussion in the background adds a nice touch, too.