Front Lines
youtubeBummed that you can't have video on demand when you want it? Well you can! Check out the step by step instructions for downloading your top vids here
Thursday, May 31, 2007
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
Bummed that you can't have video on demand when you want it? Well you can! Check out the step by step instructions for downloading your top vids here
Front Lines
youtubeBummed that you can't have video on demand when you want it? Well you can! Check out the step by step instructions for downloading your top vids here
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
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
Bummed that you can't have video on demand when you want it? Well you can! Check out the step by step instructions for downloading your top vids here
youtube
Ce Soir (This Evening, tonight)
Regarde (Look)
My Angel - For the French language challenged
Bummed that you can't have video on demand when you want it? Well you can! Check out the step by step instructions for downloading your top vids here
youtube
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
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."
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.
Bummed that you can't have video on demand when you want it? Well you can! Check out the step by step instructions for downloading your top vids here
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."
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.
Bummed that you can't have video on demand when you want it? Well you can! Check out the step by step instructions for downloading your top vids here
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
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."
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.
Bummed that you can't have video on demand when you want it? Well you can! Check out the step by step instructions for downloading your top vids here
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."
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.
Bummed that you can't have video on demand when you want it? Well you can! Check out the step by step instructions for downloading your top vids here
Monday, May 21, 2007
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.
"La Pump"
"Find a Way"
Bummed that you can't have video on demand when you want it? Well you can! Check out the step by step instructions for downloading your top vids here
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.
"La Pump"
"Find a Way"
Bummed that you can't have video on demand when you want it? Well you can! Check out the step by step instructions for downloading your top vids here
Friday, May 18, 2007
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?”."
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.
Bummed that you can't have video on demand when you want it? Well you can! Check out the step by step instructions for downloading your top vids here
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?”."
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.
Bummed that you can't have video on demand when you want it? Well you can! Check out the step by step instructions for downloading your top vids here
Monday, May 14, 2007
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."
Bummed that you can't have video on demand when you want it? Well you can! Check out the step by step instructions for downloading your top vids here
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."
Bummed that you can't have video on demand when you want it? Well you can! Check out the step by step instructions for downloading your top vids here
Thursday, May 10, 2007
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.
Bummed that you can't have video on demand when you want it? Well you can! Check out the step by step instructions for downloading your top vids here
Bummed that you can't have video on demand when you want it? Well you can! Check out the step by step instructions for downloading your top vids here
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
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
Bummed that you can't have video on demand when you want it? Well you can! Check out the step by step instructions for downloading your top vids here
Band: Ian Twyford Kicks You-Know-What
Title: Way Out
Album: Songs for the Solemn
Bummed that you can't have video on demand when you want it? Well you can! Check out the step by step instructions for downloading your top vids here
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
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.
"Mr. Moon"
Bummed that you can't have video on demand when you want it? Well you can! Check out the step by step instructions for downloading your top vids here
"Mr. Moon"
Bummed that you can't have video on demand when you want it? Well you can! Check out the step by step instructions for downloading your top vids here
Monday, May 7, 2007
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."
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."
Bummed that you can't have video on demand when you want it? Well you can! Check out the step by step instructions for downloading your top vids here
"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."
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."
Bummed that you can't have video on demand when you want it? Well you can! Check out the step by step instructions for downloading your top vids here
Friday, May 4, 2007
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.
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."
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."
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.
Bummed that you can't have video on demand when you want it? Well you can! Check out the step by step instructions for downloading your top vids here
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.
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."
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."
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.
Bummed that you can't have video on demand when you want it? Well you can! Check out the step by step instructions for downloading your top vids here
Thursday, May 3, 2007
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."
Bummed that you can't have video on demand when you want it? Well you can! Check out the step by step instructions for downloading your top vids here
Bummed that you can't have video on demand when you want it? Well you can! Check out the step by step instructions for downloading your top vids here
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
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.
Bummed that you can't have video on demand when you want it? Well you can! Check out the step by step instructions for downloading your top vids here
Bummed that you can't have video on demand when you want it? Well you can! Check out the step by step instructions for downloading your top vids here
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
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.
Bummed that you can't have video on demand when you want it? Well you can! Check out the step by step instructions for downloading your top vids here
Bummed that you can't have video on demand when you want it? Well you can! Check out the step by step instructions for downloading your top vids here
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)