Recommendations For The Week of May 27th, 2013

Song Recommendation #1: Silver Lining by Lee DeWyze

Now Lee DeWyze is one of the last winners of American Idol that actually has the potential to be very successful. He's got a unique voice and has a sound that I can really become infected by. His debut album was the typical trying to be commercial post-American Idol fare so I was looking forward to his next piece of music. "Silver Lining" is the breed of song Lee should be singing and honing into the sound of. His voice perfectly matches the track and the song possesses a terrific nostalgic feel that anyone can relate to in some way, shape, or form. The song is fantastic for the summer and I highly suggest checking it out. I firmly believe his next album will deliver the goods I've been waiting for.

Song Recommendation #2: Hit The Dark by Air Dubai

Air Dubai is a group I had the pleasure of discovering by simply taking a shot looking through the new releases on ITunes for the week. The album cover enticed me to look further and the band's sound does not disappoint. The group definitely has a very heavy hip-hop sound, but their hooks are extremely catchy and every song has a great flow to it on their debut EP. There isn't a bad song on the release and I found myself really digging their sound and this is perhaps my favorite song on the release. The song is insanely catchy and is clearly built for summer listening. I think this a band to keep an eye out for people. Check out the song and I hope you enjoy the good time it has to offer.

Song Recommendation #3: Pompeii by Bastille

Bastille has a very infectious and engaging sound. They certainly distinguish themselves from other bands in their alternative genre and their song "Pompeii" is a real winner. You'll find your foot tapping and head bopping as you listen to the song and I've been listening to it a great deal recently. I'm very eager to listen to more music by the band and their new EP promises that their full length album should be very impressive. I implore you to check out the song and if you like it, certainly check out the rest of their EP. Give it a shot ladies and gentlemen!

Album Recommendation: A Bad Girl In Harlem by New Politics

I've been a huge fan of New Politics for a while now and I think they are an extremely underrated band that is destined to become HUGE. Their new album definitely seems to be opening up the door for them with the hit "Harlem" that has been circulating the web as of late. Their second full length album, A Bad Girl In Harlem does not disappoint and is a notable improvement compared to their first album which was good, but left me wanting a little more. Their sound has been tweaked a little bit, but improved certainly. The production value is considerably better and there are some very infectious and fun songs such as "Berlin" and "Tonight You're Perfect". It's a very fun summer album and it's going to be blasted throughout the summer I assure you. Definitely give the band a shot and check out their new album. I already cannot wait for their next release.

Recommendations For The Week of May 20th, 2013

Song Recommendation #1: Stompa by Serena Ryder

Sorry for the delay on a new post everyone! I was busy dealing with finals for college, but I have finally completed by year of schooling and am ready to dish out some fresh recommendations once more! First up this week is one of my favorite songs at the moment, "Stompa", by Serena Ryder. I found this gem by scrolling through the top 100 alternative songs on ITunes and I have no idea why this song isnt HUGE right now. Ryder sounds a bit like Adele for sure, especially in the beginning of the song, but she establishes her distinct sound once the guitar comes in and the foot stomping anthem begins. This is definitely going to be one of my most played songs this summer and I highly recommend you check it out immediately!

Song Recommendation #2: Jet Black by Baby Bee

I'm telling you right now: This dynamic duo is going to be on the rise this year. The pair released their dubut EP last week and they're sound is not only unique but completely infectious. Every song on their EP is a catchy rock anthem that I will blasting numerous times this summer and "Jet Black" is my favorite song off the release. It will get your feet tapping and put you in that wonderful summer mood. If you like the song, DEFINITELY check out the rest of their EP "The Shaker" when you get a chance. Watch out for these two, youre going to be hearing a lot about them in the coming months.

Song Recommendation #3: Over The Love by Florence and the Machine

I've been a huge fan of Florence and the Machine for quite some time and I had been eagerly anticipating some new music from the band after loving their first two albums and playing them endlessly. The new song, written for the recent film The Great Gatsby, does not disappoint in the slightest. Florence Welch has a truly distinct and powerful voice and that shines through this track. The song works on an emotional level and is a great fit for the movie, though I wish the movie could have been as great and powerful as the song. It's certainly not a mainstream track, but will certainly get stuck in your head after you give it a listen. It has been rolling around in my head for days! I highly recommend you give this song a listen, I love every bit of it!

Album Recommendation: Calling Birds by Satellite

Satellite is a band that I discovered by a miracle. Their music has been hidden within the confines of ITunes and its a true pity since theyre one of my new favorite bands. Their sound is gorgeous and the production value on the album is surprisingly impressive for a debut album. Though the album lacks a bit in terms of upbeat tracks, the band's ballads are powerful and work terrifically on an emotional level. My favorite song off the LP, "Till I Return", gets me every time I listen to it. You can feel the emotion in every song but in this song especially. Also, "You and Me" is a fantastic ballad and the lyrics shine considerably. I fear this band will be stuck in the realm of obscurity since they are being marketed poorly and are barely given opportunities to reach listeners. Please listen to this album and spread the word about this great band. I can't wait to hear more from them.

Recommendations For The Week of April 29th, 2013

Song Recommendation #1: Change by Churchill

Churchill is a group that amazingly has yet to be discovered. They've got a tremendous sound, playing to the alternative and pop crowds and some simply fantastic songs. "Change" is one of their very best and has an incredibly catchy chorus that is sure to be stuck in your head after a listen. If you enjoy the song, I highly recommend you check out both of their EPS, "Change" and "The War Within". Both are great and I can't wait to hear their full length debut.

Song Recommendation #2: Harlem by New Politics

New Politics has one of the most infectious sounds I've come across in good while. The group seems to be a mishmash of hip-hop, pop, and alternative music. The mix makes for a unique and wholly infectious sound and "Harlem" is proof of this. The song is considerably catchy and should easily put you in a summer mood. Their first album was very impressive, blending the three genres effortlessly and effectively. If you like the song, I highly suggest picking up their first album which contains some terrific songs perfectly suited for summer time listening. This is a fun one folks!

Song Recommendation #3: I Lived by OneRepublic

I've been a fan of OneRepublic for years now and what I truly love about them is how, with each new record, they manage to change their sound and for the better. Their first album,
"Dreaming Out Loud", was a lukewarm debut at best, only offering a handful of memorable songs. Their second outing, "Waking Up", was a far better effort, offering up some catchy and creative tunes. Their third album brings with it the best sound OneRepublic yet. The band has adopted a much more infectious and effective sound, expressing certain inspiration from bands like Coldplay. "I Lived" is my favorite song of the album and it not only is extremely catchy and upbeat, but the message behind the song is one I can certainly relate to. I would definitely recommend checking out the song and the album if you're a fan of the band or are in the mood for a great summer album. Give it a shot!

Album Recommendation: I Love You by The Neighbourhood

I believe I recommended a song by The Neighbourhood last week and, to my surprise, their debut album dropped a day later! Their freshman outing is a somber, but highly effective first album and I'm truly impressed with the unique sound the band has been able to hone into. Songs like "Afraid" and "Female Robbery" stand out with ease and hooked me in with the opening chords. "Sweater Weather" is easily the most mainstream song on the album, but it doesn't distinguish itself from the rest of the album fortunately. Their sound isn't for everyone, but I've most definitely become a big fan of this group and I'm very eager to see what they put out in the future. Take a chance on their album and let me know if it was a risk worth taking!

Recommendations For The Week of April 22nd, 2013

Song Recommendation #1: I Choose You by Timeflies

Timeflies is a band that I happened to stumble upon one late night a few months ago. They possess this infectious sound that is sure to appeal to the masses. They let out a fun pop/alternative sound that I've come to truly love. This new single of theirs is easily their best song yet. It incorporates a fantastic beat and a chorus that is sure to make you want to dance immediately and violently wherever you are. I think its a terrific summer song and one I sure will be listening to repeatedly in the coming months. Check it out!

Song Recommendation #2: Sweater Weather by The Neighbourhood

The Neighborhood is certainly one of my favorite up and coming alternative bands. They have a great murky but inviting sound that has hooked me tremendously. Sweater Weather seems to finally be reaching listeners in the way I had hoped and is one of my favorite songs by the band. It's catchy but still plays to the alternative crowd. They just recently put out their debut album and it does not disappoint in the slightest. If you like this song, I implore you to check out their full album!

Song Recommendation #3: We Come Running by Youngblood Hawke

I'm calling it now: Youngblood Hawke is going to be HUGE. This fantastic song is just one example of the infectious, smile inducing sound the band possesses. I discovered the band a few months ago and their EP was an impressive feat to say the least. Their music smacks a smile on my face and the vibe each song induces has the ability to fully immerse you during your listen. Today, the band released their debut album and from what I've listened to so far, its a worthwhile listen for sure. I see the band increasing in popularity over the coming months and perhaps will have their first big hit soon. We Come Running definitely has that potential so please do listen!

Album Recommendation: Save Rock And Roll by Fall Out Boy

Fall Out Boy has been one of my personal favorite bands ever since I was in middle school where most kids seemed to discover their music. The band preached our inner most thoughts through their music which helped to become emotionally attached to their music at times. Their sound is unique and they've always tweaked their sound for the better with each new album. After a painfully long hiatus, the band virtually came out of nowhere with a super satisfying new single, "My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark", which previewed a brand new, but still amazing sounding Fall Out Boy I've come to know and love. I was eagerly awaiting their new album and I'm relieved to say it did not disappoint AT ALL. I love the new sound their working with here and the production is very impressive. The album is a lot of fun and possesses great feel good songs such as "Young Volcanoes" and "Death Valley". Save Rock and Roll is not just a great Fall Out Boy album, but a great summer album as well. There are only a few subpar songs, but as a whole the album truly satisfies my inner middle school self. If you're a fan of Fall Out Boy or just a fan of quality music in general, I would highly recommend checking out their new album. The album marks the return of a beloved band and the rise of a brand new Fall Out Boy that I hope brings more quality music with their follow up albums. Simply, it's great to have Fall Out Boy back and blasting on my IPod again.

Song Picks of the Week: April 15th, 2013

For those of you out there who have been avid fans of my Music Monday segment on my channel, this blog should please you greatly. I will be posting song and album recommendations on this blog each week on here for your pleasure. Enjoy this week's picks!

Recommendation #1: Hey Love by Quadron

This song is sure to get your feet tapping. I had never heard of Quadron before the song and it appears this is their first single out and its one impressive first tune. It's got infectious vocals and a sound that is very different compared to today's standards. I think they are a group to watch and this first song has the potential to be huge if enough people give it a chance. Do enjoy.

Recommendation #2: Back Where We Belong by Josh Krajcik

I took a bit of a gamble on this young fellow a couple weeks back on ITunes and it greatly paid off. Krajcik has a very unique sound and a great voice that really seeps through on this great tune. He delivers a fantastic rock song that not only will get your feet tapping and air guitars going, but will also put you in a great summer mood. Give it a listen.

Recommendation #3: Gang of Rhythm by Walk Off The Earth

It astounds me how this band hasnt taken off just yet. They've got a fantastic sound and a great first album to boot. This is one of my favorites off their debut album and it gives off a terrific summer vibe. The vocals are easy on the ears and prepares the listener for the impending summer season. If you want to get in a great mood, listen to this song and close your eyes my friends. I highly recommend their debut album R.E.V.O. as well.

Album Recommendation: Aim And Ignite by Fun.

Fun. TOOK OFF this year with their sophomore album "Some Nights" and for good reason. The band has a tremendously unique sound and the album blasts anthems that have been ingrained in our skulls at this point. Little do most know, the band has been around for longer than most think and their first album was overlooked. Aim and Ignite is a nearly pitch perfect debut for the band. I actually prefer the album compared to their follow up which I still greatly enjoyed. The tunes are catchy, unique, ranging in genre, and have great replay value. If you discovered the band last year like I, don't skip their first album! You're missing out on some high quality music. Check it out!