Category: Music

Music Review >> Yellowcard – “For You, And Your Denial”

It’s been four years since Yellowcard released their last album, Paper Walls, and this spring the band (Ryan Key, Sean Mackin, Longineu “LP” Parsons, Ryan Mendez, and Sean O’Donnell) are releasing When You’re Through Thinking, Say Yes. Key said that taking a break before releasing this album was, “absolutely the best possible choice we could have made as a band.”

“The fact that we had that time to refocus and recharge individually made working together for the first time in two years so much more exciting. The possibilities were endless again,” he said.

The band signed with Hopeless Records last fall, before heading into the studio to record with Neal Avron, whom Key referred to as the sixth member of the band while putting together an album.

The result of Yellowcard’s hard work is their forthcoming fifth studio album which features the band’s latest single, “For You, And Your Denial.”

The track has a familiarity about it. The guitar work has similarities to the band’s huge hit, “Ocean Avenue,” which to my ears isn’t a bad thing. I definitely think taking a part of what made your original hit big and building on it from there is what makes this new song work.

“For You, And Your Denial” is upbeat and catchy, which makes you want to listen to the track over and over again. Musically, the band sounds fantastic and Key’s voice sounds stronger than ever. Overall, I think that the song is a great re-introduction to Yellowcard and their music.

“For You, And Your Denial” is available on iTunes and Amazon now. When You’re Through Thinking, Say Yes is due out March 11.

For more information on Yellowcard, check out their official website.

Originally posted on BlogCritics.

‘Glee’ Music Preview >> “Need You Now” & “Bills, Bills, Bills”

There’s only a few more days til Glee returns on a special night after Super Bowl XLV.

To tide you over, check out a clip of Rachel (Lea Michele) and Puck (Mark Salling) singing Lady Antebellum’s huge hit, “Need You Now”!

Also, here’s a short clip of Dalton Academy’s Warblers performing Destiny’s Child’s hit, “Bills, Bills, Bills”! Blaine (Darren Criss) is featured on lead vocals.

Video source: 1, 2

Kris Allen Performs the National Anthem at the Pro Bowl

Kris Allen did a fantastic job singing the National Anthem a little while ago live at the Pro Bowl.

Check out his performance below!

He sounded great!

Can’t wait for new music from him!

What did y’all think?

Video Source: MjsBigBlog

Follow me on Twitter! @KirsCoachman

Ear Candy: New Politics — “Dignity”

If I had to choose one band right now that I think everyone and their momma should listen to, it would be New Politics. I think they’re one of the best bands on the music scene right now. The music is great alternative rock, with good hooks, and solid lyrics.

The trio (David Boyd, Soeren Hansen, and Louis Vecchio) have released their second single, “Dignity,” off their self-titled debut album. MTV has also named the band one of their “2011 Artists To Watch.”

The band recently made their network television debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live, where they performed “Dignity” live.

Check out their performance below.

If you ever get a chance to see New Politics live, they are not to be missed. I caught them opening for The Spill Canvas in San Francisco last April and also at Music in the Park in Downtown San Jose in July. Both were absolute stellar shows. David Boyd is an amazing showman. You will leave wanting more.

Make sure to check out their tour dates at newpoliticsrock.com!

Idol Wired >> NOLA Has Talent!

American Idol headed to New Orleans for the next batch of auditions, and to my delight there was talent to be found! Now, we’re not talking like an overabundance of talent, but there were a few good voices that left me overall feeling pretty good.

My personal favorites from the auditions in New Orleans were Brett Loewenstern, Jacee Badeaux, and Sarah Sellers.

Sixteen-year-old Brett Loewenstern from Boca Raton, FL sang Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” His voice is fantastic. The kid has got some pipes. Plus, he has this crazy awesome curly red hair. His look and his voice don’t seem like they would match up, but that’s what we all said about Clay Aiken back in season two. I like contestants like Loewenstern, because just when we are ready to judge a book by it’s cover, they just go ahead and surprise the heck out of you.

Another one of the contestants that I really enjoyed was 15-year-old Jacee Badeaux from Lafayette, LA. He sang Otis Redding’s “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay.” His voice is incredible for his age. That said, Badeaux being all of 15-years-old makes me wonder what happens if he goes far in the competition and his voice starts changing? I don’t know how well that would work in his favor.

I am concerned about Badeaux’s age. I’m not sure if lowering the age limit for Idol auditions was the best decision. I see the show’s motive behind it. They’re definitely looking for the Idol this year to be the next big thing. Badeaux just seems like a sweet kid, and I truly fear that he’s going to buckle under the pressure and stress of “Hollywood Week.” I know there have been younger contestants on the show before, including season six’s winner Jordin Sparks, who won when she was 17-years-old, but somehow they seemed a little more mentally prepared and ready to be thrust into the Idol machine.
Continue reading Idol Wired >> NOLA Has Talent!

‘Idol’ Contestant Luke James: “Third time’s a charm!”

I was browsing the videos at AmericanIdol.com of contestants that have made it through to Hollywood and came across a familiar face from last season, Luke James.

Check out his season nine audition below.

Luke was an early favorite of mine last season, I was super bummed when he didn’t make the Top 24 during “Hollywood Week.” The guy is super talented and I am stoked that he’s back on the show this season. I would really love to see him make at least the semi-finals.

Here is Luke covering Bruno Mars’ “Grenade.”

Yeah, another guy with a guitar. I obviously have a type. ;) But, on a serious note, he’s pretty talented, and his voice is really radio friendly. You can see more performance videos of Luke at his YouTube channel.

Check out Luke’s interview with AmericanIdol.com where he talks about why he decided to try out for Idol again!

Funeral Party to Release Their U.S. Debut on March 29

Named one of the “50 Best New Bands of 2010” according to NME, Funeral Party is set to take 2011 by storm with the U.S. release of their debut album, The Golden Age of Knowhere, due out March 29.

Produced by Lars Stalfors (The Mars Volta) and mixed by Dave Sardy (Oasis), the energentic 11-song album will release it’s first single, “Finale” to radio in March. The song serves as a great introduction for those who are first time listeners.
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While fans await the release of The Golden Age of Knowhere, the band is set to release an EP, Live At The BBC on January 25. Included on the live EP are three exclusive remixes by Dave Sitek, Mike Relm, and Kids of 88. Additionally, a limited edition vinyl version of their upcoming U.S. debut will be released February 15.

After touring with 30 Seconds To Mars overseas last year, Funeral Party is heading out on the road again this spring. The Los Angeles Times referred to the band as a, “ravenously physical, technically precise and impossibly fun live act.”

For more information on Funeral Party, check out the band’s official website.

Originally posted at BlogCritics

Idol Wired >> Five Changes I Hope to See During ‘American Idol’s’ Tenth Season

It was a long summer, fall and start of winter, but American Idol is back for their tenth season and I am ready! New judges, new contestants, and a new feature! Welcome to “Idol Wired”!

Alright, so my favorite reality show that drives me crazy on a weekly basis from this Wednesday through the end of May is back, and I came up with what changes that I would like to see this season as American Idol turns 10.

Keep the spotlight on the contestants

There have been shake-ups at the judges’ table since season eight, which have garnered much more attention than deserved. I think once the initial shock of the new faces at the judges’ table wears off this season, the show needs to adjust it’s attention back to it’s contestants.

I think one way to do this is to show more of the contestant’s personality in the pre-performance videos. Last season we learned that Lee DeWyze worked at a paint store. What we didn’t learn is that he’s fairly hilarious. Most fans learned this during the summer Idol tour meeting him before and after the shows.

I think over the past couple seasons, the audience really hasn’t been able to connect with the contestants, which is in part why last season wasn’t as successful as previous seasons.

Judges should be clear and concise with their post-performance critiques

I think the judge’s critiques on Idol should be like Twitter. You need to get out what you want to say about the contestant’s performance in 140 characters or less. I feel that the judges should be able to let the contestants know if they liked or disliked the performance with a reason backing their opinion in a reasonable amount of time. Plus, if the judges didn’t talk so much it could allow for slightly longer performances from the contestants.

No more lip-syncing during the group numbers

One of the things that bothered me during both seasons eight and nine of Idol was the very apparent lip-syncing during the group numbers. I know that a lot of the time they pre-tape the group performances before the live elimination, which means there really isn’t any excuse for not singing live. I don’t care if they have to auto-tune the crap out of the vocals, but singing live would be more legit than shooting a live music video.
Continue reading Idol Wired >> Five Changes I Hope to See During ‘American Idol’s’ Tenth Season