Music to my ears (April edition)

I've slacked lately on my new music happenings but aim to correct that:

1. The Myriad: You Can't Trust a Ladder
An awesome little band with a big sound. I enjoy their honest and deeply heart felt lyrics.
Download these for a taste: When Fire Falls, We Will Be Disappointed Together

2. The Cinematics: A Strange Education
Saw them live with Mute Math and wasn't blown away but then listened to them again once I got home...these Scottish boys who know how to rock!
Download these for a taste: A Strange Education, Break

3. Until June: Self-Titled debut
A fresh sound that I discovered a little while ago with their EP and now their freshman album has arrived...good stuff.
Download these for a taste: Saddest Song, All I Have

Music this week [part 2]

Last week I started this whole Blog deal and said I would also begin a weekly (hopefully) column on music I enjoy and discover. Here's this week's:

Regina Speckor + Imogen Heap
Their voices mesmerize and hyponize me. Imogen Heap is also the lead singer of Frou Frou who brought you the song "Let Go" from the movie Garden State.

[if you want a sample, download these] Fidelity (Regina), Hide and Seek (Imogen)

Relient K :: 5 score and 7 years ago
Makes my head bounce and always fun to listen to.
[if you want a sample, download these] Must have done something right, Sadie Hawkins

Over the Rhine :: Ohio & Drunkard's Prayer
Living here in Cincinnati I thought everyone had listened to our local band truimph, Over the Rhine. But to my chagrin, I was sorely mistaken. This band is not one to miss no matter where your journey finds you geographically. Karen and Linford bring soul and depth more than almost anyone I know...almost a lyrical nakedness. Subtle and soothing... If you haven't listened to them yet...what are you waiting for?

[if you want a sample, download these] Jesus in New Orleans, Born

Grits & Pigeon John
Hip-hop with a positive message (and no, it doesn't suck)and social commentary to boot. Both these guys are amazing.

[if you want a sample download these] Oh Ah, Weight of the World


So that's this week's round up...see you next week with some more musical musings.

Music this week [part 1]

Some days I spend time just wandering the iTunes store...following the trail of "Listeners also bought". The other day I stumbled on a whole crowd of new artists but find it frustrating that I can't save my "favorites" anywhere for future download.

I think I will start a weekly column of sorts with music I have found refreshing or enjoyable or meaningful in some way...and you can explore with me if you like. Here are a few of the artists I have perused lately:

Ray LaMontagne :: Till the Sun turns Black
Thank you, Paul Armstrong for the introduction. A mix of jazz and husky melancholy lyrics slowly trickle from this album to create a beautiful treat.
[if you want a sample, download these] Be Here Now, Can I Stay

Stars of Track + Field :: Centuries Before Love and War
Downright amazing and beautiful. Sweeping in scope and addictive to listen to...I listen to "Movies of Antarctica" over and over.
[if you want a sample, download these] Movies of Antarctica, Lullaby for a GI

Explosions in the Clouds :: The Earth is not a Cold Dead Place
This is a band I find myself meditating too...just sitting inside the musical genius of their guitars. Rarely has instrumental music been so good. These guys were also the entire soundtrack (along with Brian Eno) for the film "Friday Night Lights".
[if you want a sample, download these] Your hand in mine, Memorial

Borne :: Loss of Signal
A free iTunes download a few weeks ago that sounds like a Coldplay with a twist.
[if you want a sample download these] The Guide, Don't Go Now

Pilot Speed :: Into the West
They call them an American U2 meets Radiohead with that epic sound. These days it's seems hard not to get that comparison but these guys are enjoyable nonetheless.
[if you want a sample, download these] Into your hideout, Barely listening


So that's this week's round up...see you next week with some more musical musings.