Die Romantik: Another Round

I am in dire need of a new band to expose your ears to, but I do not know what band this might be.

After much consideration, I have realized that I do not have a band that veers from what I have posted, so, I will introduce thee to the band Die Romantik. No, they do not sing in Deutsch, though, they do seem to have a song in French. They are a three man band consisting of: Dominic Matar (keyboards), Olivier Bernard (guitar), and Eric Hagemann (drums). I have no idea who the lead singer is; it does not say so on their website.

Paris, 1996, as high school students, they met. The band was formed in August 2005.

They released, Narcissist's Waltz, their debut album, on June 6, 2007.

What genre do they fall in? They are indie alternative rock, perhaps, to my best recollection.


-C.S.H.

Here comes Die Romantik with "Another Round":

Sweetest Girl

After hearing this song once I couldn't get enough. Even though I don't usually listen to hip-hop, I am willing to acknowledge that their is some really good and meaningful stuff out there. So today I chose The Sweetest Girl by Wyclef Jean feat. Akon, Lil Wayne, and Nia for the song of the day.



-Clio

Viva Voce: From the Devil Himself

I am back, and with me I bring Viva Voce, a band that I have been mentioning in previous posts, but had yet to write about them.

Viva Voce, formed in 1998 by Kevin and Anita Robinson--they are married to each other. This indie rock band, is greatly influenced by the pre-punk era from whence The Velvet Underground comes from. Viva Voce's sound is a fusion of psychedelic rock with some hint of experimental Velvet Underground.

The song that I will be posting "From the Devil Himself" is from Viva Voce's third full length album "Get Yr Blood Sucked Out," which was released September 2006 in the States.

They currently have a show in Oregon, which as of today, is their last show for the season, until they begin to tour once more. They were an opening band for The Shins during The Shins' spring tour; they took the gig instead of their original headlining tour that they were to have during spring, with opening band The Village Green.

-C.S.H.


VIVA VOCE: FROM THE DEVIL HIMSELF:

I Hate to be Brief

I don't have a lot of time, but today's song of the day is

& Down by Boys Noize

Its a great dance track, and an all around good song.

Here's the "official" video, but I'm not quite sure if it actually is. Either way I'm just posting it for the song.



-Clio

No Worries

Regarding my good friends last post, I will continue to update our lovely little blog to the best of my ability. However, the song of the day may turn into the song of every other day, or just whenever I get a chance.

So because I didn't pick a song for Saturday, sorry, I will chose one for today.

M.I.A - Boyz

Boyz is off her new album Kala, and I must say it is an excellent song. In my opinion, it is one her best songs yet.



-Clio

Oh, and in light of the last post, my last.fm is last.fm/user/missclio so feel free to check it out

Yet, another one...

I apologize, but this week I will not be posting much. If my partner in crime wishes to post, it is up to her, on my part, I am taking a short sabbatical from here!!!

But, do not panic! I will leave you with a treat. So, there's this amazing website, called LAST.FM, so, visit it and pay some tribute to it. It is AWESOME! You sign up, get an account, and sync your itunes or music program with their software, so that every single song that you listen to is "scrobbled" onto your profile. It updates on a weekly basis the bands that you've listened to and so forth. It also has a list of the songs that you listen to the most. It's one of those crazy websites you get addicted to. So, go, and sign up! And, if you really like, I can become your friend on it, just let me know!

Alrite, I am out.

Hope you have a SUPERY DOOPERY AWESOMERY THANKSGIVING!!! I know I will... I'm going home, finally, in over a month, and will be having home-made food! YES! NO MORE BAD COLLEGE DINING FOOD!!! LIFE WILL BE GREAT FOR FOUR DAYS!!!

Take care, and, listen to so much music that you think your ear drums are numb!!! ha!

-C.S.H.

NOISETTES- "DON'T GIVE UP"

Are puns really a lower level of jokes? I've no clue, in any case, make some noise for the NOISETTES!

The Noisettes are a British Indie Rock band. There are three members: Shingai Shoniwa (singer and bassist), Dan Smith (guitarist), and Jamie Morrison (drummer). They formed in 2003, and have been active until now.

Their latest album is: What's the Time Mr. Wolf? Released in the States April 2007. Their first EP, Three Moods of the Noisettes, was released in April of 2005. As of now they are recording songs for an album which will be released early 2008.

The band is currently not touring, but will commence next year, sometime.

What sound are they? A mixture of Joan Jett & The Blackhearts and Janis Joplin. If that makes sense. You have the punk influence, and what could be classified as soul sounding vocals.

NOISETTES- "DON'T GIVE UP"

Gypsy Punks Rock!

Since I have started my radio show I have been introduced to a lot of new music. One band that I have take quite a liking to is Balkan Beat Box. They're Gogol Bordello -esque, which could be related to the fact that they have one of the members.

I know it doesn't work for everyone, but the mixture of Middle Eastern themes with western rock is the greatest thing ever. Because of this, today's song of the day is Bulgarian Chicks.



-Clio

The Clash: "London Calling"

To be cliched is like drowning in the piss of an elephant, at least, for me it is that way; in any case, I will be cliched, pardon me.

I do not listen to punk. I do not listen to punk, matter of fact, I hate punk, but, I do not hate the ideals behind the life of a punk. You can see in how I write that I do not know what to call someone who is punk, or a punk, in any case, I am a true believer that punk is dead. Punk died when Green Day introduced the fabulous sound of pop-punk, or at least, the essence of punk died then. If you do not agree with me, then, too bad, I really don't care.

In any case, even if it pains me to admit that I like this song, even if it pains me to admit that I kind of like The Clash, even though I do not listen to them most of the time, I have to share "London Calling" from The Clash, off their London Calling album. This is one of the most successful Punk Rock songs, it is perhaps one of the most Political Punk Rock songs, it is definitely one that still has impact on individuals who are open to analyze the history behind the lyrics. I am no punk aficinado, I practically know nothing of punk, except that, it fights the rhythm in which bloody society runs. Song was released December 7, 1979 in the U.K. What else is there to say? I have nothing else, because I am no punk.

-C.S.H.

THE CLASH: "LONDON CALLING"

The Message

I've been reading a lot about early rap lately so I figured this song of the day, especially since I missed Saturday, should be dedicated to the first rappers, the ones who paved the way for current musicains. That is why I have chosen The Message by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five.

Rap music just isn't what it used to be. Before the music had substance, it had a message. People weren't going to just "pop, lock, it drop" it. The music was about a struggle connected to the youth of color during that time and was an outlet for them.

So here's the music video:

-Clio

Mando Diao "Long Before Rock 'n' Roll"

I apologize for not updating the blog; I was bombarded with interviews, as well as with Geology project nonsense, thus leading to the inability to have time to post music that you should be listening to.

So, now here goes my post of Friday, and Monday! Ha.

Mando Diao is a Swedish rock band, falling under genres such as rock, pop, indie rock, but, to tell you the truth, I would label them Power Rock. That is what they are, and definitely what they are good for, both in recorded music, and in live shows.

It is a set of five chaps: Bjorn Dixgard: vocals, guitars
Gustaf Noren: vocals, guitars
C.J. Fogelklou: bass guitar
Samuel Giers: drums
Mats Björke: keyboards

They toured the States late spring, early summer, and are currently on a European Tour, playing songs from their newly released album: Never Seen the Light of Day.

What else is there to say?

They are good + You are smart = You listen to Mando Diao.

And if you like Mando Diao, you can always check Bjorn Dixgard's new solo project. He is also currently touring Europe. IT IS INSANE!

Ah, the song that I will be posting is "Long Before Rock 'n' Roll" because it is the only decent video on youtube.com, cinematographically--yes it is a music video (directed by Daniel Elskis), actually, the first video off their 2006 record Ode to Ochrasy-- and unlike those shot by fans. I was initially going to post the song "Tony Zoulias (Lustful Life)" to actually a point I brought up today in two of my conversations with friends. This video is not as great as it could be, but you get the sense of what Mando Diao brings to Power Pop from it.

As of now, Americans are unable to buy their new album, this is why I am posting an old song from their old album, because I do not own any of their new music. If you go to their site mandodiao.com

-C.S.H.

Against Me!

Against Me! is one of the few bands today that does not fit the prototypical mold set by the record industry. Sure they just got signed to a major record label, but they are one of the few bands who have "payed their dues" and they deserve the recognition. That's why today I have chosen Turn Those Clapping Hands Into Angry Balled Fists to be the song of the day. This song is in your face and forces the listener to question the assumptions they hold dear.

So Here's The Music Video:


-Clio

Kasabian

For various reasons, of which I hope are not personal, I was not able to update my posting earlier today, I apologize for that. I also apologize if I have some mechanical errors, as well as some diction problems--I have not been writing as well as I should be, today, and I haven't been a good editor this day, either. So, there goes another apology; this apology only goes for this post, not for any previous or future posts, and now I will leave thee with what is important!

Now, referring to what we all want to read about: music...

For this post, I was thinking of introducing you to Mott the Hoople, but, I will not, considering that I haven't listened to any of their albums in months, so, instead, I will bring you one of my favorite British Bands: Kasabian.

The band consists of four members: Serge Pizzorno (guitar, synthesizers, backing vocals), Tom Meighan (lead vocals), Ian Matthews (drums), and Christopher Edwards (bass). They are a British rock band from Leicester. Their name is derived from Linda Kasabian who was a member of the Charles Manson cult.

They are often compared to Oasis and to The Verve, the exception being that they haven't yet arrived at a good U.S. music chart standing, which is a good thing because then they are not mainstream here, and I can post them, and not feel bad that they are signed to a major label.

Their sound, well, I could describe it to you, but all that I will say, is that they are a good live band, even if they do not use live synths. Their sound is a mesh of electronic, alternative rock, and some powerpop inserted somewhere. I think, perhaps I am wrong, and if I am, then, I apologize. Don't let this description be the judge of them, they have some nice components like strings, and other instruments that I cannot recollect as of now. I apologize once more.

Here is the video, the song is "Club Foot" off their first album "Kasabian," which was released September 2004. Their most recent album was released a year ago, on August, "Empire."



I give you this video, even though it is old--if you do your research, you will see that the blokes look a little different--because it is the best video of them on youtube.com, possibly because it is from a television show. Ha!

Alrite, have a good nite, and listen to KASABIAN!!!

-C.S.H.

Radio Show

So for all of you religious readers of our blog, or anyone who happens to stumble upon it, I officially have a radio show. It's going to be every Thursday from 2-4. You can check it out at kspc.org or at 88.7 fm (if you're within 35 miles of Pomona, CA).

It will be amazing, I promise. Think about it, two hours packed with music you can't hear anywhere else, what more could you ask for.

-Clio

Biffy Clyro

Because today is an epic day, why, I do not know, I have decided to choose Biffy Clyro's song, Living is a Problem Because Everything Dies. This song is amazing, but you must listen to the intro first to get the full effect.

Biffy Clyro is a Scottish rock band and they have just recently released their new album Puzzle.

So here's the music video, sadly it is missing the amazing intro, but it is an epic song either way.



-Clio

Owen Pallett and Final Fantasy

The day is not here anymore. I apologize for that, and with this apology, I bring with me, a very experimental, and skilled Canadian Artist: Owen Pallett.

Pallett is the main member of the band Final Fantasy, which is almost a solo project, but it also includes Leon Taheny, who is given credit as engineer and drummer.

I have nothing else to say, other than to plead you to listen to this musician, he is good, and shouldn't escape your hears.

In this video, you will listen to Final Fantasy playing "Peach, Plum, Pear" live off their "Has A Good Home" album, which was released prior to "He Poos Clouds" which is his latest album as of now.




Sorry, I also have to add this other song, "Many Lives --> 49 MP" because this is by far my favorite song off the album He Poos Clouds:




I also forgot to mention that his latest releases--two songs--are actually from ALPHABET SERIES -X- which was released October 23, 2007. He is to release a new album in the fall of 2008

-C.S.H.

Sunday Bloody Sunday

Alright. It is Sunday. It is the "day" of rest, at least, I know it is not for me, but if it is for you, then you will understand why I am giving myself this free day. I will not be posting a "song of the day" today because of the previous commentary. I will post a song tomorrow, which will start the week.


If you still are feeling a little sad because I will not be posting a "song of the day," then, I will give you a very classy website with concerts for the "Los Angeles" area:

Here



-Brought to you by: C.S.H.

Barely Made It, But I Did...

Sorry for my lateness, but do to circumstances out of my control I have been unable to get to a computer until this very moment.

So, the song of the day (or should I say night) is...

The Spill Canvas -- All Over You

This song has been stuck in my head all day and is extremely catchy. Sure they're a bit melodramatic, but hey, aren't we all.

Here's their new music video for it:

All Over You

Add to My Profile | More Videos


-Clio

The Warlocks: Mimesis At Its Best?

Let's see. I posted two days ago, and now I am posting again. I will be mentioning The Warlocks because, even though I do not support bands that want to mimic slash pay tribute to an older classic rock band, or a band that they admire in particular, I believe that The Warlocks do a great job at maintaining the mimesis to a minimum in their new album: Heavy Deavy Skull Lover.


Heavy Deavy Skull Lover just came out on October 23, 2007, on Tee Pee Records, making it the sixth album in The Warlocks's repertoire.

The Warlocks are a Los Angeles, California based band, which might be a reason why I do not hate them for their mimicry; I am from Downtown, Los Angeles.

The band comes from the city where music keeps its residents alive, forming in 1999, and now maintaining the genre of "neo-psychedelia" under their sound. They are a group made up of seven members: one plays the tambourine/keys; two play drums; and four members currently on guitar, including the vocalist, and I have no idea if the bassist is included in the playing of guitar also.


The Warlocks are currently touring and will hit Los Angeles on November 17, 2007 at the Troubadour, for more information, go to: The Warlocks's Website.



-C.S.H.

Now, for the live performance of The Warlocks at the Tee Pee Records Showcase. Luna Lounge, Brooklyn NY, October 19th 2007. The Song being played is: "So Paranoid."

Well I am an English Major...sort of

It is only right, as I continue to put off writing my paper, that I choose the next song of the day.

Maximo Park -- Russian Literature

I couldn't help it, I'm reading Nabokov in my class.



I have decided to add a video of the song to because I am an unoriginal bum. Its of a live performance, and let me just say if you have not seen Maximo Park live you have not truly lived.

-Clio