Album review: Jukebox The Ghost's "Everything Under the Sun"

When it comes to discovering new music, I'll go to any lengths to find that one perfect, new addition for my iTune's library.  This month it happened to be indie pop band Jukebox The Ghost, whom I found via Urban Outfitters' music blog.  The band's most recent release, "Everything Under the Sun," is the perfect concoction of piano, electrifying hooks, and pristine vocals -- making it an instant summer play list staple.

The album opens with "Schizophrenia," a track that sounds fitting for its title.  The song is full of jittery lines and unexpected breakdowns that will have any listener toe-tapping in no time.

"Empire" is the standout song on the album, with its sunshine-y, love-themed anthem bursting at the seams with happiness.

Other notable tracks include "Mistletoe," "The Popular Thing," and "Carrying."

The most monumental track is "So Let Us Create," a piano ballad with haunting falsetto vocals and beautiful, gripping lyrics like: "So let us create what we need each other to be/ And I'll be what you need me to be."
If you're looking for an well-rounded, upbeat album full of quirky sounds, great lyrics, and infectious melodies, "Everything Under the Sun" is a good fit.  Purchase the album online at Amazon.com or iTunes.  For more information on Jukebox The Ghost, check out the band's official site here!

Friendly Fire Recordings 2011 sampler

When Wednesday moseys on around, it's always nice to get over the middle of the week with a set of new tunes.  Thanks to Amazon.com and the site's insane selection of free MP3 downloads, I was able to scour the goods select a free label sampler for our readers.  Enjoy the Friendly Fire Recording 2011 spring sampler, which was released at the beginning of the month.  Full of The Phenomenal Handclap Band, The Concretes, and a personal favorite, Violens, it is sure to please!
Click the album art to download:

believe me, everything is brilliant

After watching Manchester Orchestra's video for their new single 'Simple Math' I can only think of one word to describe it: beautiful. I really don't want to say anything else about it because I just want you to simply enjoy it.

Of course, Andy Hull's amazing, God-given voice and talent for writing mind-blowing lyrics helps make the music video great, but it's really the director's talent that makes the video as wonderful as it is. The director is actually two directors named Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert that simply go by the name Daniels.
Check out their blog here. I'll have more to say about them later, but for now, just enjoy the beauty that is Simple Math.

iTunes single of the week: "Dressed Sharply"

Every Monday, iTunes graces us with a handful of free tracks.  Although some of the picks are sure to be duds, this week's free single, "Dressed Sharply" by indie rock outfit An Horse hits the mark.  Download the track for free this week here.  To hear more from An Horse's EP "Walls," which dropped last week, visit the band's official site!

Free downloads, anyone?

Sure, these tracks were released Monday, ahem, but we will ignore that and pretend that they are fresh out of the magical MP3 oven as of this morning.  Thanks to Urban Outfitters, we are blessed with a weekly selection of five free songs each and every week, via their wondrous blog. Personally, my favorite track off of this week's play list is "I Heard You Say" by Vivian Girls. What's yours?

Amy Godwin: a sound unlike any other

You know what's better than great music? Great, free music. And even better than that is great, free music by a local artist. 

The website theblueindian.com is a wonderfully delightful place to find great music from artists in and around Macon, GA. But even if you're not from around that area I'd still suggest you check the website out; it never hurts to support another town's music scene. 

Today while searching the site I came across a gem of an artist by the name of Amy Godwin. I've actually had the pleasure of seeing her perform live at The 567 in Macon and let me just say, she has one of the most entrancing, angelic voices I have ever heard. Her sound is nothing short of magical and to top it off, she has impeccable style. Amy Godwin can do no wrong. Her musical style is very folkish. I'd compare her to an artist, but she really is so unique, I can't even think of anyone. Maybe if Adele had a child with a fairy and their child played acoustic guitar then something similar to Godwin would be produced. That's such a weird analogy...

Anyways, since she's so amazing I feel the need to share her music with everyone I know. 

You can download her music here from The Blue Indian. 

While you're at it, watch this video too. Please. The Blue Indian has all kinds of glorious videos on Youtube of bands that play in Macon. Go to Youtube and search "Acoustic Alley." You won't be disappointed

Bearstock 2011

Every spring, Georgia's own Mercer University hosts a free day of music and fun- the annual Bearstock music festival.  Crowds gathered in the early afternoon in Tattnall Park to listen to the wide variety of local musicians Bearstock offered; from Christian rockers Ocean Is Theory to hip hop group JuBee and the Morning After.  This year's headlining acts included popular hip hop performer Roscoe Dash and electronic rock band 3OH!3.

Crowds enjoy the entertainment and atmosphere of Bearstock.

Personally, I was very impressed with local performers theKey and Parachute Musical, two indie rock groups that showcased the talent, stage presence, and innate drive to excel in the music industry.

Parachute Musical.

After hours of anticipation, camaraderie, and many photos snapped on my Canon Rebel, Roscoe Dash took to the stage with 17 of his closest friends in tow. Dash performed many of the hit tracks he has been featured on like Soulja Boy's "All The Way Turnt Up," and Waka Flocka Flame's "No Hands."  The crowd was radiating with energy by the time Dash was finished, but things were only heating up for 3OH!3.
The Colorado natives got the crowd going when they opened up with "Starstrukk" and kept up the momentum with even more of their electronic-infused hits like "Touchin' On My" and "House Party."

Roscoe Dash and company.

3OH!3's Sean Foreman.

 Bearstock serves as a great music festival for those of us who are unable to attend the larger festivals of this season like Coachella or Bonnaroo. To learn more about up-and-comers theKey and Parachute musical, visit the links below:

theKey's Official Site
Twitter: @theKeyGA
Parachute Musical's Official Site
Twitter: @ParaMusical