We here at FreshScouts appreciate rock as much as the next person.  You might even say that we “rock out” on occassion.  We also appreciate the blues and sometimes, even have the blues.  But where am I going with this poorly constructed introduction?  I’m glad you asked.  What we love more than anything are blues and rock combined.  It’s like a supergroup of genres that we just can’t get enough of.  Blues-rock.  That’s what I’ll call it.

If you were looking in a dictionary for “Blues Rock” you would find a picture of the Black Keys next to the more-than-obvious definition.  You would also be the only one looking in a dictionary.  Awkward…  But the Black Keys aren’t just the definition of a blues-rock band.  They create a unique sound that blends a rock essence closer to the White Stripes while still retaining traditional blues qualities.  They are also able to blend many different sounds together to keep their music fresh and undeniably different from other rock bands out there today.  The Black Keys are constantly expanding their musical repertoire to push the limits of the blues-rock genre and I have to say, I am constantly impressed.

Their earlier albums definitely produce a thicker blues sound that are not as apparent in their most recent album, Attack and Release.  This new cut focuses more on a gritty rock sound that matches the rough-around-the-edges quality of lead singer Dan Auerbach’s voice perfectly. You may recognize the song “Strange Times” from our weekly jukebox a few months ago or “I Got Mine” which has gotten some pretty heavy radio play recently.  But even if you haven’t, it’s time to jump on the band wagon.  Check out “I Got Mine” below.  You can’t see it here, but this video got 5 stars on YouTube so, you know, it’s kind of a big deal.

Their songs have recently been featured in commercials, video games and TV shows on NBC, HBO and Showtime.  It’s also rumoured (on Wikipedia) that they have a slew of fans that include Robert Plant from Led Zeppelin, Thom Yorke from Radiohead, Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top and Josh Homme from Queens of the Stone Age.  Not too bad of fan base.  So if you want to become a part of one of the most elite fan clubs that ever existed (not sure how I can source this) then you need to check out the Black Keys.

Take a listen to Attack and Release:

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If you like The Black Keys, check out Crash Kings!

You know what sucks?  Nobody ever got to hear Kiley Dean.  Twice she’s had albums shelved, and the music business isn’t kind to artists that never really hit the airwaves.  So Dean, despite having several ridiculously catchy tracks produced by Timbaland over the last six years, is a virtual unknown.

Dean, who started her career singing backup for Brittney Spears, most recently earned her paycheck backing up another pop superstar in Madonna.  But let’s be real about this—Kiley has no business singing backup.  This girl is and should be a star.  She came at Timbaland back in 2002 with a track she wrote specifically for him and soon after they were recording together.

The result was the single, “Make Me a Song,” followed by a full album entitled “Simple Girl” that never got released.  Somehow (and with so much time having passed since 2003, I can’t remember exactly how) I was able to get a hold of this record and haven’t taken it out of circulation since.  This is good stuff, folks.  For realsies.

Instrumentally, Timbaland is always a genius, so cuts like “Open Road,” “Kiss Me Like That,” and “Soldier Song” are both poppy and memorable, but Dean’s silky smooth vocals float over the beats like satin ribbons in a soft breeze.  It’s an unholy alliance of synth and song that hardly anybody’s ever heard.  Which, as I said, sucks.

The song “Who I Am” actually was released in 2005, even if the rest of the album didn’t quite make it, and that one’s available on iTunes.  She also appeared on Bubba Sparxxx’s “Deliverance” album on the track “Nowhere,” singing the hook.  The latest word is that she’s working on a third album and that Timbo might still be helping with production, but who knows if this will be the one that makes it to store shelves?

She’s a talented girl with music that at the very least deserves to see the light of day.  Support for her would be much appreciated because we at Fresh Scouts are afraid that if she spends much more time with Madonna she’ll turn to Kabbalah, and I’m not sure she’s ready for that.

If you like Kiley Dean, check out Kid Cudi!

I find it hard to remember to wash my laundry once a week.  In 2008, New York singer-songwriter Ari Hest took on the daunting task of releasing a new song each week for 52 weeks straight.  The year ended for him with an amazing new album and an abundance of great music.  The year ended for me with a lot of not-so-amazing dirty laundry and a lack of people wanting to stand next to me.  Ari Hest may have won this battle but at least my falsetto is higher than his.  Oh wait, he’s got me there too.

I had the pleasure of first meeting Hest back in early 2002 when he was heavily touring clubs and colleges in support of his album Come Home.  Over the years I have made it a point to see him live every time he passed through the area.  Hest is one of those special performers that you invest in.  You dedicate your time, money and energy into his work because the music that is produced seems like it was crafted just for you.  His song writing is reflective and emotive.  His vocals are warm and distinctive.  And make sure you hang on to your lid because he controls his vocal range like only a few can.  One minute you are following his deep voice as if he were the pied piper.  The next minute he is blasting you through the rafters with a falsetto that would make even the hardest thug shed a tear.  Simply put, Hest is a dynamic musician that continues to hone his craft year after year.

A few years ago a life long dream of signing with a major record label came true for Hest.  A lot of good came out of that partnership but what it really did was emphasize for Hest how important it is to have complete control over your music.  A peaceful divorce from his label gave way to a artistic project that had people raising their eyebrows.  The task was straight forward.  Release a new song each week for a year for fans to enjoy.  Do this for a year and at the end there would be a collection of 52 songs. The journey no doubt had it ups and downs but a loyal fan base (yours truly included) went along for the ride.  The musical experiment allowed fans to provide immediate feedback, suggest titles for songs and offer their two cents.  The end of the journey became the start of a new one with the creation of Twelve Mondays as an independent release.  Hest took fan feedback and narrowed down the 52 tracks to the 12 that you see on the album.

Twelve Mondays is a great representation of Ari Hest’s artistry.  I personally recommend you lend an ear to “One Two”, “Binoculars”, “I’ll Be There”,  and “Dead End Driving”.  Check out Hest’s web site to explore his music catalogue and find out when you can catch him live.

Ari Hest’s video for “Dead End Driving”

Below Ari Hest describes his “52″ project

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Like Ari Hest?  Check out Ray LaMontagne!

These lovable New Zealanders took the nation by storm in 2007 with their cult classic HBO show.  Their awkward comedy and quaint observations made for a truly unique comedic musical experience and their songs were collegiately quoted  nationwide.  They taught us life lessons like the true meaning of “Business Time”, how to rhyme with the Rhymenocerous and how to whip out a binary solo.  But there’s always more to learn and the duo of Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie still got it goin’ on.

After building up a loyal following with the first season of Flight of the Conchords, the comedic super group tried their hands at a whole new season of laughs and situations challenging friendship and a growing number of loyal fans (their actual number of fans well exceeds the one portrayed in the show.)  The release of their second album I Told You I Was Freaky is a compilation of the second season’s hit numbers including such greats as “Hurt Feelings”, “You Don’t Have To Be A Prostitute”, “Sugalumps” and the club favorite “Too Many Dicks [On the Dance Floor]“.

Quite honestly, I’ve never personally been a fan of musical comedy CDs.  It’s not that I don’t respect the comedian, it’s just that most of the time I find those types of things exponentially funnier in person.  However, with Flight of the Conchords I look forward to the release of their new albums and, coincidentally, they are equally as funny in person as on their TV show.  I recently saw them in Milwaukee for a live show during their second season and it was by far one of the funniest comedy shows I’ve seen in my life (and that’s saying a lot.)

Check out “Hurt Feelings.” It’s pretty gansta’.

So don’t get attached to the first season’s antics when there are a whole new group of antics to be had. Also, if you find out where Bret gets his animal shirts and then buy one, you’re sure to be flocked by an endless number of women. I’m just sayin’.

Check out I Told You I Was Freaky:

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Stacy Clark – “Matter of Time”

Our good friend Andrew Ripp turned us on to the amazing music of Stacy Clark.  “Matter of Time” is off of her 2007 release Apples and Oranges.  This young singer-songwriter is quickly gaining attention on the national scene.  I was instantly taken in my the warm vocals and unique instrumentation of the track.  It is truly just a “matter of time” before Clark hits a radio near you.

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Will Hoge – “Even If It Breaks Your Heart”

After listening to Hoge’s music for a minute it is clear why Bruce “The Boss” Springsteen is such a fan.  We recently saw Will Hoge perform live and it was an incredible show.  This Nashville native has overcome a lot of adversity in his life and when he steps to the mic his voice tells his story.  Fans of Tom Petty will dig on Hoge.

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Santigold- “Creator”

Brought into this world as Santi White she also has been know as Santogold and more recently Santigold.  2008 was a breakthrough year for Santigold and “Creator” was one of the tracks that helped fuel that.  The intro of the song may be a little crazy for those that like to toe the line, but hang in there champ.  This track pays off and is a refreshing piece of art.  The song is so good that it makes vomit glitter.  Yeah, you will have to look at the album art to fully appreciate that statement.

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