This amazingly beautiful track just feels right. The soft vocals, pounding drum beat and overall airy sound makes it a song that begs to be listened to. These Australian boys have a great thing going with their album, Conditions. “Sweet Disposition” is popping up all over the place and I was reminded of its brilliance when it sprang up in the film (500) Days of Summer. I guarantee that this track will find its way into heavy rotation on your play list.
iTunes
Amazon Music
Erik Hassle – “Hurtful”
Swedish Fish are my favorite candies. I guess it is no surprise that I like Erik Hassle. I mean, he is from Sweden and his hair is bright red. Glaring similarities to my favorite candies aside, I really am digging his single, “Hurtful”. His style reminds me a lot of the poppy soul singing of Gavin DeGraw. This track is sweet. Sweet like candy.
iTunes
Amazon Music
Kina Grannis – “Valentine”
Back in 2007, Kina Grannis got big time exposure when her track ““Message From Your Heart” won an on-line contest and was aired during the Super Bowl. 97 million views got a glimpse of Kina. Not a bad start to a music career, huh? Kina’s style embodies the sunny California coffeehouse scene. “Valentine” is a warm and fuzzy kinda song that is good not only in February, but all year round.
The Pixies had a profound impact on my appreciation for music. I know I am not alone with that statement. The Pixies helped usher in the alternative rock scene that hit in the early 90′s. On many occasions Kurt Cobain acknowledged the influence the Pixies had over the creation of Nirvana. It goes without saying that my teenage angst was set to the soundtrack of the Pixies’ 1989 release of Doolittle.
The Pixies came together in Boston in the mid 1980′s. Black Francis not only had the task of having a killer stage name, he also had the job of lead vocalist and songwriter for the group. Kim Deal slapped the bass and added incredibly memorable melodic vocal tracking. With David Lovering on drums and Joey Santiago on guitar the foursome known as the Pixies took the music industry by storm. To try and follow an album like Doolittle is like trying to follow a hyperactive rabbit running through a field of land mines while being chased by snownado. What I am trying to say is that from a lyrical stand point it is out there and at times straight up crazy. If you try and follow along with a lyric sheet you will find yourself saying, “what the what?” I have listened to many interviews with Black Francis where he admitted that the song witting wasn’t always supposed to mean something profound. So I advise you not to look for the secret meanings of life in the words and just enjoy the incredible music of it all.
Out of all of the albums in the Pixiescatalog, Doolittle has always seemed the most polished. One of the most universally highlighted tracks is “Debaser”. The uncharacteristic surfer pop “Here Comes Your Man” adds a softer sound to the mix. “Wave of Mutilation” and “Monkey Gone to Heaven” are pure gems. Oh, and let’s not forget about “Hey”. I just doesn’t get any better than that.
Since Doolittle the band broke up, released some albums, got back together, broke up, and then focused on side projects. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Doolittle the gang got back together for a small tour which instantly sold out. That touring was extended into late 2009 and again into early 2010. There are now rumors floating around of a new Pixies album on the horizon. Could it be? While we wait for the good news you can sit back and take in the uniqueness of one of my favorite albums.
“Annie” is the third single off SafetySuit’sLife Left to Go album. These alt-rockers are on a roll with radio friendly crowd pleasing music. Vh1 has really supported these guys and their tracks are spinning on the regular over there.
Buy the song
Amazon Music
iTunes Music
Eli “Paperboy” Reed – “Take My Love With You”
When I listen to Eli “Paperboy” Reed it is like I just took a trip back in time with my DeLorean. His old school soul music is just what is needed at the upcoming Enchantment Under the Sea dance*. This modern day soul-man is about to bring back a music genre that will make everything feel alright.
*I just recently watched Back to the Future, so that may have slightly influenced this review.
Buy the song
Amazon Music
iTunes Music
Fight From Above – “Between the Curves”
I am addicted to this song. I have just recently discovered the indie-pop/rock powerhouse, Fight From Above. These energetic southern California boys have something good cooking. The video for “Between the Curves” is vibrant, colorful and exciting. I guess what I am saying is that their music hits me the same way a bag of sugar hits me. Enjoy!
The Pixies came together in Boston in the mid 1980′s. Black Francis not only had the task of having a killer stage name, he also had the job of lead vocalist and songwriter for the group. Kim Deal slapped the bass and added incredibly memorable melodic vocal tracking. With David Lovering on drums and Joey Santiago on guitar the foursome known as the Pixies took the music industry by storm. To try and follow an album like Doolittle is like trying to follow a hyperactive rabbit running through a field of land mines while being chased by snownado. What I am trying to say is that from a lyrical stand point it is out there and at times straight up crazy. If you try and follow along with a lyric sheet you will find yourself saying, “what the what?” I have listened to many interviews with Black Francis where he admitted that the song witting wasn’t always supposed to mean something profound. So I advise you not to look for the secret meanings of life in the words and just enjoy the incredible music of it all. 
