Debi Nova – “Drummer Boy”
“Drummer Boy” is a beat driven dance track that will get your blood pumping. Costa Rican diva, Debi Nova, looks like a sexy goddess in her beach themed video. When I take to the beach I burn instantly and somehow always step on a broken shell. My escapades would not translate well to a music video, Debi’s certainly does.
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Scissor Sisters – “Fire With Fire”
The Scissor Sisters are always good for delivering some quality dance tracks. What they are not always good for is delivering sound advice. Trust me, the next time you have a fire break out in your kitchen, don’t run and grab matches in an effort to fight the fire with fire. Yeah, just makes more fire. So make sure you listen to “Fire With Fire” for enjoyment and not as a lesson. I am guessing Smokey the Bear will not have this song on his next mix tape.
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Florence and the Machine – “Dog Days Are Over”
Don’t let the video scare you away. Take in these Brit indie rockers and welcome their music into your collection. Yes, the video does sport what appears to be two Smurfs, or I guess they could be the blue opera lady from The Fifth Element. And yes, there is a lot of elaborate face paint, rhythmic drumming, and a head of hair that rivals Carrot Top. With all of that being said, you need to expand your horizons and take this track in. If anything, it does have dancing blue people. That’s awesome.
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LikeCold War Kids – Audience
Sometimes all you need is a really simple piano riff and a soulful voice to make music work, and that’s what the Cold War Kids accomplish with “Audience.” As the song progresses they delicately add layers like a musical parfait. As Donkey from “Shrek” would say, “You ever hear someone say, ‘Hell no I don’t like no parfaits.’” Exactly.
Elsinore – Chemicals
What starts with the tinkling guitar of your typical indie rock song quickly turns into something rocktastic when the hook hits you with this double-time cymbal beat while the lead singer dips into his falsetto. You’ll have the “Hey, Love,” part of this song churning through the musical chambers of your brain all week.
The Foxes – Come and Get You
These guys are funky monkeys, man. The Foxes put together a fun, upbeat track with “Come and Get You” that is exactly the sort of thing you’d want to hear at a summer outdoor music festival. You won’t be able to hop up and down when that chorus hits, even if you’re driving while listening to it. Especially if you’re driving while listening to it. For extra danger, text and do your makeup at the same time. What’s good rock music without a little risk, right?
Are you feeling worn out? Down in the dumps? Need to relax after a long stressful day? Tired of being asked questions? Well, I have just the thing to make you feel alright. Listening to the ethereal music of One eskimO is a sure-fire way to take the edge off and smooth you out. I have been self-medicating with the tunes of One eskimO for a few months now and I must say that I am feeling all good.
One eskimO is captained by chill-artist extraordinaire, Kristian Leontiou. Kristian and his merry band of British boys bring forth a creative album that is soothing for the soul. Soothing like chicken noodle soup, but even better. I mean… who wants to pour hot soup on their soul? So, with that visual in place, I ask you to let the ambient sounds wash over you.
In addition to providing some great music, these guys also bring forth a visually stunning animated short film that follow the tales of one little eskimo. The Adventures of One eskimO is an absolutely beautiful work of art. Check out their official web site to find out how you can gaze upon their mini masterpiece. Their self titled album will be the medicine you need to make it through the day . Treat yourself to their musical goodness!
KC’s Personal Picks: “Kandi”, “Amazing” and “Hometime”
Check out the official video for “Kandi”
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With the epic battle between the Blackhawks and the Canucks transpiring, it is important now more than ever that Americans come together for the common good. To root for the Canucks, I’m certain, is a form of light treason. But in the wake of this hefty competition with our neighbors to the North, I still have a soft spot for good music. And if The New Pornographers just happen to be Canadian, then so be it. I still hate the Canucks though. So there.
The New Pornographers have been making music since 1997 (the same year as “Semi-Charmed Kinda Life”, “I Believe I Can Fly” and “Mmm Bop” so yeah, it was a good year.) Their sound is very Indie pop rock (if that is even a thing) and has a generally up-beat sound and a really good mix of vocals. The band line-up is extensive with eight full-time members and a slew of help from other musicians for a total mix of guitars, keyboards, banjo, violin, cello, saxophone, flute, trumpet, drums, vibrophone and a ton of other things including a Kaossilator (whatever that is.)
Their newest release Together comes at the perfect time to support their European and soon-to-be American tour dates this summer. Try out “Up In the Dark”, “Moves” or “Your Hands (Together)” for some of that Indie pop rock I keep talking about a paragraph ago, or give “Daughters of Sorrow” or “Sweet Talk, Sweet Talk” a whirl if you’re looking for some milder Indie pop rock. Either way you get pop rock. So everyone wins.
Check out the video with The New Pornographers and Adam Goldberg:
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After watching the first 30 seconds Alpha Rev’s video for “New Morning,” I found myself waiting for the phone to ring with a scratchy voice on the line to tell me I’d die in seven days. I mean, compare it to the death montage from “The Ring,” and you’ve got some definite stylistic similarities.
But that’s pretty much where the parallels end. Alpha Rev’s music definitely isn’t what you’d expect to hear playing over frightening images from a scary movie. Instead, it’s calm, and sedate, and sweet. This is an overwhelmingly positive band, and despite the fact that their most recent video looks vaguely like something from a horror movie, they’re absolutely ready for mainstream pop radio, filling the ballad niche with gusto.
Alpha Rev has been among the country’s top independent bands for a few years now after debuting with “The Greatest Thing I’ve Ever Learned” in 2007, but it’s their more recent album, also called “New Morning,” that brought them to Fresh Scout’s attention.
The title track is smooth and optimistic, as lead singer Casey McPherson has an effortless upper range to his voice. The second song on the album, “Phoenix Burn,” has also gotten some attention for its gorgeous melodies and catchy hook. On stage, they’re a flawless band, hitting all the notes on pitch and milking all the instruments (which include a cello, by the way). In terms of bands that just bring good, old-fashioned musicality to a live show, Alpha Rev is getting it done on a ton of levels.
So grab the new album, just don’t watch the music videos. Unless you feel like messing with that whole dying-in-seven-days thing. In which case, knock yourself out.
Check out the video for “New Morning” here:
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