Cage the Elephant, a band that I wouldn't normally listen to, but for some reason I'm drawn to it. I first heard this band on the intro for the exceptional and very entertaining game Borderlands. The song "There aint no rest for the Wicked" was the theme, and it fit so nicely that I had to listen and it almost forced me to enjoy it. I've found that this band actually takes its sound from many exceptional bands such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Blur, Oasis, bands that made their marks by being unique and ground breaking. Do I feel that CTE have the ability to be the same? Well not yet. This album is great for the most part, but this isn't for everyone. I seriously recommend you listen to "There aint no rest for the Wicked" It will better inform you of the style and sound better than I ever could.
Its hard for me to put into words how I feel about Regina Spektor. Its unique music that goes from the completely absurd to the truly beautiful. Her new effort "Far" is no exception. With a bit more poppy sound, or those who can't go five minutes without listing to Lady Gaga for some shit. This album will truly test your ability to really listen to music and appreciate what it is. I would descibe it as piano pop, but that really doesn't fit well. It, again, is truly beautiful stuff.
for fan's of - Feist, Nora Jones, Female vocalists, Piano
I've been listening to Pete Yorn for a long while now. He's has some ups and downs, but from what I am hearing now it seems like working with the hotness is good on him. This is a poppy soft rocky collaboration with the one and only Scarlett Johansson. Songs are infectious and very easy to listen to. Scarlett actually has a very nice voice and it goes well with this style of music.
For fans of Kings of Leon, John Mayer, Feist, and a good time!!
King of Convenience - Declaration of Dependence
For those not into metal, I'm not sure you could get more far away... unless it was country. Great sound, almost that of an updated Simon and Garfunkel. Great easy listening. With the holiday's coming up I couldn't recommend a better album to play while entertaining guests.
Zimmer's Hole - When You Were Shouting at the Devil... We Were in League with Satan
A great album, one of the more funny that I'll ever recommend. While the humor isn't for most people (very off colored) it is very effective. Songs like The Vowel Song (feat. Nathan Explosion of Dethklok) keep it interesting to say the least. With memebers from "Strapping Young Lad" and "Fear Factory" this band it worth your time if you love metal.
Devin Townsend Project - The new album addicted... coming almost directly off the heals of "ki" one of Townsend's most unique records to date. Addicted is Townsend returning to what I feel he knows best. Great progressive metal with a quality that has a universal sound that makes even the most critical music buff take a second to appreciate what Townsend does. The sound quality is again unmatched due to the fact that Townsend is almost insane when it comes to production values. Even though the production is great you never get the feeling that its fake, which is a trade mark of Townsend's.
The album starts off with the song "Addicted" which is reminiscent of "Ocean Machine", a streight forward crushing metal track. Its followed up by "universe in a ball" again a song that goes back to the earlier efforts of "The Devin Townsend Band". Then we come to the track "Bend it like Bender" a reference to the show "Futurama" One of the most unique songs on the record. Almost has a brit pop or power pop feel to it. Infectious drums and great vocals make's this song the song that will get stuck in your head and not let go. "Supercrush" is the next and by far my favorite, its haunting yet empowering sound leaves you in wonderment. Anneke van Giersbergen the female vocalist that Townsend use's in this record does an amazing job.
Every song on this album is memorable and its not one of those "I need to be in the mood to listen to it" albums. I strongly encourage you to check it out, and while your at it check out Townsend's other works. He truly is one of the greats of our and anyone generations at what he does.
