Australian alternative singer-songwriter-guitarist, Courtney Barnett, truly has some fun making music. Vocally, History Eraser, from her new EP due out in 2013, is nearly spoken word. Lyrically and musically, the grunge pop delivery is a bit psychedelic. While it may sound a bit odd (and it is a bit odd), it is also a formula that works very well for Ms. Barnett. You can find more about Courtney Barnett by visiting her web site, which includes purchase links for the single from i-Tunes and…
Read MoreKishi Bashi has one of the oddest videos for the song Bright Whites from his April 2012 long-player, 151a, that I’ve seen in awhile. Kishi Bashi uses a loop pedal extensively to create rich pop soundscapes from the traditional to the eclectic. Near as I can tell, Kishi makes Norfolk, VA his home, but is currently touring and was able to raise the money needed to create the new LP on Kickstarter. You can find more information on Kishi Bashi by visiting his web…
Read More‘Cheesy’. Yep, that’s what it is. ‘Quirky’ comes to mind too; But say what you will about the simple pop tunes of Helen Austin, because what really shines through is the ‘fun’. Lots of it. Here on Perfect Girl, from Helen’s 2009 EP of the same name, she delivers up a blender full of the fun stuff. The melodies are simple and to the point-as are the lyrics and delivery. Check out Helen Austin by visiting her web site, complete with social…
Read MoreNot quite pop yet not really rock either, The Championship play with the area in the middle pushing out to nearly reach both. Take My Heart Goes Out To You from the band’s October 2012 long-player, High Feather, for example. The guitars start out edgy and then mellow down. Next comes the ethereal vocal of Joe Crockett which echoes in the rafters and then comes down to meet you. It’s an odd mix in a way, but it works. The…
Read MoreShop Til You Drop – Or Just Buy Music What can I say? It’s Christmas shopping season here in the states, and I can’t think of a better gift than the gift of music. If you are thinking hard about shopping for a certain hard-to-buy-for person in your life, consider the gift that keeps on giving every day of the year and on into future years-music. Yes, sometimes it’s hard to find the perfect music too, but consider giving something that will push the edges of imagination. Don’t just give the latest top-40 mucky-muck, but rather find something that is truly…
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