Tag Archives: alternative

Looking back: Love Like Fire – An Ocean in the Air

Posted by Blas Yaselli - June 9, 2009

lovelikefireme

The story of the creation of Love Like Fire is one of those “right place, right time” kismet stories that every band wishes they could tell. Vocalist/guitarist Ann Yu — who had spent some time living with Ronnie Vannucci of the Killers — along with drummer/keyboardist David Farrell, were about to leave San Francisco and head for Los Angeles to see where fortune would fall. Before they even got out of the city, a “band-wanted” ad caught their eye, created by guitarist/keyboardist Ted Parker. The threesome remained in San Francisco, formed Love Like Fire, and later added bassist Robert Kissinger to round out the group.

Their debut EP Bed of Gold appeared shortly after their formation and a second EP released in 2007, An Ocean in the Air, soon followed. An Ocean in the Air reached the top 20 in the CMJ charts. A third album, Tear Ourselves Away, will be released this year.

From their EP An Ocean in the Air, comes a beautiful and innocent song full of melodic bells, acoustic guitar riffs and the always soothing vocals titled “I Will”. Then we switch gears with a more rock-ish, upbeat track titled “S.O.S” which is probably my favorite song from this album. Most of the songs from Love Like Fire, are very uplifting and useful for those grumpy Monday mornings. The last Track I will be including is “From A Tower” that reminds me a little bit of Coldplay putting melodic synthesized melodies throughout the song.

“S.0.S.” – An Ocean in the Air

”S.O.S.”

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Amazon – iTunes

“I Will” – An Ocean in the Air

”I Will”

Download

Amazon – iTunes

“From a Tower” – An Ocean in the Air

”From a Tower”

Download

Amazon – iTunes

myspace – website

Alternative/Rock

Looking back: its great to be Huma

Posted by Blas Yaselli - June 2, 2009

huma

I just discovered today ( a little late since they released their EP “We Are Here For You” in 2006, and “Some Things Come and Go” in sept 2008) and I am enjoying their unique and organic sounding folk electronic sound. Music for Humans by Huma, their style is still very acoustic and subtle even though they describe themselves as electronic. An easy listen that will get you though the day this Wednesday evening.

“A brother. A sister. A best friend/girlfriend. Kids behind counters making music on coffee breaks. Teachers after school playing NYC late. Librarians singing softly in the stacks. We started in New Jersey with a self-released EP bringing together pastoral pop with an electronic twitch. So many sounds combined in every scene lived. It became shows played and friends made. It became an album released on Cult-Hero records in 2006 called “We Are Here For You.” It became a tour, more shows and continues to spread. It became a new home on the west coast. Here we are today. Nothing stays the same. It’s about writing new songs for new releases and playing for new faces. We will be happy to answer any questions.”

Paper Boat

”Paper Boat”

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Feels Like I’m Walking

”Feels Like I am Walking”

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Amazon – Website – myspace

Video: The Thermals "Now We Can See"

Posted by Blas Yaselli - May 28, 2009

This video is just too awesome, I had to share it. They really enjoy performing.

Buy:Amazon – itunes

Alternative/Rock

"The joke is on everyone", says Patrick Davy

Posted by Blas Yaselli - May 28, 2009

Yes, the joke is on everyone that has not listen to the extremely catchy song title “The Joke” (click here to check out the video). Patrick Davy is a singer/songwriter/guitarist from Detroit, Michigan. In his album debut “Where it began“, Patrick creates a balance between the simplicity of his songs and the powerful heartfelt vocals to create beautifully sounding melodies. As he points out “‘Where it Began‘ is a darker record than most as the songs are reflections of reality. Because life isn’t like TV. The record is directed at the heart and bones without the sales-pitch frills that the obsolete gatekeepers of the music industry have required for too many years.

“The joke” and “Took a long time” are one of the lighter songs that appear on his album. Others like “The feeling” and “Where it began” are much more mellow with a steady slow tempo. Make sure you check out his myspace to listen more of his album.

The Joke – Where It Began

”The Joke”

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This Feeling – Where It Began

”This Feeling”

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Where it Began – Where It Began

”Where It Began”

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iTunes – myspace

Alternative/Rock

It Started In London: The Gin Riots

Posted by Blas Yaselli - May 6, 2009

theginriots

There are songs that make you feel better, others that help you relax, some can even channel your anger.. but there are always those songs like “Polka” that almost justify starting your own riot, not in the heavy grindy rock “Lets break stuff up” sense, but more on the lines of getting drunk with your best friends and throw a party! ” The song well represents the up-beat punkish nature of The Gin Riots, who are named after the 1729 riots caused by overly upset ~~and drunk~~ Londoners that broke into a Gin Factory to leave it completely dry. Apparently the streets of London were “literally flowing with gin for three days straight”.

They have a strong following through the London scene as well as a growing fan base in the US which has only gotten stronger since they played at the SXSW this year.

Another of my favorite songs is titled “El Torro”, a very rhythmic drum driven song with subtle but greatly appreciated melodic guitar solos in the backgrounds as the singer plays around with the tempo of his lyrics throughout the song. No matter the style of music or the topic of their lyrics, each song always comes across sincere and down to earth. Whether you agree that this is “music to get drunk to” or not, The Gin Riots will definitely quench your ears thirst. Enjoy!

”Polka”

theginriots1

”El Torro”

”I didnt mean it”

Buy on Amazon – iTunes– myspace

Alternative/Rock