I think a bit of a dilemma is occurring. I’m tempted to call these times the resurgence of acoustic pop, though I’m obviously aware that acoustic pop has been, and will always be, near the top of the music scene. But lately (I’m talking this decade) it has delivered more than its typical share of… Continue reading Quickly rising: Matt Haeck and his acoustic pop
Category: Artist Profiles
McGowan, not simply an American Regular
I’m not really sure if this guy’s name is McGowan or Mcgowan, it says both on his MySpace. How are those things decided anyway? I think his name is McGowan and he goes by Mcgowan as an artist. Confusionnnn. (*See comments for some clarification!) Whatever, this McSomething from Brooklyn is ripe with pop/rock to make… Continue reading McGowan, not simply an American Regular
Shadows on a River earn comparisons to Radiohead and Elliott Smith
Shadows on a River’s debut album, Shadows on a River, has been compared to Radiohead and Elliott Smith. While I think there is some truth to these comparisons, especially on a couple songs in particular (most notably, “In Business,” which sounds like an actual mix between the two), Shadows on a River have their own… Continue reading Shadows on a River earn comparisons to Radiohead and Elliott Smith
Sidechild far from wild child
Yet another Swede here on KR, Sidechild, the moniker for a guy named Pontus, comes to us in all his downtempo glory. If you’re looking to get your grind on, well, let’s just say it’s not happening with Sidechild in the background. Unless, of course, you listen to Elliott Smith to party. Yeah, not happening.… Continue reading Sidechild far from wild child
Bleu to release third solo album, A Watched Pot, July 14
Singer/songwriter, “Bleu“, has one of those voices that inspires, making the impossible seem all the more likely. Or maybe its the other way around, evoking sadness, as jealousy rides along while you listen to his high whimpered, precious falsetto. And then he brings it back down to actual human levels with a resounding lower tone.… Continue reading Bleu to release third solo album, A Watched Pot, July 14
Love is All proves that pretty much every band from Sweden rocks
I first heard Love is All by accident, honestly, when they were opening for Of Montreal. I remember a very excitable saxophonist, a shrill female vocalist with a drumstick and a cowbell, and just a very fun and energetic show overall. In retrospect, they were the perfect warm up for the insanity Of Montreal brought… Continue reading Love is All proves that pretty much every band from Sweden rocks
We The They beam vivacity
Despite a name that conjures…actually, I’m not sure what We The They conjures. And I don’t really care. I’m sure it’s something connotative or humorous, but even if it was something ridiculously emotorical (made up word -> reeking of emo metaphors) and cheesy, I wouldn’t care. Because their music puts a smile on my face,… Continue reading We The They beam vivacity
Young talent alert: Caroline Reese
While you read this, listen to the MP3s I’ve posted below. Now, as you soak up Caroline Reese‘s gorgeous voice and acoustic guitar, ask yourself this: “Self, how crazy it would be if Caroline was just 18 years old?” Well, I’m sure you know where this is going. Everything about Caroline’s music suggests a maturity… Continue reading Young talent alert: Caroline Reese
I don’t have a witty pun to describe Parts & Labor, but their music is awesome
These lovely guys (and girl) go by the name Parts & Labor, and they’re from the ridiculously fertile music grounds of Brooklyn. Technically, their music is some mishmash of indie, punk and noise, but with their latest album, Receivers (released in late 2008), they’ve injected their noisy tendencies with some more poppy song structures. What… Continue reading I don’t have a witty pun to describe Parts & Labor, but their music is awesome
Sarah RabDAU and Self-Employed Assassins
Having just been told about Sarah RabDAU and Self-Employed Assassins (h/t Becca), based out of Boston (hometown nod), I’m frankly surprised I’m featuring them so quickly on the blog. But the music got me in a heartbeat, what with the enormously catchy piano riffs and a voice with a slight quirk that makes Rabdau stand… Continue reading Sarah RabDAU and Self-Employed Assassins