randomly preselected: April 2008

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

new music - Coldplay - Violet Hills

Coldplay is back.

They've warned the public a many times that their new album, "Viva La Vida" will be drastically different from their previous 3 hit albums.

Chris Martin has also described their new effort as an attempt to "get better and not bigger".

The lead singer of the band sings noticeably lower in this new single and many of those who have already previewed the entire album agree that Martin's vocals are definitely trying to make a home in new territory.

What do you think?

Take a listen.

added note: Greg Laswell got stuck in traffic. Don't worry, he'll be here soon enough.

Monday, April 14, 2008

need your help

trying out some potential new headers

these are some possibilities - please leave your thoughts!

if all else fails, the old original one will make a comeback and replace the massive header that's sitting atop this blog as of now

please let me know which one you like best - "top", "mid" or "bottom".

Sunday, April 13, 2008

coming soon - Greg Laswell

sample track: Girls Just Want to Have Fun

(Cyndi Lauper cover) - you'd be surprised, give it a chance

side note: Tristan Prettyman's new album Hello_x comes out this coming Tuesday, April 15th.

It's been 3 years since her stellar (a bit patchy, but incredible nonetheless) debut twentythree. Here's to hoping that her sophomore effort brings the same straightforward and husky honesty that made us all fall in love with TP in the first place.

My copy of her new album is currently in the hands of the United States Postal Service.

More thoughts on hello_x coming soon as well.

Saturday, April 12, 2008

new music - kate earl

Sometimes roaring electric guitar choruses are exactly what you need to hear to get the day started. You know, that early-morning, energy-reinforced getting up routine with the help of your favorite rock band. However, this seldom works at the end day, and we all like to turn the tempo down as the day progresses, no?

photo credit: Nosflow V Ddot

Well for that, here's Kate Earl. A girl from freezing Alaska with an earthy voice that has enough warmth to make Alaska seem live-able to southern Californians like me (as long as she's there with yah of course). She's currently residing in Los Angeles (and New York at times) where she is finishing up her second full-length album that is scheduled to come out this year. Definitely not too bad for a girl that used to work at her father's gas station in Chugiak, Alaska. Finding the piano at the age of four, she used music to escape her freezing surroundings, eventually taking the one road out of her town to make a life out of it.

photo credits: Kia.C

This debut, released back in 2005, stands well on its own, showing many facets of Kate and telling the honest story of a girl drifting through life with enough grace and gravity to make it worth listening to. In no way am I saying that this album is perfect - in fact, I'm not too fond of the opening track Waiting for Someone to Love (except for 2 minutes in, love that part) - this album does have its rough patches and pieces that don't quite fit, but I feel that's only natural for a debut album where and artist is still trying to feel familiar in their own skin.

Now when you find yourself dragging your feet back into your home after a day packed with work, turn on some Kate Earl, and let her earthy (yet still delicately soft voice) lull you to sleep.