Long Time No Post

Hey, everyone. I'd like to apologize for the sudden stop in updating this blog. I've just become very busy lately; my summer has become much more... eventful than originally planned. I don't want this blog to die and promise to post again the minute I get some free time. Sorry again and thanks for understanding. :]

Indie Kids Don't Dance, They Swim

The Pool Parties held at McCarren Park Pool in Brooklyn look like the most fun concerts this summer. With bands such as +/-, Yo La Tengo, and TV on the Radio, these weekly parties also have fun summer activities for the whole family including slip-and-slide, water volleyball, and dodgeball games. My inner-Jew is pleased as well when I found out that it's free! All you need to do is RSVP in advance, bring a smile, and come on in. Taking place for nine consecutive Sundays this summer, these concerts are wonderful events for people of all ages, races, and sexualities to enjoy some summer sun and fun while listening to great music together. Have fun!

How Many No Money Boyz Are Crazy??

I feel that I must proclaim my love for M.I.A. Ever since first hearing her chant-like 'Bucky Done Gun' in late 2005, I have been bewitched by her eccentric music that is impossible of being placed into one genre. After the success of '05's "Arular," the London-born Sri Lankan performer is ready to release her latest work "Kala" about her time in Liberia and is now rocking with a new blonde bob and crazier than ever hand-made clothes. Her CD is expected to be released in the U.S. on August 21 and with her recently approved visa to the U.S. (she had been denied one last May due to her song "Sunshowers" which appeared to express support for the terrorist organization LTTE), she'll be touring all over the country this summer, including a performance at the Siren Festival on Coney Island on July 21. From her out of control music videos to her non-epileptic friendly website, I'm expecting it to be an insane show.

The Ting Tings Really Can Sing

If there was any previously unknown band at Glastonbury last week that everyone will be listening to in six months, it will without a doubt be The Ting Tings. From Manchester, England, this band is composed of just one guy, Jules, and one girl, Katie. Unlike other guy/girl groups today such as Matt & Kim or the White Stripes, however, this band has a completely unique sound. With Jules on drums and vocals while Katie on guitar, base drum, and vocals, the two are very successful at twisting genres and producing strong addictive beats that result in a new and fresh sound. Having been together for just over seven months, this band still doesn't even have an official website. However, those who attended Glastonbury received a show comparable to that of a long-time veteran of the stage. Really, though, it was only their fourth gig... ever. With sexy, attitude-filled songs such as "That's Not My Name," the Ting Tings limited-release EP is now sold out everywhere. But when listening to their eccentric and retro-feeling music you'll be singing for the rest of the day, it easy to see that they really have that something every artist strives for.

Essentially any information about them is in this video:

Which Is My Suitcase?

(photo courtesy of this is my suitcase)

This is my suitcase seems to be the band that everyone on Myspace has been talking about lately. With their giddy and lovable music, this quirky group of kids hailing from Columbus, Ohio are ready to make a big impact on the music world. Consisting of an uncommon selection of instruments that include the tamborine and glockenspeil, this is my suitcase (yes, all lowercase) brings a whimsical twist to the genre of indie pop. Lyrics do not solely pertain to subjects of love and hardships, but also unorthodox topics including dentist appointments and worms in apples; all sung by the euphoric lead singer Joe Camerlengo whose unique voice effortlessly slides up and down the scale. With backup female vocals by Andi Atwood, I am reminded of Sufjan Stevens (think 'The Tallest Man, The Broadest Shoulders' from Illinois). Actually, they've even been described as "Ben Folds being hugged by Sufjan Stevens at 100 miles per hour" on their last.fm profile.

Surprisingly, this is my suitcase is still and unsigned band. However, with their recently announced cross-country tour with The Format, they are just on the verge of making it big. This is because possess both a captivating and delightful quality that distinguishes them from many other bands today. With that being said, I believe it's now only a matter of time before they are noticed by a major label and receive the attention they have deserved all along.

EP of the Moment: Northern

After having known about Farewell Flight for quite some time now, I have finally gotten around to ordering one of their older eps "Northern." Like so many other bands before, I have made the regretful mistake of not actually listening to most of their music for months after having discovered them. I tend to hear one song by a band, fall in love with it, and then dislike like any other song when it doesn't sound exactly the same. I have no idea where I get this from. Anyways, about six months or so after, I will begin to open up to the other songs which are many times equally as great, and my ears begin to hate me for denying them wonderful music for so long. I'm working on this problem.

Unlike most bands today, I could not order the EP on iTunes or any other similar program. Rather, I was going to receive an actual CD by mail; something I haven't done in years. So now instead of waiting an already torturous three minutes for it to download, I was forced to endure several days for its arrival. By time Wednesday rolled around, my patience was reaching its peak; my ears were desperate for new music. When the mailman finally arrived I snatched the CD out of his hands, sprinted to my computer, and inserted it in as fast as humanly possible. Finally the music began and all the anticipation that had been building up for the past few days was pleasantly released.

The opening song, 'Clear,' instantly reminded me as clash between Death Cab for Cutie, Explosions in the Sky, and Coldplay. Upon listening to the album, I was exposed to carefully arranged pieces with graceful guitar and piano melodies to the calm and steady drum beat. Poetic lyrics about childhood immaturity and true love sang by lead singer Luke Foley's distressed yet crisp voice completed the songs to near perfection.

It is an EP, so there are only five songs on it. However, for those twenty minutes, you are transported to another world- a world of beauty, calmness, and lack of any care in the world. It is an exquisite CD that reminds you how beautiful both music and life can be. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Death Cab or other bands of the like.

Hello, world

With a long, hot summer ahead of me and ghostly white skin that is terrified of obtaining the slightest bit of sunlight, I decided it was well time to begin a blog. As these months go on, I plan on sharing my amateur views on music. With this, I hope to discover people that possess similar taste to me and be opened up to new bands and genres of music.

To begin, let me tell you a little bit about my background. I come from a family completely lacking in musical talent: my brother doesn't know the first thing about rhythm; my mother couldn't sing to save her life; and my father who probably is the only one with any musical inclination, is only seen singing after he has had one too many drinks, which is a rarity. Somehow, however, I developed an intense appreciation for music of all kinds.

As a child, I would sing and dance where ever possible; always doing little routines for family and friends. Upon I entering middle school, I took up various instruments and was told I had a talent for singing. Although, I haven't exactly lived up to my potential in that area, it opened me up to a whole new world of music.

With singing, I was exposed to many different genres of music: Broadway, gospel, opera, etc. Although I was not particularly inclined to these genres, I would soon discover my soulmate- indie rock. In the spring of '04 I somehow stumbled upon Death Cab for Cutie and my obsession with indie rock began.

Ever since then, my addiction has grown and I am constantly on the look out for new bands and new types of music. Though indie rock still remains the foundation for my iTunes library, I have lately found a greater acknowledgment towards folk, electronica, acoustics, Latin, and classical.

Over this summer I have several goals in this area which include the deeper learning of classical, ska, and electronica music; to once again take up the piano which I greatly regret having not mastered; and to learn more about the music industry due to my aspiration to possibly have a career in it someday. By having this blog, I encourage you to continue reading my terrible writing and help me become more educated in this area.