Also

Also I have a blog that I pretty much have considered for a while to be invisible, so perhaps it's not the best professionally. But if you're going to google me, I'll give ya' the dirt. My myspace blog that is updated with a music player whenever I get around to it is:
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=878393

So there ya' have it.

Campus Philly

I've also written for Campus Philly. Here is one of my articles.



The Asteroid # 4
by Amanda O’Mahony, Temple '07


Both The Asteroid # 4 and The Sounds of Kaleidoscope have been playing together for over a decade. Both bands, along with The Sky Drops, put on a show well worth attending at Johnny Brenda’s on May 12. Unfortunately, The December Sounds’ van broke down on the way to the show, so only three bands electrified the small crowd that evening.

The Sky Drops, hailing from Wilmington, could be compared to a grunge version of the White Stripes, but with a more ethereal quality to their music, being both dense and yearning at the same time.

It seemed that Monika Bullette was more involved in the music than her counterpart, Meg White, by providing melodious harmonies and playing drums to Rob Montejo’s guitar and vocals. Montejo creates sound in a very innovative way by strumming the chords using his whammy bar.

The Sounds of Kaleidoscope (from Washington D.C.) left everyone’s ears ringing, but it was clear that the tinnitus was worth it. Their sound (obviously not the jungle/jazz/gospel mix proclaimed on their MySpace) is a darker and muddier version of British neo-psychedelic rock of the early '90s.

It was clear to see that the band was highly energetic, which lent to their live show. Drummer, Mike Hirst hit his drums extremely hard and so fast that it was difficult to see the drumsticks themselves.

Scott Vitt, lead singer of The Asteroid # 4, asked at the beginning of the set for as much darkness as he could get, so they could provide the audience a full media interaction, with video backing the band while they played.

It was nice to see that Aislinn Carlson has finally gotten more coverage, as she is now playing both acoustic guitar and drums, as well as tambourine, in some of the songs. The band gave a shout-out to Nico, which was reciprocated from the audience by a shout-out for Lou Reed, then reciprocated again by Vitt’s comment that he was more “a John Cale man” himself. The band had returned to its roots and played a rousing set for the audience. Many of the audience members were extremely appreciative and showed it by their lively dancing and loud cheering, including a gentleman garbed in a velvet robe, ala Hugh Hefner.

The Sky Drops will play Philadelphia again June 9 at The Fire; and June 29 at Tritone, after a tour through the Midwest.

The Asteroid # 4 will play the Liberty Lands Festival on June 2 and July 6 at Johnny Brenda’s, after a quick stint in England.

If you miss these great opportunities to see well-done local rock, you will only have yourself to blame.

Stoll Vaughan

I've also written a CD review for an artist named Stoll Vaughan. It is located on his myspace page.

"Love Like A Mule"
By Amanda O'Mahony

As he tells it, Stoll Vaughan comes from Nashville, Tennessee via Lexington, Kentucky.
Exploring both sides of the southern gentleman coin, charming and nearly irresistible to females, but a bit of trouble altogether, Vaughan is just what the folk rock genre is looking for. If rock music with country folk overtones is what you're looking for, Stoll Vaughan is your man.
Although Vaughan draws on all the right musical standards, he puts his own flavor on the experience. Live, Vaughan jerks his guitar ala Johnny Cash and wiggles his leg and body in such a way that Elvis would be proud. Vaughan exemplifies music for those not interested in copies made from the local billboard mill. Vaughan could be compared to a modern day Mike Nesmith, but thankfully has no television show to overshadow his ability. His music has soul and passion while showing just how well a southern boy can inspire a little boogie in an audience. His troubadour sensibility seems not unlike Bob Dylan himself, but is obviously entirely genuine, personal and heartfelt.
The album begins with "Alright", a rush of drums that come at the listener like a train, as the song goes forth to tell a story leading to a full danceable chorus. Through the lyrics of the album it is easy to see Vaughan has had his share of heartache and hearts to break. He shares these experiences with his audience as willingly as he breaks into story in his live performances. In the same breath Vaughan seems able to tell someone how much he adores them, but cuts them to the quick by giving a biting onslaught of how they've done him wrong. In "Man That Cares", Vaughan pledges how truly he'll love and be devoted while in "Savior" he tells that same person that they're their own savior now.
In the ballad "Fade Away", he guides the audience on a journey through cities and states to lead him to whom he loves, which will resonate with anyone who's ever traveled the United States. While the disc doesn't come with a lyrics sheet, Vaughan pronounces quite clearly for the listener's pleasure. In "Complain", a rocking upbeat song, Vaughan sneers at many of life's problems as he remarks that "baby's gotta learn to complain", which leaves the listener wondering if this is more a sarcastic remark or advice.
With bands like Kings of Leon in the upper crust of indie rock, Stoll Vaughan deserves not only a listen, but also a standing ovation for his beautifully crafted brand of southern folk rock.
Vaughan's disc is an easy listen, which is not at all to say his music is any less accredited for it. He layers the up-tempo songs with the ballads to create a cohesive listening experience. Vaughan's talent shines through his lyrics and melodies, and if he is not the next big thing out of Nashville, then he should be.

Just in case...

Just in case anyone is interested, I have been published and this is one of articles I wrote that was, with a photo I took as well.



In recent years, there have been many cutbacks in public school systems; some of these unfortunately, have included the libraries in those schools. In many cases, school libraries and librarian positions were cut—to the point where some public schools were left with no library at all.

We could bemoan the above forever, and rightly so. On the other hand, we could look to the Free Library—and all of its branches—and most especially, the groups called the Friends of the Free Library.

Each library has one of these groups. Since 1973, the Friends of the Free Library of Philadelphia has been established as an institution connected to the Free Library but not at all ruled by it. The central organization is a non-profit; all of its Friends Groups are comprised of volunteers. The main organization works with these groups to raise community awareness, promote the local library’s programs, encourage computer access, and in general, improve the local branch.

On September 24, the local branch of the Free Library in Northern Liberties—it’s called the Ramonita de Rodriguez branch, at 600 W. Girard Ave., had their first meeting of the school year.

It was clear that Joan Sternberg, leader of the LEAP program at this branch, has already put into place some of the Friends initiatives by producing oil paintings with the children (as seen [above]). She also hopes to work on ceramics project. The paintings already are lending a vital glow to Rodriguez. And its librarian hopes to add more of a glow with some ideas she shared.

Children’s librarian Rayah Levy had a “wish list” and first on it was this idea: to host author events, for both children and adults. She would also like, she said, new chairs for the Rodriguez library, a mounting for the flat screen television they received through a library grant, and a mobile changing table for the youngest patrons of the library. She would also love to see the Zoo on Wheels program visit the library branch for children and adults alike. The upcoming activity sheet for programs and activities within the Rodriguez branch boats story time for infants and toddlers every other Tuesday, a Halloween mystery event held on October 31st, free yoga classes every other Saturday for parents and children, and family empowerment training for parents of children with disabilities beginning November 7th.

And for the Rodriguez branch, there is a big day coming up: October 13. The event is called Rock the Neighborhoods: Latin American Music with Daria and it will take place in the afternoon, from 2 to 4. Children will be enthralled as Daria performs traditional music with cross-cultural instruments, and encourages audience participation. There will also be a book sale, along with this interactive musical experience.

It’s a great idea to become involved with a local Friends of the Free Library group; families, children and adults all benefit so much! This new group at Rodriguez is still in its beginning stages. Their next meeting is November 5 at 6:30 p.m. And they are looking for more volunteer members, who will help nurture their group into a blossoming outreach.

A Friends Group can raise money for its branch, can help keep the collection up to date, can do grassroots political work in support of the libraries, and connect with the public at book sales and other events. Friends groups have instituted book and chess clubs, dance programs, film discussion groups, workshops on poetry and arts and crafts, children’s story hours, and practical classes such as computer literacy and resume building. Sound good? It is.

Come on over to your local library!

Why Rollins is one of my "mentors"

When I was twelve or there abouts, I used to watch MTV whenever I got the chance because I didn't have it at home and this was a time when they still primarily played videos. I don't quite remember when the first time I saw the video for "Liar" was, but I do remember having a similar reaction to it like Beavis: "Whoa!"
At first my only knowledge of Rollins was a muscled guy painted red screaming in my tv. So as I still often do, I investigated into what this was about. The more I looked, I found out about his spoken word repertoire. To a kid who was often picked on and made fun of in school, I felt an outcast and Rollins' words showed me I wasn't alone. As a bit of an radical thinker and an artist at heart, his ideas and words spoke to me. With the anger from all the punishments by other kids, his music gave me an outlet to give some of my anger away. But mostly his ideas grew to my admiration.
Over the years having listened to him speak and having read a lot of his words, when I finally got to see him live this year it was both worth the wait and I wish I hadn't had to wait so long. The $28.50 I paid was some of the best money I've ever spent. The three hours he spoke felt like a half hour. I haven't been so content in years.
I'd have thanked him after the show, but I'd have made a blithering ass of myself, so I didn't. However I still watch his show, read his words and listen to his music and spoken word with a feeling that I'm not alone. That perhaps there are a few kindred spirits out there that would get what I was saying should I be able to vocalize my thoughts in front of them. He is definitely one of the people I'd like to converse with over coffee or tea for long periods of time. The man inspires me to be a better person, especially better than those that try to keep me down. And he is a reachable inspiration unlike Bono who is not. As I once said:
"it's insane to me to think that he still gets jittery around his heroes and that any girl has ever said no to him. I mean he's freakin' Henry Rollins. You think you can do better? Really? What planet do you live on?" And so if there is a planet of Henrys somewhere, I think I belong. Beam me up.

Souljaboy and Youtube

One of the best wastes of time these days is online excursion. One of the best sites for this is youtube. Recently a rapper named Souljaboy came out with a song that at least a dozen people have parodied with their favorite cartoon characters. I'd have to say the Winnie-the-Pooh and Barney parodies were my favorites. I laughed for a rather long time, until I got sick of the song in general.
I highly recommend the time suckage of youtube. It's fairly easy to find just about anything there and generally is a rather humorous and worthwhile tool for entertainment.
Some of my recent favorites are "I like Kitties", the "Numa Numa" song with the kitties, the Safety Dance with Burger King, and "Boom Goes the Dynamite". Also if you want to see things you thought you'd never find (from the hanging of Saddam on video to the further exploration of one of my "mentors" Henry Rollins), click on youtube.
Youtube has created a forum where you can be your own Beavis and Butthead of not only music videos, but pretty much all video material out there. So here's to the advancement of technology.

Concert preparedness and etiquette

In my experience of music, I have attended many concerts, and have a bit of knowledge to share.
When preparing to go to a concert, it is imperative that you wear sturdy close toed shoes. Clogs, sandals, and flip flops are fine if you don't mind people crushing your feet whenever the artist plays the first notes of a song. So I suggest boots or sneakers as your friend.
Equally important is wearing hearing protection. I know it may not seem particularly cool or hip to have squishy bits of rubber shoved in your hearing orafices, but believe me, when you can hear properly the next days, you'll thank yourself for doing this. I absent mindedly forgot mine when I saw Queens of the Stone Age and as they began playing the second song, I could feel my ears ringing. It took me three days afterwards for my hearing to adjust. So bring some earplugs.
As well as being prepared, there are a few things concert goes are doing lately that should definitely be stopped. The most paramount of these is moshing. When I say moshing, I don't mean the fun slam dancing of the 1970's, nor do I mean the relatively harmless crowd surfing of the 1980's, and I don't even mean the pseudo sexual body push of the 1990's. I'm talking about the either drunken or sexually frustrated beat down many people insist on involving themselves in at shows. Unless you've found yourself at a death metal show, most performers don't even want to put up with that stupidity and often stop the show to say so. So the next time you want to beat up on someone, get in the ring, don't ruin a concert for everyone.
Following these guidelines will offer a much more enjoyable concert experience for everyone involved. You can thank me later.

The White Stripes and why local bands are better

In this post I am quite a bit less objective and say "I" a lot, so should this not be proper blog formula, tough. I have a soapbox to stand on for a second.
Not so very long ago, I used to be a huge White Stripes fan. So much so I went to see The Raconteurs and cut my hair like Meg's in the Icky Thump video. Then, they broke my heart.
When I recently visited my hometown, I went to see the White Stripes live with my Dad (who really was a major player in my love of music in the first place). I was so completely excited, not only to see them live, but because I'd be sharing it with my Dad and we hadn't shared a concert in a long time though we used to quite a lot. From the beginning you could tell the band wasn't as enthused as when I'd seen them live before. And just as with Britney, it is their job to perform and if it's lackluster your audience can tell. No matter. I trudged on and begged my husband to take my back to the venue after the show so I could stand at the back with hopes of meeting them.
We got there an hour after the show ended, but there was still a large crowd. We stood around for an hour and a half, until the buses began to pull away. The crowd in the hour and a half had dwindled from the original 50 or 75 to only 20. The people who had been backstage came out and sat on the stairs before the buses pulled away, and everyone waited anxiously as we had not been notified to go home. The last bus pulled away and with the heads low, the fans walked back to their cars. Some were shouting about being jipped, and some were silently brooding. My husband and I climbed in our car and eventually caught up to the buses long enough to see Jack and Meg's silhouettes staring back.
After this, I was so upset I told my Dad that he could have my White Stripes CDs. I didn't want them anymore. And not so very long after that, I heard that they cancelled the tour altogether.
Having relayed this story, I will say this. I don't think I was owed their appearance after the show. I know that technically it is not the job of every musician to come out and do the obligatory CD signing.
However, having been to dozens of concerts in my time, I've met several of the bands I've gone to see (including U2, all except Bono anyway). I'll say this. The time that The White Stripes have left if they continue to shun their fans in this manner, is very short. We can discuss talent all day long, but the real reason any of those musicians are in the positions that they are is because of their fans. It's because we let them make the money, have the fame and be adored in that fashion. If they didn't have fans, they're still be a bar band in Detroit. The reason they are where they are is because we the fans built the pedestals for them to sit on and dictate from. And we can knock them down too.
Which is why after the show, I terminated my allegiance to them. One person may not make much difference, but it's only a matter of time.
I'm in no way at all saying that anyone has the right to go harass and stalk their favorite musician. Those people don't deserve to be fans. They barely deserve to be living in freedom. I'm just saying that musicians should remember their rise, because their fall could be just as meteoric.
Which brings me to local bands and why I'd almost rather see a good local act than a national one: humility. If you go to a local show and put your heart into it as much as you do the arena rockers, you will get a lot more out of it. The local musicians still recognize and are uber-appreciative of their fans. I've even gotten interviews, hugs, and shows played specifically for my benefit. For any music fan, this seems like the high point of your existence. So trust me on the local acts, unless they're blowhards, who don't deserve your time anyway. And take heed musicians: remember your fans, or you might not have any left.

Eagles of Death Metal (and why it's important not to take yourself so seriously)

Of all the music out there right now, Eagles of Death Metal and Queens of the Stone Age are some of the best. Their music flat out rocks, and generally makes ya' want to dance, something so vital and important to rock music.
With that being said, it is pretty obvious that the guys in those bands take the music and the art of putting on a good show seriously, but not themselves. They have put out videos of the making of their albums and have created alter ego cartoon characters that get to say and do what they want, no (or generally no) consequences. They joke about themselves and generally seem to have a good time. All they while concentrating furiously on putting out a good sound time and again. And on top of everything else they make it sexy and fun for their fans (and soon to be fans) in the audience. Eagles of Death Metal laud women to the point of having female only shows, and not in a demeaning or degrading way. No, it's all in fun, love and respect.
There is something to be said about being a party band without being like Andrew WK who may have liked a party, but obviously the world wasn't too interested in partying with him.
People could learn a thing or two from the guys in these bands. Don't take yourself so seriously, have fun, and above all love and you shall receive love in return. Long shall they rock.

What we can learn from classic country

When you ask people what type of music they prefer, most people have an adversity to country music. However, looking at the world today (as with any other day in history really), things are pretty screwed up. We can learn a great deal from classic country music:
"Stand By Your Man" - Sure, don't stand by him if he's beating you, or psychologically ruining your life, but with the divorce rate where it is, if you're going to enter married life listen to those vows. Make sure you know what you're doing before you go doing it.
"Coal Miner's Daughter" - Be proud of who you are, don't run from it. Embrace your childhood and your maturity, even if they were hellish. They are very much a part of you regardless. The harder you run from things, the easier they'll find you and in most cases, wreck your life.
"Coat of Many Colors" - Be thankful. Be thankful of every little thing, especially those given to you in love. There are so many things we can learn from Dolly, but definitely of those, be thankful.
"Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys" - If you listen to nothing else in the song, at least listen to that. Cowboys these days can refer to any number of people who are "always alone even with someone they love." Ouch.
"He Stopped Loving Her Today" - They don't write love song like they used to. These days it's all b- and suck my c-, or trite sacchrine songs such as "Hey There Delilah" that they play 49 hundred times and make you want to break the radio. Hopefully there will come a time in the future when men know how to write love songs again.
"The Gambler" - This is just plainly a good song to live by:
"You gotta know when to hold 'em
know when to fold 'em
know when to walk away
know when to run.
You never count your money when you're sitting at the table
there'll be time enough for counting when the dealing's done."

It's Britney bitch

Yeh, so you have to have the obligatory Britney pitch if you're going to make in this business.
In the wake of the VMA's (which were the worst ever ) and the custody loss of her children, two things need to be said:
1. VMA's - Let's get past the "fat" deal right now. That aspect isn't important. The problem with her performances was that it sucked. As someone who grew up performing, she really should have known better. (I used to perform belly dancing and hula shows, so I know what it takes to perform, especially dance, onstage. Dancing and lipsynching is, I'm sure, a harder job yet. This is not an excuse.) She was particularly lethargic, off synch in the lipsynching, and even stumbled. Britney, if you must drink and abuse drugs, you should wait until after your performance. She honestly looked like the strippers in a bad strip club that you're glad you didn't pay money to see. Britney's back up dancers were more exciting than she was. It's her job to perform. She didn't and in most cases, she would have been fired.
2. Press - Whoever Britney's PR agent is has fallen asleep. If you don't want bad press, stay home. Don't go out and do stupid things. Sure, then people wouldn't would have nothing to talk about you, but have we really become a world where any press is better than no press? Stay home. Fall off the radar. It might behoove you, your family, and your fans (Chris Crocker anyone?) if you did go away completely. At least for a little while. Take a sabbatical and rest. Hell take two. It would do you some good.

Why U2 doesn't suck

I thought it would be good to begin the opinionated b.s. with one of my biggest "mentors" - U2, or specifically Bono.
I was 10 the year Achtung Baby came out and it changed my life. Seriously. I still remember it vividly. My cousin (who just played drums with a band at Austin City Limits, my cousin's awesome) was driving my Mom to the store and I came along to sit in the back. I laid down in the "trunk" area of his hatchback while Achtung Baby blared at me through the speakers. Before this I listened to whatever Top 40 schlock the DJ's peddled on the radio. So U2 has always been very special to me.
On the most recent episode of South Park (which I still watch due to it's outlandish humor and interesting political commentary) they parodied Bono as being a piece of crap. Literally. Now I can certainly see where that would be amusing, but I really wasn't laughing. This isn't the first time I've heard this either. I've even had intensely heated debates on this topic.
Now I'm not stupid or blind, and I can see where people that hate U2 are coming from. However at this point in time, I think to say you hate U2 is to say you're not paying attention. Perhaps you hate them and think they're a wanna-be Clash, but you can't deny their politics. And if you deny their politics, you can't deny their music. Musically they have influenced rock music for three decades now, and generally end up on every Top 10 chart that is published. If nothing else, The Edge plays guitar in such an inspiring, impassioned way, I occasionally prefer him to Bono myself.
Politically they went from mocking presidents to sitting down with them in hopes of a better tommorrow. The Edge worked with Katrina effors, and Bono's humanitarian list spans the globe. It seems to only make sense to me that mocking him is a sign of jealousy. Remember high school? Yeh, like that.
And if you're jealous over something you should stop yourself and make yourself the best you can be. Which is why I don't believe in heroes. Make yourself the best, don't idol worship. But, if I were to idol worship, U2 would be at or near the top of my list.

New blog

I'm redo-ing this blog as my own, since apparently that gets you a job these days? So here goes:

When I was five my grandfather on my father's side gave me the nickname "Jukebox", because I was always singing, dancing or watching MTV.
When I was in 7th grade one of my best friends and I made a list of bands to pass around to all the boys we thought were even worth talking to. The list had three options:
like them
hate them
don't know.
At this point in my life I understand how absurd that kind of rating system for the opposite sex is, but in my defense I was 12.
When I was 14 all I wanted was to someday be a part of a band. My parents told me "You'd better have a back up plan." Devastated I thought "Well if I can't be in a band, I'm good at writing and I like photography... I'll be a rock journalist." I soon found that not only do most musicians generally hate journalists, but the way journalism works anymore is something that really makes no sense to me.
When I was 20, my best friend of the time looked at me and said "You're Rob Gordon (the protagonist of High Fidelity)." It went beyond his obsession with music, but it definitely was a part of it.
To use a word I really like that was used in a rather unflattering way about one of my "mentors" (since I don't believe in heroes and don't know the "mentor" personally), I think blogs are for those who bloviate, or that think their opinions are the key to existence. Blogs to me aren't news, but strictly opinion with generally little fact. Occasionally they have good information, and sometimes are fact checked, but for the most part they seem to be soapboxes for egomaniacs. However, if writing a blog with my opinion and knowledge of music get me any closer to having long drawn out conversations with my "mentors" over coffee, tea, or otherwise, I'll do what it takes and hopefully it will. So let's get started.

Mike Pinto

Mike Pinto is a native Pennsylvanian. These photos are from the show he played in March at Abilene's on South Street. His sound is in the same vein as Sublime, Jack Johnson, and other relaxed, but passionate rock-reggae artists. I'd actually gone to see my friend Chalk play, but was quite impressed by Mike's sound so I asked if I could photograph him as well. I highly suggest checking Mike out while it still costs only $10 to see him and not $50.
http://www.myspace.com/littledistrict


**These photos are actually done by yours truly, so if you have the undying wish to use them please let me know.**

Seabass

Seabass is a band I went to see at The Barbary, here in Philadelphia. The band consists of Patrick O'Brien on vocals and guitar, Dave Ianucci on guitar, Justin Riley on bass, Brett Bendistis on drums, and Ray Wildman on keyboards. They have a very tribal sound. Their cover of Phil Collin's "In the Air Tonight" really hits the brutality and primal urgency of the song home. Their untitled song they call "Bucket Jam" is phenomenal live and a definite must-see. With all the energy and heart these guys play with, they will go very far.
http://www.myspace.com/seabassinc


**These photos are done by yours truly, so if you have the undying need to use them please let me know in advance.**

Brian Jonestown Massacre

Last evening I watched the documentary "Dig!" that I'd tivo-ed this week. Unfortunately it decided to cut out all except the first hour of program, but I got the general idea anyway. Here's the general idea: Brian Jonestown Massacre is/was an amazing band fronted by one severely not alright guy named Anton Newcombe. This could definitely have been the p.o.v. of the director/documentarian, but that's what it seemed like to me.
The band started in San Francisco in 1990. The band has seemed to change their members more than their socks, but the main players are Anton Newcombe, Matt Hollywood, Dean Taylor, Mara Regal, Dawn Thomas, Brian Glaze, and Joel Gion. Finally signed in 1997 to TVT Records, this partnership quickly ended due to the band's unconventionality.
They've apparently sustained within the group and most recently put out an EP in 2005. Being that their music is quite spectacular, even though their band's lifestyle is a bit on the eccentric side, I'd recommend picking up a copy of one of their releases.

Gnarls Barkley

Gnarls Barkley is, what one can only hope, the new sound of hip-hop. This band is a combination of Dangermouse aka Brian Burton and Cee-Lo, a member of Goodie Mob. Both known members claim they are not actually the main act, and a lot of the collaboration is hidden in rumours. They are said to have started in Atlanta, but don't visit the actual site www.gnarlsbarkley.com
of Gnarls Barkley or you'll end up in a tailspin. All one can really tell is that the album is similar to the style of blended hip-hop and rock that the band Gorillaz puts out it almost seems effortlessly.
The single most known from this album is "Crazy", which is particularly catchy. Also the covering of the Violent Femmes on "Gone Daddy Gone" is quite tasteful and most likely an homage. If you're wanting to experience the newest explosion in the hip-hop media, definitely check out the new Gnarls Barkley CD today.

Calexico

Calexico is a band that I must have apparently brushed over before I really listened to them, which is entirely my own fault and such a pity. The band, made up primarily of John Convertino and Joey Burns, hails from Tucson, Arizona. They started the band in the late 90's and have been crafting their sound, which has been called indie-mariachi, ever since. With backgrounds in classical and experimental-rock, the fusion of this band is fantastic.
Their sound is evidently southwestern, with trumpet, marimba, and other ecclectic instruments used throughout. Their previous releases were quite reminiscent of Los Lobos, but the new release sees them leaning more towards the alternative country sound of similar artists like Ryan Adams. The twangy sound of the steel guitar gives their sound a heartbreaking, longing feel and the drumming of Convertino drives the music home. Recently they've been working with artists like Neko Case and Iron & Wine, which gives their newest work a little more of a downhome type feel, but there's definitely still the use of instruments that gives them a completely different feel from so many other bands out there right now. They have an ability to paint a landscape with their songs that allows you to create a soundscape for your listening experience. The softly sung lyrics lend to the album's dreamy quality, but there are several songs such as "Letter to Bowie Knife" that give the album a definite kick start. If you like your alternative country with a little variety and spice, I'd definitely recommend both this album and this band.

http://www.casadecalexico.com/

Imogen Heap

As I'm always on the lookout for new and different artists that I haven't heard before, so when my teacher spoke of Imogen Heap I figured I'd check her out. While I had Heard of her, I'd never really actually sat and listened to her, and those two things are very different.
Listening to her 1998 release, "I Megaphone", I realized several things. I realized I like her, but also that she follows a long line of similar sounding female artists. She combines the Tori Amos-style piano and vocal techniques, seen especially on songs like "Candlelight", with the attitude and lyrical qualities of Ani Difranco, as heard on "Getting Scared". She's likewise been compared to Kate Bush and Patti Smith, but an evident British sound, such as that of PJ Harvey, is somewhat evident as well. However she brings her own blend to the mix with a bit more punk and dance influence, especially in "Getting Scared" and "Rake It In". She strikes me as an artist I would hear on the L Word and want to download. Thankfully though, she is one of the few women out there now claiming it in the name of rock and not in the name of "I'm-wearing-next-to-nothing-please-look-at-my-breasts" pop stars of recent. It is refreshing to see the torch passed to someone who could carry it very far. She has been involved in a collaboration project with Guy Sigsworth, called Frou Frou. She's also recently been featured on the television show "The OC", and has a new album coming out this May.
http://www.imogenheap.co.uk/