Archive for February, 2010

Matthew West Posts New Music Video

Posted by ian On February - 26 - 2010

matthew west 2009

Below is the latest music video from singer/songwriter Matthew West with his song “Save A Place For Me”. Its a pretty cool music video, the more cinematic elements seem to really bring out the words of the song. Anyway…ENJOY!

He Is We Post Live Video

Posted by ian On February - 26 - 2010

he is we 2010

Below is a link to go watch the emo folk duo He Is We preform their song “Blame It On The Rain”. I know that I usually try to have videos embedded, but I couldn’t pull it off on this one, and I figured you guys would like it. If you remember, we featured He Is We as a free download a few weeks ago, and if were into that one, I think you will really enjoy the song. So follow the link below, but come back to us….please…

Watch He Is We perform “Blame It On The Rain”

The One21 Essential 100 Pt.8

Posted by ian On February - 25 - 2010

essential100 copy

The One21 Essential 100 is a collection of albums that represent the best in creativity, innovation, and originality in music. This is not a “best of” list, nor is it influenced by album sales, or even popularity. Our attempt with this series is to highlight the gems, those rare albums that push boundaries and encourage new ways of thinking; both musical and philosophically. In our opinion, the music highlighted in this series is the “good stuff”.

Simply what this is going to be is a list of 100 albums from Christian music artists that we think you should own. Like our website, most genres will be represented, and some of the albums will be from as far back as the 60s, to as current as 2009. Each week we will post five albums, in no real order, with descriptions, album artwork, and places to buy the music.

Check out Pt.1
Check out Pt.2
Check out Pt.3
Check out Pt.4
Check out Pt.5
Check out Pt.6
Check out Pt.7

Enter The Worship Circle- Second Circle
Second Circle
Enter The Worship Circle

2002
Buy this album: Amazon, iTunes
100 Portraits, joined by like-minded artists such as Will Hunt of Apt.core, return with more of their original and down to earth worship-oriented songs… this time with the same name, simply being distinguished by the sub-title Second Circle. Several of members of the Enter The Worship Circle collective have often traveled to third world countries to share their talents in the outreach efforts of indigenous churches. In recent visits to India, they were inspired by the native instruments and songs found among the village churches, and in fact documented some of the sounds they encountered, mixing select portions of those samples into the new recording.

Driving Indian rhythms intertwine with fresh, intimate, uninhibited expressions of love and worship to create this ground-breaking album, using instruments such as tablas, dumbeks, an amazing sitar, and who knows what else. With all original songwriting, even a few seemingly improv lyrical inspirations captured during the live studio recording, Second Circle allows you to join the musicians in their realization of how deep, wide, and amazing the love of God is. This collection of passionate songs reflects a desire for simplicity and spontaneity in worship, with its use of basic instruments and genuine expression. Hand percussion and acoustic guitars, simple arrangements, and a new world of looping-rhythm sections blend throughout every track creating a beautiful tapestry. Every once in a while something truly different comes forth from creative wombs by the grace of God, with power enough to change the way you think about music, worship, life… this is that something.
Highlights: I Cannot Hide My Love, Tiny, Praise Awaits You

Hundred Year Storm- Hello From the Children of Planet Earth
Hello From The Children Of Planet Earth
Hundred Year Storm

2006
Buy this album: itunes
Utilizing clips of greetings in over 50 languages used in NASA’s Golden Record, clips of John F. Kennedy talking about the space race, a Florence Nightingale quote dating all the way back to the 1890’s and sound clips from a space launch gone awry; Hundred Year Storm creates an inventive soundscape that takes space rock to a new level. Soaring melodic guitar symphonies, industrial sounds and soaring vocals build to a cathartic explosion of beauty, asking listeners to consider Who Else might be with us in this world.

“All This Time” and “Where Beauty Never Dies” are haunting songs of separation and longing. “Yesterday Had It All” is a pleading love song that would make Jeremy Enigk proud. But it is in the three pillars of the CD that Hundred Year Storm display their unique vision. The title track “00:01”, the centerpiece of the recording “Golden Record” and the closer “Pilot’s Last Broadcast” define the sound of Hello From Children Earth. Blending the samples noted above with haunting atmospheric instrumentals Hundred Year Storm create post rock guitar symphonies that will haunt you and cause you pause. When we asked guitarist and lead singer Bill McCharen how to best listen to Hundred Year Storm he said, “with headphones”. We agree.
Highlights: 00:01, All This Time, Yesterday We Had It All

The O.C. Supertones - Supertones Strike Back
Supertones Strike Back
The O.C. Supertones

1997
Buy this album: Amazon, iTunes
With the decline of grunge music in the US in the late 90s, the landscape was searching for its next big musical movement. It came in the form of ska, a hybrid combining elements of reggae, punk, pop, and big band music. In 1997, this movement introduced one of its best, and what would become one its most successful bands with the album Supertones Strike Back. The O.C. Supertones exploded into the scene like a lightning bolt….if lighting bolts had brass sections.

On its surface, Supertones Strike Back is simply just a really great ska album. It is lots of fun, every time you listen to it, skanking and pogoing will be a constant temptation. While the band exhibited many of the typical ska techniques, they were able to set themselves apart for a few reasons. The first major one was vocalist Mojo’s rap/sing/yell vocal style, from the first 30 seconds on Supertones Strike Back, Mojo attacks every song like it’s the last song he would ever sing, and you cant help but fall in love with his light-hearted yet deeply passionate lyrics.

More importantly, Supertones Strike Back was a ministry album above all. In most cases, when Christian bands would try to insert blatant gospel lyrics into new genres, the result was in most cases slightly awkward, and …..I dare say lame. Ska was a different kind of music though, at it’s core it was supposed to be happy. You were SUPPOSED to be upbeat and sing loud! Supertones Strike Back may be the purest 90s ska album ever created then, because there is no greater joy than that found in Christ, and The O.C. Supertones were hear to tell you at the top of their lungs….and their horns.
Highlights: Unite, Resolution, Supertones Strike Back

Iris Dement-The Way I Should
The Way I Should
Iris DeMent

1996
Buy this album: Amazon, iTunes
The Way I Should, Iris DeMent’s third album is a legendary break away from her previous lyrical style. Her first two albums were introspective and personal; The Way I Should is highly political, attacking hypocrisy and class warfare in the United States. Iris DeMent‘s twangy Arkansas soprano and detail-filled lyrics are sharply original. Listen to “Wasteland of the Free” as DeMent rages about the hypocrisy of preachers who don’t behave in a manner befitting their status, politicians dependent on corporate finance, wealthy businessmen opposed to minimum wages, children with guns, children with poor reading ability and going to war over oil. That’s quite a lot to pack into one song.

Iris DeMent’s has the voice of mountain honey – sweet, strong, earthy and pure. She can play down home on the porch with just a guitar or rock it with a full band. Her lyrics are prolific and reflective the range of songs on this landmark recording spans folk, country and rock, with themes of romance, child abuse, politics and personal vision. Each song is wrapped in the complex, heart-felt, stunning lyrics and voice that underlines Iris DeMent‘s uniquely compelling music career.
Highlight: There’s A Wall In Washington, Wasteland Of The Free, Keep Me God

Zao-Liberate Te Ex Inferis
Liberate Te Ex Inferis (Save Yourself From Hell)
Zao

1999
Buy this album: Amazon, iTunes
For anybody who wasn’t there, I need to clue you in on something: without Zao we wouldn’t have good Christ-centered metal. They simple changed the game, and they are still one of the MOST ripped off bands in modern extreme music today. While the band’s previous effort, Where Blood And Fire Meets Rest, introduced us to the Zao sound, it was Liberate Te Ex Inferis that permanently embed the band in the minds of metal fans of all ages.

It is hard now to explain how important this album was, because after this, like I said before, this is all anybody wanted to sound like. The album was very dark, first and foremost; most band’s in the “Christian metal” scene at that time were essentially making worship songs that just happened to be played as metal. Zao took a different approach; they wrote songs that reflected the human struggle with salvation and divinity. Because of this, the songs rarely shine, but continue to plunge deeper and deeper into chaos. The other was just the SOUND of the album. It had a grimy, distorted feel that only added to the semi operatic writing style of the band. Liberate Te Ex Inferis ends up sounding like a struggle with the Devil, played over an old radio. A warning for the masses.

There is an ongoing debate as to which of the Zao-Trinty (the three albums that made Zao a house hold name for most: Where Blood Fire Meets Rest, Liberate Te Ex Inferis, and Self-Titled) is the “best” Zao album. We chose this one because it lands somewhere in between the vicious nature of Fire, and the creative songwriting of Self-Titled. It is still the best of the genre that they helped create, and man it still hits just as hard over 10 years later.
Highlights: Savannah , If These Scars Could Speak , Desire The End

American Idol Season 9 Top 24 Results Live Blog

Posted by chuck On February - 25 - 2010

So the critics are calling this the worst group of American Idol contestants ever.  I must admit the American Idol Season 9 started with a thud.  The performances were unimaginative at best, the sound was unprofessional and the judges seemed tired and bored.  Let’s give these aspiring artists a few more weeks before destroying their careers.  I will admit that I am pretty ticked-off about the last two nights.  I just gave up four hours of women’s bobsled, ice dancing and that thing where skiers slide up a hill and flip around in the air.  I will never get that back.

Tonight we find out who were the worst of the American Idol Season 9 performers, four will go home tonight.  At One21music we follow the Christian music artists competing on American Idol Season 9.  Seven Christian music artists are awaiting their fate tonight.  Michael Lynche, Didi Benami, Tim Urban, Lacey Brown, Michelle Delamor,  Jermiane Sellers and Ashley Rodriguez are on the block.  We hope all of them get another chance but I am worried about Tim Urban, Lacey Brown and Jermaine Sellers.

It must be exceedingly frustrating to go home tonight.  You cannot blame anyone but yourself but the performers must feel that they really did not get a chance to fully show what they can do.  Everyone can have a bad performance and you cannot judge a performer by any one good or bad performance.  No matter who goes home, I will feel bad for them.

And we are live on American Idol Season 9!  24 million people voted and Kris Allen will perform.  Ryan is right to point out that it is usually rough at this point of the season.

The Top 24 perform a group number, but I missed the song title and I don’t recognize it.  Is it “American Boy”?  Not a bad song, jazzy, and they are doing pretty well with it.  We do find out the Didi Benami cannot dance, she becomes more like Brooke White every time we see her.  My wife just informed me that the song was made popular by Estelle.

Let’s get started sending some girls home. Siobhan Magnus is safe.  Haeley Vaughn is safe.  Michelle Delamor must be safe and she is safe.  Katelyn Epperly sang “Oh Darling” and she is safe.  Uh oh, Katie Stevens and Janelle Wheeler are on the block.  It must be Janelle.  Yep, Janelle Wheeler goes home.  The Heart bomb blows up in her face. She seems to take it well.  Way to leave with dignity.

We get an Allison Iraheta sighting.  I can’t wait. She is singing her new single “Scars”.  This is an okay song, especially by American Idol alumni standards.  Not the best I have heard her sing, but I like Allison.

Christian music artists Didi Benami, Lacey Brown and Ashley Rodriquez remain on the block with Crystal Bowersox, Paige Miles and Lilly Scott.  I am worried about Lacey Brown I think it is either her or Paige Miles.

We jump right into the eliminations again.  Paige Miles is up and she stays another week, it is either Lacey or a surprise.  Lacey Brown is back for another week.  Who will be the surprise?  Lilly Scott is back for another week.  I think it will be Ashley Rodriguez is going home.  Crystal Bowersox is safe and we are down to Ashley and Didi BenamiAshley Rodriquez goes home.  What a surprise!  She is surprised and a little mad and struggling to hold it together.  So sad, our first Christian music artist goes home.  Good luck Ashley!

It is interesting that similar types are the first to be eliminated.  One of three blonde folk pop singers, Janelle Wheeler.  One of three R&B singers, Ashley Rodriguez goes home.  It is not fair but both of them split a voting block.

Now the guys are up and we start with Michael Lynche and he is safe. John Park survives a poor performance.  Aaron Kelly is surely safe and so he is.  Toddrick Hall took a big risk last night and he survives.  Tim Urban and Joe Munoz are side by side.  Christian music artist Tim Urban is safe.  Wow, he is in shock!  I can’t believe that Tim survived, I am so happy.  You get one more chance to prove Simon wrong.  Sorry Joe Munoz, I liked you.

After Kris Allen performs, Christian music artist Jermaine Sellers is on the hot seat with Casey James, Andy Garcia, Alex Lambert, Lee Dewyze and the bathrobe boy Tyler Grady.  I think Alex Lambert leaves us from that group but Jermaine Sellers could be a surprise departure tonight.  I hope not, I think he has more to bring than he showed last night.

After a one year break Idol Gives Back returns in April, but they are starting the focus with a report from Haiti by Kris Allen.  Kris’s performance is available in iTunes and all proceeds go to Haiti relief and you can donate online as well.  Kris is interpreting “Let It Be”.  Do you remember why you loved him so much last year?  Do you remember why you voted for him.  Go to iTunes and download this song.  Go to AmericanIdol.com and donate.  Great, great song performed well by last year’s American Idol.

Time to finish this agony.  Starting with Casey James and he is safe to be terrorized by Kara for another week.  Jermaine Sellers is safe for another week, yeah!  All of the Christian guys are through. Lee Dewyze is safe, as is Andy Garcia.  It is down to Alex Lambert and Tyler Grady.  It could be Tyler but I would be surprised.  I think Alex Lambert is going home but I am wrong.  Tyler Grady is going home.  What a surprise.  He is now criticizing the judges.  Bad form dude.

We finish the evening with a montage of the four who are going home.  I really disagree with America about Ashley and I am shocked by Tyler’s exit.

Check back this weekend and I will preview next week’s show and then we will be here live blogging all three of next week’s shows of American Idol Season 9.

Help Haiti Live Concert Announced

Posted by ian On February - 25 - 2010

helphaitilive

Yesterday, Compassion International announced a benefit concert to help aid in their Haiti Disaster Relief Fund. The concert will feature Jon Foreman, Alison Krauss, Jars Of Clay, Mat Kearney, NEEDTOBREATHE and many others. The statement below was released yesterday:

With extraordinary need still existing in the devastated country, Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Big Kenny, Mat Kearney, Jars of Clay, Jon Foreman, Brandon Heath, NEEDTOBREATHE, Dave Barnes, and Matt Wertz will participate in a concert at Nashville’s famed and Gaylord- owned Ryman Auditorium. Produced to inspire live concert and on-line audiences to financially support the relief work of Compassion International in Haiti, all talent and production fees have been donated, along with streaming services (Livestream.com), allowing proceeds to go toward Compassion’s disaster relief fund (more details below). Gibson Guitars has donated a guitar to be signed by the evening’s performers and auctioned off, with bids starting today at HelpHaitiLive.com/auction.

Tickets range in price from $25-75 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster locations, as well as through The Ryman box office: 800-745-3000 or ryman.com.

Event details include:
Nashville/Ryman Auditorium, 7:30pm cst:
Host: Big Kenny (plus performance)
Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas
Jars of Clay
Mat Kearney
Jon Foreman
Brandon Heath
Dave Barnes
NEEDTOBREATHE

All net proceeds from HelpHaitiLive.com will go to Compassion International’s Haiti disaster relief fund. All money raised in response to the Haiti earthquake will be used immediately to re-equip Compassion’s local support structure and to provide for the immediate needs of Compassion-assisted children and families.

Compassion has been meeting the physical and spiritual needs of Haitians for more than forty years and will continue to serve them in this time of extreme need. Already Compassion International has supplied more than 15,000 families with clean water, food, blankets, temporary shelter, medical supplies and counseling. Donations will lay bricks, feed, educate, clothe, heal and rebuild Haiti for many months to come.

Compassion International is the world’s largest Christian child development organization that permanently releases children from poverty. Founded in 1952, Compassion successfully tackles global poverty one child at a time, serving more than 1 million children in 26 of the world’s poorest countries. Recognizing that poverty is more than a lack of money, Compassion works holistically through local churches to address the individual physical, economic, educational and spiritual needs of children, enabling them to thrive, not just survive. Charity Navigator, America’s largest charity evaluator, has awarded Compassion its highest rating “four stars” for eight consecutive years.

“Help Haiti Live” is owned by Compassion International and will be produced by Shaun Groves and Synergy Production Group. Synergy Production Group creates and produces live events that connect audiences with brands or causes. Offering turn-key event solutions, strategic content development, creative design, audio, video and lighting production, talent procurement and complete program management, Synergy Production Group is based in Franklin, TN (www.synergyprg.com).

Gaylord Entertainment Company has taken an active and immediate role in supporting earthquake recovery efforts in Haiti. In addition to its involvement in the Help Haiti Live concert event, Gaylord is providing direct aid to family members of employees who live in Haiti through its STAR Assistance Program. The company also provided financial support to the American Red Cross’s relief efforts and is currently working with Harvest Time International in Florida as well as the Salvation Army to transport thousands of pounds of food, clothing, and household goods donated by its STARS (employees) to the hardest-hit areas of the island nation.

Yunek Posts New Music Video

Posted by ian On February - 25 - 2010

yunek 09

Below is the latest music video from R&B/hip-hop artist Yunek with her song “Straddle The Fence”. The video and the song deal with the duality of loving God and truely meaning it, but at the same time getting continually sucked into life choices that don’t reflect Him. Video is really well made, and I’m kind of digging the song…hope we hear more from Yunek soon….ENJOY!

American Idol Season 9 Top 12 Guys

Posted by chuck On February - 24 - 2010

American Idol Season 9 started with more of a thud than a roar.  The ladies did not prove to be as fantastic as hyped.  However, did we expect any different?  When have these first show been fantastic?  The only great performance I can ever remember is Lakisha Jones who set a high bar in the first live show of American Idol Season 6. There were no revelations last night and most of the ladies underwhelmed.

Tonight the guys get their chance to surprise us with consistently good performances.  American Idol Season 9 features three Christian music artist men: Michael Lynche, Jermaine Sellers, and Tim Urban.  To learn more about these American Idol Season 9 Christian music artists see our articles on American Idol Season 9

The Christian music performers will be joined tonight by nine other American Idol Season 9 hopefuls: Aaron Kelly, Alex Lambert, Toddrick Hall, Tyler Grady, Casey James, Lee Dewyze, Andrew Garcia, Jose Munoz and John Park.

As we discussed in our American Idol Season 9 Top 24 preview we expect Michael Lynche and Andrew Garcia to be  strong contenders all season and we would not be surprised if Toddrick Hall and Alex Lambert struggle tonight.

As we discussed in last night’s Top 12 Girls Live Blog, American Idol Season 9 presents a few changes for song selection in. Contestant performances will be available for purchase and download exclusively on the iTunes Store (www.itunes.com) the day following the performances. And for the first time, beginning with the Top 12, American Idol Season 9 show themes will be revealed in advance on iTunes along with playlists of original songs by the original artists from which the contestants may choose and which fans can preview and download.

This week the American Idol season 9 Top 24 will perform songs from the Top 10 Hits of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.  We were unlcear how this would work, but it seems American Idol Season 9 contestants can select just about any song ever sold.  Let’s see if the guys can deliver tonight.

That was an odd opening, “This Is American..Simon stop talking.”  Randy says the girls blew it out last night, what?  It will be interesting to see if Ellen has anything to say tonight.

So we start with Toddrick Hall. He has some gospel in his background but I cannot find much in his recent past and there has been some controversy with some of his business dealings.  He is singing Kelly Clarkson’s “Since You Been Gone” as an R&B number.  Toddrick has it going on. Good vocals, great arrangement and fantastic stage presence.  This is a good way to start the show.  I think Ellen just summed it up with “yep”.  Randy hated the arrangement. Kara agrees that she wants to see him sing more. Simon hated it.  I disagree with the judges.

Aaron Kelly, the 16 year old adopted country singer from Pennsylvania.  He has published songs as a song writer.  He is singing Rascal Flatt’s “Here Comes Goodbye”.  I am not a Flatt’s fan but this sounds better than their version.  Country is definitely his strong suit.  Of course the judges will say he did not show enough originality.  Simon says it was good but he is not confident enough. The judges ignored what they did not like about him and focused on building him up.

Christian music artist Jermaine Sellers starting singing gospel music professionally when he was 14.  He is singing “Get Here” Oleta Adams.  This does not sound very good.  I don’t know this song, but it seems to be off key and shrill.  I did not like this.  Ellen is trying to more insightful tonight. Randy hates it and says he was trying to do too much with it.  He says just sing, dude.  Simon says it was so over the top that he was screaming.  I agree with Simon.

Tim Urban, our last minute substitute, is the stealth Idol.  Have we seen him on camera yet this season?  He is a Christian from Texas and he needs a break out performance tonight. At least Ryan spends a couple of minutes with him before performs.  He kept his success from his family until it was announced on television, how cool.  He is a heartthrob.  He sings “Apologize” by OneRepublic and he is channeling Kris Allen.  I am not sure he has the high end for this song.  He is really struggling.  Not the type of performance you need to stay in the competition.  Simon slams him and says they made the right decision the first time. Kara says he was buried by the song. The judges are right that the performance did not work.  Hopefully he will get another a chance to show what he can do.

Joe Munoz, a 20 year-old from California, talks through his Hollywood struggles.  Tonight he sings “You and I Both” by Jason Mraz.  This a boring song but he sounds pretty good. Not much stage presence.  There is really not much here.  I suspect Simon will say forgettable. Ellen liked it?  Kara and Randy liked the singing.  and Simon said it, forgettable.

Now we see, 70′s rocker Tyler Grady.  Remember, he auditioned with broken wrists. He is singing The Guess Who’s “American Mind”.  He certainly feels comfortable in his rock singer stage presence.  The back-up singers are a little distracting.  The singing is okay, but the performance is good. I like the song.  Simon calls him cliched and focuses too much on his persona.  Kara thinks he needs to be more original.  All the judges are saying style over substance.

The judges are vicious tonight.  It seems that half way through last night’s show the judges lost patience and decided to be brutally honest and they carried it over into tonight.  Not that the performers are helping, mostly below average tonight.  We need someone to ignite the judges with a great performance.  Where is Michael Lynch?

It is time for rocker Lee Dewyze, a 23 year old paint sales clerk from Chicago.  He is singing “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol.  He is the first one to play his guitar tonight.  He has a big, but rough voice.  Tonight he is flat.  He does not deliver the break through we needed.  Ellen loves his tone but heard he pushed off key.  Randy did not like it all and Kara didn’t either.  Simon thinks it was the best of the night, calling him a naturally good singer.  Lee will get another chance.

Next up is John Park.  He had a great audition but we have not seen him much since.  If I remember, he has a deep soulful voice.  He is a student at Northwestern. He is singing the jazz standard “God Bless the Child”.  What a beautiful voice this guy has.  As Shania Twain said, he has a great bottom end.   Simon does not think he has a good enough voice and the performance was emotionless.  Kara agrees with Simon and feels he did not connect.  Randy likes it a little better but he is not excited. John may be in trouble.

Now Christian music Michael Lynche takes his shot at exciting the judges.  You cannot forget Michael, he is the biggest performer ever on American Idol, but he seems so soulful and nice.   He sings “This Love” by Maroon 5. Is this who he is?  He does not seem comfortable, maybe a little stiff.  The vocals are strong but something is missing.  I have heard this guy’s original stuff, it is brilliant.  I hope he brings his creativity to future performances.  He is good but not up to his own standards.  Ellen liked it.  Randy thinks he brought energy to the show.  Kara appreciates him but says the performance was not outrageously great.  Simon calls him a support act.

Next up is 19 year old Alex Lambert who suffered through the Mary Powers’ Hollywood Week group.  He is butchering some song by James Morrison.  Is it “Wonderful World”?  I don’t like his voice and I don’t like his performance.  He may be leaving us this week.  Simon says it was the most uncomfortable performance of the night.  Kara thinks he needs a hug.  The judges love his tone but they agree he needs to believe in himself.  Ellen loves his mullet and compares him to a banana?

Ft. Worth heartthrob, blues guitarist Casey James steps into the gauntlet with the Bryan Adams song “Heaven”.  On stool, bathed in blue light with his guitar he delivers on this power ballad.  this thing between him and Kara needs to stop, it is too weird.  The performance is pretty good.  It is nothing special.  Thank you Ellen for apologizing for the judges’ behavior.  Kara calls him eye candy and ear candy. Simon thinks it was honest and likable.  Casey thanks them for complimenting him.  He said, “I was ready to come up her and get torn apart.”

Can anyone pulls this bus out of the ditch?  Andrew Garcia, you are our last hope.

Andrew Garcia, the stay at home father, whose family left the gang life to raise him, is one of the great hopes for American Idol Season 9.  He sings “Sugar We Are Going Down” by Fall Out Boy.  He is a very confident performer.  It is not his best vocal but the arrangement is fantastic.  Simon was disappointed, calling it too serious and too indulgent.  Kara calls it a strange arrangement, but I liked it.  I disagree with the judges about the arrangement.

Overall, this is another disappointing night.  Maybe the performers get their groove back next week. Join us tomorrow night to see four people go home.

Free MP3 Album Download: Sev Statik-Silver LP

Posted by ian On February - 24 - 2010

sev statik silver lp

Today’s free download is from the mighty Sev Statik. For those that don’t know Sev 1) you have been missing out and 2) he is one the key members of the underground hip-hop super-crew known as The Tunnelrats. Those familiar with Tunnelrats will know what to expect from Sev Statik; the dude is total underground hip-hop. His rhymes are complex and introspective, the beats are intricate and kind of grimy. There is alot of focus here on ministry, samples, and artistic hip-hop. Everything you could need…

The Silver LP is one of Sev Statik‘s first solo ventures, and last week he announced that not would most of his library be on a massive discount, but that this little gem would be for free. If you are into down-to-earth hip-hop with alot of heart and message, then you should download this album right NOW!

For fans of: Cas Metah, LMNO, Atmosphere, Brother Ali

the link below will take you to Sev Statik‘s bandcamp page. Hit that DOWNLOAD ALBUM link at the top of the page, and fill out what ever info they ask for, and you will receive a link to down the album in your email shortly after…

Download Sev Statik-Silver LP

LMNO Posts New Music Video

Posted by ian On February - 24 - 2010

LMNO-300x300

Below is the latest music video from underground hip-hop artist LMNO for his track “Working”. The track comes from LMNO‘s latest release, Push That Work, which he says is only one of ten albums he plans to release this year. We will keep you posted on that, keep up the good work LMNO, and ENJOY!!

Secret & Whisper Ready New Album

Posted by ian On February - 24 - 2010

Below is the album artwork and tracklisting for Tooth & Nail Records band Secret & Whispers upcoming, April 6th, 2010 release entitled Teenage Fantasy. This one has been pushed several times, but it seems like the April release date is going to stick, and this morning Absolutepunk reveiled the album artwork. The wait is ALMOST over….

secret and the whisper teenage fantasy

1. Youth Cats
2. Warrior (Southern Arrowwood)
3. Bedroom Galaxy
4. Tiny Sparkle
5. Famous for a Century
6. Edge of Wilderness
7. Pretty Snarl
8. Star Blankets
9. Blush
10. Whale Bones
11. Silver Mountain

for more new releases, please check out our ALBUM RELEASE DATES page to stay up to date on all the new music coming out