The first time I saw Matisyahu, he was on a late night television show. I sat there, my eyes fixated on the screen, with my mouth hanging open. Why? The man on the screen didn't fit the stereotypical image of the style of music he was throwing down on. I have sense closed my mouth. Matisyahu has a new thirteen track album, Light, set for release on August 25. Stylistically, the record covers dancehall, ska, laid back pop, acoustic soul as well as the reggae influenced sound we're all familiar with. You can listen to "One Day" from the album HERE and check out the video below.He is known for his live shows and he's on the road. He'll be all over the place so check out his various online homes, such as MySpace, for dates. Sorry NY, if you missed him last night at Central Park, you'll have to wait until he swings back through the city to catch him or take a road trip. Hey, it's summer ... nothing like a good road trip in the summer.
www.myspace.com/matisyahu
www.matisyahuworld.com
www.wheresmatis.at
www.twitter.com/matisyahu
Washington band The Lonely H has released a video for their song "The Singer" from their current album Concrete Class. Check out the video below. The song, to me, is reminiscent of The Eagles. You can also grab "Diggin' A Hole" from the album HERE. The Lonely H are on the road. For those in the New York area, they'll be at Pianos on July 24. For dates in other parts, check out their MySpace page.
www.myspace.com/thelonelyh
www.pianosnyc.com
The Ocean of Love, the award-winning CD by Ari Frankel, is back! When the album was f
irst released it was rather limited ... meaning it was printed privately and distributed to friends and Frankel's growing fan base. Well, now he has re-mastered the album, designed new adorable packaging and has secured distribution making the effort available everywhere good music is appreciated and sold.I happen to be a fan of stuff for children. Correction, I'm a fan of good stuff for children. A lot of people insist on providing children with annoying drivel that only serves to warp a growing child's musical taste buds and get on parents nerves when their kids insist on listening to it for the five million and forty-seven thousandth time. Frankel however doesn't fall into this category. He has put together a record full of catchy, educational, non-annoying songs that are fun and don't insult children or their parents.Frankel, a cross-genre artist covers many bases with this record. The songs offered up allow children to swim in the waters of pop, jazz, reggae, folk and Latin giving them the opportunity to sample the various genres without being heavy handed about it. The breezy reggae tinged "The Ocean of Love" brings to mind lazy days on the beach building sand castles with your favorite little one while "Drivin' U.S.A. is a number reminiscent of the Beach Boys and "Change Me" is rather Beatlesque. Anyone who knows me might find this a bit odd as I'm not a fan of Latin music, but, my favorite track on the album is the Latin flavored "Hug You."If you have a little one in your life, The Ocean of Love is certainly a record to include in their music collection.
Track Listing
- the ocean of love
- what do you think, that it’s easy to be a kid?
- i say, you say
- wipe my nose
- drivin’ u.s.a.
- hug you
- sandbox sunday
- brush it
- change me!
- good grief
- the snow song
- bedtime story
www.onceuponaparent.com/ocean
www.childmattersmedia.com
www.arifrankel.com
Over the last half dozen or so years, Juliette Lewis (yes, the actress) has cemented herself as a bona fide rock chick. For those living under a rock and who may have missed out on some good music, Lewis fronted the brilliant Juliette And The Licks. Alas, The Licks are no more but Lewis is still rocking like there's no tomorrow. She's set to unleash her new album, Terra Incognita, on September 1. The upcoming album was produced by Mars Volta leader, Omar Rodriguez-Lopez. Lewis wrote most of the 11 songs with long time friend and musician Chris Watson. Personally, I can't wait to get my hands on the new record. For a taste of what's to come, you can stream tracks from the album on Lewis' MySpace page.
www.myspace.com/juliettelewis
Medeski Martin & Wood will release the third installment of The Radiolarians Series. Radiolarians III, which was recorded in December 2008, is scheduled to be released on August 4. Check out "Undone" from the record HERE. The three albums from The Radiolarians Series will be compiled into a limited edition boxed set with in-depth packaging, vinyl as well as bonus audio and video content. You can look for that package later this year around holiday season time.
www.medeskimartinandwood.com
www.myspace.com/medeskimartinandwood
DC band The Dreamscapes Project are coming to NYC. They're set to take the stage down on the LES at Arlene's Grocery next weekend, Saturday, July 11. For those who aren't familiar with The Dreamscapes Project, think The Decemberist or The Dave Matthews Band if you need something to compare. They're a dynamic acoustic based rock band featuring a 12-string acoustic guitar and a cello. When's the last time you popped into a rock club and saw a band break out a cello? Yeah, that doesn't happen often, does it? Of course, you can listen to them for yourselves and see what they're about. Nice guys that they are, The Dreamscapes Project have decided to hook folks up with an MP3. They've sent over the song "Excess" from their album Pity In A Heartbeat which you can download HERE (right click, save as) for free.Swing by Arlene's next week and check them out if you're looking for a show to go to and or just happen to be hanging about the LES. They're on the road venturing to other places besides NYC too. Check out their website to find out what other stages they'll be rocking in the coming weeks.
www.theScapes.com
www.arlenesgrocery.net
