80's Babies

Artist: 80's Babies

Album: Sonic Music
Release: 5/18/2010

One my boys put me up on  this. I was impressed from the first trak on. I would best describe this as Murs  meets The Roots. This very soulful hip-hop that can very easily be accompanied by a live band at a show. This is definitely not the run of the mill sheeeit that you hear on he radio. See for yourself:

80's Babies

E-mail me: kojak@stereogasm.com

Nightwish and Within Temptation

Ok, I am totally cheating here and lumping two bands into one review.  Why? Cause I can.  And cause they are essentially the same band doing the same kind of music.  Both of them have female singers who can and do trade verses with a male vocalist in the band.  Both are similar to what Evanescence used to be, but if they were juiced on steroids.  Both are foreign.  Both write pretty damn good songs.  I like to listen to them when I run.  I like lamp.  Oh, and both female lead singers are easy on the eyes.  So that's kinda nice.

Nightwish "Bye Bye Beautiful"

Within Temptation "The Howling"

Can you dig it?

Shaft@stereogasm.com

Anders Osborne "Got Your Heart"

Do you like Jack Johnson?  I don't.  This guy is better.   And it's nice to hear a unique voice every once in awhile.  Although the creepy beard should really go.   "Got Your Heart" 

shaft@stereogasm.com

Trombone Shorty "Something Beautiful"

Don't worry.  I will get back to rockin' it out in a few minutes.  But first, a shout out to an awesome musician from Nawlin's.  Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews (who may have one of the best non hip-hop nicknames I have heard in quite some time) is a trumpet and trombone musician who has toured with the likes of Lenny Kravitz (feat. in this song) and performed with U2 and Green Day.  If you like a lot of jazz mixed with some hip-hop doused with some funk and soul then you will love this cat.  Good stuff.  Here is an in-store performance of his......."Something Beautiful"

Shaft@stereogasm.com

Midnight to Twelve

Another unknown band that I stumbled upon on Itunes is called Midnight to Twelve.  Solid rock and roll.  I see women loving this band. I see them opening for Nickelback.  I see them being the better part of the concert.  I see you pressing the following links....."Good Morning Again" and "How Bad".   I see them getting in a fight with Nickelback.  I see Shaft coyly smiling knowing that Chad Kroeger got punched in the face.  Ahhh....dare to dream.... 

Did you like it?  Lemme know.....shaft@stereogasm.com

Shaman's Harvest "Devil's Gift"

Shaman's Harvest is a metal band out of Jefferson City, Mo that I stumbled upon while downloading some music from Itunes.  It seems that I was going through a bit of rock phase---which you will most certainly see coming from a flurry of posts today.  Anyway, this particular band stuck out to me.  I dig the southern feel to their song "Devil's Gift".   Jump in your pick-up and take a listen........

What do you think??

Shaft@stereogasm.com

Cysion

Picked this up while outside Wrigley Field after a Cubs game. You can tell by the way that he was pushing his product on the streeet that this Detroit native is a str8 hustla. He posseses a baritone flow with a nice delivery placed over slick azz beats. Check out some of his music : http://www.cysion.net/

E-mail me kojak@stereogasm.com

Therion "O'Fortuna"

You have all heard this song.  Maybe not done like this but you've heard it.  The original is a piece of classical music heaven.  You need to get ready to go to war?  Put this on while you apply the warpaint.  In fact, this song has been added to my playlist when I run  cause it just will not let me get tired.  

"O'Fortuna"

Bo Burnham

We here at Stereogasm love to laugh.  And we are certainly not the most straight-laced group of individuals.  Occasionally we come across an artist that combines both comedy and music.  Bo is hysterical.  Listen to his take on "The Perfect Woman".

Jedi Mind Tricks "Razorblade Salvation"

A hip-hop song with some depth to it......."Razorblade Salvation".  And another by them....."I Against I"

Iron & Wine "Love Vigilantes"

Great cover of the New Order Song, "Love Vigilantes".  If you like Ray LaMontagne than you probably know and like Iron & Wine.  Please press===> "Love Vigilantes" and enjoy.

Shooter Jennings & Hierophant "Black Ribbons"

Artist: Shooter Jennings & Hierophant
Album: "Black Ribbons"
Genre: Awesome.  Okay, lets call it a concept album even though that doesn't even do it justice as to how much I love this album.

So a little over a week ago I was visiting my local library and looking for a few albums to add to the collection that I was missing and I stumbled upon this album by Shooter Jennings.  Now, I already was a fan of Shooter from his "Electric Rodeo" and "Put the O Back in Country" days, but I was a little surprised that I didn't know this album was coming out.  And who the heck was Hierophant? Eh, whatever, I picked it up and threw it on the pile.

Now, I originally wrote quite the opus the first time I tried to put my thoughts to paper but even then it seemed to "heady" and well too much like a real review.  So here's the gist.  The premise of this album takes place at a radio station that is broadcasting it's last night before the government takes over the airwaves.  The "rogue" DJ decides that he wants to play the band Hierophant, kind of a underground, truth speaking/seeking kind of band.  The "rogue" DJ is none other than Stephen King.  Every couple of tracks he comes on and does a narration to the keep the mood just right for this album.  Back to the music.  This shit rocks.  If you like in your face Rock with a touch of country and a touch of fuzz and a little grime and a bunch of dirt mixed in with a little political flavoring than this is for you.  Check out the song "Summer of Rage" and "All of This Could Have Been Yours".   

So far, I have forced this album on my friends and pleasantly none of them have choked on it.  In fact, most have thanked me for turning them onto it.

Buy it.  Download it.  Get a copy of it.  In an age where it seems like we are lucky to get one or two great songs off an album and pretty much skip most of the filler, get this album.  I said ALBUM.   You won't be disappointed.

Questions? Comments? Concerns? email me........shaft@stereogasm.com

A200

Here's a lil sumn I picked up when I was out on vacation. A200 does a lot of shows in South Florida. Its pretty good rock music. If you ever venture that way, I'd suggest checkin em' out... Here's their myspace: http://www.myspace.com/a200rocks

I like this track: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oc9kR9Lfsh0



E-mail me @ kojak@stereogasm.com with any suggestions, ideas, or bands that we need to pat attenion to.
                                                                        - Kojak

Brother Ali

Artist:       Brother Ali
Album:     Us
Released: 2009

This is the 3rd album from Rhymesayer's artist Brother Ali.  If you like uplifting, conscious, articulate rhyming and lyrics than Brother Ali is preaching your kind of music.  Not only can he throw down a club banger like "The Preacher" but can also use his considerable lyrical skills to tell a story, like his track "House Keys".  Something that is sometimes lacking in Hip-Hop today.

 Let me know what you think?  Email me at shaft@stereogasm.com with artists you think we should know and comments about the site. We are always looking to improve the product.  So don't be shy...

Little Brother

Artist: Little Brother

Song: On the Way

Release: 2005

Word of mouth is a muthaf#$%#@$er. I would not have otherwise known of the North Carolina Hip-Hop trio had it not been for that. So I am passing this along to you. One the Way one of my faves from this particular project. The drums that 9th Wonder uses in his beats, sets him apart from the rest. The lyrics, delivery & style copmpletes the circle. If you like Slum Village, you'll like Little Brother. Happy listenin fam. E-mail your suggestions or music that you would like reviewed to: kojak@sterogasm.com
-Kojak

Sean Hayes

Not the actor either.  He is an independent singer-songwriter based out of San Francisco, CA who has been releasing his music independently.  Some people might consider him folkie but I hear a lot of soul in his music.  With song titles like "Fucked Me Right Up" and "When We Fall In", you can tell his music very well may be the soundtrack to your love life.  Or Maybe just mine.  But I digress.  Check him out and check out his website, www.seanhayesmusic.com.

Trevor Hall

I was messing around on ITunes and somehow stumbled on to this little ditty.  I have been in a kind of reggae/island mood lately---must be my desire for some sunshine and springtime.  Anyway, this guy Trevor Hall is like a cross between Jack Johnson (I won't hold it against him), Matisyahu and Stephen Marley.  Some good uplifting, summertime music for those of us mired in the final months of winter.    Check out "Where's the Love" and "Unity".   Ahhh, I can just smell the sun-tan lotion.......

Joe Bonamassa

One of my favorite genres of music is blues and even more specifically blues rock.  Everyone has heard of Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton (current Rolling Stones cover) and a lot of people have heard of Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Jonny Lang.  Not a lot of people have heard of this amazing guitarist and even as impressive singer.  Joe Bonamassa is from New York and has been releasing albums since 1994.  Some albums are more rock based, others are straight old school blues covers.  In all cases, this guy just blazes.  One of my favorite tracks is "Sloe Gin".  If you prefer a little more rock in your blues then check out "A New Day Yesterday".

If you like what you hear check out all his albums.......(referenced from Wikipedia)

• 1994 – Bloodline
• 2000 – A New Day Yesterday
• 2002 – So, It's Like That
• 2002 – A New Day Yesterday, Live
• 2003 – Blues Deluxe
• 2004 – Had to Cry Today
• 2006 – You & Me
• 2007 – Sloe Gin UK #50^[1]
• 2008 – Live From Nowhere in Particular^[2] UK #45^[3]
• 2009 - The Ballad of John Henry U.S. #103,^[4] UK #26
• 2010 - Black Rock^[5]

Dommin "(I Just) Died in Your Arms Tonight"

"(I Just) Died in Your Arms Tonight" made famous by Cutting Crew.  Re-did by a goth rock band out of Cali.  I ain't gonna lie.  I really like this version.  Check it out.......Dommin's version of "(I Just) Died in Your Arms Tonight"

Burn Halo "Save Me"

Burn Halo

"Save Me"

Every time I hear this song I can't help but think of 80's hair metal mixed with a little 90's hard rock.   Big guitars.  Rampaging drums.  Huge Chorus.  Rinse.  Repeat.   

"Save Me"

Reader's List

So the other day on Stereog's Facebook page I asked some of our friends what their favorite song was at the moment.  We got a nice selection of responses.  Here are some, with links to the songs. What do you think???


MGMT "Electric Feel"

LCD Soundsystem "Tribulations"

Aceyalone  "Find Out"

Interpol  "Slow Hands"

Mac Lethal "Undertow"

Michael Jackson "Earth Song"

Kanye West "Amazing"

I know you have heard of some of them, but have you heard them all????

Mike Corrado

If you are a fan of the Dave Matthews Band, Jack Johnson, Edwin McCain or Christopher Jak then you will definitely want to take a listen to Mike Corrado.  Not only is he a pretty good singer/songwriter but also an active Marine.  I came by way of his cd through CDBaby.com, an independent distribution channel for independent artists.  Good stuff.  Check out his acoustic version of "On My Watch Tonight".

The Who Super Bowl Show

So. I am sure like most of Amercia last night, you were either at some fine establishment or in a house somewhere watching the Super Bowl.  My question to you is.....Did you like the performance by the Who?  

Let us know what you thought....

Shaft@stereogasm.com

Boy Wonder

This is what Stereo-G is all about right here baby! South Beach. Late night. Clubs emptying out. On our drunken walk back to the parking structure, we (or the 2 lovely ladies I was walking with) were given an EP sampler CD. The dudes didn't bother giving me one, which kinda sucks. Nevertheless. Boy Wonder has a distinct spin on Alternative vs Hip Hop. I popped the CD in to give it a listen and yeah, I did wait until I was sober. To my surprise, it sounded pretty innovative. The dude aint just rapping straight through the tracks, nor is the ever popular auto tune present. To make a unbiased comparison, Boy Wonder's iDIOT has a likeness to Nelly with an Alternative vibe. Check it:

iDIOT

myspace.com/boywonder813

twitter.com/boywonder813

-Kojak
e-mail: kojak@stereogasm.com    

Snowgoons "Avalanche Warning" remix

If you are on Facebook, the first thing you should do is look up our friend Stereog Asm.  Let's be friends.  The second friend you should request is the Snowgoons, the producer group we have talked about in January.  They gave their whole album, Black Luger, away for free.  You must get it.  It is better then albums I have paid for.  Check out this song....."Avalanche Warning".  Drums and Violin.  I probably play this song once a day while I am running.  Just so I am clear, here is what I need you to do.

1.  Click and listen.

2.  Find Stereog Asm on Facebook and request us as friends.

3.  Find and become fans of the Snowgoons on Facebook.  You get free stuff.  Like whole albums.

4.  Tell your friends about your cool new friend...Stereog Asm.

Isn't new music great?

Civil Twilight "Letters from the Sky"

"Letters from the Sky"  Great, moody, piano driven rock song from Cape Town, South African band, Civil Twilight.  Kind of like a more rock version of Snow Patrol or The Fray. We will find out more......

Thoughts?

Ryan Bingham and the Dead Horses

When it comes to country music I really have no problems with it.  Much like any other genre of music there is mainstream versions of the style just as much as there are outlying versions of the style.  Ryan Bingham and the Dead Horses are probably a little farther out from center than what you would hear on country radio.  Their album is "Roadhouse Sun" and roadhouse is certainly fitting.  If you like your country raw and infused with blues and a side of whiskey, then you will love these guys.  And you can never go wrong with a guy whose voice sounds like he has been up all night smoking and drinking.  Check out this live performance of "Endless Ways".   Additional note of interest.  He wrote and sang the lead single from the movie Crazy Heart.  His song, "The Weary Kind" has been nominated for an Oscar.

Cory Chisel and The Wandering Sons

Check out this little slice of Americana from the great state of Wisconsin...."Born Again".   This is off the album Death Won't Send a Letter.

Tech N9ne

Kanye West
Lil Wayne
Jay-Z
Tech N9ne
Eminem
50 Cent

Which one stands out to you?  Let me guess, you have heard of all the other ones, but who is the Tech N9ne cat with oddly spelled name?  Tech is probably one of the most amazing unknown rappers out there.  He hails from Kansas City, Mo. and unlike the above mentioned rappers he is not signed to a major label..  What Tech did years ago was start his own label, Strange Music and tour non-stop to build his following.  You want to know what makes him special?  Check out the song "K.O.D.".  Listen to the second verse.  He raps the first lines backward.  I

I first heard of Tech N9ne from an old Tower Records store I used to go to.  I picked up his album "Absolute Power" and loved his take on the old song "Rock Me Amadeus", which was transformed into "I'm a Playa".  Ever since then I picked up every album he has released.  He truly is better than 90% of the rappers out there.  He should be huge. Check out a couple of additional tracks from his most recent Album, "K.O.D." (King of Darkness).  "Leave Me Alone" and "Demons".

Thoughts?

Email me at shaft@stereogasm.com if there is an artist or band that needs to be heard.

Unkle

Artist: Unkle

Album: War Stories

I was originally gonna post something else tonight but a friend of mine (Jessi) and I started having a discussion on electronic/trip-hop music. So as I put on one of my favorite artists from the genre that she had never heard of. Ahhh....the bane of our existence. These are the conversations that I love having and the reason I love what we are trying to do here at Stereogasm.com.

Unkle is a trip-hop/electronica group from England that has been around in multiple incarnations since 1994. This particular album I picked up because Ian Astbury of the Cult (one of my all time favorites bands) lends his vocals to two tracks, "Burn My Shadow" and "When Things Explode". What I was pleasantly surprised to end up getting, was a great album to drive to, or get ready to go out to. This album makes we want to go the city and get my drink on. Another stand out track is "Restless" featuring Josh Homme from Queens of the Stone Age. The build-up on this track is really what makes me listen to it over and over again.

Give it a whirl boys and girls and let me know what you think.

Shaft

Shaft@stereogasm.com

Dwele - My Lova

I first heard of this cat a few years back when he did some stuff on Slum Villages Detroit Deli album. I started paying attention to Dwele back then. It wasn't until I saw him on a McDonald's commercial (yes I said McDonald's) that I was like 'Oh yeah, lemme go see what music this dude got out' I stumbled on a few albums worth of songs & MOST of em' were bangers.

Dwele possesses a soulful D'Angelo sound. His music is a must play when you entertaining a lady friend. Picture this, you meet this chick, you set up the 1st dinner date & everything is goin' good. You propose a night cap. She accepts. Follow these directions carefully: Dim the lights, offer a shoulder rub, ask about her dreams & aspirations (while still rubbing her shoulders), add wine, press play. I want details.

My Lova

kojak@stereogasm.com

Raheem DeVaughn "Bulletproof"

Artist: Raheem DeVaughn

Song: Bulletproof feat. Ludacris

Album: The Love & War MastePeace

I have been thinking over the last day and a half how I wanted to write my take on this song. I first heard it about 2 months ago on XM Radio. Now, I knew of Raheem DeVaughn from supplying the hook on a couple of songs from Ghostface Killah's most recent album (the review to come later) and an album he released in 2008 called "Love Behind the Melody". To be honest, the album was in my library but had never been played. Anyways. I could go on and on about this song and how much it reminds me of something Marvin Gaye would have done had he been releasing music now but honestly, just listen to the song. And try not to succumb to the vibe. Or the message.

"Bulletproof"

Swollen Members

Check out this track from the Canadian hip-hop group Swollen Members (who very well maybe have the best group name in Hip-Hop). The song is called "Dumb". Special guests on the track are Slain and Everlast from La Coka Nostra.

For more about them, check out their Wikipedia page....Swollen Members....

The Features

Band: The Features

Song: Lions

Album: Some Kind of Salvation

Quick hit on a song that I can't remember when and where I heard it first. The band is from Tennessee and were the first band signed to Kings Of Leon's new label, Imprint. Great pop song. Definitely an upbeat kind of vibe. Give "Lions" a listen. I want to hear more from these guys myself so look for an update on them and the rest of their album in the next week or so.

Slum Village

Artist - Slum Village

Album - Villa Manifesto

Genre - Hip Hop
Release - 2009

Slum Village took it back to the 80's by releasing an EP. That's a lost art form nowadays.
Nitro starts off with a Richard Pryor monologue sample then it transitions into one of dem stripped down gritty NYC Hip Hop joints. The beat basically is drums, horns & turn tables. Lyrically, they came a lil harder than usual on this right here.
The Slum Village that we are use to hearing, comes out on Dope Man. This is the hottest trak on the EP. I like to classify this type of track as Trip Hop. Trip Hop consists of a unique collection of sounds & eclectic drums.
Villa Manifesto may only be 5 tracks in length, but this is more than enough to tie you over til' the album drops. The EP has a retro feel track, a trip hop track & there's even one for the ladies in Cloud 9. Check for em later this year, nah, better yet go & get this EP. It's only $3.99 on itunes...

-Kojak

Jon Lajoie

Artist: Jon Lajoie

Song: The Birthday Song

TV Show: The League (FX)

If you have never caught "The League" on FX you probably should. Although it is about 5 guys and revolves around their fantasy football league it has no shortage of laughs and ridiculous situations not involving fantasy football. Jon Lajoie plays Taco on the show. He also does quite a bit of musical comedy as well. I first heard this song on the show and couldn't stop laughing at not only the lyrics, but the fact he was singing it to a child at her birthday party. The clip here is of his live performance of the song on Sirius XM. If you do not like explicit content then I would recommend that you not play this one. If you have no problems with it being a little colorful then play it twice. I did.

"The Birthday Song"

Marc Broussard

Is iiiiit Rock? Is iiiiit Soul? Inspiration? Don't really know how to classify but its all present on Marc Broussard's Carencro album. This Louisiana native has a plethora of sounds to his music. The one song that really captures his persona is a song titled Home. Its filled to the brim with blues, soul & southern rock. This is simply feel good music! Check it out & lemme know what u think!

-Kojak

So it goes....

We here at Stereogasm would like to take a moment and thank everyone that has helped us in anyway as we have been trying to make our child here "come to life". Many people allowed us to bounce ideas and ask for advice along the way. We are forever gracious. It is with great hope that we can be a voice and a place to go, to find just plain ol' good music. So much of what is out there just doesn't compare to what is really available to us. In most cases, people just don't have a place to go to get an idea or a recommendation. Thus the idea for Stereogasm's existence. We don't expect you to like every artist, group or song on here, but we do hope you will have a nice cross section to choose from. This site was created by two people who love music in all forms and genres and we hope you get that feeling when you are here. We want to encourage you to email us names of bands and artists that may not be known, but need to be. They may be signed but get no label love or they are a band that plays originals down at your local bar. If they are good, we want to know about them, so we can share with everyone, cause as far as we are concerned, there can never be enough good music.

Today we have invited many of our friends and family to take a look. We hope you like and we hope you encourage others to check us out as well.

So on behalf of Shaft and Kojak and the rest of the editors here at Stereogasm.....Welcome.

Mishka

I was told that today was a Bob Marley kind of day. If you like Bob Marley, check out this guy. The song is entitled Stay By my Side. Great song.

Rodrigo Y Gabriela - 11:11

Artist - Rodrigo Y Gabriela
Album - 11:11
Genre - Rock / Latin
So much can be said for the sheer musicianship behind this act & what it is that they do. In listening to this album, I couldn't help but ask myself 'How in the hell did they even know that they could play at such a pace?? And make it sound so good?' Songs on this album contain no verses, words or hooks. This is simply two world class guitarists complimenting one another & they do it to perfection!
Check out this clip from The Late Show with Craig Ferguson, this is what got me hooked the song is called: Buster Voodoo

This is an eclectic album . If you like Rock and/or Latin music, I would definitely advise you to follow this act. Just be sure to buy ya tix early...
Here's aother throw in, its called Hanuman



-Kojak

Pearl Jam - Backspacer

I picked this up while grabbin' a few things in Target. I was not really sure on what to expect initially, but over all I am VERY pleased with Pearl Jam's latest musical contribution. The lead singer Eddie Vedder has a very distinct voice that he contorts to the layout of every song.

The one song I kept listening to was track 6, Amongst the Waves. That friggin' chorus sounds goooood when you play it loud!!! I also like Got Some, Just Breathe & Force of Nature.

- Kojak

Seasons After

Artist: Seasons After

Song: Cry Little Sister

Album: Through Tomorrow

Quick post about this song and band. I don't know a whole lot about them at the moment except that they are a metal band out of Wichita, KS. And I really like this cover of "Cry Little Sister" from Gerard McMann (he of The Lost Boys soundtrack fame). I think the song really translates to a more metal feel and anytime you can add some hard and heavy drums and big guitar riffs is always a good thing. Oh yeah, the singer can certainly belt it out too. I am gonna dig around more on this group and see if there is anything more to them. Keep checking back for updates on them.

"Cry Little Sister"

Apathy "It Takes a Seven Nation Army To Hold Us Back"

Like the White Stripes? Like "Seven Nation Army"?

Then listen.......

"It Takes a Seven Nation Army To Hold Us Back"

The Snowgoons

Who you ask? Exactly. First off, The Snowgoons are not rappers. They don't sing (or at least as far as we can tell here at Stereogasm) either. So what do they do? The are a production team out of Germany consisting of 3 DJs (Det, DJ Illegal and DJ Waxwork). They have released 3 albums to date under the name, The Snowgoons, using multiple underground and relatively unknown rappers. When most people think of hip-hop producers, the names Timbaland, Pharrell and Swizz Beatz are some of the more common ones you would think of. Each producer tends to have a kind of signature sound about them, so that no matter who the artist, you can almost tell who produced it by the beats or instruments or even by the tempo of the song. The Snowgoons are really no exception from the half dozen or so cuts that I have heard so far. If you like a dramatic, or operatic feel to your music then you are gonna love these guys. I personally fall into this category as I like the anthemic feel to the music. Also good to run too.

Check out a couple tracks....

"The Valley of Death"

"The Hatred"

Skyzoo

Artist: Skyzoo

Song: The Beautiful Decay

Album: The Salvation

This is a quick post regarding an artist I came across while researching some underground MCs. His name is Skyzoo from Bedstuy, NY. From what I have gathered he has released multiple mix-tapes and just recently released a full length album called The Salvation. "The Beautiful Decay" is really just a great piece of hip hop. Great use of old soul as the backdrop to this verses regarding the struggle to make it. Click the link. Listen to it. We will be most certainly picking up the rest of this album so make sure to keep looking for a full review coming soon.

Eyedea & Abilities

Artist: Eyedea & Abilities
Album: By the Throat
Genre: Hip Hop/Rock

WARNING: If you like strictly Hip Hop, you prolly won’t dig this. If you like strictly Rock, you prolly won’t dig this. BUT if you can dig a divine combination of the two, then lend me ya ears for a few tics. Eyedea and Abilities is the duo that has found a happy median between the two genres of music.

Let’s take a trip into the abyss. Shall we? Better yet, lets sky dive. From the very opening, Eyedea and Abilities magnetically pull to exactly where they want you to go. Sky Diver is hypnosis by melody is all that is. Once you hypnotized, you are snapped out of it by lyricism, base kicks, snares, symbols, symbols, symbols & even more symbols. Yo, the symbols on this track are sick!

Here are a few other cuts on the album. Spin Cycle, which demonstrates live or seemingly live drums and guitars. Eyedea raps lyrics with a rock song layout & delivers his verses with a powerful punch. Another goodie is Time Flies When You Have A Gun. It is a pseudo song/interlude & there’s this one snare that’s all over the place and it is BAD ASS.

By the Throat is similar to an interracial couple that both the male & female in this relationship can dig Rock & Hip Hop. Though the couple may not be “mainstream”, they make it work. On the surface, it may not be for everyone, but if you give it a try, you may be introduced to worlds unknown. AND you might like it. I was talking about the music, not interracial dating. Okay, I was talking about both.

-Kojak

Bell X1

Bell X1
Album: Blue Lights On the Runway
Released: 2009

Two of my absolute favorite things come from Ireland, Jameson's whiskey and Guiness. I would add this rock band to that list. Good rock music with a splash of electronica in it. "The Great Defector", "How Your Heart is Wired" and "Light Catches Your Face" are standout tracks. If you like U2 but feel they lost their Pub appeal then I would definitely check these guys out. Great singing, great songwriting and great arrangements of music. You really can't ask for anything more.

Stereophonics

Stereophonics
Album: Pull The Pin
Released: 2007


Let me start by saying, yes---I know this album came out in 2007. But I am personally a big fan of this mostly unknown rock band from England and I can do what I want. Ok--I'm going to be honest they are probably my favorite band so that alone is gonna get them some love on the site.

Now my thoughts on the album. This group is a straight up rock band with a singer who sounds a little rough. You might think that Kelly Jones was up all night smoking cigarettes and drinking whiskey, but that is what I love about his voice. It is not perfect. There is so much rawness and texture that it almost becomes an additional instrument. There is a nice balance between harder driving tracks like "Soldiers Make Good Targets" and "Bank Holiday Monday" and the more emotional ballads or slower songs if you prefer it that way. "It Means Nothing", "Stone" and "Drowning" (my personal favorite on the whole album) are great listens.

Additionally, the band does have a greatest hits album out. Get it. You will not be disappointed. Every single person I have turned this band on to has been extremely satisfied with the quality of music and writing. Go ahead, give it a listen. I know you want to....

Snoop dee-o-double-g

Artist - Snoop
Album - Malice in Wonderland
Genre - Hip - Hop
Release - 2009
Snoop captures it all on Malice in Wonderland. From club bangers, "G" shit, Throwbacks and R & G (Rhythm & Gangsta). No! I didn't just make that up. This album is progressive but classic Snoop at the same time. Malice in Wonderland may be Snoops most accessible project to date.

Snoop starts off on the right foot with I Wanna Rock. Nuff said. I won't even begin to go into detail about this song, because you've already heard it. If you haven't heard this song, then welcome back to planet earth.

Thats the Homie is a track that exploits Snoops worldwide connections. Just mention his name & you get the hook-up. Snoop even managed to plug Chicago's own Harold's Chicken. NICE! The track is fire & worth a listen.

Here are a couple other hot tracks off of the album: 1800 (feat. Lil John) & Gangsta Love (feat. The Dream)

- Kojak

Album: Transition
Artist: Ryan Leslie
Genre: R & B
Release: 2009

Ryan Leslie's music is prolly what you call Cool R & B. His natural 'not hit too many high notes' tone of voice is refreshing. The quality of the song writing is excellent on this project as shown on Real Love. The production, lyrical content & arrangements all just seem to mesh. The jury is still out on rather or not Ryan Leslie has any commercial appeal, but if you do like R & B artists that put their own spin on the game, you'll diggit.
Something Like That is a banger for sure! Ryan Leslie flips it. He sings only on the hook and flows in the verse. AND he has skills I might add.
Sunday Night is a cool lil track. It has a neptune-ish feel to it. Its chill. Makes me wanna hop in the whip & cruise for a minute.
Other noteable songs: To the Top & Guardian Angel
- Kojak

Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears

Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears

"Tell 'Em What Your Name Is!"

It's 3:00 AM. You are just getting home from the bar. You have babes and friends with you. You have alcohol being poured. You are firing up your Jaegermeister machine (Doesn't everybody have one?). You are not worrying about morning but of only keeping the party going and seeing where the night is going to end up---hopefully with a fine member of the opposite sex snuggling up with you (or whatever two consenting adults due in the wee hours of the night that is----Hi Mom!). There is only one album that Shaft has heard in the last few months that would be worthy of such a fine evening....Black Joe Lewis and The Honeybears is that band. They are bringing the funk with both barrels blasting. If you can listen to this album and not dance and shake it than you may not have a pulse. It is the best of Otis Redding and James Brown all wrapped up in a nice contempory package. The album blasts of with Gunpowder and never lets up. You like drums? Check. You like Horns? Check. You like guys singing like they just downed a bottle of jack and smoked half a pack? Check. This little ditty is followed by perhaps my favorite song on the album--Sugarfoot. My favorite part of this track is not the horns or guitar but the subtle bass line that plays through. I feel like my pulse is rolling with it. You also have to love an artist who has song titles called....Big Booty Woman, Get Yo Shit, and Humpin. I so enjoy this album that I want to invite Black Joe Lewis to come to my party just to get it started. If you like to bob your head, dance a little and get an update on some great rock and soul than this is yo' shit and he would say.

Shaft

Artist: Chali 2na (chah-lee tuna)
Album: Fish Outta Water
Genre: Hip-Hop
Release: 2009

Chali 2na, or shall I say the Barry White of Hip-Hop. Okay I'm gon' go ahead and say what everybody else says when they hear him for the first time 'Dude's voice is fuckin' sick!' Any other career besides Hip-Hop & he'd be in the wrong biz. Well, maybe a public speaker, or a baritone in a choir...

Chali 2na arranges his delivery around a sample on So Crazy. That's exactly how I would describe this track... Crazy! Listen to this one for sure.

You can hear his roots in his music. You hear the poetic spoken word Chi-Town flavor throughout & then on Love's Gonna Getcha a touch or West Coast oozes out.

If you get a few seconds, check out the following songs: Guns Up, International feat. Beanie Man, and Lock Shit Down feat Talib Kweli. Thank me later.

This is Hip-Hop for those over 30 or advanced Hip-Hop headz...

- Kojak

Wale

Artist - Wale
Album - Attention Deficit
Release - 2009
Genre - Hip-Hop

DC based rapper Wale definitely brings sumn to the table with this here Attention Deficit album. Its soulful & chock full of a wide array of Hip-Hop track selections.

Wale offers a touch of 70s soul on track 2, Mama Told Me. The bongos & horns place you in the back-of-the-Lac for real. If this track was a movie, it'd be a period piece.

Track 4, Pretty Girls, feat. Gucci Mane, has live performance written all over it. This is pretty rare feat for a Hip-Hop track. Doesn't hurt that the first time that I even heard of Wale it was during a live performance of this song on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

Shades, track 8, is a heart-felt, insightful piece that many young African Americans face. It deals with color discrimination within your own race. Wale boldly asks a question that I once raised in the company of my peers "What if Barak skin was all black? Truthfully. Would he be a candidate? Or just a black in community?"

If you like the delivery of Lupe Fiasco & the conscience nature of Talib Kweli you will definitely dig Wale. I say cop this album. Or at the very least, hit him up on itunes for a couple tracks.

Other notable tracks: Diary, Beautiful Bilss, Let it Loose.

- Kojak

Artist: The Cool Kids
Genre: Underground Hip Hop
Album: Bake Sale
Released: 2008



Old school, fun, original & not over-produced. Mikey & Chuck deliver right to ya’ doorstep, nuthin’ but new school rhymes over the top of old school beats. Based on these dudes’s dress code (including but not limited to gold chains, slim fit jeans, Jordans & LOUD colors) this is exactly the feel that they were goin’ for on this project.

Growing up, I never had a tricked out bike (sad face). Best case scenario, I had whatever bike that was on sale on K- Mart. Well, after listening to Black Mags, it makes me wish that I had one back in the day. Actually, it makes me wish that I had one now. Mikey, in a not so braggadocios tone, describes his bike to you. “Gold hundred spokes” “Lime green frame” “Dollar signs on the bike seat” That Dyno Bike sounds sick! He gives you all of that about the bike & you almost forget that the track is hot. I said almost. The trademark hard hitting deep bass is present. An echo-like tap goes the duration of the song. The tie that binds the music is the chopped & screwed hook. Seriously? I want one of those Dyno Bikes now.

You will enjoy the hour spent bobbing ya head to Bake Sale. The Cool Kids are eclectic & they appear to be very comfortable in their own skin. Their lyrical content comes across as creative, & descriptive. You’ll feel as if you know these dudes after two, three times listening to the album in full. While listening, I noticed sumn’. At no point in the album did I find myself goin “What the hell is this dude saying” Every word, every phrase was clear & concise. That is commendable because enunciation is a lost art form in modern day hip-hop. This is definitely worth a listen.

Notes: If you like old school or underground hip-hop, I highly recommend. The heavy basslines make this a banger for the car. PLAY LOUD

- Kojak

Modern Day Ruin

Artist: Modern Day Ruin
Genre: Alternative
Album: Modern Day Ruin

I can attribute my discovery of this band to nothing more than the luck of the draw. While thumbing threw a local publication, I was directed to a music venue / bar by the name of Tiger O’Stylies. Being that this particular bar supports local artists with original music, I wasn’t quite sure what I was in for. I must say I was impressed. So much so, that I purchased a CD from Modern Day Ruin, this was one of the bands that played a set that night.

Melodic, chill, ballad-esque are the words that come to mind while listening to this 5 song CD sampler from Modern Day Ruin. My burned out state of mind was burned away shortly after I pressed play. Yeah I know, that’s I get for routinely working 12 hour days. I get it. This offering is just what the doctor ordered though.

“Thursday” is a very gripping song. It is driven by the retro guitar rift that all but elaborates on the element of heart break.

Let’s move on shall we? This brings me to my next point. “Move On” is yet another relatable song. You ever had that perfect somebody in ya’ life? You invest time in that person. You invest feelings in that person. You would get up at 2AM & go change a flat tire for that person no matter where they are, only to end up in the friend zone? Need I say more?! (rhetorical question). Everything about the hook of this song seems to mesh. It’s as if the hook is the point at which you realize that “Shoot! She really does only want to be friends”

Modern day Ruin’s lead vocalist struggles with the lower register of his vocal range. His upper register is a definite strong suit. It’s effortless.

MDR’s latest musical contribution personifies a warm summer night & the cookout’s winding down. Fire pit in full flame. Crackles from burning wood overshadowed by the sounds of Modern Day Ruin being played softly from a speaker nestled on the patio

- Kojak