06/15/2008 22:35:08  ♥ written by vu ()

Dreaming Isabelle - Not Missing You

Dreaming Isabelle

This review is a little behind, but it was quite easy to do because Awake is just a short four-track EP, from Virginia's Dreaming Isabelle.

Their biography doesn't list much, which suggests they might be a very new band, but listening to Awake I felt that they played really well together. Take a listen to "Not Missing You" as it starts with a great guitar hook, timed perfectly as the drums kick in, then followed by the singer on queue.

The three songs that follows the opening track seems to all start off pretty slow. "That I Am" starts off acoustically, while "Above All" is overall mellow and "Mine" has a great guitar noodle portion. I must admit "Mine" did sound a bit creepy/stalkerish with the lyrics "She will be mine" repeated over and over.

Dreaming Isabelle's EP, Awake, is out now, on itunes and I think their debut album, Awarestore is also out now, but I could not find any additional information on it.

Links: dreamingisabelle.com myspace.com/dreamingisabelle

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 06/15/2008 22:06:12  ♥ written by vu ()

Satoru - Don't Stop! Satoru Discography [2007] Ash Returns to Ash [2008] Balancing In the Twilight Read More Satoru http://weheartmus... Satoru just released his CD, Ash Returns to Ash on September 18th, but according to his last news...

Satoru - Tell Me What you Feel

The funny story about Satoru's first CD, Ash Returns to Ash, was that it was just a CD-R with a hand-written note saying that he had trouble with the printing company and so he doesn't have the finished product. It didn't matter because I thought the album was really enjoyable that I wrote about it.

I am glad to see that he came through on his second Balancing in the Twilight, in March 2008. I believe he already had the album "in the can" as they say last year.

Both Ash Returns to Ash and Balancing in the Twilight are in standard digipaks, they are very reasonably priced at $9 on Amazon and $10 on CD Baby. But what I am really impressed with is that all of his music is licensed through Creative Commons, which grant you permission to copy, distribute and transmit the work, as long as you give credit and attribution for noncommercial usage. I think all artists should follow in this footstep.

Compared to the last album, this new album seems to have a lot more of Satoru's very Japanese voice (with only one instrumental "Funk 175"), compared to the 40% instrumental songs on the first album. I generally really love all the songs on this current one, but the one that really stood out for me was his "Don't Stop!".

Links: satorucolusa.com myspace.com/satorucolusa

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 06/15/2008 21:18:14  ♥ written by vu ()

Joséphine - Stronger

Josephine

Joséphine grew up in Paris, France, left at the age of 17 to Montreal (the mostly French, half English Canadian city), where she started singing with The People’s Gospel Choir of Montréal (they won some award for their album).

She eventually made her way to New York, where she is currently released Unfinished Life in 2007.

For the most part, I think the whole album is very pop/acoustic songwriter type of music, mostly centered around her very sweet young voice.

I really like her poppy song, "Stronger". Take a listen as she belts out "I need to get together when I'm falling apart/I need to love when it's broken my heart", followed by some great guitar playing by Craig Wilson. Wilson co-wrote all the songs with Joséphine with the exception of "Bit by Bit" (by Joséphine only) and "Right Here" (by Wilson only).

Both songs stands up on their own, and I didn't see anything that much different from their collaboration songs, expect perhaps "Bit by Bit" is very naked with just an acoustic guitar (and bass?).

Sometime else worth mention is that the violin on "Anitchka" is a nice touch, if only that wind instrument is used more against Joséphine's voice on their other songs.

I also noticed that she's one of the very few musician that's also using Twitter. You can follow her at twitter.com/JosephineA.

You can also grab a free MP3 by signing up for her newsletter at her myspace. Unfinished Life is out now, you can pick it up at cdbaby.com.

Links: myspace.com/josephineonmyspace

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 06/15/2008 13:16:20  ♥ written by vu ()

Della Valle - Fight To Stay Gold Della Valle Discography [2003] The Best Years [2004] Della Valle [2006] Pink Elephants [2007] Stay Gold [2008] Stay Gold/The Best Years See Also Bruce Springsteen http://weheartmus... "4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)" was written by Bruce Springsteen for his 1973 album The Wild, ...

I got a trackless album from Della Valle, which made it kind of annoying to add in my iTunes. Although I would have to admit that I did end up listening to all the songs to determine all 10 titles... so Mister Jay Della Valle, you've suckered me into listening to your album!

All kiddings aside, I actually liked what I heard, so it wasn't such a nightmare.

Out of his four releases, the tracks are basically from Stay Gold and The Best Years EP, which Della Valle is calling it his "Greatest Hits", then humorously retracted:

Ok, I don't really have a greatest hits CD. Partly because I don't have any hits. But they're hits in the minds of the people that know them, so with that said- I have compiled a new CD with 10 songs- 4 great songs from my first CD (Best Years) and 6 new songs from the newest CD, "Stay Gold." All of these songs were recorded, engineered, and coproduced by Chris "Gibby" Gibson at Upstart Studios in Hoboken. Collectively, they accomplish a great album.

- Della Valle

He's right, combining them together offers a good mix of feel good electric alt-rock ("Can't Take You Anywhere", "Best Years of Your Life", "Everytime You Break") to slow quieter songs ("Not In Front Of People", "Kings and Queens" and "All That She Needs") and overall feels like a full album.

Della Valle - Pink Elephants

As a bonus, there was also a three-track sampler from his album Pink Elephants. Based on the three songs, I did like the title track, "Pink Elephants".

He wants to go on tour and promote his music, currently looking to spend some time in the Northeast region - so if you're in the music biz or want to help out, you can contact him at his official website or myspace.

All of his releases are available on either iTunes or CD Baby.

Links: www.dellavallemusic.com myspace.com/dellavalle

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 05/04/2008 16:59:14  ♥ written by vu ()

The press material I received for Michael Paige's self-titled debut album, out now on Astrum Records, explicitly stated that under no circumstances should I be allowed to stream one particular song, "Aqui Esperando".

So naturally, that is the first song I queued up to listen to.

I was pleasantly surprised that "Aqui Esperando" is a Spanish version of "Right Here Waiting", originally by Richard Marx. This kind of legal thing upsets me, because this is actually a very good song, and I'm assuming writing royalties would eventually end up in Marx's pockets - so why bother trying to stop people from hearing this very faithful rendition?

I believe there's only one other cover on this album, is "Eres Tú" a second place winner from Eurovision 1973 by a band called Mocedades.

Michael Paige - For You

Michael Paige

The song I've chosen for you to check out is "For You", lyrics written by Amy Foster-Gillies with music by music producer Tony Smith, and Michael Paige. Check out the 2:50 mark where Paige really sings his feeling into these words "for you, I do this all because I believe in me".

The album is very easy-listening, centers around Paige's piano playing, and is suited for lounge acts at fancy hotels in Las Vegas (which is where Paige is residing currently). Since the majority of Paige's songs are in English, you should have no problem getting into this pop music.

I would recommend, for a few extra bucks, to get the CD/DVD combo of his album directly from the official website.

Links: michaelpaigeworld.com myspace.com cdbaby.com

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Edgar Gabriel's StringFusion - Blue 7 Edgar Gabriel's Stringfusion Tour Dates 05/21/08 Loyola Academy Wilmette 06/04/08 Plum Grove Rolling Meadws, IL 06/13/08 Alexian Field Schaumburg 06/21/08 Custer Street Fair Evanston, IL 08/10/08 Performing Arts Center, IL 08/18/08 Lake Park Milwaukee, WI 09/13/08 Harper College Palatine, IL

Their album name, Not Radio Material, couldn't be more approriate. Edward Gabriel's StringFusion music is a very interesting (and rare) blend of classical instrumentals, primarily violin string arrangements, blended with mellow light jazz piano and saxophone riffs.

A sultry vocal is offered on track three, "Would You Be My Valentine" along with a very smooth keyboard solo. The percussion driven samba of track 4, "Mobile", suggests more Latin swing influences, very contemporary and cool. The saxophone on track 5, "I Knew That" really soars to some impressive heights. Down and dirty blues guitar can be heard on the urban slynish of track 6, "Blue 7", probably my favorite composition on this CD.

The fusion of all the musical elements of this band maybe best on display on track 8's "Train Blues". You get the feeling this song was born out of frustration of dealing with Chicago's L-Train, the north Chicago area apparently being this band's home origins.

It's very difficult to put any exacting tag on what this band's sound really, all I know is it makes for some very nice/late night mellow down easy music, a real treat for any jazz enthusiasts.

Links: edgargabriel.com myspace.com

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Lara Ewen - Untethered Lara Ewen and the Unstrung Orchestra Tour Dates 05/25/08 Bar 4 Brooklyn, New York 06/25/08 Googie’s Lounge New York Discography [2002] Clear EP [2007] Ghosts and Gasoline Rating:

I'll have to admit, I think Lara Ewen is very good looking, based on her photographs on her debut album, Ghosts and Gasoline (2007). I even love her mysterious angel wings on her left arm, which she wears proudly like a badge of honor.

By the way, the band's name is actually Lara Ewen and the Unstrung Orchestra. The orchestra part is kind of amusing because I don't really recall any traditional orchestra part at all (although it would be interesting to hear her music set to wind instruments...)

Most of the songs are kind of folky and country, centered around Ewen's gorgeous full vocals. Such as the bluesy "Clear", probably taken from her debut EP. Her vocals suggest a sassy young woman in New York City, full of an American dream.

The minimal acoustic/bass/percussion song, "20 Years Ago", tells us about the writer's admission of regret of wishing she'd met this person "20 years ago" because "back then she was someone new". I am debating on whether this song is actually about Ewen - probably not because she seems like she's twenty-something, which would mean she would've been a baby, 20 years ago.

A couple of really good storytelling songs, but my favorite song off Ghosts... is "Untethered", which have an upbeat tempo and some insightful lyrics into her thoughts:

And the sky like this one
I could just go away forever
And since you've been gone
I come untethered

Interestingly enough, "Clear" is the only song from her original EP that made it onto the debut album, which sounds like she really love this song to give it a second chance.

If you're in the New York area, you should definitely check out Lara Ewen. Ghosts and Gasoline is out now, you can get it from cd baby.

 04/26/2008 18:20:16  vu my♥posts unstrungmusic.com myspace.com

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Tour Dates 04/29/08 Soho Revue Bar London 05/02/08 Bitterzoet Amsterdam 05/10/08 Blend Bar Ridgewood, NJ 05/14/08 The Delancey New York 05/15/08 Stone Pony Asbury Park, NJ 06/12/08 Bonnaroo Manchester, TN 06/12/08 Xpo Fest Camden, NJ 08/03/08 Lollapalooza Chicago, IL 08/09/08 All Points West Liberty, NJ 08/15/08 House Blues Atlantic City, NJ Discography [2006] Bleeding Diamonds [Oct 2007] Neptune City (UK release June 2008) Rating: Read More Nicole Atkins http://weheartmus... Nicole Atkins & The Sea, from New Jersey, played their last show with The Raveonettes in Minneapo...

Nicole Atkins - Maybe Tonight

Nicole Atkins

I've seen Nicole Atkins in concert before, so I'm glad to see that she's doing some promotional dates in the UK, just in time for her album Neptune City to be released in the UK on June 2^nd, 2008. Since I already have the album, being in the US, I can tell you that it'll do well in the UK charts.

Prior to the album, her UK single will be Maybe Tonight to be released on May 26^th. The one-track promo I receive doesn't have any album artwork, so I'm putting one of favorite photo of the 'magical' Atkins.

It's one of those songs that would play very well on the radio and you'll find yourself humming and singing to the catchy chorus of "I know we'll never meet again/Maybe tonight/Just tell me where and when", but failing to know any of the other lyrics.

The key thing you should note is that she's only playing a few UK dates, including a London date coming up on April 29^th. If you're curious about how her UK dates turned out, check her 'space blog:

So I'm writing to you all from a beautiful and sometimes rainy day in Stockholm, Sweden. We're in the midst of our first European and UK promo tour and it is going splendid. This crew on this tour consists of all of the usual suspects, the four D's and I, but this time we also brought along our sometimes violinist (or as we call her now our cryolinist bc her playing is so pretty it makes us cry) ms. Gillian Rivers. Gillian also brought along her "guest," (ahem...fiance) mr. Russell Simmons, who you guys might know as the drummer for the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion. We now know him as the Sea's new tambourinist! hahah jk russell.

- Nicole Atkins

Looks like things are turning up roses for Atkins. Be on the lookout for her single a week prior to Neptune City, in June.

 04/26/2008 16:49:46  vu my♥posts nicoleatkins.com myspace.com

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Sarah Vonderhaar - Over You Sarah Vonderhaar Tour Dates 04/26/08 Best Buy [CD Signing] Dekalb, IL 04/26/08 The House Cafe Dekalb, IL 04/27/08 Rolling Stones Rec Norridge, IL 04/30/08 Clearwater Theater W Dundee, IL 05/03/08 Big Easy Yorkville, Illinois 05/16/08 Sideouts Island Lake, Illinois 05/17/08 Goose Is Wrigleyville Chicago, IL Rating: Influenced By Sheryl Crow http://coverlover... Sheryl Suzanne Crow (born February 11, 1962) is an American singer-songwriter and musician. Her m...

Sarah Vonderhaar just released Are You Listening Now on April 22nd. According to her notes printed on the CD, she lived with her manager, Bill Covert, for six weeks to record of this debut album.

The result? An impressive debut pop record.

She first found fame through CW's America's Top Model (Cycle 8), which translate to her massive fan base of mostly young women.

As I previously mentioned this being a pop record, most of these songs are radio friendly (which means they are 3-minute songs) and the nine songs only clock in at about 35 short minutes. It's actually a perfect companion on a typical drive to work.

I can see why she's made "Over You" available for download on her official website, it's a pretty pop song about a break-up.

I love the thumping chorus:

There's something missing in your eyes
But I tried to see it through
The tragedy of your disguise
But there is nothing I can do
But count the words and count the lies
Count the seconds to the time
When I am over you

I am also including her debut video for "Me", directed by Kerry Shaw Brown.

I'm a Chicago girl at heart. The eclectic nature of the city inspires me and the people are so warm and down to earth. My family and friends are here and they keep me grounded. They support everything I do, but they’re always there to remind me I’m just a quirky girl from Chicago. No matter what I’m doing, I’m still the same person inside. I’m most comfortable in my Chuck Taylor’s, jeans and a sweatshirt. That’s where we got the idea for the video for “Me.” Yeah, I can look glamorous for a photo shoot or a runway job, but when I’m hanging out with my friends I certainly don’t go for the “glam” look. I have my own style and I love it!

- Sarah Vonderhaar

If things fall into place, look for her on tour this summer in support of her album, Are You Listening Now, which is out now. You can buy the album at most distributor, including Best Buy, where she'll be doing an instore today.

Edit: Myspace isn't behaving with its video - so apologies.

 04/26/2008 11:36:20  vu my♥posts sarahvonderhaar.com myspace.com

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Tour Dates 05/06/08 Johnny Brenda’s Philly, PA 05/0708 Joe’s Pub New York, NY 05/08/08 Bowery Ballroom New York 05/09/08 Middle East Upstairs Cambridge,MA 05/10/08 Lambi Montreal, Quebec 05/11/08 Mod Club Toronto, Ontario 05/12/08 Schubas Tavern Chicago, IL 05/14/08 Red Room Vancouver, BC 05/15/08 Triple Door Seattle, WA 05/16/08 Doug Fir Portland, Oregon 05/18/08 Bimbo’s 365 Club SF, CA 05/19/08 El Rey Theatre LA, CA Discography [2004] Somebody Outside [2006] Separation Road [2008] Halfway To Fivepoints

Anna Ternheim-Girl Laying Down Rating: Read More El Perro del Mar View site

As it, I came across Sweden's Anna Ternheim in association with El Perro Del Mar^[W♥M], who apparently they are going on tour together in May (with Lykke Li).

And just in time, for America to catch up on Ternheim, Universal Music released a self-titled EP and Halfway To Fivepoints , which collects some of Ternheim's best known songs together. I wish they'd use a different cover artwork for Halfway To Fivepoints as it is exactly the same as her second album, Separation Road.

Songs including "Lovers Dream", a beautiful duet with Fyfe Dangerfield. I also really liked the moving violins on "Girl Laying Down".

Also noted is her very slow version of "Little Lies", originally by Fleetwood Mac.

Look for Halfway To Fivepoints in stores as well as catch her on tour with El Perro Del Mar, if you happen to live in those cities. I, unfortunately, am in the middle of nowhere and can't see them :(

 04/23/2008 02:23:46  vu my♥posts annaternheim.com myspace.com

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