The Best Music You've Never Heard

Issue #88- Alpha Rev- "New Morning"

2010-08-22T10:12:00.000-07:00

Here's a band I'm a little behind the times on.

Alpha Rev formed in 2005, when lead singer Casey McPherson started something new after the demise of his first band Endochine (who had a pretty decent song with "Secret." They quickly released a self-titled EP in 2006, and followed it up in 2007 with their full-length debut "The Greatest Thing I've Ever Learned." After the release of "The Greatest Thing..." record label interest increased, and they signed with Hollywood Records.

Their new album "New Morning" hit stores back in April, but the title track to the album is starting to pick up in radio airplay now. Give it a listen. It's "New Morning" by Alpha Rev.

Issue #87- Gary Go- "Engines"

2010-08-04T09:16:00.000-07:00

I had featured this guy before on the blog, back when his song "Wonderful" was breaking to radio. Sadly, his push by his record label in the states has cooled off, so we aren't hearing much from him anymore. But he is still releasing other singles across the pond.

His self-titled debut album hit stores over a year ago now, and in Britain, he's been pretty well received, and even opened for Lady Gaga for a couple of shows. (He doesn't sound ANYTHING like Gaga, don't worry.)

I'll present one of his other singles from his debut album. This is Gary Go, with "Engines"

Issue #86- The Parlotones- "Life Design"

2010-08-03T08:23:00.000-07:00

I tumbled across these guys while digging through my old radio music connections. They have actually been around for a few years, but thanks to the World Cup, they are just about to break in the United States.

Hailing for South Africa, The Parlotones released their debut album "Episoda" in 2003, and followed it up in 2005 with "RadioControlledRobot" and in 2007 with "A World Next Door To Yours." Their biggest break came just recently though, as they played alongside the Black Eyed Peas, Alicia Keys, Shakira, John Legend, and more at the FIFA World Cup kick off celebration, seen by nearly one BILLION people worldwide. Their latest album "Stardust Galaxies" was released in South Africa in October 2009, and will be hitting stores in the US later this month.

Enjoy today's song. It's "Life Design" by the Parlotones

Issue #85- Anberlin- "Impossible"

2010-07-31T15:21:00.000-07:00

Get ready, Anberlin is back with a new album. "Dark is the Way, Light is a Place" will hit stores September 21st, and will be the band's 5th studio album. They lived just under the radar with their first 3 albums, 2003's "Blueprints For The Black Market," 2005's "Never Take Friendship Personal", and 2007's "Cities." It wasn't until 2008 when the band left longtime label Tooth & Nail Records for the bigger Universal Records, and released their major label debut "New Surrender." They saw their single "Feel Good Drag" hit #1 after setting a record for taking the longest time to get there.

The debut single off of "Dark is the Way, Light is a Place" is this one It's called "Impossible." Enjoy!

Issue #84- Minus the Bear- "My Time"

2010-07-29T08:30:00.000-07:00

So I haven't updated this thing in a while. The podcast service I had been using turned into a pain in the ass, and I was running low on time with the new job and all. But I've noticed there is a ton of great music out there that I like and want to share, even if I'm a little behind on it. So let's get this blog going again, with semi-regular updates. (Don't expect this to be daily!)

Today, I present a song that's been out for a while. Minus The Bear hails from Seattle, and usually gets lumped into the "indie" music scene. This song could have easily been a pretty big pop hit. Their 4th album, "Omni" is in stores now and it features this song. Enjoy "My Time" by Minus The Bear!

Podcast (?) #19- Something Corporate, Dr. Dog, Dredg, Green River Ordinance

2010-05-02T08:24:00.000-07:00

So.

I recorded and put together a podcast two weeks ago, and thought it sounded really good. So I saved it, and uploaded it... and then re-uploaded it...and re-uploaded it...and I noticed a pattern.

MyPodcast.com, the free service that I use to host my Podcasts was deciding to not properly save the podcasts, regardless of how many times I uploaded it. Awesome. I figured I'd try tomorrow. Nothing. The next day. Nothing. So now, two weeks later, I have a slightly stale podcast that I can't get uploaded. Could I break down and pay for a podcast service? Sure I could, but I don't quite feel like doing it. So for now, I am going to revert back to the old blog-style postings for music until I figure out what I'm doing podcast-wise. So without further ado...

The first song this week is a brand new one from Something Corporate. I can't believe I'm saying that either. They've reunited for some shows across the USA (Bamboozle, etc.) and have released a greatest hits compilation. They have a few new mixes of old songs, and a couple of unreleased tracks they re-recorded as well, including this one. "Wait" is a song they recorded for a sampler they handed out at a show way back in 2001 I believe. It never made any proper Something Corporate album, but now makes the Greatest Hits. Here's "Wait" by Something Corporate:

Our second song this week comes from Philly boys Dr. Dog. They have been described best as "psychedelic rock." Formed in 1999, they have released 6 albums, including their latest, "Shame Shame," which hit stores back in early April. From the new album, this song is called "Stranger."

Our flashback track this week comes from a band that, to me, is kind of hard to describe. They are experimental sounding, but at the same time, radio friendly... even though radio has never really paid much attention to them. They are called Dredg, and they formed back in 1993 in California. They toiled around their home area, releasing their debut album in 1998, and getting snatched up by Interscope Records. Via Interscope, they released albums in 2002 (El Cielo), and 2005 (Catch Without Arms) before independently releasing an album in 2009 (The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion"). For a flashback, I will dig something off of the progressive rocker's 2005 album "Catch Without Arms." This is "Sang Real"

And finally this week, we will finish up with some straight ahead pop-rock. Green River Ordinance is a band I have featured here on the blog/podcast before. Formed in Texas, their major label debut album, "Out of My Hands" hit stores in 2009. Their first single "Come On" was a minor pop hit. They are following it up with this song... it's called "On Your Own"

That's what I have from two weeks ago. I'll see what I can do about formatting/updating this with new stuff again soon. Enjoy the music!

Podcast #18- Hot Chip, Ryan Star, The Early November, The Spill Canvas

2010-04-11T10:49:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to a new week of the podcast. This week we feature:

Hot Chip- "One Life Stand"
Ryan Star- "Breathe"
The Early November- "I Want to Hear You Sad"
The Spill Canvas- "Our Song"

Give it a listen below:

OR click HERE to listen.

Podcast #17- Daniel Merriweather, The Classic Crime, and Manchester Orchestra

2010-03-28T10:21:00.000-07:00

This week on the podcast:

Daniel Merriweather- "Red"
The Classic Crime- "Solar Powered Life"
Matthew Good Band- "Hello Time Bomb"
Manchester Orchestra- "Shake It Out"

Give it a listen here:

Or if that doesn't work... click HERE to go directly to the page.

Volume 16- Needtobreathe, Never Shout Never, MGMT, and Alex Band

2010-03-14T11:26:00.000-07:00

First... sorry for the lo-fi sound this week. The podcast website that I use (MyPodcast) decided to suddenly limit the quality of MP3s you can upload to 96K instead of the 192K I had been doing. I'm looking to see if there's a way around this, or if there's another free Podcast server out there. Either way... you can still enjoy the music!

This week on the podcast:

Needtobreathe- "Hurricane"
Never Shout Never- "I Love You 5"
Caviar- "Tangerine Speedo"
MGMT- "Flash Delirium"
Alex Band- "Tonight"

Give it a listen:

Podcast #15- Tonic, Vedera, 8Stops7, and Erik Hassle

2010-03-07T10:09:00.000-08:00

Hello, podcast listeners!

We keep it on the Pop-Rock side of things today, with new music from Tonic, Vedera, and Erik Hassle, plus our flashback track from 8Stops 7. Here's the tracklisting:

Tonic- "Release Me"
Vedera- "Satisfy"
8Stops7- "Question Everything"
Erik Hassle- "Hurtful"

Give it a listen below

Podcast #14- Barenaked Ladies, Thrice, Injected, Theory of Flight

2010-02-28T13:58:00.000-08:00

This week, we have on the podcast:

Barenaked Ladies- "You Run Away"
Thrice- "In Exile"
Injected- "I-IV-V"
Theory of Flight- "Set The Night On Fire"

Enjoy!

Podcast #13- Our Lady Peace, Dan Black, VAST, Sade, A Silent Film

2010-02-21T10:00:00.000-08:00

Sup podcast listeners!

This week, we bounce all over the musical spectrum. Enjoy these tunes:

Our Lady Peace- "The End Is Where We Begin"
Dan Black- "Symphonies"
VAST- "I Don't Have Anything"
Sade- "Soldier of Love"
A Silent Film- "You Will Leave a Mark"

Enjoy the music below!

Podcast #12- Other Songs from One-Hit Wonders!

2010-02-14T10:29:00.001-08:00

It's a special edition this week... as we play the OTHER songs from some of your favorite one-hit wonders. What does that entail?

"Chocolate" by Snow Patrol
"Sad Sweetheart of the Rodeo" by Harvey Danger
"Someday We'll Know" by New Radicals
"Fading Out" by Primitive Radio Gods
"Candleburn" by Dishwalla.

Enjoy!

Podcast #11- Tommy Sparks, Mika, Radford, OK Go

2010-02-07T10:14:00.000-08:00

Hello, podcast listeners!

This week, we feature new music from Tommy Sparks, Mika, and OK Go... a flashback to 2000 with the band Radford, and a special bonus that you probably heard at the Grammys. The tracklisting:

Tommy Sparks- "She's Got Me Dancing"
Mika- "I See You"
Radford- "Don't Stop"
Green Day/American Idiot Cast- "21 Guns"
OK Go- "This Too Shall Pass"

Give it a listen:

Enjoy!

Volume 10- Owl City, Flobots, As Tall As Lions, Butch Walker

2010-01-31T09:46:00.001-08:00

This week on the podcast, we give a listen to the second single from Owl City's "Ocean Eyes" album, plus brand new music from Flobots and Butch Walker, and a flashback track from As Tall As Lions from 2003.

Tracklisting:

Owl City- "Vanilla Twilight"
Flobots- "White Flag Warrior"
As Tall As Lions- "Break Blossom"
Butch Walker- "Trash Day"

Give it a listen below! (It may take a minute or so to load)

Podcast #9- Phoenix, Motion City Soundtrack, Rindside, Passion Pit

2010-01-24T09:36:00.000-08:00

Thanks for listening to this week's podcast. On the show we have...

"Listzomania" by Phoenix
"Her Words Destroyed My Planet" by Motion City Soundtrack
"Tired of Being Sorry" by Ringside
"Little Secrets" by Passion Pit

You can give it a listen by clicking HERE

Podcast #8- Division Day, Parachute, Mae, and The Rocket Summer

2010-01-17T10:26:00.000-08:00

This week on the podcast, we feature:

"Chalk Lines" by Division Day
"Under Control" by Parachute
"Suspension" by Mae
and
"Walls" by The Rocket Summer

Give it a listen by clicking HERE

The Best Music You've Never Heard Podcast- Volume 7

2010-01-10T10:39:00.000-08:00

Thanks for checking out this week's podcast! In this episode, we feature:

The Big Pink- "Dominoes"
Cross Canadian Ragweed- "Kick in the Head"
Vaeda- "Jesus Rides the Subway"
The Cribs- "Cheat On Me"

Give it a listen by CLICKING HERE!

Enjoy the music!

Podcast #6

2010-01-03T09:57:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the first podcast of 2010! This week, we feature artists you've probably heard of already, but are sure to like. I think. On the podcast this week:

Weezer- "Put Me Back Together"
Michael Buble- "Haven't Met You Yet"
Butch Walker- "Mixtape"
The Temper Trap- "Fader"

CLICK HERE to listen to the podcast!

Enjoy!

Podcast #5- 2009 Year in Review

2009-12-26T10:01:00.000-08:00

For this week's podcast, I took a look back at 2009 to find the best of the Blog & Podcast, and a tune or two I didn't even get around to featuring on here. It includes:

Gary Go- "Wonderful"
Discovery- "Orange Shirt"
Mat Kearney- "Closer to Love"
Passion Pit- "The Reeling"
James Morrison & Nelly Furtado- "Broken Strings"
Ryan Star- "Last Train Home"
Matt & Kim- "Daylight"

Listen to the podcast HERE

Back next week with new music. Enjoy!

Podcast- CHRISTMAS EDITION!

2009-12-19T07:56:00.000-08:00

This week on the Best Music You've Never Heard Podcast, we delve into the world of Christmas music! And not the overplayed X-Mas tunes you're used to hearing on "Insert City Name Here"'s Official Christmas Radio Station.

This week, we have:

Barenaked Ladies- Jingle Bells
Fountains of Wayne- I Want An Alien For Christmas
Better Than Ezra- Eggnog Singalong
Richard Cheese- Jingle Bells
Fenix TX- Feliz Navidad.

Click HERE to check out this week's podcast!

Podcast #3- Yeasayer, Tyrone Wells, Mr. North, and The Ravonettes

2009-12-13T09:55:00.000-08:00

Welcome to issue #3 of The Best Music You've Never Heard Podcast!

This week we check out:

Yeasayer- "Ambling Alp"
Tyrone Wells- "Sink or Swim"
Mr. North- "Speak No Evil"
and The Ravonettes- "Last Dance"

Give it a listen by CLICKING HERE!

Enjoy! And thanks for listening!

Podcast #2

2009-11-26T19:30:00.000-08:00

Finally got Podcast #2 uploaded! Turns out record labels can be sticklers about their music being used ANYWHERE online. I understand that. But I'm trying to help them by getting people to BUY their music. ::shrug::

This week, we feature:

The Script- "Breakeven"
Mute Math- "The Nerve"
Splender- "Yeah, Whatever" (this week's flashback)
Say Anything- "Hate Everyone"

You'll have to click away to check it out this week:

CLICK HERE to give this week's podcast a listen.

Rock on!

Podcast #1- Anberlin, Ryan Adcock, Brand New

2009-11-16T06:24:00.000-08:00

OK. So I finally got off my lazy ass and pieced together a podcast for The Best Music blog.

This week, Anberlin covers New Order, we introduce you to a solo singer-songwriter who just formed a new band... and indie darlings Brand New are back!

Give it a listen here:

The Best Music Podcast 11-15-09
Uploaded by TheBestMusicPodcast. - Music videos, artist interviews, concerts and more.

So.. it's been a while

2009-11-13T17:10:00.000-08:00

Well... I forgot how time-consuming having a job can be. Huh.

Hell to the precious few who still read this blog and those who have surfed in through random searches.

I didn't plan to completely ditch the blog when I got hired into my new job, but unfortunately, it went by the wayside. But I'm working on changing that.

I don't think I'll have the time to do a daily update of new music for you, but I'm thinking of attempting a weekly podcast. You know... to get caught up to 2005's technology. I'm looking into what I'll be able to put together and will let you know. So keep an eye out... I'll eventually get this thing going again.

Peace!

--Beej

Issue #83- Black Lab- "Time Ago"

2009-08-21T13:59:00.000-07:00

You'll hear me talk about this band a lot. They're one of my favorites of all time.

They burst onto the scene in 1997/98 with their debut album "Your Body Above Me," which spawned the Top 5 Rock hit "Wash It Away" and the Top 40 Pop single featured today, "Time Ago." Critics called them the "American U2" and thought they were poised to take over the world. So what happened? Record label mergers and drama, and a promising band getting pushed to the side.

After the band's debut album came and went, they were thrown into limbo, as their record label, Geffen Records was getting absorbed by another. The band wasn't dropped by the label, but wasn't getting to release any new music. After a lengthy struggle, they broke free, but sort of broke up. Lead singer/guitarist Paul Durham was the only remaining member. He regrouped, recorded some tracks, and got signed to Sony Records. Again, more record label drama followed, and the band was dropped from Sony before anything materialized.

Annoyed and frustrated, Paul took the tracks he had recorded, and released them himself in the sophomore album "See The Sun" independently. Since then, Paul under various names has released a third album (titled "Passion Leaves a Trace) a techno album (as Black Lab), a covers album (As the Mirrorball Associates) a side project or two, and even a couple of music videos. Now they have also released a B-Sides album, which was only supposed to be in limited release, but oversold the expectations. Not too bad for being completely independent.

I'll probably feature some songs from the B-Sides album in future weeks. Today though, I want to dig up one of my favorite songs of all time... from their 1998 debut "Your Body Above Me." It's Black Lab, and "Time Ago." You're going to have to CLICK HERE to check out the video.

Issue #82- Gomez- "Little Pieces"

2009-08-20T10:25:00.001-07:00

Gomez is a band that I've always known was there, but I just never got into. This British band burst onto the scene in 1998 with their debut album "Bring it On," which went platinum in Britain, but didn't make much of a splash here in the U.S. The same happened with 1999's "Liquid Skin" and 2002's "In Our Gun" (which only went Gold.) Ironically as their British popularity fades, their American popularity continues to rise, as their 2004 album "Split the Difference, their 2006 album "How We Operate" and their latest, "A New Tide" which hit stores back in March have each strode further up the charts. Having today's song featured in Grey's Anatomy probably helped a wee bit.

This is technically the second single off of "A New Tide." It's called "Little Pieces." Enjoy Gomez on the blog today!

Issue #81- Panic at the Disco- "New Perspective"

2009-08-19T13:31:00.000-07:00

Note to Panic at the Disco... don't sorta break up right before your new album comes out. When guitarist Ryan Ross (he was the main songwriter as well) and bassist Jon Walker announced they were parting ways with Panic... many wondered if the band would stick it out. The answer is yes. The two remaining members, lead singer Brandon Urie, and drummer Spencer Smith have at least temporary members on board for now, but with Ryan Ross' songwriting skills elsewhere, who knows if a new Panic album after this one will happen.

Panic at the Disco was lumped into the Emo category when they first came out and had success with their singles "I Write Sins, Not Tragedies" and "Lying is the Most Fun a Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off," off of their 2005 debut, "A Fever You Can't Sweat Out." Musically, they drastically changed course (in a great way, in my opinion), with 2008's "Pretty...Odd." It featured the singles "Nine in the Afternoon," "That Green Gentleman," and the underrated "Northern Downpour."

The new album should hit stores in late September. You can find this new single on the soundtrack to the movie "Jennifer's Body" which hits stores August 25th. Enjoy new Panic at the Disco. It's called "New Perspective."

Issue #80- After Midnight Project- Take Me Home

2009-08-18T12:46:00.000-07:00

I kept confusing this band's name, with the Airborne Toxic Event song ("Sometime After Midnight"), but the two are vastly different. After Midnight Project is a band that sounds like they'd fit in with the likes of Hinder, Nickelback (blah), and the rest of that crunch rock sound, but since they haven't been driven down your throat yet, you're not tired of them.

They hail from LA, and have been together since 2004. They released their self-titled first EP in 2005, and released another EP in 2007 titled "The Becoming," They have followed that up with their major-label debut, "Let's Build Something to Break", which hit stores back on August 11th. They are currently touring with the Van's Warped Tour... check them out if it hasn't rolled through your city yet.

Enjo some RAWK with the After Midnight Project. Here's their first single, "Take Me Home."

Issue #79- Eels- "Fresh Blood"

2009-08-17T12:21:00.001-07:00

A month or two ago, I threw a song from Eels up on the Friday Flashback... their 1996 hit "Novocaine for the Soul." Well... the band is definitely still around (Remember their song "Mr. E's Beautiful Blues" used in Road Trip?), having released their 12th album. Yes. TWELFTH. It's titled "Hombre Lobo" and hit stores back in June, and apparently is a #1 album in Belgium. Hmm.

They've released "Fresh Blood" as the first single. Enjoy!

Issue #78- Flashback Friday- Dada- "Dizz Knee Land"

2009-08-14T11:40:00.000-07:00

You probably know today's song. You've surely heard it's tagline used by anyone who has won a superbowl. You've probably completely forgotten about the song though, and never knew who it was by.

Dada released their debut album, "Puzzle" in 1992, and made a splash with "Dizz Knee Land," (they probably had to spell it that way for copyright or something. I could be wrong.) They went on to release 4 albums before splitting in 1999, but reunited in 2003 and have released two albums since.

The only part of the song you'll sing along with is when they say "I'm going to Disneyland!" Enjoy it. It's Dada with "Dizz Knee Land."

Click HERE

to watch the video, since EMI Music doesn't allow embedding. Woot.

Issue #77- William Tell- "Break"

2009-08-13T11:40:00.001-07:00

No, the folk hero with the overture is not being resurrected for an album of contemporary music. He is a breakaway member of Something Corporate who is out on his own doing the solo thing.

William Tell was the rhythm guitarist and background vocalist for Something Corporate until 2004 when he split with the band. Going solo, he released his debut album, "You Can Hold Me Down" in 2007 to fairly good revues, and had a minor hit with his single "Fairfax." He has returned with a new EP, titled "Lovers & Haters." You'll find this song on said EP. Here's William Tell with "Break."

Click HERE to check out the song!

Issue #76- Passion Pit- "The Reeling"

2009-08-12T12:17:00.000-07:00

If you're into the Alternative music scene, then you've probably already heard of these guys. Formed waaaay back in the year 2007, these guys from Massachusetts released their debut EP, titled "Chunk of Change" in 2008. They followed this up with their full-length debut, "Manners" which hit stores back on May 19th and landed at #51 on the albums chart. Not too shabby.

The song that has been making the rounds is this one...it's "The Reeling" from Passion Pit. Courtesy of Sony Records not letting you embed videos... you'll have to click the link to check it out. CLICK HERE!

Issue #75- Alternate Routes- "Ain't No Secret"

2009-08-11T12:56:00.000-07:00

Alternate Routes are a band from Connecticut that sound like they're from the south or midwest. Maybe that's because they've recorded both of their albums in Nashville. They formed in 2002 at Fairfield University, and quickly found a strong following. They released their debut album in 2005, entitled "Good and Reckless and True." It was re-released on a major label in 2007, and spawned the semi-hit "Time is a Runaway." The band has returned with their sophomore album, "A Sucker's Dream" which hit stores back in February. From the new album, here is "Ain't No Secret" by Alternate Routes. Enjoy!

Aint No Secret (Demo Version) - The Alternate Routes

Bonus- A look at who views my site

2009-08-10T19:58:00.000-07:00

When I started this blog 70ish posts ago, it was a blog for those displaced listeners from my former radio station to check in on new music that they weren't hearing on the airwaves anymore. Since then, it has grown nicely to a group of loyal readers, and more people surfing into the site daily. I'm not pulling in super-huge-mega amounts of views, but more than enough to keep the blog rolling. So tonight, I glanced through my Google Analytics account and made some observations.

--Listeners from my radio station are still checking the blog out. I'm glad they're still keeping in touch to see what new music is out there!

--A lot of new people surf in searching for their favorite band. Some are one view and done with the site, some keep coming back.

--Putting the Y2Kroq Top 200 songs of the 2000s list on my site has led to some ridiculous amounts of hits from not only LA, but around the country as people search for it and end up on my blog.

Now, it's not like big brother is watching. I don't have your IP address. I don't know exactly where you live. I just know approximately where people view from and how they get to the site. The majority of the views of the blog are from Philly, Kansas, Missouri, L.A., and New York City. Some other places pop up too. Around the Boston area, Ithaca and Syracuse in New York...I have a fairly regular reader in Mount Holly, NJ.

But I've noticed one city popping up not only on this blog, but basically any other site that I have Google Analytics access to. Fargo. Fargo? Yup. Fargo. And it's all from the same visitor.

Now, normally, I'd be flattered. A very loyal reader. Nice! But it seems like the viewer is more interested in ME than the things I'm blogging about. They arrive on the sites searching for things like "Beej" or "Beej+KBZI" or "Beejontheradio." Considering I don't personally know anyone in Fargo... and my old station's signal fell a WEE bit short of Fargo, well, it's kind of weird. Plus they threw over 160 webhits on the old station's website alone. Whoever you are, um... thank you for your dedication for following me. Whether it's good or bad.

In all seriousness though, thank you to all the readers who check out this blog, no matter how often you surf on in. I also have http://beejontheradio.blogspot.com as well, and I think I'm going to resurrect that one for random brain droppings in the near future.

I'll catch everyone back here tomorrow with another new entry!

-Beej

Issue #74- Barcelona- "Come Back When You Can"

2009-08-10T11:48:00.000-07:00

Miss me? I flew off the grid for a couple of days. It was nice to get away. And walk out of Atlantic City with an extra $200. Anywho... back to the music.

Today's featured band is called Barcelona, and they have only been around in band form for a few years. Their lead singer, Brian Fennell, put out a solo album in 2005, and the band together as Barcelona released their debut album, "Absolutes" in 2007. The band was picked up by Universal Records and the album was re-released in April. They hail from Seattle, and fit right in if you have musical tastes along the lines of Augustana, Coldplay, The Fray, and other piano-driven rock bands (not that Coldplay is... I'm just saying it's the same vein of music.)

Check out their debut single. It's Barcelona with "Come Back When You Can"

Issue #73- Ryan Star- "Breathe"

2009-08-05T12:20:00.001-07:00

His album keeps getting pushed back further and further by his record label, but from what I've heard... it should be a pop-rock masterpiece when we finally do get to hear it.

As previously told when we featured his song "Last Train Home," Ryan Star was the former lead singer of Alt-Rockers Stage, who put out one album in the early 00's. Ryan went on and was a contestant on Rock Band: Supernova, which gathered some national attention for himself. Even though he was on national TV, it's taken over three years to get his solo debut released. It'll be called "11:59" and will hit stores now on September 15th. Don't expect groundbreaking new sounds... but expect an absolutely solid pop-rock album.

Enjoy a new track from the upcoming album. It's Ryan Star with "Breathe." Give it a listen by CLICKING HERE!

Issue #72- Bowling For Soup- "My Wena"

2009-08-04T11:24:00.001-07:00

First. Huge thanks to my buddy Tom for bringing this to my attention.

Now... you've heard of Bowling for Soup before. They did "1985," and "The Bitch Song" and "High School Never Ends" and "Punk Rock 101." Well... they've outdone themselves with their new song "My Wena."

Their new album will be called "Sorry for Partyin'" and should hit stores on September 29th. I have a feeling MTV and radio stations MAY have an issue with this song. Oh... and before you play the video...

IT'S SO TOTALLY AND INCREDIBLY NOT SAFE FOR WORK.

What's that mean? Well... if you watch it at work, and get in trouble for it... I'm not to blame. So there.

Check it. Bowling For Soup, with "My Wena"

Issue #71- Chevelle- "Jars"

2009-08-03T14:32:00.000-07:00

RAWK.

I never was a huge hard rock music fan. Sure... there are some tunes that I can just crank up and rock out too... but I never got into the stuff like Disturbed... I hate Metallica... stuff like that.

But for some reason, I always dig Chevelle. Going all the way back to their Point #1 days.

The band of two brothers, and a brother-in-law, are back with a new disc called "Sci-Fi Crimes" which will be released to the world September 1st. The debut single is cranking up at Rock radio. It's called "Jars." Enjoy.

Oh yeah... courtesy of their record label... you gotta click the link to check it out. Woo. Check it HERE.

Issue #70- Double Flashback Friday!

2009-07-31T14:37:00.000-07:00

Since uh... I totally shafted you guys on Flashback Friday last week, I guess I could definitely double up this week to make up for it... and I'm going to tie it into two of this week's artists.

Imogen Heap has a new album out as reported earlier this week. She used to be in a duet called Frou Frou, which was actually pretty mainstream and catchy at times. Here's their song that was featured on the Garden State Soundtrack, "Let Go"

And, we also reported that John Hampson of Nine Days is releasing a solo album. Back in 2002, the band was set to release their sophomore album "So Happily Unsatisfied," but got dropped from their label two weeks before it hit stores. Nice. This song was released to radio with minor results. It could have been bigger if... you know... the record label cared. It was called "Good Friend"

Enjoy the weekend!

Issue #69- Graham Colton- "Twenty Something"

2009-07-30T11:26:00.000-07:00

Here's a singer-songwriter that deserves much more mainstream attention than what he is currently getting.

Graham Colton got his start in Oklahoma City, and could have been a football player. (His buddy is Wes Walker of the Patriots. Together they won the Oklahoma 2A State Championship back in 1998.) Graham decided to pursue music though, and quickly worked on some demos and EPs. In 2002, one of his EPs fell into the hands of Counting Crows lead singer Adam Duritz, who invited Graham to open on their tour. In 2004, Graham teamed up with a band, and released his major label debut, "Drive." The Graham Colton Band toured extensively behind the singles "Don't Give Up On Me," "First Week," and "Cigarette." The band toured with Kelly Clarkson (with whom Graham briefly dated). In October 2007, he released his solo follow-up album, "Here Right Now." His single "Best Days" was featured on American Idol, iTunes, ABC, and HBO.

Now, Graham has recorded an acoustic EP on his own in some studios in Norman, Oklahoma, and released it through his website. Entitled, "Twenty Something EP," he released the title track as a single. Enjoy "Twenty Something" by Graham Colton.

Click HERE to hear Graham Colton's new single.

Issue #68- John Hampson- "How Much"

2009-07-29T13:13:00.000-07:00

Remember the band Nine Days? They had that one hit "Absolutely (Story of a Girl)" then kind of fell off the face of the earth? Their lead singer is back with a solo album.

John Hampson is his name, and what has he been doing since Nine Days had a Top 10 hit in 2000? Well, the band actually released three full length albums. There was 2000's "The Madding Crowd" which featured "Absolutely," and the follow-up hit "If I Am." They recorded the follow-up album, "So Happily Unsatisfied," but found themselves dropped by their record label mere weeks before it was released. After a ton of legal wrangling, they wrenched the album free of their old record label, and released it themselves. They also released "Flying the Corporate Jet" in 2003, and a six song EP entitled "Slow Motion Life (Part One)" in 2007.

Lead singer John Hampson toyed with the idea of writing a solo album, while working his new job, teaching English at a Long Island high school. He finally released "Shiny New Album" in June. This is the first single off the album. It's called "How Much." Enjoy.

How Much (Demo) - John Hampson

Issue #67- Imogen Heap- "First Train Home"

2009-07-28T11:56:00.001-07:00

I don't quite know how Imogen Heap isn't bigger in the United States. Her music is mainstream sounding enough to fit in with the Pop world, but still indie enough to qualify as "Alternative." Yet neither has truly latched onto her music.

She started out in 1998 releasing a solo album "I Megaphone," to critical acclaim. She fell victim to record label douchebaggery though, and went through a rough stretch of years where her career was in limbo.

In 2001, she had teamed up with Guy Sigsworth, who had produced a track on her debut album, and formed the duo Frou Frou. They released an album entitled "Details" in 2002, and led it off with the single "Breathe In." They gathered more attention with their song "Let Go" from the "Garden State" soundtrack. Imogen Heap decided to pursue a second solo album after this.

In 2005, she released "Speak For Yourself," first in the UK, and eventually in the US, to more critical acclaim, and some better public recognition. She has finally followed this up with the album "Ellipse," to be released on August 25th.

We feature the first single off her new album. Enjoy "First Train Home" by Imogen Heap.

Issue #66- The Temper Trap- "Sweet Disposition"

2009-07-27T11:21:00.000-07:00

G'Day mates! Today we head to Australia for our blog entry. You may have heard this song featured in commercials for the movie "500 Days of Summer," and you'll find the song on the movie's soundtrack.

So far in their career, they've only released one EP (The Temper Trap EP) in 2006, and their debut full-length "Conditions" which is available in Australia, soon to be available in England, and I don't believe has a release date for the US yet. (You could probably find it online though.) It's been getting some GREAT reviews though... averaging at least 4 out of 5 stars in nearly all it's reviews.

Check it out, and enjoy The Temper Trap, with "Sweet Disposition"

Issue #65- Better Than Ezra- "Black Light"

2009-07-23T10:41:00.000-07:00

So yeah, I didn't give Better Than Ezra's latest album, "Paper Empire" a very favorable review when it came out, and now, two months and one live show later, it still hasn't grown on me very much. But there are standout tracks that deserve some attention, and the band has released two of them as singles off the album.

They led off with "Absolutely Still," and self-produced a video that actually looks pretty damn good (see the official video HERE). The song didn't do that well at radio, peaking right around #40 on the charts, but the band is releasing it on their own label, with help from Sony Red. So without big label backing, good songs can easily fall way short. That may be the case with their new single too. It hasn't had an official release date, but a few stations have picked up on it and given it some spins. (Props to 102.7 EQX!)

It's catchy, and sounds a little bit more alternative than their most recent poppier stuff. Check it out. It's Better Than Ezra with "Black Light."

Issue #64- Phoenix- "1901"

2009-07-22T10:40:00.000-07:00

Yeah yeah. I'm a little behind on this one. Sue me!

Phoenix is a French band started out as a backing band for the band Air before branching out themselves in 2000. They released their debut album "United," following it up in 2004 with "Alphabetical" and in 2006 with "It's Never Been Like That." They've had minor stateside success through the time, but are breaking through now with their latest album "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix." The band performed on SNL back in April... perhaps you saw that episode?

Enjoy their first single from "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix." It's "1901"

Issue #63- Owl City- "Fireflies"

2009-07-21T10:05:00.001-07:00

Props to a few people who have already heard of this one.

They'll remind you of the Postal Service, both musically and vocally, with slightly more cheesy lyrics. Well, the lyrics can sound cheesy, but they also sound really happy, which can seem rare sometimes anymore.

Adam Young is the one man in Owl City, "formed" in Owatonna, Minnesota. He started playing music in his parents basement while suffering from insomnia. This led to a self-released EP (2007's "Of June"), and a full-length album (2008's "Maybe I'm Dreaming.) Universal Records took notice of him, signed him to the label, and he just released his major-label debut, "Ocean Eyes." (It's available on iTunes currently, the physical CD doesn't hit stores until the 28th)

You can also check out two different side projects Adam Young maintains, Swimming With Dolphins, and Port Blue.

PS- You can download this song for FREE on iTunes... but I'm not sure for how much longer. Jump on it!

Enjoy Owl City... here's "Fireflies"

Issue #62B- BONUS VIDEO!

2009-07-20T11:06:00.001-07:00

I'm sorry. There is entirely too much awesome in this video for me to wait a day to post it. Just... enjoy!

Issue #62- Meg and Dia- "Black Wedding"

2009-07-20T09:55:00.000-07:00

So... I'm not right on top of this one; apparently it's been out there for a little while, I just didn't find it until now.

Meg & Dia are a sister-duo (now with a full band surrounding them) formed out of St. George, UT. They've released an acoustic EP (2005's "Our Home is Gone"). They followed this up with the full-band infused "Something Real" in 2006, and are now signed to Warner Brothers/Sire Records, where they released "Here, Here and Here" back in April. The album debuted at #103 on the Top 200 Albums Chart, and today's song, "Black Wedding" shot to #25 on the Hot 100 Chart. They might remind you of the Veronicas musically, but with more credibility.

While you may never have heard of them, (if you listened to BZI, you heard their song "Monster" and we had them in for an interview), they have had success in the past as well. The video for their song "Monster" was nominated for an MTVu Woodie Award for "Viral Woodie." They have also toured with Angels & Airwaves, The Spill Canvas, Cute is What We Aim For and more.

Let's give you their latest song. It's Meg & Dia, with "Black Wedding"

Issue #61- Friday Flashback- The Nixons- "Sister"

2009-07-17T12:18:00.001-07:00

Normally when you think "Oklahoma," you think Country or Western. But the great state of Oklahoma has produced some good rock bands in it's time, such as The All-American Rejects, Caroline's Spine, Molly's Yes, and today's blog entry, The Nixons.

Formed in Oklahoma City in 1990, the band found it's footing in the 90's Alternative Scene with their 1995 album "Foma" thanks to the popularity of their single "Sister." It climbed to #6 on the Mainstream Rock chart, and #11 on the Modern Rock Chart. Unfortunately, their follow-ups failed to capture the attention of the rock audience. Their self-titled 1997 album barely cracked into the Top 200, and their final release, 2000's "The Latest Thing" sadly, barely made a blip on the radar (even though "First Trip" off of said album was pretty damn good, in this blogger's opinion.)

Lead singer Zac Malloy has had a respectable independent solo career, releasing two solo albums and an EP. He has also done a ton of songwriting and producing, helping out artists like Hanson (yes... THAT Hanson), Daughtry, Bowling for Soup, and he co-wrote Our Lady Peace's latest single "All You Did Was Save My Life."

We'll go back to 1995, with the song you probably heard, but also probably forgot all about. It's the Nixons, with "Sister."

Issue #60- The Killer And The Star- "Starts When You Fall"

2009-07-16T10:56:00.000-07:00

Usually I try to read up on bands before I give the song a listen, just so I know a back story... but I hadn't gotten around to it for today's band, and when I did, it kind of surprised me.

Scooter Ward, the frontman from the band Cold is the man behind The Killer and the Star, a project started as a solo side-project. I haven't heard the entire album yet, but the song I had come across my computer is slightly different than the music usually heard in Cold. (It sounds more like "No One" than "Stupid Girl" or "Just Got Wicked.")

It's a slower, but still dark side. I'm personally not 100% sold on this song yet.. it sounds like it still needs something... but I'll throw it on the blog for today. Enjoy The Killer and the Star, and "Starts When You Fall"

Issue #59- Sister Hazel- "Take a Bow"

2009-07-15T08:54:00.000-07:00

It's been 12 years since "All For You" all but consumed radio airwaves and became an anthem for the year 1997, and Sister Hazel's popularity has faded since, but give them credit, they are still cranking out amazing music. Whether it's 2000's "Change Your Mind" or "Champagne High" or their cover of the Cars classic "Just What I Needed

Their 7th album, titled "Release" is set to hit stores August 18th on their own Croakin' Poets record label. Just because they don't have a major label promoting them, it probably won't be a #1 hit... but give it a listen... it's good music. Here's their latest single, "Take a Bow"

You gotta CLICK HERE to check the song out.

Issue #58B- Third Eye Blind- "Don't Believe a Word"

2009-07-14T12:22:00.001-07:00

You know what's rare in music?

When a band hasn't released an album for six years, and hasn't had a hit in 9 years, shows back up, and people pay attention. Most times, bands are forgotten if they are out of the spotlight for that long. Not Third Eye Blind.

We first started hearing trickles of new music from 3EB in late 2008, as they digitally released an EP, gearing up for the full-album release (coming in August.) Their song "Non-Dairy Creamer" sparked some radio airplay, amidst curiosity, and some controversy over it's lyrics. Now the band prepares to release "Ursa Major" on August 18th, and says an album "Ursa Minor" will also hit stores eventually.

If I read the info correctly, the band is on their own label, with distribution through Sony RED, much like how Better Than Ezra released their last album, "Paper Empire."

From "Ursa Major," it's Third Eye Blind, with "Don't Believe a Word."

Issue #58A- WORST. COVER. EVER.

2009-07-14T09:17:00.000-07:00

I've received this video a couple of times this past week, and decided I just HAD to share.

Christian scream-core band Confide have decided to release a cover of The Postal Service's 2003 hit "Such Great Heights." The beginning starts out pretty close to the original...then...uh... it all goes to hell. Give it a listen yourself.

Well... I'm torn... I think it ties this song as "worst cover ever."

Issue #57- Bleu- "Come 'N Go"

2009-07-13T10:31:00.000-07:00

WACKY WAVING INFLATABLE ARM FLAILING TUBE MAN!
WACKY WAVING INFLATABLE ARM FLAILING TUBE MAN!

Hi! I'm Beej from Beej's Wacky Waving Inflatable Arm Flailing Tube Man Music Video Emporium and Warehouse! Thanks to some internet searching, I have a music video with Wacky Waving Inflatable Arm Flailing Tube Men in them, and I'm passing the savings on to YOUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!

His name is Bleu, (the first person to shout "YOU'RE MY BOY BLEU!" gets castrated), and he's actually been around since 1999, first as a member of a band called "L.E.O." and then going out solo on his own. He broke into the mainstream slightly in 2003 with the release of his album "Redhead" which sparked the semi-hit "I Won't Go Hollywood." It's taken him a while, but tomorrow we see the release of his follow-up album, "A Watched Pot." Check it out if you like.

Enjoy his lead-off single, "Come 'N Go". You can find it in a record store on Route 2 in WEEEEKOPOGGGGGGGGG!

PS- If you don't get the reference.... you need to watch more TV... specifically this:

Issue #56- Flashback Week- Crystal Method- "Murder"

2009-07-10T10:24:00.000-07:00

Flashback week (at least this edition) has come to an end, so let's finish it up on a more upbeat note.

I'm not a huge Crystal Method fan... I couldn't tell you any of their songs other than the ones that dotted Alternative radio through the 90s, but when we played this song on the Music Video show I worked on in college, it stood out pretty well to me. Why? First, it features Scott Weiland on vocals. Secondly... it's a music video with a murderous blow-up doll. How can it NOT be good.

Enjoy the video, but you'll have to click on it to see it, since again, Universal Music doesn't allow people to embed their videos. Bastards. So go ahead and CLICK HERE to check out the video.

Issue #55- Flashback Week- Further Seems Forever- "Light Up Ahead"

2009-07-09T09:54:00.000-07:00

Further Seems Forever is to the 2000's as what Van Halen was to the 1980's and 1990's. I'm not talking about being a big-ass arena rock band. Both bands have gone through three lead singers. (Of course for Van Halen that would be David Lee Roth, Sammy Hagar, and Gary Cherone.)

Further Seems Forever started in 1998, with Chris Carrabba leading the way. He held down the vocals for their 2001 album "The Moon is Down" before departing to start his semi-solo brainchild Dashboard Confessional. The band scurried and found Jason Gleason t be their next lead singer, who did vocals for 2003's "How To Start a Fire," which had the semi-hit "The Sound." He came from the band Affinity, but quit in 2004 for "interpersonal reasons." Once again left to look, the band took on former Sense Field singer Jon Bunch for their 2004 album "Hide Nothing." The band decided to split afterward, citing family as their reason for calling it quits. There has been a best-of compilation including songs from all three singers.

We'll take a song off their 2004 album "Hide Nothing," when Jon Bunch was fronting them. Sadly, Tooth And Nail records won't let me embed the video, so you'll have to click over to it. It's a very well done animated video for the song "Light Up Ahead."

CLICK HERE to watch the video for "Light Up Ahead" by Further Seems Forever!

Issue #54- Flashback Week- Touch & Go- "Would You...?"

2009-07-08T12:29:00.001-07:00

If there's one thing I love, it's bizarre-ass 90's music videos. The 90s were a time where Grunge and Alternative videos took "weird" to a new level, and today's song/video is no different.

Touch and Go is a UK ensemble, being labeled as "Jazz-Pop." They were much bigger in Europe than here in the US, scoring hits with "Would You...?", "Straight...To Number One" and "Tango in Harlem." I actually can't find any evidence of them hitting the charts in the US, but somehow I stumbled upon their MP3. The vocals, I don't believe, are actually any of the band members themselves, and the lyrics, according to the always-accurate Wikipedia, are from a 1978 Psychological study.

Either way, it makes for an interesting song, and a weird ass video. Enjoy Touch and Go, with "Would You...?"

Issue #53- Flashback Week- The Shore

2009-07-07T11:23:00.000-07:00

I, for the longest time, thought this band was from England, just judging by the sound of the music they make. They are actually from Silver Lake, California, and are just heavily influenced by the Britpop sound.

The band came together in 2002, mainly by frontman Ben Ashley. He brought together the rest of the band, and they were signed just a few months after recording their first demos.

The band released their self-titled debut album in 2004, with a few minor hits, such as "The Long Road" and "Firefly." They attempted to cross over to pop with their song "Waiting for The Sun" with little results.

The band seems to have been dropped from their record label, and released an album, 2008's "Light Years" by themselves. They're touring too, but sticking close to their home-base in California.

Check out today's Flashback Week entry, from 2002, it's The Shore, and "Waiting For The Sun."

Issue #52- Flashback Week- Sponge

2009-07-06T12:07:00.001-07:00

I sat down this week and sifted through some new music and realized something... I'm not very impressed with what I have in front of me. There are a couple of new songs I have ready to go for the blog, but the quality of music out there just isn't great at the moment. So... in order to go through some more music, I've decided to throw together a full Flashback week here on the blog.

We'll kick it off with a band that IS still kicking around new music, their latest album being 2007's "Galore Galore." They made their debut back in 1995, as they broke onto the scene with their debut album "Rotting Pinata." and followed it up with 1997's "Wax Ecstatic." All total, they have six albums to their name, and three Top-10 songs.

We'll give you two of them:

From 1995, here's the one everyone knows... it's Sponge and "Plowed"

And from 1997, their slower side... with "Have You Seen Mary"

Sponge - Have You Seen Mary (Official Music Video) - More free videos are here

Issue #51- Friday Flashback- Motion City Soundtrack- "L.G. Fuad"

2009-07-03T12:42:00.000-07:00

This week's Friday Flashback isn't flashing back too far at all... only back to 2005, when Motion City Soundtrack was seeing their fame rise. They've been around since 1997, blasting from the musical hotbed of Minneapolis. In 2005, they released their sophomore disc, "Commit This To Memory," which was produced by Mark Hoppus of Blink 182. The band saw minor hits with "Everything is Alright," and "Better Open The Door," but found cult classic status with their song about coping with some shitty situation by getting completely wasted (or at least that's how I hear it.)

The song title is short for "Let's Get Fucked Up and Die," but I guess the record label wanted a more, uh... sellable title... so it got shortened. Enjoy today's Friday Flashback, Motion City Soundtrack's "LG. Fuad."

Issue #50- Cobra Starship- "Good Girls Go Bad"

2009-07-02T09:57:00.000-07:00

From the ashes of one band comes the start of another.

You may have heard of Cobra Starship before. They did the song "Snakes on a Plane" for the movie... well... "Snakes on a Plane," and have been churning out some pretty good dance-rock since.

Cobra Startship was founded by former Midtown bassit/vocalist Gabe Saporta, and have cranked out three albums, 2006's "While The City Sleeps, We Rule The Streets," 2007's, "Viva La Cobra!" and their latest, 2009's "Hot Mess," to be released on August 11th. For the leadoff single, they team up with actress Leighton Meester, who can sing surprisingly well. The only negative on this song... the stupid cheerleader-esque breakdown in the middle. Gwen Stefani tried it as an entire song (I don't know what a Hollaback Girl is... I just know I want her dead), and failed miserably.

Either way.. enjoy today's entry... Cobra Starship featuring Leighton Meester, with "Good Girls Go Bad."

Issue #49- Anberlin- "Breaking"

2009-07-01T12:28:00.000-07:00

I've been sitting on this song, waiting to use it for a while... only because it's release date kept getting pushed back.

Anberlin is on their 4 major release (5th if you include their B-Sides album) and are finally finding major commercial success... which is rare, since most record labels won't keep putting money into you if you don't sell like gangbusters on your first album or two. The band released their first 3 albums on indie label Tooth & Nail, then moved to major label Universal. Under Universal's umbrella of uh... having more money than Tooth & Nail to promote them, they've taken off.

"The Feel Good Drag," the lead-off single to their latest album, "New Surrender" was a slow climber, and looked to be fading off, so back in January, the label announced "Breaking" as the next single. But "The Feel Good Drag" kept climbing...and climbing, so "Breaking" kept getting pushed back. Finally "The Feel Good Drag" hit #1, so it was time for it to fade...but the song continues to hand around in the Top 10 of the Alternative chart. Finally, "Breaking" has another radio release date, and I don't feel like sitting on this great track already.

Today's best music blog entry is from Anberlin. Here's "Breaking."

Issue #48- J.R. Richards- "A Beautiful End"

2009-06-29T10:33:00.000-07:00

I've said it before, but this guy has one of the best voices in Rock music, and you've forgotten who he is. The frontman for 90's Alt-Rockers Dishwalla has released his solo debut album, and it picks up right where Dishwalla left off.

They had the most played Rock Radio song in 1995 with "Counting Blue Cars," and released on hell of an amazing album with 2002's "Opaline", (plus, solid albums in 1998's "And You Think You Know What Life's About" and 2005's self-titled effort, AND a live album. Not too shabby of a career for one-hit wonders. The band is taking a hiatus for a little bit while everyone pursues other ventures. His album "A Beautiful End" was released back in May. Today's song for the blog is the title track to the album. Enjoy "A Beautiful End" by J.R. Richards

Issue 47- Friday Flashback- eels- "Novocaine for the Soul"

2009-06-26T12:16:00.000-07:00

I debated it.

Considering how big of news it is in the world, and how many covers there are out there of his music, I was tempted to make this a Michael Jackson Flashback Friday. But since everyone else is doing it, I decided not to. We go on as normal on the blog today, and flashback to 1996.

They only had one mainstream hit, but you may have heard of some of their others. Their song "Mr. E's Beautiful Blues" was featured in Road Trip, and they have released a ton of albums to critical acclaim since, but they were never able to recapture the public's eye like in 1996 with their one big hit. From "Beautiful Freak," it's eels, with "Novocaine for the Soul"

Issue #46- The Classic Crime- "The Way That You Are"

2009-06-25T09:53:00.001-07:00

Remember when Seattle used to give us grunge?

Now Seattle gives us bands like The Classic Crime. Power punk-pop that's well-polished. The band broke onto the scene in 2006 with their debut album "Albatross," to which I played to death "The Coldest Heart" and "Who Needs Air" on my WinAmp. Their latest album, "The Silver Cord" actually hit stores last summer, but they're still working it right now, pushing their latest single to radio.

Today's best song you've never heard... it's The Classic Crime- "The Way That You Are."

Issue #45- The Airborne Toxic Event- "Wishing Well"

2009-06-24T09:59:00.000-07:00

Based in Los Angeles, and never really thinking he'd be a rock star, The Airborne Toxic Event's lead singer Mikel Jollett has come a long way since a fateful week in 2006. As an aspiring novelist, within one week, he found out his mother was diagnosed with cancer, his relationship broke up, and he himself was diagnosed with a genetic auto-immune disease. His writing turned from writing prose to writing songs, as he said he realized he was writing an album.

I still am not 100% sure if I truly like this band or not. Their first single, "Sometime Around Midnight" was good... and there are moments when I'll listen to it often, but other times I need to let it rest for a while. It's run on the Alternative charts was impressive, slowly climbing to a Top 5 peak Their latest single, "Wishing Well" definitely brings a more radio-friendly feel to the mix.

Enjoy for today, The Aiborne Toxic Event, and their new single "Wishing Well"

Issue #44- State of Man- "Swallow Your Fears"

2009-06-23T11:36:00.000-07:00

They formed in 2000, basing their sound on their love of 90's rock. 9 years later, they're attempting to make their own splash on the world of music.

The band is based in Atlanta, says their band name, "State of Man," is like a mission statement, stating "We're representative of where humanity is as a whole. We want to lead by example and actually get our hands dirty." The band has been doing just that, with their "Service 2 Humanity" tour, as they "Make a difference with music & you."

They've got some big, arena-rock sounds. Check it out in this single. It's State of Man, with "Swallow Your Fears"

Issue #43- Run Kid Run- "Set the Dial"

2009-06-22T11:46:00.000-07:00

I swear, when I got my hands on a bunch of songs to check out for the blog, I had no clue so many of them in a cluster would be Christian Bands. (I gotta go back and look at the source of all of this music.) But yet again, we hit up the Christian sector for today's blog.

The band is called Run Kid Run, signed to Tooth and Nail Records. They've been around since 2006, and have released two albums, 2006's "This is Who We Are" and their latest, 2008's "Love at the Core."

They've had moderate success on the Christian Charts with some of their singles, and try with this one. Forgive the amateur-put together video for this song, it's the only one on YouTube. Check out Run Kid Run's "Set the Dial."

Issue #42- Flashback Friday- Better Than Ezra

2009-06-19T10:57:00.000-07:00

Yeah yeah. Just like when I premiered their new single "Absolutely Still" to kick off the blog, I know I might get some flak for putting my favorite band on my blog. Meh. Sue me.

I was lucky enough to see these guys in concert this past week, first at an acoustic session for Philly radio station Radio 104.5, then later that night in their plugged-in goodness at Philly's Trocadero Theater. I'm not the biggest fan of their latest album at all (It's not ALL bad... there are good songs on there, but it's probably my least favorite Ezra album released.) Anywho.

I figured for today's Flashback Friday, I'd go through their music video collection (what I can find online at least) and let you go "Oh Yeah! I remember that song! Better Than Ezra did it? Cool!" It's a Better Than Ezra OVERLOAD today on the Best Music blog. Sit back, and enjoy.

From 1995's "Deluxe", their debut single, "Good."

Also from 1995's "Deluxe," the follow-up single "In the Blood"

The third single from 1995's "Deluxe," it's "Rosealia."

From their 1996 sophomore album "Friction, Baby" here's "King of New Orleans"

Better Than Ezra |MTV Music

Their more remembered hit from 1996's "Friction, Baby" it's "Desperately Wanting"

Sadly, the only music video BTE got to do for their 1998 album "How Does Your Garden Grow" was for this song, "Like It Like That." Recorded March 19th, 1999 in NYC and March 20th, 1999 in Philly (at the show I was at!!)

The leadoff single from 2005's "Before The Robots," it's "A Lifetime"

Definitely one of their more, uh... interesting videos, it's 2005's "Juicy."

Better Than Ezra |MTV Music

Here's the official video for their latest single, from 2009's "Paper Empire," it's "Absolutely Still"

There WAS a (really bad) video for 2001's "Extra Ordinary" off their album "Closer" but it's nowhere to be found online. They also released the singles "Long Lost," and "Normal Town" from "Friction, Baby", "One More Murder," and "At the Stars" from "How Does Your Garden Grow?", "Misunderstood" from "Closer" and "Our Last Night" from "Before The Robots" without having a music video.

Until Monday, when hopefully, I'll have my full hearing back. Peace!

Issue #41- Gary Go- "Wonderful"

2009-06-18T10:27:00.000-07:00

From across the pond comes today's "Best Music" blog entry. His name is Gary Go, and he's trying to make his mark in America.

He's snagged some big gigs in his short career, now opening for Take That on their reunion tour, plus he's penned in to be opening for Lady Gaga for a few dates on her upcoming European tour. He's released a few EPs, and now, his full-length, self-titled album, which is in stores now.

Let's present Gary Go, and his debut single "Wonderful"

Issue #40- FM Static- "Take Me As I Am"

2009-06-17T08:53:00.000-07:00

So today we go holy again for the Best Music blog, as a Christian band get's today's entry. The side project of Trevor McNevan, the lead singer of Thousand Foot Krutch, a very heavy rocking Christian band, FM Static lets him get in touch with much more poppier roots. Formed in 2003, they have released 3 albums, 2003's "What Are You Waiting For?", 2006's "Critically Ashamed" and their latest, 2009's "Dear Diary."

They've had a slew of hits at Christian Rock radio... which, depending on where you are, you might hear, you might not. We'll take their latest hit today. It's FM Static, and "Take Me As I Am."

Isue #39- Collective Soul- "Staring Down"

2009-06-16T11:57:00.000-07:00

Today's entry into the blog is another of the "oh yeah! I remember them!"

As they put it themselves, on VH1's Top 100 songs of the 90s, they're doing pretty damn good for being the One Hit Wonder of 1994. They have amassed 7 #1 Mainstream Rock hits, (They would be "Shine," "December," "The World I Know," "Where The River Flows," "Precious Declaration," "Listen," and "Heavy," plus a plethora of other songs you might not remember unless you heard them.

Well they will be returning August 25th with their eighth studio album, entitled "Rabbit," and are ready to hit the radio airwaves with their new single. Today, we present Collective Soul, and "Staring Down."

CLICK HERE to listen to Collective Soul's new song. Courtesy of Alternative Addiction!

Issue #38- Capital Lights- "Return"

2009-06-15T12:50:00.000-07:00

After living in the Bible Belt for nearly four years, I found a new respect for Christian music. Seriously. These days, Christian Rock and Christian Pop can sound so mainstream, if you weren't paying attention, you wouldn't know what your listening to was Christian. Lyrically, it's not beating you over your head with their beliefs, and it's slick, well-produced music.

Cue today's track for the blog, from the band Capital Lights. They're from the musical hotspot of... uh... Oklahoma, and are signed to Christian label Tooth and Nail. They've put out three albums, 2006's "Better Late Than Never," 2007's "Revival of the Fittest EP" and their latest and major label debut, 2008's "This is an Outrage!"

They have scattered tour dates, including one in Shirleysburg, PA on the 26th of June. I present for today's blog entry: Capital Lights, and their latest single "Return."

Issue #37- A Friday Flashback Triple Shot

2009-06-12T14:11:00.000-07:00

To make up for ::gasp:: taking two days off this week, I figured I'd do a triple shot for this week's Friday Flashback here on the blog. We have a band who just announced they are breaking up, but first, a band who released a song back in 2003, that now, sounds kind of creepy.

They are a bunch of guys from Australia that made a small splash, explaining...how they'd rather have sex with Madonna than any other female pop star. Considering what she looks like now:

it's not a pleasant thought. So we start, with The Androids, and "Do It With Madonna." (And you have to click on it because Universal Records won't let you embed videos. Douchebags. So CLICK HERE

Secondly, sad news as a band you probably have forgotten about has announced their break-up.

Remember Harvey Danger? Yup... those lovable nerds from 1998's "Flagpole Sitta" have officially announced they're done after releasing 3 albums. They never were able to match the success of Flagpole Sitta, which hit #3 on the Modern Rock charts, with such songs as "Save it For Later," and "Private Helicopter," and faded into obscurity. So I'll present two songs, of course, Flagpole Sitta, and from 2000, "Sad Sweetheart of the Rodeo"

On Vacation! Uh.. sort of...

2009-06-09T12:48:00.000-07:00

Yo loyal readers.

Just a heads up, there won't be any updates Wednesday and Thursday this week... I'll be rolling down to the Jersey Shore and won't be bringing my computer with me. Whatever will you do? Wait patiently for the Friday Flashback coming up.

Catch ya Friday!

Issue #36- Green River Ordinance- "Hold On"

2009-06-09T11:17:00.000-07:00

According to the always-accurate Wikipedia, today's band, Green River Ordinance, has been compared to Sister Hazel, Matchbox 20, and Third Eye Blind. They're pretty accurate this time, as, just like Love and Theft yesterday, this song could have been a Modern Rock hit circa 1997. Formed in 2003 in Texas, these guys were touring buddies with Flickerstick (remember THEM from VH1's Bands on the Run?), and have released 3 discs, a full length effort, "The Beauty of Letting Go," and an EP "Way Back Home" on their own, and now, signed to Virgin Records, their debut "Out Of My Hands."

They've gotten some OK reviews on their new disc... the problem... everyone compares them to the aforementioned Sister Hazel, Matchbox 20, and Third Eye Blind. Is that a bad thing? Not in my ears.

Check them out for yourself: It's Green River Ordinance, with "Hold On"

Issue #35- Love and Theft- "Runaway"

2009-06-08T10:56:00.000-07:00

YEEEEEEEEHAW! We're goin COUNTRY TODAY!

Are you still reading? OK. Good.

I'm not the biggest country fan in the world. Before I moved to Kansas I never listened to it, but I grew at least an appreciation for it since, and every once in a while I'll hear a country song that's pretty good, like today's.

I forget where I heard this song first, maybe in a store or something, and I was able to remember a snippet of the lyrics to look up later. I really wasn't paying attention, and didn't realize it was a country song at all. It sounded like it could fit into the sound of some 90s rock like Seven Mary Three, The Refreshments, and even early Train. When I saw it was #25 on the Country charts, I said "heh."

I don't know too much about them. They formed in 2006 and just got signed early this year. Their debut album "World Wide Open" will be released in August. Until then, their debut single will hold you over. It's Love and Theft, with "Runaway"

Issue #34- Friday Flashback- The Refreshments- "Banditos"

2009-06-05T09:52:00.000-07:00

"Everybody knows that the world is full of stupid people..."

Circa 1996, a song came out that wasn't a huge hit on the charts (it only climbed up to #14), and doesn't get a lot of airplay anymore, sadly. But the song is like the Office Space of 90s Modern Rock... it's become a cult classic. If I quote a line from this song on Facebook, 10 people respond with the next line, or a "HEY! I REMEMBER THAT SONG!!" It doesn't even get played in Philly on the radio anymore (WMMR, Radio 104.5, and YSP don't spin it), but people still remember it when they hear it.

They attempted a follow up hit ("Down Together," which was a radio flop), and faded off the map. The only other notable song they did, believe it or not, was the theme to "King of the Hill." They probably made more money off of that than anything they released to radio.

From 1996, and their album "Fizzy, Fuzzy, Big and Buzzy," it's the Refreshments, and "Banditos." (The song kicks in around :27 in)

Issue #33- Our Lady Peace- "All You Did Was Save My Life"

2009-06-04T09:33:00.001-07:00

When I mention the band Our Lady Peace, I always get one of three responses:

A.) Who?
B.) Is that some Christian band?
C.) They're still around?

Huge in Canada, and a moderate success here in the states, yes, Our Lady Peace is still around, and they are just about to release their latest album, "Burn Burn" on July 21st.

The band has had a great career so far, spanning back to their debut album "Naveed" back in 1994. They've hit the radio with songs like "Clumsy," "Superman's Dead," "One Man Army," "Life," and 2002's "Somewhere Out There," which took them in a more mainstream sound, much to the chagrin of longtime fans. The new album, "Burn Burn," from what I've heard so far, is supposed to be a mix of the newer poppy sound, with some older, more rocking OLP music. The debut single from the new album definitely leans more towards the polished pop sound though, but I'm not complaining, as I thought "Somewhere Out There" is one of their best songs to date.

So let's pull a "heh. Oh yeah! I remember them!" today and debut new music from Our Lady Peace, this is "All You Did Was Save My Life"

Issue #32- Holiday Parade- "Getaway"

2009-06-03T10:55:00.000-07:00

We hit the college circuit for today's "Best Music" entry. Holiday Parade has been gathering a lot of attention for an unsigned band. From Emory University in Atlanta, these guys have been featured on MTVu, and have released a few EPs, and their full-length debut, "Tickets and Passports," which can be found if you search around online. (You ain't gonna find it at your local Best Buy, they're not signed yet.)

I can best describe them as well-crafted power-pop, and I wouldn't be surprised if they find themselves a record deal in the near future.

From their album "Tickets and Passports," today's Best Music entry is from the Holiday Parade, and their song "Getaway."

Issue #31- Jack's Mannequin- "Swim"

2009-06-02T13:09:00.001-07:00

A lot of times in the music world, side projects go completely unnoticed, and the artist that broke free realizes that they are forever tied to their band. (Anyone remember Talk Show?) Sometimes, they have just as great success as the original band (A Perfect Circle).

Then there's Jack's Mannequin. A band who's popularity seems to have surpassed lead singer Andrew McMahon's first band.

Jack's Mannequin was born by Something Corporate lead singer Andrew McMahon. They had (have, since they're not officially broken up or anything) two major label releases, a great live show, and a very dedicated fanbase. The toils of touring though made the band decide to take a break. Andrew had been writing some songs that he said "didn't sound like something Something Corporate would release," so he took he opportunity to form the side project, Jack's Mannequin. Their first release "Everything in Transit" was a moderate success, spawning the singles "The Mixed Tape" and "Dark Blue." Andrew was diagnosed with Leukemia right as the album was released, and their latest album "The Glass Passenger" was written largely during his time of treatment. Healthy, and hitting the road (They're opening for the Fray this summer), they are releasing their second single off the new album.

Today's "Best Music" entry is Jack's Mannequin, and "Swim"

Swim - Jacks Mannequin

Issue #30- Thriving Ivory- "Hey Lady"

2009-06-01T10:38:00.000-07:00

Here's a band where if you don't like them at first, it might take a bit of convincing for you to realize that they really are good. You just need to get past the lead singer's voice.

Thriving Ivory's lead singer, Clayton Stroope, doesn't have a voice that sounds like the rest. Honestly, watching the music videos, you wonder how the voice matches the person at all. But that's not to say it's a bad thing at all, it's just very unique, and if you can see (hear?) past that obstacle, you'll realize that they guys are REALLY good songwriters.

Their debut single "Angels on the Moon" was a slow climber of the charts, pretty much for the same reason. It took a while to get past the vocals to realize that is really was a well-written song (I still think it was the best written song of 2008), and their new single follows into that mold as well.

From San Francisco, I present to you Thriving Ivory, and their new single "Hey Lady"

Issue #29C- Friday Flashback- Angie Aparo- "Spaceship"

2009-05-29T11:11:00.000-07:00

He looks like Howie Mandel. He sounds like he should haven't the voice he has. He is Angie Aparo.

Angie Aparo is an Atlanta based singer-songwriter who had a few minutes of fame back aroudn 2000. He released his major-label debut album "The American" at the end of 1999, and had a minor Modern Rock hit with "Spaceship" in early 2000. He also wrote and released a song called "Cry," which Faith Hill later turned into a Country hit. I actually got to see him live once in concert. It was Angie Aparo and Howie Day... opening for Evan and Jaron. (We left before Evan and Jaron. I still have my man card).

He got caught in record label limbo, and has since released a few albums by himself, including an album of covers. "The American," with it's major label budget is by far his most radio-friendly and polished set of music he has put out.

We venture to the year 2000, our Friday Flashback is Angie Aparo, and his song "Spaceship."

Issue #29B- Friday Flashback- Y2KROQ

2009-05-29T10:58:00.000-07:00

We jump to part 2 of this week's Friday Flashback, into the new millennium we go. VH1 has already dipped into the 2000's with "I Love the New Millennium," and it was only time until someone started counting down the top songs of the 2000s (so far.) Yeah, it's 2009 already. Holy crap.

Legendary Alt-Rock station KROQ from LA decided to take the task into their hands with their Y2KROQ Countdown. The Top 200 Alternative Songs of the 2000s. Their take on the countdown is pretty interesting. Think about it, in the 90s, you had quintessential tracks like Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and U2's "One" and the Chili Peppers "Under The Bridge" that ALWAYS land near the top.

Stop and think, are there ANY real runaway songs for #1 from this decade?

I'll wait while you think.

::twiddles thumbs::

KROQ did OK with their list, showing love to Linkin Park and the Foo Fighters, who both kept at the forefront this decade. But there were some glaring omissions from the list, and some "are you kidding me??" add-ins. Here's the full list for you to check out:

200. Stacy's Mom - Fountains of Wayne
199. Scars - Papa Roach
198. Lazy Eye - Suilversun Pickups
197. The Rock Show - blink-182
196. Talk - Coldplay
195. Lying From You - Linkin Park
194. Here It Goes Again - OK Go
193. Little Sister - Queens of the Stone Age
192. I Write Sins Not Tragedies - Panic at the Disco
191. Vertigo - U2
190. Bat Country - Avenged Sevenfold
189. Maps - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
188. Los Angeles is Burning - Bad Religion
187. If I Had Eyes - Jack Johnson
186. Silver & Cold - AFI
185. A-Punk - Vampire Weekend
184. Fat Lip - Sum 41
183. From Yesterday - 30 Seconds to Mars
182. DARE - Gorillaz
181. Nice to Know You - Incubus
180. Wake Up - The Arcade Fire
179. Victim of Reality - Pennywise
178. The Reason - Hoobastank
177. Stupify - Disturbed
176. Slow Hand - Interpol
175. By the Way - Red Hot Chili Peppers
174. Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground - White Stripes
173. Girl's Not Grey - AFI
172. Oil & Water - Incubus
171. Smile Like You Mean It - The Killers
170. Helena - My Chemical Romance
169. She Hates Me - Puddle of Mudd
168. Decode - Paramore
167. Woman - Wolfmother
166. I Miss You - blink-182
165. Send the Pain Below - Chevelle
164. Underneath it All - No Doubt
163. Let It Die - Foo Fighters
162. Juicebox - The Strokes
161. Vicarious - Tool
160. Cold Hard b**** - Jet
159. Face Down - The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
158. Empty Walls - Serj Tankian
157. Pain - Jimmy Eat World
156. Jenny Was a Friend of Mine - The Killers
155. Show Me How to Live - Audioslave
154. Use Somebody - Kings of Leon
153. Miserable - Lit
152. Somewhere I Belong - Linkin Park
151. Perfect Situation - Weezer
150. Stellar - Incubus
149. Give It Up - Pepper
148. Love Like Winter - AFI
147. Trouble - Coldplay
146. Long Road to Ruin - Foo Fighters
145. Only - Nine Inch Nails
144. Tear You Apart - She Wants Revenge
143. Paralyzer - Finger Eleven
142. Hypnotize - System of a Down
141. South Side - Moby f/ Gwen Stefani
140. Breaking the Habit - Linkin Park
139. Time is Running Out - Muse
138. (I Hate) Everything About You - Three Days Grace
137. Love Song - 311
136. The Day That Never Comes - Metallica
135. Clint Eastwood - Gorillaz
134. B.Y.O.B. - System of a Down
133. A Praise Chorus - Jimmy Eat World
132. Dig - Incubus
131. Steady, as She Goes - The Raconteurs
130. Down With the Sickness - Disturbed
129. Island in the Sun - Weezer
128. Change (In the House of Flies) - Deftones
127. Read my Mind - The Killers
126. Times Like These - Foo Fighters
125. Violet Hill - Coldplay
124. The Leaving Song Part II - AFI
123. Because I Got High - Afroman
122. Jesus of Suburbia - Green Day
121. Ex-Girlfriend - No Doubt
120. Californication - Red Hot Chili Peppers
119. Sugar We're Going Down - Fall Out Boy
118. Megalomaniac - Incubus
117. All These Things That I've Done - The Killers
116. Adam's Song - blink-182
115. Fell in Love With a Girl - White Stripes
114. Shadow of the Day - Linkin Park
113. Lose Yourself - Eminem
112. Speed of Sound - Coldplay
111. Parallel Universe - Red Hot Chili Peppers
110. Optimistic - Radiohead
109. Youth of the Nation - P.O.D.
108. I'm Not Okay (I Promise) - My Chemical Romance
107. Hey There Delilah - Plain White T's
106. Aerials - System of a Down
105. Welcome to Jamrock - Damien Marley
104. Never Too Late - Three Days Grace
103. Reach For the Sky - Social Distortion
102. Beverly Hills - Weezer
101. Testify - Rage Against the Machine
100. How You Remind Me - Nickelback
99. Darling Nikki - Foo Fighters
98. Sweetness - Jimmy Eat World
97. The Boys of Summer - The Ataris
96. The Red - Chevelle
95. Flake - Jack Johnson
94. New Dark Ages - Bad Religion
93. Bring Me to Life - Evanescence
92. Guerilla Radio - Rage Against the Machine
91. Wake Me Up When September Ends - Green Day
90. Shadowplay - The Killers
89. The Hand That Feeds - Nine Inch Nails
88. New Slang - The Shins
87. Crawling - Linkin Park
86. Paper Planes - M.I.A.
85. Outside - Staind
84. Schism - Tool
83. Dashboard - Modest Mouse
82. Far Behind - Social Distortion
81. Amber - 311
80. Alive - P.O.D.
79. Otherside - Red Hot Chili Peppers
78. Last Night - The Strokes
77. Love Hurts - Incubus
76. Miss Murder - AFI
75. Kryptonite - 3 Doors Down
74. Hammerhead - The Offspring
73. Rock Superstar - Cypress Hill
72. Sex on Fire - Kings of Leon
71. All the Small Things - blink-182
70. Pork and Beans - Weezer
69. Sleep Now in the Fire - Rage Against the Machine
68. Bathwater - No Doubt
67. Given Up - Linkin Park
66. No One Knows - Queens of the Stone Age
65. Soul Meets Body - Death Cab for Cutie
64. F*** Authority - Pennywise
63. Beautiful Day - U2
62. Icky Thump - White Stripes
61. Like a Stone - Audioslave
60. Hey Ya! - OutKast
59. Anna Molly - Incubus
58. Believe - The Bravery
57. Numb - Linkin Park
56. Smooth Criminal - Alien Ant Farm
55. Can't Stop - Red Hot Chili Peppers
54. Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol
53. Toxicity - System of a Down
52. Hash Pipe - Weezer
51. It's Been Awhile - Staind
50. When You Were Young - The Killers
49. The Kill - 30 Seconds to Mars
48. Ready to Fall - Rise Against
47. Hurt - Johnny Cash
46. Faint - Linkin Park
45. It's My Life - No Doubt
44. Holiday - Green Day
43. Wish You Were Here - Incubus
42. Crazy - Gnarls Barkley
41. Blurry - Puddle of Mudd
40. Sorrow - Bad Religion
39. Boyz-N-the-Hood - Dynamite Hack
38. Welcome to the Black Parade - My Chemical Romance
37. You're Gonna Go Far Kid - The Offspring
36. The Middle - Jimmy Eat World
35. The Pot - Tool
34. Misery Business - Paramore
33. One Step Closer - Linkin Park
32. Are You Gonna Be My Girl - Jet
31. The Good Left Undone - Rise Against
30. Take Me Out - Franz Ferdinand
29. Renegades of Funk - Rage Against the Machine
28. Yellow - Coldplay
27. All My Life - Foo Fighters
26. Snow (Hey Oh) - Red Hot Chili Peppers
25. Float On - Modest Mouse
24. Bleed it Out - Linkin Park
23. King Without a Crown - Matisyahu
22. Drive - Incubus
21. Knights of Cydonia - Muse
20. American Idiot - Green Day
19. Such Great Heights - The Postal Service
18. Prayer of the Refugee - Rise Against
17. Viva la Vida - Coldplay
16. What I've Done - Linkin Park
15. Tell Me Baby - Red Hot Chili Peppers
14. Seven Nation Army - White Stripes
13. Pardon Me - Incubus
12. Somebody Told Me - The Killers
11. Best of You - Foo Fighters
10. Chop Suey! - System of a Down
9. Feel Good Inc. - Gorillaz f/ De La Soul
8. Last Resort - Papa Roach
7. Clocks - Coldplay
6. Dani California - Red Hot Chili Peppers
5. Starlight - Muse
4. In the End - Linkin Park
3. Boulevard of Broken Dreams - Green Day
2. Mr. Brightside - The Killers
1. The Pretender - Foo Fighters

OK. So "The Pretender" is #1. Technically, it does deserve to be there. It spent 18 weeks at #1 on the charts, the longest run at #1 ever on the Alternative Chart. Other songs definitely could deserve the #1 spot, but as for actual charting numbers, give it to the Pretender. "Starlight" by Muse at #5? It's a good song, but not #5 good. Matisyahu at #23? Really?

There were some head scratchers scattered about the countdown. Dynamite Hack at #39 AHEAD of Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy"? Wow. AFROMAN at #123? Someone was high making this list. Vampire Weekend? Ok guys, you've lost respect now.

We go from the "WTF?" songs to the "Where the fuck are they?" songs. Songs with glaring omissions from the chart. Some people pointed out "Headstrong" by Trapt is nowhere to be found. What about "Hemorrhage" by Fuel? Yet Eminem pops in on there (#113 with Lose Yourself.)

If I felt like sitting down and taking the time, I'd come up with my own Top 200 of the 2000s. Being unemployed, I just may do that.

Issue #29A- Friday Flashback- ALL 90s!

2009-05-29T10:50:00.001-07:00

We have a special for this week's Friday Flashback. It's a 3 part posting today, spanning back to 1990. Awesome!

The first part is a risky challenge a radio station in Sacramento has recently taken. 106.5 FM KWOD in Sacramento had been an Alternative station for nearly 20 years before getting yanked of the air last week. The format that replaced it? ALL 90s as 106.5 The Buzz.

Will this format work for a radio station? All 80s stations popped up across the country in the late 90s (including 96.5 The Point here in Philly). They all got a good initial response of people saying "hey! look at that." But interest quickly waned, and the stations scrambled to keep listeners, some morphing into full blown Hot AC format stations, some morphing into the Jack-FM style format, some just flipping to something else altogehter.

Will an All 90s format station work? While I would love it to, I'm not too positive about it's longevity. First, music in the 90s was HIGHLY fragmented, and to do a 90s station right, you have to cover it ALL (which 106.5 the Buzz is doing). They've played anything from DJ Jazzy Jeff to Foo Fighters to Sarah McLachlan to Coolio. They actually had a segue from Wilson Phillips into Dr. Dre. I kid you not. While most people KNOW all the music, those who like Wilson Phillips probably aren't going to like Dr. Dre, and will tune out. I hope the format proves me wrong and it sticks around, because it's definitely an interesting listen.

Check it out for yourself, you can listen online by CLICKING HERE or by checking out www.90sbuzz.com

Issue #28- The Juke Kartel- "The Closer We Get"

2009-05-28T10:59:00.000-07:00

We head down under for today's "Best Music" entry. Out of Melbourne, Australia comes The Juke Kartel, a band that had been gathering attention in their homeland, then got some extra spotlight push when their lead singer appeared on National TV.

Remember the two seasons that CBS did the "Rockstar" contest? The first season was looking for a new lead singer for INXS, the second season for a supergroup called Supernova. Toby Rand, the lead singer of The Juke Kartel finished 3rd in the competition, and brought his new-found fame back to The Juke Kartel, who signed a major distribution deal, and have released their debut album "Nowhere Left To Hide."

From their debut album, here is The Juke Kartel with "The Closer We Get." Courtesy of my friends at Alternative Addiction:

CLICK HERE to listen to the Juke Kartel song!

Issue #27- Michael Tolcher- "Speed Feels Better"

2009-05-27T12:36:00.000-07:00

It seems like there isn't room for another singer-songwriter in the musical world right now, with John Mayer, Matt Nathanson, Howie Day, and more hogging the lime-light, but this guy definitely deserves to be there.

Michael Tolcher is an Atlanta-based musician who just released his new EP "In The Meantime" back in March. He had previously released his full-length album "I Am" back in 2004, which spawned the hits "Mission Responsible" and "Sooner or Later" which was used as the theme song for the short lived ABC show "Life as We Know It."

He crafts some amazingly slick pop songs that are worthy of being as hugely popular as John Mayer's music, including today's blog entry. Watch the video and check out all the sports cameos (like Barry Sanders, Andy Roddick, Kimmie Meissner and more). It's Michael Tolcher with "Speed Feels Better"

Issue #26- Vertical Horizon- "Save Me From Myself"

2009-05-26T13:20:00.000-07:00

I wouldn't categorize Vertical Horizon as a one-hit wonder. Sure, the only song you probably remember from them is "Everything You Want" from back in 1999 (Yeah! It was a friggin DECADE ago!). You might remember their smaller hits from that album, "You're a God," and "Best I Ever Had," which became a country hit for Gary Allen. What happened to them? Lack of record label promotion. They released a follow-up album called "Go," but it sputtered sales-wise. They broke free of their label, got to re-release the album, and had minor hits with "Forver" and "When You Cry." Then they disappeared.

Well now, they're back, signed to small-label Azoff Music, and have released their new album "Burning the Days." The lead-off single is "Save Me From Myself." Enjoy it as today's "Best Music" entry!

Issue #25- Friday Flashback- Diffuser- "Karma"

2009-05-21T10:25:00.000-07:00

Your Friday flashback hits a day early this week, since... well... tomorrow I'll be up in Noo Yawk watching the Phillies hopefully decimate the Yankees at "yankee stadium." (I use quotes and don't capitalize because it's not really Yankee Stadium)

Today's Friday Flashback is a song that I use to get pumped. Put this on your iPod while working out and you'll feel energized. It's rockin, it's high energy, it's loud. And best of all, I found out that Karma is a wonderful, wonderful bitch this week, and that made me smile.

So, we head back to 2001, when the band Diffuser released their debut album "Injury Loves Melody." The band watched this song hit the Mission Impossible II soundtrack, and crawl up to #26 on the Modern Rock Charts. They never hit big with any of their songs off of "Injury Loves Melody" or their follow up, 2003's "Making the Grade." The band apparently briefly broke up, before releasing a new album back in 2008, called "Sincerely, Wasting Away."

We head back to 2001 for our Friday Flashback. It's Diffuser, with "Karma."

Issue #24- Pilot Speed- "Put the Phone Down"

2009-05-21T10:19:00.000-07:00

We dig through the Canadian music scene for today's "Best Music" entry. I first heard of these guys when I was working at my college radio station, but under a different name. They went by the name "Pilate." (Pronounced pilot, not pil-ought-tee), and had a song called "Into Your Hideout" and a followup "Melt Into the Walls." Both pretty good, straightforward alternative songs.

They are onto their third album now, called "Wooden Bones," which is in stores now. Today's blog entry, Pilot Speed, and their new song "Put the Phone Down"

Issue #23- The Script- "The Man Who Can't Be Moved"

2009-05-20T11:28:00.000-07:00

This one had to grow on me. A little bit.

At first listen, I thought this song sounded a little bit bland, and I brushed it aside. Having it randomly come up on my iPod made me re-evaluate it, and it definitely has grown on me.

They are poised to become the next big thing out of Ireland. Their debut, self-titled album is in stores now, and you may have heard this song if you sit at home Friday nights and watch "The Ghost Whisperer" on CBS. They're an international success trying to do it in the USA, we'll see if this song helps them.

Today's blog entry, it's "The Man Who Can't Be Moved" by the Script.

Issue #21- Blue October- "Say It"

2009-05-18T11:59:00.000-07:00

It must be nice when a record label admits "Hey! We fucked up." That's exactly what happened to Blue October.

Back in 1999, they signed to Universal Records and released their second album "Consent To Treatment." The album didn't do anything, and Universal Records said goodbye to Blue October in early 2002. The band, not fazed, recorded their third album "History For Sale," and released it on Brando Records. With the single "Calling You," the album took off, and Universal Records said "Hey! Yeah, we fucked up. Wanna sign with us again?" Somehow the band did, re-releasing "History For Sale," and the next two albums "Foiled," and their latest "Approaching Normal."

The band can be dark, and downright demented sounding (as heard in the first single from "Approaching Normal," entitled "Dirt Room.") But they can also sound like a straightforward pop band, like they do in their latest single.

Today's "Best Music" blog entry... it's Blue October, and "Say It."

Issue #20- Friday Flashback- Fatboy Slim- "Satisfaction Skank"

2009-05-15T11:20:00.000-07:00

For today's Friday Flashback, we hearken back to the days of High School for me. My radio was constantly set to Y100 in Philly. Now I'm not a huge Fatboy Slim fan, and I'm not a Rolling Stones fan, but whenever they'd throw this on the air, I had to crank it up. I don't know how widespread the radio airplay was of this song, so you may have heard it, you may not have. Let's take the Rolling Stones "Satisfaction" and Fatboy Slim's "Rockafeller Skank" and have ourselves a mashup.

Today's Friday Flashback on the "Best Music" blog- Fatboy Slim- "Satisfaction Skank"

The Satisfaction Skank - Fatboy Slim

Issue #19- Matt Nathanson- "Falling Apart"

2009-05-14T10:50:00.000-07:00

It's taken him a while, but Matt Nathanson is finally seeing the commercial success he deserves. Now on his second major label album, "Some Mad Hope," you know him... he had the big smash hit "Come on Get Higher" which is STILL climbing charts almost a year after it was initially released. Amazing. The record label finally got off their butts and picked a third single from the album. Now the whole album is chock full of songs worthy of radio play (the album is nothing groundbreaking, but solid nonetheless), but they decided to go with this one. I think they need to give "Detroit Waves" a shot at radio eventually.

It's not brand new... but it may be new to you. Today's "Best Music" posting... "Falling Apart" by Matt Nathanson.

Issue #18- Single File "Girlfriends"

2009-05-13T12:45:00.000-07:00

Considering this band started out as a swing jazz trio, they've come a long way. Following in the footsteps of The Fray, Single File hails from high atop Denver, Colorado. They have put out a couple of EPs and an iTunes full-length album since they formed back in 2003, and have even made the rounds on the Vans Warped Tour.

Their major label debut is called "Common Struggles" and it hits stores back in the beginning of April. Today's "Best Music" entry is from Single File, and their song "Girlfriends."

Now, since there isn't a good version of this on YouTube, and when I tried to upload it, it was IMMEDIATELY deleted in a copyright violation by the record label... that means you gotta go to their MySpace page and check it out:

CLICK HERE to check out Single File

Issue #17- Parachute- "She Is Love"

2009-05-12T10:40:00.000-07:00

From the musical hotbed of... Virginia... comes today's "Best Music" band. They're called Parachute. Have fun googling that and trying to find info on the band. Their debut album hits stores a week from today, (May 19th), and I believe this song is the free download of the week on iTunes. (Go check!)

They don't even have an official webpage from my quick and lazy search, but you can check out info on the band from their MySpace page:

http://www.myspace.com/weareparachute

We go slower and mellow today. Today's "Best Music" blog entry: "She is Love" by Parachute. (Gotta click to watch today. Damn you Universal Music)

CLICK HERE to watch the video.

Issue #16- Hedley- "Old School"

2009-05-11T12:36:00.001-07:00

No. It's not a song written for the Will Ferrell movie. Thank God. These guys are huge in Canada, eh.

The band formed in the early 2000s, but gained popularity after their lead singer auditioned for Canadian Idol on a bet by his bandmates. After finishing 3rd, the re-formed group has seen big Canadian success with their self-titled first album and their latest album "Famous Last Words," which actually hit stores back in 2007.

This one was one of four Canadian Top 10 hits they've had. Today's "Best Music" is from Hedley, and their song "Old School"

Issue #15- Friday Flashback- Rustic Overtones- "Love Underground"

2009-05-08T12:28:00.000-07:00

Friday Flashback time on the "Best Music" blog. Today we zip back to the grand year of 2001, when Nu-Metal had horribly ruined what people thought was "Alternative." This band from Maine released their 4th album, "Viva Nueva!". I only heard of these guys from working at my college radio station then (WICB in Ithaca). We spun a good 4 songs off of their album, and I'm really pissed that I missed their show when they rolled into Ithaca.

The band called it quits in 2002, but wait! Recently they have decided to get back together and even put out an album called "Light at the End" in 2007, and are still actively playing some shows to this day.

Today, on the "Best Music You've Never Heard," the Friday flashback is "Love Underground" by Rustic Overtones.

PS- Fast forward about 40 seconds into the video to get to the music. Sorry the video is so insanely cheesy, but it's the only one on Youtube with a good version of the song!

Issue #14- Daughtry- "No Surprise"

2009-05-07T10:53:00.000-07:00

Today's "Best Music" blog isn't for Pop Music haters. Plain and simple. While I cover anything from indie to maintream, I can't please everyone. Those who liked Silversun Pickups will probably hate me for today's blog. Today's is basically for my former BZI listeners in Kansas and Missouri. While working there, Daughtry broke onto American Idol and onto the radio, and became one of the biggest requests we had while I was there. They even played a show in Joplin! (to which the Foundry gave our wonderful competition free tickets to give away and BZI none. Thanks.)

Well they're back with a new upcoming album "Leave This Town," hitting stores on July 19th.

Here's Daughtry's new song "No Surprise," today's "Best Music"