Month: October 2011

Freeky Cleen: Acoustic Blues Jams

Valerie
Blues has always had a special place in my heart so when I found this really cool record from Freeky Cleen, it definitely made me smile. Acoustic Blues Jams is a laid back and simple guitar driven blues jam from a one man band. The project began back in 2004 when Ilya Polishchuk and Alex Okhrimenko decided to create their own recording studio, complete with instruments and systems that they created themselves. This was a big challenge but they managed to succeed. After taking the plunge, Ilya recorded a couple of original tracks which would eventually lead to Freeky Cleen's debut record, Infertility, back in 2005.
AcousticAmericanaBluesJazzMusic38 views 0

Ruins (Cardboard Computers)

Valerie
One of the more interesting games of late, Ruins, is a beautiful puzzle platformer involving dogs, rabbits and gorgeous shadowy landscapes. The game was created by Cardboard Computers, the same people responsible for that equally intriguing point & click about repairing balloons, Balloon Diaspora. They've been around for some time and have released quite a handful of titles under their name. Specializing in short art games, the company is well-known for its beautiful graphics and quirky themes. Ruins is no exception to this. With a stunning game setting and an unconventional gameplay, it's definitely worth your time.
Art GameGamesMisc/OddballSoftwareSurreal35 views 0

Kursed: Like a Coffee

Valerie
The cover for Like a Coffee might look like one of those bossa nova records you see lying around in Starbucks, but the fact is, this compilation is far from anything bossa nova. The record is a tipsy, indie grunge rock affair from three guys from Montpellier, France. This is the band's second record. Their first album, Psychotic Lowland, was a success; obtaining great reviews from listeners in Jamendo. Like a Coffee is much like their first album, only a bit more tighter and incorporates more experimental sounds in the process. Kursed has been around since 2003. Thanks to their art rock/experimental sound they're easily winning listeners left and right.
Alternative RockIndieJazzMusicRockSoul38 views 0

Adobe Flex

Frostech
How many times have you thought of developing an app, and seeing it in full glory on a particular device or platform? Well, if you have given it a thought, Adobe Flex is the tool for you. This particular software eases the process of developing apps that run seamlessly on the iOS, Android, and Blackberry Tablet OS platforms. The buck does not stop here, with Adobe Flex, developing applications for traditional browsers and desktops is also possible using the exactly the same programming model as for mobile ones.
AndroidAppsEncoding/ConversioniPadiPhoneiPodLinuxMacProductivityPublishingSoftwareUtilityWindows (PC)7 views 0

I the Mighty: Hearts and Spades

Valerie
Plenty of reviewers have been comparing I The Mighty to bands like Say Anything; the similarities aren't difficult to spot though. Their sound is a great mix of punk rock tinged with an indie touch along with similar (but more subdued) lyrics compared to something you'll hear blurted out from the Say Anything boys. Hearts and Spades is a beautifully produced debut EP from the foursome. It's offered for free right on their BandCamp page since the boys say "they would rather share their music than make a few extra bucks." Their sound occasionally jumps between indie, alternative, to sometimes progressive rock; with full-blown guitar fests to match. It's a nice little semi-loud compilation that should get you started on your day.
Alternative PopAlternative RockIndieMusicPop Rock26 views 0

A Monster Ate My Homework

Valerie
Hailed as the next "Angry Birds," A Monster Ate My Homework is an addictive physics game that's charming and tons of fun to play. It's similar to those games you used to play at the carnival where you would knock down stacks of bottles by throwing a ball at it. The only difference is that you get to play this at the comfort of your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. Add to the mix colorful graphics, angry looking blocks and a really fun gameplay and you have yourself a winner. The game features 80 unique levels and an amazing 3D environment where you can easily throw the ball from any angle.
ActionGamesiPadiPhoneiPodMisc/OddballSoftware17 views 0

The Bear Season: If We Sink Together EP

Valerie
One of the latest pop punk bands to emerge from Le Pork Records' roster, The Bear Season is a must check out if you love your mix of pop and punk. This six piece crew is a relatively new band, having just formed back in 2010. Despite being newbies in the business, they're definitely showing plenty of promise. Their debut EP is a great mix of catchy, classic power pop tracks that will make you think of Yellowcard and Motion City Soundtrack with a modern touch. If We Sink Together EP comes with 6 tracks and offered absolutely free under a Creative Commons license.
Alternative PopIndieMusicPopPop RockPunk8 views 0

Mixxx

Frostech
Looking for a DJing software, but found some too complicated and others hefty on the pocket? No worries, here is Mixxx. An open-source, free DJ software that punches in everything to perform live mixes to casual mixing in the house. Mixxx really has those perfect mix of tools for a rookie entering the DJ scene with minimal knowledge. Hot Cues, Looping Control, Cross-faders, Pitchers. You name it and its present in the User-friendly Interface of the software to get you started without breaking a sweat.
AppsEditingEntertainmentLinuxMacMedia PlayersProductivitySoftwareSystem UtilitiesWindows (PC)993 views 2

Telepathic Teddy Bear: Reactions

Valerie
Reactions is one of those records you can put on in a cool house party and leave it playing for a good long time. It's filled with both fun and energetic dance beats as well as quiet electronic pop songs. Telepathic Teddy Bear is actually the pet project of Juan Carlos Padilla; a Mexican singer-songwriter from Monterrey, Nuevo León but currently based in Boston. The artist has been active in the local Monterrey music scene for some time but it wasn't until late 2010 where he finally managed to release his first EP under the moniker. Reactions is his first full length album. It's a wonderful mix of pop, electronica and indiepop meant for casual listening.
DanceElectroElectronicElectronicaFolkIndieInstrumentalMusicPop20 views 0