Music

Bi-Polar Bear – Today I Found Happy

Valerie
Hip hop psychedelia with great rap vocals to match. With a witty name like Bi-Polar Bear featuring an apparently heartbroken blue bear on the disc, it's hard not to even try listening to this album. Self described as someone who sounds like Atmosphere, the duo, known before as "Strange Passengers" have renamed themselves as Bi-Polar Bear after their second reunion. All 11 tracks reflect a slight old school flavor with enough of a twist to make it their own. Of course, be warned there are explicit lyrics to this album, so if it's not your trip, then steer clear. Otherwise, feel free to indulge.
Hip HopMusicRap70 views 0

NetLabel Coalition Volume 1 – Free Compilation Album

Amihan
NetLabel Coalition Volume 1 is another compilation album that indie music enthusiasts should check out. The NetLabel Coalition (NLC) is composed of netlabels that are promoting and celebrating free music with enthusiasts around the world. They hang out in forums hosted by The Creative UnCommons. This album has some really good tracks for lovers of gutsy electronic music, as well as for those who enjoy quiet ambient sounds for introspection and relaxation.
AmbientElectronicMusic101 views 0

Allison Crowe: Spiral

Amihan
The songs in Allison Crowe’s Spiral will take you on a rough winding road through different emotions, joy and weariness, to name just two. Variety is the best feature of this album as it offers a little bit of country, a little bit of rock, and a little bit of pop. The best part, without a doubt, is the emotionally-packed, powerful big vocals of Allison Crowe. Allison Crowe has been known as a performer-songwriter who delivers great quality music and she does not disappoint in her latest album.
Alternative PopMusicPop Rock39 views 1

This Co. “This Co.” – free debut new wave/post-punk album

AbsoluteZero
Who knew that the Chileans were such fans of the New Wave movement? This Co. describes itself as a "band that combines Post-Punk and New Wave into a hybrid between rock and electronic," which is, in itself, an apt description of many Indie Rock groups which are around today. The rock trio stamped their unique musical identity onto the scene in 2008 with their self-titled debut album. Not too long after, the group's first single "As You Know" was preselected as a Top 10 most requested song on MTV. Since then they've been writing more songs, and of course, touring and doing gigs, most notably in Barcelona, Weimar and Berlin in July 2009.
Alternative MetalAlternative RockElectronicMusic39 views 1

Cartel – The Lost Tracks

Valerie
Presenting talented MC slash Producer...yep, here's one you missed. Seems like every MC out there has held this title, but few who make the jump from producer to MC actually have what it takes. But trust me, you'll be glad that Cartel's Lost Tracks didn't remain lost for good. One half of the duo making up Homegrown Records, this isn't Cartel's first foray into releasing an album. Prepare for Glory was his first release followed by this true underground hip hop gem, The Lost Tracks. Cartel certainly proves naysayers wrong, being a producer/MC is possible especially if you have talent like this guy.
Hip HopMusicR&BRap60 views 0

Paul Lisak & After The Ice – It Happens All the Time

Valerie
Mashing old school rock with today's synth pop rock, tied with engaging vocals to match. Paul Lisak and After the Ice is definitely a band that's worth waiting for. Channeling both mainstream and indie at the same time, they reach a niche that few ever make. Their mix of psychedelia and indie rock along with easily likable rhythms and beats makes them an easy band to like. It Happens All the Time is the band's debut EP and comprises 4 solid tracks that embody what the band is capable of.
Alternative RockMusicPop RockRock33 views 1

Closer at the Start by Jonathan Dimmel – Simple and Clean

Valerie
Simple, simple, simple, but it doesn't mean it's not good. Easy listening pop rock is what best describes Jonathan Dimmel's music. There are times when we need simple and straightforward songs to make us feel good and Closer at the Start is the best candidate if you want something not so loud, not too quiet and not too sappy. According to Dimmel, the songs are "strait(sic) from the heart. I was over trying to make something commercial, this is my first attempt at just letting what comes out happen." Perhaps he should have tried this method sooner.
AcousticMusicPopPop Rock47 views 0

Boris Kostin aka Restin presents “Not So Scary” – A Free LP from Mix Galaxy Records

Amihan
Moscow-based Boris Kostin also known as Restin brings us “Not So Scary,” an EP of ambient music fit for sleepovers and storytelling sessions, wherein the theme is either a little scary-creepy, or somewhat freaky. Kostin’s EP title seems perfectly appropriate if you would listen to the singles individually. Listening to the entire EP is a different story because this EP could get your imagination going on and on, track after track.
AmbientInstrumentalMusic40 views 0

Julandrew – Sings Your Favorite Songs II

Valerie
Sweet married couple making great music together. No, Meg and Jack did not get back together. Most people might think that creating music with a partner is simply too much, as if it's not enough that you live in the same house; you have to work together? Well, not for Julandrew. Brainchild of couple Julie Handy and Andrew Philip, the band's latest lineup (as of October 2009) includes, Ryan Duffie on Guitar and K.C. Hawes Domingue on piano/keyboards. Sings Your Favorite Songs II is a 5 song compilation of some tracks that the band has recorded. They contain both new and old songs.
AcousticMusicPop31 views 0