Category Archives: pop

Yellowcard, When You’re Through Thinking Say Yes.

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Ahhh Yellowcard.  You supplied the soundtrack to my Senior year of high school, “Ocean Avenue” became an instant classic for emo-kids everywhere, and then you faded away into the abyss of pop-punk.  When so many other bands were trying to cash in on the trend you stuck to your guns.  Sure your follow-ups were never as successful, and most of America would call you a one-hit-wonder, but all that is about to change, mark my words!

With the release of their seventh studio album, When You’re Through Thinking Say Yes, Yellowcard is back in full force, and ready to dominate a genre that’s been lacking substance for a long while.  Courtesy of Hopeless Records, When You’re Through Thinking Say Yes hit stores last Tuesday and has made quite a splash in a mere seven days.   Channeling everything that made Ocean Avenue a smash hit, Yellowcard proves with this record, they’re nowhere close to finished making waves.

The album’s first single, “Hang You Up” is a bit of a ballad, but still manages to retain the band’s signature energy, and knack for wordplay (the hook is, “this is a black and white of you I found, I hang you up and then I pull you down”).  When You’re Through Thinking Say Yes opens with the stunner, “The Sound of You And Me”, which we’re betting will be a summer-love single, and doesn’t slow down until “Hang You Up” comes in on track four.  Listeners should check out “With You Around” for a poppier song complete with a shout to Audio I.V. faves, Saves the Day, and stick around for “See Me Smiling”, a deeper cut with everything you loved about Ocean Avenue, and nothing you hated about Lights and Sounds.

If you’re jonesin’ for a little video action from these guys you won’t have to wait too long.  Next Tuesday you can catch the premier of the official “Hang You Up” music video on all MTV networks.  But, until then, When You’re Through Thinking Say Yes should be on the short list of new releases to explore this weekend.

Happy Friday!

BUY THIS RECORD!

Artist Spotlight: Ryan Innes

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Soulful singer/songwriter Ryan Innes is one to watch. Hailing from the tiny town of Orem, Utah, Ryan has described himself as “fat and sassy”.  The pop crooner has more raw talent than the majority of Top 40 radio combined.  His seemingly effortless, smooth as silk vocals will caress your ears with a savory passion, and his sweet melodies will burrow into your memory like a musical tape worm…in a good way I swear!

  Ryan’s latest self-titled EP comes complete with a cover of “Georgia On My Mind” as well as Amos Lee’s “Colors” and highlights what he is best known for–his soulful, honest vocals.  The clear standout on the record is a little ditty called, “A Call to Arms”.  It’s sexy, catchy, and full of raw emotion, as every song about love should be.  Stream “A Call to Arms” and the rest of the EP on Ryan’s MySpace here, and remember his name.  Soon you’ll be able to say, “I remember that guy before he was famous!” ;)

CMT…really?

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Did I just imagine this or did CMT really just combine Taylor Swift and Def Leopard for an episode of Croassroads?!  I’ll admit I only saw this unlikely duo sing one song (“Pour Some Sugar On Me”) before the show ended, but God was it awkward.  I love me some T. Swift, in heavy doses sometimes, but watching the performance, the whole thing felt contrived and foolish.  “Pour Some Sugar On Me” is such a huge arena-rock anthem being sung by these burly older men..and then there’s cute little Taylor bouncing around in a shiny gold dress.  All her vocals were completely buried by the guitar solos they clashed with and the way she danced around and tried to shake her ass was uncomfortable to watch.  I felt like Def Leopard fans everywhere were all rolling their eyes…and I felt embarrassed for her… so I changed the channel.

Ten minutes later I landed bank on CMT, and there was Taylor premiering her video for the new single “Mine.”  This whole charade made me want to up-chuck my steak dinner.  Sure the video was cute but it’s all starting to sound the same.  And what’s with the chees-tastick host and the awkward story-telling.  I guess that’s what sells records?

Watch for yourself here : http://www.cmt.com/videos/cmt-premieres-taylor-swift-mine/1646685/full-episode.jhtml

KISS KISS release …What’s Left

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EYE20101Hailing from New York, New York, psychedelic pop/punk band KISS KISS released their sophomore effort The Meek Shall Inherit What’s Left July 7, 2009.   Courtesy of Eyeball Records, …What’s Left is an eclectic blend of psychedelic tendancies, infectious pop melodies, and intense hardcore energy that’s virtually impossible to ignore.  There’s a definite macabre edge to this quirky compilation, no doubt as a result of the hardships the band has recently been through–more than 17 line-up changes, bouts of depression, and serious health problems to name a few–but instead of transferring that dark energy onto the listener, KISS KISS manages to spin it into a positive ear worm of a record.

To truly experience KISS KISS for yourself, you have to listen to …What’s Left first hand.  Luckily, you can preview the entire album THIS WEEK ONLY via AOL’a Spinner here.  This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, people so don’t miss out.  KISS KISS will take you on a journey through their collective, demented psyche and spit you out on the other end with a new found appreciation for avante garde musical styles.

If you’re looking for a new favorite band, or just a departure from the monotony of TOP 40 radio KISS KISS may just do the trick.  Check them out if you’re a fan of The Dear Hunter, O’Death, or Murder By Death, investigating KISS KISS should be on the top of your to-do list.  For additional information on the band, including upcoming tour and release dates visit the band’s MySpace today!

Holly Williams Here With Me

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Holly Williams, Here With Me

Holly Williams is the epitome of country royalty.  Her grandfather established the family name with classic songs like “Hey Good Lookin,’” and her father left his mark on country music forever with the help of a devilish, bad boy image, and undeniable outlaw spirit.  With the recent release of her sophomore album, Here With Me, singer/songwriter Holly Williams proves she’s worthy of her family’s notoriety.  Not only is Here With Me packed full of potential singles, but it’s authentic, believable, and flawless.  The music on Here With Me showcases the full scope of Holly’s talent—both as a singer and a songwriter—as she belts out songs about “Mama” to honky tonkin’ boot stompers like the infectious, “A Love I Think Will Last.”  Most impressively, there’s a commanding authority in her storytelling, and life in her lyrics that stretches far beyond her 28 years.

There isn’t a song on Here With Me that doesn’t deserve a moment in the spotlight, but the record shines brightest when Williams sings of heartbreak and hardships.  Bittersweet undertones come through on tracks like, “He’s Makin’ A Fool Out Of You,” “Three Days In Bed,” and “Alone.”  The rawness that resonates in her vocals conveys an honesty that’s been sadly absent from the sugary country-pop of late, and the appropriate simplicity in her lyrics make the whole thing seem effortless.  Other standouts on Here include, “Keep The Change,” and “Without Jesus Here With Me” from which the records title was spawned.

After listening to Here With Me, it becomes abundantly clear that singer/songwriter Holly Williams has country in her blood.  Here is the perfect combination of raw emotion, illustrative lyrics, and beautifully composed melodies, creating one of the best female vocal performances country music has heard in years.  Where other artists prove to be predictable, Williams keeps listeners entertained cranking out song after song of quality country with a contemporary edge and loads of credibility.  Here With Me would be bet served on a warm summer night, under the light of a full moon, with a side of red wine.  It’s a record you can laugh with, cry to, and even learn a few life lessons from along the way.  Here With Me should fit nicely into a library filled with soulful singer/songwriters or country sweethearts like Jennifer Nettles, Emily West, or Katie Armiger.  Whether or not you’re a country fan, however, Holly Williams and her latest release are definitely worth investigating.  You may just fall in love.