No More Kings - Zombie Me

I'm writing this on Halloween day. Inspiration kicks in, and I remember a song I first heard on Zombies Everywhere (if you like zombies you should already be there) that I can't shake off of me.

The band for today are Pop-Rock, but don't let that scare you. The lyrics will make it worth it, it's not completely generic, and it's catchy in a good way.

Give Zombie Me a listen.

Grooveshark | Buy

And here you can see a perfect example. Yes it's pop, yes the level of talent doesn't have to be too high to accomplish the song, but it's fresh. It's also happy, which is pretty odd considering what the track's about.

This is also the first track on the album. It's a good opening track, too. It shows the Pop side as well as the pop culture references like with the Ghostbusters or All in the Family (I hope I'm not the only one who caught it..)

The rest of the album can get a bit rocky sometimes, but if you need more of the style after today's song, you should look into the self titled debut.

Buy: CD | mp3

What happened during this listen was what sounds like, and probably isn't, a half-assed album effort. After the second track the album took a bit of a dip, and after that it kinda picked up for a few tracks, and so on and so forth until it finishes.

Some tracks step out of their overall style and really push what they can be. If they made more songs sound like Old Man Walking I'd be pretty impressed with them. However, as far as this album goes, the album is half full of cheesy, cliche, or just plain generic tracks.

Luckily it has a pretty fair running time, and some of the references will keep people around just out of curiosity. After a few listens it might get stale, but some people will truly appreciate the lyrics.

Nile - Ithyphallic

I was in a particularly cloudy mood yesterday, and so I went in search through my notebook of music to see what I'd prescribed myself for the situation.

I went through the night listening to Technical Death Metal band Nile's fifth studio album, which had been previously recommended by Bonjour Tristesse. Thanks, man.

Not too surprisingly, my favorite track was also the album's first single. It also happens to have a ridiculous name; making it all more of an amusing listen.

Give Papyrus Containing the Spell to Preserve Its Possessor Against Attacks from He Who Is in the Water a listen. Go ahead and giggle while you're at it.

Grooveshark | Buy

Now the video doesn't go quite as well with the song as it would if you close your eyes and imagine clowns playing Death Metal (guilty) but just the same, the talent is heard if you have it in you to appreciate it.

In reality, this was the first song on the album that made me laugh. To get such an opposite emotion could almost ruin the album, but instead it took all the other tracks that I ordinarily wouldn't like, and turned them into something better.

Maybe the album lowered my standards, but I prefer to believe it was just too good for the first third of it all.

Buy: CD | mp3

Okay, so the album was actually pretty good. It's easier to hear the technical ability than in the other two albums, and occasionally you can even make out the words. It's pretty amusing being able to understand their phallus puns.

I think I ended up being a bit disappointed because it's the third album I listen to, it really was better, but in the end I'm still not a major Nile fan. I kinda hoped I would be.

Don't get me wrong, if I ever get the chance to see them live I'll probably take it and stuff my foot up someone's jaw, but I won't remember any of their songs, and I definitely don't want to hear their albums too frequently either so...

Give them a listen if you think it works. There's truly some amazing technical ability going on, I just don't like the end result for me.

The Bravery - The Sun and the Moon

I was recently recommended these guys, or rather the album because The Bravery are actually pretty well known. I had my biased opinions and I hate that, so I went ahead and gave it a listen.

Well it wasn't terrible.. There were actually some pretty good songs on it, but my favorite was still significantly different to the rest of the album. Oh well.

Give Tragedy Bound a listen.

Grooveshark Link | Buy

A much simpler song, with barely any Indie Pop feel to it (you can grasp it if you try). What makes it are the lyrics and the backing violins, giving it that perfect tone to combine with the story.

Or if you prefer the up-and-about Indie side, go ahead and listen to the Moon version. If you enjoy that one, you'll probably really enjoy the whole album.

Buy: CD | mp3

The entire album should be grade A Indie Rock for anyone looking for 'just fun' music. They occasionally show a lot of talent, but when it gets down to it they're just a band with a well known name.

I can't regret giving it a listen though, about a fourth of it was actually pretty decent and I might be acquiring those tracks in a near future. Beyond that though, eh. I could still live without it.

By all means, fun and hip might just be your thing, so give it a listen if it is. I hope you really do enjoy it, they're not bad at all.

The Green - Liar

I was recently told that The Green had a new single. Now, last time I spoke of them I mentioned some evolution. They're just not afraid to aim for something different, and with the recent single they manage exactly that.

There's probably some subtle hints on the track combined with its title. The release date and the duration of the track, as well as other details.. I won't speculate.

Enjoy.

The Green - Liar by thegreen - Youtube

The very first thing you notice, and it's pretty hard to miss, are the wobbles. There's some Dubstep influences here, and I wasn't too sure how I felt about that but it grew on me pretty quickly. It's all about bass.

Especially since it's not the center of the track and there's no ludicrous "drops". Just wait for around the 30 second mark and the bass turns into straight Reggae. Combine that with the clear vocals and you get a nice track.

Buy: mp3

If you already got yourself digging those wobbly bits, then you might wanna check the remix for Love & Affection. Or if you wanna replay them both until you can decide if you like it or not, take the Soundcloud link.

I'm still not sure myself how I feel. I know I definitely don't hate it, and maybe I owe that to the clear vocals and well played bass. The details really pull the weight of the potential negatives.

This might be a new direction, and some Reggae fans might be opposed. I still feel it growing on me, though. It might never be as sweet as Roots from the 70's-80's, but I can't shun it either.

Jazzkantine - Hell's Kitchen

A short while ago I stumbled upon this cool German Funk/Jazz/Hip-Hop band. When I started looking into them, it wasn't the Hip-Hop that caught my attention, but today's Classic Rock covers album.

I'm sure there's tracks in there that made a lot of fans happy, but my favorites are the ones where they drastically change the whole layout of a song.

Keep that in mind as you listen to today's selection, I Was Made for Lovin' You.

Alt Link | Buy

Now please, before reading any further, breathe in the music. The gentle percussion, the harmony of the wind instruments, the slow ballad-y intro that goes on before the sweet sensual vocals of Pat Appleton kick in.

Because soon after, a lot of you that hadn't already are gonna realize they just covered a KISS song and made it classy. For those unaware of the original's existence, give that a listen too.

It's those alterations that give songs a completely new direction that made the album such a great listen for me. It's not full of them, but there's enough to keep things interesting.

Buy: CD | mp3

The loyal tracks are still fun, but not all of them quite as exciting. My favorite "normal" track is their take on Metallica's Nothing Else Matters. It's very smooth, very clear, and overall well made. Then again, so is the original.

It's the boundary pushers like their cover on Van Halen's Jump that stand out to me. At least when you're listening to the album without knowing what's next, and all of a sudden you realize you've heard this all before. There's a moment of confusion that's really quite lovely to reflect upon afterwards.

I'd stay away from the album if you dislike Elevator Jazz despite some amazing vocalists in the mix. But for the most part, if you like your lounge-y music as well as the occasional Jazz-Fusion or Aerosmith, Saxon, AC/DC among others, this'll be for you.

K-tel Presents: Reggae

For those of you who don't know, K-tel are the guys that made the very first compilation album. So yeah, it's thanks to them that Now That's What I Call Music exists, but it also means that they know how to find gems, which is exactly what today brings.

Reggae from the late 70's is what's in store, and I'm a happy person for finally giving it a listen. Give one of my favorites a shot; a cover of The Dave Brubeck Quartet's Take Five.

Grooveshark Link

Just some unexpected twists there. It's not much of a change, but the bass, the sweet bass, and the guitar, and.. okay maybe it's a little different.

 This was also the very first track I heard from the album. Initially I thought it was something special. It's the reason I took a whole month to see if I could find the album, and when I finally did I realized there were a lot of better tracks on it.

Vinyl

It's not currently officially available in digital format. Or even compact disc. No, if you want to get your hands on this particular Reggae compilation; you're gonna need to get the vinyl. Not that that's a bad thing.

It really is worthy, though. We've got side A absolutely perfect, starting with a well made cover of a cheesy song, and ending with Bob Marley. All the middle is peculiar use of instruments, and even a guitar solo (Cake (3) - Reggae Woman) for good measure.

Despite the age and limited availability of this little gem, we live in a time where a listen is allowed. Give it one if you can, or wait for a bit and hope that K-tel put it up on their site eventually. I got my fingers crossed.

Dumbfoundead - Take the Stares

It's not too difficult finding quality Hip Hop anymore, at least not with good sources. What's difficult is actually realizing that this guy you heard a few weeks ago had a deep message you seemed not to catch.

It was a mistake on my behalf, but I'm glad to understand it.

Today's track has an interesting video. Maybe too interesting, because it wasn't until I heard the track without it that I realized the magic in his rhymes. Give Growing Young a listen.

Grooveshark | Buy

If it's hard to keep up, or if you prefer to read poetry, here's the lyrics. But I think his style and flow work really well for the listeners.

I don't think a lot of people realize how hard it is to write about the difficult parts of life, raw. For some it's easier if it rhymes, for some it's not, but regardless it's a difficult task.

It's difficult just to realize where you've gone wrong at all, so this particular track won me over because of both his own maturing thoughts, and the talent and strength it takes to write this.

Just one song might not be impressive to many, but it's really various scattered throughout the album.

Buy:  mp3

I wouldn't say the album is perfect, but those hard hitting tracks full of real emotion are just a chunk of why the album deserves a listen, at the very least.

To be honest, even the catchy and slightly generic tracks ended positively. There's good production work, and anyone who really enjoys Hip-Hop for the lyrics as well as the beats should be extremely pleased with the release.

A few varied favorites of mine include Fck It, Korean Jesus, and Word (probably my favorite of the album). If you're intrigued, I recommend the listen. If you end up loving it, support the guy. I'm sure he appreciates every fan.

Primate - Primate (Free Download)

Today's post should appeal to those fans of heavier Rock sounds. If you enjoy music to mosh to as well as actual displays of talent, Nicaraguan band Primate are worthy of your time.

Today's feature track is Sol, one of the harsher tracks as far as the heavy riffs can go, but I think it shows their overall style pretty well. Give it a listen.

Alt Grooveshark Link

I just like the contrast here. It starts off with the drummer laying things down before those heavy power chords strike down on you. You're expecting it to keep killing, but it eases up without being awkward. Those progressions make the song for me.

Now sure, most of us have heard similar. Catchy, hard hitting power chords over clean (and sometimes growling) vocals. There's enough positive detail setting these guys apart to make the download worth your while though.

Free Download

For one, it's free. Just take all 11 songs and give them a listen for yourself. Stop reading, realize why they're worth it all on your own.

Or just let me say that they have talented individuals. The drumming, is excellent for the genre, the bass strikes just as it should, and there's actually guitar solos.

Not to mention an instrumental track hidden in the middle for good measure. Give that one a listen just to win you over.

If you end up loving them later on, check them out on Facebook and Twitter. It's the least support you could show.

The Flaming Lips and Heady Fwends

It's been years since I've given The Flaming Lips a listen. They'd taken a bunch of other artists and covered The Dark Side of the Moon (very different post for a different day) and I kinda abandoned them after that. I have to thank Shockgrubz for bringing them back to my attention. Check him out.

I went ahead and gave this concoction a listen and, well.. I don't know. It started off a bit rocky for me, but it ended as something I need every once in a while. Pure, raw, catchy Rock.

It's hard to explain without listening ears, so give You, Man? Human??? (featuring Nick Cave) a shot.

Grooveshark | Buy

At the right time, in the wrong mood, this song is creepy as hell. The repetitive riff is fine because it's backed with a demented happiness every once in a while. Nick Cave really gives it the touch that changes it from monotonous to near-psychotic, though.

Let me just mention that this is not my favorite track on the album, and that a lot of you might dislike being plunged head first into the groove this song is in. The album follows a guide to get to the end, and this is the dark corner of the album. But it started off with Ke$ha and I sure wasn't gonna start with that..

Buy: CD | mp3

For some reason it makes me happy when album art tells you all about its content. I find it extremely amusing that the first impression in this particular instance is a bit confusing, but it ends up making all the sense of the world. It's colorful, it's hectic, and it's weird.

It's good to know that it's a collaborative studio album before the initial listen, if only to realize that it's not a compilation album. It easily could be.

It ranges from more ambient sounds to raw ones like today, but overall it fits because it's just Rock. I'll probably always think the first few tracks of the album are a bit shaky, but knowing what they lead up to makes it worth it. And well, it ends in D4, that makes me happy.

The album is definitely not for everyone, but I'm pretty sure anyone would enjoy it as the soundtrack to a good action movie. Give it a listen if you're unsure of how that'd work.

Zeca Pagodinho - Deixa A Vida Me Levar

Been a little while since I gave a nice long listen to some of Brazil's more well known musicians, so I went ahead and listened to Zeca Pagodinho's Grammy award winning Deixa A Vida Me Levar (Let Life Take Me).

The album starts happy, breathes and lives it, and ends in the same note. The very title track is about letting life guide you past the mistakes. It might not be easiest understood in English, but the video explains it all too well.

Give it a watch if you like.

Grooveshark | Buy

The video might be cheesy and a little dizzying, but the music is far from that. The instruments perfectly timed and never over used over the span of the track. Admittedly, the cheery guitar might get on some nerves by the end of the album, but that's beside the point.

The classic Brazilian percussion outdoes itself, making sure there's no need for a bassist or any other instrument for the matter. All other sounds are details that make the song stand out. The rest of the album unfolds similarly.

Buy: CD | mp3

This is an album that starts out as cheerful and happy as today's track, and doesn't let go of that feel. Even some of the more depressing songs, like Amor, Não Me Maltrate (Love, Don't Abuse Me) have an undeniable smile going into them as they're produced.

Now maybe it runs a little long. The instruments used and the overall feel is similar song after song, but the truth is if you're really in the mood for it you won't want it to end. The fact that it goes on with different stories, regardless of how they end, will continue to keep you in that mood.

I definitely recommend giving it a listen before the purchase, just in case, but this is good Pagode at work.

Wax Tailor - Dusty Rainbow from the Dark

I recently heard of Wax Tailor's most recent album, and without much research about it I went ahead and listened. Luckily for me, the album captivated and held my attention quite nicely.

What was difficult was not knowing right off the bat that it was a concept album. Sure, just a few songs in and I realized what was going on, but I also realized how difficult it'd be to show off just about any of the songs on the album on their own.

And then by the end of it I realized there were radio versions. Give Time to Go (featuring Aloe Blacc) a listen.

Vimeo | Grooveshark | Buy

It's one of the easier tracks to understand, with clear vocals from Aloe Blacc and Wax Tailor's catchy, detailed beats.

On its own and out of context, the song has its message. It's simple, it's almost generic. The magic happens when you put it all together and pay extra attention to the music on the background. The feeling it gives, the mood it puts you in.

A much easier way to put yourself in the shoes of the story is to just listen to the original, but even easier than that would be to give the album a listen and feel the story for yourself.

Buy: CD | mp3 | Vinyl

Granted, the album is a bit more varied. It ranges from Hip-Hop to Trip-Hop beats, and even gets a little progressive every now and then. As far as the vocals go, they go from instrumental with vocal samples, to rap, to kinda souled out like today's track.

But the true contrast against the beats is narrator Don McCorkindale. The story teller has a voice that blends in with the music in a near spoken-word fashion.

The end result is something similar to a modernized Peter and the Wolf. Obviously the story is different, but what I really like about how Wax Tailor put it all together was that the narration was only part of the story.

The beats, the feelings, the wordless thoughts, are all shown youthfully through music. Sometimes different than what one would expect, and the psychological background of how that happens is just fascinating to me.

For that reason, as well as the top notch 'Urban' beats, I recommend giving the album a listen.

Te Calláz - ¡¿?!

A few days ago I got an email from a Ciclo fan, urging me to check out this other sweet Nicaraguan Post-Rock/Jazz band. The description alone really intrigued me, and after giving them a listen I realized this is a whole other level to Post Rock.

The Jazz influence might shoot over some people's heads, but it's the progression and experimental sides of it that make them a band worth hearing.

Today's track should show off the extent of the talent and style of the album pretty well. give Faquir a listen.

Buy/Stream @ thesixtyone

What we have here is a good vibe. It's a near jam session with a common goal, a basic idea behind it that leads it through the end.

It might get a little repetitive at times, but you have to realize the song wasn't meant to be heard alone. Even with the repetitions, there's enough detail going on to entertain those ears. You'll see.

Now this is not my favorite track, but having a favorite track is difficult when the songs blend into each other so well. Dismantling the album to provide you a single song feels wrong. If you are interested, trust me when I say the album will be a more rewarding experience.

Stream/Buy @ thesixtyone

'¡¿?!' is one of those albums that help my ongoing restoration of faith in modern day music. It's only a few years old, and it shows promise. It's talent, originality, and chemistry between a band.

It starts off with a short track, some guitar licks, well played and well done. Unless you really try, you don't even notice when that turns into the second track, the above Faquir. From then on we go through a string of vibes, ultimately getting darker and darker while maintaining its quality musicianship.

Its even got some of that amazing spaciousness going on that so many bands back in the 70's pioneered, granted with a modern twist. I'm sure the classics would be proud of what these guys have done.

The last track shows the spacey vibe off the best. I do not encourage skipping ahead to said track. It's 9 minutes long, and best tolerated after hearing and understanding the entire track list preceding it.

It's a great album, give it a listen at the stream above if Faquir intrigued you. Or if the link isn't working well for you, here's one for Grooveshark. Just in case.

Best of Walter Murphy: A Fifth of Beethoven

I was in the mood for that Funk-Classical sound recently. Sue me. I started with what became obvious was Walter Murphy's best known work, and went straight through the 'Best Of' album from there.

Now if you want to hear the Beethoven spin, go ahead, but I'm not putting that one up today. I got the most pleasure from his version of Flight of the Bumblebee by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.

Give Flight '76 a listen.

Grooveshark | Buy

There's just something about it. That orchestral vibe combined with the suave funky (I refuse to call this Disco) sounds just takes me elsewhere. I'm a badass cop with a fro and bell bottoms, strutting the streets like a pro.

Needless to say when the trumpet kicks in, half a dozen or so foxy ladies stride by my side, I dust off my jacket, smile at the camera and shazam.

Luckily for me, the song doesn't end there and I don't have to deal with the disappointment of that not being reality. But if you're worried, the rest of the compilation keeps the spirits in a similar mood.

Buy: CD | mp3

This is one of the very few, very rare occasions where the CD has many more songs than the mp3. Take that digital remasterization!

Fortunately, I prefer the mp3 version. It's a better length and shows off more of the Funk than the CD version. Over half the tracks are Classical readaptations.

Well worth checking out if you're in the mood for it. I can enjoy it, but can acknowledge the listen as a whole isn't quite perfect.

Jackie Evancho - Songs from the Silver Screen

It's been a whole year since I last wrote about Ms. Evancho, so now we all get to be stunned by a 12 year old. Much easier to digest, right?

On her latest album she covers some of those memorable songs that make a movie/musical iconic. Just as last time, not everyone will love her soprano, but I think we can all agree she's talented regardless.

Today's pick is my personal favorite from the album. Her voice in every track is exceptional, but on this track the music production took riskier twists and I appreciate that.

Give Some Enchanted Evening (South Pacific) a listen.

Myspace | Buy

Apologies for the player in advance. If it doesn't function, check the Myspace link right underneath it for a free legal stream.

What stands out here for me is just 15 seconds before the second minute, we get a near Jobim guitar in there. Something that definitely isn't in the original.

Aside from that, I also think this is one of the tracks that really exceeds expectations as opposed to its known version.

Buy: CD | mp3

The whole album isn't as daring as Some Enchanted Evening can be, and that says a lot since the track was fairly modest. What you can always count on is her voice, and possibly some grand nostalgia.

It starts off with Pure Imagination (Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory) and takes its stroll from there. Going as far and wide as featuring songs from Tangled, Mulan, Phantom of the Opera, and Sleepless in Seattle.

A plus is when I heard her interpretation of Andrea and Ennio Morricone's Se. That, complete with many other details, made the listen worth it.

So go on and give it a free listen over at Grooveshark or Myspace, check to see if there's a track that tickles your fancy. I find it easier to listen than to purchase, but this just isn't my every day cup of tea.

Guadalupe Plata - Guadalupe Plata (Free Download)

Second time in too short a time frame I post about these guys because I am an addict and I need to share. The truth is the other post, while still the core sound, was altered. Walter Daniels is a talented individual, but after a few extra listens it's not hard for me to realize I prefer the band as a trio.

For those of you who don't already know, Guadalupe Plata is a Spanish Punk Blues band, who manage to fuse the two genres with ease.

Sometimes a bit minimal on the vocals, and sometimes full on instrumental. They make it work, with perfect song length and progression where need be.

Give 'em a listen.

Listen/Download @ Bandcamp

Yes, the trippy Western style video does a great job of accentuating the strong points of the song. If you like, go on and listen without the video. It'll still sound good, you just wait and see.

On the track you can hear the full level of talent. The ease in and out of sounds, sharp but effortless. Excellent sounds blending together when they need to.

Not really the style of the entire album, but the sound is about the same and if you liked today's track (Lorena) you'll probably dig it.

Stream/Buy @ Bandcamp

The very first time I heard this album I liked it. I remembered it, I remembered details in the songs that stood out to me. About a month later I give it another listen, and I'm loving it. Not perfect, often repetitive, but even still it's a worthy listen.

Add to that that the release is free, and you get happiness and maybe the urge to see them live and buy some merchandise.

Alternatively, you could focus on their EP (also self titled). If you really like that one, you can buy the vinyl. The stream and download are still free though. Go check that out.

Brian Bromberg - Bromberg Plays Hendrix

Was recommended a list of things in the email yesterday, and this one came up. I'm always interested in odd covers, but covering Jimi Hendrix without a guitar is ballsy. I like that even more.

You just can't say the guy did a perfect job, but you can still say he did each cover its justice. He works his bass and layers it over several times to get the desired effect. The only other instrument heard is Vinnie Colaiuta's drums.

When listening to the album, I got the feeling that the slower tracks were more easily portrayed, so today's pick is The Wind Cries Mary.

Myspace | Buy

It's like he can't handle there being stray notes where his bass isn't playing. Something needs to be on, a detail, at all times. Usually that's annoying, but on this track it really works.

In fact, it works so well that you can barely tell how far he strayed from the original. Of course a hardcore Jimi fan will be able to tell every difference, and obviously even a moderate fan can tell something is different, but it works so well for the track it's not even worth pondering about.

Buy: CD | mp3

It takes guts to cover an entire album's worth of Jimi Hendrix songs. It's daring, it's difficult, and it's scary. Sadly, you can tell (or at least it sounds like) he was scared during the production of this album. Most of the tracks are impressively loyal, but they lack the flare that makes them a Hendrix song.

That being said, wow. Every track has a killer bass solo, completely different to anything Jimi had done. This is all Bromberg's style coming out with a base from classic tracks. It's impressive, trust me. It's just difficult to listen to a song you already know and love, expect a certain lick or solo to come out, and end with something else entirely.

Where I think the album goes wrong is with a certain cheesiness in the bass'd out vocals. He can make those strings weep like Jimi's voice could, but the note felt weird. I would've saved the weeps for the guitar bits.

If you wish to see for yourself, I recommend the listen (Myspace/Grooveshark). It's probably best for those who really enjoy a well played bass, or a bass that sounds ridiculously like a guitar.

Cruachan - Blood on the Black Robe

Thanks to Anne (from Anne's Attic) for today's post, as it was after getting my Pirate Metal fix that she recommended these guys. A good Celtic Metal band from Ireland. I had a rough idea of what to expect, and I wasn't let down.

Today's track is one of my favorites on the album. The beginning so drastically different to the ending, the shock of change, the equally well crafted yet contrasting sounds. It makes it stand out just a bit more than some other tracks for me.

Give An Bean Sídhe a listen.

Grooveshark | Buy

For those of you who want to know what Bean Sídhe means, here you go. It explains the somewhat ahem macabre nature of the lyrics.

What I really love is how, even after listening to it several times, the switch still takes me off guard. Somewhere around the mid-section of the song it goes from beautiful female vocals, to a drop in riffs and yells.

From that point on, through the gritty, rough, pained vocals, you still hear the story through the eyes of the creature.

Buy: CD | mp3

Blood on the Black Robe is excellent if you're up for entertaining stories and don't mind hearing them through Metal growls. The beautiful female vocals are in there still, but don't expect it to reach your ears very often.

They focus a lot more on the Celt instruments. The detail behind the clutter of sounds that give the band life. The lyrics, all expertly told, are what keep you there.

Now I admit, I grew a little tired of it just a few songs from the ending. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood, or maybe these guys are best experienced live (don't doubt it). I still think the album could go with losing a few songs.

Overall easy to hear album if you're into any kind of harder Rock and enjoy pretty wind/string instruments. A bit repetitive at times, but the music is elaborate enough to hold it up. If you're intrigued, give 'em a listen.

Las Acevedo - Homemade Cookies

A little while ago I was invited to a small music gathering near by. Usually the idea of live music I've never heard of before is about as exciting as it can get, but that particular night I was busy. I was bummed.

Yesterday I gave the headlining act a listen. Dominican twin sisters on bongos and guitar, singing sweet melodies and having fun. They call the genre Picnic-Pop, but you can hear the Indie a mile away.

It's easy listening, and definitely not for those looking for depth. The simple Spanish vocals might not be too hard to listen to, but the guitar and bongos can stretch one's patience if you're not in the mood.

Have an example, give Cucu a listen.

This is the first track on the EP, and as soon as the second one hit I knew why it sounded familiar. I swear, these girls have Spongebob Squarepants influences. This would be a lot more annoying if not for the vocals and harmonies.

Then, after hearing them out and realizing that this is the kind of near-mindless endlessly happy music that could entrance you for hours, I started looking up videos. When I saw what they sound like live a bit of the magic went away, but then I also realized they could probably get an entire room to sing along. That's always fun.

Luckily for them, their EP is perfect for their style. It's at the right length where such simple music can get all the way through before you get tired, but it's just long enough so you can replay it for hours and not realize.

Stream/Buy @ Bandcamp

Okay, maybe 'perfect' isn't the word for it, but if you want an idea of what you're in store for, between today's track, the cover, and the EP title, you could make a pretty accurate assumption.

Extremely, almost depressingly happy if played for too long, but just don't worry about that. If you're worried about the language barrier, check out some of their older stuff, they've got some English tracks on there.

Gábor Szabó - Spellbinder

I was feeling like a classic sound last night, but something new. I've heard a couple of the songs on today's album, but not the entire piece. I'm glad I took the time.

Today's track shows a bit of what the whole album is about. It lacks the vocals a few other tracks have, but I don't think that's too important to the vibes. The essential sound is there.

Give Cheetah a listen.

Myspace | Buy

Simple, soft, a nice playful bass in the background. The guitar trying to tell a story over the amazing drum sounds Chico Hamilton creates. That's when the more seasoned Jazz lover starts to go "Oh, this only a perfectly put together together band!"

It's not too long, but it never really gets boring. I'm sure live sessions of the track back when it was fresh would go on for an extra 15 just off the good vibes these guys shared.

It's short of a masterpiece, but it's an amazing song to get you into that bubbly mood, especially if you listen to the whole album.

Buy: CD | mp3 | Vinyl

It's a relatively short album with a basic Jazz feel and some Latin flavor coming off the percussion (thanks to Willie Bobo) to even it out. Probably not the best for those who highly dislike "hold music", but it's a different strain of Jazz regardless and shouldn't be shunned for its simplicity.

I can't say it's perfect either. There's too many abrupt fade-outs that would sound much better with a bit of subtlety. There's also a sharp turn at the last track, which granted puts two songs into one. Still.

Aside from that, though, it'll be worth it if you can enjoy yourself Cheetah. The album delves into some insanely catchy classic riffs and licks, and the percussion is absolutely top notch. The bass (Ron Carter) tends to be thick and rich, but he can switch it up for the best too.

Not to mention the original Gypsy Queen can be found here, the song more commonly used to expand Santana's Black Magic Woman and turn it into the classic that so many of us know today. It's good to know the root of things.

At the very least the album is worth a listen, it's nearly 40 minutes long and it's capable of lifting the spirits, so check it out if you've got the time.