I’m sure you’ve had a similar conversation over beers. . . you know the one, where friends and new pals sit around and try to guess what instrument the other played in school. Between band and orchestra, if you played one, chances are you were a dork or geek in some form or fashion. Right on, I say! And I, for many serious reasons only a 10 year old can think of, chose to play the cello. Needless to say, I still think any string instrument is not only beautiful to hear, but more than easy on the eyes. I suppose we’ll always be orchestra nerds and band geeks at heart!
But geek or not, these framed vintage violin forms from Jayson Home & Gardenwould make anyone stop and stare. The design is not too over the top or in your face. . . instead it’s a simple, quiet nod to the beauty these instruments exude, and what’s not to like about that? They’re full of history and well, they’re just plain pretty, let’s face it. I’d love to see more forms framed too. . . could you imagine a big ole’ bass form hanging on your wall? Now that would be totally cool. Bum bum bum. . . buuuuuummmm.
Do you love playing fake guitar so much, you don’t even remember your life before Guitar Hero? Sure. Yes. And do you love it so much, you’d contemplate starting a sham band to go along with your phony shredding prowess? I have, yes. What about wearing your mini guitar right smack on your chest, so you could melt pretend fans’ faces with your sick skillz? That’s exactly what the nerdy nerds over at ThinkGeek have drummed up just for people like you (see how I took myself out of this last part of the equation? Mmmhmm yes), and boy have they hit the ticket. [Insert devil horns here] It’s an electronic guitar t-shirt!
But you go ahead, go on with your bad self. Light those screaming crowds on fire with your chest guitar! It even comes with its own mini-amp to really blow their minds!! Surely even just a crowd of 2 would be impressed. . . and it’s such a small price to pay for a few minutes of wicked glory!
The very indie, very pop eccentric trio Unicycle Loves You (also known as ULY for those who love to be word lazy!) recently released Mirror, Mirror after taking a quick 2 year break since their debut. Plucking inspiration from kitschy cult horror films and science fiction, ULY (yes I’m word lazy today) like to appear playful and then transport you somewhere you weren’t expecting.
While some tracks like “Justine” and “Mountain Lungs” clip along, the title track “Mirror, Mirror” is a tranquil, dreamy anthem for those slow days of summer. Available September 7, 2010, you can get your very own ULY fix below with the video for “Justine” and a FREE download of the newest single “Mirror, Mirror”. Happy listening!
No, I’m not trying to give you advice. Music does make the world go round though, so starting a band would be a very positive thing to do! But, “You Should Start a Band” is also the title of Austin, Texas band the Frontier Brothers‘ latest track.
And I must say, I love the HEYS and oh oh oh ohwah oh a oh ohs, because those always make for a good time, no? Check out the video below for a listen, and if you dig the track too, be sure to download the song! I mean, it’s FREE, and there’s really no harm in getting a few “oh-wah ohs” on of your own.
Sweden’s trio Little Majorette or more than a little addicting. Lead vocalist Zoe Durrant has a compelling tone and her current band mates, Petter Winnberg and Nils Törnqvist, do an extra special job of making their latest single “Bite the Bullet” sound one-of-a-kind.
And I’ll be honest, there are sounds and instruments in there that leave me scratching my head, but in a good way of course. I just mean I don’t what the heck they are, but I really like that whistling, polka-like backbeat. Makes me wish I could whistle along, but thanks to my major lack of skill in that area, I’ll settle for tapping my foot and bobbing my head to this happy number. Be sure to keep checking their sites too, because as of April 26th “Bite the Bullet” and other fun and syncopated morsels will be available for purchase. Tack så mycket!
Check out Deluka’s video for “Cascade” below, cause if you like hand claps as much as I do, you’ll love this song! And just because it’s your lucky day, you can also download the acoustic version of “Cascade” for FREE over in our Listen Up! section. Woot woot.
Check out Montreal’s very own electro-pop duo Hexes & Ohs. . . they’re very erm, electric and cute in melody and style. With tracks like “Little Bird” and “H-H-H-Highschool” , their latest album Bedroom Madness is full of fun and charming tunes perfect for the warm summer months ahead. Be sure to download the FREE track below! Because what’s better than a free music filled Friday?? Exactly. Nuttin’.
One look at the blog post title today and you’re probably thinking, no duh, it’s Wednesday, nice one. Right, I know. . . but what you don’t know is there’s also a super fun and FREE mp3 entitled “Wednesday” available below! The first single off Rene Lopez’s latest full-length album People Are Just People out May 4th, “Wednesday” is infused with catchy sprinkles of pop and soul, full of 60’s dance beats that’ll get you up and moving.
So like my momma taught me, I’m gonna get my groove on by doing the frug (say FROog) in my new but old gingham, polyester pant suit. Oh yeah. Did I mention there are hand claps?! Sa-weet.
Hey there! Hopefully you all had a great weekend, and if you didn’t well. . . just take a second or two to watch the videos by Norwegian songstressMarit Larsenbelow and add a little cheer to your week!
New York City singer, songwriter and gifted painter Sebastian Blanck will release his debut LP Alibi Coast this June. And if you enjoy the dreamy, poetic folk rock of Simon & Garfunkel, you will definitely enjoy Blanck’s fresh and emotional take on the genre. A true expression of his paintings, his melodies and lush vocals are colorful in sound and dripping in serenity and subtle sweetness.
Alibi Coast features contributions from Caroline Polachek of Chairlift, like the tender track below entitled “Thunder” available for a listen or your very own FREE download. For more about Sebastian Blanck and the emotions behind is paintings and music, click here.
I know I’ve mentioned W Records by Monkey many (ah-hem, make that many, many) times before, but they’re worth talking about, trust me! The vinyl records combined with vintage cameos, houndstooth, unique screen prints and stylish designs for the sake of cool jewelry will be appealing for years to come.
There’s so much to admire as a music fan, that when I saw their natural vinyl cuff I couldn’t help but take notice. Despite the lack of color like in their other designs, the sleek, black cuff makes a simple, yet loud statement. . . I LOVE MUSIC! And what’s better than that? Get yours here for just 15 bones!
She & Him released the video for their new single “In the Sun” off their upcoming release Volume Two. As expected, Zooey Deschanel has a few great outfits and a few fun, quirky moments here and there. But I guess what I wasn’t ready for was how awkward she was doing choreographed dance moves in a high school hallway. But oh well, I still like her. . . a lot! And perhaps her dancing awkwardness will make her more likable?! Check it out below. . . and be sure to check out upcoming tour dates here! I bet watching her dance super weird like is better in person. Ha!
Also looks like the She & Him website got a fun and freshly checkered makeover. Too cool!
Not only a songwriter, NYC’s Max Vernon takes his musicality to a quirky visual level fans continue to really dig. The follow-up to his previous EP “Manic Impression” is currently in the works, just about ready to knock down more doors. Entitled “Silent Sirens”, the new ditties are said to bridge the stylistic gap between his music and artwork, reflecting the quirkiness, surrealism and dark undercurrent of his drawings. Check out two of his brand, spankin’ new songs below, and feel to right click and download. . . they’re FREE!
Oh my gawd, best. . . day. . . ever! Just cruised by Mumford & Sons‘ website and discovered they’re launching their first ever North American tour this summer. Hot dog, I cannot WAIT. So, check out their summer stops here. See you there!!!
