Last week I was fortunate enough to hear one of my all time favorite artists live in an acoustic, super chill setting. Andrew McMahon of Jack’s Mannequin started the evening off with some silent messages for the audience, and then began to play new and old songs in a way that was so compelling, and funny, and inspiring, and moving, I didn’t want the evening to end! So below, check out some of Andrew’s performances from his latest tour stop in Minneapolis. . . but believe me when I say it’s way better in person!

(Image from Jack’s Mannequin video for “Swim“)

Friday is the big day friends! It’s the release of the highly anticipated film “Where the Wild Things Are” directed by Spike Jonez, and based on Maurice Sendak’s classic children’s tale. Not only will it be exciting to see Max and the Wild Things’ adventures come to life, but the music for the film, composed by Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, is also very alluring.

The behind-the-scenes video of Karen O working with a children’s choir (see below) for the soundtrack gives an endearing look into how the sounds came about. I think their innocent, wild hootin’ and hollerin’ adds so much glimmer to what is happening on the screen. I can’t wait to see it all come together!

Not sure what else to say. . . other than I’m loving Michael Bublé’s latest release Crazy Love (no surprise there!)!  With tracks like “Georgia On My Mind”, “All of Me” and “Cry Me a River”, Bublé might be singing covers, but his authentic talent shines through on every note. His musicality and capacity for producing songs that swagger, in an endearing way mind you, is what makes him such a successful modern day crooner.

Co-written by Bublé, his first single “Haven’t Met You Yet” is snappy and sweet. My only complaint is the title. . . because he’s already met me! Hahaha. Maybe he just forgot about the girl who helped iron his bands’ shirts for their corporate performance. Uh huh. Right. Ha!

For a sample of the ditty check out the promo video for it below (I like it much more than the sorta corny official video you can see here).

And definitely check out his interview and performance on Oprah last week here. His behind the scenes interview is fun too. . . he talks about his top three albums (Sinatra, MJ, and Harry Connick, Jr.), favorite songs from his own career, and how Crazy Love is more or less a break-up album. But whatever the inspiration, it’s dynamite! Now all we need are some tour dates!

So today it’s time to share a little German music from singer-songwriter / rapper/ producer Thomas Hübner of Clueso. His latest single “Gewinner” off his newest full-length live album So Sehr Dabei Live, is introspective, mellow and poignant thanks to the simplistic, yet earnest melody and lyrics. Named after Inspector Clouseau from the Pink Panther, Clueso’s video for “Gewinner” is below. . . and the underwater concept perfectly matches the floating feeling you’ll get while listening to the song, whether you understand German or not.

Modern jazz extraordinaire Jamie Cullum’s newest album the Pursuit is set to drop sometime in November. No official date has been released, but for now we can all enjoy the first, break-up inspired, single “I’m All Over It” whilst we wait (impatiently) to hear the rest of the record.

And just last week Jamie performed “I’m All Over It” on the BBC’s dance show “Strictly Come Dancing”. . . it was his first television performance of the new single, and I might also venture to guess it was also his first performance with glittery ballroom dancers floating about the room as he played. So talented and classy, that Jamie! See below!

What could be a dream team of indie folk have finally released their highly anticipated collaboration. Calling themselves Monsters of Folk, M. Ward, Conor Oberst, Jim James (Yim Yames) and Mike Mogis are far from monsters of music. Unless by monsters they mean brilliant, folk artists that create haunting, timeless tunes, then yes, indeed, they’re monsters. But their name is not to be taken literally, it is a misleading by design to sidestep any labels. The record includes everything and all these four have, with bits and pieces of rock, blues, country and folk scattered throughout. As Oberst says on their website in an interview with Michael Hill,

“I think it’s good to have a little bit of misconception. If I had heard that name, I would think, first, that it’s a terrible name, and then I’d picture guys on bar stools, unplugged style, playing songs like that. But I think the record has a lot of different dimensions and I’m pretty happy with how it came out.”

I can’t imagine a more inspiring group of artists and their debut not only displays their individual strengths in a subtle, non-overbearing style, it smartly combines all their best qualities into an easy-going, ego free, stirring album. After listening to all 15 tracks, I was left feeling like I got to be a part of one of their effortless jam sessions. . . which is very cool to say the least.  So get yours here (available on vinyl too!), you’ll be pleased you did!

For a sampling of the album, watch the video for their first single “The Right Place” below. It’s a foot-tapping, swaying in your seat kinda jam, and I luuurve it.

So check it out. . . Free Energy are releasing their debut digital EP tomorrow. Yeah! The three song EP will include single, “Free Energy” (see the Listen Up! Song of the Week for a FREE “Free Energy” download today on brönette!), “Something In Common” (which will not be on their forthcoming debut album), and “Dark Trance” (this one will be on the forthcoming album). 

And if you don’t get a chance to download it tomorrow, be sure to grab a copy of it when the guys roll through your town this fall. Touring with the Rakes, it’s bound to be an amazing, cowbell filled event I’m sure! See below for complete list of tour dates. I’ll see you there!  

Free Energy Tour Dates
09/25: Philadelphia, PA @ Phi Lam
10/02: Haverford, PA @ Lunt Basement
10/07: Beijing, China @ Modern Sky Festival (w/The Futureheads & British Seapower)
10/21: New York, NY @ Santos Partyhouse – CMJ Oh My Rockness Showcase
10/22: New York, NY @ Pianos – CMJ Windish Agency Showcase
10/24: London, UK @ Cargo (DFA Night)
10/26: London, UK @ Barfly
10/27: London, UK @ Rough Trade Records (Hoxton) In-Store (Early Show)/Waterats (Late Show)
10/28: London, UK @ Windmill
10/31: Los Angeles, CA @ The Roxy*
11/01: San Francisco, CA @ Slims*
11/03: Salt Lake City, UT @ The Urban Lounge*
11/04: Denver, CO @ The Bluebird*
11/06: Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock*
11/07: Chicago, IL @ Double Door*
11/09: Toronto, ON @ Mod Club*
11/10: Montreal, QC @ Petit Campus*
11/11: Boston, MA @ Great Scott*
11/12: New York, NY @ Highline Ballroom*
11/19: Dallas, TX @ The Cavern
11/20: Austin, TX @ The Mohawk
11/21: Baton Rouge, LA @ Spanish Moon
11/22: Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
11/23: Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506
11/24: Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar
11/25: Washington, DC @ DC9, set TBA
11/27: Philadelphia, PA @ Kung Fu Necktie
* = with The Rakes

If you like a lil’ more cowbell then the average schmo, and/or you like a lil’ bit of pop with your rock, I’d strongly suggest heading on over to the Song of the Week and downloading the FREE track “Free Energy“ by Pennsylvania rockers Free Energy. Just look to the right there, and up a bit, yeah that’s it. . .  it’s right under the hot pink header Listen Up!. Simply click and download, and it’s yours to jam to anytime you like!

If you’re not sure about downloading the FREE track just yet, go ahead and listen to that wondrous cowbell below in the video for “Free Energy“. It’s a great way to spend 2+ minutes of your Friday night! YEEEAAAH cowbell! Whoa-a-oh.

Brand new Snow Patrol debuted today on Zane Lowe’s BBC Radio show this afternoon. Caught a listen of “Just Say Yes”, a new track set to drop on their forthcoming greatest hits album, on my local station the Current (if you can, you should definitely stream the Current from wherever you happen to be!).

Anyway, back to the new single. . . to be honest, it kinda left me confused. It is undoubtedly Snow Patrol, but it’s a little more synthetic than I was expecting. And it seems like it’s gonna pick up and blow you away, but then it just kinda stays at the same, almost plodding energy level the whole way through. Good, but not amazing. But I don’t know, maybe I’m wrong.

What do you think? Check out “Just Say Yes” below. . .

By Nora G.

Since the glorious 80’s, Norway has produced great artists other than A-ha. One artist worth mentioning is the bearded man, Thomas Dybdahl. With four albums on his track record, a collection album has now been released with the best of the best.

His mysterious hoarse voice will no doubt send shivers down your spine, and if you live in England, Ireland or France you are lucky enough to catch up with him on tour in September and October.  Referred to as one of the best singer songwriters coming out of Scandinavia, I couldn’t agree more.

Seeing him this Sunday in Copenhagen together with Denmark Radios Orchestra, the label as one of the best was only confirmed. His way of moving the audience is only possible because what he sings and writes is genuinely what he means, truly, madly, deeply. . .

Andrew McMahon of Jack’s Mannequin is without a doubt an unbelievable talent on the keys. His electrifying music has ignited millions, thanks to his exceptional song writing and vibrant performances.

During the release of Jack’s Mannequin’s debut album Everything in Transit, Andrew was in the midst of a battle against leukemia. After documenting his daily fight against the disease, Corey Moss and Josh Morrisroe are releasing the film entitled “Dear Jack” on November 3rd. With only a limited number of DVDs available, fans can pre-order “Dear Jack” now. And fittingly, all proceeds from the sales are going towards cancer research.

To put it simply, viewing this film is definitely worth a moment of your time. . . it is not only an inspiring story of survival, but one of an unwavering dedication to music and the people it touches.

Should also mention Andrew McMahon is currently on tour. . . check out his dates and cities here. To say he puts on an amazing show is an understatement! If you go, I’ll see you in Minneapolis! Yeah!!

Drum roll please. . .

And now for your viewing and listening pleasure, Dragonette’s latest video for “Pick Up the Phone” off Fixin to Thrill. It’s simple, chic, but yet set in a high school hallway. Huh? But I like the juxtaposition of it all, and absolutely love to listen to the track even more. It’s fizzy electro-pop with a sexy, spacey style. Love it!

So, it’s the first week of school you say? Here’s a perfect video for it . . .”Ensemble” by the lovely singer songwriter Couer de Pirate. Definitely love her outfit and the vintage 50’s school she (and her split personality?) have found herself in. Too cute.

Today launched the world premiere of Robbie Williams‘ newest video for “Bodies”. . . his latest single off his upcoming release Reality Killed the Video Star available November 9th.

Now I’ve always been a fan of Robbie’s, and I really do like the split screen approach to this video. I’m sure it has a more technical term, but I like the way it emerges as a mini movie. Directed by Vaughan Arnell, he also directed “Angels”, “Feel”, “Let Me Entertain You”, the infamous cadaver inspired “Rock DJ” and more. In “Bodies” his helmet and rickety motorbike does however remind me of Michael’s get up in “Grease 2″. Ha ha. I’m coooooool rider! Wait a minute, I believe this is the second time I’ve referenced “Grease 2″ on here. Eegads.
Anyway, check out the video. See what you think. I like the techno pop mix Robbie’s got going on now. . . do you?

A.A. Bondy’s sophomore solo release When the Devil’s Loose is gritty, stripped down, and heartfelt musicianship at it’s core. The simple approach to each track is admirable, (the tracks were created with only a bass and drums for accompaniment) and very easy on the ears.

It’s title track “When the Devil’s Loose” caught my immediate attention thanks to the subtle tambourine (my secret, guilty pleasure), but mostly thanks to Bondy’s vocals which are smothered in a rustic, bluesy weariness that is remarkably endearing.

I am sad to say though, in the video below of Bondy performing “When the Devil’s Loose” live at some bar in Cali there are people talking in the background. Boo! I often wish people would keep their traps shut when someone like Bondy is spilling their vintage country-blues inspired soul on the stage at the back. I hate to be the snarky librarian, but sometimes you gotta do whatcha gotta do, right? So with that, sssshhhh! The music and lyrics are too earnest and lovely and inspiring to miss!

I’m also quite taken with his track “Oh the Vampyre”. . . it’s a bit silly, but still bluesy and full of that charming sadness. I’m imagining a pasty white vampire in bib overalls, a piece of hay in his mouth, on a porch singing away. Tee hee. What a sight that would be.