Cipes and The People

I first heard Cipes on the MTV reality show, Twnetyfourseven. The show was terrible... absolutely terrible but at least I found Cipes right?

I would describe Cipes and The People as california pseudo reggae/surf. Lots of positive messages and just really good listening music.

Check out Free Me


I know this song has a lot of cliche plagarized phrases but it's still good listening right?

Lauryn Hill- Mystery of Inequity

Whatever happened to music with good lyrics? I mean, not all music needs to have amazing lyrics. A lot of pop music relies on good production. But look at the success of commercial pop groups and compare it to the success of underground rock and hip-hop groups. Isn't it odd that "commercial" music is usually associated with non-artistic qualities?

I own so much music, although I really favor certain albums. When scrolling through my ipod, I always seem to discover entire albums that I've never really listened to before. This weekend, while scrolling, I came back in touch with an old favorite. I really love Lauryn Hill's "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill." Her voice sounds so vulnerable, yet it resonates with such powerful and moving lyrics.

A few years ago, my mother bought me Lauryn Hill's MTV Unplugged...and it's really a great album. I highly suggest buying it. Anyway, this is one of my favorite songs from the album and I found the actual live recording so- enjoy. This song may sound a little familiar (Kanye West- All Falls Down)

Mystery of Inequity

'

Donavan Frankenreiter

This past summer at Bonnaroo, I was wandering around lost and accidentally walked backstage and saw FUSE TV following this man around. Being the natural follower that I am, I too, decided to follow this man and see what all the hype was around. During the course of this interview, I found out that this man was Donavan Frankenreiter. I had heard Frankenreiter's music from a friend before, and I thought he was quite good, but never really looked much into it. Therefore, I had no idea that the man I was following was Donavan Frankenreiter.

Anyway, you should definitely check him out. He's very good- a mix of blues, rock and a little soul, I suppose. If you like Jack Johnson and John Mayer, do yourself a favor and check out Donavan. I highly suggest checking out one of his official videos, but youtube sucks and they're embedded, so I am posting a live video.


Donavan is currently on an International Tour and although he has a few dates in the US, I haven't seen any in the East Coast :(
But I promise you, you'll like him so check him out if he's in your town.

James Morrison Extends Tour to Include the US

Speechless.

19 Jan 2009 19:00 - Chicago Park West | Buy Tickets

20 Jan 19:00 - St Paul Fitzgerald Theatre | Buy Tickets

22 Jan 2009 19:00 - Denver Bluebird Theater | Buy Tickets

23 Jan 2009 19:00 - Salt Lake Murray Theatre | Buy Tickets

26 Jan 2009 19:00 - Seattle Neumos Crystal Ball Reading | Buy Tickets

27 Jan 2009 19:00 - Portland Wonderball Room | Buy Tickets

29 Jan 2009 19:00 - San Francisco Warfield Theatre | Buy Tickets
30 Jan 2009 19:00 - Los Angeles The Wiltern | Buy Tickets

31 Jan 2009 19:00 - San Diego Belly Up | Buy Tickets

02 Feb 2009 19:00 - Boston Paradise Rock Club | Buy Tickets
04 Feb 2009 19:00 - New York Highline Ballroom | Buy Tickets
05 Feb 2009 19:00 - Washington D.C. 9:30 Club | Buy Tickets

Note that Mr. Morrison has dates February second, fourth, and fifth. I can offer two explanations as to why he skipped February third:

1) My Birthday is February 3rd and if you know me at all, you know I love RENT. RENT closed this summer and the cast is going on a final national tour and they will be in Philadelphia on my birthday, February 3rd. Had Mr. Morrison planned to perform that night, he knew that I would not be able to attend the show

2) The more likely reason is as follows: About two years ago, I met Mr. Morrison (see picture above). During our meeting, I was informed that he loved me. Now, it seems most likely, that Mr. Morrison chose not to perform on February 3rd, so that he could spend that time with me.

Either way the week of my 20th birthday, I get to see JAMES AND RENT. I encourage you to buy tickets to both performances if they come to your neighborhood

The Bad Plus

It's been a long time. Blame Penn. But I have not forgotten muse sickly challenged. I've found tons of new artists BUT- forgetful me left my list at school. There are some bands that I've been meaning to write about for a while though. One is The Bad Plus.

The Bad Plus is not a new band. They've been around since 2000. But I had not heard of them until 2006. The Bad Plus is a jazz band that plays a ton of rock and pop covers (including Neil Young, Nirvana, Black Sabbath, and Blondie). Crazy, right?

Their latest album, "For All I Care" is set to release in America in February 2009, although it has already been released in Europe. The new album includes covers of songs by Nirvana, Wilco, The Flaming Lips, Pink Floyd, and The Bee Gees, just to name a few. Before listening, you should note that The Bad Plus is still for Jazz fans- but young jazz fans. You can't listen to their version of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and expect to hear Nirvana. Anyway, Here's a clip from The Bad Plus film...check it out

The Bad Plus (Aphex Twin Cover)



Want to see The Bad Plus? Check out their remaining tour dates in MN, NY, and MO on their website.