Drive-by Argument

Drive-By Argument
"Left, Left, Walk Forward, Get On The Dragon" (mp3)
from "Dance Like No One's Watching"
(Lizard King)

Originally formed as part of a music project for their university, Drive-By Argument was a group picked at random and told to produce 5 songs. Little did they know what the result would be. They soon dropped out of school to focus and continue on with this project.

The band is a mixture of synth hooks, aggressive guitar leads, and poppy vocals. Add some dance floor beats to it, and you won't be able to help but move some part of your body to the music.

Their latest album "Dance Like No One's Watching" comes out today with this single and will be available for both street and digital release.

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Elliot Smith

Elliott Smith
"Between The Bars" (mp3)
from "Either/Or"
(Kill Rock Stars)

Popularized by the film Good Will Hunting, Between The Bars is one of my favorite Elliot Smith songs. His beautiful melodies and lyrics probably made him one of the most talented songwriters of our time.

A song featuring his signature solo acoustic guitar and double tracked vocals, this song's lyrics can be interpreted many different ways. Lyrics aside, Between The Bars is a romantic song that isn't presented in that fake way which we usually hear in today's love songs.

If only he were still here today to make songs like this...

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Tracy Shedd

Tracy Shedd
"You Remind Me of Someone" (mp3)
from "Red"
(Teenbeat Records)

Tracy Shedd is a slowcore, singer/songwriter specializing in heartfelt, fragile compositions. Her upcoming record "Cigarettes and Smoke Machines" will be released in the fall of '08 on Teenbeat Records.

This track, You Remind Me of Someone, is from her album "Red" which was released back in '03. There's just something special about it which appeals to me. It must the simple instrumentals combined with her melodic vocals that makes me feel relaxed. Her honest style of lyrics also has a down to earth quality which i seem to like.

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Modwheelmod

Modwheelmood
"scared of everyone" (mp3)
from "Pearls to Pigs, Vol. 3"
(Modwheelmusic)

MWM is a band out of L.A. categorized as alternative pop electronica. They are led by Alessandro Cortini, who is currently performing live with NIN, and former Abandoned Pools guitarist Pelle Hillström.

Recently releasing the third album of the trilogy, "Pearls to Pigs, Vol. 3", the band is back with their use of analog synths, ambient guitars, and soft, falsetto-like vocals. Their provocative vocal melodies also add a lot to the band's sound, creating a rich, round texture.

Compared to bands like Radiohead, and associated with acts like Nine Inch Nails, it's unfortunate that MWM hasn't yet risen to popularity as much as they should have, so check em out!


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Andy McKee

Andy McKee
"Into the Ocean" (mp3)
from "Art of Motion"
(Candy Rat Records)

You've probably already heard and seen Andy McKee on his hugely popular YouTube video of "Drifting". But in case you haven't, Andy McKee is a guitarist known for his 'fingerstyle mixed with percussive' guitar work.

McKee is able to create immensely beautiful sounds with only his guitar and his hands using unusual techniques that require two-hand percussive slapping, tapping, and altered tunings. He uses these as tools for his compositional masterpieces on his steel string guitar.

There are only a number of guitarists that can pull this stuff off, and as a guitarist myself, I hope that you can appreciate this as much as I do.

Here's a video of "Drifting" by Andy McKee.




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my project: blue

my project: blue
"Messed Up In the Heart" (mp3)
from "my project: blue - EP"
(Boompa Records)

I recently listened to this band called 'my project: blue', and couldn't help but crack a smile. With singles like "Messed Up In the Heart", singer Chad Blues's curious voice started to grow on me. At first I was hesistant to continue listening, but once the hook came, I knew I liked them.

This band has been around for a couple of years now, so it's unfortunate that I hadn't heard of them until now. With the band's mesh of guitars, synths, and off-kilter vocals, there's something about it that will definitely catch your attention, so give it a listen!

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Plays Pretty For Baby

Zolof The Rock & Roll Destroyer
"Plays Pretty for Baby" (mp3)
from "Zolof The Rock & Roll Destroyer"
(ReIgnition Recordings)

"Plays Pretty for Baby" is simply a song that makes me happy whenever I hear it, so I decided that it deserved a blog entry of its own.

This Zolof song features Anthony Greene's girlish voice, but for some reason, I find it enjoyable. In fact, a lot more enjoyable than songs from Saosin, The Sound of Animals Fighting, and Circa Survive, all bands of which he is the lead singer of.

I guess it's the playful melody and guitar parts that attracts me to this song. Even though this song was released back in '02 on Zolof's self-titled debut album, it is definitely one of their best songs.


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A Shoreline Dream

A Shoreline Dream
"Love Is a Ghost In America" (mp3)
from "Avoiding the Consequences"
(Latenight Weeknight Records)


A Shoreline Dream is a band from Denver, Colorado, which has been named one of URB Magazine's NEXT 100 of 2008. They have been described by terms such as 'melodipsych' and 'post rock'. This is because the band uses combinations of lush samples, textures, and synths.

Compared to bands like Ride, Slowdive, and Sigur Rós, A Shoreline Dream is making their way across the country and is even starting to get some international notice. A Shoreline Dream is set to tour with Ulrich Schnauss, Soundpool, and Experimental Aircraft in July of '08, so go check em out!

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