The Boys from South Carolina

If you haven't heard of a band called Needtobreathe, you need to fix that. Immediately. You will not be disappointed. It doesn't take alot for me to like different artists and the music they make, but when I happen to find one that I absolutely adore their music touches my soul in a way that is indescribable, now THAT is something special and deserves to be talked about and shared with the world. I first discovered this band last summer. They opened for David Cook and even though I did not go to the show, I was curious about this band and previewed a few of their songs on iTunes. I clicked on their newest album, "The Outsiders," and listened to the 30 second preview of the opening track, The Outsiders." That's all I needed. I may have previewed a few seconds of some others but after that 30 second preview, I immediately ran to the store and bought the album. As I began to dive into the entirety of the album I was blown away by the lyrics, the melodies, and the unbelievable and moving voice of lead singer Bear Rinehart. He sounds like a cross between Caleb Followill, lead singer of Kings of Leon, and Gavin Degraw, but more soulful and southern. They even break out the banjo for a few tracks. The band is made up of brothers Bear (lead vocals, guitar) and Bo (guitar) Rinehart, and childhood friends Joe Stillwell (drums) and Seth Bolt (bass). They are from a small town in South Carolina and grew up, and still are today, strong devout Christians. This is clearly evident in their music. The soul and spirituality that they capture is enough to make even non believers feel the spirit of a higher power. After 3 albums, "Daylight", "The Heat", and "The Outsiders," they have finally come into their own and figured out who they really are as musicians and the type of music they want to share with the world. And then there is the live aspect of the band. It is unlike ANYTHING I have ever experienced. I have seen them 3 times. The first time is a life changing experience, the 2nd is so moving and leaves you wanting more, and the 3rd....well the 3rd just leaves you in awe and completely hooked. So what does all of this mean? GO BUY THEIR MUSIC. GO SEE THEM LIVE. It will be some of the best money ever spent.

Key Tracks to check out:

Washed by the Water
More Time
The Outsiders
Lay Em Down
Something Beautiful

Some GREAT videos to watch out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hz3WPwtnQLQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6xvpQYA94Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AH4rC4oPfoU

We the Kings Smile Kid-A Huge Album!

There's a band from Bradenton, Florida called We the Kings. They are a group of 4 early 20s guys who have taken punk/pop to another level and deserve to be huge. They've gotten some radio play with their songs Check Yes Juliet and Heaven Can Wait, but the world has yet to see what these guys really have to offer. Lead singer Travis (complete with long red hair, lip ring, and tattoos) has a voice that is incomparable to any modern alternative band to date. And the boys looks don't hurt their image either. What makes this band special is there ability to combine power, harmonies, melody, and lyrics into everything they do. I fell in love with them the minute I heard their song Skyway Avenue off of their Freshman album, and grew to love them by the day. I anxiously awaited Sophomore album Smile Kid and could not have asked for a better album. It is very California and preaches the trials of being young...from love to friendship to moving to celebrating life and youth. Key tracks are Rain Falls Down (a deeply emotional story of a girl going through a hard time), Summer Love (a latin style summer fun story), and Spin (a celebration of being young and making the most out of each night). These guys don't take themselves too seriously. They are not the guys you'll hear claiming to have changed the music world. They are the guys who truly love music, each other, and their fans and want nothing more than for people to appreciate them and really give their album a chance. I highly suggest everyone give it a listen. I promise, there will be no disappointment.

Where is the Comparison?

Ok here's a question for you. Why is Nick Jonas going solo? And the name of the band...Nick Jonas and The Administration. What is this? Sure, it was probably bound to happen eventually what with his oldest brother getting married and Joe being busy breaking hearts, but ALREADY? He is only 17 years old and the Jonas Brothers have only been relevant for 2 years. I would take this more seriously if it were a decade later and no one heard of the JoBros anymore ala Taylor Hanson and Tinted Windows. The kid is too young to be taken seriously as a solo artist. His voice still cracks and strains and he is nowhere as skilled in his guitar chops as he needs to be to be a respected solo artist. I'm hearing that this new album, Who I Am, is a seventies blue-eyed soul and more mellow sound than that of the Jonas Brothers and Jonas is even being compared by some to John Mayer. WHAT?! Something just doesn't sit right with me with this. And another thing that has been bothering me about this kid. What's with his "murse"? He seems to always have a brown satchel slung around his shoulder. Um....

I guess before I pass any true judgement on the matter I should listen to the album in its entirety. Or at least wait until Wednesday night to see his performance on the Grammy Nominations Concert. So what does this mean for poor Joe Jonas? Kevin will be busy making babies, Nick will be busy touring and promoting his new album, and Joe will be.....

Adam Glambert:Inappropriate or Right on Target?

Unless you've been living under a rock for the past week, the whole world has been talking about Adam Lambert's AMA performance last Sunday night. His rawly sexual and glam performance of his first single "For Your Entertainment" has been the subject of controversy focusing on his kissing his male keyboardist, S&M-type costuming, and mimicking oral sex. Now, Ive been following and been a fan of Adam Lambert since American Idol and I was very interested to see his debut television award show performance. And I can't say that I was disappointed. Glambert has not exactly made a name for himself being PC and a tame individual. So why is the world stunned and shocked by this performance? Were they expecting him to just go out there without causing a scene? The man is known for being campy and over the top. He wore platforms and eyeliner on primetime television every week for god sake. The biggest problem that I have with the complaints about his performance is the double standard that is placed on pop stars today. The Madonna/Britney/Christina VMA kiss happened. Female pop stars have been overtly displaying there sexuality on television and in music videos for over a decade now. Lady Gaga can wear almost no clothes. Rap lyrics today are so full of raw, rude, and offensive lyrics and emphasis on woman, drugs, alcohol, and sex. But because Adam Lambert is a male, and a gay male at that, it is taboo for him to act in such a manner. You see, Lambert is smart. He isn't going to capture the attention of America by playing by the rules. Has anyone heard from Kris Allen since American Idol ended? Was he asked to close the AMA's this year? I dont think so. If Glambert wants to be a pop idol, he is doing what he needs to do be in the news and gain attention. The 70's were chock full of campy over the top, sexual pop stars. Adam Lambert is simply 4 decades too late. Adam.....I applaud you. Do what ya gotta do.