Let the games begin! A plethora of live music events this weekend in Vegas and leave it to Red Bull to pull off one of the best events, Sound Clash with this installment featuring The Ting Tings & Cee Lo going back and forth on Saturday, March 12. The events get underway tonight and run through the weekend; check the below for the full schedule.
Tag Archives: Do You Hear The Music
New Music: Lupe Fiasco – Lasers
7 MarLasers is finally here!! Tomorrow after three years of waiting for a new record, Lupe Fiasco’s Lasers drops and how I can’t wait for this. I truly believe Lupe is one of the most gifted artists and lyricists in the music industry and from what I’ve heard streaming Lasers, he again doesn’t disappoint. I was already in love with the song “Never Forget You” featuring John Legend but the first single off the album “The Show Goes On” is primed for breakout while “All Black Everything” is a great ‘what if’ song. Also “Out Of My Head” featuring Trey Songz is a winner as is “Beautiful Lasers.”
Lasers features production by The Audibles, The Neptunes, Needlz, Alex da Kid, Syience, and long-time collaborator Soundtrakk, among others. In addition to Trey Songz and John Legend, Skylar Grey, Sway, Matt Mahaffey, MDMA, Eric Turner and Sarah Green all contribute vocals to the disc.
In case you were wondering, Lasers is a backronym for “Love Always Shines Everytime, Remember 2 Smile.” Check out the Lasers Manifesto Lupe recorded back in 2009 around the birth of Lasers to understand where he is coming from on this album. A tip of the hat to one man who has a voice to reach many people and using it to help spread the message for the better.
One Word: fun.
2 MarLast week my dear friend Hannah Allen asked “have you heard of the band fun. before?” I hadn’t so when I got home I immediately did a little YouTube surfing and the minute I played the song “All The Pretty Girls” I kept thinking that the lead singer’s voice sounded really familiar to me. Lo and behold I searched for some info on the band and learned that Nate Reuss formerly of The Format had started this band in 2008 with Andrew Dost and Jack Antonoff and in August 2009 released their debut LP, Aim and Ignite. Immediately I had two thoughts, first that this was amazing as The Format was on heavy rotation during my college days and two, have I been sleeping under a boulder (not a rock) for a few years to not know about this band? Yes on both. So far so good with fun. and their contagious indie pop sound. As I get myself more familiar with these guys, take a listen and see for yourself what we’ve been missing.
New Music: Jamestown Revival – The Knives & Pipes EP
28 Feb
Jamestown Revival, heard of this band before? If not you better get on top of their EP, The Knives & Pipes. The laidback duo of Jonathan Clay and Zach Chance originally hail from Magnolia, Texas and are currently one of 16 bands vying for the cover of Rolling Stone. In what’s a really sweet contest featuring many great up-and-coming bands, give a listen to Jamestown Revival and cast your vote for the guys (final four bands will rock out at Bonnaroo in a Battle of the Bands this June). Even better, vote for Jamestown Revival, click the Facebook ‘Like’ icon and then shoot at email to ivoted@jamestownrevival.com and you can score a free copy of their EP.
Wondering what their sound is like? Personally I think it’s a blend of a handful of genres including their country roots, bluegrass, pop, rock and rockabilly, soul and they pull it off so elegantly. They have a more mellow, chillaxing approach which makes listening to them that much more enjoyable. I know after one listen I was hooked and have found myself pushing repeat again and again the past week.
REVISITED: Ryan Shaw – 2 24 11 – Las Vegas – Plus Video Covering Bob Marley
25 FebRyan Shaw was in one word last night, amazing. What a performance he gave over his two sets in Las Vegas on Thursday night. If you are in Sin City this weekend, no excuse to not go and see at least one set over the next two nights. And if you’re worried you won’t know any of his music, have no fear as Ryan’s performance last night included a whole bunch of great covers including: Michael Jackson – “Man In The Mirror,” Janis Joplin – “Piece of My Heart,” Bob Marley – “Redemption Song,” Stevie Wonder – “Superstition,” and Beatles – “Let It Be.”
The video is not great quality and the security guy kept getting in the way (I think he just wanted some face time) but give a listen to hear Ryan performing “Redemption Song.” Also apologies as I missed the first minute of the song. Will try to get some better video this weekend.
Now Playing: Ryan Shaw – “Do The 45”
24 FebExcited to see Mr. Shaw live in Las Vegas tonight and through Saturday. Hopefully some of you join me for some damn good music!
Save The Dates: Dave Matthews Band – 2011 Show Dates
23 Feb
Received an email yesterday and it’s posted on the Band website http://www.DaveMatthewsBand.com check out the below:
Dave Matthews Band will host four three-day music festivals across the US this summer. The multi-stage events will feature a wide array of diverse musical talent with Dave Matthews Band performing a headlining set each night. Exact locations, lineups, ticketing and lodging info will be announced soon.
JUNE 24-26…North East/Mid Atlantic
JULY 8-10…Midwest
AUGUST…coming soon!
SEPTEMBER…coming soon!
This gets me excited as the 20th Anniversary plans are starting to come together and officially knowing DMB will not be taking the whole year off is something to look forward to. Can’t wait to see the exact locations (Atlantic City has been a good rumored location for the East Coast and you can pretty much guarantee that September will be The Gorge) and bands who sign on to partake (guessing Red Light Management, ATO Records and probably Brushfire Records artists will make up a bulk of the acts). Summer of Music is getting better and better!
New Music: DJ Ikon – “Bass Down Low” Remix
23 FebCheck it out, new remix by DJ Ikon and DJ Exodus of “Bass Down Low” by Dev ft. The Cataracs. Y’all know you love this song so give the remix a listen by following THIS link and if you like, download it from the same place.
New Music: G. Love – Fixin’ To Die – CD
18 Feb
G. Love & Special Sauce has had their share of success over the years while G. Love aka Garrett Dutton’s solo projects go mostly unheralded, until now. With assistance from The Avett Brothers who produced and sit in as the band on Fixin’ To Die to give it that back down south soul, the Philadelphian shines with his blues music and heartfelt lyrics. The album’s title track, a Bukka White original, sets the stage as a serious boot stompin’ jam while “Milk & Sugar” raises the energy level as a happy go lucky sing-along. “Just Fine” a love song, is true G. Love with his one-of-a-kind rhyming and the guitar riff is reminiscent of Blues Traveler’s “Hook.” But what may stand out most is Dutton’s cover of Paul Simon’s “50 Ways To Leave Your Lover;” which starts out as a tranquil rendition that evolves into a dominant harmonica and banjo jam session. If you’re looking to rid yourself of winter, scoop up this disc and watch as the sky opens up and lets the sun shine down.
CD drops on February 22 but head on over to Conan O’Brien’s website HERE to stream the album.
Do You Hear The Music? 
