Get excited!

This blog is sorely lacking in chick-punk-rock-pony-thrash. Don't worry, I've got it covered with one of my current, favorite bands: the ladies of Mika Miko.



These girls are insane in the best kind of way. Mika Miko is an all girl punk band who bring it back to bands like The Slits (one of my favorite albums is still Cut). They also have this habit of playing shows in the middle of empty rooms and not onstage, which--I probably don't have to tell you--is pretty ridiculously amazing.



I saw Mika Miko a few months back at the Empty Bottle, and the room was more packed than I ever remember a show at the Empty Bottle being. It was a nonstop dance fest and one of the most impressive live shows I've seen in quite awhile. One of the lead singers sings into a microphone shaped as a bright red, telephone receiver...it's a very interesting thing to see.

A friend I brought along who had NEVER heard of them before that night turned to me after the show and said, "I want to propose to all of them." Isn't that alone enough to intrigue you?

But declarations of love and proposals aside, the music really speaks for itself. It's fast paced punk-thrash that's as easy to dance to as it is to headbang to. The mix of the lead singer's voices compliment each other in a variety of ways--it's fun to hear the gutsy screaming of Jenna Thornhill mixed with the light, girly sing-talking of Jennifer Clavin.

One of my favorite songs is "Capricorinations":



And check out the video for "Business Cats":



See? They're talented, exciting AND adorable. Also? Please note that the drummer is wearing a SKIRT. Get it, girl!

Check out more of the ladies of Mika Miko at their Myspace.

And I encourage you to pick up one or both of their albums:
C.Y.S.L.A.B.F. (which contains Capricorinations and Business Cats) and/or 666 (the newest record) at Post Present Medium!

Sounds like pony thrash to me! And I like it.

A Touch of Metal

Hey everyone,

I'm back with another dose of metal... only this time, I'll admit that what you'll hear is pretty balls-to-the-wall. Based in Sweden, Evergrey puts the metal in "progressive metal." Some things are to be expected: heavy riffs, plenty of double kick rhythms, and a decent amount of black eyeliner. That being said, Evergrey somehow blends the darkness and evilness of your typical metal band with melodic gospel-style choruses and Pink Floyd-esque solos and duets. Frontman Tom S. Englund not only shows off his powerful pipes on the band's live DVD "A Night to Remember (2004)," but he also tears it up on guitar in harmonized solos with lead guitarist Henrik Danhage. Sure, the title makes it sound like a bar mitzvah video, but rest assured, it's not. Here's a video of the song "More Than Ever" from their live DVD. It's one of my favorites-- another favorite being "A Touch of Blessing" (so check that out if you liked the first one.)



For a first album, I would recommend "The Inner Circle." It's different from their earlier albums in the sense that it's a little more interesting stylistically, but it still rocks. Also, look out for Evergrey's new album sometime before Christmas 2008!

ROCK,

The Real Dan.

easy, breezy, beautiful Cover Girl...

Soulstar back again, with another dose of good music; digest it well. This entry is dedicated to a pint-sized bombshell with a unique swagger, who took control of her career after dealing with the majors: Brooke Valentine.

With music ranging from Crunk to Country and R&B to Rock, Brooke is most known for her 2005 hit “Girlfight”. Largely considered a one-hit wonder, her successful debut Chain Letter (which she co-wrote) took the listener on a musical journey, from the emotional ballad “Laugh Til I Cry”, to the urban patriotism of “American Girl”, to the Broadway-esque dramedy “I Want You Dead”.

Featuring an organ and acoustic guitar accompaniment that recalls her Texan background, “Cover Girl” tells a story of the insecurity of a woman in a relationship.

"Cover Girl"

You can find more information about Brooke Valentine on her MySpace page as well as at her Wikipedia page.

Brooke Valentine is the latest in a sea of artists affected by the Virgin/Capitol merger. Her sophomore record, Physical Education, was set to be released in the summer of 2006; yet after months and months of delays and inaction, it was put on hold indefinitely (similar to Stacie Orrico).

Aware that Virgin Records wasn't doing much to help her, Brooke refused to give her sophomore record to Virgin Records, and fought to seek release from her distribution deal (She is signed to Subliminal Entertainment and was distributed by Virgin).

Until next time, stay blessed and support good music.

Soulstar

...And Then There Were 3

Now that I, The "Real" Dan, have recovered from the massive article I wrote about Pain of Salvation's "Be," I can finally muster up the energy to let you know about an incredible band from Woodstock, NY that's been rocking my world for weeks. They're called "3" (aka Three,) and they've recently released the studio album "The End is Begun." I would describe them as the more progressive version of Coheed & Cambria (a band they actually toured with... and 3's old drummer Josh Eppard actually played with Coheed at one point.) But they're not "proggy" in the way you might expect (I assume you'd usually expect some combination of Rush, Dream Theater, Symphony X, etc.) Think Coheed meets the Mars Volta meets Zeppelin meets the Beatles meets Primus... and the list could go on. The point is that they've drawn from an array of influences and come up with their own unique sound. Joey Eppard, composer and frontman of 3, rocks audiences with his rapid flamenco-inspired slap-guitar playing, Middle-Eastern vocal techniques, and incredible energy. He's simply a natural.

Although I really feel that every song on their latest album could be considered a highlight, here are just a few of my favorites:

Diamond in the Crush - frontman Joey Eppard sounds like the Middle Eastern version of Michael Jackson, and it's awesome. Very fun song to listen to.

Been to the Future - eerie, great; kind of reminds me of Eleanor Rigby for some reason, even though the two songs are musically very different.

My Divided Falling - reminds me of the Mars Volta, another great band. The track kicks off with a funky, high-energy slap-guitar riff. The band moves together as a whole through odd rhythms and double-kick sections with precision.

These Iron Bones - one of the heavier tracks. A fine example of Eppard's clever songwriting. Lyrics and vocal melodies that refer to a common children's playtime tune (when Eppard softly sings, "We're gonna get you no matter where you turn") creates an eerie contrast with the heavier "These Iron Bones" sections.

Amaze Disgrace - this isn't even off the newest album-- actually from the album Wake Pig, this aong is by far my favorite. The title (and the lyrics that relate to it) is a musical and lyrical reference to "Amazing Grace." Maybe I'm partial to it because it's over 16 minutes long. The whole piece, including the Moby Dick-esque drum solo almost 11 minutes into the track, showcases the band's talent so well-- not just musically, but also creatively.

Update - Here's the video for "All That Remains," the single from 3's new album:



Also, look out for 3 at the Progressive Nation tour in North America this spring. They'll be playing with prog legends Dream Theater and Opeth. Check out 3's MySpace here: http://www.myspace.com/3

Stacie Orrico is ready to "Wait"...

Soulstar here, bringing you another dose of good music. This entry is dedicated to a beautiful lady with an angelic voice: Stacie Orrico.

Stacie Orrico is best known for her smash hit “(There’s Gotta Be) More To Life” from her self-titled second album. Originally a Christian Pop artist, Stacie was signed to Virgin Records. However, due to the poor handling of her third album, it was shelved in the US and only released in Japan.

Her third album, Beautiful Awakening, is a beautiful mix of positive soul and pop music. “Wait” is one of the highlights, showcasing her jazzy vocals over soulful music.

"Wait"

You can learn more about Stacie at her MySpace page: www.myspace.com/stacieorrico.

Stacie is just another prime example of the major labels mishandling true artistry. In a day and age where mishaps such as “Soulja Boy” get nominated for Grammys’, and true artists like Stacie Orrico get overlooked, I wonder why I picked this industry.

However, I continue for the simple fact that true artistry never dies. One-dimensional music will disappear as quickly as it appeared; meaningful music will remain timeless.

Until next time, stay blessed and support good music.

- Soulstar

And I pretend to myself...

We've all been slacking. Especially everyone except Soulstar.

But I'm rectifying this situation, if not with my own frequent posts, then with numerous, wild threats to the other "contributors." Believe it.

So. I'm the kind of person that can be very obsessive with music. This happens in two ways.

The first is that I hear a song or record and don't know how I feel about it (usually I have very strong reactions to music upon first listen). This results in me listening to that track or album over and over again until I form a solid opinion, lots of times resulting in me realizing that I over the top love it.

The second is that I hear a song and it strikes a chord with me. It tugs at my heart strings just so, and I find myself listening to the song over and over and never becoming sick of it. I'm that terrible roommate or car trip buddy that wants to listen to a song or album on repeat. Seriously, I want to bake my upstairs neighbor cookies in apology for how many times I've played the new Gogol Bordello record. Sorry, neighbor. Also, your dogs are rambunctious and have loud feet.

The song I'm featuring this post is the latter kind of song. The kind of song that dug itself under my skin upon first listen and has stayed there. It's by the amazing PJ Harvey, and it's called "The Devil."



This song is from her new album, White Chalk. Very piano driven, melodic, different and wonderful. PJ Harvey is the kind of chick that has this out of control voice (especially live) coupled with the striking looks of someone you will never forget, ever.




Please note that she is making those noises at the beginning WITH HER VOICE. I mean, what? What?? Please check this out:



I mean, if I could make that noise I would just do it ALL the time. Without warning. For any or all or no reasons. Haha.

Check her out at:
http://www.pjharvey.net
or
http://www.myspace.com/pjharvey

Happy holidays, everyone!

Jhene Aiko Chilombo... try to say it fast three times

Soulstar here, bringing you another song from another underrated artist.

Jhene Aiko Chilombo is a pint-sized beauty with a silky voice that will give you goosebumps. Formerly signed to T.U.G./Epic, her 1st album went unreleased, despite being featured numerous times alongside now-defunct boy group B2K. Her flawless runs and crisp harmonies make every song she graces unforgettable.

"Deja Vu" is an angelic ballad that showcases her subtle, yet crisp vocals. Jhene is currently recording, but at this time isn't seeking a label (who can blame her???). Myself being a songwriter and music producer, Jhene is one of those talents that every songwriter and music producer longs to find.

You can find more information about Jhene on her MySpace page: www.myspace.com/jheneaiko.

Until next time, stay blessed and support good music.

- Soulstar