Music Is My Weapon
Caesar had his legions, Napoleon had his rifles, we have our music.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Here's to sleeping: trancey-cinematic acoustica
Like fine wine, some music takes time.From the opening minute of Gregor Samsa's 27:36 (titled after the EP's running time and exotically on Luxembourg label Own Records), you know you'll have to wait for the real beauty to begin, and begin it does with Nikki King's haunting pleas.
This is a lullaby of sound (poetically referred to as "trancey-cinematic acoustica"), never quite rising to an urgent crescendo, but instead rising and falling like a gentle rock of the sea. This is music for which those Windows Media Player animations were designed for - the melodies (as do the songs, all untitled, as was their debut EP on Boston's Iodine Recordings) effortlessly blend into one another, and you're taken on a ride of electronic sound, crashing guitar, and light motives.
You may begin listening, tune out, then be struck suddenly by an inexplicable urge to jump into an abyss of sound - don't let the quiet melodies fool you. Long after the album's come to an end, you'll be asking yourself why Gregor Samsa couldn't have titled the record 55:12... er, like their latest release this March on Kora Records. The longer, debut full-length gives you 8 lusciously layered tracks, following off where 27:36 ended, this time with song titles and even a bit more lyrics (which still don't make much sense, so don't expect literary genius here). The ambiance remains, however, to sweep you into dreaming away the afternoon.
Don't expect to download or hear single tracks online; you'll only be short-changing yourself. Here are examples of albums that, start to finish, are clearly designed to take your hand for a journey, and maybe even unwittingly change you, ala The Metamorphosis (Franz Kafka, from which the band got its name).
But quietly.
FFO: Godspeed! You Black Emperor, Sigur Ros, Explosions in the Sky, M83
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Lexi Street's Music
Get turned on by Lexi Street's music. By fusing elements of jazz, rock, and pop, Lexi Street, in true indie fashion, has categorically screwed themselves. Creating a sound that's not emulative of anything you have heard before, yet somehow you can't quite put your finger on why it feels so familiar. It can only be the sticky hooks and awesome melodies that make this such a great and memorable album. Oh, and the help of producer Orlando Calzata did not hurt either. Girl I used to be&bends and curves to words that, for some, will raise the hair on the back of your neck, and for others, at least an eyebrow. Lexi Street writes breathy music with sweltering lyrics that would make you want to come down to the Deep South and stay awhile. But she's no singing "Southern Belle" since her roots go back to the Chicago suburbs. However, spending most of her formative years growing up out side of Raleigh, North Carolina, it's here where she attributes her influence of, not music, but southern charm. The kind of charm you'll find in Track 9's bitter sweet "Beautiful South". A mesmerizing song that, as a last track, veers a very different road from the edgy path it began.
Lexi was a solo singer/guitarist that eventually became the lyrical girl Friday to then unknown guitarist, Gary O'bryan (now known as one of the musical co-writer of B. Spears'/Madonna single "Me Against the Music"). O'Bryan just recently signed a Publishing deal with Peer, and just as quickly as he lost it. Seems since the Britney song, his follow up material isn't quite on par with the pop princess' hit single. A pity it would seem to tiny teeny boppers across the land, but to loyal Street fans, it's a badge of honor. O'bryan has his share of other tricks up his sleeve since he is also credited with co-writing "Gon Girl" off Billy Crawford's 2004 release, "Big City". His guitar antics can also be found on B2K's album Pandemonium. And all this is a far cry from the music that he makes right here in Atlanta, GA. The new band (post album) is bursting forth new material that they've all been so fervently writing. It has all the yen appeal of our now favorite bands new beginnings. Check out their new track Summer at www.lexistreet.com and get turned on to the music.
Lexi was a solo singer/guitarist that eventually became the lyrical girl Friday to then unknown guitarist, Gary O'bryan (now known as one of the musical co-writer of B. Spears'/Madonna single "Me Against the Music"). O'Bryan just recently signed a Publishing deal with Peer, and just as quickly as he lost it. Seems since the Britney song, his follow up material isn't quite on par with the pop princess' hit single. A pity it would seem to tiny teeny boppers across the land, but to loyal Street fans, it's a badge of honor. O'bryan has his share of other tricks up his sleeve since he is also credited with co-writing "Gon Girl" off Billy Crawford's 2004 release, "Big City". His guitar antics can also be found on B2K's album Pandemonium. And all this is a far cry from the music that he makes right here in Atlanta, GA. The new band (post album) is bursting forth new material that they've all been so fervently writing. It has all the yen appeal of our now favorite bands new beginnings. Check out their new track Summer at www.lexistreet.com and get turned on to the music.
Sean-Gemini
Sean-Gemini
Webpage: http://www.sean-gemini.com
Location: brooklyn, new york, usa
Description: Sean-Gemini, can easily be described as the perfect mix of Hip Hop & R&B.He is definitely a product resulting from the merging of urban music, main genres, Hip Hop & R&B. Sean-Geminis Vocal ability, with a combined with hot tracks and emotion evoking lyrical content make, Sean-Gemini someone to watch for and a force to be reckoned with in music. Tune into Sean-Gemini by visiting his website www.sean-gemini.com
Location: brooklyn, new york, usa
Inner Me gives an account of the artist's intense sexuality, romanticism, spirituality, and political consciousness. The sixteen R & B songs expose Sean's enthralling scenarios and distinctive storytelling style. Remaining true to his zodiac. The project shows the dual, elusive, and contradictory nature of Sean Gemini. Sean adds, "Every track of 'Inner me' reflects my thoughts, experiences, loves, hates and beliefs. Every subject is fair game."
The project uncovers a number of talents and collaborations. Inner Me is filled with the virtue of versatility. "Stairway to Heaven", a brilliant story of the hardships
of life and the desire to escape life's trials. Howie Tee, veteran mastermind, produced Fallen Love, a beautiful love song with the retrospective appeal of a 1950's soda pop song. Troy Hightower, multi-platinum engineer, blessed the album with the production of "Father", a spiritual plea to the heavens. The talents of producer Greg "Mr. Speed" Brown are displayed throughout the Inner Me project. "Speed is one of my best friends and he knows how to bring out the best in me in the studio. We compliment each other."
This arena is not a new avenue for this artist. He started engaging in the industry in 1985 as a rapper. In 1990, he performed alongside Ice Cube and YoYo at the Pallidium in Baltimore, MD. In 1999, his group "The What" launched his musical career into high gear. "The What" performed at the Rap Sheet Concert in Atlanta, GA on the same bill as Wu Tang Clan, Run DMC, and a number of established artists. The album was independently released and began to take off. Before receiving the critical acclaim deserved, financial setbacks occurred. Doggedly pursuing his goals and dreams, Sean adds, "I feel I have grown into a more rounded artist through the years. I see the obstacles with "The What" as a stepping-stone. It wasn't my time to shine. The time is now."
Sean notes his creative influences as Sam Cooke, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye. Sean is well prepared and determined to take his rightful place among urban and pop music's finest. He is truly a man with mission. "I want to take R&B, hip-hop and even pop to another level, so I can achieve what every artist ultimately wants -- longevity."
True to himself, his music, family, friends and fans, Sean is indeed capable of achieving global success and a long lasting musical legacy. Indeed the Gemini in him demands nothing less. Failure is not an option. ###
Release:
PARTHINIE ENTERTAINMENT/LIGHTYEAR SET TO RELEASE SEAN GEMINI'S INNER ME
Up and Coming Recording Artist Sells Over 100, 000 Copies of Product
New York, NY MAY 2005 What would you do if you sold 114,000 copies of a six-song EP in just six months? You finish the album and start your own music label, right? Thats exactly what Sean Gemini did this year and the result is Inner Me (Parthinie/LightYear), the album debut CD (R&B/POP) set for release in JUNE 2005. This project promises to showcase the complexity and distinctive sides of the talented artist and his many facets.
The New York born (he now resides in Los Angeles) Sean Gemini first hit the music scene in 1999 as a member of THE WHAT, an up and coming Hip Hop trio, whose first single, Turn It Up reached # 39 on the Billboard Top 100 Singles Chart. Sean not only rapped on the song but he also sang background on the track. Sharing the stage with the likes of ICE CUBE, RUN DMC, ICE T and THE WU TAN CLAN was considered a dress rehearsal for his solo career. Before an album could be released the company ran into financial difficulties so I didnt quite take off as well as I would have liked. However I was able to grow and become well-rounded because of the experience. remarks the 66 Gemini.
As a solo artist Sean Gemini toyed with the option of either being a singer or a rapper. The answer was made for him with the release of an EP last May on the internet. As a result of his strong entrepreneurial spirit, the product sold 114,000 pieces over a period of three months. Because I dont consider myself like other artists, I didnt want to put myself out there (to the music industry) as such. I researched the internet and found that there were several notable recording artists and authors (Prince, Malcolm Jamal Warner, etc), that were utilizing the internet to sell their product. Creative marketing via the chat rooms as well as internet cafe flyers created a fast buzz and a fan-base was quickly formed. Sean remembers I sent the album to a few labels (LightYear being one of them). Greg Riles (title) finally took a listen to it was in his words was blown away . Unfortunately, Riles couldnt find his contact information and had to track Sean down via the internet.
The end result is Inner Me. Inner Mes (R&B) 16 tracks support Seans intense sexuality, spirituality and political awareness.The first single ,Cocain,(B-side is Champagne) an R&B/Hip Hop flavored song that describes the addicting love affair Sean Gemini once had with a beautiful woman, is scheduled to be shipped to radio in January 2006.. This marketing strategy is designed to allow the listener to uncover all that Sean Gemini is-- versatile, gifted and most of all ever-changing.
Executives at Parthinie Entertainment are confident that Sean Geminis R&B Style will appeal to record buyers around the country. The music label is now preparing a creative marketing/promotion/internet campaign that will involve street promotion strategies in various markets, as well as an extensive national retail campaign for the album. Sean will go out on a six city promo tour in February where he will visit radio stations, retail outlets and perform in the hottest clubs in each market. The label will also seek out opportunities for Sean Gemini to open on a few of the Hip hop and R&B tours scheduled for first quarter of 2006.
RIGHTNOISE. 2005
All the Roadrunning by Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris
Alanna from Amazon writes: Over the last seven years, Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris quietly recorded an album by stealing "a few precious hours of studio time here and there," as the ex-Dire Straits singer/guitarist puts it. Good thing they kept it largely under wraps--expectations would have pushed through the clouds, especially as Knopfler conjured 10 of the 12 cuts, and Harris, who writes potently, but little, contributed two ("Love and Happiness," "Belle Starr"). Yet now that it's here, All the Roadrunning--while beautiful--seems somehow underwhelming, and without a true centerpiece. Anyone familiar with the artists' famous catalogues would expect the repertoire to be poetic and brooding, and that Harris's ethereal soprano would add light to Knopfler's dark Prozac rumblings. But the surprise is that the album is too tame, never breaks out of its midtempo groove, and never takes any big chances.That said, there is much to like: The marital scrapbook romp of "This Is Us," the bluesy bickering of "Right Now," the wrenching poignancy of the 9/11-inspired ballad "If This Is Goodbye." Knopfler, ever the hypnotic guitarist, turns in some thrillingly droll and laconic vocals, and Harris brings the spirited coltishness of her early work to "Belle Starr." In the end, though, this is not so much a duet album as two famously melancholy musicians singing together--at times, strikingly so.