VIDEO: Tom Goss - Who We Are

Beautiful and meaningful song called "Who We Are", performed by singer/songwriter, Tom Goss. Performance is from the Human Rights Campaign sponsored rally to Repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell, in Freedom Plaza in Washington, DC. (March 18, 2010)



While I didn't film this video myself, I was in attendance with my friend, Tyler, when I heard the song for the first time. The message itself, is moving. Tom Goss is an artist to definitely check out and discover.

Thanks to Metro Weekly for putting together this video footage of Tom's peformance.

www.tomgossmusic.net

LISTEN: Vitamin-D - Bridge

Before a single word is even said, the album's first song, Keeper, starts with repetitive typewriter sounds. The first four strokes, like the sound of someone knocking on your door. Almost as if to say, here we are...open up and invite us in...we've got stories to share with you.

So you open up, let them inside, and suddenly you are in this magical place. With sweet melodies and a variety of instruments enchanting you...delighting you. (Who knew the sound of a typewriter could be such an innovative addition to music!)



After first hearing this song, I found myself intrigued to know more about the artists. The more of their album I listened to, the easier it was to confirm that Vitamin-D is definitely a "keeper" in my collection.

Dennis Cronin's vocals are emotional, yet simple and subtle. Contrasting perfectly with the multitude of instruments. They tell the stories of the songs, without sounding like an overblown theatrical production. The music is delightfully rich and colorful.


I love to listen to this album in the evenings, especially when I've had a rather harping day, and just escape. With my eyes closed, I can let myself get lost in their music. Each song is like discovering a new place in the dreamworld they've helped me to create.

Interesting that the album is called, Bridge, and four songs use that in the titles. Since the purpose of a bridge is to provide a connection, from one point to another, it's definitely fitting here. The songs of Bridge, alone, are wonderful. But, whether interchanged or in order, there is another layer of enrichment to experience when listened to collectively.

Alas, I will select only 3 to list as the best tracks from Bridge (2009).
Best tracks

• Keeper
• Upstaged
• Good Fit
  

Look forward to catching a show some time. I would love to see them perform live, and experience yet another dimension to their music.

www.vitamindmusic.com

On Facebook

On MySpace

On Last.fm

On iTunes

ON THE ROAD: John Brodeur - Upcoming Shows

One of my new favorites! John Brodeur has a handful of upcoming shows in PA, NY, VA & TX starting this weekend. Lucky. I'm in GA, and he hasn't scheduled anything out this way yet. *sigh* Well, for those of you more fortunate music lovers, here's the latest show dates. Go, then tell me all about it and make me more anxious for him to do a show in Atlanta or Athens.

February 27
Milkboy Acoustic Cafe - Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
7:00 PM
FREE
w/ Cliff Hills

March 5
Tess' Lark Tavern - Albany, NY 12210
9:00 PM
$5 (must be 21 to get in)
VIDEO RELEASE PARTY, w/Ben Karis-Nix

March 6
Pianos - New York, NY 10002
8:00 PM
$5 (must be 21 to get in)
VIDEO RELEASE PARTY, w/Ben Karis-Nix

March 12
Fontana's - New York, NY 10002
9:00 PM
$10 (must be 21 to get in)
ONLY FULL-BAND ROCK & ROLL SHOW OF THE SPRING!

March 18
Blu - Austin, TX 78701
11:00 PM
FREE (must be 21 to get in)
FULL BAND SHOW

March 20
Cafe Caffeine - Austin, TX 78704
FREE
Solo Gig

March 29
Galaxy Hut - Arlington, VA 22201
9:00 PM
$5 (must be 21 to get in)
w/ Flo Anito

April 24
The Giving Tree Yoga Studio - Astoria, NY 11105
$45
Intimate all-acoustic show. With Leo Blais.

LIST: 10 Songs To Listen To - 02.23.10

Click on song titles to hear samples.

Love 'em like I do? Add them to your music collection.

10 Songs To Listen To (listed in no particular order)

John Brodeur - Make A Change
Sara Haze - Melt Into You
Mass Solo Revolt - Let's Pretend
Jeff Krantz - Roses On The Wall
The Orkids - Rain on Me
Lisa Jaeggi - All Over Now
The Goodfight - If We Were Stronger
The Blue Seeds - Lost and Delirious
Bat For Lashes - What's A Girl To Do?
Adriana Calcanotto - Fico Assim Sem Você
(Note - You can only get this on the UK iTunes Store. Not yet available in US Store.)

MARK IT: Rock it Out! Benefit Concert for Girls' Rock 02/17

Mark your calendars, 'cause a week from today is a show you won't want to miss!

I love heading out to Athens, especially for the music scene. Live shows are even better when the proceeds from the show go towards a great cause, like Athens' very own, Girls' Rock. This an organization that builds confidence and encourages creativity of female youth by empowering them through music during a week of summer camp. How awesome is that? For more about the organization visit: www.girlsrockathens.org.

Rock it Out! Benefit Concert for Girls' Rock

featuring Allison Weiss, The Orkids, Creepy, and Incendiaries
Wednesday, Feb. 17
Doors open a 9 p.m., and the show starts at 9:30 p.m.
40 Watt - 285 W. Washington Street Athens, GA
$5 in advance and $7 day of the show

“All of the proceeds will go towards scholarships for girls who are unable to attend the 2010 summer camp unless they receive financial aid,” said Calley Payne, Girls’ Rock executive director. “The money will fund a girl’s attendance including food, supplies, insurance and instruction.”

So, you not only get to see talented artists performing, but you get to help out a great cause too. And that...ROCKS! See you there!

For event information or to buy tickets, call 706-542-6840, or visit the Web site at http://www.grady.uga.edu/ambassador.

SPECIAL: Missing Michael Hutchence

Yesterday would've been Michael Hutchence's 50th birthday. I had the biggest crush on him growing up, and even now still love listening to INXS songs, and that deliciously sexy voice of his. Sadly, he decided to depart this world long before he should've gone.
Here's one of my favorite videos, from when I first discovered INXS. "Mediate" from the 1987 album, "Kick". Yes, I was 12 when I first fell in love... I miss you, Michael Hutchence.

LISTEN: Lisa Jaeggi - Oh Lady You Shot Me!

Oh, Lisa! You got me!

Hook, line & sinker. I'm addicted to your album!

It's hard to believe this is a self-released, debut! The talent and quality of Oh Lady You Shot Me is incredible, and though Lisa may be a welcome new addition to my ears, she is definitely not new to creating music. If this is just the beginning, I am really looking forward to how her future albums will progress from here.

Seriously, people! Check out the song, Empirical Science, and hear what I mean:



Within the first 10 seconds, the fun melody hooks you in before a single lyric is even spoken! Right? Right! Of course, I 'm right! :-) Anyways, after hearing this, how could you not want to hear more?

Much like the rest of the album, there is just the right balance of sweetness, strength, and soulfulness in her music and voice. The stories of love and life she shares... the enchanting melodies, meaningful lyrics, combined with Lisa Jaeggi's lovely vocals... it all makes for a nine song collection of absolutely beautiful, musical poetry.

Hard for me to pick the 3 best songs on Oh Lady You Shot Me (2009), but if I HAD to, they would be as follows:

Best tracks

• The Place
• Likealoadedgun
• Somebody

I am in love with these songs, and hope to one day hear them performed live. Let me know when you are in Georgia, Lisa!

On MySpace

On Facebook

On Last.fm

On iTunes