James Blunt “Back to Bedlam”

I discovered James Blunt last week on iTunes...he was the "download of the week" (still is, since Apple didn't update the site yet this week).

He's an English singer/songwriter in the vain of a Gavin DeGraw or a Jason Mraz, with an ethereal feel reminiscent of The Verve (who, I would guess, are influences of Coldplay). He also mixes in good use of vintage instruments (Hammond organ and Rhodes electric piano) and a few songs have a classic rock tinge. I can hear Beatles, Doors, CCR...and that's just in one song. I also hear a little Elton John (who I understand he's toured with). He's a multi instrumentalist, handling guitar and keys on several tracks, in addition to vocals.

If you're looking for something to listen to while you're relaxing, taking a casual walk or...either experiencing problems with your significant other or stoned...this is the perfect album for you. So check out his site...check out his music...you'll be glad you did.

(Ed. note; I just saw on his website that he's touring with Jason Mraz, so my earlier JM reference holds true.)

DO THEY KNOW IT’S HALLOWE’EN

Tons of power pop stars and other well known names have come together to do a pretty cool satire song about Halloween in an effort to raise money for UNICEF. The song features the likes of Sloan, Beck, Sum 41, Sonic Youth, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Postal Service, and many more including funny guy David Cross.

The whole thing is produced by Steven McDonald of Redd Kross (kind of a Redd Kross theme lately on my part. Seeing them live finally would be nice.) It's kinda fun to try to identify the people in the song. Certainly worth the listen. Check it out! It'll be in stores on October 11th on CD single and 12" vinyl!

Genesis Reunion Rumors

Rumor has it that there are rumblings going on beneath the surface that may result in a Genesis reunion of some kind. From a Sept. 30 article in the Ottawa Citizen (sorry, registration req'd) about Steve Hackett:

Genesis's management has approached Hackett, knowing that fans would salivate over the idea, especially if original singer Peter Gabriel was involved. But would Hackett be open to it, nearly 30 years after leaving the band because he was uncomfortable with the artistic compromises required for commercial success?

"Yes, I'd be a party to that particular bank raid, of course," he says with a laugh.

Redd Kross Booty!

I think we already mentioned the Redd Kross podcast (which has a great live show from Vancouver, BC on their last episode that's from right after the Show World album was released), but what I hadn't seen before is a couple of songs that Redd Kross did with the near-famous and aforementioned Roger Joseph Manning Jr. They're up on that weed service, right here.

The New Pornographers

Found another Canadian pop band worth checking out (brings the total up to three, I think). Anyway, I read about these guys a while back in Rolling Stone, and meant to check them out, but I could never remember to. Enter Steve Jones on Indie 103.1. "The Sire of Wilshire" spun a song by them on his show the other day (it's so great to be able to say that a DJ turned me onto this-just like radio used to be!), and it was catchy as a cold in December. Their sound is inspired by equal parts Beatles, T Rex, David Bowie, and Todd Rundgren. At the same time, it is forged with the same sensibilities that make the power pop bands of the last 15 years so wonderful (in their case, bits reminiscient of The Posies and fellow Canadians Sloan going on here). Dig 'em today!

The Jessica Fletchers

Rich should edit this post (or leave a comment) with the story of how he discovered "The Jessica Fletchers". I'll just tell you that you should get their album "Less Sophistication". While Rich was telling me about them on the phone, we listened to some of the 30-second song samples on dat der dang ol' innernet. It grabbed me and I quickly jumped over to Amazon where I saw that a seller was selling a new, sealed copy for $7.99. So I ordered it while we were still on the phone. Got it yesterday and I've spun the whole thing three times. It's greatly influenced by late-'60s or early-'70s pop. Just go listen to the samples and then get it.

Jason Falkner

I just found out that Jason Falkner is going to be playing August 27th at the Sunset Junction Street Fair. Tickets are just $10 and it looks like he will be playing a 45-50 minute set.

I'm not going to be able to make it and I'm bummed because he's almost finished recording his latest album and will probably be showing off tracks from it.

Here's a link to the lineup for both days of the festival: http://www.sunsetjunction.org/schedule1.htm