Josh Groban

My awesome BF just got me the newest Josh Groban CD, Illuminations, and because I'm an idiot...or well...preoccupied from recent events, I forgot to put it on my itunes to listen to at work today so I don't have much to say about it.

More coming shortly.

Gorillaz

Now that's a name I haven't heard in a while! I used to love them and the whole "who is who?!" and "why are they caroots?!" and "did you know they don't actually play at the concerts, just show pictures of the cartoons playing?!" - News flash...even for me....there ARE some actual band members and much like Coheed and Cambria this band derived from COMIC BOOKS! - Tank Girl to be exact.

A virtual band with real members with cartoon alias's including Noodle, 2D, Murdoc Niccals, and Russel Hobbs - this eclectic enigma of a band stunned and captured the interest of the it's US listeners starting back in 1998 and still to this day.

I, for one, had both CDs Gorillaz (2001) and Demon Days (2005) - but SOMEHOW missed the most recent release of Plastic Beach in 2010. I'm not sure how seeing as it features guest appearances by several artists, including Snoop Dogg, Gruff Rhys, Bobby Womack, Mos Def, Lou Reed, Mick Jones, Mark E. Smith, Paul Simonon, Kano, and the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble.

There isn't one particular way I would describe this band, all I know is that if I don't get the Plastic Beach CD soon my heart might burst.

Here are a couple to get you started on the trend!
Rhinestone Eyes
Pirate Jet

Broken

However, let's be honest, the best song they had, at least in my opinion, was Fire Coming Out of the Monkeys Head on their Demon Days CD.

Anyway aside from Plastic Beach - Damon, Gorillaz frontman, has come out with a single called Doncamatic, All Played Out which is pretty damn good! There is speculation they are coming out with ANOTHER CD before christmas time. Can't wait!!

Dougie

I know I've been a total slack-ass about updating my blog, but my job keeps me so busy that I haven't had time to find some new tunes. I'm also SO exhausted by the time I get home or have something else planned so I never get a chance to do it after work either.

So. Until my next [real] blog post - I leave you with this song that has been my obsession for the past few days....

Cali Swag District - Teach me how to Dougie

Also...I'm my search I leave you with these songs a la Doug Funny!

Think Big
Killer Tofu
Shout Your Lungs Out

Red Hot Organization - Dark Was The Night

I know I'm a little late to the game on this one seeing as this CD came out February '09, but better late than never!

First of all, the Red Hot Organization is a non-profit international organization spreading AIDs/HIV awareness through pop culture. They put on concerts, create amazing compilation albums, and about 80% of the proceeds (concerts, cd sales, merchandise sales, and band/listener donations) goes to funding AIDs research all over the world.

They have about 20 compilation albums dating back to 1990, with every genre of music imaginable.

For example...

Red Hot + Rio - "Contrasting with the 1996 album, Red Hot + Rio 2: The Next Generation of Samba Soul will contain works from Brazil's samba music heritage. The concert will benefit AIDS-related projects coordinated through the Brazil Foundation, founded in New York in 2000 to promote social development throughout communities in Brazil."

Red Hot + Indigo - "As with a trio of earlier entries from the series (Red Hot + Blue, Red Hot + Rio and Red Hot + Rhapsody), Red Hot + Indigo is a tribute to the legacy of one of the greatest composers of the twentieth century — Duke Ellington."

Amongst others...

I was fortunate enough to be given the 1st of their 2 disc compilation album, Dark Was The Night, their most recent release, and stupid enough to not appreciate it until a few months after it was in my posession. With great artists like Bon Iver, My Brightest Diamond, The Decemberists, Iron & Wine, Feist, Arcade Fire, Spoon, and Andrew Bird (just to name a few) this album is an Indie music lovers wet dream. Not only is the CD great, but it's for a great cause that raised over $1.2 million for AIDs awareness.

Dark Was The Night <- check out the official page and artist listing, it's next to none!

I am disapointed I missed out on tickets for this show as I am sure it was nothing less than legen....wait for it.....dary, but I am sure to keep an eye on the Red Hot website for upcoming releases and concerts!

Burnt Sienna & Mr Greengenes

After a long and exhausting, yet AWESOME, Halloween weekend I am not happy to be back at work Monday morning. However, it gives me a bit of time to blog about every DMVers (DC, Maryland, Virginia) favorite local-ish cover bands Burnt Sienna & Mr. Greengenes, while waiting to not be the only person in the office.

Packing beach bars and non beach bars down the east coast, these 2 great bands keep the dance floor moving, the 20/30 somethings drinking, and the vocal chords straining from singing our little hearts out.

This past Saturday was no different with songs from the early 90s, 80s, and today. I heard everything from Kelly Clarkson's Since You've Been Gone, to Antoine Doddson's Bed Intruder Song, to Jay-Z, Bonnie Tyler, and T-Pain's I'm On A Boat.

If you ever have a chance to check out these 2 great cover bands, either rocking the sand bars at Dewey Beach, MD or Clarendon Ballroom in VA I would highly suggest it as they both put on great, high energy, performances.



Burnt Sienna



Mr. Greengenes