Nice Soul Coughing Video

Soul Coughing is an awesome band, and this old cartoon fits so perfectly with the song.

Hope you enjoy as much as I did.

Napster's free site

BTW, I've been including Napster links for a lot of the tunes I've been reviewing of late because I think it helps if you can actually, you know, hear the music rather than just read what I think about it.

For those wondering how this works, you do need to register at the site but it's totally free. You can listen to any track 5 times without paying for it. It's a pretty neat set-up all in all.

Chuck

Pickin and Grinnin? Not. Nickel Creek

Beauty And The Mess

Bluegrass is probably my second favorite genre of music, for all the same reasons I like a lot of rock and punk. I like intricate music that makes me marvel at the skill of those playing it, whether it's Union Station or Primus.

Nickel Creek, a bluegrass band whose sound is so complex and unusual that it defies easy genre-slotting, blends folk, country, blues and bluegrass, along with a healthy dollop of classical influences into a sound as unique as it is arresting.

Track of the day: Pearl Jam "Worldwide Suicide"

Best album from Pearl Jam in a decade. Which is saying a lot, because Pearl Jam is the greatest rock band of my generation. Period.

And since seeing is believing...

Matisyahu performing "King without a Crown" from Live at Stubbs

Matisyahu: Live at Stubbs

Ok, when I first heard of Matisyahu, I thought it was a gag act. Nothing wrong with that. Heck some artists, like Ray Stevens and Weird Al have made a career out of it.

For the uninitiated, Matisyahu is a Hasidic Jew who sings about spirituality and philosophy in front of a Reggae band.

And he stage dives.

And performs in front of large enthusiastic crowds.

And has a major label record deal.

Did I mention he's totally serious and extremely talented?

All I can say is, listen to this CD that shows him interacting and feeding off a large crowd and marvel at his voice and how tight and excellent his backing band is.

It's rare to come across something different let alone unique. Matisyahu isn't a gimmick. He's the real deal. If you listen to this CD you won't be sorry.

Check out Matisyahu's official site, where you can hear the title track from his new CD, Youth.

Track Highlights

Track 2, "Chop 'em down" a song that meanders through several different emotions, starting softly and building in energy and fire. This song showcases all the strengths of Matisyahu: his amazing voice, his sincere and effective Marley-esque reggae delivery and his amazing band.

Track 5, "King without a crown" the first single off the album. This song has a TON of energy. It makes you want to move, even if only to tap your foot. Most reggae is too mellow for me, but this works. Live this number is close to frenetic and the audience loves it. Count me in.

Conclusion and Grade

It isn't often I listen to a new band and am totally hooked from the first song. This is one of those times.

A+

The Loop: Fall Out Boy "Of all the gin joints in all the world"

Of All The Gin Joints In All The World

Occasionally a track really gets its hooks into me (no pun intended) and I want to listen to it over and over again. Right now the track of choice is "Of all the gin joints in all the world" by Fall Out Boy.