Blog: The Lonely Note

The Suburbs is really something of an album. 'Suburban War' is prime as well. With accents of introspection and solemn tonality, 'Suburban War' has a way of lightly pulling at your soul. Stream 'Suburban War' below: Arcade Fire - Suburban War .mp3 [...]

If you've ever heard the music of Welsh band Hybrid , you should get a sense for their name. The band plays a mix of electronica and rock that is simultaneously edgy and delicate. Progressive dance beats and dark, cinematic rock are often the underpinnings for strong melodic arrangements. The group, led by Mike Truman and Chris Healings, has released four proper albums in the last decade, as well as multiple remix albums and singles. The band is known best [...]

To be honest, the only reason I gave Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. a chance in the first place was because of the band's intriguing name. Not since Pearl Jam called themselves Mookie Blaylock have I wanted to give a band named after an athlete a chance, and I'm glad I did. 'Vocal Chords' implements the chamber pop harmonies popular of today, while maintaining a healthy doseage of the catchy hook here and there. Stream 'Vocal Chords' below: [...]

Who knew watching computer nerds write computer code could be so intriguing? In the Hollywood smash, The Social Network , Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross score a pinnacle scene depicting actors doing just that. And it works brilliantly. Stream 'In Motion' via the Youtube stream below:

We've partnered with Stetson to give our valued readers a chance to win some signed merchandise from rising songstress, Erin McCarley . According to her official website , McCarley draws from such lauded artists as Fiona Apple , Patty Griffin , and Greg Laswell to produce her tender sound. Recently, Erin recorded a cover of the Hank Williams classic, 'I Saw the Light,' in Nashville, Tennessee. The result is a youthful and energetic interpretation of a time honored Country and Western staple. You [...]

Congruent with the current Halloween season, 'Castles in the Snow' is a slightly menacing, neo-industrial track from Brooklyn's Twin Shadow . If you find yourself listening to the deeper catalog of Gorillaz (see example here ), you will likely enjoy 'Castles in the Snow.' Stream the track below: Twin Shadow - Castles In The Snow .mp3 [...]

Somehow, I missed this one the first time around. I remember when Starsailor emerged, circa 2002 with their single, "Good Souls," but failed to really keep a pulse on their career after that. So, when I first heard "In the Crossfire" a few days back, I thought to myself, "Hey, this new Starsailor song is pretty rockin'!" What I didn't realize was the song was released back in 2006 on the band's third album, On the Outside . The earnest lyrics and piano-driven Britpop of "In the Crossfire" [...]

2007's Asleep at Heaven's Gate may have received lukewarm reviews, but 'Lake Michigan' was a standout track of the album. Jaunty and melancholy, 'Lake Michigan' is the perfect soundtrack to an episode of contemplation and deep thought. Stream Rogue Wave 's 'Lake Michigan' below: Rogue Wave - Lake Michigan .mp3 [...]

You've heard it before. That smoother-than-smooth horn loop is recognizable from the very onset of the first note. So indelible, you could probably hum it in your sleep. "Rump Shaker!" you call out with abandon to all decency. Yes, I am talking about the "Rump Shaker" - that lovably tacky 1992 rap hit from Wreckx-N-Effect . It was a single that climbed to the top of the charts and caused its fair share of complaints. Afterall, the [...]

In this film-to-music collision we have a clever (and very funny) autotune remix of Tommy Wiseau 's masterpiece, The Room . For those unfamiliar with The Room , it has gained cult status in recent years as the "worst film ever made." Just one viewing of this movie-mistake will instill feelings of rage, humor, and immense perplexity. It's certainly worth experiencing at least once. Obviously, if you haven't seen the movie already, this remix will make zero sense to you. On the other hand, if you've [...]

The ghost of 90's grunge haunts the distant and fragile 'Boyfriend,' a strong track from Best Coast 's Crazy for You . Like many songs of that time, 'Boyfriend' is paradoxically flimsy, yet firm; dilapidated, but unyielding. Overall, this opposing nature is what wraps 'Boyfriend' into the tight package it ends up playing out to be. Groove along to 'Boyfriend' by streaming below: Best Coast [...]

By the time I was really getting into Alice in Chains , the band had been long broken up. However, in 1998, the band's guitarist provided diehard fans such as myself with temporary relief. Jerry Cantrell 's Boggy Depot contained at least a couple of radio friendly singles (' I Cut You In ' and ' My Song '), but it contained some riff-heavy tracks as well. 'Dickeye,' the opening cut, was an assault of grungy guitar and weighty rhythm playing, reminiscent of [...]

Gorillaz have been around for a few years. In fact, Damon Albarn (of Blur fame) and his animated band has scored multiple smash hits, from their very first single, " Clint Eastwood " (2001), all the way up to their current album, Plastic Beach (2010). The band's 2005 LP, Demon Days , famously delivered " Feel Good Inc. " [...]

Here's Duffy 's new video.

Although Temper Trap 's Conditions has been available for a little over a year already, 'Fader' is just now gaining its grip here in The States. The tune is an urbane cross between the polished rock of Coldplay and the sonic layering of Radiohead . Certainly, the embelmatic "coo coo cooooo" of the chorus seals the deal on this particular song. Stream 'Fader' below: The Temper [...]

Would it be sacrilegious to declare Wavves The Beach Boys of Generation Y? Watch the band's fresh single, 'Post Acid', below and decide for yourself: Wavves - "Post Acid" from GreenLabelSound on Vimeo .

Oh, the times, they are a changin'! Watch The Limousuines ' ode to technological change, 'Internet Killed the Video Star,' below:

Brandon Flowers ' solo foray, by way of 'Crossfire,' doesn't strike a fancy the first time it's played. Indeed, it fails to make any statement until its sixth or seventh spin. Perhaps this has more to do with alt rock radio stations saturating the airwaves with it's sounds than it has to do with hidden beauty--but that's mere speculation at this point. Speculation aside, 'Crossfire's' declaration is a worthy one. It's an American West-themed tale of darkness and apathy, of despair and paralysis. Yet, it's also a song [...]

'Hannah' is a buoyant electro-pop song from Freelance Whales . In the same vein as She and Him, 'Hannah' features playful lyrics, as well as idiosyncratic song stylings. You can stream 'Hannah' below: Freelance Whales - Hannah .mp3 Found at bee mp3 search engine

'Pumped Up Kicks' is a gentle track by Foster the People that implements distant-sounding vocals, whistling, and repetitive lyrics throughout its composition. The aftermath is a contagious, lighthearted romp. Stream 'Pumped Up Kicks' below: Foster The People - Pumped Up Kicks .mp3 Found at [...]