Matchbox 20 - Exile on Mainstream - Album Review

Matchbox 20 - Exile on Mainstream

Exile on Mainstream is the fourth album by Matchbox Twenty and is a greatest hits album containing all of their eleven previous hits and six new tracks. Available for purchase on iTunes and every store, the cd also contains videos for the 11 previously released songs. The first single, "How Far We've Come" is doing really; it is located at #13 on iTunes Canada in the Top Songs section. The album is also charting really well, still hanging in the Top 100 Albums on iTunes Canada.

You can visit Matchbox 20 on their MySpace page, s well as on their Official Website.

1-How Far We've Come
Such a great rock song for a first single. The beat is addictive, the bridge is just cool with Rob's suave, smooth voice. Fast paced and addictive.

2-I'll Believe You When
Infused with country flavors, this song makes you bop your head in time with the music. Rob's voice sounds great. This song will be a fun one in concert.

3-All Your Reasons
The fun, acoustic sing along at the beginning is very catchy! This song is vintage Matchbox 20. The guitar is amazing!

4-These Hard Times
The lyrics of this song are very touching. Nice little ballad.

5-If I Fall
The chorus is catchy; Rob's vocls soar and carry this one. Very good beat, sorta sixty-style pop, but not quite pop enough... Still good.

6-I Can't Let You Go
A little bit of blues in this one. Great, great mid-tempo ballad, sweet sweet love song. The piano gives it a little bit more... Matchbox 20 at its finest. I can't let you go, You're part of my soul, You're all that I know...

The rest of the album goes like this:

1-Long Day
2-Push
3-3 A.M.
4-Real World
5-Back 2 Good
6-Bent
7-If You’re Gone
8-Mad Season
9-Disease
10-Unwell
11-Bright Lights

The Mob Law - Hold Us Down - Album Review

The Mob Law - Hold Us Down

The Mob Law is a rock/hip-hop trio band from Seattle Washington. They recently released an album called "Hold us Down". Weaving rock, hip-hop and reggae through 17 songs - yes, 17!!! - the album flows well, has great empowering lyrics and is dynamic. I absolutely adore that they mix all those genres together throughout the album but also within the songs themselves. The album is available for purchase on iTunes and CDBaby. You can also visit The Mob Law's website and their Myspace Page.

1-Hold Us Down
I love this song as the opener. Edgy, rocking, catchy.

2-Save Me
The vibe of this one is amazing. The reggae and rock mix well in here and create a song that makes me want to close my eyes and just let my body move.

3-I Would Never
The lyrics of this song are great and well thought out. Makes for a nice hip-hop-y, rocky kind of tune. The drums are very present in this one, love it. Caleb's and Danny's vocals are very clear here, and compliment each other really well.

4-Can't Sleep
Being more of a rock chick, I really enjoyed this song. Pure rock with great guitar riffs, driving beats and beautiful vocals, with just the right amount of grit mix in it. The change in tempo near the end is a nice surprise.

5-Swingin' in the Trees
Nice little acoustic guitar to start off, great singer/songwriter vibe. Then the guitar grabs you and makes you take notice.

6-Unrest
Oh, I love this one. Great guitar, awesome beat, but mostly, it's Caleb's vocals that just did it for me in this song. His voice really shines here. The lyrics are very good too... It doesn't feel right - I don't think you should know...

7-Promises
Awesome rock song, with just a tiny hint of punk. This one has great potential to be a radio hit! Nice little rap about mid-way through the song. That was a nice surprise!

8-Life Worth Livin'
Great opening, with some acoustic and electric guitar. Caleb starts singing... Rapping is more the term. Surprise, surprise! From the guitars at the top, I was expecting more of a rock song.... But that's not quite it. I think this song really is a great example of what The Mob Law is all about - a little bit of rock, a little bit of hip-hop, a little bit of reggae. Catchy song, makes you want to get up and dance and shake that booty!

9-This Mornin'
A little bit of a John Mayer feel right at the top. Very smooth, with hints of jazz throughout.

10-Stuck
That's the song to pogo to. Sort of a Green Day feel to this one. Amazing beats, driving guitars... Fun song!

11-Keep on Shinin'
Straight up hip-hop, with hints of reggae. Another vibey, get up and shake that groovy thing kind of song.

12-Warrior
Alright, this one reaks of reggae! Love the rapping, the edgy guitar, the rythm.... And the drum building up near the end.... Cymbal orgasm! Crank this up and dance!

13-Never Seen
Loving the guitar very much in this one. It's just too bad it sort of drowns the vocals at times... Freaking catchy chorus... Put 'em up, put 'em up...

14-Serial Killer
Driving down the street... Windows rolled down.... Headbanging, drumming the beat on the stirring wheel...

15-Strip Club
Love the drums in this one. They are really put at the foreground. It's a bit of a strange song, with clear rock parts, then a rapping part right in the middle of the song. That's what makes me love this song, this whole album - you never really know what to expect!

16-Sickness
The end's amazing with the drum!

17-Waiting so Long
Great punk rock song, with an awesome, awesome rap! I can see this one getting the crowd in a frenzy at the top of a concert. Would make a great opener!!!

Bo Bice - See The Light - Album Review

Bo Bice - See The Light

Bo returns to his southern rock roots with this highly anticipated album. And he doesn't dissapoint! Bo had an online listening party on Oct 23, the day of the official album release. He spent 3 hours online with his fans, it was awesome. He played the album for the fans, talked about his collaborations with many artists/friends and called many others. It was really cool. This album is great from top to bottom. Not one bad song on it. Not one! The album is available on iTunes and many stores for purchase - go get your copy! You can also visit bobice.com to listen to the album there and post a review. Here's mine:

1-Witness
Great opening for the album, great for a first single. I love the dual guitars, it's amazing. It's a crank-up-the-volume-roll-the-windows-down-drive-100-miles-an-hour-sing-at-the-top-of-your-lungs feel good kind of song.

2-Take the Country out of Me
Great, great, great rock country song. A little bit of funk, a little bit of country, a little bit of rock... Love the piano on this. Have great potential to be a hit.

3-I'm Gone
Bo's voice is beautiful on this. The guitars are powerful, Bo's voice is full of emotions and the lyrics are really good. Don't let the slow, tender start fool you...

4-Only Words
Bo talked about this song a lot during his online listening party. He wrote this with a girl who broke his heart in mind. This song is full on country in sound, the whiny guitar and the sax adding to the emotions of the lyrics. Bo's vocals are rich and deep, just beautiful.

5-Got Money
Great bluesy song, full of funk and nice guitar riffs. I can see this one being a HUGE hit live. The way the song starts pulls you in right away. Great catchy chorus.

6-See the Light
Bo's sexy voice hits you right in the chest right from the top. The percussions really makes this a dirty song, the vocals make it sexy and the guitars make it soar. This sexy, funky, bluesy rock song grabs you when the chorus starts... The way the song is structured, it reminds me a bit of "Wanted Dead or Alive" from Bon Jovi. Which ain't a bad thing, man!

7-Sinner in a Sin
If I am not mistaken, this song was on Bo's previous album, The Real Thing, as a bonus track. I absolutely adore this song. It is a very "Bo" song to me. The plentive harmonica, the whiny guitar, the soft piano, Bo's vocals and the wonderful backvocals of this song makes it an absolutely beautiful song. The arrangement is brilliant and really allows Bo's voice to shine. A must listen!

8-This Train
Great rock song with still just a hint of country with the guitar and harmonica. This song makes me want to get up and dance! Great catchy chorus.

9-Ain't Gonna Die
Oh, Bo gets the grit out on this one! Driving guitars, addicting beat, gritty, dirty vocals. What's not to love? This is a great rock song that promises to really, really, REALLY ROCK in concert.

10-Whiskey, Women & Time
Another song that was on The Real Thing as a bonus track (or B-side, I can't never really remember). The arrangement is a bit more rocking, a bit more funky, a bit more gritty. The lead vocal and backvocals go so well together and add so much depth to the song. The drum and the organ are absolutely amazing!

Jim McGorman - Premier Guitar - Anabolic Rock

Jim currently contributes to a number of magazines and on line publications. Here's his latest article, appearing in the current issue of Premier Guitar.

Anabolic Rock

by Jim McGorman

http://magazine.premierguitar.com/Magazine/Issue/2007/Nov/Anabolic_Rock.aspx



Excerpt:

In this age of technology, we can do more with less. But as technology capable of turning non-musicians into stars becomes a bigger part of the recording process, how will we know what is “real” or “fake”?

Full Article




Other Premier Guitar articles Jim has written:


Premier Guitar 08/'07: Rockstar Supernova, Artist Profile - Jim McGorman - Part 1
http://www.premierguitar.com/issue/features/200608_artist_mcgorman.asp

Premier Guitar 09/'07: Rockstar Supernova, Artist Profile - Jim McGorman - Part 2
http://www.premierguitar.com/issue/features/200609_artist_mcgorman2.asp

Premier Guitar 10/'07: Rockstar Supernova, Artist Profile - Jim McGorman - Part 3
http://www.premierguitar.com/issue/features/200610_artist_mcgorman3.asp

Premier Guitar 02/'07: Living The Dream - Playing with Paul Stanley
http://www.premierguitar.com/issue/features/200702_tour_paulstanley.asp

Premier Guitar 04/'07: How to Get the Gig, by Jim McGorman - Part 1
http://magazine.premierguitar.com/Magazine/Issue/2007/Apr/How_to_Get_the_Gig_part_1.aspx

Premier Guitar 05/'07: How to Get the Gig, by Jim McGorman - Part 2
http://magazine.premierguitar.com/Magazine/Issue/2007/May/How_to_Get_the_Gig_part_2.aspx

The Next Great American Band

Yes! Another music show to blog about! I will be posting my thoughts every week on the performances. For now, here are the 12 bands that made it through and will be performing for us each week. Videos of the audition performances can be found at rickey.org for the moment. I will update with links and pics as I find them...

Top 12

Tres Bien
http://www.myspace.com/tresbien



Members: Mikey B!, Cody Michael Wilson, Michael James Crowe and Ryan Parker Metcalf




Light of Doom
http://www.myspace.com/lightofdoom
http://www.lightofdoom.com/



Members:
Erik: Vocals
Dillon: Lead Guitar/Sexy
Mitchell aka "Mitch Mitchell": Drums
Lucas: Bass/Style
Daniel aka "Bonaduce": Lead Guitar






The Hatch
http://www.myspace.com/thehatchmusic



Members: Sean Douglas, Jesse Macht, Austin Schumacher, Gary Atturio






The Clark Brothers
http://www.myspace.com/ashleyclarkmusic



Members: Adam, Ashley and Austin




Dot Dot Dot
http://www.myspace.com/dotdotdotonline



Members:Adam Blair, $tephan, and Michael from the Fabulous Janes, Rose and Little Lisa from Catfight




The Muggs
http://www.themuggs.com/
http://www.myspace.com/themuggs



Members: Danny Methric, Tony DeNardo and Matt Rost




Denver and the Mile High Orchestra
http://www.myspace.com/denvermilehigh



Members: Denver Bierman, three trumpet players, two saxophone players, two trombone players and a rhythm section.




Sixwire
http://www.myspace.com/sixwire



Members:Andy Childs: Lead Vocals/Guitar - Steve Mandile: Producer/Vocals/Guitar - Robb Houston: Vocals/Guitar - John Howard: Bass - Chuck Tilley: Drums




Cliff Wagner and the Old #7
http://cdbaby.com/cd/cliffwagner1
http://www.myspace.com/cliffwagnertheold7



Members: Cliff Wagner, Nathan Phillips, Jesse Harris, Patrick Sauber



The Likes of You
http://www.myspace.com/likesofyou



Members:Geoff Byrd - Jesse Stern - Joe Higgins - Jason Moore






Franklin Bridge
http://www.franklinbridgeband.com/
http://www.myspace.com/franklinbridge



Members: Curt Chambers, Adam Blackstone, Aaron Draper, Rayfield Holloman, Wayne Moore, Darrell Robinson




Rocket
http://www.myspace.com/rocket
http://www.rocketrocks.com/



Members: Lauren, Lauren, Kelly, Kristen and Roxy




Northmont (they didn't make it, but they are still interesting)
http://www.myspace.com/northmont

Official Website:

http://www.myspace.com/americanband
http://nextgreatband.msn.com/

Blake Lewis - Videos

I am not one to watch paparazzi videos. I really don't agree with what those people do for a living.

Buuuuuuuuuuut...

Here's a huge exception. I was not even going to post it, but then, the man's friend posted it on his own blog, so I guess it's ok for me to post it, too.

Blake Lewis, with his friends Ethan Newberry, Ginger and Amanda, were out somewhere in West Hollywood. Some pap followed them into the parking garage, and Blake and his friends just had a little fun with (and at) him, especially after the guy didn't even know Blake's name!

At least I'll link to the one Ethan posted, so someone else other than the pap gets the hit!



Weren't they funny? :)

Also worth noting - Blake put up a song on his MySpace Page - it's an ode to his MySpace Page. Very funny and clever. Go listen!

He also posted a blog with videos of his pre-American Idol days. Videos he made with his friends. They are great!

The Harry Potter Rap


Snakes on a Plane


I was on American Idol


The Chuck Norris Rap

Bo Bice - Witness

Visit B at his official website www.bobice.com! You can actually hear audio clips of all the songs that will be on his new album, "See The Light".

Here's the video for his first single, Witness. I love this song!!!!

Blake Lewis with Flowmotion - Better Luck Next Time

From the Flowmotion website:

09/29/07 Blake Lewis Appearance with Flowmotion

“American Idol” runner-up Blake Lewis put in a late-night appearance at Saturday's show at The JET. Midway through Flowmotion’s 3-hour set, the street-beatboxer-turned-superstar joined the crowded stage for a boxified version of “Better Luck Next Time”, raising the crowd into a frenzy. It was old friends making music together, and a triumphant return for a hometown boy. Before he left the stage Lewis yelled out, “It’s so good to be home!”

There website:

http://www.flowmotion.net/

They put Blake's performance up as a free download. Very cool of them to offer this to the fans. 14 minutes of Bshorty goodness. Well, ok, about half of that, since Blake shows up midway through the song, but the entire 14 minutes is great. Flowmotion has a great vibe, it is well worth listening to!

The download link is on the right, just under the header, under the Featured Song Downloads header.

http://www.flowmotion.net/audio.html

Blake has appeared on stage with them last year for Summer Meltdown 2006. Here's a Youtube video of it:

I've Been Tagged!

The lovely Cheryl tagged me the other day, and now I’m passing it on. List 8 things people probably don’t know about you, and then tag another 8 friends. It’s the Power of Eight! It's fun, and and it helps spread the love amongst your friends!

Eight things about Bouffe!

1-I’ve never been overseas. The only other country I've traveled to was the USA.
2-I've been thinking about getting a new tattoo (or two, actually) for over 2 years now. I still haven't qquite figured out the design I want to have permanently applied on me...
3-I design jewelry. Semi -precious stones, crystals and silver mostly.
4-I love ALL kinds of music. I thought I didn't like country, but I recently found quite a few country songs that I absolutely adore. My iTunes player is filled with all kinds of different music!
5-If I didn't have a family and lived in a small house, I would totally be a crazy cat lady!
6-I've moved a total of 8 times, but to 4 different cities. I've always moved WEST of where I lived previously, and I've always lived in the east end of any cities I've lived in! Strange huh?
7-I would absolutely love to go back to school.
8-I am totally lusting over two tech toys at the moment. I've never been into tech toys at all, so it's pretty new to me!

I am tagging:

DBD
Stacy
MJ's Big Blog
Cheryl
Ems
KTD
HillMama
Indexed

Lukas Rossi - Velvet Jones - Santa Barbara, CA - 10/04/07

Lukas played in Santa Barbara recently. Some gorgeous pictures came out of that night... And a new song was heard! Here's the set list:

Sunrise of a Digital Star
It's On
Dead Flowers
Memories of You
It's All Love
Good Enough
Empty Cities
Dark and a Gun
Parachute
Disarm (Smashing Pumpkins)
Bored and Gorgeous
Fuse
Comfortably Numb (Pink Floyd)

Here are some GREAT pictures taken by a member of http://lrtvannex.com:



















You can find Lukas online at his official site: http://www.lukasrossionline.com/
His MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/lukasrossitv
And two of his message boards: http://www.lrtvannex.com/forums/ and of course http://www.rockbandlounge.com/forum/forum.asp?forum_id=94

Jason Mraz - live @ EBS Space, Korea.

I had to post those videos of an acoustic show Jason did for some Korean TV. Toca, the drummer, is absolutely amazing on these, and with Jason, they are magic.

All videos from msy2e

Geek In The Pink


Please Don't Tell Her


The Remedy(I Won't Worry)


Nobody Likes Me-You And I Both


Life Is Wonderful


I'm Yours

Jason Mraz - I'm Yours - Live in Manchester 05/03/2006

I've discovered this song not too long ago, and I ABSOLUTELY ADORE IT. This song makes me smile, makes me sing, makes me bop my head... It just plain makes me happy!

Video from amyklc


Jason has a different live version on his MySpace Page that is a bit longer and even better. I actually found a youtube video of it, but it's cut somewhere at the end.

Video from shellylicious


The sound is not great on this, but it is simply AMAZING to hear the crowd sing. It must feel so good for any artist to have a crowd who sings your songs like that!

Video from OfficialJasonMraz

KT Tunstall - Black Horse And The Cherry Tree - Looping

Althought it's been used for quite a while in music, Blake Lewis certainly introduced a whole lot of us to live looping this summer/fall during the American Idol Tour. Not a lot of musicians use this in a live show. Blake does... And KT Tunstall does, too.

Audio Day Dream - Blake Lewis - Some News

Blake posted a blog on his MySpace today. He had some more news about his upcoming album, one that we all are excited about! Here's what he had to say:

Hey everyone... My album just got pushed back to December 4th. We think it will be a better day for the release and its also taking some pressure off me, for getting this album done. I can't wait to get it out!!! I have been waiting to make a full length album for the longest time. This album is a mix of all the great pop music that has inspired me since the 80's. Electro/funk/soul/pop I call it my 2080's album. One mix from the start to finish, like a great Electronic or Hip-Hop mix tape.

More News:
I just got done making the documentry and shooting the pictures for the album cover. My two good friends, Ethan Newberry and Cisco McArthy have put together a nice 20 minute documentary, that hopefully will be packaged with the album. Its lookin great!

Gabrielle Revere shot the cover pictures and they turned out amazing! Also, Courtney James, a brilliant artist is helping me out with the design work for the cover. Everything is coming together smoothly and I couldn't be more happy with this project.



Thank you all for your possitive energy you've been sending my way! I've needed it.

Love and Happiness - Blake

What Are They Up To?

Jim McGorman

After a short break, Jim is back on the road with Avril Lavigne and her band. This time, they are hitting Moscow on October 4 and 5. You can check her Official Website for more info on those appearances.

Blake Lewis

Now that the American Idol tour is over, Blake is back in Seattle and working on his debut album. "A.D.D. (Audio Daydream) is slated to be released on November 27. You can already pre-order your copy from Amazon.com.

Blake will also join his friend Caleb Cunningham from The Mob Law on stage tonight, October 3 @ THE HIGH DIVE in Fremont. Tickets are only 5$. Go see it! Report back! This did NOT happen, so don't get your panties in a bunch, yo!

Lukas Rossi

Lukas is back in L.A. and busy working with his new band, Stars Down. Lukas will be playing a few shows, starting with tomorrow night, October 4 @ Velvet Jones in Santa Barbara, California, and again on October 6 @ Viper Room in Hollywood, California.

Lukas is constantly writing and recording new songs, so be sure to check Lukas' MySpace Page as well as his brand spanking new official website. In fact, he is in the last stages of finishing the Stars Down record, and will soon be putting "Parachute" up on his site for us to listen.

Chris Richardson

According to his MySpace Page, Chris is in Miami, Florida, and is busy working on his album with ill Factor. No words yet about if he has been signed or not, but one remains optimistic that he will. Chris has written songs for his buddy Blake Lewis, as well as for Jordin Sparks and Phil Stacey. Rumors are that his collaboration with Lewis will end up being Blake's first single.

DiMarco

DiMarco is a band from Vancouver, British-Columbia, and is composed of Greg Neufeld (guitar/lead vocal) - yes, he was on Canadian Idol, twice - Paul Berg (guitar/vocals), Rob Siebert (drums) and Noland Trombley (bass). The band is kicking off some unofficial tour dates starting in Maple Ridge, BC on October 18. Check their MySpace Page for additional dates in Alberta and Saskatchewan, including an acoustic show with none other than Lukas Rossi on November 3. They also have a few songs up on the page, including a killer live version of "Rewind" and "Running Away". Albums and t-shirts are available through their site. Check 'em out! They are great!

Bo Bice

Bo's new album "See The Light" will be out soon! October 23. Don't forget! Get it! Buy it for your friends! Give it as a gift! Bo's returning to his rock/soul roots with this album. You can listen to "Witness" up on his MySpace Page. IT ROCKS!!!

Bo will also play at the Cumming Country Fair Festival in Georgia on October 11. If you are lucky enough to live in the area - GO!!!! Just GO!

The Trews

The Antigonish, Nova-Scotia band is in full tour mode!!! With 24 dates in October, one can say they are BUSY! They are hitting London UK tonight, then off to beautiful France, where they will play 5 shows. Mais oui!!!

Check their music out at their MySpace Page. They are worth it!!!

Steph Jones

Check out Mr. Ordinary aka Bleph Bones aka Steph Jones. Steph has been a busy working on his own stuff but also working with Blake Lewis for his upcoming album. Give him some love! Not only is he a cutie but he's also a talented and funny cutie! :)

You can check him out at his MySpace Page and listen to some of his songs. His new album will be coming out soon, so make sure to check him out!

Matchbox 20

The new Matchbox 20 album, Exile on Mainstream is here!!! You can order it off of iTunes or through M20's online store.

While you are purchasing the album, watch An Exclusive Live Show From Matchbox Twenty Featuring Songs From The New Album, Exile on Mainstream And The New Single “How Far We’ve Come”. Click HERE to watch!