Friss Zene

99 songs of '09 - Year-end countdown

2010-01-05T19:13:00.009-10:00

It's that time again! I present to you my annual end-of-year post. As I have done the past several years, I am concluding 2009 with a countdown of my favorite songs of the year. These songs have helped to define 2009: personal anthems, clubbangers, you name it. It was a great year in music, and so many better songs. Oh, and those marked with "*" may have not reached their peak yet, so they have the potential of charting in 2010. Enjoy the list!

The Top 99 of 2009 by @Rrrraaay

99: Black Wedding - Meg & Dia
98: Empire State Of Mind - Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys
97: Boy Meets Girl - Evan Taubenfeld
96: Welcome To Wherever You Are - Ten Second Epic
95: Come Back To Me - David Cook
94: We Are Golden - Mika
93: Her Words Destroyed By Planet* - Motion City Soundtrack
92: Outta Here - Esmee Denters
91: Save You - Simple Plan

90: Sex On Fire - Kings Of Leon
89: Friday I'll Be Over You - Allison Iraheta
88: For Always, Forever - Every Avenue
87: New Perspective - Panic! At The Disco
86: Welcome To The World - Kevin Rudolf feat. Kid Kudi
85: Waking Up In Vegas - Katy Perry
84: Anywhere But Here - Mayday Parade
83: Haven't Met You Yet - Michael Buble
82: Free - Valencia
81: Here Standing* - The Saturdays

80: Kabul Shit - Lily Allen
79: Blame It On The Changes - Dashboard Confessional
78: Good To You* - Marianas Trench feat. Kate Voegele
77: Lucky - Jason Mraz feat. Colbie Caillat
76: Bulletproof - La Roux
75: Battlefield - Jordin Sparks
74: Story - Maroon 5
73: Learning* - Green River Ordinance
72: Fire Bomb* - Rihanna
71: I Don't Believe You - P!nk

70: TiK ToK* - Kesha
69: Get To You - James Morrison
68: Run, Don't Walk - Hey Monday
67: Heartbreak On Vinyl - Blake Lewis
66: America's Suitehearts - Fall Out Boy
65: A Little Faster - There For Tomorrow
64: Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart* - Alicia Keys
63: It's Only Natural - The Higher
62: Telephone* - Lady GaGa feat. Beyonce
61: Acadia - Marianas Trench

60: It's All Your Fault - P!nk
59: Part Of The List - Ne-Yo
58: Happy - Leona Lewis
57: I Wanna - The All-American Rejects
56: Saviour - Lights
55: Show Me What You're Looking For - Carolina Liar
54: Getaway - Holiday Parade
53: Broken - Lifehouse
52: In-N-Out (Animal Style)* - We The Kings
51: Come Back When You Can - Barcelona

50: Until I Met You - The Sunstreak
49: I Do Not Hook Up - Kelly Clarkson
48: Confusion Girl - Frankmusik feat. Tinchy Stryder
47: Love Drunk - Boys Like Girls
46: Heaven Can Wait - We The Kings
45: Whatcha Say - Jason Derulo feat. Imogen Heap
44: Halo - Beyonce
43: Thinking Of You - Katy Perry
42: Art Of Love - Guy Sebastian feat. Jordin Sparks
41: Outta My Head* - Leona Lewis

40:I Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas
39: You Belong With Me - Taylor Swift
38: Everything - The Veronicas
37: Carry On - Valencia
36: Doesn't Mean Anything - Alicia Keys
35: Broken Strings - James Morrison feat. Nelly Furtado
34: All The Right Moves - OneRepublic
33: Fireflies - Owl City
32: I Got You* - Leona Lewis
31: Looking Up* - Paramore

30: Mad - Ne-Yo
29: Insomnia - Craig David
28: Out Of My Hands - Green River Ordinance
27: Waves - A Bird A Sparrow
26: Unwound - The Real You
25: You Found Me - The Fray
24: Closer To Love - Mat Kearney
23: Down - Jay Sean feat. Lil Wayne
22: Hey, Soul Sister - Train
21: Losin' It - Fallbrooke

20: Backwards - The Hoodies
Great song by a little-known, indie pop-punk band from Rochester, New York. This one's a perfect anthem to accompany ringing in the new year.

19: When Love Takes Over - David Guetta feat. Kelly Rowland
A Destiny's Child alum gets her breakthrough with this Europop romp spearheaded by French DJ and producer David Guetta.

18: Never Leave You - Tinchy Stryder feat. Amelle Berrabah
A hit collabo by a Sugababe and an English rapper - Stryder brings a distinct rap performance while Amelle contributes her beautiful voice to the instantly memorable chorus. You may not have discovered this hip-pop gem stateside yet, and do it now.

17: Live Like We're Dying - Kris Allen
This past year's AI winner debuts with a song by The Script but improves upon the original with an inspired and strongest vocal delivery yet by Allen. Song has huge crossover potential, enough to satisfy the wide audience (i.e. Christian, folk, acoustic rock fans, teenyboppers) who voted for him.

16: The Fear - Lily Allen
Allen's sophomore album It's Not Me, It's You is chock full of amazing ditties, including its lead single, in which she marries ironic, brutally honest lyrics about the pitfalls of fame and fortune, with a dreamy, electronic beat.

15: Weightless - All Time Low
Preceding the release of their sophomore disc Nothing Personal, Weightless heralded an excitement by the pop-punk community as a positive sign of things to come. Coming of age angst? Check. Bombastic vocals? Check. A sing-a-long anthemic chorus? Check. All that, with a hopeful outlook for the future.

14: Keri Hilson feat. Ne-Yo & Kanye - Knock You Down
Talk about a super collaboration between two of R&B's popular artists and --and until this past year's MTV Video Music Awards-- hip hop's go-to rapper. After being featured as a guest artist or songwriter for past hits, Hilson finally gets to keep one for herself. The beat is hypnotizing.

13: Bonfire - Third Eye Blind
There's always that one song off of every album that I obsess over: "Blinded" off Out of the Vein and now "Bonfire", the second single off of Ursa Major, the much-awaited return album from San Francisco-based Third Eye Blind. Much like their previous work, the songs touches upon a bit of '90s nostalgia, packaged as a cool, more laid-back track but it still channels the distinct 3EB sound.

12: Quietdrive - Birthday
Although not officially released as a single, the song is one of the standouts in their indie 2008 release Deliverance. Birthday packs a power-pop punch courtesy the amazing vocal drive of lead singer Kevin Truckenmiller. Regardless of what the haters say, this is an example of what the band does best: write catchy as heck songs, this time with searing, kiss-off lyrics about forgetting your girlfriend's birthday because you were piss-ass drunk. Brilliant!

11: Bad Romance - Lady GaGa
Love her or hate her, she undeniably leaves a memorable impression on you. That said, Bad Romance is all kinds of bizarre. Judging from the dark, subversive beat and a head-scratching melodic opening line, this had the potential to be disastrous. But never underestimate the hit-maker, as it ultimately works in her favor. What is even more impressive is how it seems to even top itself with several memorable footstomping hooks.

10: Under Control - Parachute
Who knew you could fall in aural lust w/ a tune from a commercial? It happened with this band with this tune (original album version!) off of a Nivea ad -- an interesting, but fitting marketing strategy for the up-and-coming band from Virginia who aims for mainstream success. Aside from the bouncing piano throughout the song, the vocals of blue-eyed soul frontman Will Anderson help hit home the song's earnest, wistful lyrics of love from a far.

09: Release Me - Agnes Carlsson
Sweden's most recent pop export came in the form of one of their past Idol winners. Agnes has received wider acclaim for her album Dance Love Pop and breakthrough hit. Apart from the frenetic energy of the techno beat, it is the elegance of a string section that adds another dimension to the song. It broke out this past summer all over Europe and had light success in the USA. The kids are missing out on this Leona doppelganger. The club-banger of 2009.

08: So Close, So Far - Hoobastank
According to my last.fm playlist, this is my most-played song of 2009. That sounds about right. It is Doug Robb's impassioned voice that sells this power ballad about being away from the ones you love. Hoobastank is one of many underrated bands out there.

07: Come On - Green River Ordinance
As you can probably tell, I am a huge fan of melodic, anthemic, big arena rock. So it wasn't that big of a shocker that I instantly became attached to GRO's major label debut Out of My Hands, a collection of the most catchy pop-rock with melodies that swell and lyrics that break your heart. Come On is one of the highlights, and features the amazing lead vox of Josh Jenkins -- whose voice reminds me of a more refined Dan Layus of Augustana. I wouldn't be surprised if they amass a huge following in 2010.

06: Stay - SafetySuit
This is one of those rock songs that simply works because of its great melody and a powerful, moving chorus. A single off their latest A Life Left To Live, the constant guitar riff also helps to create an almost a subterranean feel, which I guess is appropriate, given their cover art portrays the quartet under water. Also, the accompanying video was a mainstay on VH1 for good reason. Lead singer Doug Brown plays an undercover cop who becomes the love interest of a runaway robber, of whom he is in pursuit.

5: SOMEDAY - Rob Thomas
The great thing about Rob Thomas is his craftsmanship in penning a song with a purpose, whether pop or rock, solo or his band Matchbox 20, political statement or life observation. For Someday, off his second solo disc Cradlesong, it is an optimistic message that is sent to the listener. At certain points, you feel like it is time for the waterworks. At others, you want to smile because his words are comforting, hopeful, especially at the chorus, although simple, hits right at the core of it: that someday soon things will get better. Thank you, Mr. Thomas, for giving me a cathartic 4:08.

4: MY LIFE WOULD SUCK WITHOUT YOU - Kelly Clarkson
If there would be one female to break up the all-male band party, it would deservedly be this chick. Clarkson's mainstream comeback single has an the ingredients for a bonafide hit: a catchy tempo courtesy Dr. Luke and Max Martin, a stick-to-your brain, sing-a-long chorus, the instant recognition that American Idol fame brings, and a brow-raising song title.

3: ALL TO MYSELF - Marianas Trench
I am bestowing the honor of Best pop-punk album of 2009 to a band little-known to people living below the 49th parallel. Vancouver-based Marianas Trench, led by Josh Ramsay, is the next-new thing in Canadian pop-punk, an heir apparent to Simple Plan and Sum 41 (not that they were ever gone, all's I'm saying), when listening to their disc Masterpiece Theatre. Every single song on the album is a great piece of pop-punk art, and the grand finale, a true fit to its namesake. Every song is so well-crated, from the deep slower ballads, to catchy-as-fuck songs like All To Myself, where Ramsay's falsetto shines in the chorus.

2: USE SOMEBODY - Kings of Leon
Epic. Kings of Leon finally got the recognition they righly deserved in 2009, after making the leap stateside from their popularity in Britain. Which is rather odd, because KOL is an American band from Tennessee, who first found success abroad rather than at home. Their breakout hit from Only By Night opens with the haunting but memorable "Whoa, ooh" wail that instantly sets the song's mood. Next frontman Caleb Followill gritty/soulful/southern rock voice adds a intimate dimension to the song. Add the guitar riffs by the rest of the Followill clan and you can really feel Caleb's pain. This song was heard everywhere, covered by Paramore and Kelly Clarkson and even used during the Victoria's Secret fashion show. Who knew an apology to his band members would result in such a massive hit?

1: WHERE DID YOU GO - Valencia
Valencia's voice via frontman Shane Henderson is all at once, heartbreaking and exuberant. As a result of the tragic death of Henderson's girlfriend in a car accident, many of the songs off of Valencia's major label debut on Columbia Records, We All Need A Reason To Believe, deal with the major stages of grief, loss, and in this standout track, acceptance. Although taken face-value, Valencia may be one of the many pop-punk bands in the scene, one needs to really give a listen to their music to realize they are truly a cut above their counterparts largely due to a depth and maturity shown in their lyrical content. They also manage to manneuver through would-be depressing subject matter with refreshing bits of optimism, especially with Henderson's voice during the bridge and the instantly memorable chorus. Let's not forget the amazing drumming by Max Soria, crunching guitars courtesy JD Perry and Brendan Walter, and bass via George Ciukurescu. The quintet has created an amazing song. Beyond moved every time I listen to it. Where Did You Go - my favorite of 2009.

So, what do you think?! Do you agree with my choices?

Alright. Bring on 2010.

Top 25 Playlist for Tuesday, June 9, 2009

2009-06-09T02:20:00.002-10:00

Friss Zene Top for the week ending on Tuesday, 06.09.09

Who is Agnes Carlsson and what is she doing at #1?! What can I say? Sweden is poppin' and this song is pure love at first listen...

01. Agnes Carlsson - Release Me (DEBUT) (#1 for 1 week)
02. Quietdrive - Birthday (#1 for 2 weeks)
03. Fallbrooke - Losin' It
04. David Guetta feat. Kelly Rowland - When Love Takes Over
05. Hoobastank - So Close, So Far (#1 for 2 weeks)
06. Jordin Sparks - Battlefield (#1 for 1 week)
07. Parachute - Under Control (#1 for 1 week)
08. There For Tomorrow - A Little Faster (DEBUT)
09. Adam Lambert - No Boundaries
10. The Real You - Unwound
11. Lesley Roy - Slow Goodbye
12. All Time Low - Weightless
13. Carolina Liar - Show Me What I'm Looking For
14. Kelly Clarkson - I Do Not Hook Up
15. James Morrison - Please Don't Stop The Rain
16. SafetySuit - Stay (DEBUT)
17. Valencia - Where Did You Go? (#1 for 1 week)
18. Hey Monday - Run, Don't Walk
19. Esmée Denters - Outta Here (DEBUT)
20. Keri Hilson feat. Ne-Yo and Kanye West - Knock You Down
21. The White Tie Affair - If I Fall
22. Daughtry - No Surprise
23. Mat Kearney - Closer To Love
24. Kris Allen - No Boundaries
25. The Higher - It's Only Natural (DEBUT)

Retired
None!

So close, yet so far
The Veronicas - Take Me On The Floor
Ne-Yo - Part Of The List
Meg & Dia - Black Wedding
Allison Iraheta - Cry Baby
Kevin Rudolf feat. Kid Cudi - Welcome To The World

Check back next week for the next top 25 playlist

Fresh Songs: Cobra Starship, Esmée Denters, Fallbrooke, Mandy Moore, David Guetta & Kelly Rowland

2009-06-02T22:34:00.014-10:00

Quick reviews of some fresh songs for this week...

Cobra Starship (feat. Leighton Meester) - Good Girls Go Bad: The poster boys (and girl) of hipster pop/rock in the Fueled By Ramen family are back to the scene. In preparation for the end-of-summer (August) drop of their new album Hot Mess, they are serving up a slice of sweet electro-pop pie with the help of Gossip Girl actress Leighton Meester that is far from being a disaster. Who knew Blair Waldorf could sing and play the role of pop star well? Cobra's fearless leader Gabe Sapporta sounds reliably good as well. The song was apparently produced by Kara DioGuardi

Esmée Denters - Outta Here: It's quite inspiring to see someone's dream finally develop and become realized. It did for one young and beautiful Dutch singer who was one of those video recording singers on YouTube that suddenly became one of the most popular users on the site. It was Esmée's soulful renditions of modern pop songs impressed many, including a certain Justin Timberlake who 'discovered' and signed her to a development deal as his label's new star-protegé. Her album and first single of the same name, "Outta Here" dropped in her native The Netherlands and the soon will soon impact on Top 40/R&B radio in the US.

Fallbrooke - Losin' It: This South Florida-based band is the epitome of freshness as they recently dropped their latest eponymously-titled debut album on iTunes and Amazon. The first single for the song "Losin' It" is a catchy song about the very current issue of falling in love with someone over the Internet. The band's lead vocalist Eric McNeely brings an energy matched with the band's power pop sound. I have not listened to the rest of their material yet, but if this song is any indication, I will name myself a fan.

Mandy Moore - I Can Break Your Heart Any Day Of The Week: I remember Mandy Moore as being a part of the original quartet of pop princesses who emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s. However, she later denounced her earlier work and reinvented herself as an organic singer-songwriter. In the vein of her new direction is her latest, a retro-sounding and clapworthy track off her freshest LP, Amanda Leigh. In the accompanying music video, Mandy shows Ultimate Fighting champ Chuck Liddell who's got the bigger....

David Guetta feat. Kelly Rowland - When Love Takes Over: I am consistently amazed at the works of French DJ David Guetta as he expertly crafts pop songs backed by House/electro/Euro dance sounds. He is already a well-known name in Europe and the rest of the world, however he aims to break into the US with a new disc out in August and this surefire summer hit, in which he enlists former Destiny's Child member Kelly Rowland in a song of epic proportions. Her voice, arguably her strongest, soars through the ridiculous production. I wouldn't be surprised if she releases a full album of dance-pop. Amazing.

Top 25 Playlist for Tuesday, June 2, 2009

2009-06-02T06:35:00.001-10:00

Friss Zene Top for the week ending on Wednesday, 06.02.09

Go Quietdrive, it's your "Birthday". I just had to...

01. Quietdrive - Birthday (#1 for 2 weeks)
02. Hoobastank - So Close, So Far (#1 for 2 weeks)
03. David Guetta feat. Kelly Rowland - When Love Takes Over
04. Jordin Sparks - Battlefield (#1 for 1 week)
05. Keri Hilson feat. Ne-Yo and Kanye West - Knock You Down
06. All Time Low - Weightless
07. Parachute - Under Control (#1 for 1 week)
08. Adam Lambert - No Boundaries (DEBUT)
09. The Real You - Unwound
10. Fallbrooke - Losin' It
11. Kris Allen - No Boundaries
12. The White Tie Affair - If I Fall
13. Kelly Clarkson - I Do Not Hook Up
14. The Veronicas - Take Me On The Floor
15. Mat Kearney - Closer To Love
16. Carolina Liar - Show Me What I'm Looking For
17. Ne-Yo - Part Of The List
18. James Morrison - Please Don't Stop The Rain
19. Meg & Dia - Black Wedding
20. Daughtry - No Surprise
21. Valencia - Where Did You Go? (#1 for 1 week)
22. Hey Monday - Run, Don't Walk (DEBUT)
23. Lesley Roy - Slow Goodbye (DEBUT)
24. Allison Iraheta - Cry Baby
25. Kevin Rudolf feat. Kid Cudi - Welcome To The World

Retired
None!

So close, yet so far
Allison Iraheta feat. Cyndi Lauper - Time After Time
David Cook - Come Back To Me
Taylor Swift - You Belong To Me

Check back next week for the next top 25 playlist

Top 25 Playlist for Wednesday, May 27, 2009

2009-05-27T21:42:00.001-10:00

Friss Zene Top for the week ending on Wednesday, 05.27.09

Although Quietdrive is still working hard to promote their new music on their tours, their latest album Deliverance hasn't been given the promotional push it truly deserves. It is quite a shame as the songs exemplify the best of today's pop-punk and power pop IMO. One of those gems is this week's #1 song, "Birthday".

01. Quietdrive - Birthday (#1 for 1 week)
02. Hoobastank - So Close, So Far (#1 for 2 weeks)
03. The Real You - Unwound
04. Parachute - Under Control (#1 for 1 week)
05. Allison Iraheta - Cry Baby
06. All Time Low - Weightless
07. Jordin Sparks - Battlefield (#1 for 1 week)
08. Carolina Liar - Show Me What I'm Looking For
09. Kris Allen - No Boundaries (DEBUT)
10. Keri Hilson feat. Ne-Yo and Kanye West - Knock You Down
11. Kelly Clarkson - I Do Not Hook Up
12. James Morrison - Please Don't Stop The Rain
13. David Guetta feat. Kelly Rowland - When Love Takes Over (DEBUT)
14. Ne-Yo - Part Of The List
15. Daughtry - No Surprise
16. The White Tie Affair - If I Fall
17. Mat Kearney - Closer To Love
18. Meg & Dia - Black Wedding
19. Valencia - Where Did You Go? (#1 for 1 week)
20. Allison Iraheta feat. Cyndi Lauper - Time After Time (DEBUT)
21. Kevin Rudolf feat. Kid Cudi - Welcome To The World
22. The Veronicas - Take Me On The Floor
23. David Cook - Come Back To Me
24. Taylor Swift - You Belong To Me (DEBUT)
25. Fallbrooke - Losin' It (DEBUT)

Retired
Jon McLaughlin - Smack Into You (#1 song for 1 week)

So close, yet so far
Carrie Underwood - Home Sweet Home
Kris Allen - Heartless
Katy Perry - Waking Up In Vegas
Jessie James - Wanted

Check back next week for the next top 25 playlist

Kris is the Idol, Adam still wins, and Allison is a star!

2009-05-21T17:17:00.020-10:00

My favorite moment of the finale was not Kris Allen's reaction to winning the title of American Idol (though it was one heck of a moment), but Allison Iraheta's subdued, yet powerful, performance duet of "Time After Time" with pop icon Cyndi Lauper, proving what a great performer and singer she is, and how great a finale it would have been had she been in the final two. Oh what could have been. I cannot wait until she finally releases her original music. I am certain she is bound to be a pop-rock icon, herself.

Other hi-lites of the night:

- Kris & Adam Lambert's performance of "We Are The Champions" with the remaining members of Queen.
- Mr. A-Z, Jason Mraz, sans the creepster goatee.
- Idol predecessor David Cook's performance of "Permanent" as a tribute to his late brother Adam. Amazing.
- Finally airing Kris's audition video, which was four months long overdue, ya think?!
- In the audience, Carrie Underwood, looked very pretty in pink.
- Adam's goth-industrial-winged-whatever get-up during his performance with KISS
- "The winner of American Idol 2009 is Kris Allen!"

...and lo-lites...

- Judge Kara DioGuardi, in a boost of her ego, attempted to one-up some no-talent bikini bimbo in a Mariah sing-off.
- "No Boundaries", although Kris sang this better the second time around ;)
- Rod Stewart, who I do not think he is sexy, nor do the rest of America.
- The fact that top 5 finalist Matt Giraud was never given the chance to sing a duet with a star, yet Megan Joy and Michael Sarver, of all people, got to do one (with Steve Martin...WTF)
- Kris apologizing for winning. (Dude, I know no one in Idol-land ~~wanted~~ expected you to win, but live it up. You represent the best of America's undiscovered talent and was bestowed the most-fitting title.)

And as for the runner-up, I have to say that I really do like Adam. Watching the finale back, it did cement my understanding of why he belonged in the final two. He is arguably is the best performer to come away from the show, came off as a very confident and seasoned pro (perhaps too seasoned), and left indelible images after every performance -- from his hair, facial expressions, outrageous fashions, and ridiculously impressive vocal range. Ultimately, I truly think Adam is better off without the constraints of the Idol contract. This non-win will enable him to do more things without the scrutiny the job title entails. I know his supporters may be very disappointed and angry at the outcome, and I certainly won't blame them for it, but we all know Adam will come out of this with tons of success. He already is an Idol. I may have been a bit critical of him in the previous post, but he still intrigues me. Perhaps if the judges hadn't praised him so darn much and all but bestowed the title all season long, I would have been squarely in his corner, too...but if it is one thing that America proved to be true last night, it is that it hates being told how to think and who to vote for. Let this be a lesson to the producers and judges for next year: showcase all serious contenders from the beginning, drop the fillers, and let the country do its thing.

Winning Moment:

Video: MJ's Big Blog; Photos: AP, Ray Mickshaw

Why Kris Allen will win American Idol

2009-05-20T13:56:00.009-10:00

To me, Kris Allen is the American Idol and he has my vote for the following reasons:

I love rooting for the underdog. In the duel of Kris v. Adam Lambert, it is pretty evident that the title is Adam's to lose. He was annointed TCO (a.k.a. "the Chosen One") by the production early in the season, after receiving the gift of a back story (They wanted you to know he was the 'theatrical' guy from the cast of Wicked who wore guy liner and had the emo hair) with ample airtime during the audition rounds. Adam had the judging panel, early fans, and production on his side (smoke! lighting! angles! song choices!), and the media obsessed over his private life and what significance that meant in respect to winning the competition.

On the other corner of the ring, Kris Allen is representative of the shocker finalist. He was pretty much cast aside as fodder because he was never portrayed to be a serious contender to win, compared to the likes of Adam and Danny Gokey, whom were the predestined final two. Editing-wise, the audience never got to watch Kris's first audition. We seldom heard a peep from him, save a group performance during the Hollywood rounds and Top 36 semifinals. This ~~not-so-subtle~~ blatant producer manipulation has infuritated me all season.

Of past Idol winners, only Kelly Clarkson received similar treatment her season, and she was only able to survive the early disadvantage by building a fan base based solely on her talent and only later in the season, we finally got to know her as the youthful, go-with-the-flow girl from Texas, which favored her in terms of likability and relateability -- two things that does an American Idol make. Luckily for Kris, his silent ascent in the competition was attributed to a number of things I will touch upon later, and his win tonight may cement the parallels I see with Kelly. A darkhorse win would be a big F.U. to the producers who've never favored him to win. His would serve as sweet, poetic justice for the remaining finalists (including Allison Iraheta, who would have won deservedly in another year) who had to fight extra hard to overcome the disadvantage of less screen time and questionable critiques this year.

As a matter of personal taste, I love the sound of Kris's voice. As everyone knows, the winner becomes a recording artist and sell their music. As a potential buyer, I would purchase Kris's album because he has demonstrated what kind of artist and music he would release, namely his distinctly acoustic pop-soul sound and vocal interpretation on tracks such as Once's "Falling Slowly", OneRepublic's "Apologize" and Kanye West's "Heartless". Although Adam wins on showmanship, I have a vague idea of what he wants to bring forth on a record. And to be quite frank, I cannot see Adam's vocal gymnastics translate well onto a record.

Kris is likable. He was never the victim of some personality misstep, or involved in any controversy this season, which would preclude him from winning. His appeal as a God-fearing Mama's boy from Arkansas has proven successful for past winners (The pride of Checotah, Oklahoma Carrie Underwood! Burleson, Texas' home girl, Kelly Clarkson!) In terms of image, Kris looks like an Idol. What I observed in him was that he seems unfazed by the competition, despite his growing popularit, and has remained very true to himself, which I respect as a voter. Because these people are thrusted into the public spotlight very quickly, I have little doubt Kris will continue to be a genuinely humble dude after he wins.

Kris is able to connect with you. In terms of his music, he has the ability to create and maintain a deep, emotional connection with the listener. His ability to play multiple instruments this season (acoustic guitar and piano/keyboard) further enhanced this connection. With Adam, there is often a disconnect when he sings and I never feel the same melodic, heart-on-sleeve attitude as I do with Kris. Take last night's coronation song round, which both had to sing the ~~terribly good~~ amazingly bad Kara DioGuardi tune "No Boundaries" -- although Kris's voice is very different from Adam's and struggled with the higher notes the song called for, I believed and was sold on his version. The lyric of "Here I am, still holding on...with every step, you climb another mountain " also fits well with Kris's uphill battle this entire season. His win would be an inspirational one.

The Kris v. Adam finale is a very appropriate summation of the season: the heavily pimped favorite versus the previously unseen and unheard darkhorse. I wouldn't be terribly upset if the other guy won, since it would also be a groundbreaking win. But I do hope the confetti will fall on the better artist tonight.

Top 25 Playlist for Monday, May 18, 2009

2009-05-18T23:20:00.004-10:00

Friss Zene Top for the week ending on Monday, 05.18.09

Another week, another debut song goes straight to the top. Jordin Sparks rips into her newest signature song with vigor. Ah, the power of Idol and a good pop song courtesy of Ryan Tedder.

01. Jordin Sparks - Battlefield (#1 for 1 week) (DEBUT)
02. Parachute - Under Control (#1 for 1 week)
03. Hoobastank - So Close, So Far (#1 for 2 weeks)
04. Quietdrive - Birthday
05. Allison Iraheta - Cry Baby
06. All Time Low - Weightless
07. The Real You - Unwound
08. Kelly Clarkson - I Do Not Hook Up
09. Carolina Liar - Show Me What I'm Looking For
10. Carrie Underwood - Home Sweet Home
11. Kris Allen - Heartless (DEBUT)
12. Keri Hilson feat. Ne-Yo and Kanye West - Knock You Down
13. James Morrison - Please Don't Stop The Rain (DEBUT)
14. Ne-Yo - Part Of The List
15. Daughtry - No Surprise
16. The White Tie Affair - If I Fall (DEBUT)
17. Katy Perry - Waking Up In Vegas
18. Meg & Dia - Black Wedding
19. Mat Kearney - Closer To Love
20. Jessie James - Wanted
21. Valencia - Where Did You Go? (#1 for 1 week)
22. David Cook - Come Back To Me
23. The Veronicas - Take Me On The Floor
24. Kevin Rudolf feat. Kid Cudi - Welcome To The World
25. Jon McLaughlin - Smack Into You (#1 for 1 week)

Retired
The White Tie Affair - Candle (Sick And Tired) (#1 song for 1 week)

So close, yet so far
Paula DeAnda - Roll The Credits
Akon feat. Colby O'Donis and Kardinal Offishall - Beautiful
The All-American Rejects - The Wind Blows

Check back next week for the next top 25 playlist

Love At First Listen - Parachute's "Under Control" & Jordin Sparks's "Battlefield"

2009-05-18T23:14:00.013-10:00

Is Will Anderson the doppelganger of Panic At The Disco's Brendon Urie??

Parachute - Under Control: I anticipate the moment I discover a fresh new band by a slight moment of chance I happen to catch something by ear. This time, I give the credit to Nivea, for allowing a band called Parachute and a few seconds of the first verse of the song "Under Control" to be featured in one of their commercials, for whatever they were trying to sell. What stuck with me were those few lines by a soulful rock voice, accompanied by a simple, repetitive piano melody that instantly clicked with me. I later found out that soulful croon belonged to lead singer Will Anderson, who helped to slowly build the song up to a powerful mid-section of soulful backing vocals echoing and emphasizing parts of the ultra-catchy chorus.

Parachute is a Virginia-based band that has gone through a bit of a reincarnation. They began as Sparky's Flaw, then recently Parachute VA, later dropping the VA for legal reasons. Their major label debut Losing Sleep was recently released on iTunes and will physically hit stores tomorrow(5/19). To me, their sound is reminiscent of early Maroon 5, although Will's vocals are a lot less whiny and their songs sound more earnest than egotistical. I love the fact that they are embracing the aim to appeal to a wider mainstream audience through melody, and this song is a prime example of the kind of music that resonates with many, including myself. **Potential Song of 2009 Contender**

Jordin debuts her latest on the Idol results show last week

Jordin Sparks - Battlefield: The American Idol 2007 winner is back to the fray with her fresh lead single off her yet-unnamed sophomore album due out later this summer. The song is pretty much epic, from the bombastic drumbeats that provide the support throughout the song to Jordin's exasperating, nonetheless cliche, message about love equated with a war zone. It's catchy as heck, with memorable lines like "You better go and get your armor" that can be amusingly misheard as "you better get your drama".

Written by the 'it' songwriter of the moment Ryan Tedder, his signature style is pretty evident on this track and it tailor-made to be embraced by radio. Moments of the song remind me of the haunting vocal of Rihanna's "Umbrella" which was a hit two summers ago. And dare I say this song may very well garner the same distinction as this year's summer jam.

Top 25 Playlist for Wednesday, May 13, 2009

2009-05-13T19:58:00.000-10:00

Friss Zene Top for the week ending on Wednesday, 05.13.09

This week's freshest debut is also my favorite song of the week. Gals and gents, meet Parachute!

01. Parachute - Under Control (#1 for 1 week) (DEBUT)
02. Hoobastank - So Close, So Far (#1 for 2 weeks)
03. Allison Iraheta - Cry Baby (DEBUT)
04. Quietdrive - Birthday
05. Carrie Underwood - Home Sweet Home
06. All Time Low - Weightless
07. Kelly Clarkson - I Do Not Hook Up
08. Carolina Liar - Show Me What I'm Looking For
09. Daughtry - No Surprise (DEBUT)
10. Keri Hilson feat. Ne-Yo and Kanye West - Knock You Down
11. Meg & Dia - Black Wedding
12. Ne-Yo - Part Of The List
13. Jessie James - Wanted
14. Mat Kearney - Closer To Love
15. Kevin Rudolf feat. Kid Cudi - Welcome To The World
16. Paula DeAnda - Roll The Credits
17. Akon feat. Colby O'Donis and Kardinal Offishall - Beautiful
18. The Real You - Unwound
19. Katy Perry - Waking Up In Vegas
20. Jon McLaughlin - Smack Into You (#1 for 1 week)
21. The Veronicas - Take Me On The Floor
22. Valencia - Where Did You Go? (#1 for 1 week)
23. The White Tie Affair - Candle (Sick And Tired) (#1 for 1 week)
24. The All-American Rejects - The Wind Blows (DEBUT)
25. David Cook - Come Back To Me

Retired
Ne-Yo - Mad (#1 song for 1 week)

So close, yet so far
Kings Of Leon - Sex On Fire
Kelly Clarkson - Don't Let Me Stop You (#1 for 1 week)
P!nk - Please Don't Leave Me

Check back next week for the next top 25 playlist

Allison Iraheta is the American Idol who never was

2009-05-11T23:36:00.011-10:00

Although I have had thoughts of abandoning this season's Idol over my utter frustration of a majority of the selected 'singers' in this year's competition, what remained was a hope that a legitimate, undiscovered singing talent will ultimately win the crown at the behest of the nation. There were a few I thought stood a chance, namely Matt Giraud, whose remarkably soulful voice is superior in a recording studio track, and Allison Iraheta, a 17-year-old red-haired, Salvadoran-American teenage wunderkind who notably sang with a distinctly raspy rock voice.

I grew to root for the latter throughout the competition, since I have an instant affinity toward female rock voices (Hayley Williams, Cassadee Pope, P!nk) and felt the show was long overdue for a legitimately female rocker to complement last year's Idol David Cook. Heck, the original Idol Kelly Clarkson declared her favorite as Allison, as well, whom she has been favorably compared with. It did, however, seem like an incredibly uphill battle for Allison as she seemed to do nearly everything right as a singer and performer, but never got the full support and recognition from the judges that she truly deserved. It was a disservice of sorts when it was clear that the judges had a vendeta against her. On Tuesday night, the day before she was eliminated from contention, her amazing performance of Janis Joplin's "Cry Baby" during rock week, of all weeks, was leaps and bounds ahead of remaining finalist Danny Gokey and yet, the judges denied her the credit she deserved, tainting their glowing reviews with subtle negative critiques which consequently impacted America's vote, as the nation decided to keep Danny, the mediocre blue-eyed soul singer, rather than a talent with tons of untapped potential.

Allison was a refreshing change for most Idol teenagers. She actually displayed a genuinely fun (read: goofy/quirky), optimistic personality who never saw winning as life or death. She was the kind of girl to run at the mouth, but never to the point of being obscene (a spitfire of sorts). Allison was a bit raw, but so are most 17-year olds. She was never a prim & proper girl like Jordin Sparks, although I admit to hoping Allison's fate would parallel Jordin's. I was also hoping for an Adam Lambert/Allison Iraheta finale, a would-be battle between the season's rock vocalists, which would match the excitement of last year's "David Vs. David" match-up, but she was denied the chance to be this year's David Archuleta.

I should also note that of the four remaining finalists, Allison never given a favorable producer edit, which upsets me because it creates an unfair disadvantage for these contestants who have little, to no no exposure to the viewing public, which is necessary to create a fan base. (Kris is the other one. TPTB have envisoned a Danny/Adam finale). Luckily, Allison's amazing vocals were rewarded by the nation, even though she was predestined to not be the Idol. And her fourth place finish is a testament to it.

On the bright side, Allison will not be constrained by the notorious Idol contract and will have more control over the direction of her career. And perhaps it is best that she mature and grow into her adult voice, experience more of life, get a makeover, and come back even more powerful as the acclaimed artist most fans and critics envision her to eventually be. It is given that she will receive a record deal and a matter of time before she reaches the success of Chris Daughtry and becomes the most successful participant of the season. Sorry, Adam! (Although I would gladly welcome it, as a historic pop culture moment, but I digress ;).

As a viewer, I did find myself emotionally invested in rooting for Allison (as I did with Ricky Braddy and Joanna Pacitti), and was rather heartbroken, and then I realized how ridiculous it was to get so involved in a trivial thing like a reality show. The entire season really was an insult to my intelligence and a test of most of the country's (lack of) musical taste. But then again, I subconsciously wanted her to do well, just so I can hear her on the radio and play her music. Is that asking too much?

Top 25 Playlist for Sunday, May 3, 2009

2009-05-03T15:36:00.002-10:00

Friss Zene Top 25 for the week ending on Sunday, 05.03.09

Hoobastank's "So Close, So Far" is one of my favorite power ballads of 2009, so far!
(Note this week's video strip theme: they're all half-Asian)

01. Hoobastank - So Close, So Far (#1 for 2 weeks)
02. All Time Low - Weightless
03. Meg & Dia - Black Wedding
04. Kelly Clarkson - I Do Not Hook Up
05. Keri Hilson feat. Ne-Yo and Kanye West - Knock You Down
06. Mat Kearney - Closer To Love
07. Jessie James - Wanted
08. Ne-Yo - Part Of The List (DEBUT)
09. Paula DeAnda - Roll The Credits
10. Carolina Liar - Show Me What I'm Looking For
11. Kevin Rudolf feat. Kid Cudi - Welcome To The World
12. Jon McLaughlin - Smack Into You (#1 for 1 week)
13. Akon feat. Colby O'Donis and Kardinal Offishall - Beautiful
14. The Real You - Unwound
15. Quietdrive - Birthday (DEBUT)
16. Ne-Yo - Mad (#1 for 1 week)
17. Katy Perry - Waking Up In Vegas
18. Kings Of Leon - Sex On Fire
19. Carrie Underwood - Home Sweet Home (DEBUT)
20. The White Tie Affair - Candle (Sick And Tired) (#1 for 1 week)
21. The Veronicas - Take Me On The Floor
22. David Cook - Come Back To Me
23. Kelly Clarkson - Don't Let Me Stop You (#1 for 1 week)
24. Valencia - Where Did You Go? (#1 for 1 week)
25. P!nk - Please Don't Leave Me

Retired
None this week!

So close, yet so far
Matt Giraud - You Found Me
The Script - The Man Who Can't Be Moved
Holiday Parade - Getaway

Check back next week for the next top 25 playlist

Fresh Songs: New Meg & Dia, Mat Kearney, and Jessie James

2009-04-30T21:03:00.002-10:00

Quick reviews of some fresh pop-rock songs for this week...

Meg & Dia - Black Wedding: I gotta admit that I am not really a fan of Meg & Dia. Of sister-singing duos, I prefer the electropop-rock of The Veronicas and indie rockers Tegan & Sara. That said, I was rather surprised that I reacted very positively to their newest song and latest single off their just released Here, Here, and Here. The song is upbeat pop rock, the kind that will stick after multiple plays. The girly gravel in the half-Korean Frampton sisters works well with the song's sense of urgency. Gotta love the guitar riffs.

Mat Kearney - Closer To Love: I've been waiting for the follow-up to the earnest Nothing Left To Lose, and thankfully this one's a keeper. I love the interesting drumbeat that is consistent throughout the song, intertwined with the same simple piano notes and Mat's wistful and sweet vocal. Love song of 2009 nominee? His album City Of Black & White drops May 19.

Jessie James - Wanted: I see that this girl may be billed to be country's next big thing. However, her debut song is straight-up pop, with hints of rock and a little country twang. Nonetheless, the 21-year-old singer-songwriter who co-penned this with Kara DioGuardi powers through this very catchy anthem. If radio embraces this, like it is meant to, Jessie will truly be the second-coming of Shania Twain. Check out her video with Erik Von Detten who attempts to pursue her like the outlaw who shares her similar namesake.

Fresh Video - Kelly Clarkson's "I Do Not Hook Up"

2009-04-30T20:44:00.004-10:00

First off, I dig this song. Kelly Clarkson has taken a great demo by Katy Perry (her version was originally titled "Hook Up" and contained the line "Keep your thing in your pants and your heart on your sleeve"), enhanced it with her vocals and the help of the pop-rock production gleen of Howard Benson and made it her own. And for this potentially huge summer hit, Kelly gets to show off her sense of humor for second single off All I Ever Wanted, "I Do Not Hook Up". The video starts at a bougie brunch or function of some sort. A virtuous-looking Kelly eyes the waiter who is serving champagne and in her fantasy, she removes her conservative-looking sweater, revealing a red cocktail dress, agressively throws him onto the table, gets on top of him, and kisses him. The terrifying looks on the guests' faces were LOL-funny. In the second fantasy, Kelly is having a girls night-out at the bar and eyes a guy across the room who is playing pool. In fantasy mode, she gets into heavier drinking, plops on top of the table and at this point the video becomes a scene right out of Coyote Ugly. Another LOL-moment is when she slips off the table and falls into the bar with everyone in shock. In her graceful recovery, she gets on her feet, holding a beer bottle, and acts like nothing happened as she yells out "Woo!". Priceless. Gotta love a drunk Kelly Clarkson.

If I am allowed to nitpick, the only thing I can gripe about it was the fact that as a developed concept, the two fantasies didn't really relate to each other, and the only cohesive piece was infatuated Kelly. I love music videos with plot, but this one just seemed incomplete and left me wanting more than I what I actually saw. I think the first fantasy should have been further utilized because the "wealthy heiress falling in love with the help" storyline has oodles of entertainment potential, rather than the bar scenes. That, or simply just left the video as a "girls night out". Perhaps director Bryan Barber couldn't decide between the two and decided to keep both, and this is the result we see here?

Kelly Clarkson - New Music - More Music Videos

Top 25 Playlist for Monday, April 27, 2009

2009-04-27T16:25:00.001-10:00

Friss Zene Top 25 for the week ending on Monday, 04.27.09

Much deserved first place goes to a band that doesn't seem to get the credit they deserve. Note to radio: go ahead and love this song like you did with "The Reason", por favor!

01. Hoobastank - So Close, So Far (#1 for 1 week)
02. Ne-Yo - Mad (#1 for 1 week)
03. All Time Low - Weightless
04. Kelly Clarkson - I Do Not Hook Up
05. Paula DeAnda - Roll The Credits
06. Keri Hilson feat. Ne-Yo and Kanye West - Knock You Down
07. The Real You - Unwound
08. Kelly Clarkson - Don't Let Me Stop You (#1 for 1 week)
09. Jon McLaughlin - Smack Into You (#1 for 1 week)
10. Akon feat. Colby O'Donis and Kardinal Offishall - Beautiful
11. Meg & Dia - Black Wedding (DEBUT)
12. Carolina Liar - Show Me What I'm Looking For
13. The Veronicas - Take Me On The Floor
14. Matt Giraud - You Found Me
15. The White Tie Affair - Candle (Sick And Tired) (#1 for 1 week)
16. Kevin Rudolf feat. Kid Cudi - Welcome To The World
17. Kings Of Leon - Sex On Fire
18. Katy Perry - Waking Up In Vegas
19. The Script - The Man Who Can't Be Moved
20. P!nk - Please Don't Leave Me
21. David Cook - Come Back To Me
22. Jessie James - Wanted (DEBUT)
23. Valencia - Where Did You Go? (#1 for 1 week)
24. Mat Kearney - Closer To Love (DEBUT)
25. Holiday Parade - Getaway

Retired
Lady GaGa - Poker Face

So close, yet so far
Evan Taubenfeld - Boy Meets Girl
Hey Monday - How You Love Me Know (#1 for 1 week)

Check back next week for the next top 25 playlist

Top 25 Playlist for Tuesday, April 21, 2009

2009-04-21T19:32:00.002-10:00

Friss Zene Top 25 for the week ending on Tuesday, 04.21.09

After hovering near the top for many weeks and being denied the top spot, Ne-Yo's piano ballad finally gets his keep...although it was a close one. With the judges using their 'save' on would-be eliminated Idol Matt Giraud, I was almost swayed. Major kudos for writing a song that continues to resonate, Shaffer.

01. Ne-Yo - Mad (#1 for 1 week)
02. Matt Giraud - You Found Me
03. Hoobastank - So Close, So Far
04. Kelly Clarkson - Don't Let Me Stop You (#1 for 1 week)
05. The Real You - Unwound
06. Jon McLaughlin - Smack Into You (#1 for 1 week)
07. The White Tie Affair - Candle (Sick And Tired) (#1 for 1 week)
08. Paula DeAnda - Roll The Credits
09. Keri Hilson feat. Ne-Yo and Kanye West - Knock You Down (DEBUT)
10. All Time Low - Weightless
11. P!nk - Please Don't Leave Me
12. Akon feat. Colby O'Donis and Kardinal Offishall - Beautiful
13. Kelly Clarkson - I Do Not Hook Up
14. David Cook - Come Back To Me
15. The Veronicas - Take Me On The Floor
16. Kings Of Leon - Sex On Fire
17. Kevin Rudolf feat. Kid Cudi - Welcome To The World
18. Evan Taubenfeld - Boy Meets Girl
19. Katy Perry - Waking Up In Vegas
20. The Script - The Man Who Can't Be Moved
21. Hey Monday - How You Love Me Know (#1 for 1 week)
22. Holiday Parade - Getaway
23. Lady GaGa - Poker Face
24. Valencia - Where Did You Go? (#1 for 1 week)
25. Carolina Liar - Show Me What I'm Looking For

Retired
None this week!

So close, yet so far
Artist Vs Poet - Runaway

Check back next week for the next top 25 playlist

Cover Art Love: The Real You

2009-04-19T17:38:00.008-10:00

Although, I don't like judging the content of a book or album by its cover art, I admit that it certainly does help in confirming the awesomeness that is contained within. Case-in-point: The Real You's Better Now Than Never EP. The vibrant green and blue aesthetic of a boy conductor who is orchestrating around the beautiful urban world surrounding him complements the music by the Pacific Northwest-based unsigned band. I loved it so much that I used it as my background paper for my desktop.

I first heard of them from my friend (a.k.a. my musical counterpart) Maricel who witnessed the band open for Lifehouse back last spring at Pipeline. I never really gave them a second thought until I came across their album art and started giving them a listen. I am such a fan of piano-based rock, so I knew I'd enjoy their music from the moment I listened to their melodies. So if you enjoy Keane and Jack's Mannequin, give them a listen, including their song "Unwound"! They will be coming out with a full length debut record very soon.

The Real You's MySpace Page

Fresh R&B: Quick takes on new Keri Hilson, Paula DeAnda, Akon, and J.Hud

2009-04-18T16:41:00.007-10:00

You know I feature a lot of pop, rock, and pop-punk stuff, but seldom do anything on R&B, but you can guess from my Top 20/25 playlists that I do have an open ear for it. Because I am all for equal-opportunity listening, here are a few "reviews" of the freshest releases in the genre...

Keri Hilson featuring Ne-Yo & Kanye West - Knock You Down: Keri Hilson finally released her debut album, which was two way-long years coming, and delivered with a song that is driven by its triumphant, pulsating beat and smooth vocals. I would categorize this song as a R&B epic -- not only for clocking in at a length of five and a half minutes, but because it also features two guest stars: male vocals by Ne-Yo (including a neat reference to his song "Miss Independent") and raps by Kanye.

Jennifer Hudson - If This Isn't Love: I didn't care much for her debut single "Spotlight" so I gave her new single a listen and the Ryan Tedder-like production and piano over R&B hooks caught my attention. This ballad is a grower, so who knows how well it'll do. Her vocal performance of the song on Idol, however, does makes it clear that this year's resident R&B diva-wannabe Lil Rounds truly pales in comparison.

Akon featuring Colby O'Donis & Kardinal Offishall - Beautiful: I liked the original mix which featured only Akon, but this version is definitely better. Colby's smooth vocals and Kardinal's rap added another dimension to the song. Electro-pop FTW!

Paula DeAnda - Roll The Credits: A few years ago, an up-and-coming R&B songstress delivered a few noteworthy songs like "Walk Away" and "Doing Too Much". Now she is back with an upcoming sophomore album this summer and this slow jam that was just released a few weeks ago. Paula's sweet croon and unique usage of cinematic metaphor definitely makes this song a keeper. Hoping radio embraces this one.

Top 25 Playlist for Monday, April 13, 2009

2009-04-13T18:14:00.001-10:00

Friss Zene Top 25 for the week ending on Monday, 04.13.09

I just couldn't get "Smack Into You" outta my head this past week. Take a song with wistful, beautiful lyrics, a voice to match, and the piano and you've got a fan in me.

01. Jon McLaughlin - Smack Into You (#1 for 1 week)
02. Matt Giraud/The Fray - You Found Me
03. Kelly Clarkson - Don't Let Me Stop You (#1 for 1 week)
04. The White Tie Affair - Candle (Sick And Tired) (#1 for 1 week)
05. Hoobastank - So Close, So Far
06. Ne-Yo - Mad
07. David Cook - Come Back To Me
08. Evan Taubenfeld - Boy Meets Girl
09. All Time Low - Weightless
10. Paula DeAnda - Roll The Credits
11. Akon feat. Colby O'Donis and Kardinal Offishall - Beautiful
12. Kevin Rudolf feat. Kid Cudi - Welcome To The World
13. Kings of Leon - Sex On Fire
14. Hey Monday - How You Love Me Know (#1 for 1 week)
15. Holiday Parade - Getaway
16. The Script - The Man Who Can't Be Moved (RE-ENTRY)
17. P!nk - Please Don't Leave Me (DEBUT)
18. The Real You - Unwound
19. Lady GaGa - Poker Face
20. Artist Vs Poet - Runaway
21. Katy Perry - Waking Up In Vegas
22. Kelly Clarkson - I Do Not Hook Up (RE-ENTRY)
23. Valencia - Where Did You Go? (#1 for 1 week)
24. Carolina Liar - Show Me What I'm Looking For (DEBUT)
25. The Veronicas - Take Me On The Floor

Retired
Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (2 weeks at #1)
James Morrison feat. Nelly Furtado - Broken Strings (1 week at #1)

So close, yet so far
Kings of Leon - Use Somebody
Craig David - Insomnia
Lights - Ice

Check back next week for the next top 25 playlist

Please Don't Leave P!nk

2009-04-11T20:08:00.007-10:00

P!nk's new video for her third single off Funhouse, "Please Don't Leave Me", features actor Eric Lively as her fallen lover whose subsequent attempts to leave her house -- under which he is basically taken hostage in -- have been futile. And P!nk plays a convincing hybrid of desperate housewife and psychotic nurse from hell. The video is guided under the helm of longtime P!nk director Dave Meyers, who continues the tradition of creating memorable images for the artist.

'Cept this one's bizarre, a bit creepy, distrubing, and veiled under a very dark sense of humor. In other words, very P!nk.

Top 25 Playlist for Wednesday, April 8, 2009

2009-04-08T17:36:00.002-10:00

Friss Zene Top 25 for the week ending on Wednesday, 04.08.09

A band is on top once again...this time with The White Tie Affair's "Candle". I blame it on those Rhapsody/Verizon Wireless commercials.

01. The White Tie Affair - Candle (Sick And Tired) (#1 for 1 week)
02. All Time Low - Weightless
03. Kelly Clarkson - Don't Let Me Stop You (#1 for 1 week)
04. Hoobastank - So Close, So Far
05. Matt Giraud - You Found Me (DEBUT)
06. David Cook - Come Back To Me (RE-ENTRY)
07. Hey Monday - How You Love Me Know (#1 for 1 week)
08. Jon McLaughlin - Smack Into You (DEBUT)
09. Ne-Yo - Mad
10. Holiday Parade - Getaway
11. Lady GaGa - Poker Face
12. Kevin Rudolf feat. Kid Cudi - Welcome To The World
13. Kings of Leon - Sex On Fire (DEBUT)
14. Evan Taubenfeld - Boy Meets Girl (DEBUT)
15. James Morrison feat. Nelly Furtado - Broken Strings (#1 for 1 week)
16. The Real You - Unwound
17. Katy Perry - Waking Up In Vegas
18. Valencia - Where Did You Go? (#1 for 1 week)
19. Paula DeAnda - Roll The Credits (DEBUT)
20. Kings of Leon - Use Somebody
21. Artist Vs Poet - Runaway
22. Craig David - Insomnia
23. The Veronicas - Take Me On The Floor
24. Lights - Ice
25. Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (#1 for 2 weeks)

Retired
Katy Perry - Thinking Of You (2 weeks at #1)
Lily Allen - The Fear (1 week at #1)

So close, yet so far
New Found Glory - Listen To Your Friends
Shinedown - Second Chance
Jesse McCartney feat. Ludacris - How Do You Sleep?
This Providence - That Girl's A Trick

Check back next week for the next top 25 playlist

Loves At First Listen: A couple of Idols and Piano Men

2009-04-05T18:17:00.012-10:00

"Smack Into You" - Jon McLaughlin: The song was revealed late last summer by Jon as a sort of preview of what to expect on his sophomore album OK Now, but when it was time for it to hit stores, the song was mysteriously left off the record and months later found on Beyonce's I Am... disc re-titled as "Smash Into You". Despite the odd turn for the song, Jon's earnest croon and piano skills make this a signature tune. ~~And Beyonce's version just doesn't compare to the original.~~ ETA: I just found a fan-made duet of a mash-up of both versions and it actually sounds great. And I take back what I said about Beyonce. Both of their voices go so well together that they should actually get together and release an official duet. It would be a huge hit!

"Don't Let Me Stop You" - Kelly Clarkson: Although "I Do Not Hook Up" is slated to be the second official single release off All I Ever Wanted, this catchy pop rock song is a clear standout with mega hit potential. The first introductory chords are very reminscent of "Behind These Hazel Eyes" and the song veers into classic KC Breakaway-era style as she scornfully kisses off a lover who cannot commit. I had this one on repeat.

"Boy Meets Girl - Evan Taubenfeld: I love songs that references big 80s arena rock bands and songs in a modern-day pop song. It is a surefire way to get a hit, and this former Avril Lavigne guitarist-turned-singer-songwriter may very well get his with this anthemic ode to love from a rockers' P.O.V. Minus points for pronouncing Tupac's name as "two-pack", though.

"You Found Me" - Matt Giraud: Okay, so I have not completely abandoned this show. IMHO, Matt and Allison Iraheta (and maybe Adam Lambert) are the only two contestants left who have the greatest potential to have successful post-Idol recording careers. Take Matt's effortless studio cover of The Fray's current hit which previews how fantastic his raspy/soulful vocals sound on a record.

**This is a re-post. I have no idea how or why the original entry was deleted, but it was, and now it's back. Thanks!**

Fresh Video - David Cook's "Come Back To Me"

2009-04-01T22:59:00.008-10:00

At long last, David Cook is releasing his second single off his eponymous debut album (which, BTW, recently garnered RIAA Platinum status), "Come Back To Me", to mainstream radio while concurrently releasing "Bar-Ba-Sol" to rock radio later this spring. In anticipation for the former's release, David just premiered the accompanying music video on AT&T's music site, performed tonight on the results show of American Idol (Megan Joy got the boot. Praise Jesus).

The video, directed by Gavin Bowden, starts with David washing his hands and looking into the bathroom mirror of a music venue. He plays with his band, leaves, passes an alley, through the woods at one point, takes a taxi cab and ends up at the airport (baggage claim carousels, escalators, and all) -- all the while walking backwards in an ode to Coldplay's "The Scientist" video in which it borrows its reverse narrative style. It all makes sense at the end, and explains the somber attitude David portrays in the video, when he kisses his girlfriend (played by model Sarah Roemer) and bids a farewell to his lover before she takes her flight.

Anyway, very nice looking video. I was actually impressed by the video's cinematography. And kudos to David for singing the entire song backwards! It is quite a feat.

Fresh Video - Hey Monday's "How You Love Me Now"

2009-03-31T16:24:00.007-10:00

Whoa! Whooooa!

I'm loving this song and the band at the moment. Yeah, there has been many comparisons between Florida-based Hey Monday and Paramore, and perhaps they are bound to occur when both lead vocalists are women. But the voices between HM's Cassadee Pope and Paramore's Hayley Williams could not be anymore different. Hayley has a distinctly charged punk rock sound while Cassadee's voice is saccharine-sweet and youthful (reminds me of Canadian indie pop singer Lights), which suits the type of music her band is putting out there, representing the "pop" end of the pop-punk spectrum, and by the sounds of their interviews, they are fully embracing it.

Anyway, the band premiered their new video for the second single "How You Love Me Now" from their Decaydance/Columbia debut album Hold On Tight on Myspace today.

Here are some screencaps, in which the very pretty Cassadee and her rocker boys work at an exclusive summer beach club, in which their emo/punk styles seem out of place with the predominantly preppy Abercrombie & Fitch clientele they serve. A preppy Casanova dude tries to pursue Cassadee (his bitches are giggling, so was it a dare?) but it's pretty much a fail as Cass is too smart not to fall for his shizz.

The title of hero truly belongs to bassist Jersey Moriarty who had two great moments in the video: (1) he leads the tug-of-war win in which his extra pull sends preppy Casanova into the mud along with his deflated ego, and (2) shows that even emo boys possess athletic prowess by throwing the touchdown pass to Cassadee. (Pssst...of course, the emo/different/unconventional kids are truly the coolest.)

Hey Monday - How You Love Me Now

Top 25 Playlist for March 30, 2009

2009-03-30T21:26:00.001-10:00

Friss Zene Top 25 for the week ending on Monday, 03.30.09

Ne-Yo just can't get a break...he's at number 2 yet again while a debut KC non-single makes it on top. It's THAT GOOD. Look for a future "Love At First Listen" post very soon...

01. Kelly Clarkson - Don't Let Me Stop You (#1 for 1 week) (DEBUT)
02. Ne-Yo - Mad
03. Hey Monday - How You Love Me Know (#1 for 1 week)
04. James Morrison feat. Nelly Furtado - Broken Strings (#1 for 1 week)
05. Valencia - Where Did You Go? (#1 for 1 week)
06. The Real You - Unwound
07. Hoobastank - So Close, So Far
08. Lady GaGa - Poker Face
09. Katy Perry - Waking Up In Vegas
10. Holiday Parade - Getaway (DEBUT)
11. Kings of Leon - Use Somebody
12. All Time Low - Weightless (DEBUT)
13. New Found Glory - Listen To Your Friends
14. Shinedown - Second Chance
15. Lights - Ice (DEBUT)
16. Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (#1 for 2 weeks)
17. The Veronicas - Take Me On The Floor (DEBUT)
18. The White Tie Affair - Candle (RE-ENTRY)
19. Craig David - Insomnia
20. Kevin Rudolf feat. Kid Cudi - Welcome To The World (DEBUT)
21. Artist Vs Poet - Runaway
22. Jesse McCartney feat. Ludacris - How Do You Sleep? (RE-ENTRY)
23. Lily Allen - The Fear (#1 for 1 week)
24. This Providence - That Girl's A Trick
25. Katy Perry - Thinking Of You (#1 for 2 weeks)

Retired
Katy Perry - Hot N' Cold

So close, yet so far
Ciara feat. Young Jeezy - Never Ever
Taylor Swift - Forever & Always
The Ting Tings - That's Not My Name
T.I. feat. Justin Timberlake - Dead And Gone
Hikaru Utada - Come Back To Me
Fall Out Boy - America's Suitehearts
Aranda - All I Ever Wanted

Check back next week for the next top 25 playlist...and stay tuned to the premiere of Hey Monday's new video for their single "How You Love Me Now" via Myspace tomorrow.

Peace out, Blender

2009-03-27T12:36:00.004-10:00

Bad/Sad news: A popular music publication is folding...and that magazine is Blender. Born in the beginning of the decade, Blender was really the only mainstream music magazine worth browsing through because of its witty writing, hip recommendations (The Blender Bible, Guide, and Top lists of whatever), and coverage of the aritsts and musicians I love...and were willing to put the biggest pop stars on their covers (Kelly! Katy! Leona!)

I had a feeling that the end was coming, since the last few issues of the magazine had lost its original binding and quantity (their latest and final print issue contains a paltry 72 pages). And to think, I was about to subscribe to Blender after my rather disappointing subscription affair with Rolling Stone ran its long, long course.

Mainstream music mag heir apparent, where are you??!?

Top 25 Playlist for March 22, 2009

2009-03-22T17:37:00.002-10:00

Friss Zene Top 25 for the week ending on Sunday, 03.22.09

Whoa! Whoooa! Newbie pop-punkers Hey Monday claim Numero Uno this week.

01. Hey Monday - How You Love Me Know (#1 for 1 week)
02. Ne-Yo - Mad
03. The Real You - Unwound
04. James Morrison feat. Nelly Furtado - Broken Strings (#1 for 1 week)
05. Valencia - Where Did You Go? (#1 for 1 week)
06. Craig David - Insomnia
07. Lady GaGa - Poker Face
08. Hoobastank - So Close, So Far
09. Kings of Leon - Use Somebody
10. Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (#1 for 2 weeks)
11. Ciara feat. Young Jeezy - Never Ever
12. This Providence - That Girl's A Trick
13. Taylor Swift - Forever & Always
14. The Ting Tings - That's Not My Name
15. New Found Glory - Listen To Your Friends (RE-ENTRY)
16. Lily Allen - The Fear (#1 for 1 week)
17. Artist Vs Poet - Runaway
18. Katy Perry - Thinking Of You (#1 for 2 weeks)
19. T.I. feat. Justin Timberlake - Dead And Gone
20. Shinedown - Second Chance (DEBUT)
21. Katy Perry - Hot N' Cold
22. Hikaru Utada - Come Back To Me
23. Fall Out Boy - America's Suitehearts
24. Katy Perry - Waking Up In Vegas (DEBUT)
25. Aranda - All I Ever Wanted

Retired
Valencia - Free (#1 for 2 weeks)

So close, yet so far
Kelly Clarkson - I Do Not Hook Up
The Veronicas - Hook Me Up

Check back next week for the next top 25 playlist.

Happy Birthday to Us: Lady GaGa et Moi

2009-03-20T20:33:00.003-10:00

Left: Lady GaGa; Right: ~~Lady GaGa~~ concert bud Megan and I, pre-Yellowcard concert last April.

LMAO. Twenty-three years ago today, Stefani Germanotta a.k.a. Lady GaGa was born, along with a certain Friss Zene blog writer by the name of Ray V. ;)

Privileged to share the exact birthday with the freshest face of electro-dance pop, I dedicate this post to the quirky OTT blonde fashionista who has brought us hits with liners like "Puh-puh-puh poker face, puh-puh f*ck her face" and this little ditty...just...'cuz!

Top 25 Playlist for March 16, 2009

2009-03-16T17:37:00.001-10:00

Friss Zene Top 25 for the week ending on Monday, 03.16.09

British troubadour James Morrison takes it to the top with Nelly Furtado with their tragic ballad...

01. James Morrison feat. Nelly Furtado - Broken Strings (#1 for 1 week)
02. Craig David - Insomnia
03. Ne-Yo - Mad
04. Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (#1 for 2 weeks)
05. The Real You - Unwound
06. Valencia - Where Did You Go? (#1 for 1 week)
07. Kings of Leon - Use Somebody
08. Taylor Swift - Forever & Always
09. Lily Allen - The Fear (#1 for 1 week)
10. This Providence - That Girl's A Trick
11. Hey Monday - How You Love Me Now (DEBUT)
12. Katy Perry - Thinking Of You (#1 for 2 weeks)
13. T.I. feat. Justin Timberlake - Dead And Gone
14. Hoobastank - So Close, So Far
15. Katy Perry - Hot N' Cold
16. Lady Gaga - Poker Face
17. Artist Vs Poet - Runaway
18. Aranda - All I Ever Wanted
19. Hikaru Utada - Come Back To Me
20. Ciara feat. Young Jeezy - Never Ever
21. Fall Out Boy - America's Suitehearts
22. Valencia - Free (#1 for 2 weeks)
23. The Ting Tings - That's Not My Name (DEBUT)
24. Kelly Clarkson - I Do Not Hook Up
25. The Veronicas - Hook Me Up

So close, yet so far
A Rocket To The Moon - Dakota
Shontelle feat. Akon - Stuck With Each Other

Check back next week for the next top 20/25 playlist.

Top 25 Playlist for March 8, 2009

2009-03-08T21:00:00.002-10:00

Friss Zene Top 25 for the week ending on Sunday, 03.08.09

Twenty-five, because there's much more to love // Kelly's newest album hits stores Tuesday!

01. Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (#1 for 2 weeks)
02. Valencia - Where Did You Go? (#1 for 1 week)
03. Ne-Yo - Mad
04. Craig David - Insomnia
05. Kings of Leon - Use Somebody
06. Aranda - All I Ever Wanted (DEBUT)
07. Lily Allen - The Fear (#1 for 1 week)
08. Katy Perry - Hot N' Cold
09. T.I. feat. Justin Timberlake - Dead And Gone
10. The Real You - Unwound
11. James Morrison feat. Nelly Furtado - Broken Strings (DEBUT)
12. The Veronicas - Hook Me Up
13. Katy Perry - Thinking Of You (#1 for 2 weeks)
14. Valencia - Free (#1 for 2 weeks)
15. Hoobastank - So Close So Far
16. Fall Out Boy - America's Suitehearts
17. Artist Vs Poet - Runaway
18. Taylor Swift - Forever & Always (DEBUT)
19. This Providence - That Girl's A Trick
20. Hikaru Utada - Come Back To Me (DEBUT)
21. Ciara feat. Young Jeezy - Never Ever (DEBUT)
22. A Rocket To The Moon - Dakota (DEBUT)
23. Lady Gaga - Poker Face (RE-ENTRY)
24. Shontelle feat. Akon - Stuck With Each Other (RE-ENTRY)
25. Kelly Clarkson - I Do Not Hook Up (DEBUT)

So close, yet so far
The Fray - You Found Me
The Saturdays - Issues
Christina Milian - Us Against The World
David Cook - Avalanche

Check back next week Sunday for the next top 20/25 playlist.

The elimination of Ricky Braddy sealed the coffin for Season 8

2009-03-05T20:57:00.010-10:00

It is a sad day when being a the best singer in a supposed singing competition is not enough, as it was the case for Ricky Braddy, the North Carolinian dude who served chicken fingers but possessed an amazing vocal talent, yet was cut short of the American Idol Top 12 again. He had virtually no screen time in the lead up to his first public vote but instantly won fans based on ONE performance. He was, thankfully and rightfully, brought back as a Wild Card contestant because he showed legitimate vocal ability and was arguably one of the better singers than those who became finalists.

But instead of celebrating, it was a night of heartbreak as tonight, the judges harped on his performance of Stevie Wonder's "Superstition" even after taking the criticism that he previously lacked personality and proved to the judges that he could be an entertainer, as well as a great vocalist. I was slightly hoping that Paula would be his lifesaver, but this time around, the judges, as a collective, gave him the boot. And let's face it. The cards were stacked against him. America never really got to know his personality and was dismissed as a boring but good singer, as alluded by Simon. He certainly was never given his due and the judges/producers/TPTB really disappointed me on passing people like Ricky, Felicia Barton, and Mishavonna Henson, especially over the likes of Megan (Joy) Corkrey, who cannot carry a tune but the judges claim she has this great appeal that I cannot comprehend, and Jasmine Murray, whose "commercial" viability is simply overhyped vanilla. It is a given that these two will not win American Idol, so why even give them shots? Oh right...this isn't a singing competition. Right.

Goes to show the harsh reality of this damn television show: good guys finish last while the dramatic and pretty Miss Personalities win this kind of rat race. Who is the David Cook, Carrie Underwood, or Kelly Clarkson of Season 8? I am hard-pressed to find someone like them to root for.

Fresh Band Love - Aranda - All I Ever Wanted

2009-03-02T20:02:00.004-10:00

So I couldn't help but give a listen to a leak of Kelly Clarkson's newest album All I Ever Wanted, thanks to the iTunes Norway store, and did a little digging to find out a good handful of the songs on the disc are covers from other artists and bands: two songs came from Katy Perry's abandoned debut rock album ("Long Shot" and Kelly's second single "I Do Not Hook Up") and another two songs came from a little-known indie rock band by the name of Aranda. The band lent Kelly two songs from their eponymous 2008 disc: the eventual title track "All I Ever Wanted" and the rock headbanger "Whyyawannabringmedown". Kelly's versions, thankfully, strayed very little from the originals, in terms of melodies and vocals. The instant I heard Kelly's version of "All I Ever Wanted", my curiosity lead me to learn more about this band.

Aranda is a Oklahoma-based band, consisting of brothers Dameon and Gabe Aranda. Upon hearing a bit of their live performances on YouTube, they create a very distinct musical sound that defies singular musical classification. Namely, "All I Ever Wanted" is a shining example of the band's best sound, as it infuses rock with a little bit of funk and sung with an ample amount of soul. Then there are straight-up rock songs like "Still In The Dark" and the aforementioned "Whyyawannabringmedown", raspy soul on "It Ain't Easy", a brief country appearance on "Hooked On You" and southern blues on "Testify" and "Another Day".

BUY Aranda's album HERE!

Collectively, the songs amazingly work well together as it stands as a testament to the band's love for different styles of music and how they are able to compliment those sounds to their fantastic vocals. It is no wonder why such a popular mainstream artist like Kelly Clarkson and TPTB felt confident with Aranda's songs having pop sensibility and crossover appeal. Anyway, I hope this band goes very far from this exposure, as they will finally deserve some recognition for their fantastic songs.

Top 20 Playlist for March 1, 2009

2009-03-01T15:31:00.002-10:00

Friss Zene Top 20 for the week ending on Sunday, 03.01.09

Happy March, folks! Valencia gets toppled by...Valencia. What a coup.

01. Valencia - Where Did You Go? (#1 for 1 week) (DEBUT)
02. Craig David - Insomnia
03. Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (#1 for 1 week)
04. Ne-Yo - Mad
05. Valencia - Free (#1 for 2 weeks)
06. Katy Perry - Thinking Of You (#1 for 2 weeks)
07. T.I. feat. Justin Timberlake - Dead And Gone
08. Lily Allen - The Fear (#1 for 1 week)
09. Katy Perry - Hot N' Cold
10. Kings of Leon - Use Somebody (DEBUT)
11. Hoobastank - So Close So Far
12. Fall Out Boy - America's Suitehearts
13. David Cook - Avalanche
14. The Real You - Unwound
15. Artist Vs Poet - Runaway (DEBUT)
16. The Veronicas - Hook Me Up (DEBUT)
17. The Saturdays - Issues
18. This Providence - That Girl's A Trick (DEBUT)
19. Christina Milian - Us Against The World (DEBUT)
20. The Fray - You Found Me

So close, yet so far
Leona Lewis - I Will Be
VersaEmerge - Past Praying For
Ricky Braddy - A Song For You
Eric Hutchinson - Rock & Roll
Shontelle feat. Akon - Stuck With Each Other
The All-American Rejects - I Wanna

Check back next week Sunday for the next top 20 playlist.

Love At First Listen - Valencia's "Where Did You Go?"

2009-02-28T21:34:00.003-10:00

Let me formally introduce you to Valencia. I've never been to any of their shows (although I would love to) but they are a band that I have been digging since I got a hold of their music. This relatively young quintet started out in 2004 and were originally on indie label I Surrender and now has a home on the major label turf of Columbia.

The band: Shane Henderson (vocals, top left), JD Perry (guitar, top middle), and George Ciukurescu (bass, bottom left) are 23, Brendan Walter (guitar, top right) is 22, and the elder statesman of the group is (Filipino/Pinoy!) 26-year-old drummer Maxim Loria (bottom right).

I've listened to a good chunk of pop-punk bands and so I can't fathom how a band as good as Valencia managed to escape my ears last year as they released their remarkable sophomore album (and major label debut) We All Need A Reason To Believe late last summer. I guess it is a case of sooner rather than later, since the album is full of pop-punk gems that are reminiscent of another Philadelphia band's latest album -- The Starting Line's Direction. Like the latter, the former is full of thoughtfully-written lyrics, wrought with emotion, and brought to full-force impact through anthemic rock choruses and power melodies.

Aside from my first love of "Free", the end trak on WANARTB, I gave Valencia's latest single, "Where Did You Go?" a listen and instantly found it as a track I could literally listen on a loop for a month. It is that powerful.

The song's message is indicative of the general themes of WANARTB: maturation, reflection, and mourning. In interpreting the song's lyrics, Shane tells the story of a man who is coping with the difficult end of a relationship. I later learned that Shane's girlfriend was killed in an accident in 2006 so this revelation does enhance the meaning of the song as the subject mourns the loss of his lover with his last words to her:

And it feels like this is the last chance I have to say every word that I've been fighting / Well, I have finally decided to hold my head up with pride and accept the way life takes you through these changes / 'Cause when you reach the stars, you've made it

Max's drumming throughout the song, the crunching guitars, and Shane's vocals all contribute to the song's message in the chorus: I get a little down on myself but when you came around, my whole world felt new / I opened up my eyes to the light and I saw deep inside of a love I felt was true / And if I ever let you go, I'm hoping that some time will show / That you're the one, You're the one for me

Check out their video, in which the band pays tribute to their hometown of Philly. The video may look low-budget (which makes me question the amount of money Columbia actually invested in promoting this band, alas I digress) but the song and this amazing band far makes up for it.

Rock Idol + Country Idol

2009-02-24T15:11:00.002-10:00

To celebrate the opening of the American Idol Experience at Walt Disney World, Season 4 AI winner Carrie Underwood and most recent crowned David Cook were on hand to perform a duet of the Fleetwood Mac classic "Go Your Own Way". They both sounded great together. Perhaps they can go into the studio and record the track??

Take a look of their performance video by JeffLangeDVD:

Top 20 Playlist for February 22, 2009

2009-02-22T12:50:00.000-10:00

Friss Zene Top 20 for the week ending on Sunday, 02.22.09

"Free" stays put...

01. Valencia - Free (#1 for 2 weeks)
02. Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (#1 for 1 week)
03. Lily Allen - The Fear (#1 for 1 week)
04. David Cook - Avalanche
05. Katy Perry - Thinking Of You (#1 for 2 weeks)
06. Ne-Yo - Mad
07. The Fray - You Found Me
08. Fall Out Boy - America's Suitehearts
09. T.I. feat. Justin Timberlake - Dead And Gone
10. Katy Perry - Hot N' Cold
11. Hoobastank - So Close, So Far
12. The Real You - Unwound (DEBUT)
13. The Saturdays - Issues
14. Leona Lewis - I Will Be
15. VersaEmerge - Past Praying For
16. Ricky Braddy - A Song For You (DEBUT)
17. Eric Hutchinson - Rock & Roll
18. Shontelle feat. Akon - Stuck With Each Other
19. Craig David - Insomnia
20. The All-American Rejects - I Wanna (RE-ENTRY)

So close, yet so far
We The Kings - Secret Valentine
Beyonce - Halo
Secondhand Serenade - Your Call

Check back next week Sunday for the next top 20 playlist.

Top 20 Playlist for February 15, 2009

2009-02-15T17:40:00.001-10:00

Friss Zene Top 20 for the week ending on Sunday, 02.15.09

Sorpresa! Valencia is #1 - rock is finally on top (of the world :) for the first time in '09.

01. Valencia - Free (#1 for 1 week)
02. Lily Allen - The Fear (#1 for 1 week)
03. Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (#1 for 1 week)
04. Fall Out Boy - America's Suitehearts
05. Katy Perry - Thinking Of You (#1 for 2 weeks)
06. The Saturdays - Issues
07. Eric Hutchinson - Rock & Roll
08. The Fray - You Found Me
09. David Cook - Avalanche (DEBUT)
10. Leona Lewis - I Will Be
11. Katy Perry - Hot N' Cold
12. Craig David - Insomnia
13. Ne-Yo - Mad
14. Shontelle feat. Akon - Stuck With Each Other (DEBUT)
15. T.I. feat. Justin Timberlake - Dead And Gone (DEBUT)
16. We The Kings - Secret Valentine
17. Hoobastank - So Close, So Far (DEBUT)
18. Beyonce - Halo
19. VersaEmerge - Past Praying For (DEBUT)
20. Secondhand Serenade - Your Call

So close, yet so far
John Legend - Everybody Knows
Leona Lewis - Run (#1 for 1 week)
David Archuleta - A Little Too Not Over You
New Found Glory - Listen To Your Friends
The Veronicas - Untouched

Check back next week Sunday for the next top 20 playlist.

V'Day Playlist

2009-02-14T20:57:00.010-10:00

It is ~~Singles Awareness Day~~ ~~Valentine's Day~~ ~~February 14~~ V'Day -- the day loving becomes official. In that spirit of love, not that I can say I've ever been in love, I can certainly appreciate the words of others who have. Here is a list of twelve of my favorite L-O-V-E songs of the bands and artists who have done their job of tugging at the heartstrings...

David Cook - Avalanche: "I feel alive beside you, and all at once I am whole again"

Sum 41 - With Me: "In front of your eyes, it falls from the skies. When you don't know what you're looking to find"

Lifehouse - Everything: "How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you? Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?"

Dashboard Confessional - Hands Down: "Just lay entwined here, undiscovered. Safe in here from all the stupid questions, 'Hey did you get some?' Man, that is so dumb. Stay quiet, stay near, stay close they can't hear...so we can get some"

We The Kings - Secret Valentine: "When guilt fills your head, brush off, rise up from the dead. This is the moment that we will come alive. Brace yourself for love, sweet love, secret love"

No Doubt - Underneath It All: "So many moons that we have seen stumbling back next to me, I've seen right through and underneath and you make me better"

James Morrison - You Give Me Something: "Cause you give me something that makes me scared, alright, this could be nothing but I'm willing to give it a try. Please give me something 'cause someday I might know my heart"

Motion City Soundtrack - Antonia: "She's the pizza of my eye, without her near me I would not survive"

New Found Glory - Hold My Hand: "The way your words keep me in line, I know what I'm here for, waking up to the green of your eyes, it's something I'll get used to"

Snow Patrol - You're All I Have: "You're cinematic razor sharp, a welcome arrow through the heart. Under your skin feels like home, electric shocks on aching bones"

Aqualung - Brighter Than Sunshine: "Tied up in ancient history, I didnt believe in destiny, I look up you're standing next to me, what a feeling."

Ray LaMontagne - Hold You In My Arms: "When you kissed my lips with my mouth so full of questions, my worried mind that you quiet. Place your hands on my face, close my eyes and say that love is a poor man's food. Don't prophesize"

Fresh Coverage: Pop-punk boys take on dance, country, and folk...

2009-02-13T21:10:00.008-10:00

Because covering a song may very well be the biggest form of musical flattery, here are a few discoveries from some of my favorite pop-punk bands/indie artists as they bring interesting twists to some familiar mainstream hit songs...and while you're at it, go check out their original stuff...you won't soon regret it.

Forever The Sickest Kids - Love Story: The power pop sextet takes on Taylor Swift's country-pop hit about teenage love) from Romeo's P.O.V.

A Cursive Memory - Disturbia: This teenage foursome surprisingly give a funky/soulful rendition of Rihanna's '08 summer jam)

School Boy Humor - Realize: This little known Arkansas-based band may be new to the scene (their Vagrant Records debut album hits stores this month), but they are groomed to be the next big thing as they take on this Colbie Caillat classic.

A Rocket To The Moon - Forever & Always: Last, but certainly not least...ARTTM a.k.a. Nick Santino proves that with two instruments (his voice and guitar), his stripped-down acoustic effort is, perhaps, more earnest-sounding than the original. But then again, a song such as this is owed to amazing lyrics by Miss Swift.

Grammys 2009 Hi-lites

2009-02-09T15:40:00.002-10:00

The Grammy Awards was full of a whole lotta drama when it was announced moments prior to the telecast that Chris Brown pulled out of the show for allegedly being accused of making a felony domestic battery against a female victim, who many sources are confirming to be Chris's significant other Rihanna, who was also scheduled to perform. The two were nominated for multiple awards, yet neither showed up. In Rihanna's place, Justin Timberlake & Al Green gave an impromptu performance. Rihanna was to also perform "Live Your Life" with T.I. but it was J.T. who accompanied the rapper with his vocal performance on their next single "Dead And Gone":

Another dramatic moment of the evening belonged to American Idol 2003 alum Jennifer Hudson who finally won a Grammy award for best R&B album and gave an emotional performance which alluded to the tragic murders of her family members this past year.

Of the four British ladies nominated for multiple awards this year -- Duffy, Estelle, Adele, and Leona Lewis -- it was only Leona, the mainstream breakthrough artist of the past year, who left empty-handed. Adele won the "Best New Artist" and "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance" for her song "Chasing Pavements", Duffy won "Best Pop Vocal Album" (Rockferry), and Estelle won for her collaboration with Kanye West on "American Boy".

For the rock awards, Coldplay racked up three wins for Best Rock Album (Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends), Song of the Year for "Viva La Vida", and Best Pop Vocal Group Performance. Radiohead's In Rainbows won Best Alternative Album while John Mayer has proven to have the best singing chops in two categories: Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for "Say" and Best Male Rock Vocal Performance for "Gravity", both from his '06 album Continuum.

Friss Zene fave Katy Perry performed "I Kissed A Girl" and it garnered very mixed reviews.

Oh well. At least she successfully channeled the spirit of Carmen Miranda as a lovely vision in fruit.

Top 20 Playlist for February 8, 2009

2009-02-08T19:42:00.006-10:00

Friss Zene Top 20 for the week ending on Sunday, 02.8.09

Lily Allen takes the (cup)cake this time...

01. Lily Allen - The Fear (#1 for 1 week)
02. Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (#1 for 1 week)
03. Eric Hutchinson - Rock & Roll
04. Katy Perry - Thinking Of You (#1 for 2 weeks)
05. Fall Out Boy - America's Suitehearts
06. The Fray - You Found Me
07. Leona Lewis - I Will Be
08. We The Kings - Secret Valentine
09. Beyonce - Halo
10. Katy Perry - Hot N' Cold
11. John Legend - Everybody Knows
12. The Saturdays - Issues (DEBUT)
13. Valencia - Free
14. Secondhand Serenade - Your Call
15. Ne-Yo - Mad (DEBUT)
16. Leona Lewis - Run (#1 for 1 week)
17. Craig David - Insomnia (DEBUT)
18. David Archuleta - A Little Too Not Over You
19. New Found Glory - Listen To Your Friends
20. The Veronicas - Untouched

Falling Off
Thriving Ivory - Angels On The Moon
30H!3 - Don't Trust Me
Erin McCarley - Love, Save The Empty

The Grammys telecast is tonight. Check back in seven days for the next Top 20 update and Grammy Award highlights.

Top 20 Playlist for February 1, 2009

2009-02-01T13:57:00.001-10:00

Friss Zene Top 20 for the week ending on Sunday, 02.1.09

A Yankee tops a Brit this week, but this time it's Kelly Clarkson over Lily Allen...

01. Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (#1 for 1 week)
02. Lily Allen - The Fear (DEBUT)
03. Katy Perry - Thinking Of You (#1 for 2 weeks)
04. Eric Hutchinson - Rock & Roll
05. The Fray - You Found Me
06. Leona Lewis - Run (#1 for 1 week)
07. Fall Out Boy - America's Suitehearts
08. Secondhand Serenade - Your Call
09. Valencia - Free
10. Leona Lewis - I Will Be
11. Beyonce - Halo
12. We The Kings - Secret Valentine (DEBUT)
13. Katy Perry - Hot N' Cold
14. New Found Glory - Listen To Your Friends
15. John Legend - Everybody Knows
16. Thriving Ivory - Angels On The Moon
17. 30H!3 - Don't Trust Me
18. The Veronicas - Untouched
19. David Archuleta - A Little Too Not Over You
20. Erin McCarley - Love, Save The Empty (DEBUT)

Falling Off
Kanye West - Heartless
Jesse McCartney - How Do You Sleep?
Nicole Scherzinger ~~(PCD)~~ - I Hate This Part

Check back in seven days for the next Top 20 update.

I've been taken over by 'The Fear'

2009-01-31T16:13:00.008-10:00

I am not a fan of Lily Allen.

That being said, I have fallen in aural love with her latest song, "The Fear". I love it so much, it has been on non-stop repeat on my iTunes player since my discovery yesterday. Released as the first single off her sophomore album, It's Not Me, It's You, the sassy Brit has really captured my attention with a very synth heavy, hypnotic beat and lyrics so profound and acerbic about the consequences of celebrity and wealth. It is delivered in such a blasé way -- what I usually dislike about Lily's music -- but it works so well here.

Lyrics:
I want to be rich and I want lots of money
I don't care about clever, I don't care about funny
I want loads of clothes and fuck loads of diamonds
I heard people die while they're trying to find them
And I'll take my clothes off and it will be shameless
'Cause everyone knows that's how you get famous
I'll look at the sun and I'll look in the mirror
I'm on the right track, yeah I'm on to a winner

I don't know what's right and what's real anymore
And I don't know how I'm meant to feel anymore
When do you think it will all become clear?
'Cause I'm being taken over by The Fear

Life's about film stars and less about mothers
It's all about fast cars and cussing each other
But it doesn't matter 'cause I'm packing plastic
And that's what makes my life so fucking fantastic
And I am a weapon of massive consumption
And it's not my fault, it's how I'm programmed to function
I'll look at the sun and I'll look in the mirror
I'm on the right track, yeah we're on to a winner

I don't know what's right and what's real anymore
And I don't know how I'm meant to feel anymore
When do you think it will all become clear?
'Cause I'm being taken over by The Fear

Forget about guns and forget ammunition
'Cause I'm killing 'em all on my own little mission
Now I'm not a saint, but I'm not a sinner
Now everything's cool as long as I'm getting thinner

I don't know what's right and what's real anymore
And I don't know how I'm meant to feel anymore
When do you think it will all become clear?
'Cause I'm being taken over by The Fear

In addition to amusing lyrics, the video is another highlight, in which Lily starts off in a trailer in the middle of a (presumably English) field and ends up in a elegant mansion full of cupcakes, dancing presents, and male servants skipping and gliding in unison.

Kelly debuts video today, gets the #1 song in the nation tomorrow...

2009-01-28T21:52:00.003-10:00

Kelly Clarkson's new single "My Life Would Suck Without You" will make the big jump from #97 last week to #1 this week when Billboard officially publishes its Hot 100 singles chart tomorrow. Clarkson will now have the honor of making the largest leap to the top spot, previously held by Britney Spears' "Womanizer".

She debuted her music video on AT&T's website along an accompanying teaser on tonight's American Idol. The video, directed by Wayne Isham, has Kelly back in top form as a cool hipster chick whose rocky (but good) relationship with her boyfriend has lasted since childhood, evolving from friends to lovers. My favorite parts of the video: (1) Kelly nearly throws her bf's goldfish tank (along with the innocent gilly) out of the window but the little fish is saved at the last munute before its home was smashed to pieces and when (2) Kelly is in the jeep, singing the chorus from the top of her lungs with the sunshine peeking through her messy, dirty blonde hair. I am digging this video. And it's great to see Kelly having a lot of fun, for a change.

Top 20 Playlist for January 25, 2009

2009-01-25T17:54:00.002-10:00

Friss Zene Top 20 for the week ending on Sunday, 01.25.09

British pop diva kicks out the American pin-up songbird from the top spot this week with her UK exclusive single, a Snow Patrol cover...

01. Leona Lewis - Run (#1 for 1 week)
02. Katy Perry - Thinking Of You (#1 for 2 weeks)
03. The Fray - You Found Me
04. Katy Perry - Hot N' Cold
05. Fall Out Boy - America's Suitehearts
06. Secondhand Serenade - Your Call
07. 30H!3 - Don't Trust Me
08. Thriving Ivory - Angels On The Moon
09. New Found Glory - Listen To Your Friends
10. The Veronicas - Untouched
11. John Legend - Everybody Knows (DEBUT)
12. Valencia - Free
13. Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You
14. David Archuleta - A Little Too Not Over You
15. Leona Lewis - I Will Be
16. Eric Hutchinson - Rock & Roll (DEBUT)
17. Beyonce - Halo
18. Jesse McCartney - How Do You Sleep?
19. Nicole Scherzinger ~~(PCD)~~ - I Hate This Part
20. Kanye West - Heartless (DEBUT)

Falling Off
The All-American Rejects - I Wanna
P!nk - I Don't Believe You
David Cook - Light On

Check back in seven days for the next Top 20 update.

Fresh Video - Leona Lewis - "I Will Be"

2009-01-23T20:10:00.018-10:00

Leona Lewis - I Will Be

I've been anxiously waiting for the music video premiere for British singer Leona Lewis's newest US single, "I Will Be" which finally premiered on the her official YouTube channel today. The video is predominantly set outdoors in New York City for the second time (first was in Times Square for "Bleeding Love"), more specifically on the Brooklyn borough side (the bridge is the backdrop for the last moments in the video.

Directed by Melina Matsoukas (Ne-Yo's "Closer", Katy Perry's "Thinking Of You" as examples of her work), the video has Leona finds herself and her love interest, Gossip Girl's obligatory male pretty face Chace Crawford, in a car with a luxury bag full of money. It is presumed that the two are participating in some kind of criminal activity as alluded in the already vague speaking intro (My guess is trespassing). How is Leona inexplicably carrying around that much dough in the first place can be anyone's best guess, though.

In much of the video, Leona leaves Chace to roam around Brooklyn's shady parking lots and creepy underground garages while she sings of admiration and devotion for her lover. The song, btw, was originally written by Avril Lavigne, Dr. Luke, and Max Martin. After loitering for a bit, Leona finally gets to running above ground while in pursuit and just as she reaches the bottom of the Brooklyn Bridge, she is arrested by a police officer.

The concept is rather simplistic in its execution. Undeniably, Leona looks great here and the cinematography is spot-on in nearly every frame.

Check it out:

What do you think? Will "I Will Be" be Leona's next stateside hit?

Will Joanna Pacitti be the next American Idol?

2009-01-22T17:19:00.005-10:00

America may not be familiar with Joanna Pacitti, but I am. This past Tuesday, the 23-year-old Philadelphia native auditioned in Louisville, Kentucky for a spot in this year's American Idol competition. What sets this particular person apart from the others is the very interesting is the fact that she was once signed and released a major record label album.

First, some back history...she was known professionally as simply Joanna and was the subject of press attention since childhood. She was infamously released from her contract in the midst of starring on Broadway's Annie in the early 1990s, performed her song "Ultraviolet" on the sitcom "What I Like About You" in the early 2000s, and was followed by MTV for a True Life documentary on artists attempting to break into the recording industry, which happened to capture Joanna recording sessions under her development deal. She was finally signed by Ron Fair to Geffen Records, and subsequently released her debut This Crazy Life in 2006.

Now the matter at hand is her participation in this season's Idol. Although the show was originally intended to find the next undiscovered (and amateur) superstar, Idol has evolved into finding the next superstar America has yet to embrace. Take last year's roster of Idol finalists, including Carly Smithson (née Hennessey): most of whom have released albums prior to competing. Its producers have embraced the fact that some of these artists have had a taste of a professional career, but have amended the rules to give these singers a second chance due to their unfortunate circumstances. In Joanna's case, her promising album flopped and her recording company failed in giving her her due in my eyes.

In 2006, I purchased Joanna's album and was instantly hooked by its tracks. I believed it had the potential to be a chart topper because it was full of radio-friendly pop-rock hits like the lead single "Let It Slide", Your Obsession", and the Dashboard Confessional cover of "Screaming Infidelities". I encourage you to purchase and listen to her great recording voice. If you watched her Idol audition, she is arguably a pop belter in the same league as Mariah Carey and Kelly Clarkson. And on top of being a stunner, it is her voice that is her most beautiful instrument, and if she is able to showcase it and gain exposure from advancing in Idol, I believe she can win over America and get that much deserved second chance.

She already has my vote.

Fresh Judgment: Kelly Clarkson's "My Life Would Suck Without You"

2009-01-20T18:35:00.007-10:00

My Life Would Suck Without You - Kelly Clarkson

The original American Idol is back on the music scene with a brand new album (her fourth dropping in March) titled All I Ever Wanted and arguably amusingly-titled comeback single. Kelly Clarkson goes back to her pop/pop-rock roots last heard from her Breakaway days to revive her mainstream music career since releasing the critically praised but commercially flopping My December.

The song opens with a drumbeat hook reminiscent of "Since U Been Gone" but quickly builds up to a dancey electro-pop chorus. Sure, the lyrics seem to find Clarkson falling back in love rather than love-scorened, but there are subtle hints in her delivery that indicate some unresolved aggression. As if she is begrudgingly giving in (or giving up?) to a second chance relationship with this guy. Perhaps this was a result of my initial confusion upon hearing the song for the first time. I secretly hoped she would go pop again, but also take her organic and angsty My December outlook with her. But since she takes a backseat on the songwriting this time, the result is a shiney, made-for-radio pop song. The first indication is the sing-a-long chorus and catchy hook. The second are the song's co-writers, Max Martin and Dr. Luke, who helped credit Clarkson with major chart success with "SUBG".

No doubt, this song is almost guaranteed to have chart success, thanks to the presumed record label support it (and the album) will receive, unlike the last time around when Clarkson butted heads with her label and label-head Clive Davis over the direction and content of My December. Maybe it is a stretch or over-analyzation, but a second-take on the lyrics may also indicate Clarkson eating humble pie (read: compromising) and acquiescing her creative control to those who have developed her career.

Think about it when you listen to the lines in the second verse:

Maybe I was stupid for telling you goodbye / Maybe I was wrong for trying to pick a fight.../ Either way, I found out I'm nothing without you.

If indeed Clarkson has found peace with the direction of her music this time around and truly has found all she ever wanted (pun intended), I hope she hasn't lost complete creative control and the rest of her new album will showcase all her strengths: originality and vulnerability, which unfortunately is lacking here, as well as the pop-rock sound she has successfully mastered.

Top 20 Playlist for January 18, 2009

2009-01-18T20:30:00.001-10:00

Friss Zene Top 20 for the week ending on Sunday, 0.18.08

Katy Perry is 2 for 2...

01. Katy Perry - Thinking Of You (#1 for 2 weeks)
02. The Fray - You Found Me
03. Katy Perry - Hot N' Cold
04. Secondhand Serenade - Your Call
05. Leona Lewis - Run
06. Nicole Scherzinger ~~(PCD)~~ - I Hate This Part
07. Fall Out Boy - America's Suitehearts (DEBUT)
08. 30H!3 - Don't Trust Me
09. David Archuleta - A Little Too Not Over You
10. The Veronicas - Untouched
11. Valencia - Free
12. Jesse McCartney - How Do You Sleep?
13. Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (DEBUT)
14. Leona Lewis - I Will Be
15. Beyonce - Halo
16. The All-American Rejects - I Wanna
17. P!nk - I Don't Believe You
18. New Found Glory - Listen To Your Friends
19. Thriving Ivory - Angels On The Moon
20. David Cook - Light On

Falling Off
OneRepublic - Mercy
Chris Brown feat. Keri Hilson - Superhuman

Check back in seven days for the next Top 20 update.

Take a bow and float away, 2008...it's The Top 80 of 2008

2009-01-16T13:55:00.012-10:00

Surprise! Surprise! I am back from obscurity to do my annual end-of-year post. As I have done the past few years, I will close 2008 with a countdown of my favorite songs of the year (Yeah yeah, I am a few weeks late :p) The following songs have helped to define the past year for me -- some of them, personal anthems, others as 'hit the club' type of hits, and everything in between. BTW if you find that I did not include an incredibly popular song from the past year, more likely than not I probably hated it (i.e. "I Kissed A Girl" :) What I will apologize for is leaving some of you hanging the last few months. I've been working full time, so my attention has kept me away from updating this site, but I guess my new year's resolution for this site is to update it more. I will make every effort to add a little something from time to time.

Close to making it, but no cigar: Colbie Caillat - "Realize", Metro Station - "Shake It", P!nk - So What, The Click Five - "Flipside", Kevin Rudolf - "Let It Rock". Note: The songs marked with "*" may have not reached their peak yet, so they have the potential of charting in 2009. Enjoy!

The Top 80 of 2008 by Ray V.

80: Rehab - Rihanna feat. Justin Timberlake
79: Say (All I Need) - OneRepublic
78: Lovers In Japan* - Coldplay
77: Light On - David Cook
76: Poker Face* - Lady GaGa
75: Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)* - Beyonce
74: Weightless - Nada Surf
73: You Make It Real - James Morrison
72: If I Never See Your Face - Maroon 5 feat. Rihanna
71: The Little Things - Colbie Caillat

70: Somebody's Gonna Miss Us - The Starting Line
69: In Love With A Girl - Gavin DeGraw
68: Mercy - Duffy
67: I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
66: Everything I Ask For - The Maine
65: Candle (Sick And Tired)* - The White Tie Affair
64: Stay Away - Josh Hoge
63: Your Call* - Secondhand Serenade
62: Leavin' - Jesse McCartney
61: That's What You Get - Paramore

60: Circus* - Britney Spears
59: Everything - A Cursive Memory
58: Forever - Chris Brown
57: This Is Home - Switchfoot
56: I'm Gone, I'm Going - Lesley Roy
55: Closer - Ne-Yo
54: Paper Planes - M.I.A.
53: Viva La Vida - Coldplay
52: Do You Feel - The Rocket Summer
51: Don't Trust Me* - 3OH!3

50: Northern Downpour* - Panic At The Disco
49: Whoa Oh! (Me Vs. Everyone) - Forever The Sickest Kids
48: Shattered (Turn The Car Around) - O.A.R.
47: Until You - Dave Barnes
46: The Man Who Can't Be Moved* - The Script
45: Thunder - Boys Like Girls
44: Disturbia - Rihanna
43: Jamie All Over - Mayday Parade
42: Into Your Arms - The Maine
41: Hot N' Cold* - Katy Perry

40: Fall For You - Secondhand Serenade
39: T-Shirt - Shontelle
38: Summer Hair = Forever Young - The Academy Is...
37: Bleeding Love - Leona Lewis (#48 in 2007)
36: Always Be - Jimmy Eat World
35: Womanizer - Britney Spears
34: No Air - Jordin Sparks feat. Chris Brown
33: Check Yes Juliet - We The Kings
32: The Way She Moves- Forever The Sickest Kids
31: So Close - Jon McLaughlin

30: Little Miss Obsessive - Ashlee Simpson feat. Tom Higgenson
29: If This Room Could Move - I Nine
28: Beating My Heart - Jon McLaughlin
27: Love Me - National Product
26: If I Were A Boy - Beyonce
25: Just Dance* - Lady GaGa feat. Colby O'Donis
24: Beautiful Beat - Nada Surf
23: With Me - Sum 41
22: This Love* - The Veronicas
21: With You - Chris Brown (#55 in 2007)

20: Hero/Heroine - Boys Like Girls
Spending two weeks at the top spot of the Friss Zene countdown in early January, the Massachusetts-based band led by Martin Johnson's video for Hero/Heroine was actually the second version. Originally released as the first single off their eponymous debut, the song was re-released after the success of their hit "The Great Escape".

19: February Air - Lights
When I first heard of this song -- yes on that major national clothing company store's television commercial -- I was immediately entranced by this girl's breathy vocals set against electro-pop beats. I hope to see big things (including her debut) from Lights next year.

18: Better In Time - Leona Lewis
Although her other hit became a bigger chart success this past year, "Better In Time" is the type of song that better showcases the vocal prowess of this young lady from England. Catchy drumbeat throughout the song? Check. The chops to pull off somewhat romantic cliches? Check. Hit in 09? We will see...

17: I'm Not Over - Carolina Liar
The only band to make have two songs in the top 20, Chad Wolf leads his band Carolina Liar in this pop-rock head thumper penned by Swedish hit maker Max Martin.

16: Deliverance - Quietdrive
The result of an infusion of techno and alternative punk would sound something like this. Simply one of the best rock songs of 2008 and it wasn't even officially released as a single.

15: Sweet And Low - Augustana
A charming and earnest vocal delivery from frontman Dan Layus, Augustana came back to the fore with "Sweet And Low", a decidedly low-key affair that has the band going for a roots/folk sound for their sophomore album Can't Hurt, Can't Love. I was lucky enough to meet the band after their show in Hawaii this past summer and can say they are nice guys.

14: Change For You - The Midway State
Simplistic and majestic. Keyboardist and lead singer of Nathan Ferraro's haunting wail instantly piqued my interest. They haven't made it big in the states, but dare I say that this band may well be Canada's answer to Coldplay, only less bombastic. This song spent three weeks at the top on the Friss Zene countdown.

13: It Had To Be You - Motion City Soundtrack
12 months ago, Motion City Soundtrack landed at #13 with "Broken Heart" and now the Minneapolis-based band comfortably stays at the same position yet again with the next single "It Had To Be You". And again, MCR doesn't take themselves too seriously in their video, in which the band entertains sock pockets and become musical marionettes.

12: Take A Bow - Rihanna
The reigning queen of the year-end countdown (with last year's #1 "Umbrella") marks her FIFTH song appearance on the countdown with arguably the summer jam of 2008. Penned by Ne-Yo, this piano ballad about a scorned lover seems like a certain other song Ne-Yo happened to pen for a certain famous R&B songstress. Nonetheless, "Take A Bow" is another shining example of Rihanna's entrancing voice set alongside the impressive songwriting from the 'Gentleman'.

11: Beautiful World - Carolina Liar
Without sacrificing sincerity while maintaining a radio-friendly sensibility, the other standout track from Carolina Liar's debut Coming To Terms was this pleasantly unexpected track, a tragic/heartbreaking ballad about a man who has deluded himself after experiencing a particular tragedy: I wanna ask for directions but I don't dare to disturb / I got a thing with affections, yeah, That's why I'm walking alone. The chorus: Sunlight creeps in between the curtains / Lose the sheets, there's no time for sleep / I lie, I pretend 'til I'm almost certain it's a beautiful world

10: Stop And Stare - OneRepublic
Sure, OneRepublic hit it big last year with "Apologize", but I preferred this song, the second single off their Dreaming Out Loud. Ryan Tedder has written and/or produced many hits for other artists, including #37 and Beyonce's future single "Halo", yet his band has not been able to attain the same level of success of "Apologize". Nonetheless, the dude's got a knack for crafting pop tunes.

09: Whatever It Takes - Lifehouse
Lifehouse began 2008 on top of the Friss Zene countdown, landing at #1 for 3 weeks with "Whatever It Takes", a Jason Wade-led power ballad about a man's swoon-worthy attempt to remedy a failing relationship. This marks the second consecutive year a Lifehouse song has made the Top 20 ("First Time" was #11 last year).

08: Crush - David Archuleta
As the debut single for his self-titled album, this year's Idol runner-up had to match --or surpass-- the success of David Cook's debut single (more of that a little later). Thankfully, David Archuleta has the goods to deliver. "Crush" is by all means a classic pop song made for radio airplay and the throngs of tweens with disposable income whom are able to purchase the music. Simplistic yet catchy, its melody and chorus will stick in your head for days. It's a bonafide guilty pleasure.

07: Live Your Life - T.I. feat. Rihanna
I am not a huge fan of hip-hop, so it takes an amazing song like this for me to take notice. Collaborations between rappers and R&B songstresses are usually hit or miss. However, Rihanna, who is arguably the most successful female artist in 2008, has that distinct pop voice that can pull-off a rather unlikely sing-along chorus. Not only does this song have great beats and vocals, it is further enhanced by an overall affirming message through refreshingly thoughtful lyrics by Mr. T.I himself. My favorite lyric: I'm the opposite of moderate, immaculately polished with the spirit of a hustler and the swagger of a college kid

06: The Time Of My Life - David Cook
The 2008 American Idol's debut single had all the trappings of a reality television competition coronation song: syrupy-sweet lyrics about "magic rainbows" and cliches about rising from the ashes or finding wings on the road of achieving success. And yet, David Cook's rock delivery of a would-be also-ran, won me over. It debuted at #3 and was the highest debut single for any Idol winner since 2003. By the end of the year, the song has achieved platinum status. Goes to show that with major talent, Cook has the ability to take inspiration and create magic.

5: PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT - Cute Is What We Aim For
My coming-of-age anthem of 2008. This promising debut single off their sophomore album Rotation is a departure from CIWWAF's previous releases due to the band's overall evolving sound. Lead singer Shaant Hacikyan presides over lyrics that speak of a self-awareness that comes with maturity and life experience, or, perhaps the realization of a lack thereof, and delivers mature sounding pipes through each rousing chorus.

4: ISLAND (FLOAT AWAY) - The Starting Line
The line "Well it seems like we can never catch a break" sounds so heartbreakingly true. The Starting Line began early 2008 announcing that their latest spring tour would be their last...for a long while. After their 2007 disc Direction failed to bring in the sales their label Virgin Records expected them to garner, they were subsequently told that promotion would cease after its brief release to rock stations. Led by the scruffy yet soulful frontman Kenny Vasoli, the Pennsylvanian quartet's "Island" had all the makings a huge hit: soaring choruses, the brilliant utilization of metaphor, ace guitar riffs, and a pop sensibility. One wonders what would have happened if it were released to mainstream radio, as it was originally intended. Island will remain as a personal favorite.

3: I'LL RUN - The Cab (with ZZZZZ and TAKE MY HAND as honorable mentions)
"I'll Run" was the inaugural debut single off Fueled By Ramen's newest signed band The Cab, had a record makeover of sorts from its original cut from the Vegas-based band's indie EP Glitz and Glamour. Now with major studio production touch-ups, a rythmic piano hook and guitar riff that plays throughout the song and soulful vocals from lead singer Alex Deleon, the song has helped develop a fellow fanbase since its debut on their Myspace in late 07. In February, I saw them on the "Really Really Ridiculous Good Looking Tour", in which they opened for Cobra Starship, what surprised me was (1) their youth (all in their teens) since they all seemed like seasoned pros because (2) they sounded great live, which indicated how they would translate as a full record. The result was an amazing collection of polished pop rock hits called Whisper War.

2: UNTOUCHED - The Veronicas
It is quite surprising to me how it is only now that the country is finally discovering how great this song is. Originally released as a spring single off their 2007 album Hook It Up, the Australian twin sis duo of Jess (newly blonde) and Lisa Origliasso may finally get their American chart breakthrough in 2009 with the song's re-release stateside. The song is co-written by Toby Gad, the dude who helped pen hits for Fergie ("Big Girls Don't Cry) and Beyonce (see #26). Undeniably the poppiest venture from the Veronicas, its rush of violin strings and a beat that sticks into your head like molasses contribute to its elegantly frenetic charm. What a fine electro-pop piece of art.

1: THINK OF YOU LATER (EMPTY ROOM) - Every Avenue
From Michigan pop-punkers Every Avenue, "Think Of You Later..." was an instant aural attraction way back in early 2008. In fact, I loved nearly every song off their eponymous debut. The majority of their album is unashamedly catchy -- a big positive in my book -- with anthemic sing-a-long choruses that makes you forget that this song is really a downer. Clocking in under 3 minutes, it is both radio-ready and refreshingly rosy in its faux optimism. Frontman Dave Ryan has, in my opinion, one of the best rock vocals in the scene. I listened to many, many pop, rock, and pop-punk singles this year. Some were more played out than others, but after eight months, I have yet to get tired of this. "Think Of You Later..." was recently released (Nov) as their second official single, so I sure hope it'll be a hit with others as it is with me. Ladies and gentlemen, "Think Of You Later (Empty Room)" is my song of 2008.

So, what do you think?! Do you agree with my choices? Comments are appreciated!

Bring on 2009.

Top 20 Playlist for January 11, 2009

2009-01-11T20:06:00.002-10:00

Friss Zene Top 20 for the week ending on Sunday, 0.11.08

Katy Perry has the first #1 song in 2009

01. Katy Perry - Thinking Of You (#1 for 1 week)
02. Secondhand Serenade - Your Call
03. The Fray - You Found Me
04. Leona Lewis - Run
05. 30H!3 - Don't Trust Me
06. David Archuleta - A Little Too Not Over You
07. Katy Perry - Hot N' Cold
08. The Veronicas - Untouched
09. Nicole Scherzinger ~~(PCD)~~ - I Hate This Part
10. Valencia - Free
11. The All-American Rejects - I Wanna
12. Jesse McCartney - How Do You Sleep?
13. Beyonce - Halo
14. Leona Lewis - I Will Be
15. New Found Glory - Listen To Your Friends
16. P!nk - I Don't Believe You
17. David Cook - Light On
18. Thriving Ivory - Angels On The Moon
19. OneRepublic - Mercy
20. Chris Brown feat. Keri Hilson - Superhuman

Here is a more serious Katy Perry in her new video, in which she is channeling pinup girl Bettie Page, with Mr. Kyle XY (Matt Dallas) as the fatalistic love interest.

Love At First Listen: I Nine - "Don't Wanna"

2008-09-17T23:44:00.005-10:00

I Nine - Don't Wanna
Mmm...Starbucks

The native South Carolinian band I Nine released the infectious pop rock song "Seven Days of Lonely" last year and its current single is "If This Room Could Move". However, the one song off their debut album Heavy Weighs The King that instantly hooked me in is the track "Don't Wanna", a potential next hit. It has already received some airplay on ABC's fall show promos. The band, led by female vocalist Carmen Keigans, delivers another anthemic plea about self-respect and unwillingness to compromise or change.

And support I Nine. Their album is available for digital download on iTunes

Love At First Listen: Nada Surf - "Beautiful Beat"

2008-08-31T18:38:00.003-10:00

Nada Surf - Beautiful Beat

I. LOVE. THIS. SONG.

So I was in Starbucks a couple of weeks ago when this song first played on the store's satellite radio player and it sounded like Nada Surf. The music caught my attention immediately and lo and behold, it was Nada Surf's "Beautiful Beat" off their latest album Lucky. I have been quite a fan of the band since seeing them headline a concert at the Fillmore back in 2006. "Beautiful Beat" follows in the great tradition of catchy epic Nada Surf songs such as "Always Love" and "Concrete Bed".

On top of a hypnotic beat that trudges along in the song's entirety, the chorus is rich with strings and an instantly memorable melody of: "Beautiful beat, get my out of this mess // Beautiful beat, lift me up from distress..." The song's message is both heartbreaking, inspiring, and instantly relatable. Who hasn't had a bad day and the only thing that can console and comfort you is music? I know I've certainly had a few of those recently.

Save yourself a trip to the therapist and listen to their truly beautiful beat.

Live Rewind: Augustana at the Lahaina Civic Center - 08.15.08

2008-08-17T21:44:00.001-10:00

I was extremely excited to hear about a concert being held in my neck of the woods. It is a rarity that such a show would come along that featured one of my favorite rock bands so I jumped at the opportunity and joined my friend and fellow concert/music lover Maricel for the 311 and Augustana show at the Lahaina Civic Center on Friday, August 15.

Maricel was already at the venue when I joined her at a little after 4 p.m. The show was an open aired venue located just at the back of the Civic Center grounds. Maricel and I were really there to see Augustana as we weren't fans of 311. We were among the first six people -- Augustana fans, for the most part -- in line and it was ridiculously hot. The humidity was unbearable as we continued to ~~wait~~ sweat in line for another hour. The doors were supposed to open at 5 p.m. but because the sound checks weren't complete (Augustana rehearsed "Rain" btw), we were hit with delay after delay until nearly a quarter till. Mari and I were extremely thirsty so when we finally got in, I went bought ridiculously overpriced beverages while she secured a spot that was literally in front-and-center of the stage.

We saw guitarist Chris Sachtleben, lead vocalist Dan Layus and the rest of the band being videotaped and interviewed on the grass just after their sound check. The show started at 6:30 p.m. with folk/ska opener Erin Smith and her band. Next up was the band of the night (to us): Augustana. Some dude from a local rock radio station introduced them and incorrectly told the audience that the band's latest album was titled "Don't Love, Don't Hurt" which prompted me to correct him by yelling "It's Can't Love, Can't Hurt!" He responded by saying that he may get punched for getting it wrong. Hey, I wouldn't go that far as to inflict physical abuse for a simple error but next time, do your research!

Dan and Co. began their 12+ song set with "Hey Now" and "I Still Ain't Over You". Then they broke out in two classics from All The Stars And Boulevards: "Wasteland" and "Stars and Boulevards". I was extremely satisfied at Dan's vox performance because he sounded just as great live as he is in a recording. He tended to shut his eyes when he sings and at times looked deep into a trance, as if he was experiencing nirvana. As for my visual experience, the lights were especially distracting from our POV and the shadows they created detracted from seeing his face clearly.

But the music was fantastic. They delivered beautiful, heartfelt tunes largely from their latest album (eight if I remember correctly) including their somber piano ballad "Twenty Years". And of course, they also played first single and latest hit "Sweet and Low". Dan returned to the keyboard to perform the song that gave the Southern California based band prime exposure, "Boston". He immediately followed with "Rain" in which he altered a lyric to include Maui. Chris intermittently sipping on Stella Artois (read: disgusting). Dan cracks a smile and a laugh mid-song. They performed "Rest, Shame, Love" and finally a Bob Dylan cover, "Baby Please Don't Go" to end their set. We tried to get the attention of two of the roadies to give us a set list that was taped to the floor, but it was futile. After seeing the set change in prep for 311, we found ourselves getting slightly closed in the by the expanding crowd and decided to leave our spots to possibly give meeting Augustana a try.

As far as we were concerned, the show was already over so it was a no-brainer for us to leave for a shot to meet the band of the night. We saw the band exit through the stage right fence gate and saw a security dude guarding it, so we went through the main entrance, ran (with my non-running Vans shoes) through a Civic Center party just to hesitate for a few moments to contemplate/strategize/not appear like we were stalkers/fan freaks.

We awkwardly walked towards them (they were chilling and drinking on those god-awful Stella Artois) and nervously approached bassist Jared Palomar. "Hi, I'm Ray." "Hi I'm Maricel". "I'm Jared. Nice to meet you. Did you guys see the show?" Of course we did! Jared was extremely friendly and introduced us to the rest of the band. (Note: He looked Asian, but we weren't sure if he was. We later found out he is half-Filipino!). Mari and I also took a photo with 4/5 of the band because Chris was M.I.A. at that very moment.

I told Dan, keyboardist and resident caveman John Vincent, and newly shorn, "naked" drummer Justin South that I saw them open for Snow Patrol at the Warfield way back in 2006 and that "California's Burning" is one of my favorite songs. After being asked where I went to school, South said he has friends who went to my college. Just as the band were heading into their van, Chris appears and we got to meet him.

The Augustana guys were cool and I had no regrets about ditching 311 in order to meet them. We did, however, get to hear Nick Hexum sing "Amber" from the parking lot, if that was any consolation. But what a neat feat Mari and I accomplished. I mean, who can say they got to meet and see one of their fave bands in their hometown? And to think I was done with shows after coming home. I was one happy kid.

311 and Augustana on Maui tomorrow!

2008-08-14T21:29:00.000-10:00

Okay, so I am giving away my location in the middle of the ocean by blogging about this, but I am extremely psyched into attending a live show tomorrow. This will be my first show since A Cursive Memory in mid April and first one back at home. This time, alternative ska/jam band 311 will be headlining at the Lahaina Civic Center this Friday. I remember loving a few of their songs from their album From Chaos in high school. However, it is the special opening guest Augustana that I am actually looking forward to the most.

I loved their debut album All The Stars And Boulevards and am really getting into their more introspective sophomore disc Can't Love, Can't Hurt. I saw the band perform live in 06 for Snow Patrol and remember them sounding absolutely phenomenal, especially on their hit "Boston". Now I can't wait to see them perform "Sweet And Low" and lead singer Dan Layus, now that he got all that hair out of his face. ;)

Check back later for my live rewind.

Top 20 Playlist for August 10, 2008

2008-08-14T21:03:00.000-10:00

Friss Zene Top 20 for the week ending on Sunday, 08.10.08

Quietdrive makes it two weeks in a row at #1

01. Quietdrive - Deliverance (#1 for 2 weeks)
02. Lesley Roy - I'm Gone, I'm Going
03. Rihanna - Take A Bow
04. Switchfoot - This Is Home
05. O.A.R. - Shattered (Turn The Car Around)
06. Carolina Liar - Beautiful World
07. The Veronicas - Untouched
08. The Midway State - Can't Stop Waking Up To You
09. The Maine - Into Your Arms
10. Carolina Liar - I'm Not Over
11. Robin Thicke - Magic
12. National Product - Love Me (#1 for 1 week)
13. If This Wall Could Move - I Nine
14. Shwayze - Corona and Lime
15. Shontelle - T-Shirt
16. Lady GaGa - Just Dance
17. Jack's Mannequin - The Resolution
18. David Archuleta - Crush
19. Cute Is What We Aim For - Practice Makes Perfect
20. Every Avenue - Where Were You

Falling Off:
Hit The Lights - Stay Out
Michelle Williams - We Break The Dawn
Ne-Yo - Closer
The Maine - Everything I Ask For
Ryan Cabrera - Enemies
Hawthorne Heights - Rescue Me
The Morning Light - Honest
Chris Brown - Forever

Watch the band perform it live (even better in high quality)...

Top 20 Playlist for July 27, 2008

2008-07-27T17:48:00.000-10:00

Friss Zene Top 20 for the week ending on Sunday, 07.27.08

The Minnesota-originated power pop band Quietdrive recently leaked their newest single and title track of their album "Deliverance" on their official website. A bit of a departure from When All That's Left Is You from 2006, the song starts out with a mesmerizing synth and takes it up several notches when it explodes in an epic chorus sung by bleach-blond lead singer Kevin Truckenmiller.

01. Quietdrive - Deliverance (#1 for 1 week)
02. Rihanna - Take A Bow
03. Carolina Liar - I'm Not Over
04. Lady GaGa feat. Colby O'Donis & Akon - Just Dance
05. National Product - Love Me (#1 for 1 week)
06. Shontelle - T-Shirt
07. Robin Thicke - Magic
08. Every Avenue - Where Were You
09. Cute Is What We Aim For - Practice Makes Perfect
10. Carolina Liar - Beautiful World
11. Hit The Lights - Stay Out
12. Michelle Williams - We Break The Dawn
13. Ne-Yo - Closer
14. The Maine - Everything I Ask For
15. Ryan Cabrera - Enemies
16. Hawthorne Heights - Rescue Me
17. The Maine - Into Your Arms
18. The Morning Light - Honest
19. Chris Brown - Forever
20. Switchfoot - This Is Home

Falling Off:
O.A.R. - Shattered (Turn The Car Around)
Duffy - Mercy
Jon McLaughlin - Beating My Heart
Colby O'Donis - What You Got
The Spill Canvas - All Over You

Take a listen to this week's #1 song....

Fresh Song: Plain White T's - Natural Disaster

2008-07-24T18:35:00.000-10:00

Releasing their hit "Hey There Delilah" last summer, The Plain White T's are currently finishing up their upcoming album currently titled Big Bad World, the anxiously awaited follow-up to 2006's Every Second Counts. The first single is a song titled "Natural Disaster". The first few seconds remind me of old-school TSL (The Starting Line) and didn't know what to make of the rest of it after my first listen. I had to play the song three more times to get the chorus into my head. Bottom line is that unlike their past singles ("Our Time Now" and "Hate...") this song lacks a really strong catchy hook. Perhaps it'll take me another ten listens to finally get it. Listen here. What do you think of the song? Comments are appreciated!

Hit The Lights go G-A-Y on a Whitney classic!

2008-07-21T18:39:00.002-10:00

Formed in 2003, Ohio pop punk rock band Hit The Lights returned to the studio last year after their previous front-man quit the band which, in a role reversal, found bassist Nick Thompson taking lead vox. With Nick on the helm, they're sound is stronger and full of youthful energy. The band released their latest CD Skip School, Start Fights on July 7 and their current single is "Won't Stop", however if you order their CD from iTunes, you are able to get a couple of bonus tracks, including a cover of Whitney Houston's 80s hit "How Will I Know"!

So how is does the band kick up the queer factor on this song? By not changing the original song's lyrics whatsoever -- and by keeping the masculine pronouns intact, Nick sounds very gay when he croons, "There's a boy I know, he's the one I'm dreaming of". LMAO!

If you want to get a taste at how amazingly funny this cover is and how great this band is, listen for yourself, and then go buy the album on iTunes!

What do you think of the song? Comment away.

Top 20 Playlist for July 19, 2008

2008-07-19T18:37:00.000-10:00

Friss Zene Top 20 for the week ending on Saturday, 07.19.08

Yep, the band formed in Hawaii and now based in SoCal takes the number one spot in the newly formatted chart with this power ballad.

01. National Product - Love Me (#1 for 1 week)
02. Carolina Liar - I'm Not Over
03. The Maine - Everything I Ask For
04. Cute Is What We Aim For - Practice Makes Perfect
05. Lady GaGa feat. Akon & Colby O'Donis - Just Dance
06. Robin Thicke - Magic
07. Shontelle - T-Shirt
08. Every Avenue - Where Were You
09. Ryan Cabrera - Enemies
10. O.A.R. - Shattered (Turn The Car Around)
11. Hawthorne Heights - Rescue Me
12. Duffy - Mercy
13. The Maine - Into Your Arms
14. Carolina Liar - Beautiful World
15. Ne-Yo - Closer
16. Michelle Williams - We Break The Dawn
17. Jon McLaughlin - Beating My Heart
18. Chris Brown - Forever
19. Colby O'Donis - What You Got
20. The Spill Canvas - All Over You

Take a listen to this week's #1 song....

Mahalo, Salamat, Köszönöm, Gracias

2008-07-17T22:46:00.001-10:00

THANK YOU FOR YOUR VISIT!

Yes, thanks to you, my little blog has reached over 11,000 hits since it made its official debut in January. Although things have slowed down a bit, and I do have to apologize for the lack of updates, new content is in store for you. I realized that I need to shorten my weekly song countdowns because, frankly, it takes a large amount of time and is very tedious, so sorry for the lack of continuity, but I will resume a Top 15 (maybe Top 20, but no more!) weekly chart. As always, I'll be sharing new musical discoveries with you.

As for my personal life, I have recently graduated from school (sigh of relief, thank god!) and no longer in the city, so I am incredibly bummed to no longer have access to amazing artists and attend intimate shows (at least for the time being), but hopefully I can bring you some scoops from my little rock in the middle of the ocean, if and when a show of interest comes along. ;)

Currently listening to: "Shattered (Turn The Car Around)" - O.A.R.*

* The current first single from O.A.R.'s newest album All Sides which just hit stores on July 15. If the first single is any indication of how the album will sound, it is going to be a summer hit.

Go buy it @ Amazon.com now!

Fresh Video Premiere: Cute Is What We Aim For - Practice Makes Perfect

2008-06-16T18:00:00.000-10:00

Power pop/ pop punk band Cute Is What We Aim For, led by lead singer Shaant Hacikyan and includes new bass player Dave Melillo, is releasing their sophomore album Rotation on June 24th from Fueled By Ramen Records. Here's the video for the first single "Practice Makes Perfect". Oh and check out Shaant's new hair!

Our new Idol Rocks!

2008-05-24T19:02:00.002-10:00

And so the right David won the seventh season of the reality t.v./karaoke/singing competition American Idol. My favorite contestant David Cook beat the odds and contributed to a picture-perfect finish at the finale earlier this Wednesday night. Despite failing to win over judge Simon with his final three performances to the songs "I Still Haven't Found What I've Been Looking For" (BMG big-wig Clive Davis' choice), "Dream Big" (one of the ~~reject~~ non-winning original songs from this year's songwriting competition...which screamed arena rock), and finally "The World I Know" (David's choice), the audience saw things differently. Indeed, Simon was wrong to say it was a mistake to close with that Counting Crows song, which I thought was a brilliant choice -- very touching and with just enough of an emotional pull to tug at the heartstrings. This guy had to win over the equally credible threat of David Archuleta, the credibly underaged wunderkind who just kinda bored me with every textbook performance.

When announced, Cook was overwhelmed with emotions and the grown man broke down in tears. It was quite a sight to see our rock representative show some emo. He ended the night singing his coronation song "The Time Of My Life", which has already soared to #1 on iTunes.

Although we've had a few close ones (Southern rocker Bo Bice as runner up to Carrie Underwood in 2004, Chris Daughtry placed 4th in 2006), Cook marks the first rocker to win in the show's history. And to boot, he actually is talented. We will surely see big things with David Cook!!

The Cab's Whisper War in stores!

2008-04-28T18:33:00.000-10:00

Hey everyone! Blogging to let you know that I received my pre-order of The Cab's Whisper War (debut album on Decaydance/Fueled By Ramen) and it is awesome. This was one of the albums I was highly anticipating and am not disappointed. I previously saw them open for Cobra Starship earlier in the spring and was surprised to find the lead singer Alex DeLeon had really soulful vocals that go well with their rock sound. The Las Vegas-based band has been working on the CD for the past year and now it is finally out for fan consumption. I pre-ordered mine and got this autographed poster by the members of the band with it.

I must say, all the twelve songs are catchy, radio worthy, and ready for repeat plays on iTunes. "Take My Hand" and "I'll Run" sound more enhanced than their more stripped-down demo versions. Other standout tracks include: "Zzzzz" (formerly known as "Singing Myself To Sleep), "High Hopes In Velvet Ropes", "That 70s Song", "Vegas Skies" and "Risky Business".

You guys should get your copy when it hits stores tomorrow/Tuesday, April 29!

As a treat, listen to "Zzzzz" HERE. After listening to this song, you know you want to go BUY THE ALBUM!

Phantom Planet's 'Raise The Dead' in stores today

2008-04-14T20:26:00.001-10:00

Phantom Planet will be releasing their latest studio album, their first on Fueled By Ramen/Decaydance after many years at Epic and Geffen, titled Raise The Dead today.

PURCHASE THE ALBUM HERE

After about four years, the band experimented with their new distinct sound, and deviated from past works such as The Guest which featured their hugely popular hit, "California".

The Southern Caliornia based band is currently out on the Honda Civic Tour and will be releasing their first single, "Do The Panic" soon.

Fresh Music - Top 40 for Saturday, April 12, 2008

2008-04-12T10:20:00.000-10:00

Friss Zene Top 40 for the week ending on Saturday, 04.12.08
Island still making waves!

TW= this week's position
LW= last week
Δ= change
PP= peak position
WC= weeks on the chart

TW LW Δ PP WC Artist - Title (weeks at top spot)
01 01 N C 01 11 The Starting Line - Island (2 weeks at #1)
02 04 +02 01 10 Motion City Soundtrack - It Had To Be You (2 weeks at #1)
03 07 +04 03 06 All Time Low - Dear Maria, Count Me In
04 02 -02 01 08 Lights - February Air (1 week at #1)
05 18 +13 05 10 Panic At The Disco - Nine In The Afternoon
06 11 +05 06 13 We The Kings - Check Yes Juliet
07 03 -04 03 05 Paramore - That's What You Get
08 05 -03 03 06 Gavin DeGraw - In Love With A Girl
09 31 +22 09 02 Forever The Sickest Kids - Whoa Oh!
10 06 -04 04 07 Ashlee Simpson feat. Tom Higgenson - Little Miss Obsessive
11 13 +02 11 08 Phantom Planet - Leader
12 12 N C 12 02 Treaty of Paris - Hello Nurse
13 09 -04 09 04 Jimmy Eat World - Always Be
14 08 -06 08 04 Boys Like Girls - Thunder
15 15 N C 01 11 Sum 41 - With Me (1 week at #1)
16 17 +01 01 13 The Cab - I'll Run (1 week at #1)
17 10 -07 01 10 The Midway State - Change For You (3 weeks at #1)
18 16 -02 15 04 Tegan and Sara - The Con
19 14 -05 03 12 Jordin Sparks feat. Chris Brown - No Air
20 DEBUT 20 01 Every Avenue - Think Of You Later (Empty Room)
21 21 N C 21 02 The Spill Canvas - All Over You
22 25 +03 22 03 Mariah Carey - Touch My Body
23 19 -04 19 05 Rihanna - Take A Bow
24 20 -04 20 02 Yellowcard - Fighting
25 22 -03 04 09 Mika - Relax, Take It Easy
26 26 N C 03 20 OneRepublic - Stop and Stare
27 24 -03 23 06 Simple Plan - Your Love Is A Lie
28 23 -05 12 27 Leona Lewis - Bleeding Love
29 27 -02 19 06 The Feeling - Without You
30 28 -02 07 09 Colbie Caillat - The Little Things
31 29 -02 21 05 SafetySuit - Someone Like You
32 - - R E 11 06 Natasha Bedingfield - Pocketful of Sunshine
33 32 -01 10 10 Augustana - Sweet And Low
34 30 -04 01 20 Chris Brown - With You (2 weeks at #1)
35 DEBUT 35 01 PlayRadioPlay! - Madi Don't Leave
36 33 -03 11 09 Jason Mraz - I'm Yours
37 36 -01 33 04 Sara Bareilles - Bottle It Up
38 35 -03 01 19 Lifehouse - Whatever It Takes (3 weeks at #1)
39 37 -02 32 05 Jesse McCartney - Leavin'
40 41 +01 40 04 Matt Nathanson - Come On Get Higher

Bubbling Under: 41 to 45
41 40 -01 01 36 Maroon 5 - Won't Go Home Without You
42 39 -03 01 13 Cobra Starship - The City Is At War (1 week at #1)
43 42 -01 01 19 Boys Like Girls - Hero/Heroine (2 weeks at #1)
44 43 -01 01 43 Jon McLaughlin - Beautiful Disaster (3 weeks at #1)
45 DEBUT 45 01 The Hush Sound - Honey

Falling Off
Rihanna - Don't Stop The Music: 37 weeks, peak at #4
Janet Jackson - Feedback: 14 weeks, peak at #4
The Helio Sequence - Keep Your Eyes Ahead: 11 weeks, peak at #6
Linkin Park - Leave Out All The Rest: 4 weeks, peak at #27

Re-Entry
Natasha Bedingfield - Pocketful of Sunshine (at #32, last placed at #35)

Biggest Debut
Every Avenue - Think Of You Later (Empty Room) (debut at #20)

Biggest Jump
Forever The Sickest Kids - Whoa Oh! (#9, up 22 spots from #31 last week)

Biggest Decline
The Midway State - Change For You (#17, down 7 spots from #10 last week)

Friss Zene
Phantom Planet - Do The Panic
The Cab - One of THOSE Nights (feat. Patrick Stump & Brendan Urie)

Honda Civic Tour featuring Panic At The Disco in San Francisco Tonight!

2008-04-10T20:38:00.001-10:00

My third and last concert in eight days will be at The Warfield when I attend the second night of the Honda Civic Tour featuring Panic at The Disco, Motion City Soundtrack, Phantom Planet, and The Hush Sound. Three out of the four bands, including the latest signed Phantom Planet, are currently in the Fueled By Ramen family. Originally planned to have one show in San Francisco, but the first show on Thursday was quickly sold out and a new show was created to meet the demand, and this show also sold out!

I'm super excited to finally see one MCS in concert after missing them in the fall. I am also psyched about seeing Phantom Planet live. I really got into them my sophomore year of college (a couple years ago) when I found The Guest and learned they have even better songs than "California"! Keep tabs on this and I'll let you know how it went.

Yellowcard Acoustic tour in San Francisco on 04.06.08

2008-04-10T20:16:00.000-10:00

My second show in three days was the Yellowcard acoustic show on Sunday night at The Great American Music Hall in San Francisco. The headliners sang to a sold-out crowd with bands Treaty of Paris, PlayRadioPlay!, and The Spill Canvas supporting.

After Thursday's The Starting Line show, I hung out with the roommates and went to South Bay for the weekend. Immediately after returning to the city, I met up with Megan, who I've never been to a show with, but was super excited to finally see a show after Tiger Army. A few nights ago, I sent Megan a few YC songs, and included a few from Treaty of Paris and The Spill Canvas.

Last year, Yellowcard released their latest CD called Paper Walls which produced the first single "Light Up The Sky". A lot of fans have asked about them doing an acoustic set, and it got them to think about making it a reality for this tour.

We arrived at GAMH to a considerable line that got considerably larger by the time doors opened at 6 p.m. Megan went to a corner convenience store to grab a sandwich while I waited in. When she got back, she offered half her sandwich and water to me, but I knew that any intake of water and food would have to eventually get out and after what happened with missing Kenny last Thursday due to my bladder, I learned my lesson and I refused, I refused, I refused. ;)

Inside, we were maybe two rows back from the front, but this side on the center-right side (stage left) which offered me a different viewing perspective. First up was Treaty of Paris, a band I was actually excited about seeing live. Now this happens not very often. Exceptions to this include Augustana opening for Snow Patrol, The Midway State for Mika, and The Cab for Cobra Starship.

Treaty of Paris is a Chicago-based pop-punk band who released their debut album Sweet Dreams, Sucker last September, which was produced by Andrew McMahon (Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin). The album had a number of radio-friendly head bangers, including this one called "Hello Nurse":

They also played "Waking Up The Dead", "New Improved", the slow jam "I'll Come Back", and the final song of their half hour set, "Rollerskates". Megan (who says she possesses the ability to sing along to songs she doesn't know) and I (who sings along when I actually know the words lol) sang and lead singer Mike Chorvat noticed we stood out from the crowd, and reached out his hand to touch our hands in gratitude.

The second band is really just the one-man-band of Daniel Hunter a.k.a. who plays under the moniker PlayRadioPlay! The native Texan played homage to his home state on his major label debut Texas which was released just a month ago. I've been listening to a lot of Lights lately, and he reminds me of a male version of the Canadian synth pop singer.

For the CD, he played all the instruments himself. For this tour, his brand of electronic music does translate interestingly well, with the help of an awesome drummer and keyboardist. He also set up this huge iMac on stage. Daniel doesn't seem to have perfected the art of being a frontman yet though, because he appears timid and aside from rousing the crowd for applause for the other bands on the bill, he doesn't really interact with the crowd. Megan said he looked like he hasn't had much experience performing and could possibly be straight edge. He did look like he just barely finished high school and I did notice the back of his hands were marked with underage stamps.

He played a few songs off of his Frequency EP, including "I'm A Pirate, You're A Princess", and the first single "Madi Don't Leave" (Madi is the name of his GF).

The next band was The Spill Canvas who I was surprised had a large following here. A lot of their fans made their attempts to push to the front, which made our standing in line more unbearable. This one girl who was friendly to us proceeded to lean her forearm on the shoulder of a girl who was in front of us, who was in front of a large space which confused the heck out of us. We tried to politely give the hint to move up, but of course she didn't get it. Apparenetly she was claustrophobic, which is great here since you will never feel like you're in a confined space ever at a concert pit.

Back to the music, they played a good half hour set of songs from their first major label album No Really, I'm Fine. The band, lead by lead singer Nick Thomas, is originally from South Dakota. As you can see in the next vid, there was this crazy girl in the audience with mullet hair who did some shamefully frenetic dancing.

Finally, the main act! For a long time, I've wanted to see Yellowcard in concert, and would have been thrilled to witness a full, plugged-in show, and wasn't sure about how they would sound in acoustic. but because of the temporary departure of LP (drumer Longineu Parsons) due to personal family issues, frontman Ryan Key, Sean Mackin (violin), Ryan Mendez (guitar), and a hired cellist -- the new addition for this tour -- set out to perform songs that spanned the band's nearly eight year history. And some of those songs, actually translate great unplugged.

They started with "Rough Draft" and quickly got into "Fighting", the rumored second single off of their latest release Paper Walls. They played a lot of songs from One For The Kids, the first album where Ryan sings on lead. Shortly after, Ryan introduced the members of the band. I got particularly excited when he asked if there were any Asians in the audience, and of course, we kids shrieked in solidarity to Sean, who is half Japanese.

Ryan said he was excited about going to San Francisco and it was worthwhile, even though he had to pass through boring cities like Portland to get here. A key moment or shift in the evening occurred when Ryan said he needed to offer an apology. He said that after the success of breakthrough Ocean Avenue, success got to their heads and lost sight of what was truly important: performing and the fans who come out to shows for the music. He apologized for being such an asshole to the fans and now realizes the importance of it all. He then segued into "Lights and Sounds" which he said dealt with a lot of these messed up feelings they were having.

They immediately followed with "Way Away" which although is fantastic with the noise and all, it was amazing how nearly everyone sang along to the verses and no one was drowned out. Ryan continues to talk about how he was really appreciative of all the fans who showed up every night even when MTV would stop playing their videos and it was proof that the fans never left. He also commented on how it was funny that people believed they were this "good little Christian band". Haha!

Yellowcard then sang the lead single "Light Up The Sky" from Paper Walls which sounded rad in acoustic. Other notable songs: "Sureshot", "Cigarette", and "Avondale", the only song they played from their only Fueled By Ramen release of The Underdog EP. Though, I did wish they played one of faves, "Powder".

Next up was the epic moment everyone was waiting for. Everyone knew it was coming and finally we screamed our lungs out to "Only One".

The encore consisted of "October Nights" and of course, "Ocean Avenue". After singing one verse of the song, Ryan divided the audience into two sides and instructed the audience to sing to different parts of the song. Ryan's side (stage right) sang the bridge while Sean's side (us, in stage left, our right) sang along with his background vocals, "Whoa Oh Ah Oh". It was awesome.

Immediately after leaving the stage, everyone was gunning for the setlists and Sean threw one in my direction and I grabbed onto it but some other dude also grabbed after I did and so I pulled it down toward me and thought: "No way in hell am I letting this go! Just quit it, it's mine!" After that moment of adrenaline, I won but it got crumbled and torn in the end. Later that night, Aiza said that the setlist is the best thing you could get at a show. I learned from her well.

The highly coveted setlist and Megan's green fingernails.

Afterward, we went straight to merch, byspassed the YC stuff for the Treaty of Paris table. The PlayRadioPlay! merch dude had a toy puppy on his table with a donations jar next to it so I gave a buck. He was also tried to sell the CD, but we weren't buying. While at the Treaty of Paris merch, I got Sweet Dreams, Sucker which they were selling at the ridiculously low price of $5 only. It is definitely worth every buck and more. I spoke with Mike, the lead singer and asked why they didn't play "Quits" and he told me they alternate that song with "I'll Come Back" every other night. Megan and I took a photo with Mike and Dan the guitarist.

We also got to meet Mr. PlayRadioPlay! afterward who seemed rather indifferent about the post-show meet and greet. Megan and I were still wondering about his age and finally asked. (He is 18).

Said we figured he was underrage and I made an off-the-cuff comment that in three year's he'd be able to drink, not knowing that the kid went to rehab for drug and alcohol abuse at 14(!) and is now lives a straight edge lifestyle.

The best part of it all was getting to meet Ryan Key and Sean Mackin afterward. They were really nice and is quite the cool fellow, who is getting married soon.

The Yellowcard acoustic show did not disappoint and although I can't compare it to a regular show with the full band, it was a unique experience to see this band play their favorite songs at this type of venue. I do, however, hope to experience a show with everyone (including LP) in the near future.

We YC fans have been there through the years and it's great to know they listened to us, letting out the noise and bearing their hearts and their strings.

The Starting Line's "Somebody's Gonna Miss Us" Tour at Slim's, 04.03.08

2008-04-08T13:32:00.000-10:00

On Thursday, April 3, I went to The Starting Line show at Slim's in San Francisco. The headliners of their "Somebody's Gonna Miss Us" tour sang to full capacity with support from Steel Train, Four Year Strong, and Bayside. It was an awesome show, and was bittersweet knowing one of the original pop-punk bands of the late 1990s may never play together live soon...or ever again. Therefore, I knew I had to grasp at the opportunity to see the Pennsylvania-native band live. Little did I know this would be one of the best decisions (music-wise) I've ever made. My concert bud for the show was Aiza, who sort of gave me a lesson on concert/scene 101, including why you should hold on to the barricades to survive the crush of the crowd, how ice cream sandwiches can be awesome pre-concert fuel, and the reason why being in front means b.y.o.e.p. (bring your own earplugs) and getting some comp agua.

Aiza and I met at 4 p.m. after her class and took the 5 and 47 buses to Slim's. She happens to work for USFtv and has a key role on a music-related show for the school channel and so because she is technically a member of the press, she is able to meet and interview bands. With a camera (in bag, in hand) she was psyched at the thought of finally getting to meet Kenny Vasoli, the beloved TSL frontman. She also was armed with a list of prepared interview questions, including one that asked about their favorite ice cream flavors.

We finally arrived at the venue at 4:30-ish and Aiza's BF Anthony stood in line so we were only the second group in line. There, I met Anthony's friend Alan who happened to see The AP Tour show in SF a week earlier (featured All Time Low, The Rocket Summer, and Forever The Sickest Kids, among others). I was greeen with envy. This was the earliest I've ever waited in line. It reminded me of my pal Maricel who is truly hardcore in getting there early, as she has waited upwards of six+ hours prior to doors.

The action in line (in the vein of a stream of consciousness): Anthony and Aiza went across the street to get a snack. I ask Alan what other bands he's into. One of them is Paramore. Nice. Not a big fan of The Rocket Summer though. Bummer. A&A return with an It's It, an ice cream sandwich concoction that is apparently a sweet San Francisco treat. Had a bite and was surprisingly yummy. Something with oatmeal I think. Dropped chocolate on ground. Aiza wipes with napkin and now it looks like shit. Haha. Alan has his alergies acting up and has a huge roll of t.p. in his backpack. I discover Aiza and Anthony are vegetarians. Aiza discovers the progression of our hairstyles. Mine being the first phase, Alan the second, and Anthony the final stage of the scene cut. Surprisingly short line, but prolly cause kids were at The Warfield for the My Chemical Romance show that same night. Crap, their loss is our gain. Alan and Anthony go to Office Max to unload their bladders and I'm follow them about ten minutes later. Huge mistake. Shit! They all met Kenny! Damn you bladder! Why?!? I will never go to the bathroom while waiting ever. Heh.

TSL starts to do their sound check and play "Birds". We all chirp along and "woohooooh". Aiza and classmate Audrey go in to interview TSL while we wait. Yep, I ruined the A-role with my name. Aiza and Audrey return. Apparently they didn't get to speak with Kenny! Aiza said that the press person asked the allowed press members the opportunity to go first. Not really thinking any repercussions from this, Aiza and Audrey go first...and they get Mike and Matt (or was it Tom? my memory is bad). Oh well, they got to take photos with him earlier. Aiza loves Hello Kitty. We all have chew on Hello Kitty gum. Audrey's goal is to get all the members of TSL to sign her liner notes. My goal is to meet Kenny. TSL fans are among the coolest. Someone in back of me says they'd pay for a show just with TSL. I'd agree. Not too fond of Bayside or Four Year Strong. The night before, I gave Steel Train a listen and fell asleep to their Myspace music player.

Okay so one of the security dude comes out to say "no cameras tonight". Booo. Why so strict? Is this not their last tour (for a while, or ever) and they are restricting cameras?! Sharpies are also contraband and any cameras we possessed had to be checked in. Not necessary. Do we not deserve better, since the cool kids need cool pix.

So the doors opened slightly later than expected and the line was divided by gender in prep for body and contraband searches. I am the third male. Anthony's sharpie gets tossed. We toss all our cameras in Alan's backpack. But say what? One of the venue girls gave small cameras the okay. Thank god!

We finally get in and we all bypassed the merch tables in favor of the prized positions in the front on the barricade. I did look back to see the type of merch available. Steel Train had a t-shirt and CD deal for $20. TSL had all sorts of tees on sale. Interestingly this show the audience got to see all the setting and packing between sets, as compared to the Really Really Ridiculously Good Looking Tour show. Alan continued to fight the allergies. Aiza puts in earplugs, saying she has permanent damage from being up front during shows all these years. Yikes. Audrey is super tall, so she separated from the group.

First up was Steel Train and their sound was unique and enjoyable. Lead singer started out with a red sweatshirt with a cow on it. LOL. Holding on to the barricade, I was right in front of the guitarist and was so close to the speakers I was sure to be deaf by the end of the night. Note to self: get some earplugs! I felt bad for the band since some of the kids up front showed little interest but I'm sure it was fun to try to win them over. Kudos for playing a Smashing Pumpkins cover ("1979") which I thought was unexpected/cool.

Next up was Four Year Strong, who I tried listening to some of their songs to get be prepared for their set, but just couldn't really get into it. I think of the four of us in front, Anthony was probably the most excited to see them perform. I have ~~two~~ three things to say about FYS: (1) They remind me of Limp Bizkit. (2) Their songs basically sound the same, no distinct melodies or choruses. (3) Their fans are unnecessarily intense and need to back the fuck off. The third band was Bayside which didn't really fare any better. I focused on ~~two~~ three things during this set: (1) to make sure those rowdy kids in back of us do not try to make their way to the barricade, Alan and I created a wall with our forearms. (2) The lead singer's teeth were janky. Aiza noticed this too. And (3), his microphone was on way too low for anyone to hear any distinguishable lyrics.

The wait for TSL was obviously a little more than the others. One of the first things assembled was Tom's drumset. Anyway, TSL played an awesome set which lasted about an hour and a half. Kenny and Co. played a lot of the suggested songs on the PickRSet, which had a few of the older songs from their early days with Drive Thru Records that weren't featured on the major albums. I definitely did my research and listened to Based on A True Story and Direction for hours and days prior and found them to be extremely fantastic material, with the latter as the standout. I also knew a few songs on Say It Like You Mean It, including one of my favorites "A Goodnight's Sleep".

Meet The original foursome of The Starting Line

(1) Frontman and bassist Kenny Vasoli, (2) guitarist Matt Watts, (3) drummer Tom Gryskiewicz, and (4) guitarist Mike Golla. New keyboardist Brian Schmutz joined the band during Direction and can be seen in the photos below.

TSL began the night with "Almost There, Going Nowhere" from SILYMI, followed by the EP classic "Greg's Last Day". Truly this is when the show really started, since the build-up to TSL was, frankly, underwhelming. I was amazed the amount of energy the crowd gave the band and how much they equally gave back. During their performance of the title song of their latest album "Direction", everyone (including myself) was shouting every word.

I am the boy who got carried away, in my new direction, and there's where I stay...

Other highlights include "Are You Alone", "Autography", "Bedroom Talk", "Leaving", personal fave "A Goodnight's Sleep", "Surprise, Surprise", and "Birds".

Then Kenny slowed things down for the next song. He said he doesn't perform this song during the tour but since San Francisco requested it, he sang the sobering "Something Left To Give". I thought the message of the song took on a new meaning when I heard that they may not return. To me, it now means that after 8 years of touring and being in the music industry, they've lived such a crazy life and now they ready to slow things down and take a breather, experience other facets of life, and hopefully, return (in a year, in five or ten) with worthy music for themselves and the fans.

Midway through the set, the crush of the crowd was really getting to us. All our energy and adrenaline was really taxing and fortunately the security dudes passed out comp bottled water to us in the front. No way are we going to leave our spots just to buy a $3 bottle of water!...Oh! The next part was priceless. Prior to getting into the next song, Kenny started egging on Matt and provoked the crowd to start chanting for Matt to flash his chest. The crowd kept chanting "Show your tits". So Matt finally showed his manboobs to everyone for a split second and got really red-faced. Immediately after, Kenny introduced the next song, which everyone knew...And if you don't, get acquainted with "Island":

Now I was afraid that the next song wasn't going to be played because it was selected in the PlayRSet list. But I figure, they had to play the song. Anthony reassured me that they would. "Somebody's Gonna Miss Us" began and I was psyched. Say it's premature to make such a statement, but it has got to be one of my all-time favorite TSL songs ever. So much I wanted to capture a video of it, but when I uploaded all my photos and videos and found it was not there, I was crushed that I did not get any of it captured. Bummed to the max about that. Other notable bums: the omissions of "21" or "Way With Words" in the show.

But I was not at all bummed about the encore, which of course had the best TSL ever played at the very end. People attempted to crowd surf (and failed lol) but there was a great energy felt everywhere. It was a bittersweet sight to see the band leave towards the end, as is customary of their shows, with the crowd left to sing out the final chorus. Here's "Best of Me":

Amazing.

Th highly sought after setlists were held hostage by one of the tour guys who wanted specific answers to his questions regarding punk rock. While people fought for that, I was able to get a yellow TSL guitar pick! After the show, Aiza, Anthony, and I went over to merch to get tees (Aiza got a shirt with pandas 'cause she loves pandas, just like my friend Maricel!) while I got the blue Direction shirt.

When we finally got out of Slim's, we waited for TSL to come out. Mike and Matt were the first to come out and we got to meet them.

The wait for Kenny was quite a while. We waited for about 20-30 minutes. Things started looking bleek when one of the roadies came out, looked at us, shook his head, and murmured something negative. Also Matt and Mike (with their napsacks) came out of the tour bus and walked away from the venue.

But at long last, Kenny came through the doors wearing his backpack and ~~everyone~~ (well okay I'll speak for myself) I got excited, I'll admit. Someone asked Kenny if he was going out tonight, but said he had a recent fight with his girlfriend so he probably won't. As is customary to meeting an idol-like figure, I always shake their hands and introduce myself. Mr. Vasoli politely introduced himself even though I knew who he was. Then I said that I am from Hawaii and knew they all played at Pipeline earlier in February, the show Maricel went to, and his face lit up. He said that he enjoyed being in Hawaii.

Two ringing ears, a hug and a handshake later, it was done and over. I have come to realize that The Starting Line is a really underrated band. They've spent nearly a decade trying to attain some level of success (hence the lyric "Seems like we can never catch a break" in Island) and deal with all sorts of record label drama. It is not so far-fetched that they all needed time away from it all. I hope they come back from this break renewed, because when all is said and done, and nobody's here to play the music we love, we're most definitely going to miss them.

Man I hope they will.

Fresh Music - Top 40 for April 5, 2008

2008-04-06T13:25:00.000-10:00

Friss Zene Top 40 for the week ending on Saturday, 04.05.08
The Starting Line's Island floats away to the top!

TW= this week's position
LW= last week
Δ= change
PP= peak position
WC= weeks on the chart

TW LW Δ PP WC Artist - Title (weeks at top spot)
01 06 +05 01 10 The Starting Line - Island (1 week at #1)
02 01 -01 01 07 Lights - February Air (1 week at #1)
03 07 +04 03 04 Paramore - That's What You Get
04 02 -02 01 09 Motion City Soundtrack - It Had To Be You (2 weeks at #1)
05 03 -02 03 05 Gavin DeGraw - In Love With A Girl
06 04 -02 04 06 Ashlee Simpson feat. Tom Higgenson - Little Miss Obsessive
07 08 +01 07 05 All Time Low - Dear Maria, Count Me In
08 14 +06 08 03 Boys Like Girls - Thunder
09 12 +03 09 03 Jimmy Eat World - Always Be
10 05 -05 01 09 The Midway State - Change For You (3 weeks at #1)
11 10 -01 10 12 We The Kings - Check Yes Juliet
12 DEBUT 12 01 Treaty of Paris - Hello Nurse
13 18 +05 13 07 Phantom Planet - Leader
14 11 -03 03 11 Jordin Sparks feat. Chris Brown - No Air
15 09 -06 01 10 Sum 41 - With Me (1 week at #1)
16 16 N C 15 03 Tegan and Sara - The Con
17 15 -02 01 12 The Cab - I'll Run (1 week at #1)
18 17 -01 17 09 Panic At The Disco - Nine In The Afternoon
19 20 +01 19 04 Rihanna - Take A Bow
20 DEBUT 20 01 Yellowcard - Fighting
21 DEBUT 21 01 The Spill Canvas - All Over You
22 13 -09 04 08 Mika - Relax, Take It Easy
23 19 -04 12 26 Leona Lewis - Bleeding Love
24 27 +03 23 05 Simple Plan - Your Love Is A Lie
25 26 +01 25 02 Mariah Carey - Touch My Body
26 25 -01 03 19 OneRepublic - Stop and Stare
27 23 -04 19 05 The Feeling - Without You
28 22 -06 07 08 Colbie Caillat - The Little Things
29 21 -08 21 04 SafetySuit - Someone Like You
30 29 -01 01 19 Chris Brown - With You (2 weeks at #1)
31 DEBUT 31 01 Forever The Sickest Kids - Whoa Oh!
32 34 +02 10 09 Augustana - Sweet And Low
33 24 -09 11 08 Jason Mraz - I'm Yours
34 28 -08 27 03 Linkin Park - Leave Out All The Rest
35 32 -03 01 18 Lifehouse - Whatever It Takes (3 weeks at #1)
36 33 -03 33 03 Sara Bareilles - Bottle It Up
37 35 -02 32 04 Jesse McCartney - Leavin'
38 30 -08 04 14 Janet Jackson - Feedback
39 40 +01 01 12 Cobra Starship - The City Is At War (1 week at #1)
40 42 +02 01 35 Maroon 5 - Won't Go Home Without You (1 week at #1)

Bubbling Under: 41 to 45
41 43 +02 43 03 Matt Nathanson - Come On Get Higher
42 38 -04 01 18 Boys Like Girls - Hero/Heroine (2 weeks at #1)
43 45 +02 01 42 Jon McLaughlin - Beautiful Disaster (3 weeks at #1)
44 31 -13 11 06 The Helio Sequence - Keep Your Eyes Ahead
45 41 -04 04 37 Rihanna - Don't Stop The Music

Falling Off
36 33 -03 02 13 Jon McLaughlin - So Close
37 34 -03 06 07 Ferras - Hollywood's Not America
39 40 +01 39 02 Five Times August - The Good Life
44 43 -01 14 16 NLT - She Said, I Said

Biggest Debut
Treaty of Paris - Hello Nurse (debut at #12)

Biggest Jump
Boys Like Girls - Thunder (#8, up 6 spots from #14 last week)

Biggest Decline
The Helio Sequence - Keep Your Eyes Ahead (#44, down 13 spots from #41 last week)

Friss Zene
The Veronicas - Untouched
PlayRadioPlay! - Madi Don't Leave

The Starting Line in San Francisco Tonight!

2008-04-03T09:35:00.000-10:00

I'm super excited about attending The Starting Line show at Slim's in San Francisco tonight. The Pennsylvanian band is headlining a tour with openers Steel Train, MA band Four Year Strong and Bayside. TSL has been a late college discovery and after listening to their albums, I found their type of rock music to be approachable and resonant. I'll keep you updated on the going-ons soon.

Fresh Song: The Starting Line - Somebody's Gonna Miss Us

2008-04-03T09:23:00.001-10:00

The Starting Line - Somebody's Gonna Miss Us

Not officially released as a single, track #10 is one of my favorite songs off of The Starting Line's 2007 album Direction. It takes on an enhanced meaning now that lead singer Kenny Vasoli and the band announced an "indefinite hiatus" from touring and creating music. Very sad. But let's just hope this is not a break-up and that they will be back very soon, unlike *coughs*blink182*coughs*. Give it a listen!

boomp3.com

Meanwhile, GET some Direction!

Fresh Song: The Rocket Summer - Do You Feel

2008-03-31T17:55:00.001-10:00

The Rocket Summer - Do You Feel

Pop-punk band The Rocket Summer is really the mastermind of blond wunderkind Bryce Avary. Currently on the AP Tour with The Matches and co-headliners All Time Low, this song is off the latest CD of the same name. I'm loving it!

boomp3.com

Fresh Video: Paramore - That's What You Get

2008-03-30T18:20:00.000-10:00

Paramore is currently out on tour with Fueled By Ramen alumni Jimmy Eat World and is ready to release the third single off their 2007 album Riot! titled "That's What You Get". The accompanying video has a straightforward concept and is a very good listen overall. Check it out!

Fresh Music - Top 40 for Saturday, March 29, 2008

2008-03-29T13:47:00.000-10:00

Friss Zene Top 40 for the week ending on Saturday, 03.29.08
Make way for Lights!

TW= this week's position
LW= last week
Δ= change
PP= peak position
WC= weeks on the chart

TW LW Δ PP WC Artist - Title (weeks at top spot)
01 02 +01 06 Lights - February Air (1 week at #1)
02 01 -01 01 08 Motion City Soundtrack - It Had To Be You (2 weeks at #1)
03 04 +01 03 04 Gavin DeGraw - In Love With A Girl
04 05 +01 04 05 Ashlee Simpson feat. Tom Higgenson - Little Miss Obsessive
05 03 -02 01 08 The Midway State - Change For You (3 weeks at #1)
06 12 +06 06 09 The Starting Line - Island
07 09 +02 07 03 Paramore - That's What You Get
08 07 -01 07 04 All Time Low - Dear Maria, Count Me In
09 06 -03 01 09 Sum 41 - With Me (1 week at #1)
10 10 N C 10 11 We The Kings - Check Yes Juliet
11 08 -03 03 10 Jordin Sparks feat. Chris Brown - No Air
12 14 +02 12 02 Jimmy Eat World - Always Be
13 13 N C 04 07 Mika - Relax, Take It Easy
14 19 +05 14 02 Boys Like Girls - Thunder
15 11 -04 01 11 The Cab - I'll Run (1 week at #1)
16 15 -01 15 02 Tegan and Sara - The Con
17 20 +03 17 08 Panic At The Disco - Nine In The Afternoon
18 21 +03 18 06 Phantom Planet - Leader
19 18 -01 12 25 Leona Lewis - Bleeding Love
20 24 +04 20 03 Rihanna - Take A Bow
21 25 +04 21 03 SafetySuit - Someone Like You
22 17 -05 07 07 Colbie Caillat - The Little Things
23 23 N C 19 04 The Feeling - Without You
24 22 -02 11 07 Jason Mraz - I'm Yours
25 16 -09 03 18 OneRepublic - Stop and Stare
26 DEBUT 26 01 Mariah Carey - Touch My Body
27 26 -01 23 04 Simple Plan - Your Love Is A Lie
28 27 -01 27 02 Linkin Park - Leave Out All The Rest
29 28 -01 01 18 Chris Brown - With You (2 weeks at #1)
30 30 N C 04 13 Janet Jackson - Feedback
31 29 -02 11 05 The Helio Sequence - Keep Your Eyes Ahead
32 31 -01 01 17 Lifehouse - Whatever It Takes (3 weeks at #1)
33 35 +02 33 02 Sara Bareilles - Bottle It Up
34 36 +02 10 08 Augustana - Sweet And Low
35 32 -03 32 03 Jesse McCartney - Leavin'
36 33 -03 02 13 Jon McLaughlin - So Close
37 34 -03 06 07 Ferras - Hollywood's Not America
38 38 N C 01 17 Boys Like Girls - Hero/Heroine (2 weeks at #1)
39 40 +01 39 02 Five Times August - The Good Life
40 39 -01 01 11 Cobra Starship - The City Is At War (1 week at #1)

Bubbling Under: 41 to 45
41 41 N C 04 36 Rihanna - Don't Stop The Music
42 42 N C 01 34 Maroon 5 - Won't Go Home Without You (1 week at #1)
43 45 +02 43 02 Matt Nathanson - Come On Get Higher
44 43 -01 14 16 NLT - She Said, I Said
45 44 -01 01 41 Jon McLaughlin - Beautiful Disaster (3 weeks at #1)

Falling Off
The Last Goodnight - Stay Beautiful

Biggest Debut
Mariah Carey - Touch My Body (debut at #26)

Biggest Jump
The Starting Line - Island (#6, up 6 spots from #12 last week)

Biggest Decline
Jon McLaughlin - So Close (#25, down 9 spots from #16 last week)

Friss Zene
Yellowcard - Fighting
Forever The Sickest Kids - Whoa Oh! (Me Vs. Everyone)
Avril Lavigne - The Best Damn Thing

Fresh Music - Top 40 for Saturday, March 22, 2008

2008-03-27T20:45:00.001-10:00

Friss Zene Top 40 for the week ending on Saturday, 03.22.08
Motion City Soundtrack holds the top spot for second week

TW= this week's position
LW= last week
Δ= change
PP= peak position
WC= weeks on the chart

TW LW Δ PP WC Artist - Title (weeks at top spot)
01 01 N C 01 07 Motion City Soundtrack - It Had To Be You (2 weeks at #1)
02 05 +03 02 05 Lights - February Air
03 02 -01 01 07 The Midway State - Change For You (3 weeks at #1)
04 03 -01 03 03 Gavin DeGraw - In Love With A Girl
05 06 +01 05 04 Ashlee Simpson feat. Tom Higgenson - Little Miss Obsessive
06 04 -02 01 08 Sum 41 - With Me (1 week at #1)
07 09 +02 07 03 All Time Low - Dear Maria, Count Me In
08 07 -01 03 09 Jordin Sparks feat. Chris Brown - No Air
09 26 +17 09 02 Paramore - That's What You Get
10 18 +08 10 10 We The Kings - Check Yes Juliet
11 11 N C 01 10 The Cab - I'll Run (1 week at #1)
12 17 +05 10 08 The Starting Line - Island
13 08 -05 04 06 Mika - Relax, Take It Easy
14 DEBUT 14 01 Jimmy Eat World - Always Be
15 DEBUT 15 01 Tegan and Sara - The Con
16 31 +15 03 17 OneRepublic - Stop and Stare
17 10 -07 07 06 Colbie Caillat - The Little Things
18 25 +07 12 24 Leona Lewis - Bleeding Love
19 DEBUT 19 01 Boys Like Girls - Thunder
20 28 +08 20 07 Panic At The Disco - Nine In The Afternoon
21 32 +11 21 05 Phantom Planet - Leader
22 16 -06 11 06 Jason Mraz - I'm Yours
23 19 -04 19 03 The Feeling - Without You
24 39 +15 24 02 Rihanna - Take A Bow
25 44 +19 25 02 SafetySuit - Someone Like You
26 23 -03 23 03 Simple Plan - Your Love Is A Lie
27 DEBUT 27 01 Linkin Park - Leave Out All The Rest
28 12 -16 01 17 Chris Brown - With You (2 weeks at #1)
29 14 -15 11 04 The Helio Sequence - Keep Your Eyes Ahead
30 15 -15 04 12 Janet Jackson - Feedback
31 22 -09 01 16 Lifehouse - Whatever It Takes (3 weeks at #1)
32 35 +03 32 02 Jesse McCartney - Leavin'
33 13 -20 02 12 Jon McLaughlin - So Close
34 20 -14 06 06 Ferras - Hollywood's Not America
35 DEBUT 35 01 Sara Bareilles - Bottle It Up
36 24 -12 10 07 Augustana - Sweet And Low
37 40 +03 37 04 The Last Goodnight - Stay Beautiful
38 36 -02 01 16 Boys Like Girls - Hero/Heroine (2 weeks at #1)
39 29 -10 01 10 Cobra Starship - The City Is At War (1 week at #1)
40 DEBUT 40 01 Five Times August - The Good Life

Bubbling Under: 41 to 45
41 21 -20 04 35 Rihanna - Don't Stop The Music
42 34 -08 01 33 Maroon 5 - Won't Go Home Without You (1 week at #1)
43 37 -06 14 15 NLT - She Said, I Said
44 45 +01 01 40 Jon McLaughlin - Beautiful Disaster (3 weeks at #1)
45 DEBUT 45 01 Matt Nathanson - Come On Get Higher

Falling Off
Matt Nathanson - Car Crash: 34 weeks, 1 week at #1
Motion City Soundtrack - Broken Heart: 26 weeks, peak at #3
I Nine - Seven Days Of Lonely: 21 weeks, 1 week at #1
Jack Johnson - If I Had Eyes: 11 weeks, peak at #20
Rogue Wave - Lake Michigan
Nada Surf - See These Bones
Lupe Fiasco feat. Matthew Santos - Superstar

Biggest Debut
Jimmy Eat World - Always Be (debut at #14)

Biggest Jump
Paramore - That's What You Get (#9, up 17 spots from #26 last week)

Biggest Decline
Jon McLaughlin - So Close (#33, down 20 spots from #13 last week)

Friss Zene
The Hush Sound - Honey
Maroon 5 - Better That We Break
The Starting Line - Something Left To Give

Gavin DeGraw with Landon Pigg @ The Independent, 03.10.08 CANCELLED!

2008-03-16T07:17:00.000-10:00

Last Monday night, March 10, 2008, I planned on attending the Gavin DeGraw & Landon Pigg concert at the Independent on Divisadero, but the worst possible thing that could happen to a concert-goer happened to me...

The Gavin DeGraw show was cancelled!

My friend Rochelle and I came to the venue a bit disheartened by the news. I've been psyching myself for this event and prepared by listening to Gavin DeGraw's Chariot and Landon Pigg's LP & Coffee Shop EP.

It wasn't a complete loss, because Gavin came out to explain the cancellation and personally apologize to his fans. His vocals were, in his words, "really fucked" as a result of straining it after shooting a music video for his latest single "In Love With A Girl" and the bumpy long five hour road trip from L.A. to San Francisco in a trailer. Since the show would not be rescheduled due to the tight calendar of events at the Independent, refunds would be issued for TicketNow customers. EDIT: He remained sick for several more days and had to cancel his L.A. gig the day after the SF show.

My tech-savvy friend and disappointed Gavin fan Mary captured his apology on video. She told me that she waited three years for Gavin to play another show. Take a look:

Video credit: marygotzskillz on YouTube

Gavin proved to be a nice guy, and after shaking the dude's hand, I told him how my friend and I came all the way from Hawaii and were bummed about the recent turn of events. He said he hopes to return to San Francisco and play.

He later signed autographs, took pics, and gave hugs to fans.

Without getting too earnest, he proved that even talented musicians are humans too. Above all, by personally staying at the venue, it was a sign of the respect he has to the fans who came to witness his craft. And although this was my first non-musical concert experience, I still most definitely want to catch a live Gavin show in the near future.

Don't forget to support Gavin by purchasing his self-titled album when it comes out on May 6.

Fresh Music - Top 40 for Saturday, March 15, 2008

2008-03-16T03:01:00.000-10:00

Friss Zene Top 40 for the week ending on Saturday, 03.08.08
Motion City Soundtrack had to be the best this week

TW= this week's position
LW= last week
Δ= change
PP= peak position
WC= weeks on the chart

TW LW Δ PP WC Artist - Title (weeks at top spot)
01 05 +04 01 06 Motion City Soundtrack - It Had To Be You (1 week at #1)
02 02 N C 01 06 The Midway State - Change For You (3 weeks at #1)
03 09 +06 03 02 Gavin DeGraw - In Love With A Girl
04 01 -03 01 07 Sum 41 - With Me (1 week at #1)
05 10 +05 05 04 Lights - February Air
06 06 N C 06 03 Ashlee Simpson feat. Tom Higgenson - Little Miss Obsessive
07 03 -04 03 08 Jordin Sparks feat. Chris Brown - No Air
08 04 -04 04 05 Mika - Relax, Take It Easy
09 15 +06 09 02 All Time Low - Dear Maria, Count Me In
10 12 +02 07 05 Colbie Caillat - The Little Things
11 07 -04 01 09 The Cab - I'll Run (1 week at #1)
12 13 +01 01 16 Chris Brown - With You (2 weeks at #1)
13 08 -05 02 11 Jon McLaughlin - So Close
14 11 -03 11 03 The Helio Sequence - Keep Your Eyes Ahead
15 14 -01 04 11 Janet Jackson - Feedback
16 26 +10 11 05 Jason Mraz - I'm Yours
17 16 -01 10 07 The Starting Line - Island
18 17 -01 17 09 We The Kings - Check Yes Juliet
19 21 +02 19 02 The Feeling - Without You
20 19 -01 06 05 Ferras - Hollywood's Not America
21 20 -01 04 34 Rihanna - Don't Stop The Music
22 18 -04 01 15 Lifehouse - Whatever It Takes (3 weeks at #1)
23 25 +02 23 02 Simple Plan - Your Love Is A Lie
24 29 +05 10 06 Augustana - Sweet And Low
25 23 -02 12 23 Leona Lewis - Bleeding Love
26 DEBUT 26 01 Paramore - That's What You Get
27 24 -03 19 03 Lupe Fiasco feat. Matthew Santos - Superstar
28 32 +04 23 06 Panic At The Disco - Nine In The Afternoon
29 22 -07 01 09 Cobra Starship - The City Is At War (1 week at #1)
30 28 -02 20 11 Jack Johnson - If I Had Eyes
31 35 +04 03 16 OneRepublic - Stop and Stare
32 30 -02 27 04 Phantom Planet - Leader
33 27 -06 14 06 Rogue Wave - Lake Michigan
34 31 -03 01 32 Maroon 5 - Won't Go Home Without You (1 week at #1)
35 DEBUT 35 01 Jesse McCartney - Leavin'
36 33 -03 01 15 Boys Like Girls - Hero/Heroine (2 weeks at #1)
37 34 -03 14 14 NLT - She Said, I Said
38 37 -01 32 04 Nada Surf - See These Bones
39 DEBUT 39 01 Rihanna - Take A Bow
40 38 -02 38 03 The Last Goodnight - Stay Beautiful

Bubbling Under: 41 to 45
41 41 N C 01 21 I Nine - Seven Days Of Lonely (1 week at #1)
42 42 N C 03 26 Motion City Soundtrack - Broken Heart
43 40 -03 01 34 Matt Nathanson - Car Crash (1 week at #1)
44 DEBUT 44 01 SafetySuit - Someone Like You
45 44 -01 01 39 Jon McLaughlin - Beautiful Disaster (3 weeks at #1)

Falling Off
John Mayer - Say (15 weeks, peak: #3)
Paramore - Let The Flames Begin
Josh Kelley - Unfair
Simple Plan - When I'm Gone

Biggest Debut
Paramore - That's What You Get (debut at #26)

Biggest Jump
Jason Mraz - I'm Yours (#16, up 10 spots from #26 last week)

Biggest Decline
Cobra Starship - The City Is At War (#29, down 7 spots from #24 last week)

Friss Zene
Boys Like Girls - Thunder
The Spill Canvas - All Over You

Because I hate skipping weeks, I present you last week's Fresh Music Top 40

2008-03-16T01:28:00.000-10:00

Friss Zene Top 40 for the week ending on Saturday, 03.08.08
Sum 41 finally dethrones The Midway State!

TW= this week's position
LW= last week
Δ= change
PP= peak position
WC= weeks on the chart

TW LW Δ PP WC Artist - Title (weeks at top spot)
01 03 +02 01 06 Sum 41 - With Me (1 week at #1)
02 01 -01 01 05 The Midway State - Change For You (3 weeks at #1)
03 04 +01 03 07 Jordin Sparks feat. Chris Brown - No Air
04 06 +02 04 04 Mika - Relax, Take It Easy
05 11 +06 05 05 Motion City Soundtrack - It Had To Be You
06 15 +09 06 02 Ashlee Simpson feat. Tom Higgenson - Little Miss Obsessive
07 05 -02 01 08 The Cab - I'll Run (1 week at #1)
08 02 -06 02 10 Jon McLaughlin - So Close
09 DEBUT 09 01 Gavin DeGraw - In Love With A Girl
10 20 +10 10 03 Lights - February Air
11 12 +01 11 02 The Helio Sequence - Keep Your Eyes Ahead
12 07 -05 07 04 Colbie Caillat - The Little Things
13 07 -06 01 15 Chris Brown - With You (2 weeks at #1)
14 09 -05 04 10 Janet Jackson - Feedback
15 DEBUT 15 01 All Time Low - Dear Maria, Count Me In
16 13 -03 10 06 The Starting Line - Island
17 23 +06 17 08 We The Kings - Check Yes Juliet
18 21 +03 01 14 Lifehouse - Whatever It Takes (3 weeks at #1)
19 16 -03 06 04 Ferras - Hollywood's Not America
20 10 -10 04 33 Rihanna - Don't Stop The Music
21 DEBUT 21 01 The Feeling - Without You
22 17 -05 01 08 Cobra Starship - The City Is At War (1 week at #1)
23 26 +03 12 22 Leona Lewis - Bleeding Love
24 19 -05 19 02 Lupe Fiasco feat. Matthew Santos - Superstar
25 DEBUT 25 01 Simple Plan - Your Love Is A Lie
26 18 -08 11 04 Jason Mraz - I'm Yours
27 14 -13 14 05 Rogue Wave - Lake Michigan
28 39 +11 20 10 Jack Johnson - If I Had Eyes
29 22 -07 10 05 Augustana - Sweet And Low
30 28 -02 27 03 Phantom Planet - Leader
31 25 -06 01 31 Maroon 5 - Won't Go Home Without You (1 week at #1)
32 27 -05 23 05 Panic At The Disco - Nine In The Afternoon
33 24 -09 01 14 Boys Like Girls - Hero/Heroine (2 weeks at #1)
34 30 -04 14 13 NLT - She Said, I Said
35 31 -04 03 15 OneRepublic - Stop and Stare
36 29 -07 12 07 Josh Kelley - Unfair
37 32 -05 32 03 Nada Surf - See These Bones
38 38 N C 38 01 The Last Goodnight - Stay Beautiful
39 40 +01 26 05 Simple Plan - When I'm Gone
40 33 -07 01 33 Matt Nathanson - Car Crash (1 week at #1)

Bubbling Under: 41 to 45
41 34 -07 01 20 I Nine - Seven Days Of Lonely (1 week at #1)
42 35 -07 03 25 Motion City Soundtrack - Broken Heart
43 36 -07 08 09 Paramore - Let The Flames Begin
44 44 N C 01 38 Jon McLaughlin - Beautiful Disaster (3 weeks at #1)
45 37 -08 03 15 John Mayer - Say

Falling Off
Rihanna feat. Ne-Yo - Hate That I Love You (25 weeks, peak: #1 for 1 week)
Alicia Keys - Like You'll Never See Me Again (15 weeks, peak: #14)
David Guetta feat. Chris Willis - Love Is Gone (11 weeks, peak: #16)
Carrie Underwood - All-American Girl

Biggest Debut
Gavin DeGraw - In Love With A Girl (debut at #9)

Biggest Jump
Jack Johnson - If I Had Eyes (#28, up 11 spots from #39 last week)

Biggest Decline
Rogue Wave - Lake Michigan (#27, down 13 spots from #14 last week)

Friss Zene
Paramore - That's What You Get
Matt Nathanson - Come On Get Higher

Note: I realized that skipping this particular week would throw off a number of songs from the chart, so to eliminate any gaps, here is the chart for last week's top 40. Plus, it's pretty momentous that a number one mainstay gets kicked to second off the top by a fellow Canadian band. Kudos to Derrick W. and Co. Stay tuned for this week's chart. I'm currently working on getting it up in a matter of hours.

Site Update, Gavin DeGraw and Landon Pigg in San Francisco on Monday!

2008-03-09T20:12:00.000-10:00

Hey guys! It is the beginning of hell week for me at school (midterms, papers, papers, papers) so I have not had the time to create and post a top 40 chart for last week, so I am going to scrap it and resume with a full one for this upcoming Saturday.

Thanks for your patience. I will also keep you updated on the Gavin DeGraw & Landon Pigg show at the Independent I will attend tomorrow night. In the midst of all my schoolwork, that is something I cannot miss! Gavin hasn't toured in a long while and so I can hold off on the stress at least for tomorrow night. And look for a "Live Rewind" review post in the upcoming days.

Photo credit: neohippy (flickr)

SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC...just don't forget to do your homework, kids.

Currently listening: "These Hard Times" - Matchbox Twenty

Fresh Song: Landon Pigg - Magnetismo (And more!)

2008-03-06T21:29:00.000-10:00

Landon Pigg - Magnetismo

You've probably never heard of Landon Pigg by name, but you may have stumbled upon his song and latest single "Falling In Love In A Coffee Shop" in those "A Diamond Is Forever" TV ads. Well, I stumbled upon the Tennessee-born singer-songwriter's debut album LP while browsing through new CDs in the Virgin Megastore in downtown San Francisco back in the fall of 2006. I listened through a few of his songs at a listening station and loved what I heard. Landon has a knack for writing cheery and earnest-sounding tunes. Plus the artwork on LP was drawn by the multi-talented artist himself.

Landon just released the EP Coffee Shop on iTunes and Amazon, including a reworked version of the song "Magnetism" called "Magnetismo"! I'm digging this song, not only because it is en Español, but Landon's vocal interpretation is refreshing and amazingly amusing. Enjoy! And please leave a comment and tell me what you think of Landon and his music!

DL: HERE
BUY: Coffee Shop on iTunes

Here's Landon's first-ever music video for the fantastic song "Can't Let Go":

Fresh Song: Gavin DeGraw - In Love With A Girl

2008-03-06T19:50:00.000-10:00

Gavin DeGraw - In Love With A Girl

Gavin DeGraw is one of my favorite musicians. My first moment I was exposed to his music was way back in the summer of 2003 when he performed "Chariot" on the live-performance television show Pepsi Smash. The singer-songwriter who brought us earnest hits like "We Belong Together" and "I Don't Wanna Be" from his debut album Chariot is coming back with new material (read: new album) this May...after four long years. The new album will be self-titled and will be out on May 6, 2008.

In support of Gavin DeGraw, Gavin is currently out on an intimate club tour, including a show at The Independent in San Francisco which I will attend with my friend Rochelle on Monday night! One of the songs he will definitely perform is the first single -- "In Love With A Girl", an upbeat and soulful return to what Gavin does best. I'm doing things a bit differently this time for DLs. If you want to hear the song, you'll have to leave a comment and request it first.

Fresh Video: Motion City Soundtrack - It Had To Be You

2008-03-01T23:07:00.000-10:00

Here's the new video for Motion City Soundtrack's latest single "It Had To Be You". It's a very creative and quirky video treatment that actually suits the song. I actually felt sorry for the lonely puppet (?) or white Gumby-like creation that was moping around and channel-surfing to random MCS programming. My favorite part is when the members of the band all dress up as informercial product testers. Some of the kudos should go out to director Lauren Simpson who won mtvU's Best Film on Campus (BFoC) Breaking The Video contest. Take a look!

Fresh Music - Top 40 for March 1, 2008

2008-03-01T19:48:00.000-10:00

Friss Zene Top 40 for the week ending on Saturday, 03.01.08
Jon and Sum 41 fail to unseat The Midway State from #1 for the third week

TW= this week's position
LW= last week
Δ= change
PP= peak position
WC= weeks on the chart

TW LW Δ PP WC Artist - Title (weeks at top spot)
01 01 N C 01 04 The Midway State - Change For You (3 weeks at #1)
02 02 N C 02 09 Jon McLaughlin - So Close
03 03 N C 03 05 Sum 41 - With Me
04 05 +01 03 06 Jordin Sparks feat. Chris Brown - No Air
05 04 -01 01 07 The Cab - I'll Run (1 week at #1)
06 16 +10 06 03 Mika - Relax, Take It Easy
07 09 +02 07 03 Colbie Caillat - The Little Things
08 07 -01 01 14 Chris Brown - With You (2 weeks at #1)
09 22 +13 04 09 Janet Jackson - Feedback
10 08 -02 04 32 Rihanna - Don't Stop The Music
11 18 +07 11 04 Motion City Soundtrack - It Had To Be You
12 DEBUT 12 01 The Helio Sequence - Keep Your Eyes Ahead
13 12 -01 10 05 The Starting Line - Island
14 15 +01 14 04 Rogue Wave - Lake Michigan
15 DEBUT 15 01 Ashlee Simpson feat. Tom Higgenson - Little Miss Obsessive
16 06 -10 06 03 Ferras - Hollywood's Not America
17 10 -07 01 07 Cobra Starship - The City Is At War (1 week at #1)
18 11 -07 11 03 Jason Mraz - I'm Yours
19 DEBUT 19 01 Lupe Fiasco feat. Matthew Santos - Superstar
20 32 +12 20 02 Lights - February Air
21 13 -08 01 13 Lifehouse - Whatever It Takes (3 weeks at #1)
22 17 -05 10 04 Augustana - Sweet And Low
23 19 -04 19 07 We The Kings - Check Yes Juliet
24 14 -10 01 13 Boys Like Girls - Hero/Heroine (2 weeks at #1)
25 21 -04 01 30 Maroon 5 - Won't Go Home Without You (1 week at #1)
26 20 -06 12 21 Leona Lewis - Bleeding Love
27 23 -04 23 04 Panic At The Disco - Nine In The Afternoon
28 27 -01 27 02 Phantom Planet - Leader
29 25 -04 12 06 Josh Kelley - Unfair
30 29 -01 14 12 NLT - She Said, I Said
31 24 -07 03 14 OneRepublic - Stop and Stare
32 40 +08 32 02 Nada Surf - See These Bones
33 33 N C 01 32 Matt Nathanson - Car Crash (1 week at #1)
34 26 -08 01 19 I Nine - Seven Days Of Lonely (1 week at #1)
35 43 +08 03 24 Motion City Soundtrack - Broken Heart
36 30 -06 08 08 Paramore - Let The Flames Begin
37 31 -06 03 14 John Mayer - Say
38 DEBUT 38 01 The Last Goodnight - Stay Beautiful
39 28 -11 20 09 Jack Johnson - If I Had Eyes
40 34 -06 26 04 Simple Plan - When I'm Gone

Bubbling Under: 41 to 45
41 35 -06 14 15 Alicia Keys - Like You'll Never See Me Again
42 - - R E 42 01 Carrie Underwood - All-American Girl
43 36 -07 16 11 David Guetta feat. Chris Willis - Love Is Gone
44 38 -06 01 37 Jon McLaughlin - Beautiful Disaster (3 weeks at #1)
45 44 -01 01 25 Rihanna feat. Ne-Yo - Hate That I Love You (1 week at #1)

Falling Off
Linkin Park - Shadow Of The Day (11 weeks, peak at #16)
Buckcherry - Sorry
Sean Kingston - Take You THere
Yael Naim - New Soul
Fergie - Clumsy (26 weeks, peak at #13)

Biggest Debut
The Helio Sequence - Keep Your Eyes Ahead (debut at #12)

Biggest Jump
Janet Jackson - Feedback (#9, up 13 spots from #22 last week)

Biggest Decline
Jack Johnson - If I Had Eyes (#39, down 11 spots from #28 last week)

Re-Entry
Carrie Underwood - All-American Girl (from #43 three weeks ago)

Friss Zene
Matchbox Twenty - These Hard Times
Mariah Carey - Touch My Body

The Giant Leap (Year) Post! Featuring Ferras, Ashlee, and Jon

2008-02-29T08:37:00.001-10:00

Introducing...

Ferras - Hollywood's Not America

Ferras is a piano-playing singer-songwriter. His single "Hollwood's Not America" was chosen to be the exit song for the 2008 season of American Idol and is the first single off his debut album Aliens & Rainbows which comes out on April 1st. The song itself is a sweet, sweeping emotional ballad in the vein of its Idol exit predecessors "Bad Day" by Daniel Powter and Daughtry's "Home". It is certain that we'll be hearing this song a lot in the spring.

DL HERE
PRE-ORDER Aliens & Rainbows on Amazon.com

Watch the VIDEO:

Speaking of American Idol, my interest in this year's competition grew after discovering Filipino-American contestant Ramiele Malubay. The 20-year-old is a sushi restaurant worker from Miramar, Florida. She's been touted as the next Jasmine Trias. Although both are female Pinays, I think the two cannot be compared. And what was up with Ryan saying Jasmine found success in "her native Philippines"? Last time I checked, she was a first-generation Fil-Am born and raised in Hawaii. That would be like saying Carly Smithson is from "her native Ireland". Oh wait...she is from Ireland. Anyway, Ramiele would like to one-up Jasmine and become the "first Filipino American Idol". Here is her audition video followed by her performance this week for "Don't Leave Me This Way".

Ashlee Simpson feat. Tom Higgenson - Little Miss Obsessive

In preparation for her third album Bittersweet World, Ashlee Simpson is releasing her second single "Little Miss Obsessive" featuring Plain White T's frontman Tom Higgenson. Ashlee doesn't really prove anything vocally but it's catchy and probably has the staying power that "Outta My Head (Ay Ya Ya)" failed to have.

DL HERE

Didn't catch the Academy Awards last Sunday? Well Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, the stars of the movie Once performed and won the Oscar for Best Original Song for "Falling Slowly", trumping over the three nominated songs from Enchanted.

Here's the daper Jon McLaughlin (sans piano) during his live performance for "So Close". Being that it was his first nationally televised perforance, you could tell nerves overtook him during the first part of the song. He did, however, produce a memorable breakthrough performance.

Jon McLaughlin to perform at the Academy Awards tonight!

2008-02-24T13:15:00.000-10:00

Piano man Jon McLaughlin will perform at tonight's Academy Awards show! He will perform "So Close", the Oscar-nominated song by composer Alan Menken for the Disney film Enchanted. McLaughlin also had appeared in the movie during the ball scene. Enchanted has three entrants in the "Best Original Song" category, and "So Close" the only contemporary stand-alone composition, apart from the more theatrical numbers.

This is a big deal for McLaughlin, because he is still little known in the industry. This appearance will offer him great exposure and hopefully new fans.

Weeks ago, the award show faced a cancellation threat due to the Writer's strike, but negotiations resulted in a deal and the Oscars are finally set to air on ABC.

I don't get into these movie-themed awards very often, and only if there was a particular film I really liked that I have an interest. Aside from Jon, I am paying particular attention to Juno's potential success tonight. I thoroughly enjoyed Juno's quirk, wit, and unique treatment of teenage pregnancy, a once-upon-a-time taboo subject. I mean, who does not love a movie that features a hamburger phone, a dude who puts deodorant on his inner thighs, and jems like the expletive-inspired "Phuket, Thailand" and "You should've gone to China, you know, 'cause I hear they give away babies like free iPods. You know, they pretty much just put them in those t-shirt guns and shoot them out at sporting events."

Take a peak at Ellen Page (nominated for best actress for her role as Juno McGuff) and Michael Cera (love interest Paulie Bleeker) playing a cover of The Moldy Peaches' "Anyone Else But You":

Fresh Music: Top 40 for February 23, 2008

2008-02-23T11:55:00.000-10:00

Friss Zene Top 40 for the week ending on Saturday, 02.23.08
Nathan Ferraro's band is tops for two weeks

TW= this week's position
LW= last week
Δ= change
PP= peak position
WC= weeks on the chart

TW LW Δ PP WC Artist - Title (weeks at top spot)
01 01 N C 01 03 The Midway State - Change For You (2 weeks at #1)
02 09 +07 02 08 Jon McLaughlin - So Close
03 06 +03 03 04 Sum 41 - With Me
04 02 -02 01 06 The Cab - I'll Run (1 week at #1)
05 08 +03 03 05 Jordin Sparks feat. Chris Brown - No Air
06 24 +18 06 02 Ferras - Hollywood's Not America
07 03 -04 01 13 Chris Brown - With You (2 weeks at #1)
08 05 -03 04 31 Rihanna - Don't Stop The Music
09 20 +11 09 02 Colbie Caillat - The Little Things
10 04 -06 01 06 Cobra Starship - The City Is At War (1 week at #1)
11 36 +25 11 02 Jason Mraz - I'm Yours
12 10 -02 10 04 The Starting Line - Island
13 07 -06 01 12 Lifehouse - Whatever It Takes (3 weeks at #1)
14 11 -03 01 12 Boys Like Girls - Hero/Heroine (2 weeks at #1)
15 19 +04 15 03 Rogue Wave - Lake Michigan
16 29 +13 16 02 Mika - Relax, Take It Easy
17 13 -04 10 03 Augustana - Sweet And Low
18 14 -04 14 03 Motion City Soundtrack - It Had To Be You
19 31 +12 19 06 We The Kings - Check Yes Juliet
20 12 -08 12 20 Leona Lewis - Bleeding Love
21 18 -03 01 29 Maroon 5 - Won't Go Home Without You (1 week at #1)
22 16 -06 04 08 Janet Jackson - Feedback
23 27 +04 23 03 Panic At The Disco - Nine In The Afternoon
24 17 -07 03 13 OneRepublic - Stop and Stare
25 15 -10 12 05 Josh Kelley - Unfair
26 21 -05 01 18 I Nine - Seven Days Of Lonely (1 week at #1)
27 DEBUT 27 01 Phantom Planet - Leader
28 32 +04 20 08 Jack Johnson - If I Had Eyes
29 23 -06 14 11 NLT - She Said, I Said
30 25 -05 08 07 Paramore - Let The Flames Begin
31 22 -09 03 13 John Mayer - Say
32 DEBUT 32 01 Lights - February Air
33 40 -07 01 31 Matt Nathanson - Car Crash (1 week at #1)
34 26 -08 26 03 Simple Plan - When I'm Gone
35 28 -07 14 14 Alicia Keys - Like You'll Never See Me Again
36 34 -02 16 10 David Guetta feat. Chris Willis - Love Is Gone
37 33 -04 16 11 Linkin Park - Shadow Of The Day
38 35 -03 01 36 Jon McLaughlin - Beautiful Disaster (3 weeks at #1)
39 30 -09 16 06 Buckchery - Sorry
40 DEBUT 40 01 Nada Surf - See These Bones

Bubbling Under: 41 to 45
41 37 -04 15 07 Sean Kingston - Take You There
42 39 -03 39 03 Yael Naim - New Soul
43 42 -01 03 23 Motion City Soundtrack - Broken Heart
44 44 N C 01 24 Rihanna feat. Ne-Yo - Hate That I Love You (1 week at #1)
45 45 N C 13 26 Fergie - Clumsy

Falling Off
Paramore - Crushcrushcrush
Nelly Furtado - In God's Hands
Finger Eleven - Paralyzer

Biggest Debut
Phantom Planet - Leader (debut at #27)

Biggest Jump
Jason Mraz - I'm Yours (#11, up 25 spots from #326 last week)

Biggest Decline
Josh Kelley - Unfair (#25, down 10 spots from #15 last week)

Friss Zene
The Helio Sequence - Keep Your Eyes Ahead
Chris Richardson - All Alone

Fresh Song: Lights - February Air

2008-02-23T11:21:00.000-10:00

Lights - February Air

I discovered Canadian synth-pop songer Lights through a song used to promote Old Navy's new "Next" ad campaign. The song "February Air" can be heard in the new commercial for the rebranded, cost-conscious store. Lights is the stage name for cute 20-year-old Tornoto-native Valerie Poxleitner. Her distinctly airy voice is very FRESH and the song is a perfect cap for the month.

DL HERE

Watch the VIDEO:

**If u take, please leave a thank you comment!**

Fresh Song: The Helio Sequence - Keep Your Eyes Ahead

2008-02-22T18:04:00.000-10:00

The Helio Sequence - Keep Your Eyes Ahead
I was at the desk when our trusted DM Drew came by and asked me if I liked Rogue Wave since "Lake Michigan" was playing on my computer. Discovery #1: Didn't know at the time, but we saw the same Nada Surf & Rogue Wave show at the Fillmore back in 2005. Discovery #2: Since I liked both bands, he recommended the band The Helio Sequence, an indie rock band from Oregon which utilizes electronica-influenced sounds in their music. Last month, they released their latest album Keep Your Eyes Ahead and their first single is a song of the same name. And if you happen to like The Postal Service and/or Architecture in Helsinki, then give it a listen!

DL HERE
BUY: Keep Your Eyes Ahead

(Uploaded by me! Comments and thanks are appreciated!)

Fresh Video: Colbie Caillat - The Little Things

2008-02-21T21:46:00.000-10:00

What is a better place to shoot a music video than in the city of San Francisco? Colbie Caillat shows some Bay love with her new single "The Little Things". In the beginning shots you can actually see St. Ignatius, my school's de facto church. In the video, there are scenes of Colbie playing her guitar in the local neighborhood's quirky laundromat. Very SF. And she looks longingly at her love interest in a neighborhood I can't quite decipher yet. It's still in SF. Of course, there are shots of the Taraval MUNI line. Ditto. Take a look:

Fresh Music - Top 40 for February 16, 2008

2008-02-16T19:50:00.000-10:00

Friss Zene Top 40 for the week ending on Saturday, 02.16.08
The Midway State slides into Numero Uno

TW= this week's position
LW= last week
Δ= change
PP= peak position
WC= weeks on the chart

TW LW Δ PP WC Artist - Title (weeks at top spot)
01 05 +04 01 02 The Midway State - Change For You (1 week at #1)
02 01 -01 01 05 The Cab - I'll Run (1 week at #1)
03 02 -01 01 12 Chris Brown - With You (2 weeks at #1)
04 03 -01 01 05 Cobra Starship - The City Is At War (1 week at #1)
05 04 -01 04 30 Rihanna - Don't Stop The Music
06 09 +03 06 03 Sum 41 - With Me
07 07 N C 01 11 Lifehouse - Whatever It Takes (3 weeks at #1)
08 08 N C 03 04 Jordin Sparks feat. Chris Brown - No Air
09 12 +03 02 07 Jon McLaughlin - So Close
10 11 +01 10 03 The Starting Line - Island
11 06 -05 01 11 Boys Like Girls - Hero/Heroine (2 weeks at #1)
12 13 +01 12 19 Leona Lewis - Bleeding Love
13 10 -03 10 02 Augustana - Sweet And Low
14 21 +07 14 02 Motion City Soundtrack - It Had To Be You
15 14 -01 12 04 Josh Kelley - Unfair
16 15 -01 04 07 Janet Jackson - Feedback
17 18 +01 03 12 OneRepublic - Stop and Stare
18 16 -02 01 28 Maroon 5 - Won't Go Home Without You (1 week at #1)
19 32 +13 19 02 Rogue Wave - Lake Michigan
20 DEBUT 20 01 Colbie Caillat - The Little Things
21 17 -04 01 17 I Nine - Seven Days Of Lonely (1 week at #1)
22 19 -03 03 12 John Mayer - Say
23 23 N C 14 10 NLT - She Said, I Said
24 DEBUT 24 01 Ferras - Hollywood's Not America
25 20 -05 08 06 Paramore - Let The Flames Begin
26 26 N C 26 02 Simple Plan - When I'm Gone
27 38 +11 27 02 Panic At The Disco - Nine In The Afternoon
28 22 -06 14 13 Alicia Keys - Like You'll Never See Me Again
29 DEBUT 29 01 Mika - Relax, Take It Easy
30 24 -06 16 05 Buckchery - Sorry
31 40 +09 19 05 We The Kings - Check Yes Juliet
32 29 -03 20 07 Jack Johnson - If I Had Eyes
33 27 -06 16 10 Linkin Park - Shadow Of The Day
34 30 -04 16 09 David Guetta feat. Chris Willis - Love Is Gone
35 42 +07 01 35 Jon McLaughlin - Beautiful Disaster (3 weeks at #1)
36 DEBUT 36 01 Jason Mraz - I'm Yours
37 31 -06 15 06 Sean Kingston - Take You There
38 25 -13 21 08 Nelly Furtado - In God's Hands
39 45 +06 39 02 Yael Naim - New Soul
40 39 -01 01 30 Matt Nathanson - Car Crash (1 week at #1)

Bubbling Under: 41 to 45
41 33 -08 11 09 Paramore - Crushcrushcrush
42 44 +02 03 22 Motion City Soundtrack - Broken Heart
43 28 -15 05 08 Finger Eleven - Paralyzer
44 41 -03 01 23 Rihanna feat. Ne-Yo - Hate That I Love You (1 week at #1)
45 37 -08 13 25 Fergie - Clumsy

Falling Off
Avril Lavigne - Runaway
Kate Nash - Merry Happy
Kelly Rowland feat. Travis McCoy - Daylight
Carrie Underwood - All-American Girl

Biggest Debut
Colbie Caillat - The Little Things (debut at #20)

Biggest Jump
Rogue Wave - Lake Michigan (#19, up 13 spots from #32 last week)

Biggest Decline
Finger Eleven - Paralyzer (#43, down 15 spots from #28 last week)

Friss Zene
Secondhand Serenade - Fall For Me
Simple Plan - Your Love Is A Lie

Fresh Song: Jason Mraz - I'm Yours

2008-02-15T20:40:00.000-10:00

Jason Mraz - I'm Yours
Whether you know him as "Mr. A-Z" or "The Geek in the Pink", singer-songwriter Jason Mraz has a knack for words. I was able to see him perform live in late 2005. Nearly three years later, Jason is releasing his third album titled We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things in May. He keeps it sweet and simple for the first single, "I'm Yours", which was just released this week on iTunes. Take a listen!

DL HERE

(Uploaded by me! Comments and thanks are appreciated!)

The City Is At War: San Francisco Pillow Fight 2008!

2008-02-14T21:36:00.000-10:00

It is Valentine's Day. So freakin' what?! As a celebrant of Singles Awareness Day, I joined my friends Monica and Cheryl and a few of our residents to the "Pillow Fight", this bizarre annual event of, what else, pillow fighting! Ridiculous as it sounds, people arrived en masse to take part in the tradition at Justin Herman Plaza/Embarcadero near the Ferry Building. Apparently the whole affair is an example of "flash mobbing", which is the act of having a vast number of people congregate in a specific area to do an unusual act for a period time before dispersing to their everyday lives. The primary modes of advertising were through the internet and word-of-mouth. There are similar Pillow Fight events just about everywhere around in the world, including New York City and London.

Cheryl was a tad hesitant to participate in the actual fighting, but once people took swings at her, she fought back! Monica was super excited to get violent, for the name of relieving stress. And due to the curiousity factor of the event, I could not miss it. It was actually really a trip to take out our agression on complete strangers (and USF peeps) and see feathers fly everywhere, especially into peoples' eyes and mouths. It was an exercise in discipline to try not ingesting feathers or polyester stuffing. Although this is certainly not what normal people day everyday, San Franciscans have a good sense of humor and dammit, it was fun!

Take a look at the craziness:

During a break, Cheryl and I stumbled upon a "Free Food" stand where crackers, fruit, and miscellaneous freebies were placed in a sketchy box, and on the ground!

Cheryl and Monica went at it in a one-one-one duel. Those two got really into it, and Cheryl lost grip of her pillow for a moment. LOL.

Prior to leaving we saw that people were laying on layers of the pillow stuffing. You know, pillow fighting is quite draining!

The Really, Really Ridiculously Good Looking Tour featuring Cobra Starship on 2.13.08

2008-02-14T21:24:00.000-10:00

I've been planning on arriving early for the Cobra Starship headling show of the "Really Really Ridiculously Good Looking" tour at Slim's in San Francisco on February 13, 2008. However, one wrong bus later, I was in The Mission and figured I was pretty much going in the wrong direction. Fast forward twenty minutes later on the phone with my friend Maricel, I get to Slim's where I was greeted by a ridiculously long line that stretched over the corner. Trace Cyrus (half brother of "Hannah Montana"), the part-time vocalist and guitarist of emo-electro band Metro Station, was in front of their tour bus snapping photos with fans.

Once I got in the doors, I took position about seven rows back on the floor, which was still farther back than I prefer. The show started at 7:30 p.m. with the latest band to join the Fueled By Ramen/Decaydance family, The Cab.

Their set was the shortest out of the four bands, but the lead singer Alex DeLeon arguably had one of the better rock voices overall. He even sang a cover of Edwin McCain's "I'll Be" for the Valentine's Day lovers. The band has some really catchy songs, including "Singing Myself To Sleep" and "Take My Hand". I'm excited to see what these kids come up with when their yet unnamed debut album comes out in April.

The ended their set with their current single and Friss Zene's current #1 "I'll Run". By then, I was somewhat squished -- but not to the extent I would experience later in the show.

The intermissions are interesting at Slim's. Prior to each band's set, a projector screen is lowered in front of the stage area so the audience can't see the changes. In between performances, the most random stuff were played, like "The Pink Panther" cartoons and "?" singers from the early 1990s. What made it even more odd was the music played, which was inconsistent with the images on screen, since they were playing "Low" by Flo Rida and stuff from LCD Soundsystem.

Next up was We The Kings led by Travis Clark. They started with "Stay Young", and prior to singing the next song, Travis took off his jacket and revealed an *NSYNC fan shirt as a "dedication" to the band. They later followed with the first single off their self-titled album "Skyway Avenue" and their new single which they said a video will be premiering soon on MTV and Fuse, "Check Yes Juliet". And because it was the night before Valentine's, it was appropriate that they play "Sweet Valentine".

The third band was Metro Station led Mason Musso. They started off with "Disco", then "Wish We Were Older", "Seventeen Forever", "California", "Tell Me What To Do", "Kelsey", "Now That We're Done", and lastly "Control". I overheard someone saying "Seventeen Forever" is "so controversial" and another girl was spouting out how much she loves "Hannah Montana" in a sarcastic tone. Anyway, their set was really good and as I mentioned earlier, Mason is also one of the better lead vocalists. Taking the whole electro element away from their live performances, they work just as well as emo/punk rock songs.

The last, but certainly not least, band of the night was headliner Cobra Starship. The wait for the band was longer than the other sets. The crowd grew restless. Heck, I grew restless. It that point, my throat was dry, my energy levels have been exhausted, and I was about ready to collapse. Then at 10 p.m., Cobra went on.

Lead singer Gabe Saporta was in his signature violet purple hoodie but with his glasses for the opener "The City Is At War". He soon ditched the glasses for the remainder of the set, which was about a little less than an hour and a half. Among the songs Gabe sang were "Prostitution Is The World's Oldest Profession", "Send My Love To The Dancefloor", "The Church Of Hot Addiction", "Smile For the Paparazzi" -- which Gabe boasted of its use of Spanish words, "My Moves Are White (White Hot That Is)" (which is apparently about keytar player Victoria), and one of my favorite songs off of ¡Viva La Cobra!, "Kiss My Sass". Here's a clip:

Immediately after "Kiss My Sass", Gabe went into "Damn, You Look Good And I'm Drunk". And for Valentine's Day, Gabe sang their "only love song", "The World Has Its Shine".

The pretty apparent flirting between Gabe and Victoria made me question if they were an item or not. At this point, somehow I got pushed enough that I was on the left side of the audience. The band performed "Snakes On A Plane" while everyone made the "Cobra Starship" sign with their hands.

Cobra came back for the encore to play "Guilty Pleasure". Post-concert, I met with Metro Station's drummer Anthony and got an autograph pic of him and the band. Travis of We The Kings was also there signing and meeting fans but there was a long queue I was unwilling to enter. Overall, it was a great show! I have the bruises and the interestingly intimate experiences with the fans as good souvenirs, but ultimately the music made it worthwhile.

Cobra Starship show tonight!

2008-02-13T12:49:00.000-10:00

Tonight, I am attending my second concert in a matter of thirty hours. This time, it is at Slim's for the "Really, Really Ridiculously Good Looking Tour" featuring main act Cobra Starship with support by We The Kings, Metro Station, and The Cab! It'll be a Fueled By Ramen affair! As a preview, here's one of my favorite Cobra Starship songs called "Kiss My Sass" where lead singer Gabe Saporta boldy proclaims: "I'm bringing sassy back"!

DL: HERE

(Uploaded by me! Thanks and comments appreciated!)

Meeting Nathan Ferraro of The Midway State!

2008-02-13T12:30:00.000-10:00

At the end of the Mika concert, I got the chance to meet Nathan Ferraro, the lead singer of The Midway State. Here's how it went down:

Me: "Hey Nick, nice to meet you"
Nick: "It's Nathan, actually. Nice to meet you. What is your name?"
Me: "Nathan! Nathan Ferraro, Nathan Ferraro! God, I'm an idiot!"
~~Nick~~ Nathan: "Heh, it's okay".
Me: "I really enjoy your band's music. Are you guys planning to release a full album soon?"
Nathan: "Yeah we're about to release the album in April or May".
Me: "Awesome. So how's the record label treating you guys" (Interscope)
Nathan: "The label -- they're very, very supportive."
Me: "Good! Well I enjoyed the EP...Tonight, I wished you guys played 'Unaware'. It's one of my favorite songs."
Nathan: "Glad to hear it. Yeah, you know, maybe we'll play it the next time...what is your name?"
Me: "Oh! It's Ray."
Nathan: "It was good talking with you, Ray!"

Mika: "The Dodgy Holiday" Tour 2008 at The Warfield, 2.12.08

2008-02-13T11:39:00.000-10:00

The MIKA concert was fantastic! It was held at the Warfield in San Francisco on February 12 and the opener was the band The Midway State. Some reactions: it was full of color, and at times, was a bit of a sensory overload. I am amazed at how high Mika's voice gets. In short, he's soo gay! Haha, I do mean it in an endearing sort of way. His dancing, his schizophrenic movements, the backdrops, the band, everything about it was over the top craziness. His performances were flamboyant, unabashed, and completely liberating.

My concert bud Vida (it was her first concert ever!) and I got spots in on floor and were literally two rows away from the stage -- very close to everything. As the night progressed, we became more squished, especially during the more upbeat numbers in which an orgy of fans jumped up and down with their glow sticks, cell phones, and cameras in hand. The show began at 8:00 with The Midway State playing a few songs from their previous and current EP, including "A Million Fireflies" and "Change For You". Unfortunately they did not play one of my favorites, "Unaware". On the downside also, I didn't get any clear shots of lead singer Nathan Ferraro. I am hoping to get photos from Vida's camera soon, but I did capture two videos for "A Million Fireflies" and "Change For You":

At a little after 9:00, Mika took the stage and his set lasted for about an hour and a half, playing thirteen songs from his CD Life in Cartoon Motion and debuting new songs. He first sang "Relax, Take It Easy", followed up "Big Girls You Are Beautiful", "Billy Brown", "Any Other World", a couple of new songs, "My Interpretation", "Ring Ring", and "Happy Ending".

After a brief prelude including a cascading shower of white confetti descended upon Mika using an umbrella onstage, Mika broke out with "Love Today", followed by an amusing drum-off between a shirtless Mika and his female drummer. He changed outfits yet again and played his hit song "Grace Kelly".

For the encore, a Vaudeville theater-type of backdrop took centerstage, where four furry animals did a scene called "Bad Bunny" where the bunny ended up banging the chipmunk doggy-style! LOL! Mildly inappropriate for the kiddies in the audience ;) After removing the backdrop, it was clear that the four furry animals were Mika and his band in animal costumes.

Mika starts to sing "Lollipop" in his bunny outfit (sans head) while big colorful balls fall onto the audience. These bouncy balls went every which way in The Warfield while the rest of Mika's circus of characters danced while confetti was strewn all over the place! It was crazy ridiculous.

It was a fun show -- there were some performances that called for more somber moods ("Happy Ending", "My Interpretation", and "Any Other World") -- but overall, it didn't take it's self too seriously. I also enjoyed the fact that his supporting band was incorporated into the show, with their colorful costumes, their personalities and musical skills were well-showcased throughout the night. As for Mika, his falsetto is a very unique instrument. He acknowledged his love and appreciation to the US fans for supporting him despite the lack of airplay on radio here. The 2008 North American leg of his "Dodgy Holiday" tour was really fun and enjoyed the experience! So based on his showmanship, it looks like Mika has a long career ahead!

The Midway State & MIKA show tonight!

2008-02-12T09:23:00.000-10:00

Tonight I am attending the MIKA concert tonight at The Warfield in San Francisco. The Canadian band The Midway State is performing as the opening act and I am excited to hear them in concert. I initially wanted to go just for Mika, but the more I listened to the Midway State's EP, the more I am digging their music!

To preview the ocassion, here's another great song off their EP Met A Man on Top of the Hill titled "A Million Fireflies". Take a look at their compilation live video for the song:

DL: HERE

(Uploaded by me! Thanks and comments appreciated!)
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I've heard great things about Mika's show, so hopefully it won't disappoint. He is known for his upbeat, outrageous, ostentatious style of performing, but here's a more low-key, emotive Mika on the song "Erase", only available on his US version of his album Life in Cartoon Motion.

DL: HERE
(Uploaded by me! Thx and comments pls!!)
BUY Life In Cartoon Motion on Amazon.com