Listen and Learn

The Kooks are a British rock band coming out of the U.K. and have been making waves over there for a year or two. It looks like they have their sites on conquering America as well, but I don’t think that will happen until they have covered Europe. But, they are well on their way!

They are a mix of British rock with a bit of American classic rock. Add in a little funk and some acoustic guitar and you have got yourself a nice little sound there. The lead singer, Luke Pritchard, is only nineteen years old, and rocks some crazy curly hair. The lead guitarist, Hugh Harris, is probably one of the youngest in the music biz being just shy of seventeen years old.

The Kooks broke out into the scene in 2005 with their single “Eddies Gun”, and then followed that with their critically acclaimed debut album, Inside In/Inside Out. The album features the ever so popular songs, “Naive” and “Oh La”, and many other rocking melodic tracks.

Definately check these guys out and I know you will not hesitate to buy their album. Inside In/Inside Out is available on iTunes and you can also check out some of their live performances out on YouTube.com.

Autovaughn is one of many bands that come out of Nashville having nothing to do with country music. It is a common misconception that it is filled with only country artists, when in fact, it is a major city of all music. This goes especially for up and coming rock artists.

The members of Autovaughn have said to been influenced by many 80s artists such as Tears for Fears and Duran Duran. This explains their New Wave sound in the song “Stay Another Night” on their album Space.

They are also influenced by such artists as U2, Pearl Jam and the late great Jeff Buckley. Their sound is a good blend of indie rock and English New Wave. Autovaughn is definitely a band that can speak to a few different generations.

Check Autovaughn tunes out on MySpace!: www.myspace.com/autovaughn

Regina Spektor is a new, fresh talent with a very special voice. She is probably a cross between Fiona Apple and Jewel, but definitely has her own style.

She comes out of New York with a punk sound of Acoustic/Alternative. Each of her songs are very different and have their own story. My favorite is the track “Fidelity”, which has a video out on VH1 that you can vote for on their countdown.

Regina’s latest album, Begin to Hope, can be bought on iTunes and other Internet music stores. She is up and coming so definitely look out for her.

Check out Regina Spektor’s MySpace to listen!: www.myspace.com/reginaspektor

Not a band, but one man. The name is confusing, but that isn’t even the start of it. Citizen Cope is actually Clarence Greenwood. He hails from Brooklyn but has lived all over. His music is very progressive and different from anything you have ever heard.

Citizen Cope’s sound could possibly be categorized as a mixture of soul/rock/folk, but also mixed with beats that are well known with hip-hop. But you can’t put him into any sort of box. Every song is different, takes you to a different place every time. Listen to one album of his and you will understand what I mean by an eclectic group of sounds.

He has already made a big impact in the United States being feature on television shows such as “The O.C.”. In fact, his RCA album, The Clarence Greenwood Recordings, has had every track from it licensed numerous times to be in films and television.

You won’t understand what I am talking about at all if you don’t go check Citizen Cope. We will continue to be seeing a lot more of him.

Listen to some tunes on Citizen Cope’s MySpace!: www.myspace.com/citizencope

Vedera comes out of Kansas City with a lead singer, Kristen May, that can belt with the best. She holds her notes but doesn’t boast too much to where it is annoying.

Chord magazine says, “She [May] is not only blessed with an enormous voice, but she clearly knows how to use it, crafting expectant verses and choruses that deliver in a big way. With so many generic male singers littering the landscape of indie rock right now, its refreshing to hear such a distinctive female voice.”

Although with a powerful singer comes with powerful musicians. Bassist Jason Douglas, guitarist Brian Little and drummer Drew Little back her.

Check out Vedera’s MySpace site to listen!: www.myspace.com/vedera

Greenwheel is an energetic alternative band from St. Louis that really knows how to rock. Their album, Burning the Bridges, is doing awesome in the Midwest. What they are best known for are live shows. I have not personally been to a show but I have heard that they can really put one on. Definitely give them a listen and I promise you will enjoy!

Listen to tracks from Burning the Bridges on Greenwheel’s MySpace!: www.myspace.com/greenwheel

Upside is an alternative rock band out of Denton, Texas that is prepared to rock your face! The lead singer is entertaining and the rest of the band is a quadruple threat of pure rock n’ roll attitude.

I have had the pleasure of going to a few Upside shows myself, and they can really put one on. A lot of bands have talent, but few can really be entertaining and sound good live. From beginning to end, the show is high intensity. The band’s lead vox, Sid Goldsmith, has an awesome voice and really includes the crowd in the show. Guitarist Ben Mosier, bassist Rob Hocking and drummer Owen Setter really keep themselve in rock mode the whole time by playing off each other. You can tell the whole band just enjoys playing their music together.
They are recently working on some new tracks for an album due out in the next year. If it is like any of their past albums, it will be full of awesome guitar riffs and all out variety.

The band enjoys touring all over, so be prepared to see them in a city near you. Until then, go check out their songs on their MySpace!

Check out Upside tunes on MySpace!: www.myspace.com/upside

I have just a minor obsession with this Canadian band! They come out of Toronto, Ontario and are making waves. They just released the album Self Control for Life’s Speed in the United States this Fall, which was released in Canada this past April.

My favorite song is “Into Your Hideout”, which is featured on their latest release. The lead singer’s voice goes into a falsetto that resembles Chris Martin’s from Coldplay.

You know when you find those bands that just really mesh well? Pilot Speed is one of those. So…I encourage you to just give them a listen! Their music speaks volumes.

Check Pilot Speed out on MySpace!: www.myspace.com/pilotspeed

Yes…the lead singer is female! Danelle Phillips, formerly of the Tulsa band Fridgebuzz, joined the remaining members of VASTU to form Congress of a Crow.

Danelle was more pop than rock before she got with the VASTU guys. She has an awesome voice that has a good range and is very distinct. She not only sings, but also plays the guitar and trumpet. The other band members include: Adam Tichenor, guitars; Wil Sutherland, guitars; Matt Mayo, bass; Nathan Lindley, drums.

Their sound is like Incubus with a touch of Fiona Apple. But I don’t want to put them into some sort of musical box. Their music is ever changing but always has that rock sense of style. They put on a great show and never let the intensity fall. Be sure to check them out live!

Check them out on MySpace!: www.myspace.com/congressofacrow

This guy has one hell of a voice! David Cook is the former lead singer of the Kansas City based band Axium. Now he is focusing on his solo career and has put out his first album, Analog Heart. Not to be typically corny, but it is work from the heart. His sound would be considered alternative rock, but he strays away from the ordinary. The track “Silver” is the one to listen to. It includes deep vocals that compliment painful words, which is always a good mix.

I have personally seen him live, acoustic and full band, and he never misses a beat. David Cook is one to look out for! So…look out!

Listen to David Cook music on MySpace: www.myspace.com/drcook