Listen and Learn

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

The Shore comes out of L.A. and they sure do have that laid back California vibe to them. Their music is very easy going; good to listen to when you want to relax. They add a humanistic touch that has been lacking in the music industry lately.

Though not signed with any label, somehow their music made it out to me in Oklahoma. Not sure how I found out about them, but I am glad I did.

The lead singer, Ben Ashley, has a voice that actually sounds like he could be British. I don’t know if he has an accent or it is just the way he holds out his notes. It reminds me of many European musicians and their style of singing.

As their MySpace site says, they categorize themselves classic rock/psychedelic/pop. This is where I get the California in the 70s type of feel when I listen. The Shore definitely can be enjoyed by all generations.

Check The Shore out on MySpace!: www.myspace.com/theshore

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