goodbye blue monday

So let's talk music. Let's talk Goodbye Blue Monday's music. This band from San Diego defies any real categorization. Some say math rock, or post-punk, emo or just plain indie rock. I like to say it's just really good music. The instrumentation of their songs is solid enough to stand alone. Intricate, cinematic melodies are layered with precise guitar work and powerful drums. Then the vocals come in and slay you with their honesty and emotion, often leaving you feeling reminiscent of lost days. There is a certain darkness to it all but somehow you also feel like there is a glimmer of hope there too. Their latest album title says it all: "Help is on the Way". Word on the street is that they will be working on a new album later this year.

Listen to songs by Goodbye Blue Monday by going here. I strongly recommend giving the title track "Help is on the Way" a listen.

Visit their website by clicking here.

This is an amazing live band so check them out when they play a show near you. If anything, go just to see guitarist Demetrius' amazing clear guitar.

loopdrop

Loopdrop hails from Tijuana, Mexico and is comprised of all things good and pretty. Rene Soberanis and Gaby Fuentes make up this band of wonderful electronic melodies. The music contained within is not your typical robotic beat though. There is a certain warmth to it that is not often found in electronic music. It is a fantastic mix of the everyday grind and the beautiful things in nature that catch your breath. It is like a perfect day.

Listen to Loopdrop by clicking here.

ingrid michaelson

Ingrid Michaelson is many things to many people. To some she is a 14th century faith healer. To others she is a prison escape expert. To the vast majority of people who know of her she is: a downright sick new york city based singer/songwriter. I tend to cringe a bit when I say / hear the words "singer songwriter" I use them here only by default. Her songs are fully arranged and textured by one of the better backing bands I have heard in a long time. The whole shebang ends up coming across a lot more like Rilo Kiley or Azure Ray than Ani Difranco & Melissa Etheridge or whatever you think when you hear "singer/songwriter". Next month her new album drops. Having heard all of it I can tell you with all honesty it is worth marking May 27th on your calendar. If you find yourself in New York on said date come by The Bitter End (Bleeker Street) at 8:30 for the record release party, foo'.

her myspace: Ingrid Michaelson has 4 songs for your listening pleasure. I recommend "Breakable" to start.

nedelle

I love to stumble across music that I haven't heard in forever and get excited when I find it again. I was cleaning out my music collection and found Nedelle. It was instant excitement. I saw Nedelle play a show a couple years ago at the Swedish American Hall in SF and she was amazing. She is the tiniest thing ever and you hope that she doesn't break apart as she strums away on her guitar. Her voice is so innocent and sweet and her music is nothing short of lovely. She'll sing her way into your heart and you'll want to keep her there and protect her always.

You can watch the video for "our little selves" by clicking here.

She has a website that you can visit by going here. And her music is also available for listening here.

I'm also very excited to report that Nedelle is playing with friend Chris Garneau, whom we love and adore, at the Hemlock Tavern in San Francisco on April 5th. What an amazing show that will be! Go if you can and do report back. Yayay.