It’s been almost a decade since British R&B singer Craig David found mainstream success here in the U.S. in 2000 with his break out hit “Fill Me In.” The song quickly climbed the album chart with it’s unique “two-step” sound and had quite a few of pop music’s chart toppers at the time copying his trademark sound and name-checking him in interviews including Justin Timberlake and the boys of NSYNC(“Two of Us“).
While David’s star faded quickly here in the U.S. he went on to enjoy commercial success in his native U.K.. Well, now he’s back and hoping lightening can strike twice here in the U.S. with his fifth studio. The album, aptly titled Signed Sealed Delivered, is filled with Motown covers and samples with a modern twist.
What’s a great way to start the week? How about with news that Josh Ritter’s new album, So Runs the World Away, is coming in May?
Win!
It’s been just over two years since the singer/songwriter dropped the phenomenal Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter and fans (I speak for all of us) have been itching for some new music.
If you’ve caught Ritter live over the past few months, you may have heard a few demoed tracks here and there, but it’ll be good to have them locked down on an album.
In fact, you can download one of Josh Ritter’s new songs, “Change of Time,” for free, after the jump. If this is any hint of what’s to come, let’s just say you can color me pumped!
Butch Walker & The Black Widows new album I Liked It Better When You Had No Heart officially hits stores on February 23rd, but you can listen to it now thanks to the fine folks at Think Indie. Now, I can’t even front to be as big of a Butch Walker fan as fellow TRTer, Forest, but let’s just say, Mr. Walker had me at the title. Front runners for favorite songs right now “Pretty Melody” and “Canadian Ten.”
April Smith and the Great Picture Show have been described by name dropping the Andrews Sisters and Tom Waits, which immediately grabbed my attention. Their album is reminiscent of 30s and 40s juke joints (or at least my impression of them) mixed with smart pop music. April Smith’s voice seduces, entertains, and crackles with sass. But don’t take my word for it. Check it out for yourself by listening to “
Colors
,” featured on their upcoming album, Songs for a Sinking Ship. You can pre-order the new album by visiting April’s official site.
While you’re at it, enter to win our April Smith and the Great Picture Show giveaway. We’ll select one winner at random, see details on how to enter below. Stay tuned for an exclusive interview with April Smith very soon.
Between this post, the January ghostface millah mix and our recent stream of The Knife opera, Swedes are sure giving us enough to listen to and talk about. This time around we’re focusing our attention on jj –the ever elusive duo made up of Joakim Benon and Elin Kastlander. For their second full length, jj keep to their core introduced on n° 2: melodic electronic-twinged pop juxtaposed with a hint of longing, sense of humor and the occasional sample or two. My prayers were answered.
Full review, track list and songs after the cut. (more…)
My favorite Louisiana natives, Benjy Davis Project, are getting set to release a new album, Lost Souls Like Us and we’ve got the official tracklist and cover art. BDP has gone through a bit of a line-up shuffle as of late, but the group is still comprised of original members Benjy Davis (shocker) and drummer Mic Capdeivelle.
The band recently dropped their new single “Stay With Me,” a mandolin-driven song about love with room for interpretation, whether in the moment or looking back on it. It’s quintessential BDP with a focus on intensely personal lyrics written by Benjy Davis as a result of life experiences.
Check out some footage of Benjy Davis Project in action that was captured at Sullivan Hall back in December. Official track-list for Lost Souls Like Us is after the jump, the album hits March 2nd.
Recently I’ve been getting a lot of new music via leaks or friends or whatever (recession be damned!) and I am passing that savings on to youuuuuu!. So, I decided to pick my favorite track from each of these currently-available or recently-leaked-upcoming-releases and create a short mix of what’s been providing the soundtrack to my life, of late. These are basically the 10 albums that will make my first three months of 2010. Download, listen and let me know what you think!
Link, track list, release dates and more after the cut. (more…)
Janet Jackson has shown no signs of slowing down in the wake of losing her big brother “Mike” (as she refers to him). The veteran pop star not only graces the cover of Gotham Magazine’s current issue, but also sits down with the editorial staff to discuss what’s in store for 2010 including a new movie, new book, and new album.
Jackson found solace in her work calling it “therapeutic.” She tells Gotham that she actually went from Michael’s service - right back to work on Tyler Perry’s “Why Did I Get Married Too?” And that although at times she feels a bit “selfish” in continuing to work, she realized that she “can’t stop living” as a result of Michael’s death.
Jackson touches upon her upcoming album and what fans can expect. She says, “It’s going to be a little different. The writing is about life experiences. There’s a part of me that’s craving escapism, which is a sense of wanting to keep on moving with my work but also of coming to terms with reality. So I think it will be upbeat and light.”
As a longtime Janet Jackson fan, I’m hopeful that her recent life experiences, including the break-up of beau Jermaine Dupri, has fueled the creative juices for this next album. It’s been quite a while, since All For You (2001), that Janet has actively written on an album. For more on Janet, including her current favorite song (hint: it’s NOT Lady Gaga), pick up Gotham Magazine.
Corinne Bailey Raehad it all. A hit debut single in “Put Your Records On,” that allowed her to enter the U.S. music charts and gain notoriety on a larger scale. Before she knew it, she was touring with chart-topper John Legendand performing at the Grammys. Until, one cruel day, her personal life was shattered by the accidental death of her musician husband, Jason Rae.
Two years after mourning her husband’s death, Corinne Bailey Rae is back with her follow-up album, The Sea. While The Sea does pay tribute to her late husband, it’s not a complete downer as one might assume. It’s a solid follow-up to the soulful singer-songwriter’s debut album, which showcases Corinne’s writing skills. Standouts include “Closer,” “Paris Night, New York Mornings,” and “Are You Here.”
Thanks to the kind folks at NPR, you can stream The Sea in its entirety from now until it’s release on January 26th. Album opener, “Are You Here,” is embedded after the jump.
The Shout Out Louds‘ new album, entitled Work, is still about a month away, but you can catch a preview of it below with the just-released video for the first single, “Fall Hard.”
The Swedish group’s album will be hitting the States on February 23rd. The album was produced by Phil Ek, who’s been behind several of Built to Spill’s best albums, the last two Shin’s albums and both Band of Horses‘ records.
Impressive work, to say the least.
“Fall Hard,” already out in Scandinavia, will be available for download everywhere else on February 2nd and the song “Walls” is available for free here, or on the band’s Web site.
We started as a three friends having conversations about music during lunches together at the office. Since then we have expanded to seven members, including a Chi-town native, and the conversations have gotten bigger and better. The Round Table has grown into a casual setting where music aficionados can gather to discuss all things music. Topics include (but not limited to) artists and bands, new music releases, concerts, recording industry news and concerns, and the occasional nugget of entertainment gossip. We have tastes that cover the entire music spectrum and love to share them (and our opinions) with each other. We are The Round Table! Come join the conversation!
It’s been almost a decade since British R&B singer Craig David found mainstream success here in the U.S. in 2000 with his break out hit “Fill Me In.” The song quickly climbed the album chart with it’s unique “two-step” sound and had quite a few of pop music’s chart toppers at the time copying his trademark sound and name-checking him in interviews including Justin Timberlake and the boys of NSYNC (“Two of Us“).
