REDLIGHT KING: ROCK GROUP

Just out June 28th the debut album of Canadian rock music group “Redlight King” titled: SOMETHING FOR THE PAIN. Their single “Old Man”, originally written and performed by Neil Young was released earlier, and appears on YouTube and available on iTunes. Redlight Kings version is a refreshing updated hip/rap, which makes the 1972 song, from Neil’s album HARVEST relevant to a new generation.

The creative ability of singer, songwriter Kaz the front man for the group is evident in the album. Not only the remake of “Old Man”, but the title song “Something For The Pain” is a notable number and will be a hit with followers. He writes his songs from life’s experiences and like his song “Drivin to Kalifornia” he gave up everything to pursue his dream and went to California to be a rock star.

Some of the songs sound like something we have heard before, but an overall good rock album, and the “Old Man” song, is fantabulous! They should be rewarded for the great job on the remake of an old and memorable hit. They have the talent to be more than just a one hit wonder.

http://redlightkingmusic.com/

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ZIGGY MARELY: REGGAE SINGER/SONGWRITER

Ziggy Marley just released his 5th studio album WILD AND FREE to good reviews. The Jamaican born David Nesta “Ziggy”Marley is the oldest son of legendary Bob Marley and Rita Marley. Originally part of the Melody Makers with siblings, Cedella, Stephan, and Sharon, he has branched out on his own, as a recording artist and voice actor.


The title “Wild & Free” song was written to support the pro-marijuana bid known as Proposition 19 to legalize recreational marijuana in California. Woody Harrelson sings a duet with Ziggy, but gets no credit on the album for his part. The chorus: “I see hemp as forever growing wild and free, I see marijuana trees blowing in the breeze”, and so on. The rest of the album is good mixture of upbeat, mellow tunes of life experiences. His song “Road Less Travelled”, comments on his father’s many women and the jealousy within the family.



You may not know that Ziggy does voice for animation. He was Ernie in the 2004 film “Shark Tales” and is associated with many children’s songs. He is a father of six kids and this may have some influence on his choices. The Melody Makers contributed the song to “Give A Little Love” to the Disney album FOR OUR CHILDREN, with proceeds going to the Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Ziggy has been associated with children’s music and animation for more than a decade.


His philanthropic involvement includes Unlimited Resources Giving Enlightenment (URGE), which works to help children, his charity. He sits on the board of directors as an honorary member and is an official supporter of Little Kids Rock, a nonprofit organization that provides free musical instruments and free lessons to children in public schools throughout the United States.


There is a bit of a juxtaposition with the man and the music, between his involvement with children, and the promotion of marijuana. He does claim that he is trying to get people to realize the many uses of Hemp, not just happy juice.


Over all a pretty good contemporary Reggae album by Ziggy


http://www.ziggymarley.com/

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MARC BROUSSARD: SINGER/SONGWRITER

Marc Broussard just released his 5th studio album, self titled MARC BROUSSARD.


The American singer/songwriter out of Lafayette LA. presents a new side of himself on this particular album. The bayou soul, funk/blues, R&B pop rock singer, takes it down a notch with heartfelt ballads, and a mainstream soft pop rock sound.

He started out as a member of a Christian Music Band in 2001, which was short lived and moved toward a solo career. He has been the opening act for Dave Matthews, and Maroon 5, and on a track in Bruce Springstiens tribute album “Light Day” and performed on various TV entertainment shows, most recently the George Lopaz show.

Broussard is heavily involved in philanthropic work and founded the “Momentary Setback Fund” to benefit victims of Hurricane Katrina & Rita. Proceeds of specific music go to help rebuild his home state of Louisiana. He is also involved with the United Way, Habitat for Humanity, and entertaining the troops.

Fans have expressed this album is not up to par compared to the first four albums, but it is a career change, his voice is still the same. He is a lot more mellow and seems to have new insight and it is reflected in the songs. This album is actually more main-stream than previous albums.

“Cruel” is a catchy hip, pop tune, a radio song you can sing along to. “Yes Man”, another soft rock, pop sounding tune for the radio. “Bleeding Heart” is upbeat, funky, that gets you moving to the beat. “Stay With Me” is a bonus track on the Deluxe Album, another catchy pop vibe tune. “Let Me Do It Over” is a heartfelt number, but available on the album only is an acoustic version that is very moving, and actually better than the version you can download.

While he can’t please everyone with his song choices, he has made a good album with a variety of music that will appeal to a broader audience. Definately worth a few downloads, if not the entire album.
http://www.marcbroussard.com/

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ARCTIC MONKEYS: INDIE ROCK GROUP

The Arctic Monkeys out of England formed in 2002, have just released their 4th studio album SUCK IT AND SEE. Members: Alex Turner, lead vocals & guitar, Jamie Cook, guitar and back-up vocals, Nick O’Malley, bass guitar and back-up vocals and Matt Helders, drumming and back-up vocals. They have good harmony and musical ability, not the best singers in the world, but the tunes are catchy and fans love them. Turner’s guitar savvy and Helders drumming are the back bone of the group.
The album cover is simple to the core. Some say lazy, some say creative. Not sure what the creative part is?

When they first started out, to get their music out to the public, they did a demo record with 17 songs, burned CD’s and handed them out to fans during concerts. They came to fame via “The Internet” which was posted by fans on MySpace, which lead the way for the likes of Adele, and Justin Beiber. It wasn’t until 2005 when they were signed to a record label (Domino).

The first album WHATEVER PEOPLE SAY I AM, THAT’S WHAT I’M NOT, out in 2006, became the fastest selling debut album in the United Kingdom chart history. It was eventually declared the 5th Greatest British Album of all time in 2006.


The 2006 North American tour, gathered more fans as they could see for themselves what the hype was all about and their fan base grew and continues to grow world-wide. They have a universal appeal.



Sometimes controversial, the group has released explicit songs and album titles, which does cut down on air-time due to subject editing, but their concerts are well attended and they have a sing-a-long, fan participation vibe. Fans feel they have experienced something extraordinary after attending one of their performances.


Their music is reminiscent of groups before them, but with a new attitude. Some fans have expressed that this album is not as good as the previous ones, which is probably right. You decide if this is worth the price of a download.


Songs worth listening to:“Black Treacle”, “Don’t Sit Down Cause I’ve Moved Your Chair”, “Brick by Brick”, “Suck & See”, and “Reckless Serenade”.



ttp://www.arcticmonkeys.com/



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EDDIE VEDDER: MUSICIAN/SINGER/SONGWRITER

Eddie Vedder: Musician/Singer/Songwriter


Vedder was born Edward Severson III, whom you may know as the lead vocalist for the alternative rock group “Pearl Jam”. He also goes by the stage names of: Edward Mueller, Jerome Tunerer, Wes C. Addle and Jerome230. He was previously associated with the group “Temple of the Dog” and various other club bands in his career.

Most interestingly, and recently he released his second solo album 3/31/2011, titled  UKULELE SONGS. That is the 4 string mini guitar often associated with Hawaiian Island Music. The sound is simple melodies, of original and covers songs performed by Vedder. He may be pushing the envelope here, but as his niche fans grow older with him, they will broaden their musical repertoire, and maybe include the songs and sound of the Ukulele. This is a true test of Vedder’s fans.

You will be impressed with his ability to carry a 16 song album with his Ukulele and vocals. He is talented in his delivery with this near forgotten instrument, not normally associated with a rocker. Songs of interest: “Satellite”, “Longing to Belong”, “Sleepless Nights” feat. Glen Hansard, “Tonight You Belong To Me” feat. Cat Power, and “Dream A Little Dream”. Be sure to listen deep into the CD. The first few songs sound similar with the ukulele strumming the same cords over and over. It does get better as you move through the CD.

Vedder is currently on tour promoting his CD, and showing the tender side of Eddie Vedder. If you’re looking for the rocking sounds of Pearl Jam, this is not it.

We will probably hear from Vedder for years to come because he is busy contributing to movie soundtracks and has credit for Dead Man Walking, I am Sam, Eat, Pray Love, Body of War, Running with Scissors,  Reign Over Me, and  Into The Wild, which he received a Golden Globe for Best Original Score, and also received Grammy nominations and Film Critic Awards nominations.

http://www.pearljam.com/users/eddievedder

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