Which is worse, Bus-hair or Bedhead?

So, I have been a bit disappointed in the new additions to Rhapsody lately... or maybe I've just been disappointed in the apparent small dry spell in brand new discs I am interested in... Whatever the case, this is the time when I go back through my Rhapsody library and listen to the stuff I've added but haven't really given a good listen. The album I am posting today is relatively new... or actually it is very new as I just checked Amazon and it was just released May 18th. I'm definitely working too much as my weeks are turning into months and my months into years and so on and so on... Anyway, I can't quite remember how I came upon this disc as I hadn't heard of them before even though this is their third release. Allmusic.com has them listed as Alternative Country while Rhapsody has them as Indie, Low-Fi and I'd say they fall somewhere in between. Only country in their occasional use of slides on their guitars or the slight twang every now and then. Mostly, I'd call them a mix of the melancholy mood and swirling minimalistic guitars of Bedhead and the present vocals of the Church. I've only listened to it a few times and its definitely growing on me with each listen... which is my favorite kind of disc. Enjoy! (a bit heavy on the ellipses today... don't you think?)

Pleasant Grove - The Art of Leaving

We interrupt this broadcast for a special less-indie announcement...

Yes, for you skip-aheaders who read the end of my posts before the beginning (is that just one of you? or both? or perhaps neither?), I have posted Rhapsody Links to a sampler of Bobby McFerrin tunes. And yes, "Don't Worry, Be Happy" is one of those tunes (because what Bobby McFerrin sampler is complete without it?). No, I haven't lost my mind and don't be concerned, I'm still as cool as ever... Ok, well maybe I'm not. You see, I was asked yesterday to sing backup for Mr. McFerrin at his show with the NC Symphony. He apparently requested the Symphony provide 20 or so singers to back him up during an a cappella, *improv* (oh crap!) set. The conductor of the NC Master Chorale (for which I sing) asked if I'd be interested in being one of those 20+ and of course I said yes as I am not one to turn down a singing gig... Details are forthcoming so I don't know much yet. All I know is that music will not be provided and we are going to have one rehearsal the afternoon before the concert that evening. So, really this sounds like its going to be quite a challenge. I just hope he doesn't make us sing "Don't Worry..." I might have to shoot myself. Actually, in all honesty, I am really excited. Its not often I get to sing with such an accomplished professional. And as far as talent goes, there are few who compete on his level musically. Not only is he an astounding vocalist, but he is also a successful conductor and continues to push the limits of music, rather than just penning/singing another silly hit. For any of you in the Raleigh area, here are the details: Bobby McFerrin NC Symphony Summerfest Saturday, June 5 - 7:30pm Regency Park Amphitheatre, Cary NC Click here for more info and tickets or you can click here if you'd rather use the monopolistic Ticketmaster

Bobby McFerrin-Rhapsody Sampler

Creed rulez dude... yeah, rock on...

Ok, I am posting this one a bit late, but I have been enjoying it so much that I had to make sure and get something up here about it. It was released last September, but didn't hit Rhapsody until a month or so ago. It was one of those discs I was always tempted to buy but kept checking Rhapsody in the hopes it would show up so I could give it a listen. Well, all of my skepticism was quickly forgotten as I was won over by this disc very quickly. I did some reading up on the Wrens and it turns out they are yet another band who has had their run-ins with the music business. They were apparently supposed to be the next-big-thing back in the mid-90s but when they wouldn't immediately sign a big new contract with their big label, that label dumped them and dumped all promotion for their new disc... The story goes that after that the executive said that he was going to make the next band who walked through the door the next-big-thing and the next band was Creed. Can I hear a collective "Hallelujah" that the Wrens stuck to their guns and didn't become that "next big thing" because there is no comparison between the beautiful, emotional, gritty music of the Wrens and the cheesy, one dimensional, weak pop/rock of Creed. Definitely give this one a listen. The song "She Sends Kisses" is fantastic and has one of the best slow builds since Weezer's "Only in Dreams." Enjoy!

The Wrens - The Meadowlands

I-Love-Hyphens-Don't-You?

Another "the" band, but this one's from the UK so that's one thing they've got going for them. The other is their sounds-and-writes-like-he's-30-something-but-really-is-only-19 lead singer. I had already listened to this album by the time I heard the lead singer is 12--yes 12--years younger than me. I think I even read their ages in the article a few times over to make sure I was reading it correctly because I had no idea listening to this guy sing. In fact, the whole band is quite amazing for their ages as the execution on this album is brave and confident. They display full mastery of the lush British sound while adding in their own nuances of grit and intensity. I especially love the opener "The Wild Son." Perhaps one of the best album openers I've heard in a while... (along with St. Francis, of course!) Enjoy!

The Veils - The Runaway Found

And that's a fact...

So, I'm not usually into rock/pop instrumental music. Perhaps the occasional instrumental or two thrown in but certainly not an entire rock album without words. Especially if it is best described as bad metal guitars over cheesy drum beats (including fake handclaps). But, against all of my better judgement I recently gave this album a listen and am now thoroughly addicted. Even went out and bought the CD so I could rock out in my MINI this summer. Its hard to say, really, exactly why this music is so infectuous but it truly is. If your head doesn't start moving up and down during the opener, then I think you've lost your groove, baby. Musically speaking, the songs are very interesting... they are more like journeys rather than standard verse, chorus, verse, etc in structure. And the electric guitars are fascinatingly orchestrated... Give it a listen. Enjoy!

Ratatat - Ratatat

Sorry for the hiatus, but I've been speechless

Ok... several posts ago I told you about a friend of mine, Justin Rosolino, who just released his first studio album. At the time, I hadn't actually heard the album, just some clips on his site. Well, since then I have received the CD and given it at least 30-40 listens. I can't seem to wrestle the thing out of my CD player or my mind. It took me several listens to get beyond the fact that he is my good friend who I really want to succeed and thus will give him leniency... When the true beauty and wonder of this album started to sink in, I was hooked. My campaign has moved from "Hey, listen to this good friend of mine... isn't he good" to "You must listen to this album as I am nauseated by the thought of this album going unheard by anyone." I know I'm sounding like Hyperbole Man, but I am serious. I really recommend getting a copy of this one. The clips on the site are cool and will give you an idea of his stuff, but in no way do justice to the beauty of the songs, the complex instrumentation, and the overall impact of his work. The song "Legacy" is among the most beautiful and intense songs I have ever heard. So, get ready for "Another Justin Post" just about every week as I really want people to listen. We have to get the word out about Justin...

Justin Rosolino - Wonderlust

Welcome, welcome, welcome!

Welcome to the new home of my little blog. Sorry for any inconvenience I may have caused either of you. Just as a reminder, you can use the following to visit this site: http://www.mollybeads.com/worthymusic or using this auto-redirect URL (turn on your pop-up blocker!): http://worthymusic.no-ip.com Now, one or both of you might be wondering what "mollybeads" is... Well, it's my wife Molly's jewelry business which she runs on the side. I created and administer the website for the business in my free time (what little of it there is). Anyway, you should check it out. Hopefully we'll have her new stuff in the "store" section soon. I've been falling behind with the workload my day job has been piling on me lately. Again, welcome!

DJ Mixmaster Chris

Ok, here's a quick post. My brother's birthday was this past weekend and it's becoming tradition that I give him a CD mix of the stuff I'm listening to right now. So, I made the following playlist in Rhapsody and purchased the tracks for burning. Of course, I've made several copies for me and others as well... :) Enjoy!

28 "Seventeen Years" - Ratatat "Making Me Nervous" - Brad Sucks "The Wild Son" - The Veils "Heavy Lifting" - Ambulance Ltd. "Cannonball (Radio Remix)" - Damien Rice "Chocolate" - Snow Patrol "Ocean Breathes Salty" - Modest Mouse "The Same Way" - Lowgold "Iocane" - Rob Crow "The Bitter End" - Steadman "Silence Is Easy" - Starsailor "Blind Pilots" - The Cooper Temple Clause "Olio" - The Rapture "She Sends Kisses" - The Wrens "Microtonic Wave" - Pinback "The Rat" - The Walkmen "Sad And Lonely" - The Secret Machines "Trouble Over Me" - Tift Merritt "Van Lear Rose" - Loretta Lynn