New Artist of 2011: Josh T. Pearson

Cain and Abel: Noel and Liam

I have always been a big Oasis fan, like most people who had their stint with the Morning Glory album or "Wonderwall" on repeat. A quality band that could write a great rock song and a great pop song. They had albums of substance, and not just hits. They also had great dynamic and were unlike many of the other British rock bands of their era. However, Liam and Noel, brothers Gallagher, strongly ditest one another and that led to, of course a final split up. Shame coming from such a great, successful band, whos 2nd album when 4x platinum in a short amount of time. Liam has gone on to release Different Gear, Still Speeding with his new band (Oasis minus Noel) named Beady Eye. With Liams voice out in front, its pretty much Oasis with the quality songs, in my opinion.

Noel is set to release Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds in October with his band The High Flying Birds. I have been looking forward to this for some time, since I always preferred Noel's voice and songwriting to Liam's. I will be interested to see what comes of it. The single "The Death of You and Me" is great. Very unqiue, eclectic and different from regular Brit Rock. Check out both of the brother's new projects below, and also (for humor) check out Noel's recent press conference as to why the band split and what happened in the end.

Bad Movie, Good Song: Lissie

Sometimes I will take a break from sad, depressing movies that I love and watch a typical comedy or romcom. It just happens sometimes. Last nigh it was Hall Pass. This was a lackluster comedy about a guy getting a break from marriage for a week. Dumb plot, but something good came out of it. Halfway through the movie, a song called "Everywhere I Go" came on and made me whip out my Shazam app on my iPhone. The artist is Lissie. I paused the movie and YouTubed her for the rest of the night. What a great track and a great voice. I head heard her name before and after doing research, figured I had swept over her last year, as 2010 was her breakthrough year. Better late than never, I grabbed her 2009 EP Why You Runnin' for only $3.99 on iTunes. Catching A Tiger was her 2010 full length LP, which was my next purchase. This is some authentic folk-rock that you cannot get in a lot of places. She truly defines the genre, able to rock out in "When I'm Alone" and tone it down to make you let down your guard in "Everywhere I Go." Its a haunting track and she is one of the few female folk artists who really lets her voice fly. She is not afraid to let loose, which is so refreshing. Even in the softer songs, she is not afraid to show you her pipes.
Something about a girl with an electric guitar has always rubbed me the wrong way, and I am not sure why. When Sheryl Crow would pick one up, I just didn't get it. Besides Bonnie Raitt, I just disliked it. Lissie has changed me for good. She does it in a tasteful way, not too rock n roll, but not just using it for the image. Her voice fits an electric guitar on occasion and it works. This is the sort of stuff that needs to be on the radio, if we are going to have radio at all. If you are doubtful, drop the $3.99 on the EP and then I promise you will have the LP in a few hours. Her acoustic version of "Everywhere I Go" below is haunting. I am slowly falling in love with Lissie and I hope you do to.

Songwriter Showcase: Daniel Martin Moore

I saw Daniel Martin Moore play about 3 years ago in Louisville, Kentucky and havn't keep tabs on him since. I knew he did an EP with Ben Sollee called Dear Companion about a year ago which was a benefit for Mountain Top Removal, but was not aware he was signed to SubPop records. He was signed after sending them a rough demo of his songs, truly inspiring and could give hope to many aspiring songwriters. He has certainly matured as a songwriter and artist since I have heard him and am ectastic over his recent album In The Cool of the Day. The album is some gospel tunes, toned down and some of Daniel's own, but alone a good representation of him as a whole. Instead of doing these gospel tunes straight up, he decided to interpret them as he felt, and as he rememebered through his life. Please check them out, and also hear Jim James of My Morning Jacket on banjo on one of two of the tracks. I regret to make this comparision, but his voice reflects Jack Johnson's in some elements, simple but yet endearing. Picture Jack Johnson in mountains of Kentucky with acoustic appalachian instruments and you might find this album. Check out songs from his new album below, as well as his collab with celloist Ben Sollee.

A Family Affair: Sweet Talk Radio

As they say it, girl plays songs she writes, boy plays songs he writes, girl meets boy, they get married. After that, for Kathrin Shorr & Tim Burlingame, came Sweet Talk Radio, a duo out of Los Angeles. With tons of country influences, and sweet, light harmonies, this duo bridges songs with country, folk, indie, all of it. Their first record, My Hallelujah is worth the money and a gasp of fresh air in a ton of singer-songwriters who sound alike. They put themselves apart with great songwriting and simplicity in harmonies and instrumentation. Opening for acts such as The Weepies, Kenny Loggins and Colin Hay, they are making their mark on the scene.

Check out the videos below for some acoustic performances and go search for them on www.briterevolution.com to download 2 free songs and donate to a good cause. "My Hallelujah" is my favorite, a song about loss and a pretty heart-wrenching one at that.

www.sweettalkradio.com

Songwriter Spotlight: Laura Marling

I feel like Laura Marling is one of those singer-songwriters that I am way late on the train for. She has been around for a while, hailing from England and touring with bands such as Noah and the Whale, and having records produced by Ethan Johns, a genius himself. Laura has one of the most honest voices and is one of the truest and rawest lyricists out there. She is one of the leaders in the ever-growing London folk scene and just released an EP with Mumford and Sons, while also releasing a 7 inch with Jack White. She is all over the map and her music speaks for itself. The lyrics below blew me away, so watch her single "New Romantic" and also watch her perform with the ever so talented Marcus Mumford a few years back.

And I'm sorry to which ever man should meet my sorry state
watch my steady lonesome gait and beware,
I will never love a man 'cause I could never hurt a man in this way.
I will never love a man cause I could never hurt a man, not in this new romantic way.

V-Day Song Spotlight: Makin' Memories with Rodney and Keith

The way songs are born always fascinates me. Whether its written in 1 minute, lyrics from long ago, or a comment someone made, songs can be inspired so many ways. One story that alway struck me was legendary songwriter Rodney Crowell. Crowell has had some cuts with major artists, but has had an amazing solo career for himself. His album "Houston Kid" is still one of my favorites. He wrote with some of the greats and is a country legend for sure. Crowell wrote "Making Memories of Us" the popular Keith Urban song. While meeting Crowell, he told some of my classmates and I about forgetting Valentine's Day, and having his daughter remind him. After this, Crowell went into his home studio and wrote "Making Memories of Us" to play for his wife on Valentine's Day. That simply amazes me that a song can come from such a good place, and so fast. Such a great and romantic song can truly take 10 minutes. The song was #1 for 5 weeks for Keith Urban. It was also recorded first by Tracy Byrd (lyrics changed a bit) and by the Notorious Cherry Bombs, Rodney's band with Vince Gill. Listen to both versions below and play it for your Valentine! (Also check out some of Rodney's solo stuff)