Jem Godfrey, a British music producer, was responsible for several pop hits, such as songs by Atomic Kitten and Holly Valance. However, do not let this news misguide you – Jem Godfrey’s progressive rock band, Frost*, is as far from the cheese-factor of these songs. However, with such an extensive period producing pop songs, he has brought his experience of creating catchy riffs and elements to progressive rock. Frost* was formed in 2004 with members of other popular prog-rock bands, Arena, Kino and IQ. In 2006, they put out their first album, “Milliontown”, a masterpiece in neo-progressive rock ending in an awesome twenty-six minute song. As is often the case with progressive rock, the length is often a hindrance to introducing a band. However, today’s track – the first on the album is a brilliant instrumental introduction to the band which reveals the awesome talents of the band. Although Frost* split up in 2007, they reformed last year and released a second album, “Experiments in Mass Appeal” which is also well worth a listen. For now, enjoy today’s track, “Hyperventilate”:
Billed as “genre-bending”, and a “non-stop electro-pop dynamite” and filled with enough energy to power an entire city, Brooklyn-based Alan Wilkis brings his new EP, “Pink and Purple”. Recorded at his home over the last year, his second release (the first being 2008′s Babies Dream Big) takes the music one step further. The vivacious energy and its determination to break typical genre definitions make it a perfect choice for the electic musical choices on Something Chewie. Enjoy today’s track, “Snuggle Up To Nail Down”:
It’s been quite some time since I last posted anything on Something Chewie I admit. However, when I received today’s track by Calgary, Canada’s “The Unravelling”, I felt I would be doing a great disservice if I didn’t post what looks to be an incredibly promising new progressive rock band. Describing their debut album as a “psycho-analytical concept album”, you can expect to be in for some dark, moody – but fundamentally – deep music. Their album is set to release later this year, although in the mean time, the majority of their music can be heard on their official website. Here’s hoping you’ll enjoy today’s track, “In the Safe House”:
I’m currently away on holiday, so I’ve picked out one of my favourite posts of the last year for you to enjoy – so whilst I’m not here, you can still get some good music – and if you’re a new reader/listener, it might be something new to you, or encourage you to browse through the archives. I will be back in the beginning of September!
I thought it might be somewhat ironically iconic to start off the second month’s barrage of music with an alternate take on the very first track. But my logic tells me I’ve already gone and ruined that, because yesterday’s post was technically the 32nd track. Never fear, it has only delayed the inevitable! So, you heard 3 – Lay Down The Law back in the day (well, last month) and now let’s go to Joey Eppard (lead singer of 3)’s solo career – where he also performs a take on Lay Down The Law. The bonus here is, along with the rest of Eppard’s 15-track album “Been to the Future”, is performed in acoustic, with everything performed by the man himself. Even acoustic-ised, it comes off as funky and groovy. So, here’s our second look at “Lay Down The Law”:
I’m currently away on holiday, so I’ve picked out one of my favourite posts of the last year for you to enjoy – so whilst I’m not here, you can still get some good music – and if you’re a new reader/listener, it might be something new to you, or encourage you to browse through the archives. I will be back in the beginning of September!
Being described as “one of the best covers of all times”, The Postal Service’s rendition of Phil Collin’s “Against All Odds” certainly tries its best to please. The Electronic/Indie-pop duo of Ben Gibbard (Death Cab for Cutie) and Jimmy Tamborello (Dntel) puts their distinct style on to a classic song, and completely redesigns the song. I’ve listened to it so many times since my friend sent it my way – and that’s exactly the type of song that I want to place on to Something Chewie. Here’s hoping you will enjoy “Against All Odds” as much as I do: Download MP3
A favourite around these parts, Scott Matthew (not to be confused with UK singer Scott Matthews) has had several tracks featured on Something Chewie. In early 2008, he released his first studio album, aptly self-titled. Fortuitously, the album was finally released in the UK this month, so now we (and Australia, New Zealand and Japan) can also get their hands on it. Once again, his gentle tones mix with his awesomely powerful music – backed by a variety of musicians to complete some mellow, sorrowful, but also uplifting pieces of music. Today’s track is taken from his new album, and since its now available in the UK too, there should be no excuse not to buy it! Enjoy today’s track, “Abandonedâ€:
British rock band, Thunder, constantly rate quite high in my list of all-time favourites. Formed in 1989, split up in 2000 and reformed in 2002, they’ve put out eight studio albums in their time. As I always tend to mention, there’s a slightly different Thunder in the old and the new, which can be said about many long-lasting bands. (*cough* Aerosmith *cough*) However, where Thunder succeeds is that the newer Thunder tracks haven’t come under any such hard criticism from original fans. So, today we’re going to select a track from their latest album, 2006’s “Robert Johnson’s Tombstone†– in typical Thunder style – a slow, building-up-to-epic rock ballad about a guy comforting a friend whos been unlucky in love. Let’s just get to the music, so, without further ado, enjoy today’s track, “A Million Facesâ€:
First releasing an album of their theatrical-cinematic-inspired music in 2005, of which we have previously featured, fans of E.S. Posthumus were long awaiting a triumphant second album, which had long been promised. Although originally expected in 2006, it finally hit the digital shelves of CD Baby in early 2008, just in time for birthday, and just in time to help me through my exams! They failed to disappoint, with a two disc album featuring 13 new tracks with a new central theme, and then a second disc with 15 “remixes†or resamplings of the tracks. The album, “Cartographer†details the story and tales of a famous pre-modern map “Piri Reis†and is the first album to be accompanied with vocals from Luna Sans in their own created language. Put it all together, and they have an epic piece of work. Today’s track is “Mosaneâ€:
An American band who’s name stands for “Multi-sensory Aesthetic Experience†might at first sound a little pretentious, but their alternative and moody style of music certainly has a unique and peaceful feel, whilst still remaining energetic. Their first album, “Destination: Beautiful†was released in 2003, and they have gone on to release two further successful albums, including 2005’s “The Everglow†which was designed as a storybook, were the listener is told to open and read the book in the jewel case as the music progresses. Today’s track, however, is taken from their first album – enjoy “All Deliberate Speedâ€:
Let’s quickly brush over the fact I missed Wednesday, *ahem* and get straight on to the music! Today’s track comes from Tom Fox, a singer-songwriter from the UK who released his debut album, “Midnight Rain†in 2004. Songs from his album and his follow up EP have apparently received over a million downloads across the globe. Today we’re featuring a track that’s full of funk, guaranteed to get you moving! Although Tom put his music on hold to concentrate on business interests, most of the songs from his album and EP are available free to download on FoxTunes.net or for purchase on several music stores. But for now, enjoy today’s track, “Electric Cityâ€:
Jem Godfrey, a British music producer, was responsible for several pop hits, such as songs by Atomic Kitten and Holly Valance. However, do not let this news misguide you – Jem Godfrey’s progressive rock band, Frost*, is as far from the cheese-factor of these songs. However, with such an extensive period producing pop songs, he has brought his experience of creating catchy riffs and elements to progressive rock. Frost* was formed in 2004 with members of other popular prog-rock bands, Arena, Kino and IQ. In 2006, they put out their first album, “Milliontown”, a masterpiece in neo-progressive rock ending in an awesome twenty-six minute song. As is often the case with progressive rock, the length is often a hindrance to introducing a band. However, today’s track – the first on the album is a brilliant instrumental introduction to the band which reveals the awesome talents of the band. Although Frost* split up in 2007, they reformed last year and released a second album, “Experiments in Mass Appeal” which is also well worth a listen. For now, enjoy today’s track, “Hyperventilate”:
