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”:
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€:
Eheheh… okay, so I got completely snowed under on Wednesday, then Thursday was of course busy (and by busy, I mean, I went to Manchester to see The Dark Knight on an IMAX cinema – and that does count as very important in my books!) and now it’s Friday and I’m completely snowed under again. Joy! Time for another Best Of to keep you satiated whilst I try my best to catch up on work? I think so! Today’s track is one of my favourite ever songs, and from the minute I first heard the shortened 1m30 used as a theme tune, I couldn’t wait for the full song. From the Japanese band Monoral, and on their latest album Turbulence, we have again "Kiri":
Formed in London in 2001 by a chance meeting of its founding band members, The Boxer Rebellion grouped together to make music, in their own style, epic and escapist. Their first album was released in 2005, and the band also toured extensively throughout Europe. I first heard them on the excellent series Long Way Down (starring Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman) on a soundtrack handpicked and on Peter Gabriel’s “world music†label, Real World Records. Their latest single (at the time), Broken Glass, was used as the opening music to each episode, and along with the rest of the soundtrack, really set the scene. Their description of epic and escapist music definitely fits their style, and this song is no exception to their excellent repertoire. So, enjoy today’s track, “Broken Glassâ€:
British five-piece band, Ben’s Brother, so named after lead singer Jamie Hartman’s bigger brother Ben, released their first album “Beta Male Fairytales†in July last year. A typically British alternative rock/pop band, the album included some great songs, quite often in the key of Keane, but that’s no bad thing. When it was released in the US later, a bonus track was included, that strikes me as even better. It was released in the UK, but just missed the top 40, reaching #41 in the charts. Apparently the band has another single on the horizon, but it might not see a release until 2009, when I guess its fairly likely another album will follow closely behind! For now, enjoy today’s track, “Stutteringâ€:
Alternative Pop Rock Electro Indie (phew!) act Fresh Body Shop from Paris gives a awesomely rocking ensemble in their 2007 album, “Tastelessâ€. Whilst researching the band from their Jamendo profile, my limited French understanding made me think I had gone completely insane… but let’s not consider that for too long, and get on with the music. Lyrics, helpfully for the uninitiated in English, their album is an awesome mix of both ambient music and heavy hitting tunes, like the second track, “The Game†(which can be heard on their MySpace) Although slightly jarring, the jolt it gives you is a bizarre feeling, and creates an excellent atmosphere for the entire set of music. Today’s track, “Mr. Weirdo†is an example of the… weird music they produce. And, hey, eclectic music is what we’re all about here on Something Chewie! Enjoy today’s track!
I swear I could have chosen any song from the album I wanted to feature today, Copeland’s 2005 album “In Motion”. It just so happens to be that on this particular day, I chose this one, for no reasons like the words it might include. I’m several hours late, but with good excuse – having had my tooth taken out today, I’m in quite a lot of missing-tooth-related pain (that’s both physically and mentally!). Send me pity, I’ll send you love! Fortunately enough, the good rocking tunes of Copeland are getting me over my problems! Enjoy today’s suspiciously picked “Choose the One Who Loves You More”:
When a band is described to me as “it’s a bit like Coheed and Cambria; it’s a bit like Mew, but so much more” – you know I’m there! Although I’ve chosen a song that doesn’t exactly represent too many similarities to the aforementioned bands, you will notice the styles in some of their other tracks. Lapko is a Finnish band that formed in 1996 and is described as “alternative rock” – but once again, genres fail us here – there’s subtle hints of prog, indie, and basically just a unique feel that can’t be easily put to a few categories. Today’s track is taken from their latest 2007 album, “Young Desire”. If you like it, you should also check out the “Scandal” album. For now, here’s “Not Your Son”:
Time for some gentle, easy going indie rock from Arizona-based “Calexico” – a band you may well have heard before, considering their inception was now over 11 years ago – and five studio albums to their name. We’re taking a track from their latest, 2006 album, “Garden Ruin” which has been described as the band’s most accessible and pop-based album to date. One of my favourite songs on the album is “Letter to Bowie Knife” – so look out for that. But today’s track, another great song, is “Panic Open String”:
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”:
Alternative Pop Rock Electro Indie (phew!) act Fresh Body Shop from Paris gives a awesomely rocking ensemble in their 2007 album, “Tastelessâ€. Whilst researching the band from their 
I swear I could have chosen any song from the album I wanted to feature today, Copeland’s 2005 album “In Motion”. It just so happens to be that on this 
When a band is described to me as “it’s a bit like 
Time for some gentle, easy going indie rock from Arizona-based “Calexico” – a band you may well have heard before, considering their inception was now over 11 years ago – and five studio albums to their name. We’re taking a track from their latest, 2006 album, “Garden Ruin” which has been described as the band’s most accessible and pop-based album to date. One of my favourite songs on the album is “Letter to Bowie Knife” – so look out for that. But today’s track, another great song, is “Panic Open String”: