Free Tunes
Is free music from Holly Conlan worth it?
I am not a fan of chick singers, with the rare exception of those female singers that have deep, raspy voices that resemble a man's voice more so than a female's. Those singers that have descriptors such as "haunting voice" and "unpretentious" within their work make me cringe. This week's iTunes single artist is no exception.
Holly Conlan, an LA singer and daughter of composer Joseph Conlan, and her latest single off her EP Bird "You are Goodbye" are available to download this week...
Posted by Amy Dittmeier on Jul 02, 2008 @ 7:40 am
The Summer Mixtape
HEAVE gives you the sweet, sweet sounds of summer.
Summer in Chicago is the most festive time of the year. Granted, we're probably just happy not to be buried under three layers of clothes to keep warm, but Chicago is a city that really shines during the small amount of warmth we have each year. Street festivals, outdoor music festivals and lazy afternoons spent on the beach are a norm for this time of the year. If you have a rooftop or a deck, chances are you're hosting a party or two at some point in the season...
Posted by Lisa White on Jul 01, 2008 @ 7:59 am
Computer Vs Banjo Gets Remixed
As if a computer and a banjo wasn't interesting enough.
Many bands lie about their name. Barenaked Ladies are neither ladies nor in the buff, Band of Horses are, unfortunately, not a band of horses and I'm not even sure what a Blonde Redhead would be. However, Computer Vs. Banjo stays true to their name as they take the rugged, twangy sound of a banjo and place it with the unnatural mechanical beeps and boops of a computer. Labeled as electronica, Computer Vs. Banjo are on the innovative and "cutting edge" side of indie rock, mixing two unlikely instruments to get a unique yet interesting sound. Don't label this as a gimmick, though. Computer Vs. Banjo is releasing some of the catchiest music today, with their newly released self titled album receiving critical praise.
HEAVE had a chance to get our grubby little hands on a Ninja Simone remix of the infectious "Magazine Queen". Ninja takes some liberties with the song, getting rid of the twang of the banjo and replacing it with bells and even more computer sounds. Take a listen to the remix, and then check out Banjo Vs. Computer for some of the most refreshing and innovative music out today. At the very least, you have to give them credit for being honest.
Posted by Wes Soltis on Jul 01, 2008 @ 7:32 am
The Anticipation
Will Alkaline Trio's jump to a new record label effect their music?
Alkaline Trio came together in the northwest suburbs of Chicago in late 1996. The original lineup was drastically different than the one that recorded Good Mourning and Crimson. Originally, Alkaline Trio consisted of Rob Doran, Glenn Porter and the only remaining original member, Matt Skiba. In its initial incarnation, the band lasted less than a full year before the departure of Rob Doran. He was replaced by current bassist/vocalist Dan Andriano...
Posted by Cory Roop on Jun 30, 2008 @ 6:35 am
New Music From Calico Horse
You can call it dark or you can call it happy. Take a listen to Calico Horse.
Calico Horse has a new song on their upcoming album, Mirror, called "Happy Placebo Syringe Day". A confusing name, sure; but you can't expect much else from a band that writes the happiest and saddest (at the same time) songs that you might ever hear. Emily Neveu's soothing, darkly seductive voice floats through each track accompanied by whimsy guitars and eerie piano playing. Sounds sad, sure, but then Neveu starts to hum, and Calico Horse start strumming a less intimidating instrument like a harp. It left me wondering if I should be sad for Neveu's life, or jealous that she has reached a serenity that most people would kill for (which I guess defeats the purpose of serenity).
"Father Feed Me" features the opening lyrics of, "my father is gone and dead," and proceeds to tell us how her father sold his soul for bread. This, however, seems to please the singing Neveu, as the once dreary piano at the beginning of the song turns into a dreamy sound – and the monotone unhappy sounding voice of Neveu turns into some rather peaceful humming.
You may think this sounds familiar, and you could be right. Calico Horse recently changed their name from A Clock Work Army, so hearing their music under that name is a possibility.
Posted by Wes Soltis on Jun 27, 2008 @ 6:58 am