Shit You Should Know...For Your Own Good

Cute Is What We Aim For

I'm usually not a fan of the whiny emo-ish music sung by guys with hair combed over their forehead, zip-up hoodies and scarves, but I stumbled upon these guys sometime last year, via the knowledgeable music resource PureVolume, before they released their now popular debut album on Fueled By Ramen (hell, you could even buy it at Target for a while). For some reason I can deal with the whiny vocals. I'll probably be ashamed of this in the future when they explode and become the next emo craze that every teenage girl falls in love with, but right now I'm enjoying their debut album, The Same Old Blood Rush With A New Touch (see, they even have an entirely too long album title a la Fall Out Boy).
I'm really into these two songs, the ones I originally downloaded off of PureVolume.

Cute Is What We Aim For - "Lyrical Lies" (m4a)
Cute Is What We Aim For - "Teasing to Please (Left Side, Strong Side)" (m4a)


The High Speed Scene
This LA-based trio have been pretty dormant as of late, but according to their website, they're still together and are getting back to work. The lighthearted punk-rockers (that's the best way I can describe them) released one of my favorite albums, their self-titled debut, in 2005, but I didn't find out about them until they came across my Pandora playlist last year (does anyone still use that thing?). They mix punk-rock with lighthearted and often extremely comical lyrics to create a sound that has you bopping around and smiling like an idiot. You should definitely download the songs below, but also pick up their album. You won't be disappointed.

The High Speed Scene - "the IROC-Z Song" (m4a)
The High Speed Scene - "Assingear" (m4a)
The High Speed Scene - "Hottie" (m4a)

P.S. You don't know how hard it was to pick two songs to put on the blog...so I put 3.

Shit You Should Know...But Have Probably Never Heard

Mike Willis
With his new band, The Escape Artists, this Atlanta based singer/songwriter has released his second full length album, Holding My Breath, which is essentially a copy of his first solo album, In the Red, with a band and a few new songs added. Willis has an awesome soulful voice and writes songs drenched with passion and emotion. His fast-strumming acoustic style adds a sense of urgency that conflicts with the laid back country feel of the songs. Rather than completely changing the original songs, The Escape Artists add depth and color to the Willis originals, making In the Red seem like the rough draft to Holding My Breath.

Both albums are well worth a listen and, if you're feeling generous, a purchase.

Mike Willis - "Lighthouse" (m4a)
Mike Willis and the Escape Artists - "She Comes Around" (mp3)


Roman Candle
This Chapel Hill group has been creating a buzz in the underground/indie/whatever the hell you want to call it, circuit with the release of their new album, The Wee Hours Revue, released in 2006. Paste Magazine named the album the 38th best record of 2006 and local magazine The Independent named their CD release party as one of the best live shows of the year. I haven't gotten a chance to see them live, but I'm in love with the songs I've been able to get my hands on. I figure since they're from around here, I'll get to see them sooner rather than later.

Roman Candle - "Winterlight" (mp3)
Roman Candle - "Something Left to Say" (mp3)

Shit You Should Know...'Cause They're Coming to Chapel Hill

Can't get tickets to the Ben Folds show March 28th? All is not lost. Check out these guys that will be playing at the Cat's Cradle the same night.

Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers

I believe these guys have the best live show of any band in the country. Not only is their live sound is supremely polished, but their on-stage antics send the show over the top. They've been known to recite movie quotes mid-song, sing parts of other popular songs mid-song, and even do an a cappella rendition of Queen's "Fat Bottom Girls."(Sorry for the bad quality of some of these videos, this is all YouTube had to offer.) If you have not seen them live, March 28th is your chance to see the best live show on the east coast. I would be there if it wasn't for Ben. Sacrifices we must make...

Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers - "Thirteen" (m4a)
Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers - "Start the Day Early" (m4a)

Matt Wertz

I first heard of this talented singer/songwriter when SK and the Sixers announced that they would be touring with him this spring (and if SK will play with them, they're good in my book). Wertz soulful voice soars over an acoustic-country groove to mold a sound that reminds you of a lazy Sunday in spring. I really hate that I'm going to miss him when he comes to Chapel Hill in March, but I'll be sure to catch him the next opportunity I get.

(I couldn't find a good YouTube video...sorry)

Matt Wertz - "Marianne" (m4a)
Matt Wertz - "Everything's Right" (m4a)

Shit You Should Know...'Cause it's Good

Each week, we will pick two bands, groups or singer/songwriters that we think you should listen to simply because we are temporarily obsessed with them. You may like them, you may not. You may have no idea who they are or you may be tired of hearing about them. Either way, we like them, and it is our blog so we get to decide what goes on it.

The Format

I know Andy did a feature on these guys earlier, but I wanted to feature them in this weekly segment because I've been listening to them a lot recently. I recommend picking up their newest album, Dog Problems. It is full of great pop songs that will have you singing and dancing along in no time. I've seen this Arizona based group once (opening for Motion City Soundtrack) and have been hooked ever since. Also take the time to check out their website, it's tons of interactive fun.

The Format - "I'm Actual" (m4a)
The Format - "Oceans" (m4a)

Citizen Cope

Citizen Cope (aka Clarence Greenwood) is a talented singer/songwriter, guitarist, keyboardist and record producer that lives up in Brooklyn, NY. His songs couple highly political and social lyrics with great beats and infectious grooves. The song above, "Bullet and a Target" is on his earlier album, The Clarence Greenwood Recordings. His newest release, Every Waking Moment, is just as extraordinary, featuring the single "Back Together." Pick up both and check out his website.

Citizen Cope - "Bullet and a Target" (m4a)
Citizen Cope - "Back Together" (m4a)

Shit You Should Know...'Cause We Like It

Since this is the first installment of "Shit You Should Know..." we at The Noise Bazaar will take the time to explain it. Each week (or something like that), we will pick two bands, groups or singer/songwriters that we think you should listen to simply because we are temporarily obsessed with them. You may like them, you may not. You may have no idea who they are or you may be tired of hearing about them. Either way, we like them, and it is our blog so we get to decide what goes on it.

On to the music.

Silversun Pickups


Silversun Pickups is a quartet out of L.A. whose debut full-length album, Carnavas, is quickly taking over the indie rock scene and making noise nationally. They play simple passionate songs that grab the listener and force them to pay attention. If you haven't heard of them already, I'm sure you will be soon. Actually, I guess if you're reading this, you already have. Link


Annuals



Annuals is a great little indie rock band from the Raleigh, NC area. Their unique sound ranges from sweet acoustic melodies to experimental electronic compositions. Despite stylistic differences, the songs are polished and gripping. This little group might be the next big thing. They're currently touring across the U.S. and will soon be making a trip across the pond. Link