If your work or school schedule is anything like mine than your week is pretty much ruled by the amount of work you have to get done. The problem with this scenario is that you tend to miss a lot of new music, as well as some top performances by your favorites artists. I however, have a solution to your problem; I’ll find the shows and I’ll listen to the songs. For the weekend I will recommend the best shows to attend and for the week I’ll give you the best songs and albums from a variety of music genres.
Saturday May 1st:
Yes it’s that time of the year again; the birds are singing and the sun is shining which means Bamboozle is here once again for the 2010 edition. Starting at 12:30 p.m. est at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, NJ the yearly event will get under way. Some of the headliners this Saturday will feature Drake, Paramore, and yes the seemingly always intoxicated, Ke$ha.
Sunday May 2nd:
It’s been a long week, what better way to unwind then to enjoy the melodic sounds of Sublime with Rome. While not the original group that achieved fame in the 90’s the band is still largely together with new lead singer, Rome Ramirez. The death of lead singer and guitarist Bradley Nowell in 1996 has not stopped the reggae/hip-hop/ska band from producing great music. The show begins at 8 p.m. EST at Roseland Ballroom in NY, NY is sure to be a great night out with some friends or for a date.
Monday May 3rd:
Mondays are rough, and probably even rougher if you went to either one of the shows I recommended you go to. What better way to lift your spirits on a hazy Monday morning then some up tempo southern hip-hop from one of the best. Half of the Grammy Award winning duo Outkast, Big Boi makes his first leap into the solo game with “Shutterbugg” off his first solo album, Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty. Despite the ridiculous album name this song truly shines as a catchy song that even those not into hip-hop can enjoy. Alongside Cutty, Big Boi proves that he can firmly stand on his own two feet without the more well known Andre 3000.
Tuesday May 4th:
The Gaslight Anthem, a band that sprung up out of the thriving music scene in New Brunswick, NJ are back. The first single, “American Slang” off the like named album has an older classic rock feel to it. I’m going to make a bold statement here and say that it almost sounds like another artist from the garden state. No I’m not talking about Jon Bon Jovi, but you’re close, I’m talking about “The Boss,” Bruce Springsteen. I told you it was a bold statement, but it’s what came to my mind while listening to “American Slang” and I’m pretty sure you will too.
Wednesday May 5th:
Here is where I expected to recommend the new MGMT album, Congratulations, unfortunately I thought it was pretty poor. Honestly, it’s a far cry from their first album as the band tried to move in a different direction from their previous success. I’m not going to leave you hanging there though; I’m just not that kind of guy. So let’s go back to the good old days and dust off Oracular Spectacular, the bands 2007 album. Turn up the volume on your speaker, iPod or whatever and bump some “Electric Feel,” you’ll feel much better.
Thursday May 6th:
Thursday, it’s kind of like Friday’s little brother, we love him just the same though. When I hear North Carolina I tend to think country music, kind of like Taylor Swift. Paper Tongues self titled first album is not country; it’s actually really good alternative rock music with some hip-hop infusion. Songs like their first single, “Trinity” blend electronic bass and guitars with vocals from lead singer Aswan North. They’re different sound leaves them as a rising band in the alternative rock arena. Get on the bandwagon now and don’t be surprised if in a few months everyone is talking about them.
Friday May 7th:
It’s Friday, the week is finally over and we can all relax. Plus, since I know you all worked hard this week I’ve got a present for you, new Eminem. That right, you read correctly, new Eminem and unlike his entire last album he’s not rapping about killing everyone. While I’ll admit it’s different to hear Eminem sing an uplifting song with a gospel sounding chorus it’s definitely not a bad thing. “Not Afraid,” the first single off of his upcoming album Recovery features Em’s trademark lyrical talent matched with an uplifting message. No need to thank me for this gem, just enjoy it and I’ll see you next week.
This new Eminem track is pretty tight. It’s more serious than his old music, but I imagine that is where his head’s at at the moment.