LuxPerci.com

LuxPerci.com

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Coincidence

So if you, like most people, have been listening to top 40 radio, you may have heard this new song going around.  As the first single for the chart topping album "Lasers" by Lupe Fiasco, "The Show Goes On" has been getting tons of air time and is quickly filling up listeners iPods and cell phones.  At first listen the song sounds great. The song has a great positive message, especially for the minority African - American's of the U.S.  Basically it discuses the current problems that minorities face in today's culture and that even when the going get's tough, as the cliche goes, the show must go on.

Of course all that sounds great, however back in 2004 the indie band Modest Mouse released the song "Float On." Similar to "The Show Goes On" Modest Mouse's signature single discusses the idea that even when things seem bad, you must look for the good in every situation.  Besides having very similar themes, both songs also feature the exact same melody, based off of Pachebel's Canon.

Personally I don't think it's just a coincidence, but of course you can decide yourself.  Take a listen.

Summer Top Ten List

So its the middle of summer, which means laying on the beach or at the pool relaxing to some of your favorite music! Here an Indie Alternative Rock we put together some of the hottest Alternative songs that make a day under the sun even better.  In no particular order:

1.  Rhythm of Love - Plain White T's

2.  Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa - Vampire Weekend

3.  Bonnie Taylor Shakedown - HelloGoodbye

4.  Some Things Don't Wash Out - You, Me, And Everyone We Know

5.  Check Yes Juliet - We The Kings

6.  I Woke Up In A Car - Something Corporate

7.  Better With You - Five Times August

8.  Everything's Magic - Angels and Airwaves

9.  Adorable - Artist vs. Poet

10. A Good Idea At The Time - Ok Go

Of course, picking just 10 songs isn't right for a long summer playlist to get you through all the days of lounging around so we will have 10 more next week for you.  What else do you like to listen to in the summer?

NoiseTrade

NoiseTrade.com

The other day I was doing the usual, searching Facebook to listen to some awesome, yet still undiscovered bands.  I came across one band that had an amazing offer.  You could download their entire new album entirely free! So I clicked on the link and found one of my new favorite websites.  If you have never heard of NoiseTrade.com you need to go check it out now! In fact, I'll include the link before I even finish my post.  Click here

Now what makes NoiseTrade different from other music download sites is incredible.  First, they legally offer free downloads of bands anywhere from local indie groups who post their music to some bands touring nationally and internationally.  All they request is that you submit them your zip code and email address to join the band's mailing list.  You can go check your email for the link to the download and next thing you know you're rocking out in your bedroom to some sweet tunes.  However, this is only the beginning to NoiseTrade's genius.

When a band's music is uploaded to the site, the album is placed on its on searchable profile.  Included on this profile are widgets to "like" the band or musician's Facebook page, visit their various online presences, buy their music, view their twitter stream, and share the music on your own Facebook page, twitter, or email, and leave a comment.  This allows for great viral growth for the band's featured!

However, although NoiseTrade.com has some amazing features, my favorite of them is the unique idea to allow viewers to donate to the band what they believe the album is worth.  Sure you can get your music for free by just submitting your information, but if you have ever been in a band, you know the hard work and expensive gear it takes to create some amazing music.  It's a really humbling experience as a band if you are essentially told what you are worth.  I love this concept, so way to go NoiseTrade.com!

Now if this didn't excite you to go check out the site, I don't know what will! So go check it out and find some awesome music!! If you hear anything you like, be sure to post it below so all our readings can share the experience the music together.

http://noisetrade.com/

Vampire Weekend

Vampire Weekend

It is amazing the way certain things become associated with each other. For instance, the smell of hot chocolate may remind you of coming inside after sledding on a cold winter day. The soft and springy texture of long green grass might conjure memories of playing a game of tag barefoot in the park. The taste of cherry cough drops may bring back bad memories of a long forgotten bout of the flu. But if you are like me, the songs of New York City band Vampire Weekend evoke images, ideas, and feelings about one specific topic; summer.

After meeting at Columbia University in 2006, Ezra Koenig, Rostam Batmanglij, Chris Tomson, and Chris Baio formed their eclectic and eccentric band, releasing their premier eponym album in 2008. Their work is catchy and surprising, with interesting percussion and brass instruments that fit in and flow seamlessly with the music.

An interesting song of the band, "One (Blake's Got a New Face)" gives a great portrayal of Vampire Weekend's typical sound. Led in by a guitar intro, the smooth percussion is quickly joined by a light techno beat. Ezra's vocals are earnest and descriptive and is joined by the other band members for the call and response chorus. The song is relaxing but is also unexpectedly upbeat.

"Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa" is a more widely recognized song, but Vampire Weekend's sound can hardly be considered "main stream". With djembes accompanying a catchy guitar riff, the song moves quickly, befitting the clever songwriting and lyrics. All in all, the song is very appropriate for it's namesake ocean front town in New England.

Another excellent song by the band is "Giving Up the Gun". The African-influenced percussion sets the stage for the funky instrumentals and techno elements that are incorporated along with the encouraging lyrics and even a choir at one point. And although this is unrelated to the music itself, the video boasts an epic tennis tournament of celebrities (Jake Gyllenhaall, Lil' John, and *gasp* Joe Jonas."), which just makes this already insanely catchy song even better.

Vampire Weekend's pop punk sound blended with their slightly nerdy, but certainly endearing image makes them well worth a listen. Their light, energetic sound is a quick and effective way to brighten your outlook and get you in a summertime mood. So next time you are stressing over a hard project or worrying about a deadline and need to relax, breathe deeply, calm your mind, and let Vampire Weekend do the rest.

Links:

Website: http://www.vampireweekend.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/VampireWeekend
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/vampireweekend