Massive Attack's New Album = Downtempo Brilliance

Another post from my new gig at GeekWeek: http://www.geekweek.com/2010/02/massive-attacks-new-album-is-full-of-downtempo-brilliance.html

I first fell in love with Massive Attack when I heard their song "Paradise Circus" while listening to my satellite radio station at work. The song had so many different elements to it - hand claps, piano, a slow but infectious beat, and the sensual and smooth voice of female singer Hope Sandoval. In my mind it was a downtempo gem, and I was intrigued to sample more tracks from this band.

In scouring the internet to discover more music from Massive Attack, I learned that their new album was set to drop today, February 9th. It's a highly anticipated release, as it's the groups first project in almost 7 years. After listening to the album, titled "Heligoland," I realized it was the perfect soundtrack for this rare, but rainy day in Los Angeles. Or any low key day for that matter.

Each track is unique but flows into the next, incorporating synths, horns, catchy harmonies and electro beats. The more I listen to the album as a whole I discover something new, some element in each song that I didn't quite catch on the first go around.

"Heligoland" will definitely please the ear of any electronica/downtempo fan.

Must Hear Tracks: "Paradise Circus," "Babel," "Splitting the Atom," "Girl I Love You"

Check out the album stream on their MySpace: Massive Attack - Heligoland

Grammy Ratings up 35%!

Grammy's 2010

Michael Caulfield / WireImage.com

I started to blog for geekweek.com. Here is my first music post from last week...a Grammy recap!


From the red carpet to the stage, the 52nd annual Grammy Awards was full of over the top performances, lavish fashions, and most of all, music. The ladies in music took the night, with Beyonce winning a record-breaking 6 awards including Song of the Year for her smash hit, "Single Ladies...Put a Ring on It." Country star Taylor Swift won the night's biggest award for Album of the Year for the platinum selling "Fearless." And perhaps one of the most anticipated moments of the night, the always outrageous Lady Gaga opened the ceremony with a high energy and theatrical performance featuring singing legend Sir Elton John.

Gaga was just the beginning. The entire night was filled with memorable performances including Pink, who sang "Glitter in the Air" while twirling above the audience in a flesh colored sequin body suit, elegantly hitting every note even though she was suspended by only a piece of fabric. The moving 3D tribute to the late Michael Jackson had viewers drawn to the stage as Celine Dion, Smokey Robinson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson and Usher harmonized to Jackson's "Earth Song." Rock band Bon Jovi hit the stage for their first ever Grammy performance in their career, performing their classic "Livin' On a Prayer," which was decided by viewers votes. The Black Eyed Peas brought their energy to an entertaining peformance of their latest hit "Imma Be," and Jeff Beck flawlessly pulled off a rendition of late guitar legend Les Paul's classic "How High the Moon."

Some of the nights biggest winners included country act the Zac Brown Band for "Best New Artist," Green Day for "Best Rock Album," and the breakthrough alternative band Phoenix who snagged the award for "Best Alternative Album."

Music's biggest night saw ratings improve by 35% with 26 million viewers who tuned in Sunday night.

90s Flashback

One of the many things that I love about LA is that on any given night, I can catch a show by a band that I really love. Or I band that I really used to love, but never had a chance to see live. Last week, my friend Missy asked me if I wanted to go see the band Lit at the Slidebar in Fullerton, to which I immediately responded YES!!!

Ah yes, taking a trip back to my youth on a Monday night and dancing around like I was a teenager again - truly one of the most fun nights I have had in a long time. They played all of their hits, including some rare tracks from their first album. They sounded and looked great, totally got the crowd singing every word. Between jumping and dancing in the middle of the hundreds of fans, I got up close and personal and took some great shots. Check 'em:

This was the first time I had seen Lit live since their drummer Allen, lost his battle with cancer. There were some emotional moments throughout the show, but the band still sounded great. Can't wait til the next one boys!

The Sounds - The Wiltern 10/21 & 10/22

These past few months I have gone to several shows around LA...Metric/Phoenix at the Greek, Sugar Ray at HOB, Mae at the Roxy....but the best show by far was the Sounds 2 night stand at the Wiltern, just 2 weeks ago. I got an e-mail from Live Nation about a 2 for 1 sale and I got super excited and ordered tickets for both Sounds shows, mostly because I ordered for the first night but wanted to see Shiny Toy Guns the second night. But hey, 2 nights in a row of the Sounds at 2 for 1 prices...yeah i'll take that.

The band brought incredible energy both nights. Lead singer Maja reminds me of Gwen Stefani, she has that 'thing,' that presence that just draws your eyes to her. Not to mention she's beautiful. Anyways, the boys and girl rocked it for an hour and a half, playing songs from their old and new albums, even with an amazing live version of their latest single 'tony the beat.' tons of percussion and effects, a great light show and a killer setlist - all in all, worth every penny. can't wait until they come around on their next tour!

New Obsession

My newest obsession and favorite source of new music is the website hypem.com. New artists, remixes and rare tracks - I spend hours on this website. I really, really suggest you check it out! I swear you will be hooked.

Back in Action

So it has been a while since I have written anything on here, but life has just been so crazy and busy that time has just slipped away. I know, I know, its not an excuse but hey, life just gets a little crazy sometimes.

That said, I've discovered so much new music, artists and the like in the past few months that I have no choice but to begin writing about it again, if anything to share it with all of you. I'm inspired again and ready to share my thoughts. So stay tuned, lots of good stuff coming your way..

Shuffle It

here is another round of songs that i have on my playlist lately. this one is an interesting mix of old and new, funk and rock, a little country feel...yup, anything goes.

Discovery - So Insane

Discovery is the side project of a member of Ra Ra Riot and a member of Vampire Weekend...and it is GOOD. So Insane slows down and ramps up in just the right places, keeping my ears glued to this electro-poppy-catchy piece of goodness. Definitely worth a listen.

try it - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYIyuy4m3HE

Maps - It Will Find You

It's eerie, smooth, catchy - a song that you get sucked into because the pattern of the beat and repetitive melody lure you in. the electro/ambient feel of this one is perfect background music while just hanging out, working, or, writing.

space out - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXfmGoDxDEs

The Delgados - The Light Before We Land



the string arrangement begins and grabs me...then the harmonizing voices, then the drums come crashing in...ahh, this is just a beautiful song. its a mellow, articulate piece of music that is pleasing to the ear. i can only wish i write something as beautiful one day.

just listen - http://www.last.fm/music/The+Delgados/_/The+Light+Before+We+Land

N'Dea Davenport - Whatever You Want

N'Dea's smooth and sensual voice blends perfectly with the light melody and beat on this track, causing me to forget everything i'm doing and really get into the groove, while I subconsciously bob my head and move my body to this jam. A true gem on the "Deelicious" album, as recommended by the boss. Thanks again, boss.

smooth - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKer2rJ6wxE

Deerhunter - Circulation

this definitely has a more pop feel to it compared to their older stuff, but its still a great song. the catchy guitar riff builds up anticipation to the chorus, but the semi-distorted sound of the rest of the song makes it legit. this is just a rad song to add to a laid back summer playlist for the beach. i'm excited to hear what the rest of the album will sound like.

jam - http://joshengroff.com/post/130634074/deerhunter-circulation-from-rainwater-cassette

i'm just a girl...lucky me

i just had what some might call, the best fucking weekend ever. not only did i have a kick ass afternoon at warner brother records on friday, but i scored free no doubt tickets (thank u, tj <3)

the stage was incredible, the songs were as good as ever, and i jumped around and sang my heart out along with every lyric just like i did when i saw them as a teenager 10 years ago. amazing.

after the show we went backstage to the friends and family party. buckets of beer, food and candy, little kids and grandmas, all related to the band. i met everyone but gwen, she never showed. but all the boys were as sweet as ever.

the rest of my weekend went extremely well, for various reasons :) i love my friends, i love L.A., i love my life and the opportunities i have right now. life is good!

break it like you mean it

i can't get this song out of my head.

The Bridges - Pieces

it's not even that new, but its just a very, very well written song. the melody, the lyrics, the tempo - everything just feels right. the track feels a little like fleetwood mac with a country twang - powerful female vocals accompanied by intricately written music.

please your ears:



the more i learn about the Bridges, the more I like them. a true family band, all cousins, and mostly female - 4 chicks play instruments and sing while the guy cousin backs them on drums - they are tight knit and most importantly, quality songwriters. i'm looking forward to discovering the rest of their music.

radio ga ga

sitting in my new chair as i write this (thanks Piggy!)

first, sirius online radio decided to charge me an extra fee to listen online - on top of my monthly payment. then i moved onto pandora, but they decided to put a limit on how many hours a month i could listen to my personalized station. damn you, economy. sigh.

but then, i tried iTunes radio - my savior. after several trial and error attempts with a good amount of stations, i've finally settled on a few that satisfy the music nerd in me.

category - alternative

station - WOXY

sitting in my boss' office one day as we were discussing our distaste of these ridiculous charges just to listen to online radio, he suggested WOXY. this small independent station out of Ohio is by far my favorite thing to listen to these days. they truly are on the verge of new indie music. i find myself writing down at least 5-10 songs a day that catch my ear and i go home and download. thanks boss.

category - ambient

station - afterbeat electronica 1.FM

perfect blend of mellow jazz-y smooth songs that somehow flow together. perfect for a chill night, when i feel like mellowing out and writing (like right now). one word for this station - relaxing.

category - alternative

station - errorFM

a cross between WOXY and your favorite classic rock station. the people at error tend to play more mainstream indie artists (does that make sense?) and throw in a classic CCR or Beatles track every now and then. i find myself singing along, sometimes out loud, as i listen at my desk at work.

category - dance

station - disco one

every single song reminds me of my family and life back in new york. i remember growing up hearing my parents play diana ross, KC and the sunshine band, among others, dancing to these songs at weddings, christenings, etc. must be an east coast thing. this station never fails to make me feel a bit homesick. KTU 103.5 anyone?

New York, i miss you.