Need new music? Find it on MySpace
Everyone has a MySpace or Facebook these days. Since most college students spend a majority of their time updating, posting, ordering food and chatting online, it’s time to add finding new music to listen that is fresh from the MySpace oven.
These musicians are not top 10 artists but deliver more quality and soul to a song than Kid Rock ever could.
Graham Wrighteous
Keyboard player for Tokyo Police Club, Wrighteous takes a break from dance beats and up tempos with his solo work.
With just a guitar, vocals and occasionally a glockenspiel, Writghteous is more reminiscent of Bob Dylan than the Connor Oberst sound that most indie folk singers strive to achieve. Wrighteouses original songs “When I get there” and “Birds of a feather” are relaxing and lyrically sweet.
Check out more of his music at, http://www.myspace.com/dinosauradventure3d.
The Chain Gang Of 1974
If this guy isn’t playing on an iPod at your next dance party, it’s not worth going to. Mix one part Chemical Brothers with two parts Ratatat, add in originality, heavy bass tones, occasional 80s dance beats and you’ve got The Chain Gang of 1974.
Hear it for yourself on MySpace, http://www.myspace.com/thechaingangof1974
Backseat Goodbye
This one-man band sings about mixed tapes, first loves and making out in a way that makes you want to move your feet, giggling to yourself in agreement.
His upbeat sound, light rhythms and sentimental lyrics make his music fun to listen to. “Sidewalk Sing Along” and “32 Ways to Make You Smile” are perfect for morning wake-up tunes.
Check more of Backseat Goodbyes music out on MySpace, http://www.myspace.com/backseatgoodbye or on iTunes.
Ra Ra Riot
Giving way to a new sound that incorporates classical attributes such as a cello, Ra Ra Riot is relaxing but dance worthy on occasion.
Their sound is mellow and melodic, making it easy on the ears but not boring to the mind. Songs like “Dying is Fine” and “A Manner to Act” showcase their full sound. Electronic and rocking, Ra Ra Riot is they soundtrack to a revolution that hasn’t happened yet.
Check out there album “The Rhumb Line” on iTunes or on MySpace http://www.myspace.com/rarariot.
Jungli
Doing justice to “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” is hard but Jungli’s jazz version of this classic prove otherwise.
Her young, raw sound is as fresh as her occasionally angsty lyrics are in your face but true enough to agree with. Political and loving Jungli combines the sounds of soul, blues and rock to bend around her melodic voice. Check her out on iTunes or MySpace, http://www.myspace.com/jungli.
Michael Gross and the Statuettes
Grown locally in Salt Lake City, these boys have more to offer in their diverse sound than any super store could ever offer.
Built from other Salt Lake Bands “Lets Become Actors” and “The Brobecks,” they are the successful Frankenstein of the local scene. With catchy hooks and foot-stomping beats, they know how to keep you listening and hanging on to each word that Michael Gross sings.
See them play locally or check them out on MySpace, http://www.myspace.com/michaelgrossmusic.
Wings of Fire Orchestra
Straight out of Boston, this group of musicians traveled back in time to learn funk from the best. Their sound is unique for this generation but they play it well.
With trumpets playing like Maynard Ferguson personally taught them, saxes that have more soul and a street preacher, a rhythm section that can turn the beat around and vocals that ice this rockin’ cake, you can’t go wrong by giving them a taste. They’ve brought the sound of the Earth, Wind and Fire and Chicago under one funky roof to dwell in modern-day musical harmony.
Check them out on iTunes or MySpace.
Amber Rubarth
A folk sound from Brooklyn, Rubarth’s music is a break from the busy Rock ‘n’ Roll commonly found there.
Her carefree lyrics and light sound mixed with her sense of humor about the subject matter of her songs makes her music easy to listen to at any time of day. Songs like “Loud Nonsense (And Whispered Secrets)” and ” You Will Love This Song” are dating anthems that any one can relate to. Find her music on iTunes or MySpace, http://www.myspace.com/amberrubarth.
–chjensen@aggiemail.com