A Definite Force to Be Reckoned With...

            The next artist that I am going to introduce to you is Family Force Five.  This band definitely does not follow anybody else’s “rules” of what people say music is supposed to sound like.  Family Force Five is extremely unique, and always tries to make their music sound like one of a kind.  The band consists of Solomon "Soul Glow Activatur" Olds, Jacob "Crouton" Olds, Joshua "Fatty" Olds, Nathan "Nadaddy" Currin, and Derek "Chap Stique" Mount.  Now, I know what you’re thinking.  What kind of band nicknames themselves names like Soul Glow Activatur, Crouton, Fatty, Nadaddy, and Chap Stique?  I have to admit, that is exactly what I thought when I first heard of these cool cats.  Even after hearing some of their music, I still thought they were a little weird.  The thing is, they are so strange and odd that one cannot help but to love them.  Listeners love them because they are nonconformists and do not follow the crowd.  They are a Christian crunk rock band from Atlanta, Georgia, but have also been described as being rock, hardcore, punk, metal, and even hip hop.  Whenever I try to describe their musical style I just say, “They are basically their very own genre”.  After listening to them you will hopefully be able to understand what I mean.

            Last summer I had the pleasure to see Family Force Five up close and personal at the Christian Sonshine Festival in Wilmar, Minnesota.  Having an insane amount of energy and epic stage presence, their concert was amazing.  Throughout the whole concert everyone in the crowd were filled with adrenaline and jumped around for Family Force Five.  Family Force Five personally see this as praising and worshipping God.  They explained how God wants us to move, get crazy, and have fun here on earth (as long as it’s for Him).  At one point in the show, they told the crowd to “shake yo’ badonkadonk for Jesus!”  However people perceive them, Family Force Five is definitely a force to be reckoned with.  They are currently working on a new album, but have not released the date that the album will come out.

            So with that, get open-minded, sit back, and get ready to rock!  You will learn to love them.  I will show you three songs so you can get a feel of what their style is like.

The song “Love Addict” is one of their most popular songs.  I put the video on here because it makes me laugh.  Their unique style is shown very well through this music video.

            This next song that I am going to introduce to you is called "Drama Queen".  When listening to this song, it may sound like the singer is angry with a girlfriend type character, but that is not the case.  At the Sonshine Festival the band explained that this song was written about how the record label they were working for at the time did not like their style and wanted to change them.  Family Force Five of course would not have it and wrote this song to retaliate.  Hope you enjoy!

            The last song I will show you comes off of the "Family Force Five's Christmas Pageant" album.  I love the versions of the Christmas songs that Family Force Five has put together.  This song is their version of "Do You Hear What I Hear?".  Another favorite of mine on the album is "My Favorite Things", which is a remake from "The Sound of Music" movie musical.

Shhhh... I'm Listening to The Hush Sound!

     The artist I am happy to introduce to you this week is The Hush Sound.  This band consists of Bob Morris on guitar, Mike Leblanc on bass, Darren Wilson with the drums, and Greta Salpeter on the piano.  All four band members help lay down the vocals for many of their different tracks.  They have released a total of three albums since they have been together but sadly, after releasing Goodbye Blues in 2008, The Hush Sound announced they were going on a hiatus.  I know, right?  For all you viewers out there, that is some extremely depressing news!  However, I still think their musical style deserves a fair listen from your ears.  The song I am going to have you check out today is called "We Intertwined".  This song is ironic because at first listen it is a very peppy, happy-go-lucky sounding kind of song.  I definitely feel like getting up and dancing when I hear it!  However, when one takes the time to listen to the lyrics, the song becomes sad.  The artist first explains that in his "dream world" when he is asleep, life is incredible and worthwhile.  Then, the character in the song wakes up and realizes that all of the wonderfulness was just his imagination; it was just a dream.
     I enjoy listening to the Hush Sound because a lot of their songs have hidden stories in the lyrics just like “We Intertwined”.  For example, “Sweet Tangerine” at first listen sounds like a gentleman in the song is politely wishing his lady friend to return to his loving arms.  However, after listening closely and listening to an interview with The Hush Sound, listeners find out that this song is written about a stalker type character who will do anything to be with his “Sweet Tangerine” better half. 
     The Hush Sound puts a creative spin on their records by using jazzy piano riffs from Greta, or even throwing in some peppy trumpet parts like on “We Intertwined”.  My hope is that they sound like nothing you have heard before.  Other favorites of mine include “Wine Red” and “Not Your Concern”.  So what are you waiting for?  Give ‘em a listen!

Three Words That Became Hard to Say...

The first artist that I am going to introduce you to is the Avett Brothers.  I had never heard of these guys until my brother introduced them to me a few weeks ago.  My brother is in the local Bismarck band, Somebody’s Luggage, and often shows me new music he thinks I might enjoy.  When he had me listen to “I and Love and You” by the Avett Brothers, it was love at first listen.  The Avett Brothers have a very gentle, but powerful style.  They have produced many epic ballads that may send chills down your spine.  I love the piano in “I and Love and You” and the sweet harmonies that the singers lay on the track.  The Avett Brothers are a folk rock band consisting of Scott and Seth Avett on banjo and guitar respectively, while Bob Crawford mans the bass.  Jacob Edwards drums out the soft beats, and Joe Kwan sometimes joins the band on tour with a cello.  So give the song “I and Love and You” a listen; I hope you like it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqZZlL0l5Uk

Tired of Pop Fluff?

     Do you ever get tired of the same old, squeaky pitched sounding, current pop fluff being played every day on the radio?  Do you ever find yourself getting sick of a song because it is so overplayed?  I know I do.  So therefore, in the next few weeks I will be blogging right here to hook you up with some new jams and fresh musical hits that you probably have not heard of before. I will be connecting you with new rising musical talent.  You may recognize some of these musical artists, while others you will not recognize at all.  My hope is to help you discover new music that you can enjoy and share with others.  In every blog I will introduce a different artist with a song by that particular artist, and may even have a clip for you to be able to listen to.  I hope you enjoy!