A Case of the Fridays

Alas, it’s not a short week like last week, and there’s no stuffing to be had, unless you’re still feasting on leftovers. But, the music still beats on. So we’ll lead off with some Copeland. “You Have My Attention” provides majestic guitar rock with some ethereal vocals. If you like what you hear, they’ll be at the 9:30 Club Wednesday, December 6th.

MP3: You Have My Attention - Copeland

And then we close out with “One Small Step,” by Sparky’s Flaw. It’s a catchy little pop song that you’ll be singing after it stops playing. And of course, if you like what you hear, Sparky’s Flaw will be at IOTA Friday, December 1st.

MP3: One Small Step – Sparky’s Flaw

House of Blues in DC

This article in today's Washington Post discusses local music clubs' concerns about the potential House of Blues $120 million complex near the new Washington Convention Center. The national chain's complex would include a live-entertainment hall, stores, restaurants, and more.

A Holiday Case of the Fridays

It’s a short holiday week, kids, and the turkey countdown has begun. But keep in mind, there’s plenty of music to be had after the stuffing and mashed potatoes are finished. We kick things off some tight, catchy, modern guitar rock from Kill The Alarm (formerly Granian). If you like what you hear, they’ll be at Jammin Java this Friday, November 24th w/ Niki Barr and Getaway Car.

MP3: Fire Away – Kill The Alarm

And we close out this special holiday edition of ACOTF with “Southtown Girls,” by The Hold Steady. It’s got a cool a cappella vocal intro which erupts into full guitar and rock organ goodness. And I’m digging Craig Finn’s swaggering, distinctive vocals. So if you like what you hear, The Hold Steady will be at the Black Cat Saturday, Nov 25th.

MP3: Southtown Girls – The Hold Steady

A Case of the Fridays

The long week is complete, so fuel up for the weekend with some Gasoline Heart. Their track “Paralyze” has got a classic rock feel to it. And with its husky vocals and triumphant choruses, it would fit comfortably next to some Springsteen on your next mixtape. Take a listen.

MP3: Paralyze – Gasoline Heart

And now we close things out with Finley Quaye’s “Dice.” The song itself is relatively catchy, with additional ambient sounds and rhythms, electronic textures and ethereal female backing vocals providing an extra spark. Give it a listen.

MP3: Dice – Finley Quaye

Excellent!

If you've ever wondered what your air guitar stylings would sound like if they were transcribed, this new T-shirt could be for you. Motion sensors translate the wearer's movements into guitar riffs.

A Case of the Fridays

Another week is complete, so let us commence with the music. First off we have a new selection from Daniel Lee, with “Elixir.” He’s one of my favorite vocalists in the singer-songwriter genre, with soulful, breathy vocals. And his funky guitar work is top-notch. Though his award-winning song-structure is often non-conventional, I'm really digging the urgent verses and swaggering choruses of "Elixir." Take a listen.

MP3: Elixir – Daniel Lee

And we close out this week with a special video selection from the Man in Black. This video from MTV for the fire and brimstone stomp “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” (American V) rolls out an varied assortment of celebrities and musicians against forboding stark black & white settings. Where else can you see Bono, Brian Wilson, Jay-Z, Kate Moss, Billy Gibbons, and Iggy Pop (among many others) together in one video?

New iPod Shuffle

For those of you who are looking to for new gadgets to buy, there's a new iPod Shuffle on its way - it's smaller than before (about the size of a money clip), with with 1 gigabyte of memory (about 240 songs).