Get Your Copy of Colours EP "Skin & Bones"

Yo! Yo! Guess who's back.  I know that I'm a slacker, and that I've been M.I.A. for some time, but hey...life is complicated and I have an amazing full-time gig working for this incredible Church. That's another conversation for another time, but in the event that you're interested, check out www.pbcc.cc for some info and come hang out if you're in the Palm Beach Gardens area.

Okay enough about me and let's talk about a new band that I discovered a week ago.  I was chilling with some homies in a meeting and this kat, Alex came up to me and asked, "Hey man have you ever heard of a band named Colours?"  I looked with complete confusion, and yet total interest and amazement.  Without a thought he snatched my iPhone and found their video on YouTube.   

Now I'm not one to get too giddy about bands, but when I heard these guys, I was like on cloud nine.  There was something about their sound that just grabbed me.  You can tell that there is a strong influence of Kings Of Leon, and many other strong adult alternative elements that make Colours a real refreshing and fun new discovery.  

These Florida boys are on the cusp of hitting it big and now is your chance to show your support and get these guys moving forward.  Colours released their EP, Skin & Bones today which can be purchased on iTunes.  If you are looking for something that will just really get you inspired, moved, and fired up, all wrapped up like a "Taco Bell" fiesta crunch burrito, (I mean a burrito with spicy Fritos is both brilliant and toxic at the same time, but man is it good) then you need this EP.  If my killer burrito metaphor isn't enough for you then maybe their video for their song, "Machine" will do the trick.  Sorry for the Spanish subtitles, but hey, just listen and you will see how cool it is any way. Gracias!  

Follow Colours on Facebook at www.facebook.com/coloursfl to keep track of the boys progress. Thanks for reading and I promise,
I'll do more writing from time to time.  I mean it this time.  

"Idol" vs. "The Voice" You Decide

Well kids it's about that time to start airing those uber cool talent shows that give people instant stardom. If you said "Star Search" you need to crawl back into your time capsule and lock yourself back in until 2112 (Uh...that was a pretty cool Rush reference I must say).

What I am talking about is the next seasons of the newly rivaled vocal competition shows, created by none other than Mr. Simon Cowel himself, "The Voice" and "American Idol". Okay so I failed to mention the other one who recently thought it was a good idea to enlist the trash talking Disc-Jockey Howard Stern, "America's Got Talent." You may be asking yourself why I left off AGT? Well I don't think a show comprised of advanced baboons making fools of themselves is that remarkable. Besides, Great Brittan discovered Susan Boyle and we have...Well I can't really recall our AGT super star, so what does that tell you?

So that being said, there is a lot of interesting stuff brewing between the top two talent shows (The Voice and Idol) that have made some headlines in the last couple of weeks. Some of the friendly rivalry started last year when "Idol's" veteran judge, Randy Jackson made remarks about how The Voice was the second chance stop for failed artists (Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/22/american-idol-the-voice-feud_n_1294084.html on August 3, 2012). That comment set "Voice" judge Adam Levine off on a verbal slap back that sparked the match for a fun little feud. As the words continued to fly, the networks have capitalized on the fun "smack talking" and have done a great job in marketing the shows as competing for the number one slot.

The voice retains their judging panel, as questions continue to surface as to, which celebrity artists will accompany long standing judge, Randy Jackson for season twelve of Idol. The heated competition for ratings dominence may help with either two programs chance of obtaining the title of "Greatest Talent Competition in the 21st Century." Only time will tell.  Some people question the impact and power of "Idol"-now entering it's 12th season- competing with the fresher more dramatic "Voice." "Idol" has blessed the musical world with artists such as, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Scotty McCreery, and the most recent Mumford and Sons wanna be, Phillip Philips who won last season.  Phillips single "Home" has been the theme song for the 34th Olympics, brining him some needed royalty cheddar.  Adam Lambert was up there too, but his whole boy kissing fiasco on the AMA's didn't sit right with viewers and network CEO's so, he's kind of having to work a little harder. Oh, and before I get a bunch if haters, I really like Phillip Phillips song, so don't kill me on my last comment about his single.


Anyhow, "The Voice" season three is scheduled to hit NBC September 10th. "Idol" will be ushering in the new year airing all the funny audition footage beginning in January 2013. No matter which one you choose, both shows offer driven people to reach their goals and live out their passions and dreams. Personally, I'm a fan of The Voice and I also really enjoy the quality time with my beautiful, amazing, smart, incredible...okay sorry I was having a moment there.  Where was I...oh yeah...with my girlfriend watching Idol and reminding me how Adam Lambert's devastating cover of Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" was original and inspiring.

Summer Album Jam Suggestions

What have been some of the albums that have really hit home this summer. Well let's take a look shall we?

The first little number the really tickles my fancy has to be the boys of Linkin Park. I mean there isn't a band that continually evolves with their music audience as they do. The bands latest album "Living Things" does a real good job of combining killer rock groove with some fun dub step break beat loops that keeps you wanting more. Chester's continual emotional lyrics are sure to capture the bands loyal fans, as well as, pick up a few newbies that are looking for something hard hitting that you can twirl around some glow sticks too.

One my favorite tracks on the album  has to be "Burn It Down." There is a sense of serenity that captures your ear and mood, and before you know it, you are hit with some emotional words that are fierce and intentional about redefining self. "Living Things" in my opinion is one of the coolest albums of the summer. You need to grab yourself a copy.

Another little gem that I have stumbled upon was Ellie Goulding's album "Lights." Now I know that it came out a little bit before the summer, but the title track is really catchy and I had the pleasure of seeing some friends of mine perform a pretty awesome cover of the tune. Not only that, but she is a cute British girl with one side of her head shaved, making her a little punkish.

I really like Goulding's album. It has a lot of the typical Euro synth pads that make you say, "Hmmm...I think I will have another spot of tea." "Lights" is refreshing and very whimsical making it a feel good set of jams for parties, yoga, cooking...you name it. I really think that listeners will enjoy this record. So, "BUY IT!"

Well these are the only two albums that I have found this summer that in my opinion deserve a little attention.  If you have any suggestions please don't hesitate to let me know about them. Feel free to comment all you like. I will ask however that your comments be kind, mature, free from profanity, and kind of funny.

Thanks for your support and I look forward to hitting you with some additional cool jam suggestions next week. 

Hey "Mr. Roboto" ain't Sailing Away!

Greetings and welcome back to another exciting adventure...
...Okay so let's face it...I've been sitting on my duff wasting time and wound up MIA (uh that's Missing in Action for you special folks out there reading). So this morning I got this itch to bring back "The DWN Beat" and wanted to let you all know that I'm back in the game and ready to go full swing.

A couple of things to consider is that this time around, I will be a bit more poised and organized with my posts.  I will be looking at providing a post to all of my anxious readers twice a week focusing on topics that make my heart sing...MUSIC!  Now since I've been gone, there have been some significant developments and maturation on my musical tastes. I have become an full member of the Justin Beiber fan club and I've seen the Katy Perry movie six times and started wearing sparkley T-shirts...
...Yeah right and "MONKEYS JUST FLEW OUT OF MY BUTT FOLKS! Are you kidding me?! If that was true I would call for all my reader pals to come and give me a cyber Karate-Chop in the junk to help me snap out of it. All kidding aside, I do want to say that any artist that is out there doing what they are passionate about, whether it's Bieber or Katy, have earned it and I support them no matter what people may say or think. They are great in their own special way and they are impacting people. Okay! Enough of the PC crap and let's get this party going shall we?


Over my hiatus, I have been looking at some killer bands that many young'ns  may be overlooking. Well today is your lucky day because I want to feature one of the most incredible rock/musical monsters on the planet STYX! For my 35 and older readers,  you may find yourself recanting the words "Domo Origato Mr. Roboto", or drifting back to that hilarious moment of South Park where Cartman was singing "Come Sail Away". That is what makes them great! These are Kats who continue to fill arenas and kick up the jams to devout fans.

So who is STYX and why should you rush to your ticket master outlet and go to every show they have listed on their tour schedule. Well this dynamic group of musical masters is comprised of some of the greatest vocalist and musicians the world has ever known. You have the enigmatic genius of pianist/vocalist Lawrence Gowan, the vocals and monster guitar riffs of Tommy Shaw and James "J.Y" Young, the pounding bass walk-ups of Ricky Philips, and (my personal fave) the complex/fierce drumming patterns of drummer Todd Sucherman. Not only that, but you still get the amazing opportunity to see original bassist Chuck Panozzo kick up the jams with the band he co-founded back in 1972.  

The band has endure their trials and tribulations over the years, but they continue to amaze audiences with their high-energy and phenomenal vocal harmonies in every song they perform. Older, wiser, and more invigorating with age, STYX continues to titillate the musical pallet of music lovers young and old, like a sweet wine that has a kick that brings you back for more. With the re-release of the bands DVD recording of "The Grand Illusion" (the album that catapulted the group to stardom), STYX quickly makes you see why they are masters of this musical fantasy.

In my personal opinion, STYX is truly one of the greatest musical resources presented to the Rock'n Roll world. So you may be asking yourself..."Why should I jump on the band wagon?" Well the answer is simple..."BECAUSE I SAID SO DANG IT!" That's why! Trust me you will love what you hear. STYX is music that is fun, nostalgic, relevant to everyone, and kicks you in the face with all it's rocking power. So get out and grab a copy of the band's DVD and any one of their albums and see what happens. Do it! "I DARE YOU!" I promise you won't be disappointed.

RADIOHEAD!!!!!!!!

"Ha-Ha!" Welcome back peeps.  Christmas kind of puts your brain in a constipated state, but I'm back baby and ready to give 2012 a killer "Chuck Norris" roundhouse in the nads. Are you ready? Can you feel it? Well if you can let’s get this thing started shall we?

So here is the skinny. The end of the year sucks in the music world in some ways, because it's focused on Christmas/Holiday compellations (not that there is anything wrong with that. Just saying), and the proverbial year review of all the artists, albums, and singles that rocked the universe...

...Okay look let's face it. If it had the name "Adele" on the front of it, it was the best thing to happen in 2011...

...Okay back to the...

..."Look I'm a little partial to the Brit style of music. I mean I've been watching BBC America every day since November and while on vacation in December. I mean honestly, "Top Gear" is the jam and I may have a slight crush on Gordon Ramsey...

...Okay that last bit was for shock value but I love how he chews people out and then gets all warm and fuzzy. Kinda bipolarish...

...Oh yeah! So that's why I'm all for Adele and stuff."...

...Back to the issue at hand. While I was sitting on "me bum" watching a ton of BBC, I was really struggling to find the "wow factor" of some new jams. There was really nothing going on other than Common's newest record. So I waited and waited and then it happened. Radiohead came out on December 19th and released two amazing singled that were recorded from their DVD "King of Limbs-From the Basement."

I mean what more could you ask for to get the juices flowing. These guys are amazing and I love the tracks. The two singles released entitled, "The Daily Mail" and "Staircase" which really demonstrate Radiohead’s diverse and emotional style. "The Daily Mail" reflects Yorke's interpretation of corruption and media hype and how it affects the public. His dark chord progression as he plays the piano brings you to a place where you relate and feel his discontent for what has become public news. The track is a very open reflection on how current struggles globally and within the U.K. effect the perception of the people and leave them disillusioned and voiceless.

"Staircase" again brings an interesting view on introspective thoughts and feelings, but is arranged in a way that you can't help but shake your head with insight and excitement, as the track careens through your ear-buds with a cool house-like groove. I mean who can talk about their loss and how they seek to regain all that they once had in a relationship that makes you want to get off your rump and sway just a little bit. OH WAIT I KNOW WHO...

...RADIOHEAD does that's who! To me, both of these tracks are phenomenal and would strongly encourage that you download them. The tracks along with the film can be accessed at www.radiohead.com or at your download music store retailer. If you want to get a glimpse of the tracks, be sure to hit up Spotify to sample them. If you haven't put Spotify on your list of things to do this New Year be sure to visit www.spotify.com for more details.

Lastly if you are a nerd like me and are the type or clown who wants to have the largest collection of DVD's and CD's, you can order Blu-Ray/DVD of "King of Limbs-From the Basement" directly from the bands store or wait to the end of January in which, copies will be available for purchase at your local retailers.

Common is Back

One of the most honest and thought provoking lyricists in Hip-hop is Common. Serving the Hip-Hop community as an ambassador of truth, mind provoking story telling, and a the soul that makes Hip-hop a staple in the music industry, Common's newest album, "The Dream, The Believer" brings a refreshing taste into a Hip-Hop genre that has been easily exploited, and reduced to foolishness centered on "phat" rims, bling, and ignorance.

"The Dream, The Believer" kicks off with amazing soulful samples that sets the pace in motion for a truly inspiring story that only Common can deliver. Common's passion for truth encourages  remarkable collaborations with iconic underground Hip-hop legends and Neo-soul masters such as, Nas, Maya Angelou, and John Legend to bring forth the voice of the urban community.

While I was listening to "The Dream, The Believer", I couldn't help but feel myself transported to a time where soulful music moved the masses into action and paved the way for change and progress. There is passion hope and inspiration that is presented in this album. A true push for progression and movement forward is what this album is all about. Common is quick to provide a clear picture of triumph over struggle and pain throughout life's many adversities. No matter what your primary musical choice is, "The Dream, The Believer" is an impacting and great album.

If you are following The Down Beat and are interested in some of the artists that are showcased, be sure to log-onto Spotify to obtain access to some really amazing new material of your favorite artists. 

Classical Take on Some Modern Works.

So, the other day I was looking at my News Feed on Facebook, when I came across an interesting post displaying a parody of "Star Wars" theme music. Being the nerd that I am...

...I clicked on the video link and found myself transported to a place that I never in my wildest imagination thought I would see myself in.

The video was aptly titles "Cello Wars", and really showed some amazing musical creativity. The video displayed some cool production effects of this guy jamming on a cello playing a killer list of all the "Star Wars" themes backed by some cool techno loops. My eyes were transfixed on this little production and I became obsessed with learning more about this Classical Duo.

To my surprise, I was presented with the name ThePianoGuys, and was even more delighted to know that there were more modern interpretations of contemporary pop music done with a classical twist. This phenomenal duo is comprised of classical piano master Jon Schmidt, and a rocking Cellist, Steven Sharp Nelson. These two genius's approach to classical music with an edge is really worth taking a look at. As I continued to search for more information and videos on ThePianoGuys, I was presented with a killer modern interpretation of Mozart’s "Moonlight Sonata". The moment I heard, and saw this brilliant classical masterpiece revamped to a killer dubstep groove with a pianos and a "FREAKING CELLO", I lost it! I had to pick my jaw off the grown due to the incredible skill and sound that I was hearing.  It is in my opinion one of coolest things that I have discovered this year, and a great way to bring 2011 to a close.

ThePianoGuys have some singles available for download on iTunes and are in the process of completing their first LB displaying their mastery of classical music with a modern sound. If you find yourself as a excited as I was after watching this video, be sure to log onto http://www.thepianoguys.com/ to show your support.