Listen and Learn

The Shore comes out of L.A. and they sure do have that laid back California vibe to them. Their music is very easy going; good to listen to when you want to relax. They add a humanistic touch that has been lacking in the music industry lately.

Though not signed with any label, somehow their music made it out to me in Oklahoma. Not sure how I found out about them, but I am glad I did.

The lead singer, Ben Ashley, has a voice that actually sounds like he could be British. I don’t know if he has an accent or it is just the way he holds out his notes. It reminds me of many European musicians and their style of singing.

As their MySpace site says, they categorize themselves classic rock/psychedelic/pop. This is where I get the California in the 70s type of feel when I listen. The Shore definitely can be enjoyed by all generations.

Check The Shore out on MySpace!: www.myspace.com/theshore

If you are a fan of the kookiness of Bjork, Imogen Heap is the artist for you. Even if you aren’t, you have to check this girl out!

Although electronic music is not really my thing, Imogen does it for me. She really knows how to keep her songs sounding different from each other, unlike most electronic artists. Her voice is truly captivating and I can’t think of another artist who sounds like her.

She comes out of London and is with the indie label Megaphonics. She is starting to gain a real audience in the United States. Her song “Hide and Seek” was on the finale of the television show “The O.C.”, which proved to give a major boost in the charts.

Like me, most people believe the electronic music scene is void of true musical talent. My views have changed drastically. If you are skeptical, you really need to give Imogen a listen.

Check out Imogen Heap’s tunes on MySpace!: www.myspace.com/imogenheap

Ray Lamontagne has one of the most amazing, heartfelt voices I have ever heard! His music is acoustic/folk masterpiece! Not to mention, he has this humble appearance about him that is not found in artists of his talent. He comes out of Maine and is well loved by his northerners. In due time, the south will catch on!

Lamontagne is with the major record label RCA and has just released his second album, Till The Sun Turns Black, which has gotten rave reviews. A favorite of mine would have to be the song “Three More Days”. Has a bit of a soulful voice in this one!

This is definitely not mainstream type of music, but he might not be able to keep himself low key for long.

Check out some Lamontagne tunes on MySpace!: www.myspace.com/raylamontagne

I have just a minor obsession with this Canadian band! They come out of Toronto, Ontario and are making waves. They just released the album Self Control for Life’s Speed in the United States this Fall, which was released in Canada this past April.

My favorite song is “Into Your Hideout”, which is featured on their latest release. The lead singer’s voice goes into a falsetto that resembles Chris Martin’s from Coldplay.

You know when you find those bands that just really mesh well? Pilot Speed is one of those. So…I encourage you to just give them a listen! Their music speaks volumes.

Check Pilot Speed out on MySpace!: www.myspace.com/pilotspeed

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