by ImperfectFifth | May 1, 2018 | soundtrack
Brooklyn-based indie funk/rock act Cosmonaut Radio – consisting of Austin Deyo (drums, back up vocals), Russell Castiglione (lead guitar, back up vocals), and Freddy Millan Jr (lead vocals) –
Austin:
Peg-Steely Dan – Could’ve chosen any of their songs honestly. And although we don’t sound like them (I don’t think anyone ever will), the way they wrote music, and found success with strange vocal melodies and crazy jazz chords is inspiring.
The Chicken-Jaco Pastorius – Arguably the best ever, this song paved the way for fusion music and bands like Snarky Puppy. It’s so catchy and the band is so top notch.
Thing of Gold-Snarky Puppy – Some of the best music I’ve ever heard, and the Moog solo will change your life.
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings-100 Days, 100 Nights – Brooklyn based, funk revival, powerful vocals, groovy horns. It’s the best of like 5 different kind of musical genres combined. They’re one of the biggest reasons that funk and funk based music is popular again.
And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going-Jennifer Holliday – Jennifer hudson’s version is also impressive. This song is so epic. Musically, it’s interesting, and complex, vocally, it’s out of this world.
Love On The Rocks-Sara Bareilles – I love everything Sara Bareilles does.
Miss You-The Rolling Stones – This is one of my favorite songs, and we used to cover it. I put it on this list because it also symbolizes the end of “The Cosmonauts” and the beginning of Cosmonaut Radio. Although rock, and more specifically, blues, will always influence our music, this new record is an evolution and graduation to the next level for us. And I know you can’t graduate from the stones, but this song specifically signifies the next chapter for me and and for the band.
Another Kind of Green-John Mayer Trio – Steve Jordan, Pino Palladino, and John Mayer. Come on. The pocket is as solid as solid gets. And everything else about this song is fantastic.
Freddy:
1. “Daylight” by Failure
“Daylight” is a weird but great song to jam out to while pondering life and the universe, and it serves as the final song (and bookend) to my favorite album of all time.
2. “Dance, Dance” by Fall Out Boy
The song that originally made me want to join a rock band, the appeal of “Dance, Dance” is right there in the title, with an energy and style that always makes me want to get up and move.
3. “Ogre Battle” by Queen
One of the best songs by one of the best bands of all time, “Ogre Battle” is a microcosm of everything that made Queen great: experimental yet catchy songwriting, intensity and energy bred from tight and layered musicianship, and the inimitable vocal stylings of Freddie Mercury.
4. “Emotions” by Mariah Carey
What else can be said about Mariah Carey? Her insane range and riffing abilities were big inspirations to me as a vocalist growing up, and this song is a showcase of those talents at their peak.
5. “Greedy” by Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande is one of very few A-list pop artists right now who I think is bringing anything interesting to the table, and this song combines her pop, R&B, and theater sensibilities, powerhouse voice, and knack for insanely catchy hooks and key changes into something that’s arguably better than any radio single she’s ever released.
6. “Run Away With Me” by Carly Rae Jepsen
Carly Rae Jepsen is what I wish more radio-friendly pop sounded like, and “Run Away With Me” perfectly tinges her overt sentimentality with slightly more melancholic tones to produce a song that’s somehow both romantically fleeting and timelessly grounded.
7. “Dorothy Dandridge Eyes” by Janelle Monae
As far as I’m concerned, Janelle Monae is almost single-handedly carrying on the musical legacies of Prince and David Bowie in the mainstream, and she’s doing justice to both of them. I debated between a lot of songs to put here, but few songs demonstrate Monae’s effortless cool and subtle sensuality as well as this one.
8. “Starship Trooper” by Yes
Yes is one of my favorite bands to put on and just chill out to, and “Starship Trooper” puts their unusually long song runtimes to good use by constantly changing while remaining consistently catchy and engaging from start to finish.
9. “Glory Box” by Portishead
I love Portishead because they are a seemingly very sad band with certain songs that speak to an inner torment that I never knew I had, but I decided to go with the vaguely more upbeat closer to their stellar first album.
10. “Fortress” by Queens of the Stone Age
I’ve always liked Queens of the Stone Age, but I was not expecting to love their newest album as much as I did, and this song about vulnerability and getting back up when life knocks you down is definitely one of its many highlights.
Russell:
1. People Get Up and Drive Your Funky Soul – James Brown
This song has definitely influenced me as a funk guitar player. It was one of the first James Brown songs that I fell in love with instantly.
2. What A Fool Believes – Doobie Brothers
I love this song because Michael McDonald has a hauntingly amazing voice, the harmonies are killer, the key change into the chorus is a lovely change, and the song itself is so happy! I could have the worst day, listen to this song, and instantly feel better.
3. Reckoner – Radiohead
This is my favorite song from Radiohead at the moment (it changes). Thom Yorke is a huge inspiration for me because of his high falsetto range and the melodies he chooses over the band’s interesting chord progressions.
4. Skate U – Snarky Puppy
This song has an incredible build up with great breakdowns and solos, one of the best by this band in my opinion.
5. No Quarter – Led Zeppelin
This is my favorite band of all time so I had to include this. This song in particular captures the expertise of each member so well and is just really a beautiful/powerful song.
___
Keep up with the band here.
by Abby Trapp | Apr 30, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
RF Shannon just released their latest single “Tooth Ache”, which is off of their latest album, Trickster Blues, due out May 5th. “Tooth Ache” pays tribute to all things alternative-indie, but also throws in a western vibe. The intro gives us that western sound with an acoustic guitar, slow drums, and sounds of a classic piano. “I take it slow right in the back road,” hums the band.
Aside from the amazing instrumentals, the vocals are haunting and will capture you. My favorite thing about “Tooth Ache,” is its ability to put a new twist on a classic rock sound. Shane Renfro, of the band says, “I tend to feel like all is right in the world when I’m slowly driving down old country roads with the windows down, so this song is kind of an ode to that vibe. I wanted to write a good backroad song.” A vibe we have all felt, RF Shannon encompasses the feeling on “Tooth Ache.”
Keep up with RF Shannon here.
by Veronica DeFeo | Apr 30, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Piramid Scheme has just dropped a new single, “No More, Anymore”, off their upcoming debut EP Get Rich Quick Too. The East-coast band is headed by Lisa Said and Darrien Day and joined by drummer Andrew Toy and bassist Howard Rabach for live shows. Following her solo career of a few years, Said met Day and they soon began collaborating after he played bass and guitar for one of her shows.
Now, they’ve put out “No More, Anymore”, created in response to the Charlottesville hate rally last August. Taking on a garage rock sound, “No More, Anymore” is classic yet completely modern, and speaks to the current social climate. In a world where musicians can be the voice for any number of causes, Piramid Scheme has found their own way to speak up.
Look out for Get Rich Quick Too, out soon via Tall Short Records.
Stay connected with Piramid Scheme:
Piramidscheme.com | Bandcamp | Instagram
by Madison Blom | Apr 25, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Rising above the status quo that has gripped the rock genre for some years now is Parker Moore, who has recently separated himself from Bay-area based rock group Catholic Radio and has begun to spin a new story all for himself. In recent months, he released a wildly popular debut solo album, Alterations and Repais, but even more current is his new single, “How Long.” Not only has this been a huge breakthrough for Moore himself, but it is also a wonderfully composed track that is skillfully layered with captivating soundscapes and gripping, guitar driven melodies. Complimented by his crooner vocal talent, the melodic undertones of the instrumentals lead flawlessly into a lyrically dynamic chorus that is enchanting and spectacular.
“How Long” aligns itself with some of the most popular aspects of the rock genre and is pitted to be one of Moore’s most successful releases to date. Just like he exhibited in the release of his full length album, it is clear that this artist took extensive amounts of time in order to produce a track that would be easily relatable and beloved by fans throughout the country. With stunning displays of distinct musical talent and a strong understanding of composition, Parker Moore has a bring future as a new and rapidly rising solo artist.
Keep up with Parker Moore here.
by Jai'Tyria Hatton | Apr 24, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Tokyo Police Club – the incredible group comprised of Dave Monks, Josh Hooks, Graham Wright and Greg Alsop – released their latest single “New Blues” recently, igniting the passion in their fans hearts once again, as they have been proven to do repeatedly. The single consists of the sound of drums and guitar ringing out in the background. The song has a bit of a slow rock sound to it, and has a markedly different sound from Tokyo Police Club’s previous two albums. “New Blues” shows that the group is trying something more diverse within their music. The group has also announced a three week U.S. tour and – trust us – you do NOT want to miss this.
TOUR DATES
04/16 – Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
04/17 – Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theatre
04/18 – Detroit, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theatre
04/20 – Columbus, OH @ Express Live!
04/21 – Milwaukee, WI @ Mr. Smalls Theatre
04/22 – Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
04/23 – S. Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground
04/24 – Portland, ME @ State Theatre
04/26 – Boston, MA @ House of Blues
04/27 – New Haven, CT @ College Street Music
04/28 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Street
04/29 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Street
05/02 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
05/03 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
05/04 – Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore
Keep up with Tokyo Police Club here.
by Abby Trapp | Apr 24, 2018 | albums, review
Following up on his album Home, singer-songwriter Nathan Evans Fox has released his new album Texas Dust. The Atlanta based singer has a penchant for folk, and is bringing his country roots to his latest work. A North Carolina native, Nathan was immersed in the sounds of folk, bluegrass, rock, and country at a young age. He is also well versed with a range of musical instruments such as the fiddle and the guitar. Texas Dust displays all the talents of Fox’s songwriting, instrumentation, and musical inspirations from his hometown.
A natural storyteller, Nathan’s lyrics tell the tale of his difficulty with religion and heritage growing up. The album is composed of eleven tracks, including the album’s title track “Texas Dust.” Out of those eleven tracks, my personal favorites are “Texas Dust,” “Saint Louis,” and “Great Sky.” A bittersweet ballad to a lost love in Texas, “Texas Dust” tells the story of Nathan’s grandfather- a Southern migrant worker turned Army Sergeant who eventually left the military following the death of his young daughter. The opening line sparks personal and political controversy saying “I was raised by violent men- drinking daddy and Uncle Sam.” The chorus keeps its foreboding tone, “I can’t change all my ways, can’t change the laws of grief—back when I was 21, I was Texas Dust and you were Tennessee.”
“Texas Dust” encompasses the salty and sweet of folk, while staying personal. “Saint Louis,” a wanderlust track, discusses all the places Nathan plans to go across the USA. “It’s been a full year in Saint Louis and we still ain’t getting used to it,” sings Fox. With the Midwest blues, Fox goes on “Now I’m dreaming about that boat taking me where I want to be.” “Saint Louis” holds a feeling of hope and longing, even though Nathan is stuck there. To me, “Great Sky” is perhaps the most uplifting track on Texas Dust. With talks of starting new, Fox sings “What more do I seek from this Heaven upon me?” Fox is looking to turn a spiritual new leaf. While those three tracks remain my favorite, Texas Dust has a little bit of something for everyone- even if you are not one for folk, Nathan’s lyrical talent alone will blow you away.
Look out for Texas Dust and more from Fox here.
by Jai'Tyria Hatton | Apr 23, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
New York based artist Sam Himself has made a name for himself with his new single “Heartphones”. With a classic take on rock, “Heartphones” gives the listener a taste of dreams, hope, and commitment. The song talks about having to take sacrifices to get to where you want to go in life.
“Heartphones” tests the question of how far you are willing to go for something you love. The track is a love song that tugs at your emotions and plays a part in your decision making when it comes to questioning big decisions you have to make in life.
Keep up with Sam Himself here.
by Jai'Tyria Hatton | Apr 23, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Lemuel Dufez has so far had a relatively strong music career with several fun projects, but after leaving Point Point, Dufez (oka DEVOTED) desired something slightly more challenging. Luckily, he and lifetime acquaintance (vocalist) Billionaire reunited and decided to team up with the new project name FUKC (French-UK-Connection).
FUKC boasts an electronic rock sound that brings a new feel to rock. The band recently released their new single “Time to Kill”, which is a phenomenal track down to the song’s catchy chorus. FUKC puts the duo’s energy on full display at all times, while they prove what they have to take their music to the next level.
Keep up with FUKC here.
**Co-written by Meredith Schneider
by Veronica DeFeo | Apr 23, 2018 | premieres, wolf tracks
Californian singer-songwriter Michael Brondstetter has just released a brand new track, “Cherish Time,” off his upcoming EP Change Your Mind, out on April 27. Change Your Mind follows Brondstetter’s debut 2017 EP, Iron Mountain. His new single, “Cherish Time” brings the listener back into his Americana-folk-rock soundscape. Woven across heartfelt vocals and instrumentation, the track sums up its title perfectly. Filled with nostalgia and familiarity, “Cherish Time” will fill your heart and soul with good things.
Says Brondstetter of his new track,
I wrote “Cherish Time” at a time in my life when there was a whole lot of change going on. I just looked around at things a thought to myself, enjoy this moment because it won’t come back around again. Recording the song was like walking into a whole new world for me. Tom Freund really brought a lot to the table in his playing and production concepts. Working with Chris and Eleanor was a true blessing. They are so talented and inspiring. Having their participation and input, was invaluable. Everyone did a magnificent job getting to the songs soul.
Watch for Change Your Mind, out April 27. Stay connected with Michael Brondstetter: twitter- instagram- facebook- website-
