I have been enchanted with the music made by the gorgeous siblings from Pittsburgh, known as Candy Apple Blue. I was first introduced to them by SIRPAUL, and they have remained a steady feature of my playlists. Carly and Hoyt Emerick make catchy Electropop songs I find impossible to resist. Recently, they have recorded with singer Nick Bramlett, and it sounds like a collaboration that is great for everyone. Together, they released a new music video for the song "Detonator", and I couldn't be happier. Bold and colorful visuals compliment the song, as well as the handsome artists performing the song. This is Candy Apple Blue with the music video for "Detonator" featuring Nick Bramlett (Tyler Nelson EDM Mixshow Remix).
You can purchase "Detonator: The Remixes" from iTunes, Amazon, Bandcamp, and Bandcamp. The song will be on the album 'Powers Activate', a project combining the wonders of Candy Apple Blue and Nick Bramlett. To learn more about Candy Apple Blue, visit their official website. You can also 'follow' them on Twitter, and 'like' them on Facebook. You can find Nick Bramlett on social media, where you can 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook.
Ever since I was introduced to his by JD Doyle, I have been a fan of Matt Gold's music. There is a rich soulfulness in his voice, and a melodic beauty to his music. He is a real storyteller, bringing to life whatever tale is is singing about, and doing it with authenticity and style. This remains true with his latest single, "Low". Matt examines relationships and love, and what we do when we find ourselves in that situation. This is Matt Gold with "Low".
Gold's voice still touches me, and quickly discovered this was another song I needed in my collection. You can purchase "Low" from iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Matt Gold, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.
I am a fan of the music of Cazwell, the rapper with blond hair, blue eyes, and a hot body who has released a new music video. I can't remember when I first discovered his music, whether it was when I sw the video for "Ice Cream Truck", or some other gem I still play on my iPod. His new single, "Downtown", follows in the style of his videos, meaning it is sexy, irreverent, and filled with hot men wearing as little as possible. So when I point out this music video is NSFW, I mean it. So if you are at work, do yourself a favor, and either favorite the video you you can come back too it - often - or put on the headphone and take you chance on being caught. Who knows, your boss might want to watch with you.
"Downtown" is a single off the album 'Hard 2 B Fresh', and once again, Cazwell has me from the start. The song is an homage, of sorts, to life lived in the city, if you discount life on the Upper East and Upper West Sides of Manhattan. These are not boys going to the piano bar in the West Village, either. They used to hang out in midtown, before Mayor Giuliani banished the clubs and the porn theaters. So they go to the Lower East Side to see the boys strip, but drink it up at their apartment before they go out, to save some money. This is Cazwell with "Downtown".
"Downtown" can be found on Cazwell's latest album. You can purchase 'Hard 2 B Fresh' from iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Cazwell, visit his official website. You can also find him on social media, where you can 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.
I first discovered the music of Irishman Gavin James on YouTube, with his sweet cover of Etta James' "At Last". As his music wasn't yet available in America, I went on a quest of sorts, finding music I could listen to. Once I did, I found myself being enchanted by the ginger boy from Dublin, Ireland. I was waiting for something I could purchase, so I could show my support for this artist. When 'Live at Whelans' showed up on my iTunes, I eagerly bought it, and it was instantly a part of my playlist. The live setting showcased some of the aspects I love about Gavin, allowing his voice to soar at times, while being subtle and controlled at others. Once I heard he was heading to the studio, I became very excited!
Fast forward to now, and the first studio recording is not only available, but also in my collection. "The Book of Love" was included in the live album, and I loved it. It was the lone cover included, as it was written by American indie musician Stephin Merritt and recorded by his band, The Magnetic Fields. There is an inherent romance to the song, almost intoxicating in it's honesty. While the original is fantastic, James has his own take on the song, offering a lighter, sweeter version that is hard to resist. This is the music video for Gavin James singing "The Book of Love".
Of course, having a gay Irishman singing about wedding rings (written by a gay American artist) as his homeland is getting ready to hold a vote on marriage equality is a pretty cool thing. Yes, I do hate that breeders around the world seem to feel the rights of minorities should be up for public votes, while they would be horrified if their own rights were put on the table. But enough about politics, back to the music. "The Book of Love" will be included in the upcoming studio release 'For You', with three other songs also on 'Live at Whelans'. If this is any indication of what is to come, I can't wait to have 'For You' on my iPod. Until then, I will be giddy playing "The Book of Love" time and time again. You can find the single on iTunes and Amazon. I must admit To learn more about Gavin James, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.
I first discovered the music of Romani Beau, the British singer/songwriter who combines Country and Folk to make his own style, inspired by his childhood in pastoral Kent, England. Maybe it was the gardens and countryside of his youth that gave him such a romantic view of the world, or perhaps he was born with a bigger heart than most. There are time I swear that poet John Keats leaped through two centuries in search of love, and found Emmylou Harris. Together, a child was born, and they named him Romani. He maintained the ethereal wonder of his 'father', while singing with the crisp and clear tone of his 'mother'. The music transports me much like the poetry of Keats, and the music of Harris. Like Emmylou, his music has a rootsy feel, at the intersection of Folk and Country.
Earlier this year, Romani Beau released 'Molly and the Boys', a five song EP that I find every bit as charming as his last efforts, and maybe even more so. The collection kicks off with the title cut, an uptempo number that dances on the line between Pop and Country, and does so with a sweetness that is just yummy. Romani slows down things a bit with the second cut, "Joanne". There is a melancholy feel to the song, and yet there is still the inherent beauty to this love song. The third cut is "Gypsy", another uptempo song that leaps into my heart right away. I hope you agree. This is the official music video for "Gypsy".
Once again, Beau slows thing down a bit with "Old Man's Lament". This has the feel of a traditional Folk song, combining a modern tale with a sprinkling of historic seasoning. The layered vocals allow Romani's voice to shine, singing harmonies with himself making for a perfect blend. This all helps him to bring the story to life. There is a timeless quality to "In the Lap of the Mountain", drawing me in to the heartfelt tale with breath and a sigh. The emotions run both deep and clear, washing over as I listen again. Just in case you need more than my words, here is a video prepared by Romani Beau giving you a taste of 'Molly and the Boys'.
I've enjoyed this EP since the moment I downloaded it, and recommend it very highly. Like life itself, you can find so much joy, a bit of sorrow, and a great deal of love in this release. You can purchase 'Molly and the Boys' from iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Romani Beau, you can visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.
I was thrilled to get the notification of a new music video for the one and only Miss Hope Springs. I have noticed the grand dame is preparing a new show in London, 'Queen of Fools', set to open early next month. One can only hope there will be a new album to accompany that show. After all, not everyone can fly over to catch her performances, but I can live vicariously through the videos and albums so I can feel like I was there, drinking in her glorious talent. The latest is "Where Have the Good Times Gone", a wistful remembrance that combines just the right amount of melancholy to the song. It makes me think Miss Hope Springs is the Miss Peggy Lee for a new generation, with her husky vocals imparting knowledge while striking a balance of heart and irony to keep me under her spell. This is Miss Hope Springs with her latest, "Where Have the Good Times Gone".
While "Where Have the Good Times Gone" is not available for purchase, you can still find her first album 'Live in London: Welcome to the Carnival'. That album can be purchased from iTunes and Amazon. I love it, and can't hear it enough! For more about Miss Hope Springs, visit her official website. You can also 'follow' her on Twitter, and 'like' her on Facebook. You can also find plenty of videos on YouTube.
I must admit I've been a fan of Markus Feehily since I first heard his gorgeous voice raised as a part of the Irish boy band, Westlife. I became a fan when, back in 1999, I first heard their single "Swear It Again". I loved them all, but soon came to really admire the voice of the dark haired Irishman. He seemed to grow and bloom as part of the band. I was buying the Westlife albums, and the DVDs, enjoying his vocals. Then, in 2005, Markus announced he was a gay man in a relationship. I was proud of him, even if that feeling was being transmitted across the Atlantic.
Fast forward a few years, and Westlife called it a day, the four remaining members going their separate ways. Soon Shane released his solo album, and then Kian had his turn in the spotlight. Now, finally, we have the first single from Markus, "Love Is A Drug", hitting the airwaves. I just love the song, and can't stop listening to it. The song starts out with a startling growl, and soon builds to an emotionally charged crescendo. The official music video showcases the sentiment behind the song, showing how without the proper care, love can become an addiction that can bring us down to our knees. This is the official music video for "Love Is A Drug" from Markus Feehily.
"Love Is A Drug" will be available in the US on April 21st, and in the UK on April 19th. You can pre-order "Love Is A Drug" from iTunes and Amazon. I know I couldn't wait, and I placed my pre-order now! To learn more about Markus Feehily, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.
Well it seems Jason Walker is once again working his way up the Billboard Dance Charts with a new song featuring his distinctive vocals. "WildJoy" is a new song from Temporary Hero, featuring Walker. Try as I might to find out who is behind Temporary Hero, I could only discover is is a one-man-band making delicious electronic sounds. The song is a bold and joyous offering, celebrating life, love, and all that is good. The music video, directed by George Lyter, features the sexy face of Walker, with make-up by Michael Lopez. Start your weekend with the celebration that is "WildJoy", featuring the Seamus Haji Radio Mix.
I can tell you this song went right into my iTunes, ready to play as the mood hits me - which is often! "Wildjoy" remixes are available for purchase on iTunes and Amazon. For more about Jason Walker, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook. To learn more about Temporary Hero, visit their official website. You can also 'like' them on Facebook, and 'follow' them on Twitter.
I've long had a spot in my heart for the yumminess that is Ricky Martin. I first fell in love when I saw him on the 1999 Grammy Awards, singing "La Copa DeLa Vida", mesmerized by the production, and the man at the center of the sexy storm. I continued to follow him, and fell in love all over again in 2005, with the release of his album 'Life'. As a fan, I continued to follow his career, including when he came out, and made me cry with Oprah. His most recent release is a Spanish language offering, and while I don't understand but a word or two, I must say, he has me once again. The single "Disparo al Corazón", off the album 'A Quien Quiera Escuchar', is sexy and enchanting. This is the official music video for "Disparo al Corazón".
Ricky Martin is sexy, beautiful, talented, and so damned smart, I really much convince him to marry me. Until that happens, I will be listening to his music, and loving from afar. For more about Ricky Martin, check out his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter. To purchase 'A Quien Quiera Escuchar', you can find it on iTunes and Amazon.
It is no secret that not only do I love Tom Goss and the music he makes, so does my family. A song of his was played at my niece's wedding ceremony, and my sister can't wait for his next show. But as that won't be happening too soon, it is great to get a new music video from the talented singer/songwriter. 'Wait' is the title cut from Tom's latest album. I am crazy about the album, perhaps Goss' strongest to date. While the new music video features the song, with also and a subtitle that is just too fun. The YouTube post carries the phrase 'Music Business, Hollywood & Sleazy Manager Hijinks', and you know we are in for some fun! It seems our fictional Tom has a new manager wanting to make him a star, which sounds great. Until Tom learns of the few minor tweaks the man would like to make to the man. This is Tom Goss with the music video for "Wait".
This music video just warms my heart. The video was directed by Michael Key, and Aram Vartian served as Director of Photography. These two have done such great work with Tom, and "Wait" continues that trend. Executive Producer Christopher Patrino does a nice cameo as the cameraman. John C. Bailey does a great job as the manager, while Jim Donohue, Kate Saylor, Taisha Cameron, Felecia David, Circon Kay, and Joey Salinas add great life to the video.
'Wait' is wonderfully balanced album, so very strong and polished. You can purchase 'Wait' from iTunes, CD Baby, and Amazon. You can also buy the physical CD from Tom's online store. To learn more about Tom, visit his official website. While there, be sure to check out his touring schedule, and attend a show in your area. You will not regret it! You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, or 'like' him on Facebook.
About a month ago, I wrote about the latest single from the adorable and talented Kenyth Mogan. "Unlock Your Heart" is a wonderful song, perfectly suited for the singer. I just love it, and it instantly went into rotation on my iPod. In my review of the single, I mentioned there was a video coming out soon, but shortly thereafter, life caught up and left me in the dust. It left me with little getting posted to the blog. Well, I am trying to get back to the business of celebrating wonderful music, so I proudly bring you the music video for "Unlock Your Heart". It stars Kenyth, and features a strong acting performance by model/actor/activist Ronnie Kroell. Not only is Kroell excellent in in the homage to 'Wizard of Oz', he deftly manages to be charming both in and out of silver makeup in the role made famous by Jack Haley in the 1937 film starring Judy Garland. I love this modern retelling of the tale of this friend of Dorothy and the Tin Man, no matter what thoughts the pigtailed Dorothy has in mind. And Kenyth was smart enough to get a kiss from this sexy tin woodsman, after sharing a chain saw with him. I hope you enjoy "Unlock Your Heart" by Kenyth Mogan.
You can read my interview with Kenyth here. To learn more about Kenyth Mogan, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook. "Unlock Your Heart" can be purchased from iTunes and Amazon. Ronnie Kroell's The Friend Movement celebrates friendships, tries to help build confidence, and make bullying a thing of the past. For more about The Friend Movement, visit the official website. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.
