Dave Matthews is back with a new single, “Funny The Way It Is,” a new album, a summer tour, and a signature, sensitive voice that has become part of the American music landscape. We gathered a few of his influences (Dylan, Allman Bros), and mixed in some of his best collaborations (Jurassic 5, Soulive, Bela Fleck) and kindred sonic spirits (Jack Johnson, Ray LaMontagne and John Mayer).
With the announcement of Wilco’s upcoming album release this June, the blogs and music news sites are going crazy for the baddest American rock band in the world. Since we can’t get enough of them either, we saw it as a good opportunity to check in on their legacy (Son Volt, Uncle Tupelo, Golden Smog), sonic connections (Ryan Adams, Sparklehorse, Lambchop) and other players that fit the great American sound of Wilco.
It’s not easy following in the footsteps of famous parents, especially when their names are Marley, Dylan, Presley or Lennon. We took a look back at some of the most imposing legacies you can imagine, and included some lesser-known offspring as well. Maybe they didn’t always surpass their parent’s achievements, but check out the list and we think you’ll agree, these kids are alright.
The male rock star has many guises to hide behind when belting out a song for a lost love or a newfound friend. But usually they come in the form of a band of boys with a soft alt-rock sound mixed with an edgy style and fronted by a singer with pipes to brag about. Led by current crooners Secondhand Serenade (pictured), the Fray and Snow Patrol, and taking a queue from vulnerable rock gods like Coldplay, Matchbox Twenty and 3 Doors Down, this is the sound of the sensitive serenade.
Houston-based hard-rockers Blue October have cut a new record and switched on their iPods! In celebration of their new album, “Approaching Normal“, set for release today, the Blue October guys have shared with us a hand-picked playlist of some of their favorite songs that are currently on heavy iPod rotation. Dig it!
With the economy in the dumps and the winter blues still in the air, it seems the record labels are giving us something to be happy about—U2, Busta Rhymes, Keith Urban, Chris Cornell, and many others, all have new albums this month. Here’s a taste of some of our favorite artists with new albums dropping in March.
Out of the sacred ashes of Grunge have emerged countless new alt-rock groups - poppy, rocky and a little metallic. So here’s to the grungy boys in the band. Check out some of our favorites from the Foo Fighters, Silverchair and more.
Why bother learning to play the guitar when you can play Guitar Hero? The collision between games and music has never felt so good. Get out the hairspray, strike your best rock-star pose, and strap on that sweet rainbow-colored fret. This is the new way to discover Heart, The Who, and The Rolling Stones.
