Vacationer Premiere Stunning New Video For "The Wild Life"

Philadelphia, PA based Vacationer just unveiled earlier today their gorgeous and aesthetically pleasing video for the track "The Wild Life", off their upcoming sophomore release "Relief". The clip takes us on a musical trip, guided by frontman Kenny Vasoli on an epic odyssey through the wonder that is Costa Rica where he mingles with the locals and unveils some sick looking dance moves in the process as he comes along as our tour guide through the wonder of it all. This clip was a total revelation for me as I've been a huge fan of him through his prior musical endeavors, and it really struck me at how comfortable Kenny is in his own skin, and is reveling in his musical transformation that has taken him all over the globe, but has really taken leaps and bounds aplenty with this musical project.

"Relief" will be in stores and online this coming Monday and for more info on Vacationer, 'Like' them on Facebook here and follow them on Twitter right here.

Mount Sharp Releases Eclectic Sounding Track "Icarus"

Brooklyn's own Mount Sharp has just unveiled their latest musical creation titled "Icarus". The track is a fuzzy, spaced out rocker that has some distinct indie characteristics attached to it, while bringing their own sensibility to the table that allows the curious listener the chance to dissect their sound and see how the magic has come together while in the studio. This was an enjoyable listen for me, and it really allowed for me the opportunity to dig deep and find what makes this group unique, and it's the fact that they're all remarkably different and those differences allow individual viewpoints on how each track should sound, and what results is a diverse and talented group of musicians gathered here before you.

To take a listen to "Icarus", it has been made available to stream on their Soundcloud site here, and for more info on Mount Sharp, 'Like' them on Facebook here and they're on Twitter at this location here.

Phantogram Announce Extensive Nationwide Tour

Indie rock newcomers Phantogram have just unveiled a string of concert dates leading into October that will give fans from all across the country the opportunity to catch and see what all the buzz is about surrounding this hot up and coming band. Bolstered by the Top 5 Alternative Songs charting "Fall In Love", the Greenwich, NY duo are set to take the nation by storm with their impressive and dazzling array of musical wizardry and charm eloquently put on display for the listening audience to marvel over. They will also be making a quick jaunt overseas to Germany and Australia for a handful of dates, then back over here to finish the remainder of the tour. They'll be playing select dates with Bad Things, The Range, Tobacco, and Action Bronson. Here is their full itinerary of tour dates announced earlier today:

6/19 – Burlington, VT -  Higher Ground (w/ The Range)
6/20 – Providence, RI - Waterplace Park
6/21 - Boston, MA - House of Blues (w/ The Range)
6/22 – Dover, MD - Firefly Music Festival
6/23 – Norfolk, VA - The Norva (w/ The Range)
6/25 – Charlotte, NC - The Fillmore (w/ Bad Things)
6/26 – Charleston, SC - Music Farm (w/ Bad Things)
6/27 – Orlando, FL – Beacham (w/ Bad Things)
6/28 – Miami, FL – Grand Central - SOLD OUT (w/ Bad Things)
6/29 – Tampa, FL – Ritz Ybor (w/ Bad Things)
7/1 – Birmingham, AL – Work Play (w/ Bad Things)
7/2 – Nashville, TN – Marathon (w/ Bad Things)
7/4 – Los Angeles, CA - Alt 98.7 Block Party at Grand Park
7/5 – Milwaukee, WI – Summerfest
7/7 – Quebec City, QC - Le Festival d’Ete
7/9 – Ottawa, ON – Bluesfest
7/12 – Lisbon, Portugal – Optimus Alive Festival
7/14 – Frankfurt, Germany – Zoom
7/15 – Munich, Germany – Hansa 39
7/18 – Salacgrīva, Latvia – Positivus Festival
7/20 – Suffolk, UK – Latitude Festival
7/24 – Sydney, Australia – Metro
7/25 – Melbourne, Australia – Prince Ballroom
7/27 – Byron Shire, Australia – Splendour in the Grass Festival
8/1 – Chicago, IL – Lollapalooza
8/2 – Montreal, QC – Osheaga Festival
8/9 – Seattle, WA – Marymoor Park (The End’s Summer Camp 2014)
8/10 – Squamish, BC – Squamish Valley Fest
8/16 – Portland, OR – Music Fest Northwest
8/23 – Monterey, CA – First City Festival
9/4 – Pomona, CA – Fox Theatre (w/ Tobacco)
9/13 – New York, NY – Pier 97 (w/ Action Bronson)
9/28 – Boulder, CO – Boulder Theater
9/29 – Denver, CO – Ogden
9/30 – Omaha, NE – Sokol Auditorium
10/1 – St. Paul, MN – Myth
10/3 – Memphis, TN – Minglewood Hall
10/4 – New Orleans, LA – Republic
10/3-5 – Austin, TX – ACL Festival
10/11 – Fayetteville, AR – George’s
10/10-12 – Austin, TX – ACL Festival
10/14 – Atlanta, GA – The Tabernacle
10/17 – Baltimore, MD – Rams Head Live!
10/18 – Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer
10/20 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club

For more info on Phantogram, 'Like' them on Facebook here and follow them on Twitter right over here.

NYC Based 8-Bit Operators Release Depeche Mode "Enjoy The Silence" Tribute Album

The New York based collective known as 8-Bit Operators have released their latest musical odyssey, a tribute to Depeche Mode's landmark album "Enjoy The Silence". The collection transforms Depeche Mode tracks with video game effects interspersed throughout that makes it feel like you've been transported back into the 80's, playing video games such as Metroid while trying to navigate Samus Aran through the confines of cavernous formations in order to get to Mother Brain. This album was such a throwback for me in that I was an avid Nintendo player growing up, and hearing this effects juxtaposed on top of Depeche Mode tracks is beyond awesome in any scope of the imagination, and really speaks to mind about the volume and creativity emanating so strongly from the scores of artists that have lended their talents in transforming each individual track into something completely masterful.

To take a listen to 8-Bit Operators Depeche Mode tribute, it's available for purchase on iTunes over here amongst a host of digital and streaming providers. For more info on 8-Bit Operators, 'Like' them on Facebook over here and give them a follow on Twitter right here.

Nashville Bred Sun Culture Release Infectious Summer Earworm "Sea Salt"

The Nashville based indie collective known as Sun Culture has just released the heavenly like, summer primed jam called "Sea Salt". The track is an indelible piece of goodness with explosively charged melodies and the primed vocals of Chase Coy, who is the sole member of the group and plays a great role in enhancing the quality of his work while possessing the ability to multitask in various roles that are a sight to behold. I immediately liked Sun Culture from the moment I first heard him, and I can tell that this is one song that I won't get enough of this summer and has the ability to be that track that when this summer is all said and done, will be the track that defines the essence of everything that made this summer great.

To check out "Sea Salt" for yourself, it's available for streaming on Soundcloud over here and for more info on Sun Culture, 'Like' them on Facebook here and give them a follow on Twitter right here.

BREAKING: Casey Kasem Dead at 82

Beloved radio icon and broadcasting legend Casey Kasem died this morning at a California hospital, he was 82 years old. Casey had been plagued by a serious of medical issues in recent years, most notably dementia and a huge fight arose between his wife Jean and his children over visitation rights and their inability to see their father in his final days. Casey got his start being in a disc jockey in Flint, MI in 1952 with an announcer stint on the Armed Radio Forces network, before moving on to radio stations across the country in California, Ohio, and New York before launching his legendary American Top 40 show on July 4, 1970. He hosted that show until 1988 before it was revived a decade later in 1998 and ran until 2004, when Ryan Seacrest took over hosting duties. After AT40 ended, Casey continued to dabble in radio where he hosted American Top 20 and American Top 10 until he officially retired in 2009, almost 39 years to the date when he started his famous countdown show.

He was a true pioneer and inspiration for anyone aspiring to get their feet wet in the radio business and he helped engineer the basis for countdown shows that continue to be extant today.

MA's Own War Games To Issue Free CD Sampler During Vans Warped Tour This Summer

Westport, MA's own War Games are going to be handing out some free CD compilation samplers during their run at this year's Vans Warped Tour that you might want to pick up if you'll be among the throngs of people attending the annual extravaganza. The disc is a great way for the guys to get some word of mouth out in advertising, but it also enables them to promote the other outstanding acts on the disc as well, as everyone performing there is looking out for each other amid the sweltering heat and thousands of people who attend the festival almost every day as they travel across the country spreading their music to a crowd that is always loud and proud of the bands they support. The disc also has some local flavor as it features acts from the Southern MA and Rhode Island area so you'll have a heavy dose of local flavor to satisfy your craving. Here is the track listing for the effort:
 
WAR GAMES
1. MY FOUNDATION
2. ANXIETY TRACKS
 
SIENNA
3. BETTER MAN
4. REASON TO STAY
 
NORTHERNMOST
5. I WISH I WAS HONEST
6. BELITTLE ME
7. JETTISON
 
RICH FERRI
8. TRENCHES
9. GOOD OL FASHIONED GREED
10. PAY UP
BLIND MICE
11. SPECTATOR
12. JOKE
 
BEAUTIFUL TUESDAY
13. THE CROWN
 
ADAM JENSEN
14. THE KID
15. STILL HANGING ON
 
WE BUILT THE MOON
16. RESISTANCE
17. MORE THAN A FRIEND

For more info on War Games, 'Like' them on Facebook here and give them a follow on Twitter right here as well. Catch up with them when they'll be working the table at Warped when it hits the Boston area at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield on July 10th, and don't forget to stop by and pick up your copy while saying hello to the guys! 

Nick D' and The Believers Releases Upbeat "Bang Bang"

Hailing from the Buckeye State of Ohio, Nick D' and The Believers has just unveiled their sizzling new track called "Bang Bang". The track is a synth laden joy coupled with electro-aided instrumentation and distorted vocals laying about in the background to deliver a standout track that could be one of the top songs you hear all summer long. I really enjoyed this track and I features these guys on the site before just a couple of months ago, and they are really on the cusp of achieving something great with this track that totally evokes the synth wave style that they're all about and is the sound that everyone in the group was aiming for when they were blueprinting this song in the studio.

To take a listen to "Bang Bang" for yourself, it's available for streaming on their Soundcloud page right here. And for more info on Nick D' and The Believers, 'Like' them on Facebook here and give them a follow on Twitter right here.

Pretty Lights, Mac Miller Highlight X Games Music Shows in Austin

Pretty Lights and Mac Miller are just a couple of the names among the plethora of acts scheduled to hit the stage for the live stream of the X Games Music Shows, getting underway starting tomorrow. The event is being held in conjunction with MySpace and Dos Equis, who will be giving those tuning in online a unique viewing experience that will allow them to catch their favorite acts all from the comfort of their computer or tablet, while the annual X Games festivities take place in the background.

In addition to the aforementioned Pretty Lights and Mac Miller, The Flaming Lips, Dillon Francis, Waaves, and Mayer Hawthorne will also be performing throughout the festival. Here is the schedule for this weekend and their scheduled set times:

Fri. 6/6   Dillon Francis 10PM
               Pretty Lights 11:15PM

Sat. 6/7   Waaves 2PM
               Mac Miller 10PM

Sun. 6/8 Mayer Hawthorne 2:30PM
              The Flaming Lips 7:45PM

To catch the concert festivities, head on over to the live stream on MySpace right over here beginning tomorrow and continuing all throughout the weekend.

Los Angeles Kings Player Music Special

With the Stanley Cup Finals about to begin tonight out at the Staples Center in LA, I'd thought it'd be a good idea to run down the music selections of the Western Conference Champions, the Los Angeles Kings. The Kings have managed to survive 3 Game 7's this NHL postseason, including overcoming a 3-0 deficit to win in 7 games over the San Jose Sharks in the first round, cementing their status as the perennial underdogs and are seeking their 2nd Stanley Cup in the last 3 years. With this music special, I'll be picking individual songs that best characterize the personalities of the players on the team, along with some personal playlists curated by the players themselves. And without further ado, here is my list:

Anze Kopitar - Spoon "The Underdog"

No better song characterizes the centerman for the Kings than this number from Spoon. The Slovenian born player has been with the Kings organization since 2005, and has had an amazing postseason thus far, so far accumulating 24 points in 21 games this year and elevating his name to an almost superstar status around the City of Angels. A terrific player and a model player that young aspiring players look up to and for general observers to marvel at his skill set.

Dustin Brown - Kings of Leon "Dusty"

This appropriately named number for the Kings right winger comes courtesy from Kings of Leon. The Ithaca, NY native has been a strong component of the Kings offense during the regular season and into the playoffs as well, contributing in any way he can to the overall success and durability of the team that will also carry them to victory in the long run. He has a tremendous skill set that will come in handy during this Stanley Cup Finals series.

Jonathan Quick - Thrice "Kill Me Quickly"

The heroic goaltender deserves some intense, hard edged rhythms to get him going, and what better band to help him get into the zone than Orange County's own Thrice. Quick has some New England ties as well as he was born in Hamden, CT and went to school at UMass Amherst where he honed his skills and has now developed into the tremendous goalie that he is now, stopping shots while laid out on the ice like a scorpion that has led to tight victories night in and night out.

Drew Doughty's Personal Playlist

The defenseman has some terrific music taste with this indelible collection of tunes. The London, Ontario native has been a rock solid defenseman that has kept his team in the hunt all along, while preventing opposing team's offense from closing in on Quick and keeping them on their own end on the ice. A tremendous presence on the ice due to his muscular build, Doughty will be a huge force to be reckoned with in this series.

• will.i.am - Check It Out
• Sugarland - Stuck Like Glue
• Cali Swag District - Teach Me How To Dougie
• Hoodie Allen - January Jones
• Afrojack - Take Over Control
• Black Eyes Peas - The Time (Dirty Bit)
• Deadmau5 - Raise Your Weapon
• Eminem - 25 To Life
• Lupe Fiasco - The Show Goes On
• Taylor Swift and Wiz Khalifa - Mean Planes and Taylor Gangs

Alec Martinez's Personal Playlist

The hero who scored the OT goal in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals against the Blackhawks has some country leaning tunes to keep his head in the game during this series. The player who has gotten them to this point this far is reveling in his success that he's obtained over the course of the season, but he must keep his head forward and his eyes on the prize that is almost visible down the road.

• Gary Allen - Smoke Rings In The Dark
• Travis Tritt - Great Day To Be Alive
• Jonathan Ferguson - Sunshine
• John Mellencamp - Walk Tall
• Alan Jackson - Chasin' That Neon Rainbow
• Billy Currington - Pretty Good At Drinkin' Beer
• Tom Petty - Learning To Fly
• Freedy Johnson - Bad Reputation

Trevor Lewis' Personal Playlist

The only player on the team to hail from the city of Utah is also a big country fan, and he has mixed in with some other members to present the most diverse playlist featured here so far. The centerman can be depended upon to deliver in clutch situations and is sure to be a crucial part of this Kings team moving forward as they move ahead in this thrilling and captivating NHL postseason thus far.

• Eric Church - Hell On The Heart
• Eric Church - Lightning
• Sugarland - Stuck Like Glue
• Flo Rida - Club Can't Handle Me Now
• Jason Aldean - My Kinda Party
• 50 Cent & Jeremiah - Down On Me
• Kings of Leon - Notorious
• Mr. Big - To Be With You
• Paul Brandt - Alberta Boung
• Eminem - Not Afraid

SF Based Cathedrals Release Astonishing "Want My Love"

From the home of the Giants, San Francisco's own Cathedrals have just put out their latest single title 'Want My Love" The track is a phenomenal slice of musical passion with the vocals making you yearn for that special someone and lures you into their wonderland of beauty and bliss with amazing synth based melodies combining with the R&B vibe of the track that is pretty unique in its own right, and completely evokes the style and image they were aiming for when they were crafting this track in the studio. I've covered this duo previously on the site before, and they really have a strong musical friendship that shows when you firs hit 'Play', but this track takes things to a whole new level and really arouses you musically to get involved with this duo.

To hear "Want My Love" for yourself, head on over to Hype Machine right over here to give it a listen, and for more on the duo 'Like' them on Facebook here and follow them on Twitter from this position here.

Perfect Mark Releases Free Album "Flesh & Voice" on Bandcamp

The Boston based musical collective known as Perfect Mark has just made available for free their latest collection called "Flesh & Voice". The band is pretty hard to point down genrewise, but their influences run the gamut from R&B to funk and everything else in between, but the guys have a strong musical chemistry and bond that allows them to communicate effectively through music and come to a common ground as to how a particular song should sound and what it should feel like as well. I really enjoyed what I uncovered from these guys, and they really have a grasp on the type of music they want to play and the style they want to evoke to their listening audience, who will definitely find that one unique characteristic that sets them apart immensely from other acts.

To take a listen to "Flesh & Voice", it's available for free streaming and download on their Bandcamp page conveniently located right here, and for more info on Perfect Mark, 'Like' them on Facebook here and follow them on Twitter right over here.

Buffalo Based Sleepy Hahas Release Latest Track "Bolero del Fuego"

Buffalo, NY's own Sleepy Hahas have just unleashed their latest musical creation called "Bolero del Fuego". The track takes a whimsical approach, while still maintaining the band's trademark sound with unique musical characteristics and rich and dynamic sonic wavelengths that adequately express the band's aesthetic to a captive listening audience. I've featured these guys on the site previously, and instantly dug their vivacious and blues laden rhythms that hearken back to the sound that The Black Keys are churning out right now as we speak, but the guys know how to make their own trademark sound and the individual members each take something from within themselves that makes the group that much more effective among the other upstart acts permeating the scene today.

To take a listen to "Bolero del Fuego", it's available for streaming on their Soundcloud site here, and for more info on Sleepy Hahas. 'Like' them on Facebook here and give them a follow on Twitter right here.

NYC Folk Rockers 5j Barrow Release Exquisite "Talking My Soul"

New York based folk-rock group 5j Barrow have just unveiled their latest track called "Talking My Soul". The track evokes the pure musical sensibilities of The Avett Brothers and Fleet Foxes with their pure and unadulterated sound running clearly and smoothly like a body of water as soon as you hear it with terrific and bombastic violin melodies running roughshot throughout the entire track and blowing you away bit by bit when you hear the track unravel right before you. Words cannot eloquently express how mind blowing this track was and all the musicians are of the supremest talent and I hold in the highest regard of talent and pure musicianship that is beyond awesome in any source of the imagination. A band that needs to be heard to be believed.

To hear "Talking My Soul" for yourself, give it a listen on their Soundcloud page located right over here, and for more info on 5j Barrow, 'Like' them on Facebook here and give them a follow on Twitter at this spot over here.

Philly Bred Dance Rockers Minka to Play PA's Lounge Tomorrow Night

From the land of the Phillies and cheese steaks, dance rockers Minka are set to take the stage tomorrow night at PA's Lounge in Somerville where they'll be bringing their eclectic blend of groove laden rhythms to the masses in which is sure to be an epic night for those in attendance. These guys have an amazing sound that is insanely catchy and you'll be sure to try to get their attention as they're performing, in which they have a sleek and sexy undertone to them that is clamoring for attention and yearning for you to meet up with them and join together in the power of music which will be in full force throughout the evening. Yours truly will be in attendance to be a witness of this sure to be sweat filled event.

Other bands that will be performing that night include Klokwize, Mission Transmission, and Black Cat Bone. Doors open at 8:30pm, tickets are $10 at the door, and the show is 21+ so have your ID's handy and your dancing shoes all on and rearing to go for an amazing night of music!

Icelandic Composer Ivar Pall Jonsson To Release Debut Album Stateside in July

Icelandic based composer Ivar Pall Jonsson is gearing up to premiere his debut album in the States come July titled "Revolution In The Elbow of Ragnar Agnarsson Furniture Painter". The collection takes an anthemic rock approach, spearheaded by the lead track off the collection called "The Legacy of Elbowville". The song is a collection of everything that makes Iceland great, from their subtle and low-key harmonic arrangements to their extremely laid-back and carefree approach, its the expression of everything that is unique and awesome about Iceland. I had the opportunity to catch the Reykjavik Calling festival when it stopped by Boston at The Middle East Downstairs and was amazed at the depth of talent emanating from that little volcanic rock that is constantly churning out quality music, and this one is no exception.

To check out "The Legacy of Elbowville" for yourself, it's available for streaming on the Soundcloud page located right over here to listen at your leisure. This is all leading up to a stage musical of the album's title premiering in NYC's Greenwich Village in August.

Cooper Release Upbeat Summer Ready Jam "This Year"

Cooper have just released the infectious and bouncy track "This Year". Cooper is the brainchild of Kate Cooper and Sara Quin of Tegan and Sara fame who is attached as an executive producer. Cooper recently signed to Mom + Pop Records and the track has been generating some steam as of late with their vivacious rhythms creating an infectious wave of pop wave guided delight that will definitely keep you in a positive frame of mind as you get ready for summer and all of the characteristics associated with it. This track was just featured in the trailer for the upcoming season of "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" and is great exposure and a platform for them to jump off into greatness.

To take a listen to "This Year", it's now available for streaming on their Soundcloud page located right over here and you can purchase it on iTunes as well from this location here.

Sugar Bomb Announce Name Change To Manic Pixi, Release New Single "Blue Wine"

The Brooklyn based band formerly known as Sugar Bomb announced at their concert last night in the aforementioned borough that they will be changing their name effective immediately to Manic Pixi. Also coming along with the name change is the release of a brand new song to go along with it titled "Blue Wine". The song is a refreshing, intricate musical number with an original sound that is reminiscent of groups such as Paramore, but with their own musical identity embedded within the texture that is a fresh start for the group and allows them to keep their heads focused on what's laying ahead down the road. I've covered the group previously on the site in their former incarnation, and they have an immense musical skill set that serves them well moving forward and makes me appreciate them that much more just for being themselves, which is all they want to be.

To check out "Blue Wine" for yourself, cruise on over to their Soundcloud page over here to see what their new sound is like. For more info on Manic Pixi, give them a 'Like' on Facebook right here and follow them on Twitter at this location here.

Midnight High Releases New Track "She Knows"

Astoria, NY's own Midnight High has just unveiled their latest opus titled "She Knows". The track is a refreshing, summer kissed track with subtle harmonic interludes and tightly wound instrumentation that when all combined at the end, finds a way for you to enjoy the sights and sounds of summer and everything else associated with it. What I loved about these guys was their ability to inject some groove and harmony into their musical mixture that wasn't too overpowering, but it was just enough to elicit a response from the listener and have them divert their attention towards the band. They have some heavier influences instilled within themselves as well, but this track allows you to get a feel for a different side of the band that is just a taster before you delve into their other material.

To take a listen to "She Knows", head on over to their Soundcloud page located over here to give it a listen. For more info on Midnight High, 'Like' them on Facebook here and follow them on Twitter right over here.

Best Songs of the Drive-Thru Era

With Memorial Day weekend upon us, we take a look back at the songs of yesteryear with songs from one of the most influential labels of my youth, Drive-Thru Records. The Sherman Oaks, CA based label was instrumental in bringing so many pop-punk bands to my attention, including Something Corporate, New Found Glory, and perhaps my favorite of all of them, The Starting Line. Founded by brother and sister Richard and Stefanie Raines, this label worked so well because they both passionately loved music and wanted to bring to the forefront the bands that were generating the most attention from their respective fanbases and ones that were on the cusp of achieving something special. I've generated a specially curated playlist below documenting the songs that were most memorable during the label's tenure and ones that defined the pop-punk essence of who I am today and countless others here and around the world. Here it is:

Allister - Somewhere on Fullerton
Fenix TX - All My Fault
The Early November - Ever So Sweet
Senses Fail - One Eight Seven
Something Corporate - I Woke Up In A Car
The Starting Line - The Best of Me
Finch - Letters To You
Halifax - Sydney
Home Grown - Cross My Heart
New Found Glory - My Friends Over You
Hellogoodbye - Here (In Your Arms)
Midtown - Like A Movie
RX Bandits - Decrescendo
Something Corporate - Konstantine
The Starting Line - Leaving
Hidden In Plain View - Bleed For You
The Early November - Something That Produces Results
RX Bandits - Analog Boy
The Early November - I Want To Hear You Sad
Finch - What It Is To Burn
The Movielife - Hand Grenade
Hidden In Plain View - Twenty Below
Something Corporate - If You C Jordan
Houston Calls - Exit Emergency
Self Against City - Speechless
The Movielife - Jamestown
New Found Glory - Hit or Miss
The Starting Line - Up & Go

Any other Drive-Thru Records songs that were favorites of yours that gave you timeless memories? Let me know and I'll make sure they get on the list!