By: Jacob Elyachar
Happy (almost) Halloween, everyone!
Part one of this week’s edition of New Music Releases focuses on new offerings from rising bands: The GoAround and the Mowgli’s, Chris Mann’s debut album and Cee Lo Green’s first holiday album.
The GoAround released their impressive debut album: “Restating the Question” that showed off the band’s superb musicianship and splendid songwriting skills. (Album cover by Keith Angel)
Restating the Question by The GoAround
The GoAround is a band composed of brothers Alexander and Anthony Saddic that have made an incredible debut album that showcases their ability to diversify in the world of Pop/alternative-rock. Restating the Question’s 12-tracks are catchy, vibrant and great pieces of ear candy to listen while you are working. Another plus is that the lyrics are impressive. I have a feeling that we will be hearing more about this band in the future. A
Songs to Download: “Make It Loud,” “Her Love Is Like Glass,” “Remedy” & “The Sunflower Song.”
One of the best songs of the album is “The Sunflower Song.” To watch this video, click here: http://youtu.be/bGGjWovkyXQ
Love’s Not Dead by The Mowgli’s
Another band that continues their rise to superstardom is the Mowgli’s. This five-track EP perfectly showcases the band’s musicianship, harmonies and songwriting capabilities. From the warm guitar-infused “San Francisco” to the slow and smooth “Carry Your Will,” this EP will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride that you will not want to get off anytime soon. A+
“San Francisco” is one of the best tracks on the EP and while you can get for free on iTunes, you can watch the band recording this song, by clicking here: http://youtu.be/4Qgk8TW4jsY
Roads by Chris Mann
The Voice finalist delivers an outstanding debut album that features his powerful takes on classics standards including “Always On My Mind” and “My Way” plus his intriguing takes on former Top 40 chart toppers including Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida” and Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now.” Also look out for “The Blower’s Daughter,” Chris’s powerful collaboration with his Voice mentor: the divalicious Christina Aguilera. A-
Songs to Download: “Roads,” “The Blower’s Daughter,” “My Way” and “Unless You Mean It.”
Chris’s powerful opening track, ”Roads,” successfully sets the mood of the album. To listen to this impressive song, click here: http://youtu.be/w8ij90UTiy8
Cee Lo Green’s holiday album is filled with holiday cheer and hot collaborations with Rod Stewart, Christina Aguilera and the Muppets. (Cover art by Elektra Records)
CeeLo’s Magic Moment by Cee Lo Green
The Voice judge released his first Holiday studio album and it is a joy to listen to because of the exuberance and attitude that the “Forget You” singer brings to this album. From his Motown styling of “What Christmas Means to Me” and his jazz-infused “Baby Its Cold Outside” duet with fellow Voice judge Christina Aguilera to his superb interpretations of classic songs including “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “River,” this will be the only holiday album that I will be listening to during this entire holiday season. B+
Songs to Download: “River,” “What Christmas Means to Me,” “Baby Its Cold Outside” and “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch.”
The Voice coaches Cee Lo Green and Christina Aguilera deliver the best interpretation of “Baby Its Cold Outside” that I have heard. To listen to the duet, click here: http://youtu.be/cKu_cU2dopM
