Honorable Mention...

With CD sales dropping like they're hot (another 13%!!!) I have decided not to fight the trend. Music consumers are finding songs to write home about on the wonderful musical 7-11 (as I like to call it....cause well, its got just about everything...), ITUNES.

Instead of telling you go to out to your car, get in the car, start it up and then drive to the closest record shop, I'll stick to a more modern- "go to itunes."

Here are come albums/records/media files you need to have. Like, ten minutes ago...

IVORYLINE- THERE CAME A LION

With true musical talent getting lost and blinded by the drive to produce something that will just sell it’s a rarity that we find bands and artists that put their true values and taste before pondering the success factor. Often I have found that the most successful albums happen when artists put everything aside and write and produce what they want…that seems to be what Ivoryline did. Their sound is captivating and leaves an impression. I say with confidence that this band...this album is what music needs today. Its ambient and melodic yet just a hop over the fence to a more heavy alternative field of complete ROCK. Buy it.


GWEN STACY- THE LIFE I KNOW

Psht, really. These are some of the nicest guys I have ever met, and they certainly know how to rock. While they are just getting their foot in the door of success after listening to their new album ‘The Life I know’ I can hear and see inevitable hordes of fans flocking to them. Gwen Stacy is far from just a studio band, they put on a live performance that I would be so bold as to compare to As I Lay Dying’s performance…I know…I’m bold. Watch out for them, and go buy their new album.

A.K.A.S (ARE EVERYWHERE)- EVERYBODY MAKE SOME NOISE!

Psht, should I say more?

OCEANA- THE TIDE

A new twist on a sound that has been bangin’ out some ‘top of the charts’ bands…. These young dudes took an innovative approach to giving alternative/rock fans exactly what they want.

EVERY AVENUE- SHH. JUST GO WITH IT

Catchy, catchy tunes. This album could bring this band to the next level. While they have a more light hearted approach to the pop-punk genre, they are definitely satisfying to your undying need for some ear-candy…and some eye candy…


You also should make sure that you have:
Scary Kids Scaring Kids
BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE's new album....oh hello, its hella good.
Haste the Day
Chiodos
The Teenagers
Rilo Kiley
...and...Bob Marley.


By Amanda who will be leaving for Bahston soon.

Gwen Stacy's Album out TODAY!

Not only did Ivoryline release their debut album today, a band that I was fortunate enough to meet and see at a couple dates of the VS. Tour, Gwen Stacy, is ALSO releasing an album today titled "The Life I Know." This is a band of truly talented musicians that have given this album everything they are....and more. They have a sound that certainly sticks out from the others in the screamo/alt genre. They greet the often 'too much to take' screamo with a jagged edge of rock and the powerful presence of Christian beliefs. The combination has named them one of my break out artists for 2008. This is an album you should go buy right now.


Check out what these charismatic guys have been up too....




ALSO- if you weren't able to make it out to see them on the VS. tour's stop in your area, no fear. They will be back around again really soon! Head out to one of their stops on the Night of the Living Tour with Inhale Exhale, Here I Come Falling, and A Girl A Gun A Ghost.

Find a date near you-
www.myspace.com/gwenstacy


By Amanda who is stoked to see them again and pissed that the spellcheck isn't working...hey, its still really early!

JEDIDIAH CLOTHING

Often you find the humanitarianism comes after the profit. Humans, by nature, ensure their own happiness before that of others...

It is a rarity that you find a clothing company that is embarking on the production journey with the primary goal being the humanitarianism. To make the world a better place to have to do your part, and I have been fortunate enough to meet a super cool clothing company that is truly doing their part to make this world we live in a more peaceful, clean place.

I attended the recent NYC date of the VS. Tour featuring Scary Kids Scaring Kids, Haste the Day, Drop Dead, Gorgeous, and Gwen Stacy and being a creature of habit at shows, I always head over to the merch area and see if there’s anything new. One of the tours biggest sponsors is a clothing company based out of San Diego, California called Jedidiah. The first thing you notice about their collection is the uniquely modern and artistic designs. The artistry has a very organic feel, and the incredible passion behind each work of art gracing the shirts displayed is awe-inspiring. The unique nature of each design gives a one-of-a kind feel. On tour you can find the Hope Collection available for sale...incredibly rocker. With each sale a portion of the profit goes directly to help an organization such as Invisible Children, World Vision, The Glue Network, Surfrider, and more. You can also get the official tour tee that will also generate proceeds to help such causes.

Jedidiah sent representative Nick Greenwood and the talented photographer Jonathan Foster on the road with Scary Kids and Haste the Day to help spread the message and generate a supportive following. The guys have been producing video blogs and slide shows showing off the tour. You best go check 'em out.

www.jedidiahusa.com
www.myspace.com/jedidiahroots





By Amanda, who will be rockin Jedidiah.