Devi - Get Free

October is coming to a close, Halloween is this weekend, and fall is in full swing here in Utah. Did I say Fall- I meant WINTER. I just took my puppy out for some exercise and decided it would be a quick outing. I'm sitting here in my hoodie and down vest still trying to get over the blustery shock that  greeted us. A few stray snowflakes are bouncing like B B's  on the railing and I have to double check the calender- this is strange for me. I am a Southern transplant although most recently hailing from New Jersey.  Utah is reminding me that this winter is going to be, like everything else here, a new experience. Thats fine, I've got it covered, I'm already starting to thaw out from the warm oozing guitar riffs of Devi. This chick can play rock n roll like Hendrix, but her voice is reminiscent of another personal favorite- Miss Sheryl Crow. Interesting combination, right? It gets better..

Devi is an indie folk rock band currently residing in Jersey City, consist of Debra on lead guitar and vocals, John Hummel on drums and Keith Mannino on bass. The trio make beautiful music together with their salty lyrics and strong presence.

 A woman who plays lead guitar and does it damn well gets the attention of many. Go ahead, try to think of the company she keeps, not too many other females on her level of talent come to mind except Orianthi, she's pretty hot right now. There are other less known by mainstream audiences like Teresa Russell and Jennifer Batten  who are both phenomenal guitar players - simply stated - she is among the ranks of genuine guitar goddesses. The name "Devi", derived from Sanskrit, is the Hindu Indian mother goddess of earth that manifest herself to all other goddesses. Devi has thier eye on the prize and it would seem they are well on their way to great success.

Get Free is a powerful song that beckons the listener to get free from whatever is holding them back from discovering their true self. In a recent interview with Guitar International Debra explains it like this: 

"Get Free is about the longing for love and the longing for God and all the crazy things we pursue—from sex to drugs to relationships—to try to appease these longings. When, in fact, if we could uncover our true nature, we’d find a wellspring of joy."

 Not all of Devi's music has such obvious mystical interpretations, Runaway is about true love gone bad, and then there's Demon in the Sack that unabashedly proclaims in true raw rock fashion "all we want is to find some love.. with a Demon in the Sack.." Debra doesn't shy away from the intended meaning here- turning the tables on the men who want the proverbial "lady on the street but a freak in the sheets" This goddess takes back the control in the bedroom and isn't afraid to sing about it- did I mention she plays lead guitar!  Other favorites of mine are Welcome to the Boneyard and Howl at the Moon.

 Debra sings with resolute emotion  that bleeds through her music and if that isn't enough all the songs have luscious guitar solos tucked neatly into the verses that are like biting into a piece of chocolate and getting a delicious surprise. Her music is fun and energetic with pumping beats and fuzzy guitar licks that keep your head nodding and foot tapping until the end.

Get a digital download from her bandcamp website.

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Indie, Weenie or Meanie - 2010 Halloween Playlist

Halloween season is upon us and along with it comes scary movies, haunted houses and fright festivals. There is a haunted asylum tour near my house with a slogan that asks, "How many people have actually died at the haunted house your going to?" 

If that's not a show stopper then please tell me what is!  It's a haunted abandoned  mental hospital that offers tours and ghost hunting during the Halloween season (as if sane spirits aren't scary enough?! ). 
As terror inducing as that is we know it's the soundtrack that adds the chills and thrills to the all Hallows' eve season.  I have scoured the web for a few of my favorite songs both indie and mainstream. Whether you're a horror fanatic or more of a weenie like me- there will be something on the list for all of us children of the night.
The songs are divided into  groups:  Indie, Weenie and Meanie.  Rock on revelers!

Indie :

Black River Killer - Blitzen Trapper  This folk/rock track will get your attention not only with its cool vibe but with lyrics like:  "They found the girl's body in an open pit Her mouth was sewn shut, but her eyes were still wide. Gazing through the fog to the other side " 
I really like this song, I have it on my playlist in heavy rotation at the moment.

 

Werewolf - Cat Power This song is amazing - The vocal are hauntingly beautiful, and she makes a werewolf sound quite sexy - Maybe she was channeling Taylor Lautner?

She Walks Like A Ghost - High Court  The into sounds like  it could be the soundtrack  in an off beat sci-fi spaghetti western - Overall the song gives an iridescent spooky vibe that is haunting enough to make this list.

Undertaker - M. Ward  This beautiful song is along the same lines as Death Cab for Cutie /I Will Follow You Into the Dark. It's true romanticism in its purest form. Self sacrificing in the name of love gets the girl every time, but since this is a Halloween list - we are focusing on the dark side ... Death.  Undertaker, please don't come for M.Ward anytime soon. His music  maybe understated and simple- much like his name - but it's just what this byzantine world needs.

Dracula - Gorillaz This fresh beat song is funky in true Gorillaz fashion. If Dracula is as cool as they make him out to be he's welcome at my house anytime.

Halloweenhead - Ryan Adams So apparently there is a term for having a dirty mind and getting into trouble- Halloween head. Thanks Ryan, I now have a viable excuse for my shenanigans! 

Everyday Is Halloween - The Postmarks Is that a banjo I hear? Add far off synth harmonic vocals for effect and throw in some staccato horn action and you get a song that is not only strange but also effectively creepy!

So Haunted - Cut Copy This is Halloween interpreted via a hip dance club sound that has both pop and rock vibes. It's a fun and driving song that would totally get my fist pumping at a Halloween party.

Ghost - Howie Day Another emotional ballad depicting the heartbreak of love lost. Certainly we all can identify which is why this song is gripping. 

Son Of Sam - Elliot Smith This is a great Halloween song, referencing the serial killer in a metaphorical way, Elliot Smith had a way with words. 

Review: Hannah Georgas - This Is Good

Okay, Hannah Georgas knows what she's talking about- but she's hoping you don't just take her word on it - she wants you to dare her to be wrong! At least thats how I took it.  After a title like that I had to see for myself and I agree - the girl is good! How good you ask? She reminds me of Feist and Regina Spektor- two artist I simply adore, with a little raw attitude  thrown in for authenticity.

My introduction to her music is the opening track  Chit Chat which is a fun steady paced song followed by a slower paced Lovesick, but what  got my attention was Dance Floor - the beginning is electric and punchy going into the chorus where she sings with a raw matter of fact quality "Come on the dance floor ... lets get down ... good time - thats what I'm here for a good time ..." and  then once shes had enough of that- its over. Next track!

In contrast, The Deep End, is a slower paced relaxed folky pop vibe that most anyone would find agreeable.  Shine is also one of my favorites on the album - its a slow, emotional song thats soft and dreamy with almost a Sarah Mclachlan quality - yeah, I said that! wow!
Overall  the album is a must listen to for indie pop fans. Hannah's music will have you tapping your foot one minute and chuckling to yourself on others - her song Bang Bang Your Dead is one such track!

What draws fans to Hannah's music?
Other than her obvious knack at being a skilled songwriter, it is her sincerity (we the listener) identify with her music. That is what makes her music relevant and whether she becomes the next big thing or sits low key with a  more local following- her music is solid. She is another brilliant example of finding passion in what you do and "doing what you love" - it is working for her plus we get to reap the benefits of such talent! I do hope she tours the US- as of now she's playing her native Canada and has been to New York a couple times, but if she takes off like I just know she will, then we should get to see her live in the near future- fingers crossed!


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Angus and Julia Stone

The times are a-changing - at least when it comes to Australian pop music culture.  Brother and sister dynamic duo Angus and Julia Stone, currently on their North American tour are nominated for six ARIA Awards giving this happy twosome something else to sing about. 

Big Jet Plane off their sophomore album "Down the Way" is nominated for Single of the Year - simply amazing for any indie group, even more so after being told  their music wasn't main stream enough for commercial radio. Sweet vindication- not only are they being recognized by the industry that IS main stream for their  single they are also nominated for the coveted Album of the Year  award along with 4 other nominations. It seems that  the Aussies have stopped letting the over night pop sensations determine what relevant music is and are now putting substantial music on the forefront . Bravo!


Angus and Julia offer an eclectic style of folk, acoustic, rock and blues proving that good music does, in fact cross many genres. The Stones' earthy, soft spoken vocals are soothing to the ears and their harmonies are an understated delight. "The Devil's Tears" beautifully exemplifies ghostly sounds when he sings: "I'll taste the Devil's tears. Drink from his soul but I'll never give up you ..." ooh nice lyrics, Angus! Deep much? The notion that a guy would take on the Devil for his love would sweep any girl off her feet! It is a beautiful song. I also liked "Paper Aeroplane" its a simple song that only has a few notes that repeat itself throughout but still emits emotion - perfect. 
The Stones have worldwide appeal, living in London and briefly in the States while writing their music (California, and Queens, NY) the influence is notable in songs like "Yellow Brick Road" and Julia's sweet cover of "Your The One That I Want" from Greece fame. 
Julia has an interesting innocent sound much like a little girl quality to her voice- it's simply charming. Some have compared her to  a young Loretta Lynn meets Stevie Knicks; her fractal vocals you will either find candy apple sweet or annoying cutesy, but I think they add a compelling element  complimenting her brothers smoky, soft spoken vocals nicely.  
Songwriting is a talent they both posses giving Angus and Julia alternate leads on their music lending a variety not often heard on other collaborative duos. Their individuality remains intact while producing music people want to hear, in their case at least, sibling rivalry seems not to be a factor.












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Scala & Kolacny Brothers

 We have a lot to thank the Belgians for: Architecture, Belgian Waffles- totally make up for the Brussels sprouts, Paintings ( Van Eyke, Bruegel, Rubens, Ensor, Magritte.)  

Belgian chocolates - Handel's Messiah is often heard after devouring one of those decadent jewels), various cheeses and over 800 varieties of beer ( really?!) Now add to that illustrious list- Scala and the Kolacny Brothers. I adore girls choirs, and classically trained musicians are the cream of the crop so what the Kolacny brothers have done with Scala is nothing shorter than BRILLIANCE! Their voices are hauntingly beautiful and their music works of art.

Scala is a classical girls choir made up of over 200 girls ages 16- 24 conducted by Stijn Kolacny- his brother Steven arranges and accompanies. This international sensation is noted for their remake of popular rock songs they have transformed and made their own covering such artist as:  Metallica, Muse, U2, Rammstein, Depeche Mode, and others making them the coolest girls choir EVER!

Their performances always draw the biggest crowds and they have performed in Russia, France, Japan and here in the United States in February 2009 at the New York Times Center. Earlier this year Scala recorded a show to air on PBS later this year. American audiences are now discovering what our European friends have long known: these girls are on to something!

In July 2010 the Social Network trailer was released heavily featuring Scala's cover of Creep, thereby setting the stage  for their American success.  The you tube trailer has had over 1.1million hits and Billboard.com has confirmed Scala & Kolacny Brothers have just inked an U.S. deal with Rhino Entertainment / ATCO Records. So It seems we will be hearing a lot more from them in the near future!  Scala & Kolacny are going on tour in 2011 check their website for dates.

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