Late Night Music Part 148............."Title Tracks"

So many times in great albums, the title track is the one song that can sum up the entire story. While sometimes it's one that we know just as much as the rest of the album, sometimes it's a hidden gem that the artist leaves for the people who actually pick up the album and listen. However it's done, title tracks have given us some of the best songs ever on some of the best albums ever made.

Obviously, only songs that were the title track of an album were considered in this category. Also receiving votes were "All Things Must Pass" by George Harrison, "The Everglow" by Mae, "Live Like You Were Dying" by Tim McGraw, "Tusk" by Fleetwood Mac and "Closer" by Better Than Ezra.

"Thriller"- Michael Jackson. Was this one even up for debate?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOnqjkJTMaA

"Hotel California"- The Eagles. This title track of the 1976 mega album by the Eagles set such a landmark in the 70's, that some people consider the Eagles the #1 rock band of the decade, and they would have a great case. This song peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and features one of the most famous echoing guitar solos in the history of music with Joe Walsh and Don Felder trading licks. The song would also go on to win the Grammy for Record of the Year at the 1977 Grammy Awards. Another interesting fact about the song is that while most people have their own interpretation of the song including one of being in an afterlife, Don Henley explained that the song was written about their own "interpretation of the high life in Los Angeles" where the Eagles were based at the time. The album would also stay at #1 on the Billboard 200 for several weeks. For a side note, this single featured a fantastic B-Side in the Eagles ballad "Pretty Maids All In A Row". I smell a bonus video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iW1WHi60aq0

"Danceband On The Titanic"- Harry Chapin. What an interesting song. This title track to Harry Chapin's 1977 double concept album has always been one of his best tracks. I love how Harry used different instruments and genres within the song to emphasize certain lyrics. I love how this song is a realistic first person view of the historic shipwreck. No other singer I've ever heard literally turned every song into a "story" and made it a point to do so. I think that if Harry Chapin would have been around in a music video era, his videos would have been quite interesting and given him an even bigger cult following than he already enjoyed. Harry would have eaten up the early days of MTV. Just think about how great the video for this song would have been! I also love the interesting endings he always had to his songs, including this one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5le92UmPmU

"Ma'Cheri"- Freshlyground. I haven't had the chance to feature one of my favorite new bands on here in a while, and this title track from their 2007 award winning album shows the true talent of this immensely awesome band. I have no idea what language this song is in, but I absolutely love hearing Zolani Mohala sing it. This unreal performance is taken from their DVD released to accompany the album, and their on stage chemistry can be felt through the screen. I've never seen a band be able to feed off each other so much and sound so flawless. The fact that Freshlyground can incorporate so much African sound into their music and still sound the way they do is amazing. I had the privilege to introduce several people to Freshlyground over the past few months, and all of them admitted that they were glad I did. If you ever want a great Pandora station, the station that this band creates is one of the most jazzy/soulful stations created. I actually know someone who has seen Freshlyground in concert, and she said her experience was very similar to the people in this video........exhilirating!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fy6Ruj8rJMw

"Californication"- Red Hot Chili Peppers. What a super cool video! This would have been a fun game to actually play don't you think? While this album reached #3 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart, this song peaked at #69 on the Billboard Hot 100, but gained popularity by this widely popular and interesting video. I was always a semi-big Chili Peppers fan, but this album was absolutely insane. It was one of the few CDs I ever bought that I could seriously listen to all the way through. This album came in handy on many a family vacations where I wanted to tune everyone out. This song is very insightful about the dark side of the entertainment industry and life in general in the Hollywood area of Southern California. According to the band, this song was very similar to their mega hit "Under The Bridge" just because Anthony Kiedis had written some great lyrics, but the band couldn't decide how to put the song together. It was thrown together literally last minute, but I would say that the finished product was one of their best efforts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlUKcNNmywk

"Magic Disk"- Asian Kung-Fu Generation. I have no idea what the lyrics to this song are, but something about this band just keeps drawing me to them. They seriously sound like an American band that sings in Japanese. This super catchy tune and title track from AKG's 2010 album was actually recorded in New York City, where the band has a huge following. I have to admit that I would love to see this band in concert even though I have no idea what they are saying. Bonus points to anyone who can actually translate this song for me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeP3RQBktLg

"Drops Of Jupiter"- Train. I have to admit, I never gave a crap about Train until I saw them live. I knew who they were, knew a few of their songs, but they never struck me as a good band until their fantastic concert they put on at Southern Miss my senior year in 2004. This lead single and title track from their much anticipated sophomore album in 2001 was inspired by the death of lead singer Pat Monahan's mother, claiming that most of the lyrics came to him in a dream. The song peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was nominated for Record Of The Year at the Grammys, solidifying Train's spot in the mainstream. I really like Pat Monahan, he just always looks like he either has on a wig or is just a freaking manequin.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Xf-Lesrkuc

"The Bends"- Radiohead. Here's a surprise one for you. Awesome live performance here from Radiohead of the little known title track from their highly anticipated 1995 sophomore album. With the rise of British hard rock riding a huge wave in the mid 90's, Radiohead was one of the top bands in the world at this time, and this album was their chance to follow up on the success of their debut effort Pablo Honey which put them in the mainstream mix. This highly depressing yet complex song is one of their hidden gems, but is given a great rendition here on the show "Later with Jools Holland".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KG-adf3Z7_A

"On Your Side"- A Rocket To The Moon. Massachusetts band A Rocket To The Moon is just one of those bands I wish was more famous. This title track to their debut full length album is a great glimpse of the talent of these guys. I'm impressed becaue this song and cover art just don't seem to match up with the band name- does anyone else notice that? The album peaked at #82 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. I'll keep this song in mind for when I need it to make that special someone melt. What great lyrics! There is no doubt that lead singer Nick Santino was really in love when he wrote this song. I love seeing that side of songwriters.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mfXbJe3dD4

"London Calling"- The Clash. This title track to the highly controversial and influential 1979 album by British punk band the Clash made waves all over the world, and despite not charting in the United States, it was the first taste most of the world got of the Clash. This dystopian single is considered by many people in music circles as one of the greatest songs in music history. This single was a hit in the UK peaking at #11 on the British Singles Chart, while the album went to #9. The album was also the Clash's coming out party in the United States peaking at #27 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. The impact and influence of this song and album is so great that a film is currently being made about it due for release next year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfK-WX2pa8c

"Girl On Fire"- Alicia Keys. If you've seen the American Express commercial you've heard this song. This title track to her upcoming album due for release November 27 is the much anticipated follow up of her hit album The Element of Freedom. This version is the best of the three made for the song, as the radio version includes Nicki Minaj and will not end up anywhere near this blog. That much is a promise. This track peaked at #37 on the Billboard Hot 100. This is easily one of Alicia's best songs, as it is based on her new life experiences of becoming a mother and her recent marriage to Swizz Beatz. There is just something about this woman's voice, I can listen to her sing for days. You may not believe me, but the first time I heard her first album Songs In A Minor, I knew instantly she was going to be a star. Sometimes there are just artists that transcend awesomeness.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qNSvr2mmQ8

"Let's Get It On"- Marvin Gaye. Marvin Gaye's ode to reproduction was an intertnational chart topper in 1973 when Marvin Gaye was one of the top solo acts in the world. The single shot to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and established Marvin Gaye to a mainstream crowd that he had never experienced before. The album also went to #2 on the Billboard Top LPs Chart, and is considered in many circles as one of the best albums ever made. The success of the album made Marvin Gaye the highest paid black artist of all time and also was the first album he had great creative control over since his renegotiated contract with Motown in 1972 after the success of What's Going On.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKPoHgKcqag

"2 Legit 2 Quit"- Hammer. After the super success of his 1990 mega album Please Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em in 1990, MC Hammer was under immense pressure to recreate the magic that made him a household name. After dropping the "MC" from his name, Hammer came out with this highly anticipated video which is still one of the most expensive music videos ever made despite its overwhelming lameness. This video does have some pretty impressive cameos though. This single went on to peak at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100, and the album also garnered some success selling around 6 million worldwide copies, but Hammer would eventually fade into obscurity until we saw him on "Behind The Music".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cdk1gwWH-Cg

"How To Save a Life"- The Fray. Fueled by its popularity after being included in an episode of "Grey's Anatomy" this title track for The Fray's debut album shot to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 where it remained for a staggering 58 weeks. This effort also captured The Fray's first Grammy nomination in 2007. According to lead singer Isaac Slade, the song was influenced by a boy he worked with while he was a mentor at a camp for at risk youth who was also a musician. According to Slade, the boy had so many problems that no one could figure out how to work with him or "write a manual" on how to save him. If you look at their other songs, all of them have the same kind of really weird influences. Isaac Slade is a super songwriter and super lead singer, but he just looks so freaking stressed out when he sings. Am I the only who sees this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjVQ36NhbMk

"I and Love and You"- The Avett Brothers. This title track for the Avett Brother's 2009 major label debut is fantastic on so many levels. I'm always glad to see bands like The Avett Brothers be so successful because they are raw musicians who don't play teeny bopper crap. I love this videos, as it just seems so emotional, just like this song, and just like this entire album. I also like how they are a true North Carolina hybrid band of sorts. They are part rock n' roll, part country, part folk, but 100% real in everything they write and sing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK8LFq4vMKQ

"Ray Of Light"- Madonna. In 1998, Madonna was riding high after her hit album Bedtime Stories and her critically acclaimed performance in the movie Evita as well as the super successful soundtrack. What resulted was something that left everyone in the music world in shock when a techno/electric album came out which featured this super interesting video that would go on to win a staggering EIGHT VMA's in 1998. This single peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and catapulted the album to #2 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. The craziest thing is that many of Madonna's follow up albums and singles have gone in the same direction. It's always great to see an artist who can reinvent themselves so successfully. Now if she just stop singing that stupid song with MIA and Nicki Minaj she'd be perfectly awesome. Let me add also, that I am a huge believer that Madonna ages very gracefully. She gets hotter as she gets older and I'm being dead serious.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4tD8dy9Reg

"Infinite Arms"- Band of Horses. I'm always glad when I can feature this Seattle band. They get more amazing every time I listen to them. This title track to their 2010 album helped it peak at #7 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart that same year. The album was such a success that it was considered by everyone including the band to be their first "real" album because it was not only completely funded independently, but it was the first time the band had used a repeat lineup on an album. I've always liked BOH because they've got to be the only indie band in history to be covered by Cee-Lo. I smell a bonus video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Olr4iAzWoj8

"The Point Of It All"- Anthony Hamilton. Anthony Hamilton is so super underrated it's unreal. This track which rose to #19 on the Billboard R & B Chart paced an album that debuted at #11 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart in 2008. I love Anthony Hamilton, but he just looks like one of those guys that either just got out of jail or is a homeless guy playing the guitar in the French Quarter. Nonetheless, the guy has mad skills, and I'm so glad my good friend Melvin Hill played his music constantly while we shared an office at LSU URec.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyW6ww4U1lM

"A Different Light"- Sherwood. Have I mentioned that I miss Sherwood? This title track to their sophomore album and follow up to Sing, But Keep Going was so loved by me it was unreal. The album was famous for being the first ever album released on the new (and very quickly old) MySpace records, which also made several "making of" videos to accompany the album whiched peaked at #11 on the Billboard U.S. Heatseekers Chart. In a random piece of trivia, this album also featured the song "Best In Me" which was the opening theme for the MTV show "College Life". It's unbelievable how much I miss Sherwood every time I listen to them. I'll remind you again that if you ever have a chance to see a band live in your city, go. Sherwood came to Nashville while I was still living there and of course I missed it like an idiot. I still regret that one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBcC54vApgE

"Teenage Dream"- Katy Perry. This is one of those songs that you seriously can't help but like. I mean any song that "Glee" makes sounds awesome TWICE has to be good right? I smell a bonus video. Katy Perry is so deceptively hot it's unreal. It's crazy how she can make slutty look good, but yet still come off as talented and cute. Then, these lyrics are actually really good. I don't know how artists do that. This single shot to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 where it became one of the top songs on the year, on what most people consider the biggest album of the same year, which also went to #1.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98WtmW-lfeE

"X & Y"- Coldplay. I surprisingly did not know this song before just now. This title track to Coldplay's 2005 album shows why the album went to #1 in nearly every country including the United States. Chris Martin is so amazing, and every time Coldplay is playing I tend to listen. Unreal live performance here from their famous recent appearance on "Austin City Limits". How in the world does he play the piano with all that crap on his fingers and wrists? That's pretty impressive. I have to see Coldplay live in concert before I die. Words can't desribe the feelings this song gives me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5ldYvrrdgY

"Goodbye Yellow Brick Road"- Elton John. One of the greatest singers ever released probably his greatest album ever in 1973 with this unbelievable title track to go with it. The song which was based on Bernie Taupin's childhood and his love for the movie "The Wizard of Oz" is one of Elton's most popular songs. The single shot to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and helped propel the album to an unreal 31 million copies sold making it one of the most famous albums of all time. This song also remains a staple on his live sets, which I saw recently.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kMVdazvII4

"Band On The Run"- Paul McCartney and Wings. 1973 saw the end of Apple Records, but it saw the completion of one of the greatest albums ever made and the best post Beatles album Paul McCartney ever created. The concept and concept song were hits across the world both shooting to #1 in the United States. The famous album cover featured Paul and Linda as well as six other British celebrtities. The song, talking about the liberation from prison of a fictitious band. I really wish Wings had stayed together past 1978. Even if Paul McCartney had never been a Beatle, I think they would have gone down as one of the best bands of all time because they were really starting to come into their own. That just shows how awesome Paul was- he was in one of the best bands ever......twice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBX2dySWGew

BONUS VIDEOS- "Teenage Dream"- Darren Criss. Great rendition of the song from "Glee".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vO3ZaWH15U

"Pretty Maids All In A Row"- The Eagles. Great live version of the Joe Walsh written Eagles classic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRSUBH5JFf4

"No One's Gonna Love You"- Cee-Lo Green. Actually a really good effort by the round mound of "The Voice". 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzAof7HjaxU

"Chicken To Change"- Freshlyground. Another great song from Freshlyground's latest album Radio Africa.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdf2lBIe4Ac

One of the most famous album covers ever!

The Fray

Sherwood

Freshlyground

Late Night Music Part 147....."My Twitter Followers/Facebook Friends"

I started writing "Late Night Music" as a joke in 2009 just because I couldn't sleep one night. It caught on quick as my trademark, and it quickly became something of a routine. Three years later, I have used it as a tool to discover some of the best artists in the world that might be flying under the radar. While my blog may just be a small drop, it's a huge thrill to push some of the most talented individuals in music. It's also a huge thrill when I get a thank you from the artist themselves. Such artists like Freshlyground, Julie Roberts, Priscilla Renea, and Kevin Costner and Modern West have all responded. It's truly rewarding to be recognized by such talented musicians. It's even a bigger thrill when these artists follow me on twitter or add me on facebook, as it does give me a sense of being "legit". This list features any artist who follows me on twitter or is a confirmed facebook friend. As a way of saying thank you, I'll simply pick some of my favorite songs by them.

"The Girl You Want To Be"- Maggie McClure. I previously featured her title track to her EP "Good Morning and Good Night" a few months back. This song included on the same EP is a fantastic piece for this beautiful Oklahoma starlet. Maggie McClure is one of those artists that sticks in your head and doesn't leave until you make her leave. She has such an amazing voice and her Sara Bareilles-esque style is one that will surely quickly catch on. Find Maggie McClure on iTunes, or for more of her music check out www.maggiemcclure.com.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOWGMq-X3ak

"Dance For Love"- Queen of Hearts. You know an artist makes a statement when someone like me who has no dancing/rhythmic ability at all wants to dance when they hear a song. These Toronto divas get better with each track they record. This trio of beautiful ladies seems to be the perfect mix that makes a group really click. Queen of Hearts puts on a mix of dance, hip-hop, and soul that enters your musical being and makes you yearn for more. With a blend that angelic and with three women that beautiful, it will just be a short amount of time before QOH could be the queens of your heart. For more information on Queen of Hearts, check out www.qohmusic.com. This single is also available on iTunes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0upHIyP8ik

"You're The Only One"- Eric Benet. I've featured this song before, but I just love it so much. So many people want to talk bad about Eric Benet's personal issues, but I have so much respect for him coming back with such determination and swagger. This lead single from his 2008 album Love and Life peaked at #17 on the Billboard R & B Charts, but was given a nomination for Best Male R & B Performance at the 2009 Grammys, as well as the album being nominated for Best R & B Album. This song is a great song to listen to while you're driving and is great for a driver's seat performance. Check this album out on iTunes, you'll be quite impressed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H72ajAO6ctI

"Secrets"- David Jennings. It's a real joy to see someone I have literally known my entire life be such a talented musician. Some of you may recognize David Jennings from the group "The Collective" from last season's contest of NBC's "The Sing Off". This multi-talented multi-genre songwriter actually became the first person to ever make a video by request when he made this video for the song off of his 2007 debut album Sticks and Stones. I just hope the day comes that I can finally see Dave play this one live with a piano. If you're in Jackson or Nashville and ever have the chance to see David Jennings live make sure you get there to see him. He'll shock you with his wide range of set list gems.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDLoi4yzntY

"Love Will Never Do/California Gurls"- Naya Marie and Shannon Alvares. These Toronto starlets gave maybe the best mashup I've ever heard with this curious but clever combo of Janet Jackson and Katy Perry. I'm a huge fan of both of these ladies, and I've featured both of them several times. I have this mp3 on my playlist and it's great for driving to when you have a long way to go. For more information on Naya Marie, check out her youtube channel nayamarie2009. Also, you can find her on twitter naya_marie. You can also find her music at www.nayamarie.blogspot.com. More on Shannon Alvares in a second.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvEQL6QiQHU

"Open Door"- Attaloss.This is an awesome debut video and single from Attaloss's self-titled debut album which came out in April of this year. The album reached the #1 spot on the Billboard New Alternative Artists Chart, and cracked the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart as well. I said a few weeks ago that Danny Aguiluz is easily one of the best lead singers that you don't know about right now, and I believe that more and more when I watch this video again. This single as well as Attaloss's debut album is currently available on iTunes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXswKpViPgg

"That's What Love Looks Like"- Joy Collins. Sometimes, you just have those people in your life you are so happy to call your friend. I've known Joy since 2006 and to listen to her music now just makes me so thankful she was such a huge part of my life in Clarksville. Besides being a great artist, Joy is most importantly a great mother, wife, and a TRUE friend. If you listen to Joy's music, I promise you won't regret it. Find this song and others from her album It Ain't Just Music on iTunes. Also, check her out at www.joycollinsmusic.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F20VcFLR50o

"Where To Go"- Shannon Alvares. I told you I had more on Shannon Alvares! Download this mp3 here. Also, for more information on Shannon Alvares, check out www.shannonalvaresmusic.blogspot.com. Even though I may be the worst dancer in the history of the fine art, this song makes me wanna shake stuff I never got!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dJmmqairPE

"So Nice To Be Loved"- Darnell Levine. I saw Darnell Levine a few times live in Nashville, and it could have never been enough. His distinct style and voice just always stuck out to me. I also said that his keyboard/piano playing was vastly underrated in a city that focuses so heavily on the guitar. I guess it's the piano player coming out in me. Man I love this song! Find this one and other songs by Darnell Levine on iTunes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqP-dxwWaoA

"She Can Play"- Damien Horne. Every time I hear this song, I think of all the women out there that put it in every day with no one even noticing. This song was used by ESPN for the ACC Women's Basketball Tournament, and had a great montage of the late Kay Yow added to the song. I actually saw Darnell and Damien both for the first time the same night (on a night I also saw Mason Douglas, who we'll talk about later). Damien Horne is such a positive figure in the Nashville music scene, and if you ever want to hear an inspiring story check out his website www.damienhorne.com. This song is also a stand alone single that can be found on iTunes. Also, if you look on this video, you'll see the awesome April Rucker singing background vocals.......oh yeah, speaking of her.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fB8VTw3TfHo

"Charm"- April Rucker. Awesome live performance here from the original Nashville soul diva. This song is featured on April's album Here I Stand which is now available on iTunes. April Rucker reminds me of so many R & B artists, I can't even list them all. Her sassiness and soulfulness rolled into one makes this a very solid track! For more on April Rucker, check out www.aruckusmusic.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLvC7K32rlY

"Up Up Up"- Rose Falcon. Seriously, how can you not love Rose Falcon's smile? This song from her debut 2003 self-titled album was a great indicator of the true talent she possesses. Her latest EP 19th Avenue is available on iTunes is a more mature country album that featured a glowing endorsement from singer Jon Bon Jovi. I'm always glad to see a young artist move from bubble gum rock to a mature sound as they grow older. Shows that they are a true musician.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYc0EX3cWSs

"Hero"- The New Velvet. This New Jersey band gives a great acoustic version (which is now available on iTunes) from their debut album. While TNV isn't super heavy, I love seeing a band strip down a song like this and still keep it raw and emotional. What shouldn't be forgotten in this is how positive the lyrics of this song are. I love to see young bands be so inspirational not only in their music, but in their lyrics. For more of The New Velvet's videos check out their youtube channel TheNewVelvetBand.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuOzWMl-W6o

"What Did I Do?"- Sophie Delila. This latest single from this French starlet based in the UK Sophie Delila is one of those songs that can just put you completely at ease. Her sound and attitude remind me a lot of Corrinne Bailey Rae and Laura Izibor, who are also both from Europe. It's great to see such a soulful influx of artists come over from Europe in the last few years, because true R & B music is a dying breed here in the United States. For more on Sophie Delila check out her website at www.sophiedelila.com.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8JieMZMk8U

"Riddle Figure"- Valet Parn. This Athens, Greece metal band puts on a great performance here on the title track of their debut album available on iTunes. Guitarist George Emanuel puts on a guitar clinic on this track and plays a lick I just have to keep on hearing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6a0klL7sk8c

"Emergency"- Falling Through April. What a great song by this Charlotte, NC rock band that reminds me so much of the Stone Temple Pilots meets Red Hot Chili Peppers! Awesome live performance here that is seriously legit! This is a band I'd love to see live. This song is featured on their debut album Take Flight and is now available on iTunes.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZQFL159d08

"Heaven Sent"- K West. Most of you saw my Jackson Free Press article in February featuring Jackson's own K West The Showstopper. I love how K West puts what people said or people think to the side and just brings it because she can. Hip hop is dominated by males and by females who have an overpowering presence. Don't forget that she was also last year's Mississippi Hip Hop Artist of the Year. She may be small, but her attitude and her swagger are out of this world! Her debut album He Say She Say is available here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xV59N0bRRn8. If you didn't see my JFP article on her check it out here. http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/news/2012/feb/01/diary-of-the-showstopper/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZQFL159d08

"Castles"- of Verona. Man what a cool song video and band! Lead singer Mandi Perkins brings so much attitude to this Los Angeles electro band. This just seems like that kind of song you dance to on DDR or play on Rock Band. I like of Verona because they remind me so much of those Scandinavian bands I like so much, but also have a raw rock feel that keep you glued to the song. Mandi Perkins is gonna be a star just because she has the innocent girl look until she gets on the mic and blows your socks off! This lead single from their debut album The White Apple received rotation on MTV2 recently and is also available on iTunes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wykmrS_ZUi0

"Solarstorms"- Josh Doyle. British singer/songwriter Josh Doyle turned in this memorable performance a few weeks ago on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" to promote his new self titled album that will be released October 23- the day after my birthday! Previously of UK Dum Dums fame, Josh Doyle is very similar to a Josh Kelley, Dave Barnes, or Matt Wertz.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_-GPOH9YDA

"We Got Us"- Canaan Smith. This Nashville artist who was last seen with Sugarland on tour released this impressive single last year which received heavy play on GAC and CMT. I really like Canaan Smith's voice, it just seems to really fit country music. Really good video here- I hope we have many more to come soon from him. This song is available on iTunes and on www.canaansmith.com.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dnj-E0UGd4E

"Inside You"- Dubri. Man this song is so funny! I love rappers who don't take themselves too seriously. Why can't more rappers take a cue from that and figure out that rap can be funny? I'll just you let you watch this video and listen yourself. Get ready to laugh. Check out this song on iTunes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQYJb7EErO0

"All We've Got"- The Begging Sea. Anyone who ever has been around me knows that one of my favorite bands of all time is Sherwood. I am still upset unbelievably by the fact that I missed them in Nashville just a few months before they stopped touring for good. Never miss a band that's in your home. Anyway, lead singer Nate Henry has started a new project called The Begging Sea with this being the first recording released from the band, and I'm ecstatic because it sounds so much like Sherwood, so I'm gonna go ahead and make this an honorary Sherwood album. For more on The Begging Sea check out www.thebeggingsea.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHOQ3MVBN-g

"The Plunge"- Deanna Brown. Now why can't people like this with real talent win "American Idol"? All the more reason to not watch that crap. This former "Idol" contestant gives a great effort here in the title track of her newest album now available on iTunes. Her guitar playing and vocals are on full display on this track and it should be something to really look forward to. She has the country mood with a soft indie feel. I love hybrid artists. For more on Deanna Brown, check out www.deannabrown-music.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8KqrSuzq4I

"Fact and Friction"- The Nearly Deads. This Tampa rock band looks so cool covered in mud in this video from their self-titled debut album. Lead singer Theresa Jane absolutely owns this song and comes off as the band calls as "polished grunge", which I think is an absolutely genius description. This band is truly a "hybrid" as they tried to put a pop singer as the lead singer of a grunge band, and I have to admit it really freaking works with this band. The band's zombie persona is also an added bonus of neatness to this very peculiar but awesome band. For more info on The Nearly Deads, check out www.thenearlydeads.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reMfZKlRV9E

"On Everything"- Mr. and Mrs. My good friend and Mississippi hip hop artist and his wife Nadirah X bring it hard on this track from their album Mr. and Mrs. the EP. Not only do Swish and Nadirah share their artistic talents in this video, but they show their true love for each other while each showing parts of their individual worlds. If you ask me, this might be the perfect hip hop combination. They always show how hip hop can be positive in all aspects instead of their music. Sucks how we get stuck with crap like Nicki Minaj and other no talent clown rappers instead of a heartfelt passionate collaboration like this. Check out both Swish and Nadirah X on iTunes, and to preview their entire EP check out http://www.datpiff.com/Mr-and-Mrs-Mr-Mrs-The-Ep-mixtape.391870.html.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUatjHAmdVA

"My Heart Beats For You"- Shane Henry. How awesome that we get to have a song that features the very awesome Maggie McClure again! This Oklahoma blues rock singer puts on a super intimate and memorable performance with MM here that makes you want to just feel better about yourself. These two have a song together on iTunes already, but I'm thinking a whole album wouldn't even be enough to listen to these two sing together. For more information on Shane Henry check out www.shanehenry.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biGTveGbyYU

"You"- Chantelle Barry. Colbie Caillat and Norah Jones have morphed into the same person and became Australian starlet Chantelle Barry. This song from her latest album Songbird and was also featured on her 2011 album Simple Things is super catchy and articulate at the same time. I absolutely love this woman's voice, and this video is so amazing I feel like she's singing to me personally. You also might recognize Chantelle as the actress who plays Nina on the revamped version of "90210".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akhvcS-kRSA

"Wanted"- Jessie James.This super awesome debut single from the super hot Jessie James hit #40 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2009, and introduced us all to another super hot country singer, but one with way more attitude than what we're used to. I love this video because every time I watch it and see her say she "only wants to be wanted" I find myself asking if she's really serious. This video is perfect because it pushed the sexiness aspect of Jessie James without being distasteful- I wish other female artists would take notes. Jessie was recently engaged to Denver Bronco and former Tim Tebow favorite target Eric Decker.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sxz3_5XsNQ

"Hard Headed"- Nic Cowan. I love this title track from Nic Cowan's album. This Atlanta singer reminds me so much of Amos Lee it's not even funny. He actually kinda looks like him too. For more information on Nic Cowan, check out www.niccowanmusic.com, also his album Hard Headed is now available on iTunes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvZKu3ZFg4k

"My Goodbye"- The Growing Room. I'm thinking Owl City meets Ben Folds here in this super cool debut video for Bay Area band The Growing Room. This super emotional song was included on The Growing Room's debut album Put Yourself Together and is now available on iTunes. Lead singer Aaron Eckardt absolutely commands the stage (well the snow) in this video and I have a feeling this band would be great to see live. For more information on The Growing Room check out their youtube channel www.youtube.com/thegrowingroomband.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfPaqCtPWI4

"Home"- Taylor Willis. My favorite left handed female guitar player puts on a great effort of this Gabrielle Aplin song. Every time I hear Taylor Willis sing, I love her voice more and more, and I think she doesn't even realize how awesome she is! I can't believe this girl is a freshman in college- her voice is mature enough to have fooled me. Great choice of a song here, as the "heavenly" factor is show through the roof! For more of Taylor's videos, check out her youtube channel at www.youtube.com/eternalheartspeaks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MP9Wjne43I

"Right Where You Wanted Me"- Jamie Floyd. I am so glad I got hear this song live a good 4-5 times, and every time I heard it, I was affected. I relate to this song on so many levels, and I always loved how Mississippi was mentioned in the first line. Jamie Floyd has real guitar and songwriting talent, and I don't know a single person I've played this song that didn't have something great to say about it. For more of her awesome music, check out http://soundcloud.com/jamiefloyd.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNbmR5ftX7I

"Goodbye Woman"- Mason Douglas. This song receives infinite bonus points for being "for the General" at one of Mason's performances in Nashville in what seems like another life ago. I've used this song so many times in my life and I'm telling you, every guy has felt this way at some point. The crazy thing is that as awesome as this song is, I wouldn't even say it's Mason's best song! I took a few people to see Mason in Nashville, even some who were hesitant, and every single one of them said "man thank you so much". I'm telling you, he's just that good! This song was featured on his awesome album My Wild Heart which is available on iTunes. For more of Mason's awesome music, check out www.masondouglasmusic.com.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47Vc_UlK0mQ

Swish and Nadirah X

Queen of Hearts

Joy Collins

David Jennings

Maggie McClure

of Verona

Mason Douglas

Sophie Delila

The New Velvet

The Nearly Deads