New Music: What you Need to Hear First

So it's no secret that good new music is indeed hard to find especially if you are looking on the radio. While satellite radio and internet stations are all the rage it still can be difficult to find bands and artists that can push the envelope and deliver the goods when it comes creating music that moves forward. Here is a humble list of artists who you may never hear on the radio but who do indeed deserve to be heard!! Check them out here then get to your local record shop and demand their stuff today!!

Public Warning - Lady Sovereign (Def Jam)

Lady Sovereign is a female, British rapper on the Def Jam label and on her debut disc, Public Warning" Sovereign brings her style of rapping to the hip-hop table. She wastes no time letting you know she is the biggest 'midget" in the game. Public Warning serves as a strong introduction to the "Lady". "On Love Me or Hate Me" and "Gathering" Sovereign displays serious mc skills with a knack for clever lyricism and wit. On the tune "My England" Sovereign takes you on a tour of the England that she knows and it truly is not all tea and crumpets. Her debut disc is a bit of a balancing act indicating the two ways the Lady can go. She has the look and sound that could make her TRL friendly for MTV but her lyrical skills, intense swagger and a well received set at the 2006 Coachella music festival may ensure that Lady Sovereign stays firmly rooted in the world of indie hip-hop. Make sure to join the gathering on Public Warning.
www.ladysovereign.com

Light 'Em Up - The Fags (Idol Records)

Try not to let the politically incorrect name throw you (and I know it will be tough). The Fags were the brain child of bassist/producer Tim Patalan, drummer Jimmy Paluzzi and vocalist/guitarist John Speck. The band created quite a buzz in their native Detroit with a sound that was equal parts Cheap Trick, and The Replacements with just a hint of Def Leppard. The band singed with a major label only to watch their debut disc languish for a year until Idol Records picked up the band and released the disc. It's been a while since power pop has had this much emotion, depth and intensity. Speck wears his heart on his sleeve as his ragged vocals recite stories of trying to find the confidence within (Siren Song), the one that got away (List) and the typical tearful goodbye (Here's Looking at You). By the time the disc ends with the title track, it's evident that for The Fags life is indeed a boxing match in which you never check the score card and there is no such thing as tied. Give their first (and sadly last) disc a spin and be prepared to sing along. www.idolrecords.com

Get It - The Lashes (Columbia Records)

The Lashes hail for Seattle and it seems that the rain drenched home of "grunge" has not dimmed the spirits of this young up start band. Although at first listen one might dismiss the band as yet another example of emo gone wrong, in actuality The Lashes bring a sense of innocence and playfulness to their tuneful style of harmony filled rock. With tunes like "Sometimes the Sun" and "A Pretty Girl" the Lashes evoke teen angst with genuine emotion and charm. It may sound a bit corny for a band to insist that "The World Needs More Love Letters," or it could be a bold statement by a band that has everything to gain and nothing to lose. Judge for yourself and get, "Get It". www.myspace.com/thelashes

EL-P - I'll Sleep When You're Dead (Definitive Jux)

Prepare to bear witness to the deconstruction and reconstruction of hip-hop on EL-P's latest disc. On his newest release this NYC native twists and turns conventional hip-hop on its head by combining serious beats, heady lyricism and the type of aesthetics one might find on a Radiohead cd. Musical boundaries get pushed and pulled on tunes like "No King's", "The Over Dramatic "and "Habeas Corpses". Beware mainstream hip-hop fans, there is a new sheriff in town armed with intelligent lyrics, intricate production and the ways and means to push rap music forward and he goes by the name of EL-P.
www.difinitivejux/net/jukies/el-p/

The Rewinds - The Rewinds (Livewire/Ryko)

This foursome hails from Birmingham Alabama but when you hear their self titled debut disc you will swear The Rewinds are from the mid-sixties. The group combines a classic pop sound with a very modern rock feel. The band does a good job with up dating a retro pop sound and style and lyrically the group does not mind telling a story from beginning to end in each of their songs. The Rewinds have an honesty and charm that puts them a cut above most pop bands. With jangling guitars and sweet yet subtle melodies let's hope The Rewinds stick around for quite sometime.
www.therewinds.com

Chimaira - Resurrection (Ferret Music)

If for some reason you have the nerve to think the underground metal scene is dead, allow me to introduce the band Chimaira and their latest record Resurrection. The band is truly a juggernaut of aggression and force and on their latest disc they pull no punches. The band is brutal and the intensity never let's up. As the band pummels the listener with brutal guitar riffs and the guttural screams of vocalist Mark Hunter the group makes sure to evoke hints of melody into the aggressive mix thanks to keyboardist Chris Spicuzza. When the band commands you to understand that "You are Worthless" you will stand up, take notice and possibly even agree! Put their disc on, turn it up and then head for the hills. The Resurrection will not be taken lightly!
www.chimaira.com

Michael Franti and Spearhead - Yell Fire (Boo Boo Music/Epitaph)

Michael Franti and his band Spearhead have gone through many changes since their debut disc Home dropped in 1994. The group has gone from being a live rap group to a band that incorporates rap, rock, folk, funk and acoustic music. One thing that has not changed about the band is their penchant for wearing their political beliefs on their sleeves. Yell Fire is Franti's call to arms. Franti preaches about stopping the war and about wanting a revolution to take place right here. He laments about his distrust of politicians and highlights his love for all religions and languages to stand together. All of this is done against a back drop of seamless rock, funk, hip-hop and folk. You may not agree with everything this barefoot front man has to say but you must admire his conviction and willingness to say it. Grab the latest disc by Spearhead and prepare to "Yell Fire" in a crowded room.
www.spearheadvibrations.com