NEW SINGLE | Swerve 'Are You Coming Home With Me?' is the Perfect Summer Hit!

by CA Marshall

'Are You Coming Home With Me?' sung by Gregory Mahdesian of the Los Angeles Band Swerve, is just the kind of question you would hear from one of those summer Romantic Comedies where the guy is at the bar and slyly asking the object of his eye to 'hang out at my place'. At least, that's the vision when you read the title.....

Now, plug this into your iPod and have a listen to know that the lyrics and instrumentation is much more than that in this New ling awaited single that simultaneously has released in fair proximity to The Fontaines 'Cold'. Suffice to say, awesome travels in herds (the two bands are alos very good friends!). However, the sound is completely flashback Alternative yet Retro 80's complete with the Brat Pack 'Molly Ringwald' Pretty in Pink visionary in the minds eye. 

This is a song about taking the plunge and asking the girl out once and for all. What is most delightful about the song is that the vocals aren't reminiscent of 'that guy' at the bar (as aforementioned), rather, it's a clean, hip, and refreshing classic visual of: boy-loves-girl/boy-finally-asks-girl-out. And in his best Shirt and Tie to boot! To me this is melody is also reminiscent of The Smith's in their candor and sonorous presence. If you are a Smiths or even a Simple Minds lover, this is the song you want to add to your playlist because it's definitely a summer hit! Have a listen below and be sure to check out their Social Media Links!

Serve Social Media Links (Click to View):
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*NEW SINGLE!* The Fontaines | 'Cold' is the new HOT!

by CA Marshall

Well, as promised in the Starlight Music Chronicles *Exclusive Spotlight Interview* with Hank Fontaine of the Dynamic Brother & Sister band The Fontaines earlier this Spring (click here to read), they delivered! Their newest single 'Cold' has hit mainstream, has already been getting rave reviews, and surely will have FM radio stations clambering to get it on their shows. 

Hank informed me then that the new music would be different than what we have all previously heard with songs like 'Paul Newman', and 'Dusty Springfield' on their first self-titled EP. He also informed me that their next EP 'ii' can be expected to drop in June 2016 and with 'Cold' already out of the Barn gates only days ago, they are off to a high impact running start. 

When you combine Charlotte Fontaine's demure and delicate vocals with Hank's extremely impressive guitar shredding skills in this new number, there can only be magic and that is what this single gives right from the get-go. The song is a high energy burst of awesomeness that will wake anyone up out of a serious mid-day funk. Guaranteed you will listen to it once and think, 'What? What did I just hear?' and listen again. and again. and once more for good measure!

I remember asking Hank what we can expect from the new EP - if it would have a similar vibe to their first one, and he replied, 'I don’t want us to feel boxed in by conventions that already exist. I think where I see us going is a place where we don’t have to resort back to a specific time and place but instead to exist in this time and place in 2016. That is our goal." This is an accomplishment that has been achieved yet again by this completely unique and innovative band that has me monitoring their every new move on all of their social media platforms (see below to connect!). Why? My only answer is, 'Because they are The Fontaines! I would be crazy NOT TO!'

Titles from the 'ii' EP will be:

cold
handstand
please, say something
i love you

See them perform 'Cold' Live below:

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The Fontaines Social Media Links (Click to follow):

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Paul Simon “Wristband” *Single Review* by Michael McKenna

Single Review by Michael McKenna

Nor'easter Entertainment Magazine

This iconic singer, songwriter and musician has returned in a big way with a brand new LP that is due to drop worldwide in June 3, 2016. “Stranger To Stranger” will be his 13th solo studio album and will be backed by a North American tour supporting the new album with nearly 40 shows slated across the United States and Canada.

The new LP was produced by Simon and his longtime musical partner Roy Halee. In a statement Simon described the LP, saying, "It's about getting you to actually hear something in a new way. It's about making music that sounds old and new at the same time; music with a sense of mystery."

“Stranger to Stranger” stems from experimental origins, including sessions channeling 20th century composer and theorist Harry Partch who made custom instruments in microtonal tunings, while working with a group of Flamenco musicians and Italian electronic dance music artist Clap! Clap!

"Sound is the theme of this album as much as it's about the subjects of the individual songs. If people get that, I'll be pleased," Simon continued. "The right song at the right time can live for generations. A beautiful sound, well that's forever."

The first single, “Wristband” opens with a stand-up bass and effects from young children in the background in the mold of “Me & Julio...” in that signature Simon fashion. The lyrics talk about a gentleman who has to have a wristband in order to get through the door so he can see Simon's show. Now that is something I can relate to!

The Flaminco influence as well as some soft EDM percussions carry on throughout this fun-sounding effort and have the listener toe-tapping from start to finish.

Tracks on the LP will include:

1.The Werewolf

2. Wristband

3. The Clock

4. Street Angel

5. Stranger to Stranger

6. In a Parade

7. Proof of Love

8. In the Garden of Edie

9. The Riverbank

10. Cool Papa Bell

11. Insomniac’s Lullaby

I look forward to hearing the rest of this LP from this Hall of Famer that has been a long time coming. MOR/CHR radio will grab this in a heartbeat! WELL DONE!

*SINGLE REVIEW* LIGHTS 'Meteorite' MIDNIGHT MACHINE LP - Acoustic Bliss

Single review by Michael McKenna

Nor'easter Entertainment Magazine

Lights (born Valerie Anne Poxleitner; April 11, 1987) is an Award-Winning Canadian musician, singer, and songwriter. She is well-known north of the border for her three EP's, “The Listening” from 2009, “Siberia” from 2011 and her Award-Winning LP, “Little Machines” in 2014. It is from the latter that she has released the new all-acoustic single, “Meteorite.”

“Midnight Machines”, the acoustic follow-up to “Little Machines”, released on April 8, 2016 and is from here, that this single is generated. This LP promises to be in a mold that is just a bit different for the singer. It is to be an orchestral-like mix of tracks off of the album. There will be 8 tracks from “Little Machines”, as well as two brand new tracks never heard before.

Valerie's powerful pipes are front and center and are nicely enhanced by the mild and laid-back orchestral accompaniment. This is a welcome change of pace and shows this writer her flexibility to recompose a song into a more mild manner. Her vocals remind me of a Sinead O' Conner in this acoustic flavored track. This is not her first foray into acoustic tunes as she released an acoustic version of "Cactus in the Valley" featuring Owl City as a single in the UK in 2013. I see this as Lights broadening her musical repertoire to cover both sides of the spectrum. It is very refreshing to see an established artist be able to be this flexible in their projections. KUDOS!