Jonthan Coulton

I figured since I referenced his in the previous blog, I should give him his own blog. He's definitely one of the better unknown artists out there. It's impossible not to love his songs, each one more endearing, funny, and catchier than the next. You XBOX 360 gamers may know him from his song "Still Alive" from the critically acclaimed video game "Portal", or the theme song to the G4 tv series "Code Monkey" from the show of the same name. Basically, he started out as a computer engineering and thought his life would be more fulfilling to pursue music as a career. Sure enough, more and more people discovered his music and now he's getting licensing deals up the wazoo for everything. Everyone that listens to him can find something to enjoy, whether it be the simple chord progressions, his smooth vocals or his satirical lyrics. Definitely some influence from "Weird" Al Yankovic lyrically. I haven't kept up with him lately, but I think he may still be doing the 'Song A Week' thing he's most famous for doing. You can check out more of his music on iTunes in both his albums and his podcast, as well as his myspace and website.

Jonathan Coulton Mysace
Jonathan Coulton Main Site

Mike Lombardo

This morning, I went with a few friends of mine for breakfast in the Berklee Caf. I decided to gets some omelettes when who should be in front of me but Mike Lombardo. We started talking about random stuff like the theory of relativity, our love for singer/songwriter Jonathan Coulton, Whitest Kids U Know and pimped-out PC's. Prior to this, we met twice before; once to see him and my friend Andy in their Ben Folds/Ben Folds Five tribute and at my friend Nick's place playing Battle of the Sexes. We then grabbed a table and he started telling me about his music and how he wants to try and follow in the footsteps of JoCo (Jonathan Coulton) as Mike puts it and write a song a week. I just check out his myspace a few minutes ago and all the songs are quite catchy. I would say he sounds like a mix of Ben Folds and Todd Rundgren, but definitely with his own brand of style mixed in as well. Very unpredictable in the way he writes songs as well. Check out the tracks "If I Say" and "Goodnight Bright Eyes".

Mike Lombardo Myspace