Robert Francis

With the somber sounds of Lou Reed, some songwriting skills borrowed from Neil Young (sans his infamous vocals) and the vocals of a Gen-X Bruce Springsteen and music that sounds like a collaboration between Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd and Allman Brothers slowed down on a record player, it creates a brand new soulful, soothing sounds of a new sound in music. While some singer/songwriters like to stay safe with a guitar and a vocals most of the time, he’s not afraid to jump the fence into using strings, flutes, piano and other instruments one would never consider using in this genre of music, scared of it becoming “unpure” and “not raw enough”. Luckily, he gets away with it just fine and if anything, what it may lack in being “unpure” or “not raw enough” instead has powerful beauty and a rainbow of emotions flowing from ear to ear, only stopping when the CD ends. He also may be our newest find as a lyricist to join the likes of Bob Dylan and Conor Oberst with his unconventional lyrics. It’s very likely this one man talent could just possibly be our answer to what would have happened had Jeff Buckley still been with us today. I would not be surprised if you heard more from Robert Francis, but keep your ears open for more of his music.

Robert Francis Myspace
Robert Francis Wiki

Tally Hall

I think it's about time that I mention these guys in my blog. For too long now, this quintet of greatness still stands unnoticed by the public. Based out of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Tally Hall is one of the more eclectic genre jumping bands out there right now with a sound that they can only describe as "wonk rock". In each of their songs, your bound to finds sounds from Brian Wilson to Sublime, The Beatles to Willie Nelson, and everything else in between. With unpredictable sounds, chord progressions and lyrics, Tally Hall will keep you on the edge of your seat trying to guess what your ears are going to hear next, but you'll be glad with everything you've heard. As well as their originals, they're know for their interesting takes on covers such as "Praise You" by Fatboy Slim, "Just A Friend" by Biz Markie, "Smile Like You Mean It" by the Killers and many other obscure tunes from all channels on the radio. They're definitely a band to catch live, due to their ability to reproduce everything from their albums into a live atmosphere. I highly suggest that if you can see them live to see them quickly. Considering they're still playing smaller venues, they can still be more intimate with the crowd, whether they sit in the middle of the audience in a little pow-wow doing ballads, asking the audience to come up with an imaginary ice cream flavor or walking through the crowd crashing on tambourines. Alongside their music, they have a brand of humor in the same vein of their music whether it be in the form of skits or music videos. In due time, it is said that their skits will be put between commercials on either MTV or Fuse. If word continues to spread about Tally Hall, it's very likely they could be the next big thing. Check out their myspace, watch their mini-series on their site, tell your friends and support their music!


Tally Hall Main Site
Tally Hall Myspace
Tally Hall Wiki

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

Mikey Wax

Two of my friends, Lauren and Marissa, told me to listen to Mikey so I gave him a shot. To be honest, I didn't get my hopes too high because I thought he was just another Syosset High School grad/student that thought they could write music but when I checked out his song "In Case I Go Again" I was completely blown away! Production value is great and you can tell the songs are incredibly authentic and genuine. You're definitely going to hear more of this guy very soon. For any of you interested, he's playing a show tonight at the Hard Rock Cafe in Boston. I'm going for sure and he would love if any of you guys could show up.

Mikey Wax Myspace
Mikey Wax Main Site

Vampire Weekend

I've been listening to these guys for the longest time now and I think they are so awesome and original. I know they're not that new on the scene, but I always seem to find more and more people who have never heard of them. Just the other day, I had the song "Ottoman" stuck in my head, but thankfully it's a great song worthy of having stuck in your head. If you like the music on their myspace, I highly suggest buying the whole album.

Vampire Weekend Myspace
Vampire Weekend Main Site
Vampire Weekend Wiki