I Ate Your Microphone

This San Jose, California band captured attention with its independently recorded tune "Like A Drug" (2006). There is some fine guitar work in this song, perfect sound for the glam/emo sticker that has been put on this group. Good ending to the song by a group of guys in their early 20s.

Originally unreleased and equally ear catching is "Faster Faster Hollywood," a 2007 effort that features the emotional vocals of Tyler Florence. This tune and some of the others show the desperation and frustration that drives some of the better young bands today. "Faster Faster Hollywood" is held together by good bass licks (Seth Cummings) and some fine stop and start drumming (tight with the rhythm guitars). Those who want to experience some My Former Self’s immediacy might want to try "Thunderstorm."

But now the energy and professionalism of My Former Self is on CD, with the debut effort All We Can Ask For Is Truth. According to some excellent reporting by David Sason at www.metroactive.com, the group has worked with Fall Out Boy and received some endorsement from such long-time music names as the Dean Markley company.

While still gathering most of their fans from California and the western states, it would seem to be just a matter of time before My Former Self becomes a nationwide draw for music promoters.

My Former Self on Myspace

Tags: music, My Former Self, indie, independent music, indie music

Let’s look at the current music scene and try to give it some perspective. It’s sort of like looking at a mountain range in the distance, while mentally comparing it to a small stone at your feet.

Rock and roll in the 1950s was red, was black, and was white. Actually, there were numerous other colors, bright and worn by musicians to attract attention. Yet through all this there was the same theme – not strong enough to be called revolt, but certainly a noticeable part of music’s evolution.

When the 1960s rolled across the world’s television screens there were those who screamed that it was the revolution, something in culture that would literally change the world. Now, from the distance of about 40 years, most observers would admit that this decade was amazing and, for many, life changing. But did the “hippie” culture, the music, the freedom, really alter our world?

Current rock/indie/alternative players, such as those in Rookie of the Year, Better Than Ezra, The Sleeping and many others would say that the past successes and struggles of rock musicians certainly changed their world. They might say, “Where would we be without this past?”

Yet there are many among the pounding players of today who don’t look at the past and don’t want to bring some of its glory back to life. For them it is about now and noise. That’s all right, as far as it goes. But does it go far enough?

Tags: indie music, Perspective_1, indie, music, independent music

 Nice!

At first it seemed that this might be an Irish-influenced band that really meant it! But then I listened a bit more closely and heard the same young voices that come from so many other bands. So, what do we make of Between The Sheets? I mean, this is pretty much a straightforward suggestion. So, I guessed, sex, right?

Then……………there was that hesitation.

After all, these guys (why is it always guys!!!???) are from Rhode Island

What does that mean?

It means Kasselbowned REMIX, that’s what it means. It means Steve Aiello on lead vocals and lead guitar. It means Ryan Muir on vocals, guitar and trumpet; Andrew Borstien on synth keys, trombone and vocals; Mike Matarese on bass; and Justin Muir on drums and sampling.

So, these guys from the small state are trying. That’s impressive.
But let’s listen to "In This Legacy" (Wall Of People 2006 Stolen). Now that’s something to pay attention to!!

Is this great rock and roll? Not necessarily. But it is good playing, far and away. Here is the best song that Monty Are I will put out over the next few months. So, for the fans… listen up and rock to this one. "Organized Musical Chaos?" OK, I’ll accept that.

Listen up, America.

Monty Are I

Tags: music, indie music, Monty Are I, indie, independent music