Junior League Band is the real deal
The funny thing is at the Examiner website, my topic is Canadian music, which is a large and broad topic, however, I’m not allowed to write about anything else. This of course leaves out many great musicians/indie bands out there. So, I’ll use this blog to put up some cool new “foreign” music that I’m not allowed print at the Examiner.com/Canada.
You know that saying, “when you least expect it, you get it!”, well that saying goes far in explaining how I got introduced to this next band’s music. Normally, it’s myself trolling through the internet, music sites, listening to songs, looking for that group that just shines & sparkles. Oftentimes it’s few and far between. This time the band, found me on Twitter. I usually find my way listening to most of what people send me, but realistically I only time to write about a certain number of acts.
There are many ways to look at indie: just starting out & trying to find their sound; those that are starting to turn heads & have the talent, and are gigging like mad to make it (at this time they are pretty much ready); Indie/underground groups that have been around so long that they are very respected, but shameful they didn’t break through into the mainstream.
I would class the Junior League band in the second category, as they certainly are up and coming, but they bring a throwback roots/americana/country/acoustic sound. The Lissy Rosemount (the singer) stands out from the pack as her soulful voice that is truly unique, & the band has that polished sound that comes with many performances together. Anyway, you can check out their videos for yourselves. I chose: South Carolina Blues and Kiss You In The Morning b/c. they are more their “music videos”, the other clips are more raw performances.
Junior League Band- South Carolina Blues
Junior League Band – Kiss You In The Morning
If you want to see more, or leave a comment with them, check out these links:
Junior League Band’s Official Homepage: http://www.juniorleagueband.com/
Junior League Band’s YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/JuniorLeague
Junior League Band’s Myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/juniorleagueband
Junior League Band’s Twitter: http://twitter.com/JrLeagueBand2
~ Jason Chu
Canadian Music Examiner
Jason Chu’s Twitter
Todd Carey
http://www.toddcareymusic.com/
http://www.myspace.com/toddcarey
Name: Todd Carey
Genre: Acoustic/Pop/Rock
Major/Indie/Unsigned: Indie (probably not for long!)
Album: Elevate (2003), Revolving World (2005), Watching Waiting (2007)
Released: New album coming in 2009
Overall Rating (out of 4): 3
Musicality – Top notch! I think he used studio musicians and friends as well as himself, so of course it sounds good! When you’re solo artist, it’s hard to get your backing band together. I wonder if he composed all the arrangements? They are very good, catchy, and poppy in all the right places!
Singing – He has a very good & clear voice, and it is easy to hear his lyrics. He’s got a bit of bluesy/jazzy/touch of country feel in his pop singing, which gives it an interesting mix (a hybrid sound). Again, the music as a package is well worth hearing over and over again.
Lyrics – His lyrics are fine for pop songs, easy to follow, and easy to learn and sing-along too!
Freshness – Freshness is hard to do especially when you are in the acoustic/pop/rock mode (as there are so many musicians doing that angle), however, Todd brings a nice package in his sound. The music is always positive, and it draws you in, makes you want to listen to it more. Plus there is enough diversity of songs (not all sounding the same), that keep you from being bored.
Technicality/Recording – Awesome, as pro sounding as I can think of in an Indie artist. Equalized to accentuate to the best of effect for all the instruments mixing with the vocals. Superb!
Visuals – His Myspace page is pro, very top notch (check it out!). His official website is equally excellent (check the links at the top of this article). It’s obvious Todd has put a lot of thought and work into his online presentation, which will only help him develop that core following that he deserves. Not only that, Todd Carey has a Youtube channel (hitting all the bases & online markets). Todd could do with a little more content on Youtube in order to increase his following there. Amazing job Todd, the marketing will pay off!
Top 2 Songs:
1. Smile w Sara Bareilles (A great ballad duet, harmonies, great song!) – I couldn’t find any video links with Todd Carey & Sara Bareilles, so I chose two other songs.
2. Watching Waiting (Great song, of longing, hope, and love – full version on Myspace link)
2.Back Off Baby (Love the topic of the song & how he sings it! The lyrics are so good! It’s awesome!)
~ Jason Chu
@Chodidees
http://www.myspace.com/chodidee
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.
Misuse Abuse 