mat kearney

Today's AuNaturAlice Song:
Mat Kearney- Nothing Left To Lose
Recorded- October 2006 in the Alice Studio

I know I played a Mat song last week, but I was just in the mood for Mat! Also, we're gearing up for our second AuNaturAlice Show and it got me thinking about the first one and how awesome all of our acts were, including, of course, Mat. The news will be coming your way VERY soon. If you attended the first AuNaturAlice, you know how utterly amazing it was and I do NOT overuse the word amazing. Hehe.

Listen next week... all shall be revealed. I'm so excited and I know you're going to want to be a part of this. So cool!

Thanks for reading.

xo,
Sam

why better than ezra today?

Today's AuNaturAlice tune:
Better Than Ezra- A Lifetime
Recorded- May 2005 at the Soiled Dove (when it was downtown)

I chose Better Than Ezra because they are from New Orleans and today is the 2nd anniversary of the Hurricane Katrina disaster. I could fill pages with my thoughts on the subject (including how grateful I still am for the reaction we had from YOU when we had our water drive), but I don't think I shall. I will just say we all need to pause and think on it in our own manner. It's effect was immense... still is.

Thanks for reading.

xo,
Sam

oops.. forgot to tell you the aunaturalice song from today

Lifehouse- Blind
Recorded: August 12th, 2005 at The Gothic

This suggestion came from a listener who asked to remain anonymous. But interestingly enough, she was one of the Alice listeners who was actually at our pre-show soundcheck party. I remember that show so well and I always LOVE interviewing the boys of Lifehouse because they are so FUNNY.

Anyway, great suggestion for a song, though it is quite sad.

xo,
Sam

and just when you needed it... something new!

New Releases! Here are some of the new music released today.

CD Releases

• Collective Soul- Afterwords

This is the second album Collective Soul has released on their own label. You can only get it two places: iTunes and Target. You can bet I'll be racing out to get my copy today!! The guys spent a big chunk of 2007 working away on the album and now it's ready. Remember, they will be playing the Fillmore on Oct. 7th (Live will be there, too!). Here's the link to our concert calendar if you'd like to get tickets. http://www.alice1059.com/pages/294879.php

• needtobreathe- The Heat

This is the band's sophomore album and it's coproduced by Rick Beato and Ed Roland of Collective Soul. The band has kept is ultra positive-life perspective. A decent second album. I am still more a fan of hearing them live. Their fantastic energy just hasn't quite been captured otherwise.

• Queensryche- Sign of the Times (The Best of Queensryche)

Ok, secret news here... I have been a fan of these guys for a long time and this is an awesome collection of favs from Geoff Tate (one of theeee best voices ever in rock, in my opinion) and company. PLUS, there are several previously unreleased demo tracks on the second disc and an acoustic remix of I Dream In Infrared. Woooo... put your rock sticks in the air.

• The Last Goodnight- Poison Kiss **Sam's Pick**

I've had the sneak preview release of this album for a few months and I fell in love with it immediately. It's instantly familiar, pop delight! My favorite track currently is Stay Beautiful. If you want something fun and bouncy, this is just what you're desiring!! Plus, check back on our website (tomorrow) because we have a unique opportunity to have The Last Goodnight play live in YOUR living room! http://www.alice1059.com/

• Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals- Lifeline

Harper tours tirelessly and has created such a repoire with his music mates, his eighth cd was recorded in just ONE WEEK. His albums have always oozed soul, but it's even more evident on this new work. Check it out!!

• Paul Anka- Classic Songs, My Way

Remember the CD Anka released a couple of years ago? Rock Swings? This is more of the same. A VERY eclectic mix of rock tunes... all redone Vegas style, baby. The track listing is something I must include here because it's hilarious!!
1. Time After Time- Cyndi Lauper
2. Get Here- Oleta Adams
3. Mr. Brightside- The Killers
4. Waiting For A Girl Like You- Foreigner
5. Ordinary World- Duran Duran
6. Heaven- Bryan Adams
7. Bad Day- Daniel Powter
8. I Go To Extremes- Billy Joel
9. Both Sides Now- Joni Mitchell
10. You Are My Destiny- Anka's own song (feat. Michael Buble)
11. Walking In Memphis- Marc Cohn
12. Against The Wind- Bob Seger
13. My Way- Anka Duet

• Balls of Fury (Soundtracks)

The official movie soundtrack (not the score) features some of your favorite hair bands... like Whitesnake, Slaughter and Poison.... come to think of it, Slacker would LOVE this. Hahaha!! A fun compilation, though if you're a fan of hair metal, you probably have most of it in your collection all ready. (wink wink)

In a separate release, the score of this movie has also been released today.


Enjoy and thanks for reading!

xoxoxo,
Sam

why it's a black and white day

Today's AuNaturAlice song:
Keane- Everybody's Changing

Great suggestion from Alice listener Shelby.... so thank you Shelby. I do love Keane.

Now, what do I mean by a black and white day? It is purely fashion-related. Ok, so it's more than that. A dear friend of mine that is longer actively in my life adored the simplicity of a black and white outfit. So much was this known to me, that every single time I wear just black and white, I think of him. He's not dead, nor did we have a falling out... he was a close friend that ended up not being permanant. Some close friendships end up this way... why? Who knows.

I have two friends that pop into my mind when I ponder the subject of friendship in a surprisingly temporary sense. One was a girl that I met through a very good guy buddy of mine. They dated for about 2 seconds, but her and I hit it off immediately and started hanging out. There was an instant comfort level between us. Not long after our friendship began, I got really ill and ended up in the hospital for a few weeks (long story... let's just say I'm short a kidney, but I've never been healthier!).

This girl just happened to be a nurse at that very hospital and she was there for me nearly every second. She was the most selfless person I had ever met and I was so grateful for her during that stressful time. She was like an angel who arrived right on time to guide me through a very ugly, scary time. I don't think us meeting was about us being bffs (as lame Paris would say)... I think somehow a bigger power knew I needed her.

Shortly after that, her life took her completely away from me. Her career, her relationships, her location. We weren't very good at keeping in touch for some reason. I don't know why we didn't try more. It's almost like we weren't meant to try. I don't know. I've seen her maybe twice in the past several years and each time, we are thrilled to see each other and we have a great time catching up and talking about our lives. But that's it. Strange.

My black and white friend and I had a very different friendship. There was no physical trauma. It was more of a simple person to person connection that you find with a kindred spirit (those are not around every corner, unfortunately).

Hard to explain this one, but it was more of a friendship that reminded me how to well... be myself! Helped me not take life quite so seriously all the time. How to just chill and learn that sometimes rollin' w/ it is ok! Easy enough, right? But sometimes we forget even the simplist things that bring us more joy in life and there are people (if we pay attention to them) that can re-teach us those very simple things.

I hope I meant as much to them as they did to me.

Every time I see the big 'ol ugly scar on my tummy, I think of the girl who braided my hair, painted my toenails, snuck me chocolate, got me moved to a corner room in the hospital and came to my home every day for a month making sure I was ok.... and every time I wear only black and white, I think of the friend that helped me remember some things about myself that I had forgotten in the big bustle that is LIFE. The friend that made me less afraid to just be me. Two so very different friendships, yet both so very special in my memories. Irreplaceable, really.

Well, enough pontificating for one day.

Thanks for reading!

xo,
Sam

two 5s: click and live

Today's AuNaturAlice Song:
The Click Five- Jenny
Recorded three days ago (Tuesday, August 21) in our studio

If you are just becoming familiar with The Click Five boys or have been a fan for a while, keep listening for info on the next time you will have the chance to see them. It will be soon, promise.

Ok, that was 5 number one... get it? The Click Five? Ok, been a long week... getting punchy here.

Live @ 5 is the second 5!!

Every Friday, all summer long, Slacker and Steve have been broadcasting live from the Tavern Downtown for Live @ 5. Every week, they gave away trips to Vegas and today they will broadcast from Vegas with all their trip winners from this summer. Lucky them! But that doesn't mean The Tavern Downtown isn't still the place to hang tonight.

I'll be rolling into the Tavern about 5 o'clock this evening to get Happy Hour started and I'd love for you to join me. Plus, the new Fired Up For Kids 2008 Calendar has been unveiled and some of the featured firefighters will be on hand later in the evening to sign their pics for you! Yup, it'll be a hot time for sure. Bring your friends, grab an after work drink and get your calendar signed. It's a great cause. If you need more information, here's the Fired Up weblink:

http://www.firedupforkids.org/

The Tavern Downtown is downtown at 20th and Market. We'll be on the rooftop and hopefully the rain doesn't get us! :)

Hope to see you tonight for the final Live @ 5 of the summer.

Thanks for reading.


xo,
Sam

live mat and forgetful sam

Today's AuNaturAlice song:
Mat Kearney- Undeniable
Recorded- October 2006 in the Alice Studio

Alice listener Lori picked the song today and I'm always happy to play Mat anyway. I joke to my girlfriends about having a list of "pretend" boyfriends. I'm not one to normally faun over celebs (actors and such), but I do find my pretend boyfriends are quite often musicians. Guess it makes sense since music is pretty much my life.

Anyway, Mat has always been high on the list. Of course he's cute, but that's not really his big appeal to me. He's also intelligent, loves wine and enjoys foreign films. He always has a plethora of suggestions in that department. From the first time I was introduced to Mat, he was scribbling down movie titles on a cocktail napkin, insisting they would change my life.

The lyric in his tune I played today (Undeniable) that mentions February 5th always reminds me of the time I forgot my friends birthdays. I mean plural because I have 3 friends who were born on that day. Two of them are good friends of mine. The other is the best girlfriend I've ever had in my life and probably ever will have.

A few years back I was going through a stressful time and February 5th came and went and it never occurred to me that I had completely missed their birthdays. And I NEVER forget stuff like that. Especially not with the people that mean the most to me.

Anyhow, two days later, my best girlfriend called and asked if I was ok. I answered that yes, I was fine. I was stressed, but nothing I couldn't handle. She paused on the phone and said "Well, for the past 10 plus years, you have always been the first phone call I get on my birthday. I am worried that you aren't ok."

I remember looking up at my wall calendar and having one of those slow-motion movie moments of complete horror. I saw that it was February 7th. I was in tears as I told her I was the worst friend ever and could she ever forgive me? Of course she forgave me. She's my best friend. She understood... she got it... she wasn't in the least bit hurt or mad or bitter at me. She was worried about ME. Now, that is a true friend.

I called my other friends after I composed myself and faced the music. The guy friend didn't even notice I'd forgotten (of course... guys) and my other girl pal was so angry, she gave me the cold shoulder for quite a while. It said a lot about our friendship I suppose and it's not quite been the same since. It's odd when you discover which of the people in your life will accept your stupid mistakes (big or small) and still love and support you while others will hold onto things and judge you mercilessly for your mistakes (big or small). Maybe things like that help make me a more understanding, patient and non-judgmental person.

Incidently, when you are so stressed you cannot even remember your own best friend's birthday, it's time to take a vacation. I scheduled my first real vacation that very day. I went to Oahu and it was just what I needed.

Thanks for reading.

xo,
Sam

james blunt in the alice studio

I've mentioned before that we at Alice have a very special bond to James Blunt because we were the first station in the country to play his music.

I remember the first time I heard his debut CD Back To Bedlam. It was refreshing, intelligent, well-produced and simply delightful. James has since visited our studios a lot, doing various events with his fans and continuing to be his charming self.

Today we welcomed him back and he performed three beautiful acoustic tunes (new ones of course!!) in front of a tiny group of Alice A-List members. Plus, he again joined me in the studio for a quick interview and I have to be honest... it's been awhile since I've seen him in such a good place. I mean, James is always gracious and pleasant, but there was something different today. He must've finally gave himself some good time to rest while getting ready to promote the new album. Or maybe it's Denver that agrees with him. Who knows? But his soul was peaceful and the interview was more of a catching up than anything. His new album All The Lost Souls will be out September 18th here in the states. Get ready to be impressed.

I will be posting the full interview, plus the 3 acoustic tunes on my page as soon as possible. The AuNaturAlice page is where you want to look. Here's the link and if you don't see it right away, check back. We'll get it going for you. You positively must hear them for yourself. They are raw, full of emotion and if you all ready love Jame's music, these just might make ya a bit misty. No kidding.

http://alice1059.com/pages/802643.php

Thanks to our A-List members who joined us today and thanks to James for another fantastic performance. We love him!

Thanks for reading.

xo,
Sam

1,2,3,4 get that booty on the floor... got something brand new for that..

Ok... didn't mean to go all Coolio on you for a second but I was having an early 90s flashback.

I naturally planned on posting this yesterday, but would you believe I had trouble logging on to my blog? Ok. Lie. I had The Click Five in the studio and things got a bit hectic. It threw my day completely off, so here we go! One day late... but here we go:

CD Releases

• Ingram Hill-Cold In California **Sam's Pick**

These guys have a very special place in my heart because my first trip to Denver (to interview at Alice!!) included a show at the Soiled Dove when it was at 20th at Market. They played with Better Than Ezra. Absolutely charming guys! Cold in California is the followup to their major label debut June's Picture Show (2004). Check 'em out.

• KMFDM-Tohuvabohu

Fans of KMFDM know they have definitely honed their sound and kept it so consistent! For a group that has been doing its thing for nearly 25 years, they have not lost one bit of the energy that their core followers so adore. Meaning, this can be described in no other way than another KMFDM album. You liked the last one and the one before and the one before... etc.... you'll like this, too.

• Rilo Kiley- Under The Blacklight

Even though Jenny Lewis (lead singer) went on a solo mission a couple years back, Rilo Kiley wasn't gone and here to prove it? A new album! While Rilo has never been a big seller with their discs, they are respected amongst their peers and critically acclaimed so worth a listen or three? I definitely think so.

• Josh Ritter- The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter (With Bonus EP) ***Sam's Pick***

You know when people say that an artist/musician is underrated? That does not even begin to describe Josh properly. He is incredible and this album is freakin' fanstastic. GET IT.

• Ratt-Tell The World The Very Best of Ratt

Ahem... the best of Ratt. Remastered. Rock-n-roll baby... you know you want it.

• Nikki Six- The Heroin Diaries (Soundtrack)

This is a precursor to the book coming out next month. This is so personal and so emotional any fan of Nikki will not be able to resist this.

• Blades of Glory (Soundtrack)

• Halloween (Soundtrack)

I'm particularly excited about this soundtrack because I'm a HUGE fan of horror movies and though I tend to be very critical of remakes, if you're gonna have a remake, who better than Rob Zombie to give an alternate interpretation? This soundtrack is loaded with 70s rock and snippets from the new flick.


Thanks for reading.. again, sorry a day late.

xoxox,
Sammy

aunaturalice tune for tuesday

Augustana- Boston
Recorded- May 23rd, 2006 before they opened for Snow Patrol at the Paramount.

Thanks to Jenn for the email request!

xo,
Sam

new tunes... ooooh, shiny!

Here are some of this week's releases.. enjoy!

CD Releases

• Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds- Live at Radio City Music Hall

Dave adds another stellar live recording to the all ready HUGE list! This was recorded in April of this year when Dave and Tim headed out for a very small theatre tour. Tickets to this event were not easy to obtain, so the live double-disc (CD and DVD) will hopefully heal some of the wounds. :)

• Matt Nathanson- Some Mad Hope ***Sam's pick***

This is Matt's 6th release (not including his live release and a smattering of EPs) so you may be wondering "Why don't I know much about him?" Though Matt's music is inspired, romantic and completely honest, he's managed to keep himself just cool enough to NOT be mainstream. Haha. In all seriousness, Matt is incredibly talented and keeps delivering albums that are very touching and oh-so-easy to just pop in the cd player and enjoy.

His new single is called "Car Crash" and if you listen to Alice online, you may be hearing it. I often place brand new tunes on the webstream exclusively and ask you to give me feedback on whether or not you dig them. So, if you hear Matt's, don't forget to let me know what you think. Plus, I had Matt in our studio August 2nd and he was kind enough to play a couple acoustic tunes. I've placed them on the AuNaturAlice page and you can link to it right here:

http://www.alice1059.com/pages/802643.php

• 12 Stones- Anthem for the Underdog

This is 12 Stones 3rd studio release and though World So Cold is not the first single, it may be the one tune with the most recognition so far because it was used in a tribute video for the victims of the VA Tech shootings (youtube.com). The band, though surprised to hear their tune when it had not been released yet, were very touched at the manner in which it surfaced. I've looked up the link if you would like to see it:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=pAl6EReDiE0

• Dean Martin- Forever Cool

Ok, this is something fun for you! A collection of Martin's tunes, with his original vocals alongside brand new arrangements from some rather incredible artists! If the CD isn't enough for you, there is a CD/DVD edition available as well with some fun extras. Here's the tracklisting along with the artists that are a part of this unique tribute.

1. Who's Got The Action (w/Big Bad Voodoo Daddy)

2. Ain't That A Kick In The Head (w/Kevin Spacey)

3. I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face (w/Chris Botti)

4. Baby O (w/Paris Bennett)5. Who Was That Lady (w/Orchestra)

6. Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone (w/Robbie Williams)

7. I Can't Believe That You're In Love (w/Joss Stone)

8. Just In Time (w/Dave Koz)

9. Baby It's Cold Outside (w/Martina McBride)

10. King Of The Road (w/Kevin Spacey)

11. You're Nobody Til Somebody Loves You (w/Shelby Lynne, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy)

12. Arrivederci Roma (w/Tiziano Ferro)

13. Everybody Loves Somebody (w/Charles Aznavour)

14. Lullaby (Dean Martin acoustic)

• The Stewart Copeland Collection
  
  

Soundtracks

High School Musical 2

Entourage- Tunes from Gnarls Barkley, Paul Wall, TV on the Radio, Common etc. etc.

DVD Releases

• Kiss: Kissology Volume II 1978-1991

Every single review of this second Kissology installment agrees that it will be the one to separate the true Kiss fans from the casual fan. The no makeup years.. the tank albums... it's all here. 'Nuff said.

• Return to Bangleonia: Live in Concert (2007)
  

The Bangles return to their hometown of L.A. with their first EVER concert DVD. All the hits are on here, plus extras including behind-the-scenes footage and photos you have probably never seen, even if you are the HUGEST Bangles fan.

And there ya have it... Thanks for reading!

xoxo,

Sam

anaturalice song for monday

Blue October- Hate Me

It's true! Blue October will be back in concert October 20th at the Fillmore. In celebration of the concert announcement today, I (thanks for the request from Alice listener, Chantal) chose to play the live version of "Hate Me."


I am a HUGE fan of Blue October and I've seen them the last 3 times they've come to town. Justin (lead singer/songwriter) has an extraordinary ability to take his life experiences whether they be mistakes, triumphs or losses and make beautiful, compelling music. You can feel his joy and pain through every lyric. He has had some struggles, but has used his experiences to reach others who may be facing the same struggles. Quite frankly, Blue October's music just speaks volumes.

All week, I'm going to have chances to win tickets to our Blue October show on the 20th of Oct. They aren't on sale until Saturday at 10am, but you can secure your tickets all this week! Plus, I know we'll have some other cool events planned for closer to the show, so keep listening so you're in the know.

As always, thanks for reading!

xoxo,
Sam

aunaturalice song for friday!

Gavin DeGraw- I Don't Want To Be

Gavin has long been a favorite of mine. Not only because he's so amazingly soulful in his music, but because he's a great person in addition to being a great musician.

Today I chose to play him because I was thinking about his new album and realizing how much I'm looking forward to hearing it when it comes out. Hopefully, that will be before the end of the year, but hard to say knowing that he is still tweaking things in the studio. We'll see. :)

Every time I've had Gavin in the studio, he's always remembered exactly what was in our last conversation. He's incredible that way. He treats everyone with respect, listens to what they have to say and really hears it. A rarity in any individual, let alone someone who is pretty famous.

The strangest thing happened today after I played his tune as my AuNaturAlice choice. I received two emails practically back to back regarding the song. One emailer was horrified at the song, saying it was terrible (which I'll admit, shocked me. I often receive comments on my acoustic tunes, but never one that was so vehemently negative). The other listener is a fan and was thrilled to hear the tune and also related a very cute story about the time she met Gavin in Vegas at the RMAs in 2005. Funny thing. I was actually AT the RMAs too! I got a laugh from that.

I responded to both emails... I try to respond to most inquiries I receive, unless the emailer is just being rude, then why bother? Anyway, it was very interesting to receive two such opposite opinions about music and again I was reminded of how personally people take their music and their choices about what is quality and what is junk. I respect people's opinions completely when it comes to music, but it doesn't mean I won't argue with them occassionally. Haha.

I guess I look at it a bit differently. I can recognize when a song is a quality piece of MUSIC, but know that it's not my taste. In that case... it's good. Just not something I like. Then there is music I believe is just plain horrible, more from an arrangement/lack of talent sense.

Gavin's polished studio album is beautifully crafted and produced, yes. But those who have not heard the stripped versions of the songs or seen Gavin live are missing an essential part of him- the soul that pours out of him while he performs. It really is unique.

Good or bad, I love receiving your comments on music, especially the live tracks. They are all close to my heart, but yes, some closer than others. As I said to the non-Gavin fan, hey, if we all liked the same thing, the world would be a very boring place... but you will never convince me Gavin DeGraw is crappy lounge music. Sorry. We'll have to agree to disagree on this one. :) But keep those emails coming.

Thanks for reading!

xoxo,
Sam

aunaturalice song of the day

Bowling For Soup- 1985
Recorded January 16th, 2007 in our studio

I love this live track from Bowling For Soup. I always call these boys the hardest working in music, because I swear, they NEVER stop! In the last year, they have passed through Denver on at least 4 occassions. All memorable. The first was in January when we recorded this track. Jaret and Erik took over my show for an hour and they set the bar pretty high for any band following in their guest-djing footsteps. They were hilarious!

Then in March, they played an acoustic show at Fado Irish Pub. It was a free show and hundreds showed up to watch them onstage (even Jay Cutler was there). They were onstage for hours, horsing around and playing random songs shouted out from the audience. Then... a couple months ago they busted out another stellar acoustic set at Dave & Buster's.

Tomorrow night (August 10th), they are playing the Gothic and I had a call requesting the live version of 1985. This one always makes me laugh because near the end, Jaret and Erik stop playing because Erik messes up a lyric and they go into a long explanation of what happened. Then they begin the song again instantly, without missing a beat.

Hope the track brightened your day.

Thanks for reading!

xoxox,
Sam

chameleon girl

The many emails I've received on the subject of my hair have made me laugh so hard. I know, I know... the main picture on the Alice website features me as... yes, a blonde! I find it oddly touching that people feel the urge to type out their opinion of my hairdo, even when it's not terribly complimentary. Hey, we're interacting and I love it. Here is why you see a blonde me on the site and have not seen a blonde me in person (you asked!!):

I went blonde last year for a few months because I wanted a BIG change. I was blondish-red as a kid, but it's been quite a while, so I thought I'd try it out again. Quite honestly, I prefer red hair and have had everything from a nice subtle red to in-your-face candy apple red. I love it all!

So, it happens the last batch of headshots they took of our entire staff was scheduled during the blonde months. Literally, two days after those shots were taken, I went back to red. You should've seen my marketing director's face when I walked into work TWO DAYS after taking professional pics for the website, with completely different hair.

Needless to say, when the time came again to schedule headshots, the email that was sent to the staff had a line directed straight at me. It read:

"If you plan on changing your hair color (uh-hum Sam) or hair styles I would ask that you complete your transformation prior to the shoot."

This of course, was meant teasingly! Kind of the way things work around here.

Just so you know, we are getting new headshots today and my hair is red w/ black streaks. When you meet me, I should look pretty much like... well... me. My fleeting desires of being blonde were conquered by two things: missing the red and simply not looking that great as a blonde. Oh well.

Then again, I've been seeing all the photos of Victoria Beckham with her short, blonde do and it makes me think, "Hmmm... maybe I will try it again."

Great. Indecision reigns!

Thanks for reading.

xoxo,
Sammy

today's aunaturalice tune

Anna Nalick- In The Rough
Recorded Oct. 25th, 2005 at the Bluebird Theatre

I remember Oct. 25th 2005 pretty clearly. It was one of the crazy days where I had a million places to be and we had a ton going on with the station. First, I took a group of Alice listeners to watch an acoustic jam with the guys from Switchfoot at the Ogden. Now, down the street, Anna Nalick was warming up to play the Bluebird and I had to bust up there to usher in a completely different group of listeners to listen to her soundcheck.

It was first time I'd eaten at the Irish Snug on Colfax. It was between the two venues so convenience was key, but now it's become a favorite haunt of mine on concert night. Hey, who doesn't love a lovingly poured Guiness?

Anyway, Anna and I were chatting after her soundcheck and it turns out she is a huge fan of Switchfoot and really wanted to meet them, so she was trying to coordinate it so that she could split for a few from the Bluebird and go meet the boys. It was cute to see her so excited to meet another band.

Naturally, I couldn't attend both shows, so I chose Anna since I had seen Switchfoot a couple of times all ready. Plus, her opening act was Blue Merle, who I loved!! When they broke up last year I was pretty bummed. If you're a sucker for the mandolin, you should check them out. You may detect a slight Dave Matthews-esque feel while listening to Blue Merle, but then again, you may not. "Burning in the Sun" is the title of their album that was released in early '05. Seriously, something to check out. Great musicianship and great lyrics.

Thanks for reading!

xoxoxox,
Sammy

ear candy... well, something new at least!

If you've been listening to me for a while on Alice, you all ready know that Tuesdays are one of my favorite days of the week because it's the day new music is released.

In the past, I used to regularly talk about some of the notable releases, but I've been REALLY bad about keeping it up lately. I'm going to put it back on the priority list. Every Tuesday, I'll bring you some new releases. Of course, it's impossible to give you every single one every week since there are literally hundreds, but I'll try and choose the best or at least, the most entertaining. Here we go!

• Fuel- Angels and Devils

It's been awhile since we've heard from Fuel, but it's understandable since they spent a considerable amount of time searching for new lead vocalist. (As you may know, Chris Daughtry had the chance to front the group, but decided it wasn't the best thing for him... instead, he embarked solo and wowza has he been successful!) In April of this year, the band officially announced the addition of Toryn Green to the band. Toryn is originally from Alaska , but moved to LA to pursue his musical dreams and was previously in the band "Something to Burn."

You can't really compare Toryn's vocals to Brett Scallions (former lead singer), but he's got that gravelly rock sound that compliments the bands style nicely.

• Flight of the Conchords- The Distant Future (EP)

This isn't the new full-length album from FOTC, just a tidbit of what you will be hearing on the complete release (due out in Oct). Should be enough to keep you entertained if the HBO show isn't doing a good enough job on its own.

I've been watching FOTC on HBO since the start and I find it refreshing, funny, amusing and just plain weird. Brett McKenzie and Jemaine Clement have been doing the folk-parody thing for 5 years, but this is the first time we've been heavily exposed to their unique tunes. At very least, check out Flight of the Conchords on HBO (new episodes Sunday nights). If you dig, you can satiate yourself with the new EP until the full CD is released.

• Constantine- Constantine Maroulis

Former American Idol contestant Constantine releases a long-awaited solo album. Well, for his fans, at least! Different from Pray for the Soul of Betty because this is Constantine on his own, not as part of a band. Pray for the Soul of Betty was something he was involved with before the Idol days. His solo work gives us what his fans loved best and it translates really well.

• Superbad- The Soundtrack

Super- FUNKY tunes are sprinkled into this comedys soundtrack. Examples? The Roots, Curtis Mayfield and Rick James.

• Harry Potter Piano Tribute

Score selections from various Harry Potter movies. Piano versions of Buckbeak's Flight, Quiddich World Cup, Harry in the Winter etc..

Warning! These versions are just piano. ONLY piano. Nowhere similar to the full-orchestra presentations of the score on the actual soundtracks. This is merely a tribute.

Music DVDs out today

Bon Jovi- Rock Case Study

Guns-n-Roses- Rock Case Study


**Sam's pick for this week**

Thirteen Senses- Contact
Ok, so this was released in May in the UK only, but I was excited and wanted to clue you in. Being a HUGE fan of Brit Alt/Pop, I was turned onto this band with the release of their first album The Invitation in 2005. The follow-up is produced by Danton Supple of Coldplay fame as was the first release from the band.

Unfortunately, Contact is only available as an import at this time so to order it may be a bit steep, but I know you can download the album from iTunes. Save you some dough.


Thanks for reading!

xoxo,
Sammy