A couple of weeks ago, Cold War Kids released their follow up to their sophomore slump, Loyalty to Loyalty, with the stellar Behave Yourself EP. Despite being only 14 minutes long, this record is as big of a step in the right direction as Loyalty was a step in the wrong direction. After the release of the Loyalty in late 2008, followed by several poor reviews of their live shows, I had all but written them off when I heard Behave. After grooving to, being swooned by and then being inspired by Behave Yourself, once again I find myself eagerly awaiting the next project from Cold War Kids. Especially since I just recently heard that on their next record they are going to be working with producer Jacquire King, whose most recent credits include the new Norah Jones record, which we loved, and one of the best rock records of 2008, Kings of Leon’s Only By the Night.
When in search of a musical artist that is head and shoulders above all other counterparts, Ray LaMontagne does not disappoint. Armed with a guitar, beard, and a truck load of God given talent Ray has been on the gold paved road in a sea of solo artists whielding a wide array of styled love songs. His smooth, raspy voice accompanied by melodious guitar offers up a perfect combination, sure to spread love and happiness wherever played. Add the horn sounds of big band and you have, “You Are the Best Thing,” off of LaMontagne’s newest album “Gospel in the Grain.” This performance on The Late Show with David Letterman, illuminates all of the talent Ray LaMontagne has been blessed with. Be sure to enjoy and share this with those you love.
Hailing from Long Beach, CA, utilizing the sounds of british bands, and add a heavy dose of Freddie Mercury (Queen) inspired singing styles and you have the Cold War Kids. Performing “Relief,” off of their second and newest album, Loyalty to Loyalty, this grungy, dark song truly illustrates what separates them from all of the pop music being produced today. With heavy use of keyboard, drums and no guitar, it provides a great foundational beat, partnered with the very different vocal styles of lead singer Nathan Willett; you have their performance that showcases who the Cold War Kids are on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. I have personally been impressed with all of the work the Cold War Kids have created, enjoy this great performance! I hope it causes more interest in listening to the great music the Cold War Kids have become known for.
Here are this week’s performances of the week to either: set your DVRs to record, make sure to be near a television, or catch on online.
Wednesday 4.1.2009: Ray LaMontagne on The Late Show with David Letterman.
Friday 4.3.2009: Cold War Kids on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.
I greatly anticipate these performances this week, I hope they do not disappoint and we will make sure to post links and share our thoughts after each performance.
Did you know that there are more slaves today than there were during the days when Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation? In fact there are some 27 million men, women, boys and girls that are being trafficked for labor, sex and profit. And this isn’t just in the third world countries where poverty rules the day. In fact 17, 500 foreign nationals are trafficked into the U.S. every year. When I first learned about this I could hardly believe it. This shocking truth was first revealed to me 2 years ago after reading a book by then 14-year old Zach Hunter, who after learning that slavery still exists started a campaign he called Loose Change to Loosen Chains where he asked his classmates to give all of their change that they had in the pocket to help free modern day slaves. In just the first two weeks he raised $6,000 at his high school. And through his efforts of bringing it to many different schools accross the country has raised countless more. I was blown away and have used this kid’s story to encourage kids and help them understand that they truly can make a difference if they put their mind to it.
Well I just recently read about another guy who was disturbed by the number of modern day slaves their are in this world and wanted to do something about it. Musician Justin Dillon and Fair Trade Pictures decided the best way to for them to make a difference was through their new documentary Call + Response, which hit theaters in October. Call + Respones “goes deep undercover where slavery is thriving from the child brothels of Cambodia to the slave brick kilns of rural India to reveal that in 2007, Slave Traders made more money than Google, Nike and Starbucks combined.” And he brings us these shocking truths along with a stellar soundtrack from numerous Grammy-winning and critically acclaimed artists including Talib Kweli, Matisyahu, Cold War Kids, and former child soldier Emmanuel Jal. These talented artists help move this “chilling information into inspiration for stopping it.” This is the kind of thing that I believe music should be about. It should be about revealing truth and about bringing forth change. So please check this film out and let it change you. And please listen to these great songs, but if you like them, please don’t just rip them off my site. Please go to Itunes and buy them off the soundtrack. Because all profit from the film, dvd, and soundtrack go to different non-profit organizations that are helping to fight slavery such as International Justice Mission.
A couple of weeks ago, Cold War Kids released their follow up to their sophomore slump, Loyalty to Loyalty, with the stellar Behave Yourself EP. Despite being only 14 minutes long, this record is as big of a step in the right direction as Loyalty was a step in the wrong direction. After the release of the Loyalty in late 2008, followed by several poor reviews of their live shows, I had all but written them off when I heard Behave. After grooving to, being swooned by and then being inspired by Behave Yourself, once again I find myself eagerly awaiting the next project from Cold War Kids. Especially since I just recently heard that on their next record they are going to be working with producer Jacquire King, whose most recent credits include the new Norah Jones record, which we loved, and one of the best rock records of 2008, Kings of Leon’s Only By the Night. 
