La Roux, pronounced La Roo, is a new synth duo band that is breaking into the pop scene. The band is made up of singer Elly Jackson, who has written most of the album tracks based on a 5 year on again off again relationship she had, and Ben Langmaid. Most of their musical influence is attributed to 80’s bands such as Human League League, Blancmange, Yazoo and Heaven 17.

Their very first album has just been released and is a self titled album La Roux, which has all the sounds of an 80s synth pop band and even a little of the look I must admit. Kind of like a Wham look about them with that hair not quite modern looking, but their sound is quite impressive.

A new band is always a risk when you are purchasing an album, but this album is well worth the money. And I am sure that we will be hearing more from this duo in the future, as the times are changing and we are moving toward a return to the 1980s sounds and looks, it should be a slam dunk for this new band and their old sound.

Two of my favorite tracks, on the album are Quicksand and Bullet Proof. I do wish, however that Langmaid would make himself more noticeable, as it seems like there is a single performer in the group. Since Langmaid has given a large contribution to the musical work it would be good to see him step out from the background and take his much deserved spotlight.

With Elly’s eccentric looks and voice that can go the distance, this incredible due may have just release the first of many hit albums. I strongly suggest you you log onto a website right now and purchase your copy of their new CD!

Popularity: 3% [?]

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Personally a big A-ha fan from years past, their music is just as good today as it was back then. With the release of each album, the traditional old sound that we have grown to know and love and always with a new spin that just keeps us wanting more. Their latest and perhaps greatest album, number nine to be exact has just been released by this incredible Norwegian band and they are sounding better than ever.

The band A-Ha is created of three musical geniuses. Morten Harket, who is the lead vocalist, guitarist Paul Waaktaar-Savoy and of course keyboardist Magne Furuholmen and was originally formed in 1982 when they left Norway to relocate and take the music industry by storm in London . The name, quite honestly as unique as the sound of this band was actually a name that they were going to give to one of their first songs, and it means in several languages the affirmative or a positive connotation. The band agreed on the name being that it was simple, unique and easy to say.

The title of their ninth album is “Foot of the Mountain”. This new release has just become available in much of the world, outside of the United States that is! The title track is already running up the charts and much is due to the synth pop sound that made the band famous in the first place. The last single that did this well for the band was “Take on Me”, from 1985, given that the band has gone back to a more 80’s sound this could be just the album to get them back onto the top 40 scene.

With so many bands making the mistake of trying to reinvent themselves, it is refreshing that they instead took a step back and gave us today’s music with a little bit of the past intertwined. This works since today’s top 40 listeners are different from those of the 1980’s, therefore they made the sound enjoyable for both generations of listeners.

So, if you can, don’t miss out on the opportunity to purchase this incredible album. All the songs were written by Paul and Magne, some together and some individually, and are a mix of the old A-Ha sound and a connection to their homeland. It truly is a wonderful collection of songs, and they all deserve the worldwide attention that they are receiving.

Popularity: 13% [?]

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The Bike Frame

Getting A Correct Bike Frame

There are a lot of things to factor in for a successful bike ride, whether it’s something you do every day or only once. The bike has many different parts to it, but your bike frame is the most important part. Although the geometry of the bike frame may get changed by the frame manufacturers when they want a different look, there are still some measurements that can’t be changed or messed with. If you’re new to cycling, you’re not really going to care all that much about fancy frames. However, if you’re an old pro at cycling and have been doing it for years, you may have an interest in the different styles of frames. Just recently I was contacted by a reader asking why bicycle articles never go into detail about frames. So, I thought I’d spend a little time discussing frames.

The Difference in Frames

There are more differences to bike frames than just the color. Although most of us make a selection based on color, there are many other variations that can be found in bicycle frames. For instance, the Orbea Orca frame and the Trek Madone frame have many differences between them. Some of the differences we tend to forget about are the overall frame geometry, tube lengths, frame angles, etc. The reason these items are seldom listed or discussed is because when it comes right down to it, when you get your bike frame, you’re going to have to be the one looking at it for a long time so you better like the color and design.

Basic Geometry of the Bike Frame

The basic geometry of the bike frame consists of the size of the chain stays, the distance between the bottom bracket axle and the back wheel axle, and the distance between the front wheel and the bottom bracket. These areas are the same for all bikes and are the basics of how they’re made and cannot be changed or the handling of the bike will be affected.

Another Important Dimension

The seat tube length is designed to fit the rider and can be adjusted by using a long seat pin to adjust the height of the saddle. The angle of the seat will be dependent on the frame size or, at least this is the case with factory made frames. The smaller the bike frame, the steeper the seat tube will angle. This may need to be adjusted for taller or shorter riders, however. The more relaxed the angle is, the more comfortable of a rider there is going to be.

Read full articles about bicycle geometry and bicycles available at this web.

Popularity: 9% [?]

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With a style as unique as he is, notably one of the best rap artists of all times, has finally released his newest album, Before I Self Destruct. Originally scheduled for release in time for Christmas 2008, the delay in the release date is just making fans anticipate the release of this 50 Cents fourth and possibly his best album to date.

50 Cent has been criticized for his work being to similar to others within the genre, but to his true fans his unique style is more of a social commentary on the world. His music gets fans excited and is meant to evoke feelings. Although some say that his lyrics go past the point he is trying to make, others feel that it is an expression of freedom of speech and that the underlying message is what is important.

No matter fan or foe, you can not argue the fact that his music,, even the G rated versions, are by far some of the best of today. His newest, and most anticipated released, Before I Self Destruct, has been postponed for the past several months. Each time the release date gets close they postpone it again, which has fans skeptical that it will actually make the June 30th release date this time.

November 2008 was the original release date for 50 Cent’s fourth album. It was postponed, as he wanted to get his signals in order and out to a public forum. There is speculation, however, that the album was postponed because of the pending album releases by Eminem and Dr. Dre that had been progressively leaking to the press.

Weather legitimate reasons or publicity stunt, the anticipation from fans continues to grows. As the June 30th date draws near, 50 Cent fans eagerly await the new album, hopefully it will stick this time.

Popularity: 17% [?]

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Florence Welch and her group, Florence and the Machine, have their public debut album called Lungs. It is an incredible mix of soul, rock and indie music that has received five star reviews.

The gentle sounds of soft vocals and harp tones is what has to be my favorite selection from the album Dog Days are Over, lead into a stormy crescendo, and then cut into a timid sounding piano piece. Almost, as if to try and showcase their full range of talents in this opening track, which perhaps was a very wise marketing strategy. Having the opening track with such a wide range, left a little something for everyone. Encouraging people to look at little bit more closely at the album as a whole.

A mix that goes from dark and sullen to cosmic and exciting, this incredible singer and songwriter, really seems to have it going on. It even has a more retro track called Drumming Song for those who prefer a more familiar sound.

With all the electric mixes in Lungs, this album is definitely classified in the pop genre. Two songs, that I believe will be two of the biggest hits of the year include “Rabbit Heart” and “Hurricane Drunk”. Florence & The Machine have an abundance of musical abilities that lead me to believe this will not be the last time we hear from them. I predict that there will be a second album release sometime next year.

There will definitely not be any trouble establishing a fan base for Florence & The machine. Their music is fresh and new and they will have a long, successful career in the music industry. Lungs is the perfect album for anyone who enjoys new and exciting music. You will not be disappointed!

Popularity: 17% [?]

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The newest Wilco CD, entitled Wilco, has been released just in time for the wake of the fans excitement about the bands DVD Ashes of American Flags. Ashes of American Flags is a DVD of live footage from the bands 2008 bus journey across the US. It gave fans a great look at not only the band, but also the US, and left them wanting more.

Being a long time fan of Wilco, I was concerned about this album, considering the controversy when Warner Bros. rejected their submission of the album. Along with the numerous other Wilco fans, through emails and letter, I let them know that more of Wilco was just what we wanted!

Being their seventh album, it is hard to believe that their reputation could have been doubted, but unfortunately, with the industry that they are in, it sometimes come down to who you know not what talent you have. Thankfully, after a slight delay, their seventh album is here and it not only shows their musical talent, but the maturity of a comfort with the music that can be felt from the first to the last track.

Many thought that this self-titled album would be a wild mix, similar to that of Yankee Foxtrot Hotel, however, it is more heavily influenced by pop music of the 1960s and 1970s with songs like Sunny Feeling, and You Never Know making it more similar to the more traditional sounds of Sky Blue Sky.

Wilco has a mix of guitar strumming, big choruses, incredible slide guitar and the groups first ever doubt “You and I.” One of the most amazing things about this album is that no matter how similar the music is, each track has a uniqueness all its own. This self entitled album from Wilco has some of the old sound you are used to with a new twist!

Popularity: 17% [?]

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The seven member band from New Zealand utilize a unique blend of Jazz, Reggae and Hi Tek Soul to create a sound all their own. Since their debut album in 2005, called Based on a True Story, this incredible group has soared to fame and stardom. Their deep soulful cuts have made them favourites all over Europe as well, allowing them to tour the globe three times.

With so many one hit wonders on the scene, fans and critics alike were awaiting this ever so anticipated new album with high hopes. The release of Dr. Boondigga & the Big BW really fit the bill, and eclectic collection of songs with a story, meditative pieces and pieces that are just all around fun, this album reaches a little further for the band, and I am sure the Fat Freddy’s Drop fans will hear the maturity of their life experiences in this new album. Their music is evolving and honestly it is all for the better.

“Pull and Catch” one of the album tracks, was written while they were out fishing with Dallas’ uncle. They left in the morning, came home singing the song and recorder the demo that same day. “The Nod” was inspired by a communal flat that some of the band members stayed at a few years ago, it has a New Orleans Flavour and a party vibe.

“Big BW” is my favourite track on the album. It has a tame a meditative sound that touches you in a way that is unusual for today’s music. “Boon Digger” is the perfect compliment to this song with Dallas on vocals and deep lyrics. It is easy to see why both tracks are included in the album title.

This second album shows more of the bands true self, then their first release, and is a more deeper, soulful collection; a must have for all Jazz fans. This is an album that you should definitely check out, even if you never heard of the band. Oh and the album cover have amazing detail, definitely worth the look!

Popularity: 28% [?]

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Since 1986, Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe has carried their electric dance duo through more then two decades of success and selling more than 50 million sales worldwide. Their latest album, Yes, has everything that fans have grown to love including the return of Chris Lowe as back up singer. The album is full of state of the art songs and innovative artistry, this album is sure to be another chart topper.

Whether you are a long time fan of the PSB or this is the first album you have decided to try, you will be able to notice the large amount of insight into the music industry that this duo posses. With tracks like cool dance “Love Etc” directed to the socialite crowd, to the ballad “Beautiful People” there is something for all types of music lovers.

In the usual PSB tone that you would expect are the sneaky hidden undertones and covert social comments that the fans expect. The great thing about the Pet Shop Boys is there way of conveying their messages in such a way as to be equally as pleasing to both liberal and conservative listeners. Like in Building a Wall where it refers to not so much to keep you out/more to keep me in this could convey a message of immigration or one of intimacy or can just make for nice listening for those who aren’t looking for anything more.

One of my favorite tracks on the album is “Pandemonium”. It is an incredible mix of disco that has a primal feel giving it a head banger appeal.

Yes is super concentrated with everything there is to enjoy about PSB. It is danceable, yet everyday pop, with a combination of warmth and irony that makes Yes a must have for any Pet Shop Boys fan or anyone who enjoys good pop music.

Popularity: 25% [?]

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Grizzly Bear have never been about hype. Their last full-length album, Yellow House, seemed to virtually come out of nowhere to wide acclaim from fans and critics alike. Yet, even on the heels of what many people considered to be the best record of 2006, they toured very modestly, playing bars so small that they could barely fit their equipment through the door, while helping bring exposure to friends such as Dirty Projectors.

Things have changed since then, and the four lads have seen themselves open up for top-tier acts such as Feist and Radiohead. Regardless, Grizzly Bear have remained humble, and it’s not their fault that Veckatimest may in fact be the most hyped record of the year so far.

Veckatimest is better then was ever expected, with the components that were loved from Yellow House but at greater heights. Their new songs “Two Weeks” and “While You Wait For The Others” are reminiscent of Yellow House favorites “Knife” and “Easier”. If you enjoyed the orchestral sound of Yellow House, you are sure to enjoy this new album.

Their approach to song on this album has greatly changed since Yellow House. Meandering qualities were replaced with pop sensibility and almost every track can be a hit on their own. Although these songs would do well independently from the album that is not how they were meant to be heard. Grizzly Bear created the album as a cohesive unit that should be listened to from song one all the way to the last song on the album.

This album will solidify the Grizzly Bear’s placement as one of the most forward thinking modern rock acts in the industry. Although it is not know what plans they have for the future, I hope we do not need to wait another three years for their next masterpiece to appear.

Popularity: 31% [?]

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Off to bridge the genre gaps, Paolo Nutini uses his unique style and edge to show his fans what he is really made of. “Sunny Side Up” is an amazing album that seems to be appealing more to his grown up side.

By using his personal experiences, Paolo pulls in his listeners. His past albums have focused on relationships and encounters with people that have touched his life in different ways. This first album really showed an impressive side to him and his strong and milky smooth voice brought out a uniqueness that fans really loved.

His albums just keep getting better and better. The genres mix together and add a little bit of flavor and variety to his already unique style. Fans will love this new album and listen to it with friends and family over and over again.

It looks like Paolo will be around for awhile if he keeps up this amazing work! Blues, jazz, rock, folk and reggae are just a few of the genres that are filling this album (”Sunny Side Up”). He does better with each album and song it seems like.

Paolo’s fan base will certainly expand with this album, it hearkens to the time of Bob Dylan and Otis Reading and fans will eat it up. With a release date in time for Fathers Day I will be buying this for my Father and for myself. While its unfair to compare Paolo’s last album to this one, it deserves its time in the spotlight for the pure ingenuity of it. Maybe its the Italian influence while living in a Scottish hometown that gives him so much flavor, whatever the case he nails a hit to the door frame with this album.

Popularity: 46% [?]

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