Viva La Revolution

O.A.R. or Of a Revolution is an American jam band with such hits as Love and Memories, Hey Girl and That was a Crazy Game of Poker.

In my opinion, the most interesting aspect of OAR is that the band was born, gained popularity and to this day thrives on the internet. The band’s music became known amongst American college students through file sharing. However, the publicity was all the band needed to get to where they are now.

The band comprises of lead vocalist and guitarist Marc Roberge, Chris Culos on the drums, Richard On also sings and plays guitar, Benj Gershman is the bassist, Jerry DePizzo plays the saxophone and Mikel Paris on the keyboard.

The band has released five studio recored albums and are currently hard at work on another which is due to come out early this year.

As always, if this is the first time you’re hearing about this band I suggest that you listen to some of their music. Love and Memories is hailed as the band’s greatest hit and I love the song. However, it’s overplayed and can often shadow the rest of the band’s work. So if you’re feeling extra adventurous, go ahead and listen to the other two songs. Hope you enjoy it!

Demonic Taste

In ancient and Medieval times they were known as demons who would rape women in their sleep. Today the word brings to mind one of the most talented current alternative rock bands. I’m talking about Incubus!

As I said, the word “Incubus” is originally the name given to ancient demons who would sneak into a woman’s bedroom and use her to spawn demonic babies. The music of the current day band, which holds the same name, is described by some to be equally supernatural.

The band formed in 1992 with lead vocalist, Brad Boyd, guitarist, Mike Einzinger, and drummer, Jose Stanulonis. The three grew up together in California and started making music as soon as they could afford the instruments. Through a series of small record company endorsements and a a couple of small tours, word got out about the band and their new sound. The band would eventually land a record deal with Epic Records and bassist Ben Kenney would join the group.

The band is famous for their stunning vocals and powerful but controlled music. Some of their most famous songs are Megalomaniac from the album A Crow Left of the Murder…, Drive from the album Make Yourself, Pardon Me from the same album as Drive, and Dig. Dig is from the band’s newest album, Light Grenades.

I suggest to anyone who hasn’t heard the band’s work before, that you take the time to listen to a couple of these songs. Even if you’re not a huge fan of alternative rock, there’s no disputing the fact that these guys are talented. Enjoy!

Irish Pride

This week’s band hails from a bar room in Los Angeles. Their Irish influences over an American punk rock sound have become an international sensation. This band’s name is Flogging Molly.

Flogging Molly first started performing in the late 90′s in a bar in LA. It was a steady gig at a pub called Molly Malone’s. Thus when the seven members that make up the band decided to name themselves, they named themselves after the pub.

Flogging Molly’s music is classified as punk rock. However, they use Irish instruments and melodies to bring a Celtic overtone to the whole project.

Some examples of their music are, Drunken Lullabies, Seven Deadly Sins, and Salty Dog.

Another unique sound that the band is infamous for are drinking songs. For a band that has it’s roots in a bar, they do justice to the genre. Such songs as, Fuck You I’m Drunk, have very few instrumentals in them for the sole purpose that they’re meant to be chanted by groups of belligerently drunk people.

The band has a new album coming out this March called Float.

That’s Classic

This week I’ve decided to talk about one of my favorite musicians. You’ve undoubtedly heard one of his famous songs at some point in your life. I’m talking, of course, about Billy Joel.

Billy Joel’s music is filed, in the itunes music store or (for some older readers) a record store, under classic rock. However, Joel always strayed from the sound of his co-genre counterparts such as, Led Zeppelin or The Eagles. Both of whom were enormous influences in the genre of classic rock. What set Billy’s music apart from the crowd was his influence in European classical music. This taste for sophistication in a song, more than likely came from his heritage. His whole family was from Germany and his father was an accomplished piano player.

Thus, the piano is heavily featured in almost all of Joel’s music. His ability to play the instrument is clearly at a masters level. The soothing and stunning melodies that Joel plays on the piano are so captivating that they can literally change someone’s mood into whatever the tone of the song is. Some examples of this exemplified piano playing are in Joel’s songs “She’s Always a Woman” and “Piano Man.”

A theme in Billy Joel’s music seems to be making a life for yourself in the New York/ New Jersey area. In fact the tone of most of his songs were arguably blues. They dealt with troubles such as getting kicked out by your landlord or drowning your life long dreams in a bar, listening to the sound of a piano. This connects his music to the average person living in and around New York City, which could explain some of his popularity in the area. His song’s “Movin’ Out“, “Cold Spring Harbor” and “New York State of Mind” bare references to New Jersey, Long Island and New York City. Also, take note that in these songs, Billy Joel uses a lot of saxophone. Using woodwind instruments such as this is another sign of his classical influences. Honestly, if you need another example, just look at his hair in the “Movin’ Out” video. He looks like Mozart.

Billy Joel is a music legend comparable to Sir Elton John. And I hope you take the time to listen to his music. Even if you find that you’re not a big fan of his music, I guarantee you’ll hear it again somewhere. So the next time you find yourself in a bar on 29th street, deep in thought, and you hear that signature piano sound start to play; you can think about the man behind the music and maybe even sing along.