Breakouts: BrianKingston

BrianKingston's Got Dwarf Legs Disorder

Hey. Hazim here...again. For me, new artists are just as crucial as the veterans, so there are millions of fresh musicians and bands out there (including my friend's band Medley) who are trynna win over some fans. Well, lounging around Rachael Yamagata's myspcae (I'm a massive fan), Anyways, there's this dude who's trynna make it big named Brian Kingston. My girlfriend thinks his music's really nice, so I decided to do to him what I did to Corinne Bailey Rae. Just introduce him to people who might happen to read this blog. His music's kinda adult contemporary chart kinda stuff. His debut (I think) album's got Rachael Yamagata's bassist and drummer on it, so Rachael's vibe is in there. Check out his myspace profile and official website. His song The title of the CD is called Songwriters Are Cowards and it's not released here (yet), so I can't really review it, but I've heard "Turn It On". Got a nice vibe-like someone singing in a cafe. So check him out. It's really not just another songwriting dude a la John Mayer. Honest. I would never endorse music I don't dig. Hazim. Out.
BrainKingston.com

Eyes Open For The Snow Patrol

Hey. Hazim here...again. When Snow Patrol came out, I thought they were just another Travis/Coldplay ripoff wannabes-that sort of thing. And then I listened to their songs more and more and I kinda felt cozy with it, so I went out and bought their CD. I didn't really notice they took a bit of a break, but now there's news they're coming back with a new album called Eyes Open. Everybody shout! The first single, I'm kinda confused whether it's "Hands Open" or "You're All I Have", but anyways, you can listen to a snippet of "Hands Open" at their myspace. Click here. CD releases have been kinda bland lately, so it's good to hear their new labum's gonna drop May 1st. For people who hate Chris Martin, don't bother with Snow Patrol. Apparently, their shows in Boston were sold out. Lucky Boston...Hazim. Out.

CDReview: TheVines//VisionValley

Hey. Hazim here...again. I decided that for every new album that I buy that I feel strongly about, I'm gonna have my own little review of it here on my blog, sorta like in the mags. Anyways, the first one I'll do is The Vines' new album Vision Valley.
WHAT'SGOODFor me, the Vines have always been a cross between The Beatles and The Strokes. They have fun, but they're serious so this album's seriously fun. I love "Don't Listen To The Radio" and "Gross Out" is really punky. "Anysound" is a definite contender for a single. The other side of the Vines like on "Spaceship" is like finding yourself in dreamland, like if the Beatles were a bit harder. I know a few critics (fuck them all!) think Craig Nicholl's (lead singer) is a bit shallow in his songwriting skills, but honestly, I disagree. The lyrics are sharper on this one. Definitely better than Winning Days (although "Ride" is one of my fave songs of all time). You definitely won't be embarassed to have this on your Ipod.
WHAT'SNOTSOGOODThere isan't really anything bad bout this album. I was blasting it in the hospital. Gave me eargasms. Sometimes, the lead singer's screaming does get to you, but it's all part of the fun.
GRADEA. Singalong clapalong garage punk. This CD would be awesome for a party. I wish I could see them live...
HIGHLIGHTTRACKS"Don'tListenToTheRadio""GrossOut""FuckYeah"
ARTISTWEBSITEhttp://www.thevines.com

MarioVasquez: He Didn't Win But He Got Signed To A Major Label Anyways

Hey. Hazim here...again. It's kinda unusual to have a favorite recording label, but since I'm a music freak, I'll say that J Records, RCA, and Arista have been coming out with mainstream hits like Outkast, Kelis, Dido, Kelly Clarkson, Avril Lavigne, Maroon 5, Sarah McLaclan, and Usher. So, ex-American Idol finalist Mario Vasquez must be something really special to score a recording contract with Arista. Anyways, his debut album will hit stores this summer and the first single written by NeYo is called "Gallery". I'm guessing it'll be R&B-ish. Nobody knows why he quit American Idol, but I'll have tosay, it was a good move. Clive Davis, the same dude who signed the past four winners signed him on anyways. You don't need a reality show to be discovered. You need raw talent, not that I actually think Mario will do well on the charts. I mean, can you imagine a radio DJ going "And the number one song is Mario Vasquez with his hit song Gallery". Hazim. Out.

Hazim's Here...And Finally Back

Hey. Hazim here...and finally back. I was gone for a while. It's time to get back to normal with the new semester coming up (groan) and running practices (groan again). But whatever, glad to be back. I just got my new The Vines CD Vision Valley and I'm blasting it. I'll prolly end up wearing hearing aids by age 40. haha. Anyways, starting tomorrow, Hazim'll be back in full force. More stuff. More music stuff, I mean. Gossip's mostyl for my other blogger site at The Paper Boi (check the link in the sidebar). Anyways, until the next time I've got something to say, Hazim Out.