This album will surely be a hit due to the fan base of Coldplay; it is definitely worth listening to. Some may wonder where the name Mylo Xyloto (pronounced My-low Zy-letoe) came from. Well during an interview with Chris Martin, lead singer on the band, he explains the name. “Something about it feels quite fresh. The title doesn’t have any other meaning. I think we’re a band with a lot of history now so it’s nice to come up with something that doesn’t have any history at all. We’ve had that title for about two years on a board and any other potential titles had to be written next to it. Other ones made more sense but we liked this one, that’s all we can defend it with.”

Although the album title has no real meaning to it, the songs on the album do. This is the fifth album produced by Coldplay and it is less dominated by what the fans want and is more what the band wants. Martin refers to the music on this album as more of a “stripped- down sound.”  So what the music on this album will be like is a mystery, but regardless of this new sound, Coldplay is one of the top bands and their new album should be heard. Coldplay’s sound is similar to that of the band Mumford & Sons, if you like Mumford & Sons, you will definitely enjoy Coldplay. Give the album a chance, and hear the wonderful music of Coldplay!

The four friends bonded over their love of country, bluegrass and folk, and decided to make music that sounded loud, proud and live. Once they realized they were meant to be a band, they immediately hit the road. Straightaway, they won the hearts of the audiences they performed for. They began touring extensively in 2008, and eventually had their first American tour. The reason their music is loved by millions is because it is so real.

On the band’s album, Sigh No More, the songs are anywhere from upbeat and fun, to slow and relaxing. My personal favorite being “Awake my Soul,” this song is truly beautiful and I can never get enough. The first song I ever heard from Mumford & Sons was “The Cave,” and since then I have been listening to as much as I possibly can. If you like Mumford & Sons as much as I do, you will also love Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.

This band succeeded because they were always true to themselves, they never changed their sound and always played the music they loved. This is why they have made such a splash in the music scene, they are 100% original. Their folk rock music should be heard by everyone possible because it is simply happy music. The quirky style and music coming from this group is catching on quick and people are realizing how unique it is.

If I ever get the opportunity to see Mumford & Sons live, I would never pass it up. Going to a one of their concerts would definitely change my life, they are one of my favorite bands, and they deserve all the recognition they can get! This one goes out to my four main men.

Mumford & Sons, \”The Cave\”

British Indie folk band Noah and the Whale lit up west-side Salt Lake City Thursday night with over an hour of “fun, fun, fun” and a generally- rocking time. The club-turned-music-hall “In the Venue” provided an up-close-and-personal experience with a band known mostly for light lyrics and jovial fiddling, yet whose depth continued to impress me as the night wore on.

Starting-tunes such as “Fun, Fun, Fun” and “Love of an Orchestra” soon gave way to somber, more melancholy melodies that accompanied slower beats and heart-felt lyrics. Those familiar with the Scottish Indie band “Frightened Rabbit” and American Indie rock band “The National” would recognize a similar depth of emotion that only profound lyrics and minor chords/keys can convey. It was a beautiful experience with a band that makes beautiful music.

There was a draw back, though, which at least came from the audience and not from the band, and that is that the biggest cheer from the audience came for “L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N”, the first official single released from their new album, Last Night on Earth (March ’11). The song is by far the most popular off of their new CD, which I had actually never heard and up to this point, of the concert that is, had impressed me with the breadth of sound.

The opening beat reminded me of something I would hear on SLC’s 97.1, the kind of music made to make money instead of made to express and convey emotion. I immediately turned to my buddy and expressed this sentiment as swarms of teenagers gleefully danced and swayed to the jaded beats of past and present ‘hits.’ I guess I sometimes would like to forget that the music industry is, well, just that; I would prefer for music to be something individually experienced and thus varying in our likes/dislikes. Needless to say, and hence the need for this website, I was/am sorely disappointed.

But in order to maintain a positive tone on this review, 2 thumbs up for Noah and the Whale. They put on a great show in a venue that probably wasn’t meant for them, going so far as to say, “It was a 24 hour long bus ride from Vancouver, but I can tell you it was really worth it” and “You’re probably one of the best audiences we’ve ever had” (don’t quote him on it, ‘cuz the current city is always the best, right??!!). Their new CD is generally impressive, carrying on a great quality of work and continuing to expand the range of this particular Indie band.

For those true Indie lovers, Bahamas opened the show with half an hour of good roots Indie music. The Canadian musician gave off a great vibe and a had a great performance to boot.

To Bahamas, great opening, and to Noah and the Whale, fantastic finish.

While exploring some music today, I came across an artist I had never heard of–perhaps I’m the last one to find her, but maybe some of you out there haven’t heard of her either. Her name is Kelli Schaefer, and she is pretty cool.

She has a very jazzy, soft, interesting voice, similar to that of Feist, or Sinead O’Conner. Her music has a interesting feel to it, with roots in New Orleans. Some have described her voice to be like a sirens call, seducing the ears of her listeners with her melodies, and interesting beats.

Her vulnerability makes her fun to listen to, as she seem s to bare her soul in each track. Her album is called “Ghost of the Beast.” You can check out some of her singles on her myspace page, as well as find out more information about her music, and concert dates.

Check out her tracks “City Morgue” and “Gone in Love.” Personally, I’m pretty intrigued by her, and am curious to see what her musical potential will be.

Tyler Ward also has many of his own original songs on YouTube including:
-”Satellite”
-”Airliner”
-”That Kind of Love”
-”Home”
-”Heartbeat”
-”Pages of Life”
-”Wastin’ time”

Tyler Ward is a true artist with a large following on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and iTunes. He releases news songs or new covers almost weekly for his fans. He always keeps his dedicated fans up to date and wanting more.
He performs these songs because he loves to do it.
Check out Tyler Ward on his YouTube channel, his Facebook page, or listen to and download his songs on iTunes.

Paris-born singer Asa (pronounced Asha) may be the next upcoming name to watch. Her unique and soulful sounds off of her second album “Beautiful Imperfections” are already beginning to turn heads. Having grown up in Nigeria, she fuses a very interesting blend of sounds and vocals sets her apart from those she is compared to, including singer Sade and Neneh Cherry.

She likes to blend a combination of pop and soul, with reggae influences in some songs as well. Because of her expansive style, she appeals to many different musical audiences. The song “Preacher Man”  demonstrates Asa’s impressive vocals, and the confessional pleading tone is striking, as she sings of “reaching out” and “being ready to change.”

Check out Asa’s album “Beautiful Imperfections” and see if you become her newest fan.

The album has a variety of styles present in it. It serves as a compilation for the evolution that Radiohead has undergone over the years. Whereas previous installments have been upbeat, these songs are more eerie and creepy. There is a otherworldly element, supposedly connected to the title’s implied imagery of mystic forests.

The time may be a bot of a disappointment for people, however. The length is short, not matter how you look at it. All in all, it clocks in at 37 minuteds or so, making it a bit on the thin side. If you can get past it, you’ll like it.

The King Of Limbs demonstrates how a band can evolve over time and still make good music. The variety of styles found inside are delightful, and is well worth checking out, especially if you like an eerie evolution of contemporary themes.

Ritual is the 2011 album relase for the band. Ritual makes use of solemn themes and imagery, combining these “dark hope” themes with electronic beats and the vocals for which the band is famous for. Religious imagery is liberally sprinkled throughout the album, even if it a bit vague. The musical style in not unlike a combination of Interpol and The Killers, making for a heartfelt production.

All in all, Ritual is enjoyable if you can find the meaning in the lyrics and understand the imagery that the band is trying to promote. The emotional aspects of the singing combine nicely with theme, and make for pretty good songs. All in all, it’s nothing that is absolutely essential to have, but is well worth listening to.

Iron and Wine’s newest venture, “Kiss Each Other Clean,” has a different sound than fans of the band may be used to. Many of the tracks seem a little bit less obscure and more easy to relate to, but they still have that independent and unique quality that followers of Sam Beam have come to love. “Tree By the River” is a melodic and beautiful tune that evokes thoughts of past loves and memories, whereas, the crooning “Half Moon” offers a sense of devotion and longing.

The power of the tracks on this album is undeniable, but it does offer a little bit more raw content than some of the past; there is even a content advisory on the cover. However, this can be expected, since Sam Beam never seems to hold back in his writing or performing. Other notable tracks include “Walking Far from Home,” “Big Burned Hand,” and “Glad Man Singing.” There is no doubt that Iron and Wine’s sound becomes more refined and interesting as new material is written, and it is predicted that fans will be very happy with this brand new view into Beam’s musical genius.