Last.fm

You guys have all heard of Pandora, right? The online "radio" site where you can type in a favorite artist or song and the site will generate an entire radio station based on that entry?

Yeah, I'm sure you have.

You may not have heard of Last.fm, though, which is very similar to Pandora. You build channels based on your favorite artists or songs, but you also have the ability to add songs and artists to playlists and write reviews and such.

It also has a better search feature than Pandora, and it's more of a "community," if will.

The best feature about Last.fm, though, is the Last.fm Firefox Add-on. You download this puppy, you put it right up on your Firefox Toolbar and before you know it you're ripping your hair out to crazy crap like Slayer and Pantera (that was my day yesterday... surprisingly it was one of my most productive days ever).

The toolbar feature is great--you don't have to open an entire tab or window to listen to your tunes.

You should give it a try. And let me know if you find any cool stations.

Album Review: Day & Age

I did it. I finally cracked open my new Killers CD (Day & Age) and gave it a listen.

Yes, yes, it’s been a while since I actually bought the CD, but how can I be expected to listen to an actual CD in the age of iPods?

Anyway, I’m happy to report that it’s on the iPod—cover art and everything—and now Day & Age is in regular rotation.

My verdict? Excellent album. After three times completely through, I have come to the conclusion that this was a solid purchase.

It’s a very different sound for the Killers, and I think that’s why I like it. I have both of their previous albums and I’ve been a big fan so far. But judging by Hot Fuss (The Killers’ debut album), their follow-up Sam’s Town and now Day & Age, The Killers are definitely not limiting themselves to a specific sound. They’re all over the place, and I like it.

For example: One track, I Can’t Stay, sounds very mellow—almost cabana-like. It’s very cool, but fans of the higher energy fare like Mr. Brightside will probably be a little surprised. Maybe even disappointed.

My favorite tracks on the album so far are Losing Touch, Joy Ride, A Dustland Fairytale and Neon Tiger. But really there’s not a bad song in the lot.

I didn’t even mention Human or Spaceman (mostly because they’re both pretty popular anyway). Both are just awesome.

So if you loved Hot Fuss… I really don’t know if you’ll like Day & Age. Like I said, it’s different.

If you love good music though, I’m sure Day & Age will be right up your alley.

Put it in your ears: 1/26

This week's picks focus on the other side of the spectrum: country.

I like country music, but not the kind you may be thinking of. I don't like the McGraws, the Tritts, the Brookses and the Dunns. That stuff is crap. I favor real country music.

I'm talking real country.

Check these out, when you get a chance:

Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town - Kenny Rogers
Folsom Prison Blues - Johnny Cash
Bloody Mary Morning - Willie Nelson
Restless - Alison Krauss and Union Station
Big Country - Bela Fleck & the Flecktones

So what do you think? Where do your country loyalties lie? I personally stay away from anyone named Travis or Clint, but that's just me...

Put it in your ears!

I need this song

It's rare that you find a song that makes you both laugh out loud and want to blast a hole in your bedroom wall with a fiery roundhouse kick.

Well ladies and gentlemen, I've found such a song and I need to have it. It's called "You're The Best Around" by Joe Esposito. You may remember it from Karate Kid:

After searching unsuccessfully for this song on the Internets, I have decided to put out an APB. I'm bringing my request to all one or two of you reading this blog, and I'm begging you: If you have it, or know where I can get it, please let me know. I will pay handsomely... in the form of half-eaten E.L. Fudges.

Put it in your ears: 1/19

This week's picks are for a good friend of mine, Rock Mitchell, who noted recently the lack of hip-hop on IYE.

I was offended that he would even hint that I am anti hip-hop.

In fact, some of my favorite music is in the hip-hop genre, and my personal credo is this: I love all music--as long as it's good.

That being said, here are some good hip hop picks for any music lover.

Put it in your ears:
Countdown - Jurassic 5
Sometimes I Rhyme Slow - Nice & Smooth
Bombs Over Baghdad - Outkast
Summer Nights - Li'l Rob
Numb/Encore - Jay-Z and Linkin Park

On the Web: Just Hear !t

Just found out about a new music site today called Just Hear !t (See what they did with the exclamation point there? It's like an upside-down I...)


I checked it out, and I must say this is a pretty cool little site. You can search for any song on the Interweb, use an easy drag and drop feature, and create your own playlists. It's completely free, it's completely legal and it... you know... works.

I searched for a few different songs that I thought might trip it up and their search engine found every one of them.

I like it. I'm on board. It's in Beta testing mode right now, so you can't exactly sign up for it just yet, but I recommend checking it out: www.JustHearIt.com. I think you'll like what you see.

Iconic Songs

So I'm just sitting here jamming out to Free Bird.

Well, in my mind I'm jamming out. In reality I'm sitting in a cubicle pushing papers around. But in my mind I am whipping a long frock of nasty red hair around my sweaty neck and hammering a killer guitar solo to the delight of tripped-out hippies everywhere.

What a sweet song.

It's a shame it took me so long to discover it. Especially since Free Bird is such an iconic song in the world of rock. I am glad, though, that I brought it into the fold as part of my recent Southern Rock revolution.

Now I need your guys' help to avoid further embarrassment. What other classic, iconic, epic songs of rock am I missing? What Free-Bird-esque songs should every music buff have in their collection?

Just Purchased: Day and Age

Finally picked up the Killers new album "Day and Age." Review forthcoming.

Anyone out there own the album? What can I expect?

Put it in your ears: 1/12

This is the first installment of Put It In Your Ears--a weekly post full of music recommendations and snappy wit.

Every week the staff here at IYE will comb over their cavernous music library to bring you some of the best music you will ever hear in your lives. Looking for a diverse music portfolio? Roam no further my friends.


Put this in your ears:
Assassin - Muse
Round and Round - Ratt
Rain Please Go Away - Alison Krauss and Union Station
Everlong - Foo Fighters
Cry Freedom - Dave Matthews Band

Band Profile: Dave Matthews Band

Has a band ever inspired you to bust out your air violin? Welcome to the jazz-acoustic-jam-rock world of Dave Matthews Band.

(photo credit)

Artist: Dave Matthews Band

Genre: Acoustic Rock

Comparable to: Phish, Widespread Panic, Grateful Dead

First exposure: 1999. I was sharing a bedroom with my oldest brother, who upon returning from a DMB concert blasted "Before These Crowded Streets" at 8 a.m. the day after. I've been hooked ever since.

Albums:
Remember Two Things
Recently (EP)
Under the Table and Dreaming
Crash
*Before These Crowded Streets
Everyday
Busted Stuff
Stand Up
A whole ton of live albums

*My favorite album

My thoughts: I have two stickers on the back of my Toyota Tacoma: One oval "Y" for BYU, and one black and white "DMB" sticker. For a guy who hates bumper stickers, that should tell you something.

Dave Matthews Band is my absolute favorite. I've seen them 12 (one dozen) times in concert, and I own well over 100 CDs filled with DMB music (I used to be a tape trader... it's a part of my past few people know about).

As far as pure music is concerned, DMB demonstrates both passion and mastery. They love their art, and the fact that they have toured every single year since 1993 is pretty convincing evidence.

Their concerts are incredible. They play for hours, and can stretch a simple song into a full out jam lasting sometimes more than 20 minutes.

Some say they've hit their peak, but I continue to follow Dave Matthews Band with great interest.

Song Recommendations:
Crush - Before These Crowded Streets
Dancing Nancies - Under The Table and Dreaming
Warehouse - Under The Table and Dreaming
#41 - Crash
Lie in Our Graves - #41
Bartender - Busted Stuff
Fool To Think - Everyday

I love DMB, and you should too. If anyone is interested in building their own DMB collection and needs some suggestions please email me at inyourearsblog(at)gmail(dot)com.

Get this song: Cherub Rock

Song: Cherub Rock

Artist: Smashing Pumpkins

Album: Siamese Dream

Genre: Alternative Rock

What makes it good: The snare drum at the beginning, the guitar solo and the Billy Corgan wail.

Thoughts: This is, for the moment, the greatest song in the world. It's only fitting that it be my first recommendation. Cherub Rock is grungy, it's dirty and it's awesome. It's the kind of song that makes you want to turn off the lights, shred your air guitar and consider joining the local carnival. Buy this song today and don't look back.

From the same artist:
Disarm
Siva
Tonight, Tonight

Introduction

Don't you love the first post on a brand new blog? You know what I'm talking about: The introductory post.

"Welcome to my new blog everybody!", "I don't know how often I'll write!", "Will anyone ever even read this blog?"

Lame.

Lame, but necessary. I can't start on No. 2, after all.

So welcome to my new blog everybody. I don't know how often I'll write, or if anyone will ever even read this crazy blog, but I'm here to spew out words regardless.

This is a music blog, by the way. Here I will talk openly, as one man talketh with another, about good songs, bad songs, my favorite stuff and the stuff I want to ralph on.

My interests are pretty varied, so there should be something for everyone here. I'm hoping for some good comments, playful banter, suggestions, disagreement and free samples. Edible or otherwise.

And a steady advertising revenue would be nice. How about it, Apple?

Thanks for visiting (especially those who came over from Adam's Sports Blog, my firstborn blog), and come back often. Please add me to your google reader, or subscribe via other means. I'd love to brew up a good discussion.