Walk The Moon - Tightrope

Cincinnati's Walk The Moon does a helluva job explaining why I don't go outside in their video for "Tightrope".  Simply....the outside is out to get me.  I know it is and this video is a manifesto as to how it would do it.  But seriously, it's a super fun video for a super fun track.  This was the first song that I heard from them which led me to get the album and I was instantly hooked.  Spin Magazine says they are "Art-Rock" and if that's the case then I am a fan of this genre.  The album is what I consider to be the perfect blend of Synth Pop and Indie Rock.  The lyrics are fun and the choruses are catchy but more than that, the songs are well put together and crafted impeccably.  Take a look at the video and see if you aren't immediately hooked. 

Edit: If this how they sound live....count me in.  I mean hot damn!!!

Daniel Bedingfield - Secret Fear

If anyone other than Daniel Bedingfield recorded this video, the nudity would have been done just for sensationalism but it's well documented how Daniel feels about his body and how this video is nothing more than an extension of the song and of him.  I think it's an incredible video that hows how the secrets he's been keeping from not only his lover but himself have created nothing but tumult in their lives and how if he continues to keep them locked away it's going to lead to disaster.  I think it's a beautifully shot video and the concept is great.  Watch it now on youtube before it gets taken down for the nudity.  This is one of my favorite tracks off his EP, Stop the Traffik/Secret Fear and I think the emotion it is able to evoke is amazing.  What do you think about this video?

Delta Rae - Dance in the Graveyards

Here's what I learned today from Delta Rae.  Do not watch a potentially emotionally charged video at work on your cellphone because when the emotion hits (and it will), you may break down and cry a bit.  This video struck me right in my gut.  In 2010, I lost the love of my life to pneumonia and this made me think of him so much.  Ian's attitude toward death is very similar to my own.  After Sean died in a time of perpetual self doubt and heartache, I had to come to the realization that there's no way in this world that I was going to walk it alone.  He is with me in everything that I do and I know that I have felt his hand driving me to better myself and to honor the life we had together.  So I know that when it comes time for me to say my goodbyes to this world, he will be there waiting for me to dance and celebrate everything that we had and everything that we are.

The video is a celebration in the style of Dia de los Muertos with the band donning sugar skull makeup and bringing the loved ones of the dead back for one more dance.  The make up is done incredibly and I hope that there are stills of them floating around the internet because they are awesome.  When Ian lowered his staff and summoned the widow's husband, I lost it.  Tears streaming, I had to get up from my desk and make haste to dry my eyes.  This video is clearly inspired and I will watch it with joy in my heart because it will be a happy day when I get to see all those that have gone before me.  Watch the video and see what I mean.  They are an amazing group with so much to give and I am eternally grateful for this gift they have given me today.

Much love, guys and gals.

Little Mix - DNA

Say what you will about Little Mix. When it comes to solid pop tracks, these girls have created two amazing songs that show off each and every one of their talents beautifully. I love their voices and harmonies and they all play so well off each other. I am very impressed with Perrie on this track. Her voice is so mature and full it just fills up the whole space. It's a great pop track with a driving bass line and a massive chorus. I am a fan and can't wait for the album to come out. I want to see where they go next and how a they really handle a ballad or two. If you want to hear an amazing cover, their arrangement of Katy Perry's E.T. from The X-Factor (Link) is just crazy.

Shiny Toy Guns - Fading Listening

My obsession with Shiny Toy Guns is becoming pretty severe. Like they are rapidly becoming a huge part of my musical go-to-artists, you know the ones that no matter how crappy you feel, as soon as you throw on a track; things start to look up. So their new album III came out today and from what I've heard on my first run through, the band is back to being the amazing group they were with We Are Pilots. When I initially started writing about them, I wanted to ride the fence between Carah Faye and Sisely but as time has gone on, it is clear to me that Carah Faye is the only way to go.  Season of Poison wasn't a horrible album but it was too different from their first outing and getting back to (what I feel they do best) what they do best, III is nothing but pure Synth Pop to the absolute max and I love every minute of it.  Here is a bit of a sneak to tide you over until I come back with my full write up.

It's a super cute concept for the video using the kids in place of the band but sometimes I need to see that band I am watching.  Carah Faye sounds amazing in this song.  She is channeling some serious Christine McVie meets Stevie Nicks and there is just a bit of Bryan Ferry in Chad's vocals.  I love every minute of this track and there are even more amazing examples of how this group has grown and matured.  I am so happy that Carah Faye is back behind this microphone where she belongs and I will have a full review of the album as soon as I am done with my second pass through.  Until then, enjoy "Fading Listening" and get ready for some amazing music from these guys.

Rodney Noffsinger - Here I Am

I don't have a lot of experience with pop rock comparisons. So I can't say that Rodney Noffsinger sounds like so-in-so or I can hear an influence of whatshisname in this track. What I can say and know for a fact is that this is a solid track that has huge potential for massive airplay.  It's commercial enough to make you want to hear more but not cookie cutter.  And that's what I've done.  After listening to a ton of tracks on his youtube and reverbnation, I want to see him live and buy his albums.  They are a Nashville based band so you can hear a bit of Music Row influence to their music. If I had to make a stab at saying where I would place them, it would be somewhere in the vicinity of Shinedown and Staind. I don't know if that is an insult or a compliment but that's where my ear leads me.

Rodney is the son of a preacher and has spent his musical life running the gamut of styles and influences from Garth Brooks to Hip Hop to Grunge.  His voice has this gritty edge to it that helps create this cool vibe and you can really hear him shine on his cover of Godsmack's "Voodoo" (Click here but then come right back).  I think that with the combination of quality writing, his voice and good looks; they really have a strong shot of  being something great.  I would certainly buy their albums or vote for them on one of those talent shows.  If you're looking for something a little more rock than what I normally feature, then this is totally where you need to be.  Rodney Noffsinger and his amazing band have a great shot at being something big.  Take a listen and let me know what you think in the comments.

Rodney Noffsinger on the Web

http://www.rodneynoffsinger.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rodneynoffsinger
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/rodneynoffsinger
ReverbNation: https://www.reverbnation.com/rodneynoffsingerrocker