the blogford files

I don’t think so! You guys will need some stuff to listen to while putting up the Christmas tree.

The first track is a pretty cool remix of Jingle Bells- the second is a classic to all, Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” and lastly is a little gem I found, an entire album of Christmas piano from the 1920’s.

Joe Williams
“Jingle Bells” (mp3)
from “Christmas Remixed 2″
(Rock River Music)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
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Stream from Rhapsody
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Bing Crosby
“White Christmas” (mp3)
from “Bing Crosby Christmas”
(Spectra Records)

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John Tasker Howard
“The First Noel” (mp3)
from “A Piano Christmas in the 1920’s”
(Lyrichord)

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Buy at GroupieTunes
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I’ve been on the hunt the past few weeks for something new.  Not necessarily innovative in the music world but at least music that can keep my attention from beat 1.  It’s not a huge list and unfortunately it’s not all available yet but I’m giving you a heads up…

What are you listening to?

• Tom Yarbrough: My Good Thing EP- the track “Oh, Your Love” is amazing.  Should be available in the next few months online.  I’ll definitely keep you guys posted on his stuff.
• Our Heart’s Hero: Just received two demo tracks from these guys- and I must say they have come a long way since the over-Christian-radio-produced self-titled debut on Gotee.  Excited to see these guys back to the edge!  Really digging the track called “Keep Breathing”
• Oasis: Dig Out Your Soul is one of if not my favorite album of 2008.  Absolutely amazing. “Bag It Up”, “Waiting For The Rapture” & “The Shock Of The Lightning” are stand outs on this album-  but I highly recommend the whole thing…
• Stereophonics: Decade In The Sun is a best of collection with a crazy new track called “My Own Worst Enemy”.
• The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus’s new single “You Better Pray”-  good rock and roll.
• Butch Walker: Sycamore Meadows-  good safe record… if you are a fan then you will love this record.
• The Classic Crime’s “The Fight”- yes, it’s a few years old but just dig this track.

What I did NOT buy or like this week.

• David Cook’s new album.  Cookie Cutter- absolutely nothing new and no surprises.  Will be a huge hit with mom’s and young ladies across the US.  I’m curious about his photos, his head seems really long- just me or the hair-do?
• Red’s new single “Fight Inside”.  I tried it.  It seems to be Chevelle meets Linkin Park and both of those bands keep me covered.
• Bret Michaels “Acoustic Sessions”-  Need I say more?

Please advise…  What are you listening to?

Have you ever had an awkward pause in a conversation where you could
have sworn you heard crickets chirping? Now you can ACTUALLY hear
crickets chirping. Check out theCRICKETtoy.

theCRICKETtoy was created by my friend Jeff Anderson, a songwriter/producer in Nashville with a goofy sense of humor. He has several awkward videos posted here and you can buy your own cricket on his website. Matter of fact, it would make the ideal stocking stuffer for the teen in your life. Everyone knows they are full of awkward moments…

Watch His ‘Not the Greatest Singer‘ Video

P.S. I told him I would help him get the word out, so please copy and paste this entry in your blog and ask your readers to buy a toy and put this entry in their blog. I want to see just how many blogs we can get this fun, toy (Great Stocking Stuffer-only $5) on! I think we’ve got the next “pet rock” and it’s fun to be a part of creating a cultural phenomenon!

Got some good stuff this week!  Some garage rock, pop/rock and modern/alt rock… Enjoy it!

Prima Donna is clearly inspired by the early punk of groups such as X-Ray Specs, the Damned, and the Sex Pistols as well as ‘70s glitter such as Mott the Hoople and David Bowie, the group’s sharp ‘n’ concise songwriting sidesteps any notions of the group being ‘retro.’ How retro can a group be if their average age is 22?

Prima Donna
“Stray Doll” (mp3)
from “After Hours”
(Acetate Records)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Napster
Buy at Rhapsody
Stream from Rhapsody
Buy at Puretracks
Buy at mTraks
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War Tapes is a Los Angeles 4-piece that successfully blends the attitude and edge of today’s post-hard-core scene with an appealing nod to 80’s new-wave and post-punk. All the while, War Tapes demonstrate a knack for creating huge hooks, turbulent soundscapes, and fist pumping, heart breaking sing-a-long choruses.

War Tapes
“Dreaming of You” (mp3)
from “War Tapes”
(Sarathan Records)

Buy at Amazon.com MP3 Store (label)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Napster
Buy at Rhapsody
Stream from Rhapsody
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Tim Mahoney has crafted one great pop/rock track…  It’s familiar sounding as many singer/songwriter/rock guys are- but it’s done well.  The chorus makes you want to get in your car and drive to the beach.  Cheesy sounding I know but when you hear it you’ll know what I mean.

Tim Mahoney
“Piece of You” (mp3)
from “Stay - Leave”
(Tim Mahoney band)

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I just finished my interview/video with Wired.com and have really enjoyed the whole process. Wired.com has started a new small business section on their website and to kick it off they asked for submissions for small businesses that aligned with the Wired mentality. I submitted Tone Box Digital, my indie record label/distribution service to them and truthfully, forgot about it. A few weeks ago I received an email that said I was one of five finalists- wow. As a finalist they flew me to NY to shoot a short video to talk about Tone Box. On December 1st all the videos will go live on Wired.com and you, the public, get to decide who is the winner.

The other finalists are really cool and have some super great ideas! I’m in great company and am honored to be among them.  No matter who wins this thing we are all going to benefit from the exposure. Here are the other finalists and their websites, great stuff and great minds behind them all!

• Scryve: a collaborative web resource and browser tool combination that provides a resource for environmentally and socially aware Internet browsing. (check out the firefox plugin!)
• CrowdSPRING : was started to help people from around the world access creative talent, and to help creatives from across the globe find new customers
• Greenlines: Classic boardshorts made from 100% recycled polyester fabric.
  Every purchase supports your local beach.
• Livespeakr: The LiveSpeakR™ is a boombox in your pocket! Designed for use with the iPhone and iPod Touch. Designed by a customer, for the customer.
• and me.  Tone Box Digital-  You can check us out to!