Paramore

From time to time, I like to talk about some of my favorite artists, musicians, etc., although I usually llke to promote smaller bands and help get their name out there, like my post on Cartel. But today I want to talk about Paramore. Today, they released a clip of their new single, Monster, which will appear on the upcoming soundtrack for Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Take a listen!

I'm sure most people have at least heard of Paramore at this point, but in case you haven't, they are a Nashville-based band (originally from Franklin, TN) fronted by Hayley Williams. Their first album All We Know Is Falling, was released in July 2005.  I think this is probably still my favorite album from the band, but I think a lot of that is sentimental.  I used to sneak out and drive from Memphis to Nashville, just to see them play.  I can't for the life of me remember where I first heard of them, though...

After a long wait, Paramore's second album, Riot, dropped in June of 2007. It was a smash hit.  Paramore was finally getting their much-deserved air time all over the South and eventually, everywhere. 

It would be another 2 years before the band's third album, Brand New Eyes, was released and was instantly a best seller. But the band helped tide over fans with one single and one other track on the Twilight soundtrack.  The band's sound has definitely changed and matured over the years, and this was blatantly evident on their latest release.

After some internal struggles and the loss of brothers Zac and Josh Farro, the band has taken some time to tour, making it to South America for the first time, and taken time to write new music.  I can only hope that these struggles will positively influence future releases. With their newest single, at least what has been released, it is obvious their sound continues to grow and evolve.  I can't wait to see what comes next.

Bring Me To The Deep South...

I thought I'd change it up a bit today.  I really want to promote music artists I like, and for the purposes of this blog, ones specifically form the South.  So, today, I'm gonna talk about Cartel.  The song above is "Deep South", which I felt was fitting. from their most recent album, "Cycles."

Cartel is a 5 member band from just outside Atlanta, GA.  Their first album, "Chroma", was released in 2005.  Let me just say that from the day I picked it up, it didn't leave my CD player for a good 2 months. 

Much to my dismay, Cartel's next album wasn't released for another 2 years.  In 2007, "Cartel" was released.  Definitely a progression from the 1st album, but it kept that sound that is Cartel.  Again, this album didn't leave my stereo for quite a while. Track 13 is probably my favorite.  If you just let it play, after a long pause, there's a hidden song that has to be one of my favorites from the band.  A very simple song, it really hits home with me. 

Their next album, "Cycles" was released in 2009.  Another great release.  Like I said, the featured song up top is form this album.  As is usual for me, I listened to this album for a while when I first got it.  And I've broken it back out for the summer.  It really gets me pumping.  

I think a big reason I love this band is that I can connect to their music.  There's something that feels like home about Cartel.  There's a Southern flavor to it, mixed in with a good dose of pop on a base of rock.  This is a band that I've taken pride in turning several people on to.  Hopefully, this anyone reading this will at least give em a try.  I'm pretty sure you won't be sorry.