My Media Player, Vol X

I want to start out by apologizing for no Media Player last week (which means, you can stop rejoicing now-I haven't decided to scrap the idea). I was busy...uber busy! And just so you all know - I am handling the start of my FREE summer just dandy, thank you.
And no, this is not the summer I admit to alcoholism.

Strung Out - Twisted by Design
Myspace.
Now you are all going to think I've lost it but I actually ran across this band on a motorcross video, On the Pipe 3. You all want to think I've lost it, right? While I've never actually ridden a dirt bike, I can appreciate the hype...especially to someone with a death wish. In any case, the music was awesome and pumped me up to the action in the film. It's definitely punk. Enjoy. Kate Voegele - A Fine Mess
Website.
Again with the One Tree Hill? Yes. You love it...STFU. Kate actually is a singer who turned actress for her part on OTH but hasn't let her singing suffer in the meantime. I've been waiting for the release of this album to show you. How nice am I? ;) Incubus - Monuments and Melodies
Website.
I realized recently that I've never included one of my favorite bands of ALL time! Incubus! They've recently released this 2 disc album of their greatest hits and, I gotta say, I almost orgasm-ed when I found out. Seriously, I did!

My Media Player, Vol IX

I'm late! Eeek!

Wow...that came out wrong...

Not my cycle, you crazies...I'm speaking of the Media Player. Wow...my followers suck. :P
Because I've been a slacker-whore lately, today's (late) Media Player is brought to you by my followers. Which, could be a happy reprieve for those of you who hate my music.

Mad Caddies - Keep It Going
Website.
This band leans heavily reggae so I know I have a few friends that would find it, at least, interesting. I played it for 2 days straight! Ok, that's because the volume was off but...I promise the actual sound is great too. Radiohead - In Rainbows.
Website.
Who doesn't like Radiohead? I've been told this album is the best one yet...although they do have a newer one... Although, a 'Best of' album is always gonna win. ...And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead - The Century of Self
Website.
I don't love this band. I'm not even sure I like this band. It's here because it was either list this band or owe 'special favors' to a girl. I made the right choice.
There is a lot of pounding on what I can only imagine is a very sad-looking guitar. Poor guitar...

My Media Player, VIII

Massive Attack - Collected
Myspace.
A friend of mine told me about this band and, although one of their songs is the theme song to my favorite TV show (House), I didn't know the band! Listen to 'Teardrop', the song from House! 30 Seconds to Mars - A Beautiful Lie
Website.
I've liked 30 Seconds for quite a while now, well...at least since I found out that the lead singer is Jared Leto-you know, this guy. He played Jordan Catalano on 'My So-Called Life' with Claire Danes? Also saw his hot bod in Fight Club and Alexander? Yeah, him....remember?
You know...that pic is so good, I think I've found new wallpaper. ;) Lady Antebellum - Lady Antebellum
Website.
Ok, you're probably just as shocked as I am about this submission and please forgive me for breaking out of the 'box' I've packaged myself in.
Yes, it's a country album. Yes, there's a bit of 'twang'. Yes, there's a reason I'm requesting you listen.
LA partnered with Brita, the water filtration company, to encourage people to drink filtered water and reduce bottled water waste-which is a great, great, great cause! I won't go into it here but, please read more. The campaign is called Filter For Good.
Not only that, but their single on this album, 'Run To You' has the underlying message of 'paying it forward'-something I feel we all lack.

My Media Player, VII

I realized yesterday that I never gave my readers a very important link! I know that you won't be running to the music store to buy any of the Media Player submissions that I post (or pirating them instantly...you know who you are!)-you probably want to check the music out FREE first, right?!

In that case, feel free to check out most all of my contributions on IMEEM before you trip over yourself getting to the door.
You have to sign up (just email/password stuff) and they will send you a confirmation email, click it.
At the top R hand corner, click 'skip and add friends' then 'skip to favorite artists' then 'complete signup', then 'no thanks, go to home'. I promise (PROMISE) that you won't get spam email from this (but...if you're worried, just use a junk email account-you know you have one!).

Now you're ready to stream my favs!!! For FREE!!! Check it out!

Emerson Hart - Cigarettes and Gasoline
Website.
I ran across this guy in my search for artists this week and he sort of reminds me of the country band, Emerson Drive (even more cool that they have similar names). Even though I don't like country, I like ED specifically because of a song on their first album called 'Fall Into Me'. Emerson Hart is not considered 'country' (in case you were worried) but check out the song 'If You're Gonna Leave'...it's a good sound. Dropping Daylight - Brace Yourself
Website.
I was looking for a band with a similar sound to Thriving Ivory (one of my new favorites) and heard the title song on this album...not only do I love the tunes but the words were exactly what I needed at that precise moment (plus who doesn't like lyrics that say 'go fuck yourself, I'm breaking out'?). I promise there's more to it than that though...it hit home for me.
Check out the full lyrics here! One Less Reason - A Lifetime Burning
Myspace.
This is similar to the above artist but with more of a 'garage' feel.

My Media Player VI

I usually don't like female music artists much but the first 2 albums are by bands with female leads that I've liked for years...what do you think?

The Veronicas - Hook Me Up
Website.
They have a distinct 'pop' sound...works well for me when I'm working out. :D Saving Jane - Supergirl
Website.
I have to admit that I haven't actually heard this new album yet but I LOVE the first 2 (Girl Next Door & One Girl Revolution) so I assume this one is awesome too. :) Silversun Pickups - Swoon
Website.
This is the newest album for SP and, truthfully, I think I like the last one (Carnavas) better. The newer album has several instrumental songs, which is cool-I think it's just 'different', which is why I'm having trouble with it. But, seriously...check out Carnavas! ...I have to say though-whoever designs their album covers-AWESOME!

My Media Player V

So, maybe you can tell by now that much of my musical inspirations come from the TV show 'One Tree Hill'-it's the only TV 'drama' that I regularly watch...and probably because of the music (but mostly for Chad Michael Murray and James Lafferty).
Ok...the actresses are alright too...

But...anyway, this week's Media Player submissions aren't exceptions to the rule and the first 2 albums I'm suggesting you check out are because of this show...

Carolina Liar - Coming to Terms
Website. Matthew Perryman Jones - Swallow the Sea
Myspace. Seether - Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces
Website.
My brother has had a lot of influence on me when it comes to music (except Green Day, I hate Green Day)...I remember him blasting a Seether CD in the truck one day (several years back) and I was hooked. And...for fun, I'll quiz you here: the 4th song on the album is titled 'FMLYHM'-what does it stand for? Kinda hardcore... ;)

My Media Player, Vol. IV

My first selection in this week's Media Player is a group that I found because of a car commercial. Shiny Toy Guns.

Here's the commercial. (Vimeo won't let me embed it).

The song that 'hooked' me is a remix of the classic "Major Tom" by David Bowie. Unfortunately, the full version of the Shiny Toy Guns remix isn't out yet but in the meantime, I'll be listening to this album in my new Lincoln MKZ. ;)

Shiny Toy Guns - Season of Poison
Website. Tyrone Wells - Remain
Website.
Heard the song 'All Broken Hearts' on the show One Tree Hill this week so I looked him up...great album! Nico Vega - Nico Vega
Website.
Also heard on One Tree Hill...what can I say? The show's got good music. :)

My Media Player, Vol III

All 3 albums I'm recommending today are just random ones I found online and LOVE!

Safety Suit - Life Left To Go
Website
Uh Huh Her - Common Reaction
Website
Secondhand Serenade - A Twist In My Story
Website

My Media Player, Vol II

Yeah, I've decided to do this every week! Lucky you!

Thriving Ivory - Thriving Ivory
Website
Saw them on Rachel Ray yesterday and I LOVE their sound!
Matthew Ryan - Some Streets Lead Nowhere
Website
I was surfing for music and came across this the other day...I cannot tell you how many times I've listened to this album so far. :)
Angels & Airwaves - I-Empire
Website
I heard a song as background on the CW show 'One Tree Hill' one night and fell in love with it! Since then, I've downloaded all the albums...

My Media Player, Vol. I

I realized recently that I rarely ever talk music on my blog! But that's probably because most of you know I have horrible taste in music (or so you say).

So I've decided to hook you up with some of my current 'fav' albums (which, doesn't mean they are NEW albums, just my favorites at the moment!

Augustana-Can't Love, Can't Hurt
Website
I can't seem to get enough of their new CD! Ian McFeron Band-Fistfight With Father Time
Website
This is probably my favorite band for sentimental reasons (because I know them and they are all extremely talented). This is not the newest album-just my favorite one! They are also currently on tour all over the western states! Check out the website! Fireflight-Unbreakable
Website
Until very recently, I didn't know this was a christian rock band...you'd never guess it! Stanfour-Wildlife
Website
Plus...let's just say I wouldn't kick any of these guys out of bed either. ;) Our Lady Peace-A Decade
Website
Gotta have a staple, right? Hinder-Take It To The Limit
Website
Hey...a girl's gotta rock. Blue October-Approaching Normal
Website
You can thank my brother for this obsession...