The Christmas Song - The Raveonettes

In 2003, Danish indie rock duo The Raveonettes released an original holiday single titled a sweetly simple 'The Christmas Song'. Five years later 'The Christmas Song' still remains largely untapped by the masses. Underplayed and underestimated, this Raveonettes masterpiece is one of the holidays' best kept secrets.

Merry Christmas!

hahaha.

Baby Please Come Home - Anberlin

If you think you've heard every version of this song you'd want to hear, think again.  You may or may not have heard of Anberlin.  Regardless, you probably haven't heard their version of Baby Please Come Home.  Radio-friendly and electric guitar-happy, there isn't much to not like about this song.  Stephen Christian's surprisingly strong voice matches perfectly with the major-but-almost-minor tonality.  Though not extremely different from U2's version, alternative rock fans from this new generation will find Anberlin's cover quite enjoyable.

Coconut Records

Usually the whole actor turned musician thing ends up being a disaster but Jason Schwartzman actually does it right. Although he is known mostly for his acting career (The Darjeeling Limited, Rushmore, I Heart Huckabees), Schwartzman has been rocking the music industry for quite a while. He was the drummer and founder of the band Phantom Planet, whose hit single, “California” (The O.C. theme song), he composed. Recently however, he has gained attention for his solo project, Coconut Records.

His first album, Nighttiming, is the perfect potpourri of folksy tracks, rock and roll, a little bit of disco, and a whole lot of indie pop. Although he probably doesn’t like the comparison, his album sounds like it should be the soundtrack to a Wes Anderson movie. Better yet, it should be the soundtrack to my life (and yours for that matter).

Individually, each song is genius but if you’re a stickler for cohesiveness, this album might not be the best. He goes from the sweet melancholy hit single West Coast to a Weezer inspired Back to You to a lo-fi folk song duet with actress Kirsten Dunst in Summer Day. And if that’s not enough, he pulls out the disco number Nighttiming following right behind. Just as one gets used to a certain style of music, it changes unexpectedly.

Lyrically, his songs are straightforward and tend to be just the right kind of catchy. There’s a tinge of nostalgia and the summer season in every song on this album. Although the album is short (just a little over 30 minutes), several genres are present and this mixing of styles is executed well. At times though, it feels as if Schwartzman is just trying to prove that he can play every style of music out there. And luckily, he can.

Final Score: 8/10

Download worthy tracks (these are just the stand out ones, but really almost every song on the album is good):

1. West Coast
2. Nighttiming
3. Summer Day
4. It’s Not You It’s Me

Carol Of The Bells - The Bird And The Bee

If this song looks familiar, you probably already have it.  It was a free Holiday iTunes download last year.  If you're not into iTunes, or aren't familiar with this peculiar piece, keep reading.

Edging away from typical Christmas renditions, The Bird And The Bee give already fantastical song Carol Of The Bells an even quirkier feel.  Lead singer Inara George's uses her artistic liberty to rewrite some of the melody.  Although it may be a turn off at first, her eerie, breathy voice makes this unique song work.  The way her voice is plastered on top of itself, in some places four at a time, gives this song another level of weirdness.  Listen for the complexish bass riff too.  

Silver Bells - Relient K

Who's excited for the holidays? I know pop-punk band Relient K is. After releasing Christmas album Let It Snow Baby... Let It Reindeer at the beginning of Fall last year, they recorded three more covers of classics and rereleased it mid-November. One of those classics happened to be sing-along friendly Silver Bells.

Adding their own touch, and their own verse, Relient K's rendition is very catchy and sure to put you in the spirit of the season. I love the piano base in the verse with the subtle palm muting electric. Especially stunning is the vocal layering during the chorus. 

Angel - Massive Attack

The pioneering force behind the rise of trip-hop, Massive Attack were
among the most innovative and influential groups of their generation; their hypnotic sound - a darkly sensual and cinematic fusion of hip-hop rythms, soulful melodies, dub grooves, and choice samples - set the pace for much of the dance music to emerge thoughout the 1990s, paving the way for
such acclaimed artists as Portishead, Sneaker Pimps, Beth Orton, and Tricky, himself a Massive Attack alumnus.

Play it Loud - Mxpx

GO BARONS!

SEE YOU AT THE GAME!

Triceratops - HEALTH

HEALTH is an experimental noise rock band from Los Angeles, California. They found fame after their song, "Crimewave", was remixed by good friends Crystal Castles. HEALTH's self-titled album gets through 11 songs in less than 30 minutes and achieves its unique sound from the zoothorn, a guitar pedal/microphone mashup. It was recorded at one of their favorite venues, The Smell, where they frequently play. Because of this, HEALTH is often referred to as a "Smell band" along with other L.A. based noise groups No Age, Mika Miko, Abe Vigoda and The Mae Shi.

Their full album can be heard for free at http://www.last.fm/music/HEALTH/HEALTH

So Much Love - The Rocket Summer

The Rocket Summer is a one man band -- Bryce Avary. Bryce is one musically talented genuis mastermind. In his albums (Calendar Days, Hello Good Friend, The Early Years, and most recently, Do You Feel), he plays and performs all of the vocals and instruments -- guitar, bass, electric, drums, piano, and most importantly, sings. Whenever you're feeling down or in need of some fun, easy-going music for the road, give Bryce a listen. He's known for his upbeat funk and optimistic outlook on life. I've actually had the opportunity to go see him live (!!). He is absolutely amazing, possibly better live than from the speakers of my stereo, which, let alone, is already wonderful. I promise you (and hope) that he will put a smile on your face! (:

Il Fait Si Beau - Vincent Delerm

Vincent Delerm is a French singer-songwriter. His music is infused with upbeat piano tunes and is often associated with the Nouvelle Chanson style, French songs that capture the emotions of the everyday and are influenced by 1960's French cinema. I have no idea what he's singing, but his voice sounds so nice that I bet it's good. If any of you are taking French and would like to try to translate, that would be great. You can post whatever lyrics you understand, unless he's singing a bunch of bad words, then you shouldn't :)

Happiness - Goldfrapp

Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory make up the English duo Goldfrapp. Since its 2000 debut, Goldfrapp's musical style has incorporated classical, glam, folk and new wave elements but has been associated most closely with an electronic sound. The group's latest album Seventh Tree deviates from the expected and is much more ambient than previous albums. Alison's breathy vocals and ethereal keyboard background sound much more warm and natural than they do on the albums that made her famous, drawing criticism from people who don't think an artist should change stylistically. A mind free from heavily electronic "Ooh La La" anticipation is necessary to truly enjoy this album.

The Cure For Pain - Jon Foreman

You probably don't recognize the name Jon Foreman.  If anything you probably think he owns a company that makes barbecue grills.  However, you've probably heard of the band he sings for.  Switchfoot, hailing from San Diego, is known for their hit singles ("Dare You To Move" and "Meant To Live") and for their very energetic  live shows.  It seems, though, that a songwriter can't say everything just by being loud.  Foreman set out to release four six-song EPs, one titled for each of the seasons.  What ensued was a sincere and personal experience.  Acoustically driven with obvious folk influences, Foreman compares it to a small, coffeehouse gig or a quiet, conversation among friends.  Quite different from the blaring guitars and crashing cymbals many are used to hearing his voice with.

This contrast is especially noticeable in Foreman's first single "The Cure For Pain."  Released on his first EP, Fall, "The Cure For Pain" epitomizes his sincere style.  With few other instruments besides a quiet, acoustic guitar and subtle horns, Foreman's voice takes center stage.  Though some may find his voice unprofessional and a bit strained, its warm, genuine feel perfectly fits the mood.

Forever the Sickest Kids

Forever the Sickest Kids, or FTSK, is a powerpop band from Dallas, Texas. While powerpop may seem like an immediate turnoff, don't leave just yet. FTSK is a band that will make you want to get out of your seat and dance, wherever you are. Their lyrics are catchy and so are their beats. You'll be singing to yourself all day (I am right now). Keep an ear out for FTSK. They're an underground band that won't likely stay underground for long.

Pride and Joy - Stevie Ray Vaughan

Yes! This has to be one of my all-time favorite songs! In 2003, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Stevie Ray Vaughan as the 7th greatest guitarist of all time. As an amazingly accomplished guitar player who played entirely by ear and never learned to read sheet music, Vaughan ignited the blues revival of the '80s. He bridged the gap between blues and rock like no other artist had done since the late '60s. For seven years, Stevie Ray was the leading light in American blues, constantly selling out concerts while his albums regularly went gold. His tragic death in 1990 only emphasized his influence in blues and American rock and roll.

Hit the Road Jack - Ray Charles

Ray Charles is one of the most honored and recognized American pianists to ever have lived. Although he was blind, he was a genius of rhythm and blues who shaped the music industry with his soulful sound. He became famous in 1955 with his number-two hit R&B single, "I Got A Woman" and captured the pop audience with "What'd I Say". On June 10th, 2004, Ray died of liver disease at his home in Beverly Hills, CA.

La Vie en Rose - Louis Armstrong

Louis 'Satchmo' Armstrong could be called one of the most influential people ever to be a part of the music industry and one of the best jazz musicians of all time. Most people remember him for his signature raspy voice and giant grin, as well as his amazing talent as a jazz trumpeter and a scat singer. As a renowned improvisational performer and brilliant scat singer, some critics say that Armstrong essentially invented jazz singing. Artists such as Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra are two singers who were greatly indebted to him, as well as many others.

Like Castanets - Bishop Allen

Castanets, in case you don't speak Spanish, are those things that Spanish dancers wear on their fingers that make that "clickty-clack" sound.

Bishop Allen is an American indie rock band from Brooklyn, New York. The band's core members are Justin Rice and Christian Rudder, who are supported both on stage and in the studio by a rotating cast of musical collaborators. The band was formed in 2004 and grew out of Rice and Rudder's long-standing friendship, taking it's name from the Bishop Allen Drive in Cambridge, Massachusettes, where the two lived together after attending Harvard University.

Death Will Never Conquer - Coldplay

Coldplay has released a free song for you to download titled "Death Will Never Conquer" to celebrate their "Viva La Vida" tour!

I'm sorry that I didn't get this to you earlier (it was released July 14) but here it is! All you need is your email address and the name of your country. I know that some might feel reluctant to give away their email addresses for fear of junk mail, but don't worry – they'll hardly ever send you anything (at least that's my experience). Besides, even if they do, it's Coldplay! Go ahead and get
"Death Will Never Conquer".

Jaguar Love/Past Lives

Jaguar Love



Past Lives

After 10 years of making music together, experimental band The Blood Brothers officially spilt up in November 2007. Soon after, members of the defunct band created their own musical groups.
Johnny Whitney, Cody Votolato (Rocky Votolato's younger brother) and Jay Clark (formerly in Pretty Girls Make Graves) created the band Jaguar Love. Meanwhile, Jordan Billie, Mark Gajadhar, Devin Welch and Morgan Henderson formed the band Past Lives.
Both released new music in August creating some competition as to who would be labled the better post-Blood Brothers band.

Each group draws on influences from The Blood Brothers, but manages to have its own sound. The distinct tortured-child vocals of Johnny Whitney in Jaguar Love make it very hard to compare the two. Jaguar Love seems to be aiming for an experimental indie-pop audience and is quite similar to Johnny Whitney's side project, Neon Blonde. Past lives, on the other hand, take a more art-punk approach.
Jaguar Love album - Take Me To The Sea
Past Lives EP - Strange Symmetry

We Shot The Moon - Sway Your Head

After unknown, and now defunct, Waking Ashland broke up after two short albums, lead singer Jonathan Jones formed the (also unknown) band We Shot The Moon in 2007.  Appropriately labeled "indie piano rock," We Shot The Moon features relatively complex piano riffs layered with light guitar and incredibly catchy melodies.  Despite the band's recent introduction to the music scene, We Shot The Moon has already released a five song EP and a full length album.

Featured on both the EP and the album was their unofficial single "Sway Your Head." "Sway Your Head" epitomizes We Shot The Moon's sound. With lead guitarist Paul Wheatley picking away on his clean guitar and Jones bursting out in falsetto, "Sway Your Head" is a happy-go-lucky-it's-good-to-be-awake-break-out-singing-in-the-middle-of-the-street song with a sure to get caught in your head chorus.

However this August, Wheatley has decided to leave the band for personal reasons. This leaves fans to only hope that We Shot The Moon will not suffer the same early fate as Waking Ashland.

Spoon - The Underdog

Hailing from Austin, TX, Spoon originated in 1994 as a collaboration between Britt Daniel (vocals/guitar) and Jim Eno (drums) and a rotating cast of supporting players. Their hybrid of indie and punk resulted in a number of Sonic Youth and Pixies comparisons after their 1996 debut album, Telephono. Following an ill-fated move to Elektra Records, which found them being dropped from the label following the issue of their third album, A Series of Sneaks, in 1998, Spoon went the indie route with a handfull of 7" singles and the The Agony of Laffitte EP in 1999. In fall 2000, the Love Ways EP was released on Merge, paving the way for spring 2001's full-length Girls Can Tell. The album was a critical success, ending up at or near the top of many best-of-2001 lists.

Spoon released the more musically adventurous follow-up, Kill the Moonlight, in August 2002. The band opted for a bigger, darker sound on 2005's Gimme Fiction. Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga -- which was named after the melody of one of the album's songs, "The Ghost of You Lingers" -- mixed unusual instrumentation and nods to Motown and soul, and was released in summer 2007.

Update

Hey, it's Zack. I've updated the website a little.

In case you haven't already noticed, then these are the changes:

With the widgets:

1. Added a welcome.
   
2. Moved the hit-counter down to the bottom.
3. Deleted the "note from the bloggers" widget. This used to be the old welcome. I made a copy of it if you'd like to compare, and I'll give it to you upon request.
4. Deleted the "downloads?" widget.

With the blog itself:

1. Added the stars at the bottom of each post which anyone can use to rate.
   
2. Changed commenting circumstances. Now, when you comment, you will be taken to the individual post's home-page where the commenting box is embedded into the page instead of being taken to the old page – the one that looks the same for all blogs.

This is just what I've initially done. This means that there may or may not be more stuff to come. I haven't fully looked at the new "Blogger in Draft" stuff yet, so in the meantime, why don't you take a look yourself.

If you have any comments regarding the changes that I've made here or would like to suggest further changes, please do not refrain from saying so - I'd like to hear it!

Sarah Borges & Broken Shingles - Modern Trick

Some folks make music because they want to -- others do it because they have no choice. Sarah Borges clearly falls into the latter category, the kind of person whose DNA would read like a musical chart if you mapped it out on paper. 

Diamonds in the Dark, Borges’ second album -- and first for Sugar Hill -- spells that out in lush detail, with every plaintive vocal twist and every rollicking guitar turn offering up proof that the Massachusetts native knows her way around American music’s roots (and has her own roots planted firmly in some mighty fertile soil).

Sea Wolf

Alex Church, former member of the band Irving, is Sea Wolf and since he can't do it alone, Church has recruited a group of six friends to help him present his compositions on stage. Leaves in the River, the band's first full length album, evokes feelings of nostalgia with its arching melodies, experimental use of unlikely instruments and lyrical imagery. His music perfectly blends folk-pop with gloomy overtones, making cloudy gray days something to look forward to. Sea Wolf's music will make you long for autumn and all of the natural changes that come with it.

Funeral For a Friend - A Retrospective Look

Funeral for a Friend, or FFAF (as commonly abbreviated), is a "post-hardcore" band residing in Wales. Since forming in 2001, FFAF has undergone a steady progression from a heavier, more hardcore sound to a better polished, melodic sound. They have since released dour albums, Seven Ways to Scream your Name, Casually Dressed and Deep in Conversation, Hours, and Tales don't tell Themselves. They are now working on their fifth album, set to be released later this year. The songs above are all representations of each of their albums. Escape Artists Never die comes from Seven Ways, Juneau from Casually Dressed, Roses from Hours, and Into Oblivion from Tales Don't tell Themselves.

Note: In my opinion, the best album out of the four is Hours. It brings out FFAF's best sounds and vocals. Check it Out!

Jacky Terrasson - Just a Blues

Jacky Terrasson's feathery keyboard touch is coupled with power and passion, a complete understanding of the blues and improvisation, and his own gift as an arranger, putting  his own personal stamp on well known tunes. He's been one of the jazz world's most talked about piano player/composers since he captured everyone's attention when he won the Thelonious Monk Competition in 1993.

By the mid-90s, pianist Jacky Terrasson was being hailed as one of the bright young lions on the traditional jazz scene. His self-titled 1995 debut for Blue Note Records drew high praise from all corners of the jazz world.

Note: When I can't get it on seeqpod, I'll use imeem, uploading music myself if I have to like this one.

Thao with The Get Down Stay Down

Hi, this is Mukta. Make sure to check out the Baron Boombox regularly because I, and a few other people, will be bringing you some pretty sweet tunes (:

Enjoy!

Thao with The Get Down Stay Down is a San Francisco based, Arlington, Virginia bred folk group fronted by female vocalist Thao Nguyen. Though at first it may be easy to focus on her out of tune vocal imperfections, after a few listens you'll be obsessing over each little quirk (in a good way). Her music is sincerely delivered and the lyrics are heartfelt.

When searching for her music, take note that labels vary. Thao Nguyen started as a soloist when she released her first album, Like the Linens. Soon after she decided to go simply by Thao, because people couldn't pronounce her last name. When releasing her second album, We Brave Bee Stings and All, she included her touring band The Get Down Stay Down. Itunes labels her only as Thao, but her myspace and website have her listed as Thao with The Get Down Stay Down.

Thao with the Get Down Stay Down is currently on tour. If you have a chance, definitely check them out.

Friday, August 1 - Phoenix Grille @ UCI

Saturday, August 2 - Troubadour, West Hollywood

Stanton Moore - Poison Pushy

Hey guys, Zack here. Victoria reminded me to add myself to the baron boombox too, so here I am. I know that most of you out there would never listen to this kind of stuff, but I decided to bring what I have to the table anyway. So here it is.

Born and raised in New Orleans, Stanton Moore is very much a product of geography, culture and creative networking. He grew up in the thriving music scene of his hometown that included Professor Longhair, Doctor John, the Meters and countless other Big Easy mainstays. Moore launched his solo career in the late ‘90s with the All Kooked Out! and has since then released three other solo albums, including what you're listening to here, III.

Emphasis (on parenthis) the followup to III, is due in stores in April 2008. The album includes the scaled back session crew of Moore, Robert Walter and Will Bernard.

Nujabes ft. CL Smooth - Sky is Falling

Jun Seba is a Japanese hip-hop music producer and DJ, as well as a composer and arranger who records under the name Nujabes. His music is known for a strong cool jazz and soul music influence, (jazz x hip hop) frequently using samples from artists like Miles Davis, Pat Metheny, and Yusef Lateef to create warm, mellow tracks. Nujabes rarely plays live and does not make many media appearances, which adds to his enigmatic charisma. His album covers are also very distinct, in particular abstract imagery. (source:wikipedia.org)

In the Mundane world of repetetive beats, Nujabes stands out with his fresh and funky style. Above is a song that features CL Smooth on vocals. The beats and music are purely Nujabes.

The Fire - Akissforjersey

Photo Credit: Amazon.com
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Hailing from Pilot Mountain, North Carolina, Aissforjersey is an up and coming Progressive rock Band. The track "The Fire" is from their recently released album entitled "Victims". Though Akissforjersey may appear to sound like other popular bands such as Panic! at the Disco and Fallout Boy, they do not fall victim to the same repetetive clichés. Rising above most other bands, Akissforjersey is definitely a band to keep an eye on.

Summer Management

Hey Everyone, its Misael. I and a few others will be updating and taking care of Baron Boombox for the summer, so be sure to come back and check for updates. Enjoy the music and your summer as well!

EDIT: Hello, this is Owen. Since I've been gone for quite a while, I haven't been updating at all. But I think it's time to hand over the boombox to next year's Baron Banner. So, Misael and a few others will be updating the Baron Boombox from now on. Enjoy!

Danger

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Danger, whose real name is not known, is a graphic designer and illustrator from France. Being from France, it's no surprise he can make some good music. If you ever visit his myspace, you'll see the mysterious image he's made for himself. Here are some oddly named tracks, as well as a remixed song.

Sorry

As some of you may have noticed, this blog hasn't been updated in a long while. Senior finals, activities and then graduation kept me busy. Now, I'll be gone for a whole month, so hopefully the other writers on the blog will be able to update a little bit. I might be able to get a post up when I'm in Asia, but we'll see...

Have a great summer, Barons.

EDIT: It's Nam, and I've been gone from the blog for the exact same reasons as Owen, but it's all over now. I'll try to keep this place updated when Owen goes away. Keep listening to the Baron Boombox everybody!

New Tracks for the End of May

Many albums are going to be released or re-released this coming June.
I'm going to post a lot of different songs in one post including...

ALSO, boomp3 now includes a DOWNLOAD LINK in their posts.
If you wish to get your hands on the mp3, click the link next to the music streamer.
Enjoy!

Chris Brown - Heart Ain't a Brain
Chris Brown - Picture Perfect (Remix) ft. Hurricane Chris and Bow Wow
Rihanna - Disturbia
Coldplay - Lovers in Japan
Leona Lewis - Bleeding Love (Remix) ft. Trazz

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Keri Hilson - Energy

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Keri Hilson is getting ready to release her solo album, In a Perfect World. Now it's her time to shine after writing music for artists like: Britney Spears, Toni Braxton, Chris Brown, Mary J. Blige, Usher, Teairra Mari, Ciara, the Pussycat Dolls, Avant, Ruben Studdard, B5, Diddy, Chingy, LeToya, Ludacris, Rich Boy, Jennifer Lopez, Shawn Desman, Kelly Rowland, Nicole Scherzinger, Lloyd Banks, Keke Palmer, Omarion, Tiffany Evans, and Timbaland.

Enjoy!

Brandon Hines - In the Dark

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Produced by Mental Instruments. I don't know much about Brandon Hines, but I've heard his name somewhere before. I like this song, so give it a listen! Enjoy!

This info is from his myspace.

"Cultivated in Motown, Brandon Hines and his refreshingly natural singing talent are campaigning for legendary status. Recently featured on MTV's TRL as one of the Hottest unsigned acts of 08', was not only featured in the video for hit single “American Boy” with Estelle and Kanye West, he was also the opening act on her " American Boy Tour." He was also the runner-up in the 2008 BMI Urban Showcase in Atlanta and with over 2 million hits on Myspace, Hines smooth, tenor vocals and relatable lyrics has commanded the attention of many. Hines lulls his sultry love songs in a distinct, raspy tone that sets him apart from others in the current music climate. Hines independent debut, Love Music: Fallin in Fallin Out has sold over 10,000 copies to date and currently available for sale on I-Tunes. Brandon Hines has worked with R & B singers: Trey Songz, Cassie, Troy Taylor, Ryan Leslie and Johnta Austin just to name a few. Hines won the 2007 Who's Next Award at the major music conference in New York, and has been featured on allhiphop.com, concreteloop.com, singersroom.com, and bmi.com solidifying the obvious: fans are eager to hear more."

T-Pain - You're Not the Same (ft. Akon)

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Here you go, Amanda. (:

Remixes Pt. 3

Another set of remixes:
Chris Brown - Poppin' (Great Scott Remix)
Hello Tokyo - Kiss Me Goodbye (Vandaleyes Remix)
Feist - My Moon, My Man (Boyz Noize Remix)
The Killers - When You Were Young (Jacques Lu Cont Remix)

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Enjoy!

Bethany Joy Galleoti - I Feel This (ft. Enation)

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Bethany Joy Galleoti (formerly Lenz) is the beautiful actress from One Tree Hill who is also a talented singer/songwriter and musician. She plays Haley James Scott in the show and recently sang this song for the finale of Season 5. She also sang many other songs that were featured in the show that I shall post below.

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Young Steff - Body That (Nexus Remix)

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Catchy catchy.

Chris Brown - Last 2 Know

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Another track from Chris Brown that will probably be included in his re-release of Exclusive along with "Forever." I'm not sure if this one is as good as "Forever," but it's not bad at all. Enjoy!

New Kids on the Block - Summertime

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Another track off New Kids on the Block's upcoming album. This song has been getting some airplay on the radio just in time to celebrate the coming season. Since some of you enjoyed "Click Click Click," hopefully you'll like this one too!