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