A Bittersweet Reaction

Today, I was drinking my coffee and eating a piece of coffee cake in a famous coffee shop chain that shall remain unnamed, and suddenly I heard Nick Drake's voice wafting through the air. Now, I am a strong advocate of the sharing and openness of quality music to the masses, but at that moment, I couldn't help but recognize a slight sting in my heart. I'm a big Nick Drake fan. Knowing that Drake spent his entire musical career trying to be noticed for his talents, and only being praised the most posthumously is bittersweet. I'm glad that my peers are being introduced to Nick Drake's wonderful talent, but it would be great if it didn't take a worldwide coffeehouse franchise or a car commercial for that to happen.

All the Music Ladies! Put ya hands up!

Now, let's be honest. If you know me, than you know that I go crazy for ultra-talented and success female musicians. Being a musician, I'm quite familiar with obstacles that female musicians face in order to pursue their passion. So when I heard that Lilith Fair was back in business for this summer, I felt butterflies in my stomach. When I saw the line-up, I felt butterflies on energy drinks in my stomach. Check it out:


http://www.lilithfair.com/

Back from across the pond!

After over three months of studying in London, I'm back to take care of unfinished business back in my hometown. Despite the fact that my studies kept me from attending many concerts, I was exposed to some amazing bands, solo artists, and djs. There will be more news to come about my semester abroad.

In other news, Cat Power (Chan Marshall) is currently working on a new album. As a Cat Power fan, I have liked Ms. Marshall's work through her changes (musical and personal). As of now, the album has no name or release date. This would be Cat Power's ninth studio album since her 1995 debut, Dear Sir. Marshall's past work has ranged from minimal and stripped-down songs played only by Marshall on a guitar or piano to denser, bluesy chords with a full band behind Marshall. It will be interesting to see which path Cat Power takes with this record.

Currently listening to: Cat Power - Where Is My Love

London in two weeks and The Ecstatic

So, I leave for London in two weeks to take English courses until Christmas time. Not only am I excited to take these literature and writing classes in such a historical place, it has to be known that music is and will always be my first love. Being in England for a whole semester makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop. I am already looking up venues to see shows, and trying to find open mic nights that I can play.

Lately, I have been listening to Mos Def's fourth solo album, The Ecstatic. Mos Def draws from many inspirations including Turkish music and Marvin Gaye. The album was produced by many hip hop artists including Madlib, Oh No, The Neptunes, and fellow Soulquarian, the late J Dilla.

Currently listening to: Mos Def- Supermagic

Poll: What artist/ band do you think will really change the music scene this year?

Poll: What artist/ band do you think will really change the music scene this year? Past years make me think of artists like Santogold, Bat for Lashes, M.I.A, and Justice. I cannot wait to hear your input!


Hey everyone! I apologize for the delayed entry, but the last few weeks have been pretty demanding. Outside of working often, I saw Elvis Costello in concert at the Taste of Minnesota on the 4th of July. He was amazing! His band consisted of bass, drums, keyboards, and Elvis himself. The audience was a wide range of age groups (many middle aged couples, parents introducing their children to Mr. Costello's music, and college students). Despite Elvis' encouragement for viewers to come closer to the stage (in the designated "Gold Circle" area), those that did were escorted out by festival security.

Lastly, I am really loving the single from the Dead Weather, "Treat Me Like Your Mother." The first time I heard it, the musicianship was so noticeable to me that I was surprised that I had never head of the band. Little did I know, The Dead Weather is an intense supergroup (Alison Mosshart from The Kills, Jack Lawrence from The Raconteurs, Dean Fertita from Queens of the Stone Age, and Jack White of The White Stripes).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7QSkI6My1g

CD Review: It's Frightening by White Rabbits

Released under TBD Records, It's Frightening (White Rabbits' second album) opens with the driven drumming that the first song (Percussion Gun) begins with. This band certainly does not steer clear of memorable riffs and powerful vocals. Based in Brooklyn, New York, White Rabbits worked with Britt Daniel (frontman of Spoon) as the producer for It's Frightening. Stephen Patterson's raw vocals contrast the clean precision of the drums and bass while the guitars enrich the chord progressions. This combination makes for a great balance within White Rabbits.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IClBpch9vmM

Welcome to Milano Melisma!

Hey everyone-

This is Milan. Here is my brand spankin' new blog for music reviews, interviews, album and concert information, and everything in between. Whether music consumes most of your time (like me) or you just want a new cd recommendation every now-and-then, expect something different with every Milano Melisma post. I hope that you enjoy!

One Love,

Milan