I got introduced to Ziggy Alberts by a friend who normally is not into the acoustic rock genre. The fact that he was a fan definitely made me take more notice of this Aussie songwriter. Since that first experience I’ve only grown to enjoy Ziggy more and more each time I listen. His lyrics, vocal style, and sometimes issue driven songs definitely separate him from the acoustic rock singer songwriters you’ve heard before.
Category: ROCK
Maggie Rogers – Light On
To go along with my idea that these days great music can be heard in all sorts of ways, I first heard Maggie Rogers’ newest release through a funny Instagram Live broadcast via John Mayer. Granted I’ve been a fan of hers for awhile, but I loved the laid back context of the show John Mayer made and her subsequent performance on it and my favorite bit of the video is when John Mayer secretly orchestrated a harmony amongst the group during the chorus (which you can first hear about :54 seconds in) in which Maggie was unaware and her surprise laugh and enjoyment upon hearing it makes the video all the better. The actual release is below this live video.
The Middle East – Blood (Gang of Youths Cover)
I first heard this track on Triple J’s Hot 100 countdown but I’m glad I did because while I enjoyed the Middle East’s track originally, this version adds a whole other dynamic and reinvents the enjoyment of the song for me. I encourage a listen. There is nothing like a good band nailing a song live.
A Day To Remember – It It Means A Lot To You
Not sure how this gem of a song missed me when it came out in 2009. I probably overlooked it as I thought the band was a bit too metal core (too much screaming) for my taste. Granted a lot of their songs fit that description, but I’ve started looking through their discography again and I really missed out on some great songs. The best of which is their equivalent to the Green Day track: “Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)” by which I mean that the solo acoustic track that doesn’t really fit the rest of the album and subsequently hidden at the back of the record turns into the biggest single.
HAIM – I Want You Back
After years of touring, HAIM have released what amazingly is just their second album. The rawness and uniqueness of their debut album is offset by the obvious advancement of their craft in the followup. This is a really solid album. I highly recommend you listen to the whole thing, but their first single is certainly a standout in its own right.
One Ok Rock – We Are
While this is a great song off their newest album, the live version of the song performed below really surprised me. I’ve never seen a band integrate their fans into a live performance like these guys did for this song. It’s really incredible to watch. I hope more artists try similar things as I think the result is quite powerful. Enjoy the video!
One Ok Rock – Taking Off
Well, a new album is soon to be released for my favorite Japanese rock band, and they’ve released their first single… It also looks like I’m not the only one in the USA that has taken notice of these guys. The record label Fueled By Ramen who’s previous artists include: Paramore, Panic at the Disco, and Fall Out Boy have scooped them up for an English release and if this first single is an example of what’s to come I’m excited. It’s certainly a bit more pop than they’ve released in the past but I think they still maintain their sound whilst adding catchiness for a potentially big new audience!
Corey Harper – California Sun
This would have been the single on John Mayer’s last album. Massive similarities aside, this is a fantastic song that just screams to be first track on a great road trip mix. Kudos to Justin Bieber for plucking this guy from tiny clubs in Seattle and throwing him into the spotlight, there may be a lot more to come from this guy.
1975 – The Sound
Despite really loving their first album, I first heard this track in the movie “Me Before You.” I had to look it up afterwards and was depressed that I hadn’t heard it earlier. Either way, I’ve heard it now, and what a tune it is.
Neck Deep – Gold Steps
The Welsh version of Sum 41. I honestly mean that in a complimentary way. This whole album is quite good, so I’m posting the first song I found from them which made me do a little more searching. I hope you’ll do the same.