Lopez Blogs

Mesh-29 ~ Strangest Conversation: There is something absolutely hauntingly beautiful about this song that gets me every time I listen to it. Whether it's the gradual build up of instruments (starting with just an acoustic guitar, before adding some lush piano and powerful drums), the distinctive and gorgeous vocals of Adam Mezzatesta or just the big crescendo at the end that is quite spine tingling. The easiest comparison for this group (who are actually on their second album now) is with Keane - it's indie piano led pop that is at once dramatic, intricate, sincere and heartfelt. However, this gorgeous ballad also has hints of Erasure circa their 1995 eponymous electro-classic which was filled with swirling lovely tunes like this. This isn't actually their current single, but you can get it as a free mp3 by signing up to their mailing list here. It's well worth the effort, and I shall be checking out their album as soon as I can...
LINK: Official website

A Band Called Quinn - Glitter Song: Again, not a new band inasmuch as they have been around for a while, but another group I am pleased to have finally discovered, no matter how late I am to the party. This Scottish group are quality indie-pop who mix influences from the world of jazz, electronica and guitar-pop in their 3 minute bundles of ethereal, floating musical creation. Louise Quinn, the lead singer, has a definite eye for visual flair and her vocals lead this catchy little ditty into soft rocking territory. Both glittery and grand at the same time, if you must have a description they are Franz meets Goldfrapp. Check out this live youtube clip of the song to see how much energy sizzles through it in each performance. No free mp3s on their site though. How disappointing. Still, the single bodes well for their Kid Loco produced album out in mid-march, complete with Echo and The Bunnymen guitar work!! Exciting...
LINK: Official website

Ballas Hough Band - Do It For You: Apparently there is some connection with Dancing With The Stars with this band, which may lead to them being seen as a bit gimmicky or uncool with my US blog friends. However, the pounding drum beats, the intoxicating melody and the singalong chorus are all quite addictive - no surprise really as it's co-penned by the new American Idol judge Kara DioGuiardi who is the Cathy Dennis of the USA. I was expecting something a bit more countrified from them, so this made-for-us-pop-radio smash in waiting is quite a delightful surprise. More cool points for me with my musical tastes then - and i'm shallow enough to admit i only checked them out initially because i thought one of them was pretty :) Check out the video on AOL here...
LINK: Official website

Kevin Borg - Street Lights: Kevin Borg is the David Archeluta/Gareth Gates of Sweden. A perfectly nice young man that parents of teen girls would be delighted if he was bought home for a spot of tiffin, who churns out inoffensive but catchy pop/balladry that westlife do so well. His debut single (With Every Little Beat) was a made for an idol winner ballad that ticked all the right boxes - nicely euphoric key change, soaring chorus and a strong vocal delivery. Street Lights is now the equivalent of Shayne Ward releasing No Promises after the glorious That's My Goal - it's perfectly acceptable, even quite nice for some reason but not exactly innovative stuff. I do like it though, and I am still looking forward to Kevin's debut album (the cover of which is quite stylish, much more so than his single cover) - again thanks to PPG for the heads up on this future pop sensation (one hopes)...
LINK: Offical website

Tomorrow: Single selection from the girls - Laleh, Eloise, Lenka and Marit...