Concert Review: Daniel Merriweather

Understated and underrated. Those are two words I would use to describe Mr. Daniel Merriweather. The people at his label, J Records/Sony Music were nice enough to send me to review the show and I have to say I was left wanting more. More of Daniel Merriweather.

The evening started out with me casually walking up to the "Will Call" window, and saying - "I'm on Daniel Merriweather's list." I thought I kind of sounded like a big deal. Of course, I wasn't on the list. Lucky for me I had been given his tour manager, John Martin's number. This was not what I wanted to do...luckily he answered relatively quickly. The conversation went a little something like this:

"Hey John? My name is Jamie. I'm a music blogger, Sarah over at Sony said that you'd put me on the list?"
"Sorry Jamie. What's the last name?"
After giving him my name, "You wanted to talk to Dan after the show, right?"
"Oh...um. I didn't know that was an option," I said nervously...but yeah! That'd be great!"
"Stick around the merchandise counter...you going to be around the merchandise counter, yeah?" "Yeah" says a voice, I can only assume was Dan Merriweather himself.
"Yeah, stick around the merchandise counter, I'll come find you."

I died. After getting in the club and through security, my + 1, the lovely Ashley, bought me a drink and we snagged a spot to stand, coincidentally right next to the merchandise counter! Good timing, as Dan Merriweather was just starting the first song of his ENTIRELY too short set.

Merriweather was dressed uber-casual, in a black leather jacket layered over a simple cardigan, with black skinny jeans and brown Oxford shoes. Merriweather started out the show with his next U.S. single "Impossible," off of his album Love & War (penned by Merriweather, Mark Ronson & Dejion Madison) Merriweather sounded fantastic. It wasn't a big spectacle, just Dan, his mic and his band mates. Bringing up a stool and sinking into it, Merriweather treated the restless audience to a beautiful rendition of album track #9, "Getting Out" (co-written by Merriweather & Francis White). I have to say, another brilliant performance. This guy has undeniable power and vocal range in his voice, which is a bit surprising considering the smokey quality of his voice. Merriweather's vocal is a bit rough around the edges, meaning not perfect, which in my opinion is so sexy. I don't think a vocal should sound perfect. This is what I want to hear, something that sounds un-produced and natural, and that's what Merriweather delivered.

Next up was "Cigarettes" (by Merriweather & Jordan Galland), a tune that Merriweather described as being about all past relationships he's messed up. Removing his jacket, Merriweather introduced the net song, an American folk classic "In The Pines," attributing the song to folk and blues singer Lead Belly. This cover brilliantly showcased Merriweather's lower register, further solidifying his position as one of my favorite male vocalists in recent years. Here's an interesting tidbit about the song...while Lead Belly did in fact record the song half-a-dozen or so times, the song is actually thought to date back to the 1870s. Also known as "Black Girl" and "Where Did You Sleep Last Night," it was made famous in 1993 when Nirvana played an acoustic version. Over the years it's been touched by greats like Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, the Grateful Dead, Dolly Parton and Tracy Bonham. Go ahead and add Daniel Merriweather to the list...a simply beautiful rendition.

On "Change," I didn't know what to expect. The original album version features American rapper Wale on the track, complementing the track's urban/R&B feel but what was going to happen without Wale. I should have known that Merriweather would be just fine without his counterpart. He turned the track into a beautiful solo number, filling the song with vocal riffs, proving the those that were listening that this guy can really SANG. "I wanted to play a couple of my favorites," Merriweather explained before launching into his next number, a cover of Paul McCartney's 1970 song "Maybe I'm Amazed." That song hit the top ten on Billboard's pop chart back in 1977 when it was released as a single by McCartney's band Wings. Another standout. Daniel Merriweather closed the set with current U.S. single, the beautiful, emotional politically-driven "Red." Merriweather has explained the song in past interviews, stating that the song is about 'the blindness of war and the absence of compassion displayed by Western administrations." What a way to end the show.

After Merriweather left the stage, I kept hoping for an encore. I know that the majority of the audience wasn't there to see him, but my God. How could you not stop and take notice! While there were a good many people genuinely engaged by the performance, there was a decent number of people clearly waiting for the show's headliner, Corinne Bailey Rae to take the stage (who, by the way was amazing as well). I'm of the mindset that you're paying for the whole experience which includes the opener and the headliner. Whatever. Daniel Merriweather deserves his own spotlight here in the States and I think it's coming. How can America NOT take notice of this guy? He's got the total package.

After the set, waiting near the merchandise counter, I started getting nervous. I knew there was NO WAY his tour manager was going to be able to find me (given that he didn't know what I looked like) but I sure as hell wasn't going to let this opportunity pass me by. In retrospect, maybe I was supposed to wait around the merchandise counter until AFTER all of the autographs had been signed? Oh well. At any rate, I joined the line that had started to form in front of the counter and patiently waited for the arrival of Mr. Merriweather. Luckily I had my copy of his CD with me (I had brought it for Ashley to listen to, as she hadn't heard of him). By the time my turn came, I had run through about 10 questions that I wanted to ask him. Realizing that there was a line behind me, I settled on one.

Shaking his hand, I complimented him on the set, to which he humbly thanked me. I explained that I'd been a fan for a while, since the Mark Ronson "Stop Me" days and through all of his success int he UK. I asked him about the next U.S. single. He told me that, in all likelihood, "Impossible" would be released as the next single, followed most likely by "Water and a Flame" (featuring Adele). While I love both songs, given their disappointing chart performance in the UK ("Impossible" peaked at #67, "Water and a Flame" failed to chart at all) I'm surprised they didn't go a different route. Oh well. Not my decision.

After handing me back my CD, I had Ashley snap a quick picture with my Blackberry and shook his hand one last time. I was literally shaking. "To Jamie. Thanks for the support." To Daniel. You're welcome. You are a star.

Check out Daniel Merriweather on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//iTunes//YouTube

Daniel Merriweather Unleashes His Golden Pipes on America

OH what I wouldn't give to hear Aussie singer/songwriter Daniel Merriweather's golden pipes live at the House of Blues in Boston on April 30th. Daily Variety called him a star and I have no doubt about that. I've been in love with this guy's voice since I heard his guest vocals on Mark Ronson's "Stop Me," and have been following his various featured vocals on other tracks since. When I learned Merriweather was doing a solo record, OF COURSE I got excited.

Like all good music these days, Merriweather first released the album in the UK (June 1, 2009), where it managed to chart in the #2 spot - followed eight months later by it's U.S. release on February 23rd. First single, "Change" peaked at #8 on the charts, while second single "Red" fared better, peaking at #5. Further singles did not do so well, with "Impossible" peaking at #67 and "Water and a Flame" featuring British soul singer Adele failed to chart altogether. I'm a firm believer that an artist's overall success should not be determined chart success. Merriweather is a talented lad and he deserves success and recognition...in the U.S. too and from the looks of things, he's well on his way.

Merriweather recently performed on The Late Show with David Letterman, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live and Last Call with Carson Daly. What's more - Dan Merriweather is VH1's "You Oughta Know" featured artist! Quite a plug, if you ask me. What I love about Merriweather is the raw quality of his vocals. The guy can sing, no doubt, but it's a little rough around the edges. The raspy quality to his voice just OOZES sexuality and soul and spills out wherever you hear his music played.

As if all of these high profile U.S. television performances weren't enough, Merriweather is currently on tour with British R&B singer Corinne Bailey Rae, who's launching her own comeback of sorts, after a 4 year hiatus. The North American tour kicked off on April 9th in Vancouver and takes the talented duo to 15 cities throughout the United States and Canada. Next Friday, on April 30th Merriweather will be hitting the stage at the House of Blues in Boston. *DROOL* Now I did consider buying tickets earlier but just never got around to it. Now, of course, I'm kicking myself.

Love & War

If you haven't picked up a copy of the album, Love & War yet, what are you waiting for? It's brilliant! While his ballads are beautiful, I'm more a fan of up-tempo fare like "Change," featuring Wale. That being sad, "Red" is GORGEOUS, and I love his duet with Adele on "Water and The Flame." Love & War was produced by Mark Ronson (of course) and takes inspiration from a variety of diverse artists.

“I’m as inspired by Q-Tip and A Tribe Called Quest as I am by Vivaldi, Stevie Wonder, Jeff Buckley, or D’Angelo. There are artists who are archivists—they make music directly derived from music they love. I make music by subconsciously blending things I’ve heard throughout my life.”

The album is a little bit retro, which really suits the raw quality of his vocals. The album also features GORGEOUS instrumentation and orchestral arrangements throughout, which only complement the singer's pipes. If you aren't familiar with Dan Merriweather yet, get ready to be blown away.

If you get a chance, check out Dan on tour with Corinne Bailey Rae:

4/24 - Detroit, MI - St. Andrews Hall

4/26 - Toronto, ON - Queen Elizabeth Theatre

4/28 - Montreal, QC - Club Soda

4/30 - Boston, MA - House Of Blues

5/1 - Philadelphia, PA - TLA

5/3 - New York, NY - Webster Hall

5/4 - Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg

5/11 - Atlanta, GA - Center Stage

5/13 - Washington, DC - 9:30 Club

5/14 - Baltimore, MD - Rams Head Live

Check out Daniel Merriweather on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//iTunes//YouTube

Loads of New Album & Single Artwork!

Massive album artwork update here. Per usual, most of the artwork came from Coverlandia and Covermania. Enjoy!

As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm looking forward to reviewing the debut album, Pretty Mess, from dance music artist, Erika Jayne. Her album is due out August 11th (this Tuesday) and features her #1 dance hits "Rollercoaster," "Stars" and "Give You Everything." Jayne recorded the album with veteran producers Peter Rafelson and Eric Kupper. Can't wait for this one!

Wow. This song makes me really excited about the new Whitney Houston album. "I Look To You" is absolutely gorgeous but this up-tempo jam, produced by Swizz Beats, is HOT. Whitney looks great in the sleeve artwork as well. Nice to see a return to form for Ms. Houston. "Million Dollar Bill" is supposedly going to be released simultaneously with first single, "I Look To You," most likely to appease multiple formats.

Patrick Wolf is quite the performer. I had the good fortune of seeing him open for Amy Winehouse at what used to be Avalon. Such a good show. I enjoyed his last album The Magic Position, and should probably check out some of his new material. This is the album artwork from his most recent album, The Bachelor. Not particularly new, since the album was released in June. The first two singles off of the album are "Hard Times" and "Vulture." Also, of particular interest to me...the title song...it features an appearance from English folk musician Eliza Carthy. I reviewed Carthy's CD, Angels & Cigarettes for the Indiana Daily Student back when I was in college. Oh the joys of receiving free music. Of course, most of the CDs I wanted to review I had to pay for. Oh well!

Also not particularly new is the single artwork for the third UK single from The Killers' last album, Day & Age. The artwork for "The World We Live In" (which was released in May) continues in the tradition set by previous singles, featuring a mosaic portrait of one of the band members...this time of bass guitarist Ronnie Vannucci Jr. First single, "Human" featured keyboardist David Keuning, "Spaceman" featured the hotness that is lead singer Brandon Flowers and "A Dustland Fairytale" features guitarist Mark Stoermer.

The new artwork for the second Paloma Faith single has been unveiled. Lovely. Just as classy and elegant as the "Stone Cold Sober" artwork, and album artwork for her forthcoming debut Do You Want The Truth or Something Beautiful? - out September 21st. "New York" comes out in the UK on September 13th - the video has already been shot. I haven't heard this song yet but I can't wait! Paloma's album is one of my most anticipated albums of the year and one of my "artists to watch." Additionally, you can expect remixes from Tom Middleton, Cutmore and Starsmith. [EDIT] - I LOVE THIS SONG. The video is stunning as well. Wow. Powerhouse.

"Party In The U.S.A." is the first single off of a new Walmart-exclusive Miley Cyrus EP, The Time Of Our Lives. Apparently it's going to be released in conjunction with the unveiling of Miley's new clothing line. The track was officially released to radio stations on July 29th. I'm not the biggest Miley fan, but she does look more mature in this artwork. She's growing up, alright.

The new Mika album, entitled The Boy Who Knew Too Much, has me really excited. Not only is Mika super cute, but he's super talented. I hope he supports this new album here in the states. It's due out September 22nd in the U.S. (September 21 in the UK) and is lead by first single "We Are Golden." I still need to buy his first album, Life In Cartoon Motion." The album artwork was designed by Mika's sister, who works under the name DaWack. Good stuff!

This appears to be new album artwork from Swedish singer Erik Hassle, though I'm not sure what this is...album? Single? I was under the impression that THIS was the album artwork. Can anyone confirm? Perhaps this artwork is for the album's UK debut? Regardless...this looks pretty cool.

This was Hassle's first Swedish single, "Hurtful." I love the stencil-like fonts here, as well as the black and white photo with the pink lettering. Simple and clean.

"Don't Bring Flowers" is Erik Hassle's UK debut single and has been described as a "synthy acoustic number." Very cool. I'm looking forward to hearing this album in full! The Swedes really do know how to do pop music right. The official video was filmed in LA and has yet to be released but in the meantime - check out this unofficial video.

"The Journey" is the first single off of the new Dolores O'Riordan album, No Baggage, released on August 24th globally and August 25th in the U.S. Released to U.S. radio on July 13th, the single is expected to be released in Europe on August 10th. I've always loved O'Riordan's vocals - ever since she was a member of The Cranberries. The Morgan Page remix of "Ordinary Day," from O'Riordan's debut solo album is hot so I'm hoping for some new remixes from this album. We shall see I guess. The artwork has O'Riordan looking VERY pop. I love it! What do you think?
Voted for by the fans, this is the official artwork for "Gold Digger" by The Dolly Rockers. Due out on August 30th, this group is already one of my summer favorites. I've watched the video probably 1000 times and love the Bimbo Jones remix. First single "Je Suis Une Dolly" is also one of my favorite songs of the summer. The girls are recording their debut album, due out at the end of the year.

This is the third single from the new Daniel Merriweather CD, Love & War. "Impossible," due to be released on August 17th is the follow up to his last single "Red." Daniel is looking better than ever here...well...maybe not as hot as he did on the cover for "Red," but still...who am I to complain? I'm still hoping he takes a stab at the U.S. market with this new album. I'd love to see him do a live club show here.

My Favorite Music Videos RIGHT NOW!

So, I'm not ashamed to admit it...the disposable income I do have goes to music AND the occasional music video, which I then put onto my iPod for some enjoyment on the T(rain). Here are some of my favorite music videos of the moment.

• Pitbull - I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho) - Dirty, slutty good fun. The song is a bit overplayed right now, but this is my late-discovery. This is my walking around the city jam.

• VV Brown - Shark In The Water - I've talked about this girl before, but I can't stop raving! Her album is out in the UK soon and this is her latest single. She looks stunning in the video!

• Lady Gaga - Paparazzi - One word...E-P-I-C!!

• Cobra Starship feat. Leighton Meester - Good Girls Go Bad - Fun little peak at what Leighton Meester's debut album is going to sound like. Plus Gabe Saporta from Cobra Starship is mighty cute.

• Paradiso Girls feat. Lil Jon & Eve - Patron Tequila - Fabulous, fun summer pop. The girls look hot as ever.

• The Killers - Dustland Fairytale - Brandon Flowers = SEX

• Wale feat. Lady Gaga - Chillin' - Love Gaga in anything.

• La Roux - Bulletproof - If you haven't heard of La Roux yet, CHECK them OUT NOW. They are a new act out of the UK and they're doing a small U.S. tour this summer.

• Pussycat Dolls - Hush Hush; Hush Hush - Call me gay (I am gay), but I love me some PCD. This song is plenty of fun and the girls look amazing.

• Freemasons feat. Sophie Ellis-Bextor - Heartbreak (Make Me A Dancer) - Sophie has been my girl ever since I saw the video for "Murder on the Dancefloor."

• Gossip - Heavy Cross - Two words...Beth Ditto!

• Dan Black - Symphonies - Wish he was able to release his cover of Biggie's "Hypnotize," but this is a suitable replacement single.
  
  

• Paloma Faith - Stone, Cold Sober - Beautiful video, beautiful girl.

• Jordin Sparks - Battlefield - Video is a little boring, but the song is still ace in my book.

• Tinchy Stryder feat. Amelle Berrabah (of the Sugababes) - Never Leave You - Loved his song "Take Me Back," as well as his follow up single "Number 1." This one isn't as good as it's predecessors, but I do love me a featured vocal by a Sugababe.

• Frankmusik - Confusion Girl - Love this dude! Can't wait to get his album. It's going to be fantastic! I love the appearance in the video from Aussie singer/actress Holly Valance.

• David Guetta feat. Kelly Rowland - When Love Takes Over - Holy dance hit! Congrats to Kelly, who, although was dropped from her label recently, collaborated with dance genius David Guetta and put out this number 1 dance hit!

• Daniel Merriweather - Red - Beautiful song. Beautiful man.
• Lily Allen - Fuck You (Explicit) - Hilarious video.

Most Anticipated Summer Albums

Here it goes, my most anticipated albums of the next couple of months. If there's an album that I've missed or if you have a suggestion, feel free to leave me a comment! I'm always up for hearing new music.

June

Daniel Merriweather - Love & War (June 1st)

Aussie pop star Daniel Merriweather is poised to release his second solo album (the first of which was never released) on June 1st in the UK. The record contains the UK top 10 hit "Change," as well as his current single, "Red." I first heard Merriweather's vocals on Mark Ronson's fabulous "Stop Me," followed by an appearance on Wiley's single "Cash In My Pocket." I'm glad he's now in the spotlight, as he truly has a fantastic voice and he's super cute to boot.

Check out Daniel Merriweather on the web: Official Site/MySpace/Facebook/Twitter/Bebo/YouTube

Little Boots – Hands (June 8th)

British electropop artist Little Boots releases her debut album on June 8th. I first heard her on a remix of her first single "Meddle" and was instantly intrigued. I then heard her doing an acoustic version of Kid Cudi's "Day 'N' Nite." Brilliant. Her new single "New In Town" is equally amazing, as is the Fred Falke remix. Written in LA with Greg Kurstin and Joe Goddard I'm still hoping this one gets a U.S. release. U.S. TV host Carson Daly did an entire show dedicated to her and she made an appearance at the prestigious SXSW festival in Texas, so hopefully this is a good sign for us U.S. fans.

Check out Little Boots on the web: Official Site/MySpace/Facebook/YouTube/Twitter

Black Eyed Peas - The E.N.D. (The Energy Never Dies) (June 9th)

I've never been a huge Black Eyed Peas fan, in fact I never really listened to them before Fergie joined the group. Their upcoming album, released Stateside on June 9th (June 8th in the UK) appears to be right up my alley. The electro-infused hip hop beats that make up first single "Boom Boom Pow" marks a new direction for the band. I don't know how die hard fans of the Peas like the new sound, but to me, it's a sound that's very fresh and Euro. Follow up single " I Gotta Feelin'" produced by David Guetta sounds a little bit too pop for my liking, while digital only release "Imma Bee" follow more closely in style to "Boom Boom Pow." "Alive" will be released as another digital-only single on May 26th. We'll see what the E.N.D. result will be. I'm optimistic.

Check out the Black Eyed Peas on the web: Official Site/MySpace/Facebook/ILike

Gossip - Music For Men (June 23rd)

This marks the major label debut for the U.S. Indie Rock group Gossip. The group's fourth album comes out in the UK on June 22nd and the next day in the U.S. While they've traditionally had more success in the UK, with some proper promotion, they could do well in the U.S. Backed by a strong gay following, the groups most popular single, "Standing In The Way of Control" was all about gay marriage. On my last trip to the UK I picked up the album of the same name as well as an EP of dance remixes from that album. Good stuff. "Heavy Cross" is the first single off this new album, available on iTunes now.

Check out Gossip on the web: Official Site/MySpace/YouTube

Regina Spektor – Far (June 23rd)

I admittedly only recently joined the Regina Spektor fanclub, namely after her song "Fidelity" became well known here in the states and "On The Radio" appeared on an episode of "Grey's Anatomy." Since then, I purchased her last album Begin To Hope and as a result, have 2 new favorite tracks - "Samson," & "Better." I'm sad that her new album hasn't really received much in the way of promotion as of yet. New single "Laugh With" barely hit iTunes with a whisper and the album is coming out next month! Her new music sounds very similar to songs on her last album, so chances are I'm going to love this new one as well.

Check out Regina Spektor on the web: Official Site/MySpace/YouTube

La Roux – La Roux (June 29th)

La Roux is the next big thing to come out of the UK. This electropop duo is made up of singer Elly Jackson and producer/co-writer Ben Langmaid. With a sound heavily influenced by by 1980s synth pop including Eurythmics, Depeche Mode, The Human League, Yazoo and Prince, La Roux brings a distinctive style to their music and I expect big things from their debut album on Polydor. So far two singles have been released, "Quicksand" and "In For The Kill" which peaked on the UK charts at number 2. Third single, "Bulletproof" is released on June 15th.

Check out La Roux on the web: Official Site/MySpace/Facebook/YouTube

July

Dan Black – ((Un)) (July 6th)

Formerly part of English alternative band, The Servant, Dan Black is now a solo entity since the band split up in 2007. Black now is set to release his solo debut, ((Un)) on July 6th in the UK. The first single, "Yours" was released in fall of 2008, while follow up single "Alone" came out this past March. According to a blog post, Black was all set to film the video to his brilliant third single, "Hypnotz" (a loose cover of "Hypnotz" by the late, great Notorious B.I.G. before it was all nixed due to legal issues. Apparently, Biggie's estate wasn't allowing anyone to use Biggie's lyrics. Instead, Black wrote a new song "Symphonies" which will serve as the new single, out on June 29th. This is disappointing to me, as I loved "Hypnotz" so much. We will move forward somehow and Dan Black's album will still no doubt be brilliant.

Check out Dan Black on the web: Official Site/MySpace/YouTube/Twitter

Frankmusik - Complete Me (July 13th)

Yet another UK electropop artist for me to love - Frankmusik releases his hotly anticipated debut album on July 13th in the UK. Previously having opened for such acts as Sam Sparro and Keane and the upcoming Pet Shop Boys tour - Frankmusik is ready to explode onto the scene. Both a remixer and a writer, he's completed remixes for Alphabeat, Pet Shop Boys and Mika. He's also working with Holly Valance. His next single, "Confusion Girl" looks to be a hot one just as previous singles "3 Little Words" and "Better Off As Two" were.

Check out Frankmusik on the web: Official Site/MySpace/Facebook/Twitter/YouTube

VV Brown - Travelling Like The Light (July 20th)

I'm so excited for this album, I can hardly contain myself! Everything about VV Brown is just so infectious! Her voice, her sense of style, her pure talent - everything! I wish this album was coming out now! From promotional single "Crying Blood," to her first official release "Leave!" and upcoming single "Shark In The Water" - everything this lady puts out is pure genius. Her music has a little bit of everything - soul, rock, pop, electronica - it's the perfect mix!

Check out VV Brown on the web: Official Site/Blog/Facebook/Bebo/YouTube/Twitter

Jordin Sparks – Battlefield (July 21st)

This American Idol knows how to churn out the hits, as evidenced by all three singles off her last album hitting the top 20 on Billboard's Pop and Hot 100 charts. Her new single co-written by OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder is already doing well on the digital charts and is officially released to radio this week. Sparks just announced via Twitter that the album will be released on July 21st and that the video for "Battlefield" is near completion. Her new album features contributions from hitmakers like Stargate, Dr. Luke, Max Martin, Claude Kelly, Lucas Secon, Toby Gad, and Jesse McCartney. This album is going to be epic!

Check out Jordin Sparks on the web: Official Site/MySpace/Facebook/Twitter/YouTube

New Kelly Clarkson & Daniel Merriweather!

According to both Arjan Writes and Billboard, Kelly Clarkson's new single, "My Life Would Suck Without You" is due out on January 19th! So close! Apparently this album (from what insiders have heard so far) is very reminiscent of "Breakaway." This is good news. I admit that I kind of enjoyed a few tracks off "My December" but not nearly as much as I enjoyed "Breakaway."

Also on Arjan Writes, the video for Aussie singer Daniel Merriweather's new single called "Change," featuring Wale. Daniel Merriweather was the voice behind Mark Ronson's brilliant tune last year "Stop Me." He's big in demand now as a featured artist, also appearing as a guest vocalist on Wiley's new track, "Ca$h In My Pocket." Merriweather is uber-talented and very cute to boot...so can't wait for his upcoming solo project. Check out a promotional single that came out a while back called "Chainsaw." The boy's got chops!