Home Video is made up of two very talented individuals, Collin Ruffino and David Gross. They connected in high school art class in 1997 where their instructor whom was an eccentric painter made a short narrative film starring David and directed by Collin. Which the film collaboration was said to have influenced the band’s name. David went to Boston to study music and philosophy while Collin in New York studied film but they both remained in touch and created music together during summer breaks. The first Home Video song came to them during the blizzard of 2003. As snow piled up they both stayed busy inside working on their latest creation. A year later Warp Records discovered them and released Home Video’s first two EPs that includes illustrations by Collin. “That You Might” got immediate attention in Britain from BBC Radio 1. After going on tour in the UK, Blonde Redhead was so impressed that they invited the band to support them for three weeks of shows in the US. Since then they have opened for very diverse acts such as Justice, Yeasayer, Flying Lotus, Pinback, DJ Krush, Colder, and Radio 4. Now after much success with their first studio album “No Certain Night or Morning,” the band has just released their second album “Automatic Process.” Unlike their album “No Certain Night or Morning,” “Automatic Process” has more of an uplifting sound with less synthesizer and more piano and drums than their prior album. The album “Automatic Process” really showcases the bands true talent and artistic abilities. If you are unfamiliar with Home Video, even though their sound is one of a kind they sound similar to bands such as The Fray, Fever Ray, Stateless and Passion Pits.

1. Accomplished But Dead: The songs itself has a dark feel to it (I mean just look at the title). There are a few places where the vocals are off set with the beat, which is very interesting to listen to.

2. The Smoke: The song starts off with one simple rhythm and as it progresses, bass lines and vocals are placed on top of it. The song itself is really catchy, and unique.

3. Business Transaction: The song starts off with a piano playing a really cool intro to the vocals. This song isn’t heavy with the electronic beats; it’s more of a slow song. I really like this song because it shows how versatile they can be. I like the way this song reaches the climax and slowly fades (vocals and beats) towards the end.

4. An Accident: This song is probably my favorite if I had to pick one off the album. After about eighteen seconds you’ll be hooked. In the song, there is a very interesting beat line that will make you want to see where the song is going. The vocals are sung in a round type of way that makes for great harmony. This song is definitely if not the best very close to the top.

5. I Can Make You Feel It: I actually had heard this song long ago on their EP entitled “It Will Be Ok.” The Song starts off heavy on the vocals, telling a story of a woman who seems to be struggling. As the song goes on it actually is a really sweet song and I would say it could even be a love song. In the middle of the song there is a good beat line that adds to the songs whole.

6. Beatrice: The songs starts off with a guitar playing a really soft rhythm, then as the song progresses forward the vocals and beats come in. I think this is my second favorite song because of its vocal harmony. This song isn’t filled with electronic beats, it sounds more natural with a drum, guitar and vocals. There is some electronic stuff going on but isn’t as electronic sounding like some of the others. The lyrics are more in-depth than they appear, and you have listen closely to understand the meaning of the song. This song really show cases their lyric writing ability because the lyrics are very touching, but in some places you can’t really hear them because of some of the beats. Nevertheless, this song is true talent!

In that dream she said “I have always loved you”
I saw the bending horizon over miles of sea
In that dream she said “I have always loved you”
It was the peak of everything I’ll ever be

7. The Automatic Process: At the beginning the song sounds very synthesized, almost to the point where I almost had to skip it. However, if you listen to the whole song it gets much better the beat that was heavily synthesized drops off and the vocals accompanied with a simpler beat take over.

8. Every Love That Ever Was: This song has the “WOW” factor! It has a light whimsical beat playing throughout the song. The chorus sounds really neat because it progresses along with the baseline of the song. This song was also included on their EP, entitled “It Will Be Ok.”

9. Description of a Struggle: When I first heard this song, I was kept trying listen to the lyrics and I was getting frustrated because I couldn’t understand them. After listening to the song several I finally understood the meaning of the song. The title of the song is “Description of a Struggle,” and this song beautifully depicts just that. I really like this song because they are able to paint a picture without using any words or lyrics.

10. No Relief: I really like the way this song is back to back with “Description of a Struggle.” The song starts off with a funky beat that goes into a vocal story. Towards the middle of the song when the chorus starts playing you can hear the harmony of the beats with the piano and the vocals. Everything in this song fits together like a puzzle. I will say that the beat at the beginning takes some getting use to but the song is pretty awesome overall.

11. You Will Know What To Do: If there was an award for best vocals this song would get it. Collin Ruffino’s voice in this song is truly amazing! I am so glad they included this song on the album; it is also from their EP, entitled “It Will Be Ok.” It starts with a piano playing and their vocals telling a story. Soon after the vocals start the piano drops off and an electronic beat starts in along with it sounds like children’s voices in the background. I am not sure how they make this song work but they do, definitely the cherry on top to a great album!

Overall, I really have enjoyed listening to this album. This is an album that I could listen to every song and not get bored. I liked their first album “No Certain Night Or Morning.” That album was very heavy electronically, however with “Automatic Process” is more natural sounding without the need of heavy electronic beats you get to hear more vocals. The album really shows their true talent and I think this is a step in the right direction for them. You can buy “Automatic Process” from their website and when you purchase the album from their site you also get a free immediate digital download. http://www.homevideo.fm

The band will also be appearing at SXSW March 16-19th, 2011. For more information please go to the bands website: http://www.homevideo.fm/index.php

After his much anticipated album “Do You Dream,” Markus Schulz is back with his new album entitled “Prague 11.” Only a year after his “Las Vegas 10” album, he raises the bar even higher. Prague 11, features the best in progressive trance of the year. The album is more of a darker, deep sounding progressive trance, unlike the “Las Vegas 10″ album. If you’ve been following his tour on DJ Global Broadcast then you won’t be able to tell a difference because his style flows from his tour into this album. He also has been mixing some of the songs from the album into the Global Broadcast show from week to week. If you missed a few of his shows or if you are wanting a sneak peak at the album then you can go to http://www.livesets.us/ and download his show weekly.

Songs like “Get Down City,” “Segarra,” “Another Day” feat. Madelin Zero, “Dark Cloud,” “Phoenix,” and “Forty Fathoms,” we will definitely be hearing these songs again all over the trance dance floors. The album is nothing like his recent studio album “Do You Dream?” If you love vocals in your trance you won’t find them on this album, there are only two songs and a few with loops vocals in the background. I like the direction the album goes in very upbeat, edgy, a little dark, deep sounding progressive trance. The album has all the individual songs as well as the continuous mix. Although the album is set to be released on February 15th, 2011 you can buy it early on itunes and download immediately. The album contains 29 songs, plus the continuous mix the song titles are as followed:

CD1
1 Mikulas – Praha
2 Eelke Kleijn – Monkey Movin’
3 Khomha – Rainy in the Night
4 Space Rockerz – Get Down City
5 MSJ – Crossing Planets (Basil O’ Glue Remix)
6 Saint X – Bounce
7 Norin & Rad – Segarra
8 Rex Mundi – Sandstone
9 Tucandeo – Lockdown (Big Room Mix)
10 DNS Project feat. Madelin Zero – Another Day
11 Danilo Ercole – Below The Equator Line (Basil O’ Glue Remix)
12 Snatt & Vix – Warp Drive
13 Pobsky – Dark Cloud (Markus Schulz Big Room Reconstruction)
14 P.A.F.F. presents Paul Spidey- Conductor of Death
15 Wippenberg – Phoenix

CD2
1 Mikulas – 50.05°N, 14.28°E
2 Skytech – Sirens
3 Aerofoil – Caress 2 Impress (Markus Schulz Big Room Reconstruction)
4 Erick Strong – Heart Inside
5 Snatt & Vix feat. Alexandra Badoi – Cold Shower (Markus Schulz Big Room Reconstruction)
6 Aaron Camz – Room To Breathe
7 Beat Service – Outsider
8 Mike Foyle presents Statica – Forty Fathoms
09 Thomas Cresine – Morse Code
10 Rex Mundi – Valley Of Dreams
11 Grube & Hovsepian – Invisible
12 Klauss Goulart – Turbulence
13 Why?!? – Lost
14 Mr. Pit – Backstage

This is the first album of new material since Cake’s album in 2004. Their latest album, Showroom of Compassion makes their 6th studio album. The album was recorded over the last two and a half years. I have been a fan of Cake since I heard the album Comfort Eagle, and couldn’t stop singing “Short Skirt, Long Jacket.” I recently heard Showroom of Compassion and found myself really enjoying it. I will admit that the album does sound more pop-mainstream like than their prior albums. However, even that didn’t scare me away from listening to it. I think my favorite song on the album is Mustache Man (Wasted). I think Cake fans will really enjoy this album; it’s a great comeback album, which is exactly what Cake needed! Great album check it out!

Tracklisting:
1. Federal Funding
2. Long Time
3. Got To Move
4. What’s Now Is Now
5. Mustache Man (Wasted)
6. Teenage Pregnancy
7. Sick Of You
8. Easy to Crash
9. Bound Away
10. The Winter
11. Italian Guy

Folk, Rock, Jazz, or Bluegrass? I haven’t figured it out yet, but whatever genre Tin Cup Gypsy band is in, they truly are spectacular with their music. This band features a wide variety of instruments such as Mandolin, Violin, Concertina, Acoustic Guitar, Percussion, Bass, and last but definitely not least a three-way harmony with voices that will capture your heart. They are taking over Nashville, and soon to be on radio stations around the U.S. this band has so much potential. They remind me of some many bands yet very original, Tin Cup Gypsy can go in whatever direction they want because they are so talented. Dear, CMT you have your next big stars and it’s Tin Cup Gypsy! If you haven’t heard of them yet check them out on their website http://www.tincupgypsy.com/ Also, you can download their album on iTunes or at the Band’s website http://tincupgypsy.storenvy.com/

Their album Calico includes:
1 Headlight in the Sky
2 Words
3 To the Sea
4 She Just Is
5 Chase the Sun
6 Jack & Jill
7 The Other Side
8 Secret
9 Wildfire
10 Bury Me

My personal favorite songs from the album are Words, To The Sea, Secret, and Wildfire. Check them out they are soon to be the next big thing.

Red Sparowes, a super-group in the post-rock scene, consist of only the best of musicians. These members from Isis, Halifax Pier, Angel Hair, and Pleasure Forever have been making music to portray the human questions that rise throughout life. The Sparowes have made a unique sound for themselves and honed in on it. The Fear Is Excruciating, But Therein Lies The Answer captures the minds of its listeners and guides them through an accepted and well-realized world of death and destruction while beauty bears all of the weight.

When the weight of the world rains upon you, you turn to the music-and only the best post-rock bands helps you create the perfect soundtrack for life. Groups such as Mogwai, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Russian Circles, and now Red Sparowses all should be amongst the musically accomplished. With The Fear Is Excruciating, But Therein Lies The Answer, the Sparowes have proven themselves to be a band that can no longer be ignored. The album radiates beauty with sound and creates a beautiful imagery, for any situation. The Fear Is Excruciating, But Therein Lies The Answer is one album that is a must for anyone who enjoys and appreciates post-rock music.

My personal favorite tracks on the album are, In Illusions of Order, A Hail of Bombs, A Mutiny, As Each End Looms A Subsides, each song is edgy in their own way. I love this album and highly recommend it!

Check out their complete album here:
http://redsparowes.bandcamp.com/

If the band Russian Circles had a wild passionate love affair with Sigur Rós (minus the vocals of Jónsi Birgisson) you would get their illegitimate love child Digital Antique. They are an instrumental rock band based out of Austin, Texas. They started two years ago in 2008 and have played at a number of venues including SXSW. The band has released their self-entitled album in late January 2010. With much success of their album the band is planning on touring in Europe.

If you like instrumental bands check them out, but don’t expect a highly produced album. The album leans more in the string instruments category than an instrumental rock band would. While I was listening to the album it had some places in the music where it was a bit awkward musically, but I believe that they did that to create a more dark and edgy sound. Overall the album is pretty good; you can listen to a few songs by going to their website.

You can hear their entire album here:
reverbnation.com/digitalantique

Hey if Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World left your hungry for some more 8-Bit video game action, check out the Video for “Who’s That? Brooown!” which will be playing  in the shorts program at Sundance 2011.

Congrats to director Thomas De Napoli.