Eclectic Pop

“Unlike Any Other” is a sensational song from folk rock band Delta Rae off of their debut album “Carry the Fire”. This is a simple heartfelt ballad that is riveting. Elizabeth Hopkins’ vocals are ethereal, powerful and downright amazing.

I had the pleasure of seeing them live in concert and they were wonderful. When Hopkins performed this song, she brought down the house and it was a very special moment in the show.

While, “Unlike Any Other” is a phenomenal song, the entire “Carry the Fire” album is on par with it. It has something for everyone, there are so many genres touched on that if you’re just a fan of music in general, this album will appeal to you. From folk to blues to country to pop to bluegrass to rock, it is a brilliant blend of the best elements from those genres.

"Oblivion" is the latest offering from Tom Cruise and director Joseph Kosinski (Tron: Legacy). I’ve been looking forward to seeing this film, since its inception. So there was quite a bit of personal hype behind this film, to be honest. Upon, Kosinski being chosen to helm the project, there was a little mellowing of those expectations.

“A Wedding in Connecticut” is one of many soulful tunes off of Ron Pope’s 2012 album “Atlanta”. Atlanta is a very eloquent, smooth album with rich melodies and piano angst. It’s a really pleasant listen. So I would encourage you to check it out as a whole.

“Baby Lee” is off of the album Shadows from Teenage Fanclub. Okay, so the first time that I heard this song, I was overcome with emotion. I still don’t completely know why. I do know that is a very rare occasion. Something in the song just spoke to me. It is so tender and kind. It’s gentle melody and hushed vocals are beyond mellowing, it’s comforting, and hypnotic. This song comes over you like a warm blanket.

When it comes to covers, they can go two ways. In one instance the cover can be an almost exact reproduction with the only difference being the addition of a new vocalist. The other option being an alternative take on the original, either by stripping it down to an acoustic set or re-arranging it into a much different sound, perhaps adding more instrumental elements, creating a grander sound.

Taylor Swift is one of the largest pillars of the current pop culture landscape. Since her rise to prominence in 2008, she has cemented herself as one of the top female artists in the music industry. Notice I said music, not country music, pop music, rock music etc. I mean music.

Taylor Swift’s talent can’t be pigeonholed into any one genre of music. She is her own artist. She is a strong one, who has paved the way for other young women and served as a good role model to her millions of fans.

“Steal Your Heart” was the debut single from the 2011 self-titled album from Augustana and like its premiere song, it was extraordinary. This whole album is a must listen. It was expertly crafted and astonishingly underrated. After Augustana broke onto the scene with their hit single “Boston” back in 2003, they never quite recaptured that chart success again. It wasn’t because they stopped making incredible music though.

Today we lost a legend. Roger Ebert passed away at the age of 70. He was a revered film critic whose work inspired countless others to share their opinions on movies and take a critical look at an art form that meant so much to him. His passing means a profound loss on countless levels. There will…

From singer-songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk’s 1999 album Colour Moving and Still comes, “Before You” a song that is as humble as it is lovely, a pop/adult alternative treat brimming with vulnerable sincerity. This song offers a look at someone confessing that before their current paramore entered their life, they were a bit of a mess.

“The Host” is the latest adaptation of one of best-selling author Stephenie Meyer’s novels. Yes, the same woman who wrote “Twilight.” Having read all of her books from “Twilight” to “The Host,” this reader believes that “The Host” is her best work. There is something very profound about the novel. From the character development to the overall plotline is quite poignant.

Mika's “We Are Golden” is the perfect pick-me-up song. This song came out a couple of years ago and it quickly became one of my favorites. Mika provides incredible vocals, so free and distinctive that he captivates every emotion of youth for this anthem.