Dr. Horrible's Spring Awakening.

So much of the music business has changed with the internet the past few years.  These days, digital is king.

I have always loved buying the actual compact disc.  I like to hold the CD in my hands.  I like to look through the linear notes.  I'm usually opening the CD as I leave a store even if I don't have immediate access to a player.  Fighting with the annoying sticker at the top is like unlocking a jewel case treasure chest leading you to a wonderful musical discovery.  When I was little I remember being so excited when a local bank said it was offering  FREE CDs!  (I of course was immediately disappointed once I was properly informed what kind of CD they were offering!)

With hesitation, this past year I've made a gradual switch to downloading (legally) from online.  It's usually a lot cheaper and you have it instantly.  Also, more and more artists are releasing exclusive tracks and even albums online.  I will never completely switch digital.  I still love buying vinyl AND I also work in a music department!!!  Plus, there are certain types of music that I still "need" on the CD format.  These include favorite artists that I already have a collection of and Broadway Cast Recordings (I want the libretto.)  These I will copy into my i-Tunes library and add to my ipod.  

However, I have found some great music online.  Let me know or leave a comment if you are interested in more info on some of these (LEGAL) sights.  I can get free downloads for recommending a friend...  (I promise that isn't the purpose of this post!)

The purpose is to tell you about two exciting new releases that came out this past Tuesday exclusively on i-tunes.

First is the "Official" soundtrack to the blog-tastical musical "Dr. Horrible's Sing-A-Long Blog."  Check out my past post about this wonderful piece of entertainment.  The creator Joss Whedon is set to release the dvd (with the soundtrack and specially written musical commentary!) before Christmas.  For now, this is the only way to get the soundtrack (besides inferior bootleg versions that fans have released online.)

The other wonderful release is from an i-tunes series called "i-Tunes LIVE from SoHo."   The cast of the Broadway sensation "Spring Awakening" performed selections from th show at the Apple Store in SoHo.  The songs sound wonderfully raw on this live recording.  They are performed by composer Duncan Shiek, original cast members, as well as "Weeds" star Hunter Parrish (who has gotten great reviews as the current "Melchior" and sounds wonderful on "Left Behind.")  

This is the first Broadway show that has been featured on the i-Tunes series.

In other "Spring Awakening" news.... 

Much like "Wicked: The Grimmerie" (a book about the making of the Broadway musical "Wicked"), "Spring Awakening" has also released a book.  It is called "Spring Awakening: In The Flesh."  It's designed to look like an old vandalized book and contains photographs, costume and set sketches, drafts of the songs, and the entire libretto.

Finally...

Kyle Riabko (who was "Melchior" before Hunter Parrish joined the cast) is currently starring in the touring production.  He has been performing as a singer/guitarist professionally since 15 and has an awesome debut CD.  Check out his website for his great music.  

Here's a different take on the haunting "Left Behind" that he performed this summer at Joe's Pub in NYC.  

Guys With Guitars (part 1)

Girls (and guys) love guys with guitars.  I'm not just talking about a "rockstar" leading the band.  No, I'm talking about modern day troubadours like John Mayer and Jack Johnson, and... (new release alert) Jason Mraz.

JASON MRAZ has a wonderful quirky style about him and this is definitely evident on his new album entitled "We Sing.  We Dance.  We Steal Things." He has released the first 2 sections as EP's online and the entire album hits stores today.  This is going to be a big hit this summer.  It features a duet with "Bubbly" Colbie Caillat and this very catchy hit "I'm Yours"

Here are some other recent releases by guys with guitars.

NEWTON FAULKNER-

Already a hit in the U.K., he has a great style of strumming, picking, and slapping (the guitar that is!)  His debut is called "Hand Built by Robots."

JUSTIN NOZUKA- 

This 19 year old Canadian wrote an album on the many facets of love.  Dedicated to his single mom Holly (aww!), his debut album "Holly" is a great mix of folk, pop, and soul.

Also here are a couple of fav's of mine in the past few years....

KYLE RIABKO-

Kyle is another Canadian teen with amazing soul in his voice.  Anne Murray look out!  The Canadians are representing!  He released this amazing debut in 2005 and is about to hit broadway as Jonathan Groff's replacement in "Spring Awakening."

JONNY LANG-

This guy is fabulous.  Originally from Fargo, ND (Dakota representing!!), he released his debut "Lie To Me" at 15!  He is now a world renowned blues guitarist.  My favorite album of his is "Long Time Coming" which actually is a bit of a turn from his normal bluesy self.  After taking a 5 year break from recording, he found God and love.  This album has a bit more of a contemporary feel and the lyrics reflect the changes in his life.  

Here's of cover of Stevie Wonder's "Livin in the City"

While we're one the subject, I have to give props to recent idol sendoff Jason Castro.  While he may not have been a "superstar vocalist,"  this guy had great musicality and a great style.  Cannot wait to hear what kind of album he puts out.  He gave a great rendition of Jeff Buckley's "Hallelujah."  My two favorite performances of his would have to be from Dolly week and Inspirational week.

I felt he did a wonderful job with Dolly's "Travelin' Thru."  He really "got" this song... and I feel the song (Oscar nominated from the film "Transamerica") is a very underrated gem from Dolly's songbook. 

Also he was WONDERFUL on an "IZ" inspired rendition of "Over the Rainbow"   He was flawless and really tapped into the hope of the song.

That's it for now.  There are many more I could list.... but that will be a future blog.

I will try and be more regular about postings.  Look for a new post at least every Tuesday..... NEW RELEASE DAY.... or as I like to think of it - "Weekly Christmas!"  (I love new releases!)  I may sometimes post on other days, but will try to at least post on Monday night or Tuesday.

Thanks for reading.