Blake Lewis

These are some of the artists that have really inspired me over the past year. 2011 was a great year for some amazing new music. Enjoy and let me know what you think in the comments bellow. Make sure to click the links so you can listen and watch. Hope you have an amazing 2012 and keep getting inspired to do what you love.

Love and happiness - Blake

  Alex Clare - The Lateness Of The Hour This is my numero uno favorite album of 2011. From start to finish this album is inspiring. Bluesy, soulful, contemporary and progressive all at once.  Produced by Diplo and Switch, they did an amazing job with the live sound design of all the percussion. Every thing revolves around Alex’s beautiful tambour so simply.  The Album is only out in the UK as of now. I’m really hope his label  starts pushing him in the US. Check him out here: http://www.alexclare.com Suggested songs: Too Close , Humming Bird, Sanctuary, Tight Rope,Hands Are Clever.   Kimbra - Vows This album comes in at number two.  Kimbra, a sexy New Zealander and fellow vocal looper, has a really beautiful jazzy tone, reminiscent of Esthero and Bjork at moments. In fact my friend was playing Settle Down at my house and I immediately thought it was a new Esthero album.  Low and behold it is Kimbra.  I really love this whole record. Check here out here: http://kimbramusic.com/ Suggested Songs: Settle Down, Cameo Lover, Old Flame and Good Intent   Elbow - The Seldom Seen Kid One of my favorite bands from the UK, hands down. This album actually came out in 2009. I was turned on to them and was instantly captivated by the melodies and the poetic  lyrics by lead singer Guy Garevy. Check them out here: http://www.elbow.co.uk/home.html Suggested Songs:  The Bones Of You, Mirrorball, Grounds For Divorce , and Weather To Fly   The Black Keys - El Camino I’ve been a fan of the Black Keys for about 5 years now and I’m always excited when the release a new album. They haven’t missed a mark on any piece of music they come out with. I just can’t tell you how excited about this record.  Listened to it 4 times in a row the day I got it and it just really hits the spot when you want some dirty gritty blues in your earhole. Check them out here: http://www.theblackkeys.com/ Suggested Songs: Lonely Boy, Run Right Back, Sister   Friendly Fires - Pala  I was turned out to Friendly Fires by my good friend Elliot Yamin. He was bumping it in his car while we were headed out to see some music and I was stoked. Surprised I hadn’t heard of them before, because they are right up my alley. Check them out here:  http://www.wearefriendlyfires.com/ Suggested Songs: Hurting, Pala, Blue Cassete.   A Silent Film - The City That Sleeps I was turned on to A Silent Film from my x-girlfriend. It was the best thing to come out of the relationship, I’d say. hehe just kidding.  As soon as I heard them I was engaged. Probably do to the fact that they sound a little bit like Keane. I love this album from the first note to the last.  They are very cinematic, hence the name A Silent Film.  Melodic strings and big pianos on every track, make for a really big sound. Check them out here: http://asilentfilm.com/category/latest-news/ Suggested Songs: Driven By Their Beating Hearts, Sleeping Pills, Lamp Light   Bonobo - Black Sands I listen to this album all the time!!! The production and grooves of this album always make me want to beatbox.  I cook, clean, drive, hike, and work out to this album like crazy.  I love amazing instrumentals, that let your mind wonder and take you some place you’ve never been. That is what this album does for me.  Hope you enjoy it. Check them out here:http://www.bonobomusic.com/ Suggested Songs: Kong , Kiara, Eyesdown   JD McPherson - Sing & Signifiers Talk about some throw back, Chuck Berry, Stray Cat loving with this man. I’ve been jamming out to this guy in my 1987 Cadillac Coupe’ Deville  feeling like I’m in the 1950’s heading to a swing dance. This whole album just makes you feel great. Check him out here: http://www.jdmcpherson.com/ Suggested Songs: North Side Gal, Fire Bug, Country Boy, A Gentle Awakening.   Last but definitely not least.  My favorite Seattle musicians.   Allen Stone - Allen Stone Allen Stone is a homie of mine and he is blowing up! So happy and proud. I met Allen when his manager, my friend BJ brought him over to my house in Seattle about 3 years ago. We just sat around playing music for each other, vibe-ing out. He has such a great spirit about him and it comes through his music on a soulful level. His sound is what’s been missing from RnB!  He just played Conan and is out touring the country. Check him out here: http://www.allenstone.com/ Suggested Songs: Sleep, Satisfaction, Another Break Up Song,  Unaware,  Last To Speak.   Project Lionheart - Shoebox Radio These are my very close friends that I’ve been playing with for almost 10 years. Caleb the MC has a great tone and knows how to write a hook and produce a great record. He and TJ (guitar/production) really came together and made a more band driven album, with gritty guitars and live drums.  Shoebox Radio is there sophomore album and filled with great music. Check them out here: http://www.projectlionheart.com/ Suggested Songs: They Come Back, Can’t Stop Me, My City’s On Fire   Doxology - Revolution This band has an incredible sound. It’s massive and when they play live, they are a force to be reckoned with. I’ve been waiting for this album for years and they have finally put it out.  They are dear friends of mine and I’m hoping for big things from them this year. Please support and check them out here: http://www.doxologyband.com Suggested Songs: Revolution, Run Around, Pieces, Eleanor Rigby   Hope some of these artists inspire you to buy their music. Please remember to support your local artists. We/ They need you! Cheers.  BL

Blake Lewis joins the Idol Chatter team as a guest blogger.

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check out my page @ myspace.com/blakelewis for show and venue listings this weekend! Chicago I am coming! spread the word!