” This regular feature will review new songs available on the iTunes music store. The songs are chosen only from the new releases, not necessarily new singles heard on the radio. Ratings are based on one to five stars, just as they would be reviewed on iTunes.”
“

This regular feature will review new songs available on the iTunes music store. The songs are chosen only from the new releases, not necessarily new singles heard on the radio. Ratings are based on one to five stars, just as they would be reviewed on iTunes.

The A.K.A.s (Are Everywhere!) – Dead Flowers Forever

A little early 80s punk, a lot of high school rock, this song is a cunning mixture of anti-culture genres.

The Green Day-style vocals of Mike Ski, formerly of the band Brother’s Keeper, add to the simple arrangement of guitar, keyboards and drums, a rare blend in alternative punk today.

Holidays and progress that builds over beaches and flowers are the two main themes of the song, and how tough life is for those struggling with their emotions.

There is little poetic flourish with the lyrics, but does not suffer due to Ski’s aggressive singing.

The first single off their upcoming second album, Dead Flowers Forever is a good attempt.

Bauhaus – Go Away White

Those who are old enough to remember them the first time around, Britain’s Bauhaus are back for a limited time.

This gothic rock band’s fame came in the late 70s with Bela Lugosi’s Dead.

Their current formation consists of Peter Murphy, Daniel Ash, Kevin Haskins and David J.

Go Away White is a harsh rock song that starts with scratchy guitars and a somber Murphy speaking almost inaudibly.

Then his gothic voice sings over the ominous guitar in the same style as the single that made his band famous.

The song progresses through not only an increasingly frustrated Murphy, but evolving sounds.

A piano plays a single high-tone key repeatedly to break up the tension Murphy’s screams bellow, the guitar loses itself to its own feedback and even Murphy tries to return to his normal singing voice only to cry out longer near the end of the song.

This is their third farewell piece, the previous two happening in 1983 and 1998.

Fans of this genre or the band will find this a fantastic piece.  Those unfamiliar with the genre may find it a bit grating.

Flogging Molly – Float

What would St. Patrick’s Day be without a little Irish music?

One of the most influential and popular Irish bands touring today is Flogging Molly, and their current release is a wonderful reflection of the large band’s talents.

A gentler The Clash style, easily an Irish rock tune, Float explores the stereotypical Irish theme of drinking and hopelessness.

Yet Dave King’s twangy voice, Ted Hutt’s acoustic guitar and Bridget Regan’s fiddle keep the song upbeat.

Mixed in are drums, an upright bass and a banjo, but King’s voice is definitely the focal point of this unique blend.

The song begins quiet and by the end is a pub dancing tune.

There are no points where the song comes up short or could have been engineered better.

A must for rock fans, St. Patty’s fans, or those who love a good dance or drinking song.

“