Our National Nightmare is Officially Over

grand-lake

So says the marquis at Oakland’s Grand Lake Theater.  And so it is.  Hallelujah! 

In the words of the ever political Bono who said in the midst of performing their 1984 hit ‘Pride (In the Name of Love)’ during the Inaugural concert:

“This is not just an American dream, but also an Irish dream, a European dream, an African dream … an Israeli dream and a Palestinian dream.” 

Pride:

U2 has a new album on the horizon entitled No Line on the Horizon (no pun intended!) due out February 15. Listen to the first single, ‘Get On Your Boots’.

The Helio Sequence – Keep Your Eyes Ahead

ArtistThe Helio Sequence
Album: Keep Your Eyes Ahead
File Under: Dream Rock
Recommended if You Like: Early U2, Band of Horses
Featured Tracks: Lately

The Portland-based duo, The Helio Sequence, released their third album ‘Keep Your Eyes Ahead’ in January of this year; but it’s one of those records I just keep coming back to again and again. While this post may be long overdue, the relevance of this recommendation is right on.  It’s a great summer album. Perhaps it’s because there are moments on the record that sound so early U2/Joshua Tree I can’t help but feel nostalgic.  

To see them live gives you an even greater appreciation of their range and talent. Drummer Benjamin Weikel is mesmerizing to watch on stage with his visceral drumming technique, as if he’s in some altered state of ecstasy.  Combined with Brandon Summers refined vocals and radiant layers of reverb guitar, the duo produces a lot of good sound.  It’s certainly high on my list for Best of 2008; maybe even claiming title to ‘Sleeper Album of the Year’.  So go get it already.  Hurry, before the summer’s up.

Get this album free via eMusic’s 50 Free MP3 Promo

buy it at insound!

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