http://theripmp3.com Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:34:40 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en These past few weeks have been a little hectic for me. I got laid off unexpectedly, and I decided to chart a new course for my life. I feel very blessed to have already found a more convenient, better-paid job and to jump in head first to a ... http://theripmp3.com/2009/11/08/tegan-and-sara-sainthood/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tegan-and-sara-sainthood Ok, this is one of those bands that I've read about for months.  Some part of tries to avoid listening to the overhyped/overblogged bands, but after I saw almost every single mp3 blog I read write about them, I had to at least give The xx a chance.  I tried ... http://theripmp3.com/2009/10/08/the-xx-xx/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-xx-xx Virtually every band or artist on my all-time favorite list has released/will release a new album in the span of 6 months. Metric, Phoenix, Imogen Heap, The Sounds, Tegan And Sara (10/27), and now Paramore.  I've been in music heaven all spring and summer.  That goes without even mentioning ... http://theripmp3.com/2009/10/07/paramore-brand-new-eyes/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=paramore-brand-new-eyes I'll be the first to say that I haven't followed Ingrid Michaelson very closely over the last few years. Sure, I loved her 'sweater song' from the Old Navy commercials. There have also been some solid tracks on her last two albums. But I have never so ... http://theripmp3.com/2009/09/12/ingrid-michaelson-everybody/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ingrid-michaelson-everybody From the first line of 2007's 'Almost Lover,' I knew I'd fall in love with A Fine Frenzy.  Her 2nd album doesn't disappoint, and surprisingly, it even raises the bar.  Several songs seem to experiment with new sounds, and the result is enjoyable.  'New Heights' reminds me very much of ... http://theripmp3.com/2009/09/03/a-fine-frenzy-bomb-in-a-birdcage/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-fine-frenzy-bomb-in-a-birdcage When I was first introduced to 'house' music years ago, I quickly learned there are dozens of styles within the genre.  I also quickly learned that my favorite is undoubtedly 'disco house.'  I didn't experience the 70s, but I know I would have loved that time.  I believe I would ... http://theripmp3.com/2009/08/30/music-go-music-expressions/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=music-go-music-expressions When I first heard "Might Like You Better" months ago, I wasn't sold on Amanda Blank.  When I saw her open for Santigold in June, I was almost won over.  When I heard her album last week, I fell the rest of the way in love.  Aside from the untouchables ... http://theripmp3.com/2009/08/20/amanda-blank-i-love-you/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=amanda-blank-i-love-you I've waited for this day for years.  Literally.  And while Imogen Heap's new album 'Ellipse' hasn't officially been released yet (8/25/09 US), it's out there.  Imogen is one smart cookie.  She's allowing us all to hear the album in its entirety now.  There's so much I want to say about ... http://theripmp3.com/2009/08/19/imogen-heap-ellipse/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=imogen-heap-ellipse I will preface this by saying I don't know much (aka anything) about Kissy Sell Out.  Stereotypically, I avoided this guy based on name, as I thought he might be another hyper-electro (aka chaotic, unlistenable) DJ.  A few months ago, though, on a hunch, I listened to a song called ... http://theripmp3.com/2009/08/09/kissy-sell-out-youth/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=kissy-sell-out-youth It was surprisingly difficult to choose the three songs that would be featured here.  Surprising because on the surface, most of the tracks on this album (and by this band, in general) seem very similar.  Difficult because the more I've listened to this album, the more I feel it should ... http://theripmp3.com/2009/07/21/au-revoir-simone-still-night-still-light/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=au-revoir-simone-still-night-still-light