Big Leather Couch

Last Day of New Music...OK, who snickered in the back of the room? Was it you Jay????

Someone will win a CD each day (to be announced when I return) - what is better than coming to hear some new music, liking it, and then getting the CD sent to you...BAM!

Here is the contest - To the blogger that refers the most people here over the next week, you will have first choice of about 20 CDs I have plus you can opt to have me burn a CD from my personal collection- including all the bootleg concert music.

They have to come, leave a comment that makes sense and relates to the post (even if it is I like them or I hate them), leave your name in the comment so you get credit, and they must vote in the poll. I can tell who does what - believe me I can...

Come on - Pimp the New Music this week...what can it cost ya? A few friends????




Ms. Bellino's song "Potential Criminal" is an interesting look at our country in 2006 from a "corn-eating, swashbuckling, beer drinkin', community-minded, uprooted, rerooted a naturalized American, now I'm another potential criminal.".

The second song is a bonus track on my CD "El Crepusculo", which after looking it up I found it is "Twilight" as in the novel and movie.

Please vote and see y'all tomorrow (I think!)

Today we are bringing you some incredible talents. The name of the band is Human Nature and they are from Australia, but will be taking the US by storm over the next year.

The group was originally formed as a doo-wop band in 1989 while the current members were at school together in Sydney. So far, the band has had 17 Top 40 hits and five Top 10 hits in Australia since 1996 when their first album Telling Everybody was released. Human Nature's 3 follow-up albums all went multi-platinum in Australia. The band has also enjoyed some chart success internationally.

Brothers Andrew and Michael Tierney joined with Toby Allen and Phil Burton in 1989 while at Hurlstone Agricultural High School representing their school in a combined regional schools concert at the Bankstown Town Hall. The quartet were known as The 4 Trax, a name that they retained until they began their recording career. The band performed "Earth Angel" a 1950s hit for The Penguins.

Human Nature released its first album Telling Everybody on December 2, 1996 and it went on to earn triple-platinum status. The group also helped build their reputation by working as support acts for Michael Jackson and Céline Dion on their respective Australian tours.

Counting Down released in 1998 continued the band's momentum, and debuted at number one on the ARIA charts and generated five gold singles in Australia.

In 1999 Human Nature appeared in a tour of the musical version of the television series Happy Days.

The band released a self-titled album in 2000 with lead single "He Don't Love You" reaching Top 20 in the UK and being the 2nd best selling Australasian single in Australia for that year.

Human Nature's fourth studio album Walk the Tightrope was released on April 26, 2004. The first single "When You Say You Love Me" was written by Darren Hayes, formerly of Savage Garden, and it reached the Top 10 in Australia in 2004.

With the realization that they were perhaps outgrowing their original teen market, for their fifth studio album Human Nature decided to pay tribute to the music that influenced them from the very beginning, and released an album of Motown covers- Reach Out: The Motown Record- on November 6, 2005. It peaked at number one on the Australian charts and has reached 5 times platinum.

The quartet's sixth studio album Dancing In The Street: The Songs Of Motown II was released on October 13, 2006 and debuted at number one, with 14 Motown cover songs, after the initial 'Motown' album sold over 350,000 copies and won the highest selling album ARIA award.

The 24th of November, 2007 saw Human Nature hit No.2 on the ARIA Albums Chart with Get Ready, the 3rd Motown-themed album, which this time featured appearances by several original Motown singing legends such as Smokey Robinson, Martha Reeves, Mary Wilson of The Supremes and The Temptations. All three albums have now sold close to a million copies in Australia. Human Nature's total album sales in Australia number almost two million.

At this time the group is performing in Las Vegas, presented by Smokey Robinson at the Imperial Palace and Casino and will be performing there into 2010.

We sent some questions to the group and received their answers:
Can you tell my readers what drove you to be musicians? Was it a specific moment when you realized you had to become an artist or was the 'need' born within you?
We have all been around music in one way or another since we were very young. I started playing piano at 4, Toby was about the same, and Andrew and Mike's mother is a piano teacher, so they were bitten by the bug almost before they could crawl I guess! The funny thing with music is that the "need" to play and create it is almost nature rather than nurture I think. As far as making it a career though, that's probably more of a conscious decision. For me personally, I remember watching Live Aid in 1985 and being awestruck by Queen (and in particular Freddie Mercury). He held the crowd in the palm of his hand and I remember thinking that was something I'd love to be able to do.

Your album is a collection of some of the great Motown hits. But prior to coming to America and recording at the Motwon studios, you earned 23 platinum album awards in your homeland of Australia . Tell my readers, what genre of music you recorded down under and, if it was different than Motown what genre of music was it?

We were a pop vocal group- with a bit of RnB influence in our songs too. Right back when we started though, we were listening to groups like the Four Tops and the Temptations, so Motown was always a big part of what we did. Eventually recording an album of Motown songs was almost inevitable.

(By the way, Vinny- FYI- we didn't actually RECORD at the Motown studios- we visited them. One cool thing was Martha Reeves came down and acted as our "tour guide"!).

Is there a follow-up album planned and will it be songs you write?
At this stage we are just concentrating on making our debut US album a success, and also making our current show in Vegas a hit. It's early days for us here in the States and we don't want to get ahead of ourselves. That said though, we would obviously love to record a follow-up, and since we started recording as an originals group, it would be nice to write and record some originals again. As soon as we start planning it, we'll keep you posted!

You worked with the genius Smokey Robinson on your album and now he is presenting you in Las Vegas at the Imperial Palace . You also got to record with The Temptations , Martha Reeves and Mary Wilson, do you wake up in the morning and have to pinch yourselves?
Absolutely! We've been very lucky to work with some of our idols over the years. The most amazing part is getting to know them and realise that they see themselves in a very similar light to us- professional musicians working hard at something they love. There are no huge egos (even though they've done enough in their lives to earn them!).

Do you support any charities and in what way?
We don't support any specific charities- being musicians in the public eye we are often asked to contribute our time or resources to various charities. Although it's not possible to say yes to every request, we really try hard to do as much as we can for as many charities as possible. It's a nice feeling to know that through sharing the gifts we've been given, we can help improve the lives of others who aren't so lucky.

OK guys, besides Motown, what music is on your iPods?
I'm a big fan of good quality music- the genre isn't important to me as long as the music is good. My iPod has everything from Rachmaninov and Debussy through John Coltrane and Thelonious Monk and into Metallica! MY all time favourites are Queen and Billy Joel though, so lots of their stuff for sure.

Do you have any touring plans to bring you out to the masses who do not get to Las Vegas ?
We are currently performing 6 nights a week in Vegas, so there isn't a lot of opportunity to get out and see other parts of the country. With a little luck the album will be popular enough to make it possible for us to go on tour, because we would dearly love to travel around the States and perform- it would be a real dream come true.

Is there anything you would like to say about yourself, your music, your causes?
Our goal when we record an album or put on a show is always the same- if a person can listen to us or see us and feel better and happier at the end than they were at the start, we've done our job! We're very proud of what we do (particularly the live shows), so we would love for people to check us out- we guarantee you'll have fun...

From their CD Reach Out, I present you with two...The fantastic Smokey tune, "OOO Baby Baby" and performing the Supremes hit "Stop! In The Name Of Love"...

Please leave a comment and vote in the poll!

Today, welcome to The Couch, Mr. Nicholas Howard. I read that Mr. Howard's influences are Ray Charles, Dinah Washington, The Beatles, Al Green and Billie Holiday and that he has been compared to Citizen Cope, Maroon 5, Simply Red, Al Green and Gnarls Barkley I immediately have to slap this puppy into the player.

But for a second I am stopped and a smile creeps over my face. OK, even if this guy's music sucks, I love him for his CD. I promise I will show you another time, but the CD is black and has 'grooves' pressed into it like a vinyl album - including the 'blank' areas between songs...Very cool packaging Mr. Howard!

What about the music? The music is soulful..."Mother"

This is one of those artists where when you hear his voice, you look at the picture and listen to the voice and look at the picture and wonder where it is coming from.

The music begins to make even more sense when you read his bio:
Nicholas grew up with the best of both worlds, the neighborhood streets of Queens, and in the household, a pair of artist-type parents (mother a modern dancer, father a writer) who introduced him to Bach and Billy Holiday, and everything in between.

By age ten he was trying his hand at hip-hop rhymes, and making his own beats. After squirming through high school in downtown Manhattan, he went south to Florida to earn a degree in audio engineering. After graduation he landed a job at the bottom-of-the- heap at Right Track Studio off Times Square. Before he left, he was in the control room for projects that featured some of hip-hop's finest, including the Neptunes, Fabolous, Joe Budden and Nas.

But the creative bug had bitten and there was nothing that would satisfy but putting out his own music. He took on the challenge and founded his own independent music company, Belief & Hustle Records. Teaming up with co-producer Rocky Grisez, he launched his first album, A Rip in the Sky. The chorus of the opening track defined the album and his own destiny: "Miss Music, you've got my soul."

The new CD, God Is in the City, is Nicholas' ode to the city that inspires him. He explains, "To me New York is a blessed place, because it's a place where people put themselves in the toughest situation possible in order to realize their dreams." In his CD's Thank-You's Nicholas ends with these words: "To the streets of NYC that have influenced me and my music, I say thank you for all your inspiring attributes and the honesty and integrity you hold within your concrete shell. This album is made in your name."

The CD God In The City is the one sent to us. This CD is gritty..."Life Is A Mystery"

This CD is hip-shaking..."My Hands Are Rough"

Mr. Howard responded to our questions...

How long have you been playing and what was your first instrument?
I'm actually a dibbler and dabbler in the instrument realm. My real
instrument is my voice but I play a little piano (and learning more every day)
and a little guitar. The first instrument that I ever played was the violin
and that, I think, trained my ear for music and writing of music.

What's the song you're most proud of writing?
My latest "proud of" song is "Mother" because it is about the environment
and speaks to a real and pertinent issue facing the world today. I want
everyone to listen to that one. Not for record sales or popularity sake,
but in hopes that people's eyes might be opened.

What's your favorite iPod track this week?
Besides "Mother" you mean?!?! Actually, there is this woman Daniela Cotton
who I have been listening to and she has this song "Bound" that I really
enjoy. Great voice she has.


What was the first album you ever bought?
I know this wasn't the first record I bought but it's the most memorable one
for me. It was "oooo on the TLC tip" by TLC. I was in love with those
girls. It was also the first CD I bought, and I didn't even have a CD
player.

If you could craft an all-star band, who would play in it?
Drums by Clyde Stubblefield (the funky drummer from James Brown band),
Bootsy Collins on bass, Ray Charles on keys, Curtis Mayfield on the guitar
and the horn section from Chicago. I won't even get into background
singers..

What do you think is the most alarming media story in the last few
months?
The releasing of the satellite photos of the polar ice caps that the Bush
administration suppressed during his term. They are melting at an even
more rapid rate than you might think.


Do you support any specific charities and how do you give back as an
artist?
I support child hood arts education and I'm in the process of trying to set
up a non-profit school for music and dance. It will be a while but I will
get it up and running.


What is the most adventurous food you've ever eaten?
My room mates refrigerator concoctions. ;-)

Thank you Sir...

I did this CD...I think y'all will also...

I will share two with you (but dang it all, this is tough to share only two this week...)
The title track, "God Is In The City" (the changes in tempo and total direction made me sit up and hit replay)and "Different View" - I love the use of cymbals and fingers cymbals in this one

Welcome back to Day 2 of JAMAICA & TUNEAGE TUTELAGE - NEW MUSIC...

OK folks - a little competition to keep y'all interested...

HEY - tell your friends about the 5 days of NEW MUSIC - September 8, 9, 10, 14 & 15.

Someone will win a CD each day (to be announced when I return) - what is better than coming to hear some new music, liking it, and then getting the CD sent to you...BAM!

Here is the contest - To the blogger that refers the most people here over the next week, you will have first choice of about 20 CDs I have plus you can opt to have me burn a CD from my personal collection- including all the bootleg concert music.

They have to come, leave a comment that makes sense and relates to the post (even if it is I like them or I hate them), leave your name in the comment so you get credit, and they must vote in the poll. I can tell who does what - believe me I can...

Come on - Pimp the New Music this week...what can it cost ya? A few friends????

Welcome to The Couch, Mr. Shawn Farley. His influences run through Van Halen, Rob Crow, Frank Zappa, Nine Inch Nails, Mike Patton and The Beatles.

This picture is on his PR page, so it tells you he has a love for the mop-tops...

Mr. Farley is doing something I have not heard of being done before. When you think about it, in this digital age, I am surprised I have not heard someone doing it already.

Farley, a Seattle boy has self-produced six CDs since 2001, both solo works and also with his trio, Half Zaftig.

From his bio we learn:
His new project, which he’s calling 5240 (correctly pronounced “fitty-two fawty” in Bostonese) is the first one where Shawn is literally doing everything, from writing the songs, to performing all of the instruments and vocals, to engineering and mixing the final results. “I’ve always worked in ‘real’ studios before, with ‘real’ engineers,” Farley admits. “But with a weekly Deadline Beast to feed, there’s almost no time for anyone else to be involved. I’ve got fifty-two songs to get out this year, so there’s a real need for speed. I’m doing everything on a laptop in my Seattle apartment. Thank you, Technology Gods.”

The seed of the idea that has become 5240 was planted in 2007, as Farley labored over the first full-length release of his Seattle trio, Half Zaftig. “Finishing Life Like Luster took a very long time,” says Farley. “Indie budgets being what they are, it had already taken us 18 months to track the album, and then we spent four months mixing, and then the record was mastered a couple of times before I was finally ready to let it go.”

“Spending that much time, focused on every little stupid nuance, starts to really sap your will to live,” Farley laughs. “It started feeling very far away from what got us all involved in music in the first place – that thrill of that first playback of something brand-new. I wanted to see if there was a way to capture that moment, and release that into the world.”

5240 is Shawn Farley’s solution. He began releasing the new songs on the first Monday in January 2009, with a new single and video by Half Zaftig, “Help Is On The Way.” Fans of Half Zaftig and Shawn’s previous solo work were excited, but skeptical. Could Farley really keep up such a frantic release schedule? Wouldn’t the quality of the work suffer?

Wander over to www.shawnfarley.com next Monday morning and judge for yourself.

Mr. Farley was kind enough to respond to our interview questions:
How long have you been playing and what was your first instrument?
I have been a guitarist now for nearly 25 years. My first instrument was piano, I took lessons when I was 9 or 10 or so, but ended up quitting because my teacher wouldn't let me try to learn songs I liked. I started with guitar a few years later.


What's the song you're most proud of writing?
What, you want me to choose between all of my little babies? ;-)
I've written quite a few tunes now, and heck, by the end of the 5240 project I'm doing this year, I'll have added 52 more tracks to the canon. If I had to choose one tune I love best it would probably be "Inscrutable You", from the Life Like Luster album I did with my Seattle trio Half Zaftig in 2007 (http://bit.ly/10WfHb). I think of all the songs I've done, that's the one that still shocks me that it ever even happened.


What's your favorite iPod track this week?
Hmmm. This week the iPod fare has been skewing kind of heavy. Probably something off the latest album by Gojira. But I have a playlist full of songs from all of Rob Crow's projects (Pinback, Heavy Vegetable, Goblin Cock, solo albums, Team Sleep, etc.) and it is never long out of my rotation. Rob Crow is my hero.


If you could craft an all-star band, who would play in it?
Wow, that's tough. My bandmates in the aforementioned trio Half Zaftig are already everything I ever wanted in a rhythm section, so it would be hard to persuade me to play with other players - BUT both Pete Johnston and Lizzy Daymont (HZ's other members besides me) play multiple instruments, so maybe I could have my buddy Bryan Beller (Steve Vai, Keneally, Dethklok) play bass sometimes.

Mike Keneally is probably the perfect band member to ever have (Frank Zappa sure thought highly of him), since he can play ANYTHING that's possible on guitar and keys, and he can SING anything as well - but Mike is such a gigantic talent that he really has no business doing anything other than leading his own groups. And my friend Rick Musallam, who plays guitar in Keneally's band would be a joy to play with. Every note choice is a perfect gem. So, sounds like I'd be interested in combining my band with Keneally's band and calling it good. Oh, and, duh - Rob Crow on vocals. That would be an embarrassment of riches. And then get Matt Mahaffey to produce us in the studio. Oh my god, can somebody please make that happen?

What do you think is the most alarming media story in the last few months?
I can't understand the constant media fascination with Michael Jackson following his death, when we have a fiscal meltdown to try and come back from. That and the rampant lying and fear-mongering surrounding the health care debate. The realities of the situation are scary enough, it would be nice if we didn't distract from what really needs doing with lies and distortions.

Do you support any specific charities and how do you give back as an artist?
I support some local charities for disadvantaged/foster kids in Seattle.

What is the most adventurous food you've ever eaten?
I don't go for adventurous with food - I'm a "food is fuel" kinda guy. The last thing I need is a "surprise" in the culinary department. When I'm hungry I reach for reliable stuff where I know what the caloric and nutritional impacts are gonna be on me. Boring, I know.

What's your favorite website to get music information or news?
I find there's no one really reliable source for music news anymore. I kind of tend to pick things up from the "aggregate cloud", from the people I follow on the Twitter feed, to various blog in my RSS reader (AV Club, Lefsetz, Dubber).

Thank you Sir...my guests and I appreciate your time...

I am interested to hear more of the results from 5240.

These three are very different. "Lakewater" brings forth the Zappa influences with the rhythm and chord changes and harmony vocals in a different cadence than the lead vocals. I enjoyed this a great deal.

"Busy Girl" is a 90's English pop tune. Go on, make your comparisons to a dozen bands from that era...but I still found myself chair dancing as it played.

Finally, "Help Is On The Way" shows you Mr. Farley's Seattle grunge side. I liked all three.

Were they strong enough, individually? As I listen I believe "Lakewater" is and maybe "Help...", but to know these were all written, recorded, mixed in 7 days and then, the fact they come from the same artist, yet are so different from each other, tells me I want to hear more of this...

I want to head over to his site and listen through the first 35 weeks of music.

Mr. Farley has promised to burn a CD of 25-26 5240 songs to send to me and in turn, I will honor one of you with it.

"Lakewater" "Help Is On The Way" and "Busy Girl"... tell us what you think in comments and by clicking on one of the choices in the poll...

First full day of our trip to Jamaica...We both hope y'all that were here got home safely and had a great time.

OK folks - a little competition to keep y'all interested...

HEY - tell your friends about the 5 days of NEW MUSIC - September 8, 9, 10, 14 & 15.

Someone will win a CD each day (to be announced when I return) - what is better than coming to hear some new music, liking it, and then getting the CD sent to you...BAM!

Here is the contest - To the blogger that refers the most people here over the next week, you will have first choice of about 20 CDs I have plus you can opt to have me burn a CD from my personal collection- including all the bootleg concert music.

They have to come, leave a comment that makes sense and relates to the post (even if it is I like them or I hate them), leave your name in the comment so you get credit, and they must vote in the poll. I can tell who does what - believe me I can...

Come on - Pimp the New Music this week...what can it cost ya? A few friends????

Today's musical guest came to us through Phil Putnam. You may remember that we did a review of Phil's music and his great album Casualties, HERE.

He sent an email and asked if I wanted to hear his friend. Of course I said yes.

His friend's name is Joe Settineri and his CD is entitled Stay.

From his website, we learn the following about Mr. Settineri:

Born in the mid-west, Joe graduated from the University of Michigan and immediately headed west. After a brief career in the finance world, Joe moved to Los Angeles to devote himself, full-time, to music. Since then he’s written a lot of music, done a little film and television, and has starred on stages from Los Angeles to New York to London in shows like The Who’s Tommy, The Full Monty, Grease, and the LA and NYC hit, Town Without Pity.

Through it all though, it’s writing and singing his own music that he always comes home to, and in 2008 Joe wrote and recorded his debut CD, STAY with Los Angeles producer Brian Irwin and Econoline Crush lead guitarist Ziggy Sigmund.

"My music aims to hit a few chords we are all familiar with … love, sorrow, hope … those universal, emotional experiences that make us all human – make us all one. Everyday we seek the good, struggle with the bad, drown in love, dream, cry, celebrate, etc. … these are the stories I sing."

Mr. Settineri's sound is pop influenced, though it hearkens back to the basic rock and roll of the 60's....I hear that English beat sound coming through on songs like "The Whistle Song", a jumpy love song with an infectious hook.

"You Walked" is another song that makes it impossible to sit still while listening.

On "Time Stands Still" Mr. Settineri pulls back from the lightness and puts goes a little darker with Ziggy Zigmund adding a nice guitar line throughout. Brian Irwin manages the drums, bass and additional guitars on all songs, with Jerome Kurtenbaum on piano on a few songs. Mr. Settineri wrote all of the songs and handled vocals and piano.

"I Love You" is another highlight with Bryan Irwin on acoustic guitar.

Mr. Settineri hits the notes and holds them throughout the CD. His voice weaves within the music and the harmonies are crisp.

I found much to like on this CD.

Mr. Settineri responded to our questions:

Can you tell my readers what drove you to be a musician? Was it a specific moment when you realized you had to become an artist or was the 'need' born within you?
Music has always been a huge part of my life ... i used to stand in our living room as a 4 year old and sing along to every record we had ... to a fault ... my family is still recovering from that. :) the more specific moment when i knew i had to do 'this' was when i was in San Francisco juggling a fulltime finance career and booking great singing/acting jobs and trying to make it all work.

When i had to start turning down amazing entertainment jobs because the finance stuff was taking priority, i knew it was time to rearrange and focus on music and acting. I also tried to stop singing at a few points ... just said, "nope this will never happen" ... but then the urge and need for creating and performing music would push through even harder so then back at it i would go. I have never looked back and couldn't be happier.

How are your songs conceived? Do you write the lyrics and then put them to music or does a sound come to you first and then you add lyrics?
For the most part i write on my piano. my process is to find something that i find pleasing to my ear musically first on the piano with no vocals ... just a piano line -- sometimes there is some humming involved too .... and usually that just creates a feeling, an atmosphere ... good bad happy elated, etc ... and from that feeling usually comes the lyrics and the rest of the song. some songs take a few days to write, but i think my best ones i write in one afternoon / day.

What is your ultimate 'super-group'?
my ultimate super group would be an indigo girls-type duo ... but with jason mraz and diana krall ... and somehow i'd like to throw 'modest mouse' into the mix. now there would be an awesome sound!!

Do you support any charities and in what way?
lots of them ... i have always been really active in charities ... human rights campaigns have always been near and dear to my heart. as long as i don't have to run a marathon to support something i am usually game for anything! :) i am also on the board of a not-for-profit school in california that focus on kids with learning / social issues and who have had a rough go of it in mainstream schools ... it's amazing to see these kids bloom and prosper once they get into the right environment.

What is the song getting the most listens on your i-pod this week?
zee avi's album get lots of air-play in my home! specific song ... well, my babies seem to really like my song 'stay' so we listen to that song a lot ... it calms them down!

Are you currently writing?
yup - working away at a whole new batch of songs ... but i still find myself sitting at my piano singing the songs from this current album, so i think that's a good sign!

Do you have any touring plans?
Not at the moment ... have played the LA scene for the last few years and now that i am in nyc i am focusing on my writing and my family for a while. am planning some LA shows for year-end currently.

Tell us about the most interesting food you have ever eaten.
hmmm ....i love all kinds of food. but interesting may not be my cup 'o tea. i am a huge fan of seaweed salad and all things seitan and kale. that's about as interesting as i venture.

Is there anything you would like to say about yourself, your music, your causes?
i hope my music speaks for itself ... it's genuine, honest, and comes from the heart ... and i really hope it touches or speaks to my listeners in some way. my music says a lot about me as a person as well ... i just feel very fortunate to be able to pursue this and to have had the successes i have had.

Thanks Joe...

We will give you two as always...title track "Stay" and a heart-break song - or is it? "You Walked"...PLEASE leave your comments and vote in the poll, especially this week when I have been in touch with all of the artists numerous times they are very aware their music is featured.

Welcome back to another addition of Tuneage Tutelage - New Music Monday. This week we have been listening to Lisa Bianco.

With a list of influences such as U2, Pearl Jam, Fleetwood Mac, Radiohead and Led Zeppelin you would immediately expect to get some full ahead rock and roll when you put in her newest CD Post-Data.

The opening song, "Tumble Like Weeds" is one of the two songs Ms. Bianco partners with Holly Rock, the other is "Whatever The Cost". All of the remaining 8 songs are from Ms. Bianco alone.

Ms. Bianco handles the vocals and guitars with a backing duo of Dan Duggins on drums and David Leatherwood on bass with producer, engineer and mixer, Bryan Russel being credited with keyboards and programming. On the song "Catch and Weave", Charlie Seich plays euphonium...OK, I had to go look it up HERE.

Her songs are powerful narratives layered into a song brought forth by multiple mixes of guitars and vocals. "All the things that remind me is a tale of fighting over and over, but always reminding yourself "But this won't let me down, This won't take me out or hold me back, this won't trip me up on my knees", she sings in "All The Things That Remind Me".

"Already Gone" allows Ms. Bianco to show off her soft, tight picking guitar work building to a crescendo of multiple guitar parts in a gripping goodbye to someone lost.

There is pain in her music, and a few songs seemed to languish, but I did myself swaying to the music as it played, even now as I have the CD playing once more

On the eighth song of the CD, Ms. Bianco throws us a curve ball and it is a beauty with "Falling Leaves". Played on an acoustic I was only disappointed that it only lasted 52 seconds and the last 10 or so were an electronic note held.

You need to show us more of that guitar talent ma'am.

So, with her influences, do we get some hard driving rock and roll? Yes we do.

But there is also the comparisons to Liz Phair which is strong at the beginning of the closing track, "Post Data / We Communicate", but by the end it is pounding and hard.

Her vocals have Debbie Harry meets Sheryl Crow quality and from the cover of her album she certainly has 'rocker-chick' attitude.

Ms. Bianco was kind enough to answer some questions...

How long have you been playing and what was your first instrument?
I have been playing guitar for about 10 years. I starting doing the performance thing for about 7 years or so. But I have played piano since kindergarten and the flute since 3rd grade.

What's the greatest thing that's ever been said about your music?
When a fan tells me that they were connected to a particular song. That’s the greatest compliment of all and I think the reason why songs are written.

What's your favorite iPod track this week?
“It’s the Same Old Song” by the Four Tops. What a bass line and lyric. The drums on that recording are killer.

What's the most personal song you've ever written and what was it based on?
I’d say “Sideways”. I wrote that song after my aunt unexpectedly passed away. I wrote it with my father in mind, as a way to help him, and anyone really, deal with these situations that occur in life. Sometimes it feels things hit you sideways.

If you could craft an all-star band, who would play in it?
Drums: Dave Abbruzzese; Bass: John Paul Jones; Guitar: Johnny Greenwood; Programming: Brian Eno

Do you support any specific charities and how do you give back as an artist?
I am actually performing a benefit show in Long Island on September 6th. It’s for the Suffolk Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Also, I played a benefit show for my friend Jax who is participating in the Race for the Cure. Donations can be made: HERE.

What keeps you awake at night?
Usually I have a current song I am working on ringing in my head. Many times I have an idea and have to get out of bed and put the guitar or vocal line down “on tape”...and also many thoughts on where my spirit goes after I leave this body of mine,

What is the most adventurous food you've ever eaten?
Eel, Rabbit, Fried Zucchini Flower, Pheasant. Guess you can tell I like to try a lot of things. No bugs. I think that is where I draw the line! Lol.

Do you follow any sports, if so, which ones?
I follow the Yankees…I wouldn’t call myself a super fan but I try to stay up on what’s going on. My Parents used to take my brother and I to games when I was real young. I think I was 3 y/o at my first game. I remember the big ballpark lights in the bleachers! We got slammed by the Red Sox all season this year but this past August series we sweeped them 4 in a row at home…sweet!
(OK, Lisa, you have my vote now...LOL...any Yankee fan has a permanent seat on The Couch!)

Tell our guests here on The Couch about your writing process please.
90% of the time I am playing my guitar and either a new chord structure or riff occurs. If I can get a vocal melody with it almost right away then I keep track of it. I use a little digital voice recorder (about the size of a nano ipod) and I keep track of all new song ideas. Then I usually repeat those chords and find the verse or chorus structure and bridge. The songwriting begins!

I record ALL ideas no matter how minor for a particular song. I then listen to all bits and parts as I walk in the streets or going out somewhere…not just in my apartment during “writing time”. I really like to think about structure and how to make a song interesting without being “too much”. A few occasions I have sung a melody and then picked up the guitar to figure out what the chords would be to fit it.

Thank you and Keep rocking Ms. Bianco.

OK folks, the title cut "Post Data/We Communicate" and "Sideways". Please leave your comments and vote in the poll...We all appreciate it!

Just a short THANKS to all y'all who came looking for me this weekend when things got rocky...YOU ARE THE BEST!

This week, we bring you the band PUPPETBOX. John Payne on vocals & guitar, Chris Tempas on synth/programming & vocals and Mark Annotto on drums.

They claim as influences My Bloody Valentine, Brian Eno, Depeche Mode, The Monkees and The Pixies. I had to read that twice as The Monkees caught me off-guard.

From their bio we learn:
Puppetbox is a band. They are currently under the radar. In fact, both the radar and the band are unaware of each other. The band plays electro, rock, shoegazer, geek, pop music - and the radar continues to serve as a metaphor for bands that have made lots of money versus those that will forever be "emerging."

From a hamlet nestled on the corner shores of Brooklyn, Puppetbox has honed its sound to create beguiling pop melodies, but with a distinctive buzzy synth/guitar sound. Following a successful EP, Puppetbox released their eponymous album which expanded their songwriting to include array of styles and genres. The album, Runtime_Error! features songs ranging from hard electro-rock to infectious dance; the album moves relentlessly forward and includes shockingly original instrumentals all mixed seamlessly together into a gapless album.

The band's goal is to make songs that they would love to listen to – and they only listen to music that is awesome.

In their bio, Katie Johnson is listed as vocalist, accordion and kazoo player, she is on the CD as a guest vocalist and the band loved her contributions so much, she became a permanent member of the band.

The sound they produce is full and not the normal synth type rock that you would expect. The band claims to have invented their sound, which they describe as post-geek-synth-rock.

We sent along some questions to the band and we received the answers from guitarist John...

What's the greatest thing that's ever been said about your music?

A podcaster, Cowboy Cantor, wrote us and said that our music really completely changed his mood one day and that friends actually noticed he was happier for having listened to our songs. That meant a lot to us and was more honest than people who always talk about commercial possibilities. We want more of making people happy.

What's the song you're most proud of writing?

Wow, that's a tough one. In general, we are usually proud of whatever song we are currently working on. There are songs we love to play live and there are songs that we continually go back and listen to, but songs we are still working on have that excitement and potential that makes them unique. However for a quick answer, the song "Everything" came together almost as a complete song the first time it was played, which is crazy. So we are proud of that.

Have you played any great live shows lately?

We are currently writing a new EP but the last great show we played was at a NYC venue, Crash Mansion. It was the end of the night and we got the whole crowd dancing and shooting each other with bubble guns. We had a blast, forgot to play a song, but made up another one and watched the fun from the relative safety of the stage!

What is your guilty pleasure band?

As in what do we listen to as a guilty pleasure? The only thing that we all agree on is that cheesy electronic dance/house music needs to be danced to in the most outrageous ways possible. We all went to a club once and danced so poorly I think the DJ just left. But we had fun!

If you could craft an all-star band, who would play in it?

If we could create and all-star band it would be one that would mirror our band, so here goes: One of the Reid brothers from the Jesus and Mary chain, Martin Gore from Depeche Mode, Debbie Harry and Danny Carey from Tool.

What visual artists influence you the most?

Guillermo del Toro's work is pretty cool and Quentin Tarantino's more stylized look is appealing as well. But as far as influencing our music, I would have to go with Blade Runner.

Do you support any specific charities and how do you give back as an artist?

We've played benefits in the past. Specifically for MS research. As artists we've given back the most by supporting other artists, through creating, hosting and promoting shows and making sure the artists get paid. I think in New York, that part gets overlooked a lot.

What is the most adventurous food you've ever eaten?

Rocky mountain oysters, fresh. Very fresh.

Do you follow any sports, if so, which ones?

Three of us actually try and play football during the fall and winter and that translates into watching it as well. We all follow different teams so it makes for a chance at non-music related trash talk. On a side note of athleticism, one of us is also taking pole dancing classes. That is a sport right? We'll not say who.

Here are three from the CD, entitled Puppetbox - the aforementioned "Everything", "Blue of Black" with femal vocals, and a live cut "Green Means Go", recorded at The Continental...remember to leave some comments and vote in the poll...the boys in the band will be by to check it out.

Hope y'all had a grand weekend. For those of you wondering, yes, Nancy and I were VERY productive and we had FUN. We cooked a recipe on Friday that you usually buy at one of those chain restaurants.

Check on Mangia Y'all later this week for that story...

Today, we introduce you to a woman named Lori Lieberman and her new CD GUN METAL SKY. Now, the name might not click in your mind, but if Ms. Lieberman had not and gone seen a show by Don McLean, she would not have written the poem "Killing Me Softly With His Blues". This poem, was then adapted by Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel in 1971 and became the song "Killing Me Softly With His Song". Ms. Lieberman recorded the song in 1971, but it became a cultural sensation and enduring treasure when Ms. Roberta Flack recorded it in 1973.

Interestingly enough, I found it funny to see Ms. Lieberman compared to Tori Amos and Joni Mitchell and that she counts as her influences Nick Drake, Joni Mitchell, Shawn Colvin and Sheryl Crow to her music.

Except for Ms.Mitchell, the rest should list Ms. Lieberman as their influence!

From her bio, we learn the following:
Born in California, but raised in Switzerland, Lieberman felt the isolation and loneliness of growing up a foreigner early on, and as a young girl, turned to her writing as a form of connection, expressing her feelings in journals and in songs. One of three sisters, and the daughter of a chemical engineer and a homemaker, Lori Lieberman’s earliest influences came through her older sister, Susan, who, from her college in Maine, sent Lieberman her greatest and most life-changing gift of all, then current music from the states: Joni Mitchell, Judy Collins, Leonard Cohen, Jefferson Airplane and Tom Rush. Their music and sensibilities inspired her writing even more.

Lieberman's first album, "Lori Lieberman" contained her version of "Killing Me...", heard by Flack and added to her album. Lieberman went on to record four more albums ("Becoming", "A Piece Of Time", "Straw Colored Girl", and "The Best Of Lori Lieberman"), touring extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe.

As the styles of the music industry changed from James Taylor to disco, Lieberman retreated from the spotlight, becoming the mother of three children, and living a settled country existence in the hills of California. For many years, her music took a back seat to her busy day to day life, and it wasn't to come forward again, until producer Joseph Cali coaxed a reluctant Lieberman out of the shadows, and got her singing again.

"A Thousand Dreams", marked Lieberman's return to the music industry. A two mic live recording, engineered by Mark Levinson of Red Rose Music, captured her performance which was nominated for The Golden Note Award for the best original recording of the year.

Lori Lieberman’s latest release, “Gun Metal Sky”, is the definitive Lori Lieberman recording. Four years in the making, this CD reflects Lieberman’s growth as a vocalist, writer, producer and arranger. With eight songs penned by Lieberman, it also includes four songs by some of our most beloved songwriters and interpreted by her unique sensitivity and style.

We were able to connect with Ms. Lieberman through email and she responded to some questions:

What's the greatest thing that's ever been said about your music?

The great songwriter/performer, Christine Lavin, in her new book, likens my writing to Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen. I was honored, and completely blown away! So that HAS to be the nicest thing written about my music, ever.

Are you working on any music right now?

I'm always writing and re-writing.. but mostly, I'm out on the road performing and promoting music from my new CD, "Gun Metal Sky".

If you could craft an all-star band, who would play in it?

I would want all my favorites---James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, John Mayer, Tori Amos

What do you think is the most alarming media story in the last few months?

For me, it would have to be the lies and deceit of Bernard Madoff...

Do you support any specific charities and how do you give back as an artist?

I support "Family To Family", devoted to families helping others with profoundly less. (www.familytofamily.org ) Save Darfur, CARE, Operation Smile, Obama for change.

What keeps you awake at night?
My kids and their future and safety.

What is the most adventurous food you've ever eaten?
Having grown up in Switzerland, there were many foods disguised as chicken!

What do you do to prepare to write?
I read everything I can get my hands on, make sure I'm alone for a time, light some candles, and prepare to be there for endless hours!

Thank you Lori, we appreciate your taking the time to let my guests know more about you.

As I am writing this post, her album Gun Metal Sky is playing in the background and I am very pleased by the sounds I am being treated to. Ms. Lieberman has a voice that draws you into the stories she is telling in her music. The four songs she covers are the Paul Simon / Brian Eno composition "Another Galaxy"; "New York Mining Disaster, 1941", the first song released in the USA bu the Brothers Gibb way back when; the first top 10 hit by The Hollies, the Graham Gouldman song "Bus Stop"; and EmmyLou Harris' "My Baby Needs A Shepard". All classics in their own right.

Ms. Lieberman is also a skilled pianist, whose talents shine on songs like "When You Were Mine". The other musicians on the album are also very skilled and include Tim May and Grant Geissman on guitars; Alan Steinberger on piano; Stephanie Fife on cellos; Kirsten Fife and Robert Lorenz on violins; Jeff Driscoll on Flutes and Clarinets; Robert Baptist on Trumpet; Trey Henry, Trent Stroh and Rich Grossman on Bass; Luis Conte, Brian Kilgorn and Denise Frasier on Percussion and Earl Harvin on Drums.

The title cut "Gun Metal Sky" and Ms. Lieberman's version of "Killing Me Softly"...A lush flowing version that I truly enjoy.

Let me and Ms. Lieberman know what you think in comments and in the poll...

Will not be around today as Nancy's good friend Beth lost her battle with cancer on Saturday and today, we will be saying our goodbyes.

If you would, please add Beth's family and friends to your prayers this evening.

GREGORY DOUGLAS has been compared to Rufus Wainwright, Imogen Heap, Fiona Apple, Tori Amos and Jeff Buckley. His influences are Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush and Patty Griffin.

From his bio we learn:
On March 3rd, 2009, Gregory Douglass released his seventh album, BATTLER. What few people know is that his sixth album UP & AWAY was nearly his last.

Hurled into a depression by the state of the music industry and the pressures endured by full-time independent artists, Douglass took a break from touring and drew himself in for a long, dark Vermont winter. After a winter love affair with the HBO series "Six Feet Under," Douglass was bewitched by the haunting and compelling questions raised by the show. The result is BATTLER — 12 songs of versatile and extraordinary musical depth. He says, "Writing and recording this album has been a cathartic experience — after a rock-bottom winter of red wine and unexpected inspiration, I've come to the conclusion that I undoubtedly need to continue making music."

Douglass calls "Day of the Battler" his favorite track on the album. "It's so dramatic and uninhibited; it calls upon many of my more free-spirited musical influences like Sarah Slean, Kate Bush and Regina Spektor," he says.

"Cathedrals," a gritty and controversial song, takes on religion and sexual addiction. "While 'Cathedrals' is relatable to anyone who has suffered from addiction, I spotlight religion and sexual addiction because of all the scandals we've seen recently," says Douglass. "From political figures to priests to celebrities — with all the sexual oppression in the world, it's no wonder these issues have blown up in the media."

Douglass describes his feelings watching a beloved childhood friend overcome a tough upbringing to marry the love of her life in the piano-driven opening track, BATTLER's epic ballad, "Broken Through.""Devotion," also portrays a similar surge of personal growth. "No Apology" confronts Douglass' life-long struggles with his father in a multi-layered, a cappella hymn. Douglass explains, "I'm much happier in my personal life these days; I'm letting a lot more positive people and energy into my life."

Collaborations include Righteous Babe Record’s Anais Mitchell on the moving and intensely beautiful “Sadly” and the stunning closing track “Ordinary Man,“ featuring soul diva Grace Potter.

Going to share "Cathedrals" and "No Apology". Remember to vote in the poll and leave us your comments.

This week we feature a gentleman named Trey Green. Unfortunately, we have not received back the answers to the questions we sent to him a couple of weeks ago...

From his bio we learn the following:
Trey Green was born in Memphis, Tennessee, but he’s lived all over the world. From the mountains of Aspen, Colorado to the Bahamas, from Hawaii to Bozeman, Montana, Trey’s travels have left a man comfortable in any environment, and more importantly, with an insight into humanity that most people never even ponder. “People are regional,” Trey points out. “I’ve been to every state and over fifty countries, and everyone has a bias favoring where they’re from against other places. It’s hilarious,” he says with a mischievous grin. “But it does make me able to see life from a lot of different aspects, and I’m able to use that in writing songs,” he states. “And most importantly, I get to see the awesome humor in every day life.”

Trey has a life-long love affair with the ocean – he surfs, spear-fishes, and works in ocean conservation. It was in Fiji where he discovered his own unique appeal. He remembers, “I was on Tavi surfing and hanging out with a crew of surfers and the tribe. I’m sitting there with about twenty Fijian women singing this incredible harmony, they ask me to play a song, so I played ‘My Girlfriend.’ People lit up – three people came up to me afterwards and told me I could get on the radio with it. One guy even offered to pay to record it, and for the first time I realized that the songs I was making up in my head could actually reach other people. So I started to go for it."

Indeed, “My Girlfriend,” a hilarious and irrepressibly catchy tale of a sexually and chemically out-of-control girlfriend, was the breakthrough for Trey. Recording it and then sending it out to a few friends as a Christmas gift/joke, he found the song had appeal beyond what he ever imagined. “I went to see a friend’s band play in New York and they asked me to get up on stage and sing ‘My Girlfriend.’ So I got up and sang it – and all the girls in front knew the lyrics! I had no idea the song had spread virally to hundreds of people.”

In April of 2008, Trey released his self-title debut CD, a winning collection of songs that, while infused with his unique and uproarious sense of humor, also displays a natural and diverse sense of melody and arrangements. Filled with driving and propulsive rock songs, only Trey would write something as affecting as “Tavarua,” a moving ode to his surf spot in Fiji, a place he calls “heaven on earth,” and put it on an album with the wry and hilarious “My Fantastic Ass.”

For Trey, the experience of recording was an illuminating one. He recounts, “I had never recorded in a studio before and walked in with the songs in my head. I didn’t know the musicians and just played them everything from scratch. It was the coolest experience of my life to see what we came up with. I never sang as hard before – a lot more came out.”

Trey shot a hilarious video for “My Girlfriend,” which can be seen on MySpace and YouTube, but he’s already preparing for the next chapter of the Trey Green story. “I’m starting to write songs for the second album, and I’m conceiving of what the ultimate Trey Green show is – all over the place, with funny songs, loud songs, sad songs…maybe even skits. I want it to be a complete experience. Whatever I do, people should know that an experience with Trey Green will always be serious fun.”

So, we will give you the song "My Girlfriend" and one other called "Mad Crush".

Let us know what you think of Trey in comments and by voting in the poll. And for more information on Mr.Green, check out his website HERE

Been so totally jammed up the last 7 days with meetings with two caterers and tastings. Wonder why people just don't seem to hear you when you ask them to check on certain items...oh well...almost done with that.

Then on Friday, it was a redesign of the invitation. The entire concept was changed. Nancy and I worked on it and came to a nice simple idea which we both like.

Then it was off to find the perfect paper AND the envelopes to match. That took a tad bit of time, but persistence paid off and success was ours.

Throughout the weekend, we have been printing invitations and hotel and RSVP cards and return envelopes and return address labels.

Of course, I found a faux pas on the invite and HAD to print them out a second time! bwahahahaha

Then it was begin addressing the invite envelopes and affix stamps to the envelopes and stuffing and sealing and...

with all due respect to Ringo, it is my WRIST that ache!

OK, I am done with wedding talk...

But all this has kept me from visiting anyone since Wednesday I think. I sowry....

I will be visiting this week...everything is beginning to settle down.

Her name is Melissa Ferrick and she doesn't answer interview requests, but she does make some pleasing music. The CD I received is entitled GOODBYE YOUTH.

Now, I have checked the PR site that sends me this music and I can not find her. Maybe her contract with them is up? Not really sure.

She does, of course, have a myspace page HERE

From there, you can read her bio, in part, it says:
Melissa Ferrick could blow her own horn quite well - a flugelhorn to be exact - if she chose. Instead, she expresses her creative spirit with an acoustic guitar.

Since the early 1990s, the accomplished singer-songwriter from New England has compiled a solid string of sonically strong, lyrically rich studio albums.

Her widely praised 2006 album "In the Eyes of Strangers" fulfilled the rock 'n' roll essence that Ferrick has long harbored and drawn inspiration. But just when it seemed she would take a hard plunge into a more layered, instrumentally diverse sound, she returned to the studio to produce perhaps her most intimate, stripped-down album to date, her ninth studio effort "Goodbye Youth."

Laid down in a single day during her near-constant tour schedule, "Goodbye Youth," marks a departure from the music she wrote and arranged with a team of accomplished musicians on her previous effort. Yet, the new album retains the pure Ferrick trademark: An endearing, emotionally honest first-person lyrical approach driven by her dynamic acoustic sound.

After studying horn music at the renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mass., Ferrick set out on her own. But her instrument focus had changed. Rather than pursue a career as a flugelhorn musician, she turned to the acoustic guitar.

In 1991, she landed a last-second addition as a support act for Morrissey. This first big break not only led to more dates with the popular British rock crooner, but also laid the foundation for Ferrick's reputation as a dynamic live act. A recording contract with Atlantic Records followed in 1993, as did her debut album, "Massive Blur." The album garnered glowing reviews, as did her sophomore effort two years later, "Willing to Wait."

Although she enjoyed success with Atlantic, Ferrick elected to go in another direction in the wake of "Willing to Wait." She released five studio albums and four live albums as an Indie artist over the next 12 years. Her second live album during this period, "Live at the B.P.C." (2000), marked the first release on her personal label, Right on Records.

Often described as folk singer, Ferrick's inspiration flows from a love of rock..n' roll. During her impassioned live performances for instance, she'll occasionally crack out a Zeppelin-style riff or tinker with a little Red Hot Chili Peppers vocal improvisation. These touches however, only sharpen the intensity of her wildly popular live shows.

The decision though to dial back the sound on "Goodbye Youth" though, didn't leave the thrust in the dust. In a stroke of musical mastery, Ferrick channeled her rock spirit into a fresh acoustic idiom, which she navigated with tactical beauty with the assistance of engineer Scott Norton.

From that CD, here are two...the title track "Goodbye Youth" and "House On Fire".

If you want the CD, let me know in comments. No poll this week...