Mus World

As far as Blake Lewis is concerned, selling close to 300,000 copies of his debut LP, A.D.D. (Audio Day Dream), was a “huge success” — at least on a personal level. Apparently, Arista Records has a different definition of success.

The atypical “American Idol” alumnus (he was the season-six runner-up, ultimately losing out to Jordin Sparks) told MTV News that he parted ways with Arista just seven months after his record landed in stores. That makes his the shortest of all the relationships forged between former “Idol” contenders and their various record labels.

(Full article in ‘American Idol’ Alum Blake Lewis Parts With Label, Says He ‘Couldn’t Be Happier’ With Debut LP’s Performance…)

Redemption is an EP by Walls of Jericho released on April 25, 2008. Produced by Slipknot's Corey Taylor it features an acoustic sound which is a radical departure from their metal informed hardcore.

Vocalist Candace Kucsulain has a pleasant singing voice only hinted at on previous recordings. As a hardcore screamer, Candace is one of the strongest vocalists on the scene, male or female. It's nice to hear her stretch out and take a risk. Speaking about the songs and decision to go acoustic on the Trustkill web site, she said, "I was really into singing when I was younger. This band didn't really allow for that, especially live.

(Full article in Music Review: Walls of Jericho - Redemption…)

It’s hard to believe that nine years have passed since Richard Patrick and Filter recorded the near-masterpiece Title Of Record, which, other than following up their excellent 1995 debut CD Short Bus spawned top hits like the dreamy “Take A Picture” and the heavy-hitting “Welcome To The Fold.”

Filter did release one album between then and now, 2002’s The Amalgamut. Though it was their heaviest to date, the album was largely average and a commercial flop because of it.

(Full article in Music Review: Filter - Anthems For The Damned…)

During the 90s, the “Neo-Soul” movement hit the music scene, heralded by Erykah Badu's excellent album Baduizm. Likeminded artists followed in her footsteps - D'Angelo, Angie Stone, and Jill Scott, to name just a few. One such artist, Maxwell, earned critical acclaim with his semi-concept album Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite, which chronicles a relationship from beginning to (presumably) happy ending.

When he released his follow-up studio album, Embrya, in 1998, fans were puzzled by its shift in tone - still romantic, but lyrically obtuse. Using unconventional instrumentation like ukuleles further hampered its accessibility.

(Full article in Music Review: Maxwell’s Embrya Remains A Romantic Hidden Gem…)

Also release new single With their full-length debut, Elephant Shell, in the bag and on the shelves for a couple months now, it’s time for young Canucks Tokyo Police Club to hit the road again. In addition to shows already scattered throughout the world this summer, TPC have announced some U.S. dates for the fall. The band have also joined forces with the Lupus Foundation of America to raise money for lupus research by offering their cover of the Rentals’ "Friends of P" (from Elephant Shell’s UK bonus disc) for stream and download at FriendsofP.org. The song is free, but visitors to the site are encouraged to make donations to the foundation online.
(Full article in Tokyo Police Add Dates, Donate Rentals Cover to Charity…)