Listening Session Sia's Some People Have Real Problems

Australian born folk singer Sia Furler first gained critical acclaim from the standout series Six Feet Under when her astonishing track "Breathe Me" closed out the series on HBO, however if your a follower of the group Zero 7's work than we're pretty certain you've heard this voice before. Her third solo album Some People Have Real Problems is not her best work to date, (we'll go with her first album Colour the Small One) but it's pretty d-mn close.

Starting things off is the feel good ode to love found and love lost with "Day Too Soon" where Sia rides the track to perfection in classic Sia form, and if you need a stamp of approval check Sia (Day Too Soon) live performance. Next is the inspiring and personal favorite "Little Black Sandals" the guide to getting out of broken and abusive relationships, one of the more personal songs on the album.

Now usually we try to find a negative even if there are none, and after the first two listens of the songs mentioned above, we needed something to lift our shattered spirits in the room (depressing is an understatement) "The Girl You Lost to Cocaine" was the cure greatly needed, showing Sia experimenting with a new sound that makes you bounce and groove until the very end.

Some People Have Real Problems is a solid third album for Sia, but it still makes us wonder? why in the H-LL is she not as popular in the states? far from the cookie cutter wannabe so called pop singers we have now, Sia could sing the ABC's and it would be a hit. A great buy for 2008 and while your searching pick up her previous work as well, you'll enjoy every second of it.

Sia - Day To Soon

Sia - The Girl you Lost to Cocaine

Melodic Sounds of Melody Gardot

Once and awhile we take a break (very brief) from the music world and focus other parts of our lives, but when your inbox is flooded with msgs that say must hear, everything else we just wrote is pointless. There was a certain urge to ignore the emails but we here at the Maroon Cafe are Equal Oppourtunist so what the H-LL why not!! after the first minute of the song it was checkmate and the search was on for this artist. Melody Gardot is her name and with a voice as smooth as Vino Rosso (Red Wine in Italian for the non-language takers) on a rainy day at home or your favorite Cafe, one listen to "Worrisome Heart" and you'll understand why this rare gem is ready to warm all of our hearts.

Santo-is-Golden

Now normally we here at the Maroon Cafe are usually first to find those breakout artist, but are alarm clock has to be updated thanks A for the find (after this post we're in route to Staples) Meet Santogold the female that seems to be on track for a great year, with a witty and clever style that is reminiscent of M.I.A.(Ok hell let's be honest she's M.I.A. 2.0) the Philly native still steps out on her own with her single "L.E.S Artist" that is not only catchy but hauntingly similar to the lead singer from Missing Persons, it makes us wonder how many people is she channeling from? Take a listen for yourself and enjoy. Maybe soon we'll be convinced

Soulful sounds of Jamie Lidell

Ok Ok Ok so we've seen this movie before, and for some quite a few times!!! another soul singer from the U.K. (This is starting to become a machine) but when we first heard the voice, a smile came upon our faces and in case your wondering what the H-LL we're talking about well meet Jamie Lidell, who just might be the Feist of this year (that's best new artist whose music has been out for over 4 years, thank you Grammys) now Jamie is nothing new to the music scene , back in 2005 the very overlooked Multiply was a great debut. Now three years later and a makeover from Adam Levines stylist (oops we so don't take that back) and a new album Jim (review coming soon) maybe this go around he'll get his just due. No pun intended to Justin Tmberlake or Robin Thicke but this blue eyed soulster would sound good singing the phone book backwards underwater. Get a taste of the his new single "Another Day" below now let all the minorities say at once "That White Boy can Sangggggggg.

Gracefullness is The Cinematic Orchestra

If your wondering why there's a rock group with the name Cinematic Orchestra and from that picture I can see your issue, with that name your just waiting for the Philharmonic to do a guest set, well looks can be very deceiving and in this case lets just say it is. Now for some of you C.O. fans(that's Cinematic Orchestra abbreviated for the internet challenged) you've known that this band has been out for quite some time but we just want to give them a little more publicity.

This British based Jazz and Electronic mixture of music that takes your breath away (suddenly "Top Gun" comes to mind) is truly a work of Art. One listen to "To Build A Home" and you'll understand why this song has been the most loved in the Ipod (another Apple referrence, that check better be in the mail) since downloading it. While your at it check out the Album Ma Fleur your guaranteed to have a moment of pure Bliss............

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Side Note---- We had to clear up the Million Dollar Question, who is this singing on To Build A Home? no that is not Chris Martin from Coldplay although you could be fooled, However it is Patrick Watson who sings lead vocals for the track.


Grab your tissues and enjoy

Retro Thursday With Sweetback & Wax Poetics

So we'll take a break from the present day and go through the time portal for a second, Each week the team will bring you something that you may have missed or never knew existed. From videos to actual songs that never really got the shine they deserved, in the meantime enjoy the selections we're providing and put on the Headphones from Middle School where you had to raise your hand if you heard the beep!!!!





Wow!!! we had to dig through the crates for this one, and this was well worth the hunt. Besides being one of our favorite songs of all time, no one can argue how beautiful this selection was from Amel Larriuex & Sweetback. This is a groove that could be a hit on the charts now, not bad for Sade's former band whose classic debut album is still in heavy rotation amongst true fans.



Sometimes we all have a few tunes that slip our minds and a recent email made us have one of those moments!!! some are not familiar with Wax Poetics and there hit "Angels" with lead vocals from Norah Jones (Yes thee Norah Jones folks) many may not know that this was her very first group before she broke off and made Nyquil Music (excuse us we mean no harm) to the masses. A slept on selection from a decent album.

Listening Session Juno Soundtrack

Yes we know what is a site without an Album Review? but we'll promise to expand and search for Albums more than just three or four good songs worth downloading. Trust us folks we know what we're doing here!!! and if you doubt us then your refund is in the mail (just send back the receipt)



Every since the green light went off inside our heads for the site, this album was always tops in our collection of great soundtracks (Yes once again we know Juno was Sooooooo 2007 and our detention slips are on the way) we all know how great the movie did at the box office, but music from the film which was overlooked, is pretty damn good also. If you could be in the passenger seat with Marty Mcfly (That's a Back to the Future movie reference for the Internet impaired) and go back to when you was a teen then you may understand where this awesome (yes we used the word) soundtrack comes from.

Starting things out with the cheesy "All I want is you" by Barry Louis Polisar which sort of fits the bill for how some felt about there first love, however the real standout for this soundtrack has to be Kimya Dawson (feature coming real soon) who honestly we had no idea about until her music was on this lovely score, "Tire Swing" "Loose Lips" & the favorite "So nice So smart" where she refers to the guy that he's too good and she'll tear his world apart (sounds familiar).

Other tracks to check out is the powerful and stunning Chan Marshall also known as Cat Power with her smoky performance of "Sea of Love" & Sonic Youth's "Superstar" where they take the Carpenters music and darken it up a little. So take the 10 dollars out of your Starbucks account give it a listen, it's great for a rainy day & Paulie Bleeker will send you a photo if you do!!!

Kimya Dawson-
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Cat Power-
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The Kinks-
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Searching For Good Tunes???

Lately there has been a ton of good music out but with such a busy schedule & routine, some of us really don't have the time to remember who the H--- the group or artist was that we ignored getting work done for five minutes because we liked the song so much. Well here are some tunes that are Ipod worthy (Apple you owe us for the plug) enjoy and support...........

Channel surfing can be really contagious and 75% of the time you never find anything that you would like to see because let's face it there is nothing on T.V. anymore, but if you've happened to stay on your local stations (that's 2,4&7 people) then you may have heard this voice many of times, and may still have his song stuck in your head.

Landon Pigg who at first glimpse you'd thought Ashton Kutcher got bored and picked up a guitar, will make any day better with his soothing song "Coffee Shop" getting lost in thought for 4 minutes and 30 seconds never sounded so good.

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While many here in the states may not be familiar with The Kills (We're so loving that name) there pretty much a regular in the U.K. (United Kingdom for the Internet impaired) Alison "VV" Mosshart and British Guitarist Jamie "Hotel" Hince are back with a new sound and a Kick A-- single "Cheap and Cheerful". Gather up all you poser Punk fans & wannabe Rockers this one is Air Guitar worthy!!!

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Sweden Invasion

So are love for the Swedish have grown fonder!!!! I know I know but we just could not help but to inform you of and if you ask me how to pronounce it all my lifelines would be gone, meet Lykke Li the Stockholm product and the latest in what is becoming a factory of dopeness from the other side of the globe.

We're still recovering from Little Dragon's epic album and then out of no where the love child of Kylie Minouge and Madonna storms in and will soon be the gossip at every Water Cooler in the States. Also the help of producer Peter Bjorn from Peter Bjorn & John only solidifies that her debut album Youth Novels which is available as only an import for now (check back soon on an official U.S. release date) will get an early vote for favorite album of this year. Be patient we're in the works on a possible interview very soon!!!

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Live Instruments and Real Talent!!!!!!! what is the World coming to?

THE MAROON CAFE?

Who are we? and what the hell is this site about? well we're an outlet to bringing you music that is good and worth checking out, no longer will there be postings of Artist that you hear on the radio 15 times a day or Artist that you can go to any other site and read about.

Welcome to the called "The Maroon Cafe"composed of Hipsters & Listeners of every kind of Music (and we mean EVERY) that needs to be brought to the masses and shared amongst all. So we thank you for stopping by leave a comment and BOOKMARK US (that's where click on that little BOOKMARK at the top) enjoy, support and spread the word................

Maroon Cafe Spotlight with Kunek and Meiko

Each week we will bring an Artist or in this case Artists and have a sit down with them so you can know more about there Music & Lifestyle. Now being that this is the First post, we thought we would treat you to a 2 for 1 special (Thank Us Later) so without further or do allow us to introduce.......................

Recently we had the honor of sitting down with Meiko

The West Coast native who has a interesting story to her rise to stardom, now it would be wrong to take all the credit for this session another hipster (A----) collaborated with me and came up with some great questions and this is what came to be.............

H.Q. For starters and for your many fans out there, confirm the correct way of saying your name?

Meiko: Meeeeeeee-ko

H.Q. I read a funny story about you getting your start, singing White Christmas at an all Black Southern Baptist Church, what was that experience like?

Meiko: It was awesome... I was 8 years old, and my teacher asked me to come
to her church to sing a Christmas song. I was the only white kid there, and for some reason, I decided to sing, "White Christmas." I actually just visited that teacher this Christmas and she showed me the video. I was pretty cute... I was so nervous, I hiccuped on the last line.

H.Q. Your originally from Roberta Georgia, what was the transition like moving to Los Angeles?

Meiko: It was a BIG change, but growing up in such a small town (pop. 808), I spent a lot of time wanting to be somewhere else. When my sister asked me to come to L.A. with her, I didn't think twice.

H.Q. How did your music get on to the hit show Grey's Anatomy? are you a fan of the show?

Meiko: I only recently became a fan. I don't get any reception on my TV, so I had to start NetFlixing older episodes to catch up. I'm guessing it was word of mouth that connected me to the right people, and I am greatly appreciative my life has gotten a bit sweeter since then.

H.Q. Well just let me say that 2008 is going to be a big year for you, what plans do you have?

Meiko: I'll be on the Hotel Cafe Tour in March and April. Other than that I plan on working on new material.

H.Q. When Meiko is not performing, what are you doing when you have free time?

Meiko: Most of my time is spent eating sushi "I LOVE SUSHI"! I have this place in downtown Los Angeles that I go to I'm starting to be there way too much -- the sushi chefs now say, "See you tomorrow!" when I leave.

H.Q. Now on the great track "How Lucky We Are" you said one day we'll get out of this sh--ty apartment is it safe to say that your living comfortably now?

Meiko: HA! Nope, still in the same apartment. I cant shake it! I'm starting to do some repairs on it though. I just painted my room which made a big difference.

H.Q. Fans want to know where did the song "Hawaii" come from?

Meiko: Hawaii is a song i wrote at a very sad point in my life- I don't talk about this a lot, but it's about missing my mom. She left my sister and I with our dad when we were really young. I was thinking that even if I saw her again, she probably wouldn't recognize me....

A: Speaking of Hawaii, if you could have your own island and have whatever you want on it, what would it consist of?

Meiko: A water park, my favorite sushi place (Hama Sushi in Los Angeles!) a skating rink, a spa, a trampoline, cute little baby monkeys oh, and a lot of nice people.

A: You mention food quite a bit in your blogs, what's your favorite?

Meiko: Ummmm.... I think that's obvious :)

A: You have mentioned Captain Morgan and eggnog, one of my favorites!! If you had to make a Meikotini, what would be the ingredients?

Meiko: 2 oz Peach Shnapps, 2 oz Absolute Peach, 2 oz Peach juice Shaken, put in a chilled Martini glass, garnished with a lime (I used to to be a bartender)

A: Recently, you posed in a calendar for the I Heart Foundation which gives all of its proceeds to battered women and there children and a one year scholarship for a young girl to attend the Silver lake Conservatory of Music. How did you become involved with such a great cause?

Meiko: I heard about it through my buddy Arica Rose. She was putting it together with some friends, and asked me if I wanted to be a part of it. I was like, "Hell Yeah! Sexy pictures and a good cause equals good match!"

H.Q. If you could have your dream tour, who would accompany you? Dead or alive?

Meiko: Ohhh- you had me at dead :) Elliot Smith all the way.

With a graceful and soothing sound Meiko will be one to watch for in 2008 and as always tell em' Maroon Cafe told ya!!!

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StillWater Oklahoma is mainly known as "Soonerville" but if you look a little closer inside the Corn Fields you will find Kunek a band whose sound is spiritual and without the help of Calgon, can take you to places you could only dream of. Get to know what all the hype is about...........

H.Q. Give me a little background on how Kunek became to be?

Kunek: Kunek started out as an instrumental ensemble, writing down tempo piano based music that focused on cello for droning melodies with a mix of ambient texturing and off hook percussion. The band began to develop a musical identity that was based around a conceptual story written by Jesse, Colby and Jenny about a boy named Kunek. The name Kunek stuck with the band, and as more members became involved with the music we began focusing more on integrating songwriting into the band's instrumental ideas.

H.Q. "Section 2" off the album is very spiritual and takes you on a ride of bliss! how did that creation take place when making the song?

Kunek: Section 2 was primarily written as a creative recording process. It was a song that we just continued to experiment with together and trying out different ideas until we had put together the song.

H.Q. When John Mayer posted your music on his site what was the reaction like? how did John get a hold of your music?

Kunek: At first it was quite surreal. But after seeing John perform at a concert in O.K.C and meeting him afterwards it allowed us to see that he isn't much different from any of us, he has a pure passion for music and understands it better than most. His fame is purely a back story to his musical contributions.

H.Q. Can we expect a new album in 2008?

Kunek: That's what we are shooting for, yes.

H.Q. Flight of the fynns is truly one of the best albums this decade, how long was the process with the album?

Kunek: From writing to recording, it lasted about a year. It was a great learning experience for all of us.

H.Q. Music wise what is Kunek composed of?

Kunek: We are trying to integrate more a compositional style that may integrate instruments outside of the norm. In general, we are all trying to learn to play as many instruments as possible to add to the diversity of the music, so it's difficult to really pin that down. I'd say we are composed of six multi-instrumentalists who are trying to express their vision through classical, folk, modern and experimental instrumentation.

H.Q. Who's the most creative in the group?

Kunek: Everyone has a special flavor that they add to the group, and it wouldn't be the right balance of energy without any one person's contribution, but Jesse Tabish is without a doubt the core songwriter who is building the foundation that we are all arranging around.

We hate to repeat ourselves, but Flight of the Fynns is truly one of the best albums over the past decade. Kunek is not your average band and with a little more exposure you'll see why we had the keys to the hype machine early!!!

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So we've reached the quarterly period of the year

So we've reached the quarterly period of the year in which still seems to be the greatest year ever (Ok so we've stretched that a little) in the meantime get a glimpse of artist who will be making a splash in the 08.

Name: J*Davey

Status: signed

Arriving: Early 08

Creation : TBA

Sounds Like: Groove Theory on Acid!!!!

Let's go back for a second, the year is 2006 and I was searching the web and stumbled upon Honey Soul and noticed there was a section called music from Myspace artist, now I guess you can call it fate and after clicking on the most creative song I've ever heard "No More" I immediately had to find out who was apart of this sound. J*Davey was the name and they was as every bit of stylish as there music,and the Los Angeles duo who met in high school had peaked interest for the remainder of the year.

2007 approaches and although the futuristic lead singer Jack Davey and her well balanced maestro Brook D'leau had a few internet leaks and random songs floating around, you started to want an album from the group and by the end of the year you demanded one!!! Well 2008 looks like all J*Davey disciples get there wish, after being signed to a major label (thank you Warner Bros) and a brand new and still yet untitled Album dropping before Spring, this could very well be the Rookies of the year just remember we told you so!!!!

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Name: Matthew Santos

Status: Indie

Arriving: Mid 2008

Creation: TBA

Sounds like: Mix of Bono & Chris Martin

When you first heard the clever sounds of Lupe Fiasco's "Superstar" you said to yourself is that Chris Martin from Coldplay again? Who seems to be the go to guy for mainstream success as of recent. Well after seeing the video you realized that this was a fresh face and he sounded damn good!!!

Meet Matthew Santos the Minneapolis native who now resides in Chicago, and will put his mark in 2008 and will have you all loving his trademark B-boy signature style. With a debut album in the works and Lupe backing him up, Matthew might not have to sing "Superstar" he might become one.

Name: Little Dragon

Status: Indie

Arriving: Now

Creation: Little Dragon

Sounds Like: Bjork and the Brand New Heavies.

Well you might not be familiar with the funkiest group out of Sweden, but in 2008 you sure will be. With lead singer Yukimi Nagano and her henchmen creating sounds that any music fan would love and creating one of the best albums over the past decade.

There is nothing but great things for the hippest and trendiest band from Gothenburg in 2008, and with the right help it may even be greater, don't say we did not warn you. This should be the year that the world will know who Little Dragon is.

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Name: Daniel Merriweather

Status: Signed

Arriving: Spring 2008

Creation: Love & War

Sounds Like: Daniel Merriweather

You might not remember the face but you sure will love the voice!! After coming off the smash hit "stop me" Marc Ronsons well slept on gem Version, DanielMerriweather is ready to become this years Golden Boy.

The silky smooth and soulful Brooklyn native who now resides in Australia, will be creating his anticipated album with help from Marc Ronson and Wajeed from the platinum pied pipers this could well be one of the feel good stories of this year!







Name: Duffy

Status: Signed

Arriving: May

Creation: Warwick Avenue

Where do we start? with a voice that would make Deniece Williams proud and a 60's vibe that reminds us how good Dusty Springfield really was, to call Duffy the next "it girl" is really unfair, and with Amy Wino (excuse me Winehouse) still lurking around (barely) there's some stiff competition lurking in British land. Well Such is not the case, this girl is the whole package and will be this years new Darling to the states, hailing from the land of Wales England and a special album that is number 1 in the U.K. (sorry U.S. May 13 circle that date!!!) Duffy is amongst the latest in the Northern Soul Revival that is so long overdue, and remember The Maroon Cafe told you first!!!!!

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