The Round Table Has Moved!!

Hey everyone, the time has come for The Round Table to step up its game. We've outgrown these digs and are looking toward the future. With that said, we've officially moved to a new location, so update your links, RSS feeds and join us for more conversation at: http://www.theroundtableonline.com/

RT Picks: Green Day "Restless Heart Syndrome," Ashley Arrison "Right Behind You," and Dirty Projectors "Stillness is the Move"

Green Day - "Restless Heart Syndrome"
from 21st Century Breakdown
Once I heard this song, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to select it as this week’s Pick of the Week. From the very first chord, it reminded me of something more characteristic of The Beatles than what I had expected to hear from Green Day. Even with Green Day’s progression to more of an art rock persona, I wasn’t quite ready for Restless Heart Syndrome.

In previous posts, I have downplayed the idea that Green Day had anything left worthy of drawing me in. It was mostly 21st Century Breakdown’s single, Know Your Enemy, that discouraged any thoughts of this being a quality album. But hearing Billy Joe more effectively use his finally maturing vocals along with the song’s often used but much appreciated progressions and added strings might be the beginning of the Green Day reunion I had been hoping for.
[handpicked by AP]

Ashley Arrison - "Right Behind You"
A few weeks back I picked Ashley Arrison's "Losing You," but that was just the tip of the iceberg. A couple of day's ago, Ashley posted an acoustic version of a new track, "Right Behind You," which she wrote with Aben Eubanks and Graham Colton. To say this girl is immensely talented would be an understatement. It's unfair that she such a powerful, clean voice -- more puzzling is that she's an unsigned artist -- further proof that the industry doesn't know what's up.
[handpicked by Jayvee]



Dirty Projectors - "Stillness is the Move"
from Bitte Orca, out June 9th
The song that's been blowing up blogs for the past few months couldn't be more perfect for Summer. Featuring plucky funk-lite guitars, climbing layered vocals (which Pitchfork affectionately compared to a more robotic Mariah Carey), and a relaxed beat complete with bridge breakdown. Recommended on repeat during a lazy drive with the top down.
[handpicked by Ghostface Millah]

Coldplay Releases Live Album Online, Download it for Free

Like free music? We do too. Thanks to the guys of Coldplay, you can download their live album, LeftRightLeftRightLeft, for free starting today.

To download it, simply visit Coldplay.com and enter your email address and location to receive a link.

The album is 9 tracks recorded at various shows on the first leg of the Viva La Vida tour. The track list is:

1. Glass of Water
2. 42
3. Clocks
4. Strawberry Swing
5. The Hardest Part/Postcards From Far Away
6. Viva La Vida
7. Death Will Never Conquer
8. Fix You
9. Death And All His Friends

Get more info and start downloading at http://lrlrl.coldplay.com/leftright.html

3 Days of Sale? No Problem: Green Day Projected at #1 on Billboard

According to Billboard, Green Day should be sitting pretty atop the Billboard 200 chart next week. The kicker is, the album "21st Century Breakdown," isn't even available for purchase until Friday, May 15th.

The band chose the off-cycle release (as albums are typically released on Tuesdays), which will give it only three days of sales. Sources said Green Day's label shipped over 650,000 units to retailers - but they're not expecting the album to push that number in three days.

Green Day should cruise to the #1 slot since there are no other new releases that will pose a threat, all that's left to determine is how much they'll actually sell. The group's last album, "American Idiot," had a career-best opening at 267,000, so it'll be interesting to see if they can top that number, especially with an abbreviated sales week.

Music Fans Have an Epiphany, Chrisette Michele Takes #1

Have music fans finally seen the light of day, choosing vocal talent over gimmicks? We think so as soul diva Chrisette Michele takes the top spot on this week's music charts - while Ciara's new sexed up act backfires.

According to Hits Daily Double, Chrisette's #1 debut was a result of "one of the tightest three-way races in memory," with a mere 2,000 pieces separating her from the two runners-up: Disney's Hannah Montana: The Movie soundtrack and Ciara’s Fantasy Ride respectively.

Ciara was this week's musical guest on Saturday Night Live where she put forth a yawn-worthy performance of "Love, Sex, and Magic" with Justin Timberlake accompanying her on keys. Guess we'll have to watch next week's charts to see if she gets a little boost in sales as a result, but I suspect her album will quietly go away as she can't seem to buy a hit these days. And believe me, she's tried by putting JT on track and in her video.

Rounding out the rest of the charts:
#4 - Rascal Flatts
#5 - Taylor Swift
#6 - Bob Dylan
#7 - Lady Gaga (gag me)
#8 - Rick Ross
#9 - Ben Harper & the Restless 7
#10 - Twilight Soundtrack

En Vogue Reunite, Launch Tour

The ladies of En Vogue have reunited (again!), this time it was to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their formation. The group performed a special show at B.B. King's here in New York with all original members: Dawn Robinson, Cindy Herron Braggs, Terry Ellis, and Maxwell Jones. Sadly, I was not in attendance, but thanks to the powers of YouTube, I can pretend like I was.

Apparently, the ladies also appeared on The View yesterday announcing their new tour. While En Vogue is not particularly relevant in today's music scene, we can't forget that they're one of the best selling female groups of all time. They gave us killer tracks like "Free Your Mind," "Hold On," and of course, the sultry, "Giving Him Something (He Can Feel)."

Check out the clips below of En Vogue performing "Don't Let Go" and "Hold On" from last night's B.B. King's appearance. If anything, you can see the ladies still have pipes, especially Dawn, but best of all is their ability to create a massive sing-a-long. Welcome back, ladies!

Review: Cory Chisel & Meiko Perform at The Canal Room in NYC

Nothing beats a night of enjoying good music with good friends. That's the short version of last night's fun as The Edgitator and I checked out an immensely talented band, Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons, followed by headliner Meiko at the Canal Room. But, lucky for you, I don't keep my posts short and sweet.

Oddly enough, this was my first time at the Canal Room. Aside from location (I hate lower-west Manhattan), the venue was amazing - stellar sound, acoustics and perfect lighting. The performers felt a bit different though as both Cory & Meiko separately voiced concern over being hot -- Meiko summed it up best by saying, "it's hot as balls up here." Take note, this was the first of about 5 balls references.

First up, Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons were a treat. I've heard of Cory by name, but never actually heard any of his songs. Well, I'm officially hooked. Cory has soulful voice with a certain air of mystery about him that keeps you captivated. The band's sound is subtle, loosely orchestrated with a nice blend of folk-country and blues and when paired with Chisel's vocals it makes for a powerful performance. You can get a taste for their sound by watching a clip of "Home in the Woods." Rumor has it Chisel & The Wandering Sons will have a new album out late this summer, but until then you can get your fix with their EP "Cabin Ghosts."

Then there was Meiko, the pint-sized folk-pop singer that clearly wrote "Boys with Girlfriends" as the soundtrack for my life. Nerves aside and the minor mishap before her set, Edgitator totally tripped her (accidentally!!) as she walked to the stage, Meiko performed a solid set, which even included a cover of Rick James' "Super Freak." Between several "balls" references, she is touring with 3 dudes, highlights included "Boys with Girlfriends (performance video coming soon)," "Under My Bed," "Good Looking Loser," and she even tested out a new song "Real Real Sweet," which will become my new anthem. As she put it, it's about her relationship with her best guy friend that deteriorated as a result of a jealous girlfriend. Instead of going the passive aggressive route ala "Boys with Girlfriends," she took a more direct approach - essentially feeding the girlfriend's insecurities. And for that, I love her. Favorite line: "I had a long talk with your baby in my back seat/and he was real real sweet."

Pics of Meiko and Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons can be found here.

Meiko's Full Set List:
Said and done
Under my bed
Hiding
Piano Song
Reasons To Love You
Shitty apt (How Lucky we Are)
Hawaii
Boys with Girlfriends
Loser
Walk By
Real, Real Sweet
Super freak

Video: No Doubt Rocks American Idol

Yup, it's another No Doubt post! We brought you the video of ND reuniting on the Today Show last Friday, now Gwen and the boys took center stage for an energetic performance of "I'm Just a Girl" on last night's elimination round of American Idol.

Let's just take a moment to reflect. A few months back when No Doubt announced that they'd tour this summer, I spit some venom. I figured Gwen would be so trapped in her new glam, popstar lifestyle that she wouldn't be able to deliver the type of show that made her (and subsequently the group) famous. Well, I stand corrected.

From the onset of last night's performance, you could tell Gwen came to prove something as she slinked down the stage steps dressed in her old-school riot girl attire and joined the boys in some synchronized jumping. Quite a few years older from when "Tragic Kingdom" broke and 2 kids deep, Gwen showed signs of fatigue as she panted through part of the song, but that didn't stop her from knocking out a few push-ups mid-song before inciting an all girl sing-a-long. Say what you will, but as a ND fan, I'm getting more and more excited to see these guys on the road. By the way, cute tutu, Adrian!

Video: Keri Hilson & Kanye West Perform "Knock You Down"

So, Ghostface Millah and I've popped off about Ms. Hilson in the past -- I go back and forth about how I want more from her. And, I still do, but each day I find myself liking her more and more, mainly because of her personality. While I'm still waiting to hear a track that blows me away, I can honestly say I'm slowly becoming a fan.

Last time we talked about how Keri and Kanye had mad chemistry in the official video for "Knock You Down," but apaprently it also translates in their stage performance from last night's David Letterman without being overt. The performance itself is pretty entertaining, though theatrical at times thanks to all the choreographed dance moves, but it works for me. So, what do you think, take it or leave it?

RT Picks: Tinted Windows "Kind of Girl," The Rural Alberta Advantage "Don't Haunt This Place," Mia Carruthers "Heartless" & Lots of Passion Pit

The Rural Alberta Advantage - "Don't Haunt This Place"
from Hometowns
Have to give credit where credit is due. Thanks, Edgitator for sending me this gem of an upbeat downer from The Rural Alberta Advantage. Really, I think I have problems for being so drawn to happy sounding depressing tracks. Yet another tale of a relationship gone sour - reminiscing on the good and the bad with a side of regrets. Listen to the track below, then download it at the band's site.
[handpicked by Jayvee]

Dont Haunt this Place - The Rural Alberta Advantage

Tinted Windows - "Kind of Girl"
from Tinted Windows
Who'd have thought that the pop album of 2009 so far would have Taylor Hanson on lead vocals?
[handpicked by Mike]

Kind Of A Girl - Tinted Windows

Mia Carruthers - "Heartless" (Kanye West cover)
from MTV's Taking the Stage
I've been stuck home sick for the last 4 days and caught up on just about the entire season of MTV's (actual) reality show "Taking the Stage" that profiles ridiculously talented high school students at a Cincinnati arts school. Being so dramatic, as only high school can be, Tyler (the school's player) is dating Jasmine, but also mackin' Mia on the side. In last week's episode, Mia got hip to Tyler's game and called him out during their talent show by covering Kanye West's "Heartless." Let it be known, I hate Kanye with a passion, but this song will be on repeat for a hot second. Watch it before MTV pulls it.
[handpicked by Jayvee]



Last Fall Passion Pit was the new band that delightfully confused me with their first single off, "Sleepyhead". I wasn't sure what to make of them, but I loved every second of it. I listened to the Chunk of Change EP and wasn't impressed, but still curious to where they could go. Thankfully, they didn't take long to complete a full length album. And thankfully we have these two tracks to see how they've expanded their sound for debut album Manners, out May 19th.
[handpicked by Ghostface Millah]


Featuring a chorus of children backing up vocalist/keyboardist Michael Angelakos at times, "Little Secrets" seems like a natural follow up to "Sleepyhead" and the first Manners single, "The Reeling".


Latest leak "Moth's Wings" shows even more promise and maturity. Not only does Angelakos sing in a lower registry, but the pace of the track is more driving --a slow, subtle build until the very end.

Party Like It's 1995 -- Welcome Back, No Doubt!

Gwen Stefani and the boys of No Doubt took to the Today Show's stage on Friday for the long awaited "reunion." The performance left me wanting more, but I'm not sure if that's just because Gwen's energy didn't transmit well via television and at 8a in the morning.

Either way, I'm still pretty stoked about the band getting back together. Now... if only they'd write some new music. Until then, enjoy a Q&A with the band and a performance of "Spiderwebs." Honestly, between No Doubt touring and Green Day putting out a new album, I feel like it's 1995 all over again.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

New Music/Official Video: Bob Dylan Feels a Change Comin' On in new release

Dylan releases Together Through Life

It’s sort of hard to sit through Bob Dylan’s new album Together Through Life without at least the idea of having a drink in hand and sitting either on a beach or in a club. Maybe it’s just the idea of relaxing and putting everything at bay while taking in all of the words and every note of every song uttered on the 10-track disc released on April 28.

Dylan first drew me in years and years ago with the simplicity in which he went about writing and performing his songs. It was probably because his brand of folk was so closely linked to the punk and rock I was listening to at the time. This album is a far cry from his initial performances, as has been his progression as an artist.

Don’t run off just yet. He’s still keeping it simple, but instead of sounding off as a traditional folk singer might, he lets a bit of jazz and light blues influence shine through. There is no shortage of accordion, trumpet, steel guitar and mandolin on this truly refreshing release – most notably on Beyond Here Lies Nothin’, My Wife’s Home Town and It’s All Good.

Dylan’s voice isn’t what it used to be, but still has that distinct, raspy tone you might expect to hear from an aging rambler. But it was never really his voice that helped him to prosperity, right?

Oh, and don’t think he attempted to record a full-length album without making direct reference to the idea of change. He almost makes it completely through but hits the listener bluntly on the ninth track with a song, aptly titled, I Feel A Change Comin’ On.

If one aspect of Dylan’s songwriting has remained consistent throughout his career, it is his free-speaking, no-nonsense approach to letting everyone know exactly what is on his mind.

He clearly lets his views and/or frustrations be known in I Feel A Change Comin’ On when he proudly exclaims:

"I feel a change comin’ on,
and the first part of the day is already gone.

Well now what’s the use in dreaming?
You’ve got better things to do.
Dreams never did work for me anyway,
even when they did come true.

…everybody got all the money,
everybody got all the beautiful clothes.
Everybody got all the flowers,
I don’t have one single rose.

I feel a change comin’ on,
and the first part of the day is already gone.”

Dylan has already begun touring overseas and plans to hit the U.S. leg of his tour on July 1 in Milwaukee, Wisc. for what he has dubbed the “Ballpark Tour.”

His performance at the Marcus Amphitheater in Milwaukee is only the first of a blanket of dates scheduled for the Midwest.

The schedule has him making stops in Sauget, Ill. (near St. Louis) at GCS Ballpark, South Bend, Ind. (Coveleski Stadium), Rothbury, Mich., Louisville,Ky. (Louisville Slugger Field), Dayton, Ohio (Fifth Third Field) and Eastlake, Ohio (Classic Park) before finally making his way toward the coast. He’ll then head west with only a handful of dates currently scheduled in Texas, Arizona, Nevada and California.

Here is a sample of the album and the official video for Beyond Here Lies Nothin':