It’s the most wonderful time of the year and not to mention the most musical. Think about all the memorable holiday songs blasting through the speakers of every mall in America. While artists like Sting and Andrea Bocelli release albums fitting for the season, let’s go back in time and pay homage to the classic songs that radio station, KOST 103.5 can’t get enough of this month.1. “Oh Holy Night” – It was originally a French poem called Minuit, Chrétiens (Midnight, Christians) by Placide Cappeau in the 1800s. Composer Adolphe Adam …

While Canadian singer Fefe Dobson dressed up as a dead Amy Winehouse for Halloween this year, it was not too long ago that Dobson fought off critics about her own image and strived to stay true to herself in the music industry. In this interview, Dobson talks about her upcoming album, Joy, her single, “I Want You,” being featured on VH1 promotional spots for the reality show, “Megan Wants a Millionaire,” and so much more.
Racket Gail: How was your Halloween?
Fefe Dobson: It was amazing, I had such a blast. I …

Nadia Ali
Embers
Smile in Bed
8/10
After writing countless reviews and listening to so many different arrangements that could make a person’s head explode, there comes a time when lyrics really do make or break an artist’s record. As long as I’ve been with Racket, I haven’t come across many albums with impressive lyrics because the music overpowers the words most of the time. As a result, I am left feeling disappointed because the potential to harness a true emotional connection with the audience is lost in the fancy machine of studio mixing …

Electric Valentine
Automatic
Electric Fantastic Sound
8/10
When nights get colder this winter, don’t expect the dance floor to cool off with them because Electric Valentine’s first full-length album Automatic is red-hot and jam-packed with summertime energy that lasts all year round. Based in Huntington Beach, California, Grammy-award winning producer, Chris Qualls teams up with Broadway singer, Lauren Baird to make beautiful electropop music together- it’s an ideal fit that it has more staying power than a Kardashian-Odom marriage.
First of all, “Body to Body” is a great pop song and the energy is reminiscent …

Tarrus Riley
Contagious
VP Records
7/10
In this full-length album, Tarrus Riley incorporates everything but the kitchen sink as far as mixing together different reggae styles. As the son of Jimmy Riley, former member of the 1960s group the Techniques, Tarrus Riley outdoes himself musically and lyrically with his third album, Contagious. After its early August release, fans now have the chance to hear this talented artist cover all sorts of issues on top of a soulful groove- it’s a dynamic and intriguing partnership.
The infectious beat on the first track, “Living the Life of …

Bobby Tamkin, the mastermind behind psych-rock band Xu Xu Fang, talks about their red-hot private concert, along with other sizzling insights about music.
Racket Gail: I was at your show [and] it was really interesting. I’ve never seen a private show like that before. The fact that you had people wearing masks…
Bobby Tamkin: [Laughs].
RG: It lead to be more theatrical then I expected.
Bobby: Well the masks, I didn’t expect either. [Pauses] Our following just seems to keep growing with like really dispersant groups of people. It’s not just …

Founder of ONELOVE For Music, Lee Waterworth believes “There Is An Art to Change.” The Saucy Englishman is about to deliver this message with a red carpet celebration of the United Nations’ International Day of Peace in Los Angeles on September 26, 2009. While the official Day of Peace is on September 21st, BOXeight studios in L.A. will showcase eight bands, independent films and a silent auction with 100% of the net proceeds going toward an organization called Global Angels.
It’s a campaign that Waterworth and a team of dedicated …

Glass Ghost
Idol Omen
Western Vinyl
8/10

Possibility after taking a listen to Idol Omen, the debut LP from the Bronx dynamic duo known as Glass Ghost, then maybe devoted lovers of the West Coast sound (like myself) might be able to appreciate East Coast music a tiny bit more. Former Flying band members Eliot Krimsky and Mike Johnson are set to release their latest project on October 27, 2009. Their bizarre but thought-provoking album, plus an East Coast tour scheduled to start toward the end of the summer has fans and critics …

Keri Hilson and Ne-Yo Live
San Manuel Casino, Ontario, CA
July 2nd, 2009
While families celebrated the 4th of July weekend, R&B superstar, Ne-Yo looked for “Miss Independent” amongst the crowd of screaming girls at the San Manuel Casino. However, the Grammy-award winner did not come alone. Fellow R&B artist, Keri Hilson opened the night with enough energy and noise to make the ground literally rumble beneath her. It felt like tiny earthquakes when the bass kicked in and shook up the entire floor throughout the night but it only made the concert …

Julien-K and Combichrist Live
June 16th, 2009
Glasshouse, Pomona, CA.
On the eve of the Lakers championship parade, the kids of Los Angeles County came out in droves for a completely different reason- to see the gods of industrial rock, Julien-K and Combichrist perform at the Glasshouse in Pomona.
The Arts District lived up to its name with young kids wearing a colorful array of costumes and makeup. There were juvenile delinquents with Mohawks and fish nets, and even one Goth girl wore a skirt that lit up like Christmas lights. Apparently, Halloween …

Nico Vega and Gavin Rossdale Live
June 7th House of Blues, Anaheim CA
Gavin Rossdale and opening act Nico Vega turned the House of Blues into a red-hot firestorm. The former Bush frontman brought back their 90’s hits and even covered an acoustic version of a Stevie Nicks classic. Rossdale and company made their final stop on tour in Orange County to a raucous crowd in Anaheim who witnessed downright rock n’ roll drum-kit destroying mayhem.
Los Angeles trio Nico Vega kicked off the festivities. Lead singer Aja’s vocal chops pierced …

[Emperor's note: This is by far the longest interview we have ever conducted. If you are a fan of the band, you are in for a treat. - The Emperor]
It’s been murder, but after two years Julien-K finally released Death to Analog. During a media day in West Hollywood, band members Ryan Shuck and Amir Derakh sat comfortably in their London Hotel suite to talk about shooting their x-rated video, creating new material for the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen soundtrack and so much more cool shit. Let’s check in …

Marcio Local
Says Don Day Don Dree Don Don: Adventures in Samba Soul
Luaka Bop
8/10
Is it just samba or is it world music? Brazilian artist Marcio Local makes it a little bit of both with his record entitled Says Don Day Don Dree Don Don. He also acknowledges Rio predecessor Jorge Ben by working with producer Armando Pittigliani, who happened to work with Ben in the early stages of his career in the 1960s. In the end, Local gives listeners a fusion of the lively sounds of samba and bossa nova with …

Yonlu
A Society in Which No Tear is Shed is Inconceivably Mediocre
Luaka Bop Inc.
9/10
Brazilian artist Yonlu leaves a lasting impression on his first and unfortunately last album. Vinicius Gageiro Marques aka Yonlu (internet screen name) took his own life at the age of 16 and after he passed away, his parents found this record. Even though nothing overshadows the tragic loss of this soft-spoken artist, Yonlu’s legacy lives on through his music.
Give the lad a lot of credit for being a talented artist beyond his years and despite his life being …

Luka Bloom
Eleven Songs
Big Sky
7/10
Irish singer/songwriter Luka Bloom personifies much more than just the generic title of his album, “Eleven Songs.” In fact, Bloom’s music has uplifting lyrics and a soothing voice that can garner new and old fans alike.
Fellow Irishmen music producer David Odlum collaborates with Bloom in this project and their sensibilities in the studio compliment each other. For instance, the string section in “I Hear Her, like Lorelei,” has a special kick and this incorporation provides texture similar to what a special ingredient would do to …

Aaron Beaumont
Nothing’s Forever (Not Even Goodbye)
Milan Records
8/10
Singer-songwriter Aaron Beaumont’s musical journey will come full circle at the Hotel Café in Los Angeles on June 20th, 2009. The LA-based troubadour celebrated the release of his debut album Nothing’s Forever (Not Even Goodbye) at the Café last year and since then, the musician toured the country and according to LA Weekly, his record signaled the arrival of a new Elton John.
While those are some flamboyant shoes to fill, Beaumont’s record actually channels the spirit of music from the 20’s and 30’s. As …