The Useless Critic 2.0

I first heard of First to Eleven a few years ago thanks to the powers of social media. They are a talented young band straight out of my hometown (Erie, PA). Since I've first heard of them, First To Eleven - which primarily were a social media-based cover band - has revealed an original music incarnation, Concrete Castles.  No matter if they're covering songs or releasing their own music, one thing is evident: Concrete Castles is MASSIVELY talented. Anchored by Audra Miller's powerhouse vocals that are vaguely reminiscent of Hayley Williams, Concrete Castles demand your attention. Although they can fall in that sort of amorphous "indie pop" umbrella, I don't think their sound would be amiss on mainstream radio - top 40 or alternative.  "Wish I Missed U" - their debut album - came out earlier this September, and it's an enjoyable, invigorating listen that would probably make those who were raised on emo or fans of CHVRCHES feel at home. Hell, Anth...

In the past, we've covered (well we as in me) the Romantic Era . It was a little bit of time ago- and since then, the band's profile and popularity has grown.  Within the past month via their Facebook , the band has released two covers (Lorde's "Royals"- yes everywhere like I said before and "No Diggity" by Blackstreet.) Both awesome original songs that make for awesome covers. Check them out below: "Royals" "No Diggity" Pretty good stuff!  For more info on the Romantic Era, check out their website .

I really do not want to leave my bed, but this is making me tear up a little: I think this was Lou's favorite Velvet Underground song? I've always thought it was a gorgeous song and definitely one of the better love songs out there. Because when you are in love, you simply do not see these things the person you're in love with hates in themselves. And these kids are precious. Have a good week friends and readers! 

Song of the Day I didn't think I'd like this cover so much, but it's quite dreamy. Enjoy your Friday!

As heard on the Great Gatsb y   trailer. A very raw and powerful U2 cover. Oh, Jack.

So I didn't pay attention to Beyonce last year . Was I really that STUPID? That BLIND? Beyonce has come down from Heaven and partnered with Jay-Z to SAVE OUR SOULS. I am just REALIZING how good of a song "Countdown" is. Have you noticed this? THE LYRICS: My baby is a 10 We dressing to the 9 He pick me up we 8,  Make me feel so lucky 7 He kiss me in his 6 We be making love at 5 Still the one I do this 4 I'm tryna make us 3 From that 2 He's still the 1 is there nothing this woman can't do? I want her to rewrite the constitution. take that, Ron Paul! She just had a baby, too. like today! CONGRATS, JAY-Z AND BEYONCE! and welcome our messiah, Ivy Blue Carter, to da world. Even adorable Norwegian boy Sondre Lerche covered "Countdown":

- the  Parks and Recreation last night was CLASSIC. don't think I have a TV. the internet is my god for a reason. - I'm wearing a black sweater and jeans tomorrow in honor of Steve Jobs. join me! maybe we can speak at podiums as well! - I really love podiums. - CALENDAR IS UPDATED GO CHECK - hey, do you live in New York City too? are you not sleeping on Wall Street tonight? because Holy Ghost needs extras for their music video next week! - Nicole Atkins dropped a free EP. she's really wonderful. I like her, but she never responds to my tweets. other celebrities that don't: - St. Vincent - The Antlers - BEST COAST. I tweet her ALL THE TIME and what do I get? ugh. WHAT DO I GET? sweet NOTHING - make Oh Land's cover of The National's "Bloodbuzz Ohio" NO. 1 on hype machine - I'm glad she chose that song to cover. It reminds me of my ties to Erie.  - there's a Lykke Li cover of "Unchained Melody" on there...

Remember when I blogged about the XX a really long time ago and everyone now loves them apparently? yeah that happened. they have cool harmonies that I appreciate and sometimes their sound is nice and chill, but they are also kind of boring and very ugly. anyway, I love their cover of Aaliyah's "Hot Like FIRE," bar none my favorite by them (except "Crystallized.") seriously, Aaliyah covers are just a good way to win me over.

I am seriously in love with these kids: to see more of their performances- and what a talented group they are! seriously! they have stuff by the likes of Coldplay, Tori Amos, Lady Gaga, etc. - head here: http://ps22chorus.blogspot.com/ Ashton Kutcher is a fan. SO YOU SHOULD BE TOO.

Beyonce's little sister's very good cover of "Stillness Is the Move" by Dirty Projectors she likes Grizzly Bear? holy shit, I like this girl now. oh, me and my shallowness. Anya Marina meets T.I.: I always liked that song. now just even more.

Over the past 9 hours I have been listening to the song "Magic" originally recorded by vintage rockers Pilot over and over and over again. You know it. It's been used in plenty of movies and commercials. Ho, ho, ho It's magic, you know Never believe it's not so It's magic, you know Never believe, it's not so The reason for this soar in Magic popularity is because teeny-bopper, Selena Gomez from Wizards of Waverly Place has covered the song on her show's soundtrack. And it's been getting a lot of press. Here is the new version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJHaJNV4H3k QATFYG: I want to take a poll and see what you guys like more. The original by Pilot or the remake by Selena G? I'll start it off and vote for the.... ORIGINAL!! The remake is way too toned down. Not enough Umph!