Amy Kuney releases "Gasoline" video

The first music video from beloved Tulsa, Oklahoma's gal, Amy Kuney, recorded in support of the mess BP made early last year in the Gulf of Mexico. The Deepwater Horizon spill is currently generating funds for early restoration projects, in case you environmentalists have been distracted by Japan's recent nuclear crisis.

It's been a long week, after returning to the suburbs Monday evening. Folk-sextet Cherryholmes were fantastic in Chicago, but it was Zola Jesus who rocked the trip. At the moment, I'm mourning a dear family member (and a 1994 beige Honda Accord, my only possession of equal age). Funnily enough, my online non-science science course for next year has been cancelled, allowing me to eliminate the entire subject area from my schedule future.

Update on SGD

Tulsa-project no. 2 to report is Stars Go Dim's upcoming sophomore disc, titled Between Here and Now. If you think I've been promoting an abnormal amount of these guys, I'll like to have you know that it's paid off. Compared to the original 200 fans they'd amounted at their conception over three years ago, their Facebook numbers have now surpassed 30,000. I feel like a certain pride's gone missing... oh yeah, they want you on their next album cover.

Unofficial "Love Like" lyrics

(A surprisingly large group is arriving by Google for "like i mean it lyrics". Sure enough, they're nowhere to be found, so I figured I'd just type them and save you strays from relentless searching while garnering myself more pagehits. Feel free to suggest changes. Purchase this song on iTunes.)

"Like I Mean It" by Stars Go Dim
How do I learn to fly when I'm down on my knees?
How do I learn to love when I'm always begging you, please?

I spend most of my life trying just to get by;
I spend most of that time on losing you.
Now I gave you reasons, disregarded feelings;
Convinced myself that it's all true.

How do I learn to fly when I'm down on my knees?
How can I learn to love when I'm always begging you, please?

[CHORUS: How many moments pass me by?
How many times have I said I won't try? (oh oh)
To live my life and love like I mean it.
How many days will slip away?
How much pain does it take to see it? (oh oh)
To live my life and love like I mean it.]

I keep all my secrets hidden away down inside;
I keep telling myself lie after lie.
Now I've played the part of a man with many hearts;
But none of them ever meant to hurt you.

[CHORUS]

I'm wanna love like I never ever loved before;
I'm wanna live like I only have a last wish;
I wanna be everything you ever wanted, everything you need.

How do I learn to fly? Get me back on my feet;
Don't give a won't, may; I'm begging you, please.

[CHORUS]

How many moments pass me by?
How many times have I said I won't try? (oh oh)
To live my life and love like I mean it.
To live my life and love like I mean it (oh oh)
To live my life and love like I mean it.

How many days will slip away?
How much pain does it take to see it? (oh oh)
To live my life and love like I mean it.
(I'm gonna take control of all my days, put you in front of me, yeah. I'm gonna mean it; to live my life and love like I mean it.)

Music video premiere for "Love Like"

Tulsa act Stars Go Dim is currently on the air at Ustream and just posted their latest video. The trio is currently working on new album material, joined by touring drummer Ben.

To live and love like you mean it

buy on iTunes

Release date: November 23rd, 2010
Genre: pop, indie

The latest release from Tulsa-based Stars Go Dim, "Like I Mean It" is heartwarming just in time for the holiday season. The drums and keyboards are very The Script-like and Chris Cleveland's throaty vocals remind me of early Stabilo. Catchy hooks and simple lyrics complete the ballad, which like most of their songs, consistently deal with themes of love.

It's like one of those amiable chick flicks you just can't deny.

LGM Compilation Video

Just a little something I made up for their contest; I'm not sure it's a valid entry, though. I'm not particularly proud of it and I know I could do better, but the deadline's mid-September and it took me a couple weeks to sync it (Windows Movie Maker, grr).

Stars Go Dim's "Love Gone Mad"

(from left to right: Michael Wittig, Joey Avalos, Lester Estelle, Chris Cleveland)

I’m a sucker for hockey anthems- the driving beats, heavy riffs, and fast tempos. (Not to mention the hockey.)

That was how I came to know Pillar, one of the most successful Christian music ensembles. I’ve played “For the Love of the Game” more than “Boom Boom Pow”, and their cover of “Sunday Bloody Sunday” is “bloody” fantastic.

There was no question in checking out their project, when I heard about it from their bassist. At first I was disappointed, “Come Around” was soft, sweet (and can I say, wimpy?) next to the hard rock they were putting out. About to give up on their EP, “Crazy” began to play. The track was once again, soft, cheesy, but one of the most beautifully written I’d heard.

Pillar has seen many lineup changes, but when Kalel and Lester left, I truly thought they were over. Confessions proved me wrong, but my attention had completely shifted onto Stars Go Dim, also consisting of former touring guitarist Joey Avalos and new vocalist Chris Cleveland. They followed their EP with a full-length release, receiving considerable attention and a steadily accumulating fanbase.

After some local touring, the band ultimately decided to distribute Love Gone Mad free. The street team was put to action, promoting them. (download the album at their site)

Tracks I recommend:

“Get Over It”: The lead single begins with a solid drumbeat and a powerful bass line. I love when the electric bass is utilized as an instrument, and not just an anchor.

“Love Gone Mad”: The piano intro is stunning. That Hedley’s “Perfect” stuff stands no chance against Cleveland’s smooth vocals.

“Crazy”: At the time, I was listening to a lot of Vertical Horizon and Matt Nathanson. If you like softer rock a la Lifehouse, you’ll probably be bought, like me.

“Walk On”: There’s a funk to this one, with a characteristic, addictive guitar riff.

The only catch to the download? If you like what you hear, please pass it on!