The Wailers Perform Uprising @ The Bijou

Arguably Bob Marley and the Wailers finest body of work, the 1980 release features Bob and his band at their best. The album would be the groups final studio recording released during Mr. Marley's life. All songs were written by Bob Marley and the album peaked at #45 on the Billboard charts. Featuring classics like "Zion Train," "Could You Be Loved," and "Redemption Song," the Wailers will be performing this classic album in it's entirety tonite at the Bijou Theatre. The last time the Wailers were in Knoxville was for the Sundown concert series in 2009. Opening up tonite will  be Duane Johnson along with some very special guests.

Tiesto @ The Valarium

Tonite, Knoxville welcomes the world's #1 DJ to the Valarium. Tijs Michiel Verwest, better known by his stage name, Tiesto, has become the world's best known trance DJ. Getting his start at a local club in his native Netherlands, Tiesto formed his own label in 1997. Beginning a series of mixes and collaborations, Verwest gained international recognition with the his remix of Delirium's "Silence" featuring Sarah McLachlan. The eleven and a half minute single slingshot Tiesto into the international spotlight, making him one of the most sought after producers and remixers in the world. Since, Tiesto has produced and remixed tracks for the likes of Three Six Mafia, Jose Gonzalez, Tegan and Sara, and the Killers. The DJ/producer also performed during the opening ceremony of the 2004 Olympics, bringing him from clubs to living rooms across the globe. Seeing the world's best DJ is going to set you back however, tickets are around $50 and $100 for VIPs. Enjoy!

Bruce is Cut Loose

By now, just about everybody knows that Bruce Pearl is no longer men's basketball coach at Tennessee. The whirlwind of bad press that the coach (along with others in the athletic department) has brought to UT is unforgivable and ended with Pearl being fired by athletic director Mike Hamilton (who may also be headed to the gallows). The new coach, Cuonzo Martin, a head coach at Missouri St. and assistant at Purdue, may likely inherit a slew of NCAA sanctions against the program. So here's to you Bruce- the man who single handidly ressurrected and killed Tennessee basketball.

Happening This Week

03/28  Big Bad Jukebox @ Barley's
           Ian Thomas @ Preservation Pub
03/29 The High Kings @ Square Room
          Generifus @ Pilot Light
          Sequoyah, The Riverwinds, Kevin Hyfantis @ Preservation Pub
03/30 The Wailers perform "Uprising" @ The Bijou
          Tiesto @ The Valarium
          Exene Cervenka, Kevin Seconds, Will Fist @ Pilot Light
          South French Broads, Brain Dead Morons, Midnight Radio @ Preservation Pub
03/31 EOTO, Zebbler Encanti Experience, Spooky Jones @ The Valarium
          Matt Brewster's Rock Band Experience @ Barley's
          Heavy Cream, Dirty Knees @ Pilot Light
          Sumilan, Efren @ Preservation Pub
04/01 Opiate, ARC, Tabula Rasa @ The Valarium
          The Vibraslaps @ Preservation Pub
04/02 Tokyo Gogo w/ DJ Slink @ The Valarium
          Midnite Voyage w/Magma Blood, Bass Disciples, Mountain Dub @ Cider House
          Three Man Band, Apache Dropout @ Pilot Light
          King Super & the Excellents, Casper & the Cookies @ Preservation Pub
04/03 Moe. @ The Valarium
          Jordan Burris @ Barley's
          Pujol, Turbofruits @ Pilot Light

Omar Rodriguez-Lopez Group @ The Bijou

Where do you start when describing an artist as talented or eclectic as Omar? It's hard to do a guitarist of this caliber justice by just merely writing about him. Born in Puerto Rico, the guitarist, composer, and producer has been the driving force behind two of the arguably most influential rock bands of the previous decade. At the Drive-In was formed in 1993 and lasted until the early 00's, calling it quits at the peak of their popularity. During this time, Lopez also played bass for reggae/dub band De Facto, which arose from jam sessions with friends and band members during the At the Drive-In years. Moving on and forming the Grammy Award winning group, Mars Volta, Omar and former Drive-In band mates kept producing psychedelic, experimental rock that melted minds across the globe.

Omar Rodriguez-Lopez also has a prolific solo career. In 2005, the guitarist moved overseas and recorded a surplus of new material under the Omar Rodriguez Lopez Quintet, which included three members of Mars Volta and producer Money Mark. Since then Omar has completed a slew of solo albums and releases, as well as writing and releasing albums with Mars Volta. Omar's unique style and sound has gained a cult following since he first started writing and he has been featured on greatest guitarist of all time lists, including Rolling Stone's 2003 list. Below are some samples of what to expect this evening...

Cults, Asobi Seksu, & Sun Airway @ Pilot Light

Spring has finally come. With the warm weather comes a very special show at the Pilot Light tonite. Each of these group's stars have been quickly rising in the blogosphere and elsewhere. Coming fresh out of SXSW, all three acts bring their own style and sound resulting in a show where everyone wins.

Last time Cults were in Knoxville they opened up for lo-fi, dream poppers, Best Coast. There is not much information out there about Cults, but I think they like to keep it that way. The New York City duo has self-released a 7" single "Go Outside," and has toured with the aforementioned Best Coast, as well as laptop metal heads, Sleigh Bells. Guitarist Brian Oblivion and lead singer Madeline Follin have created a buzz all by themselves with their playful and entrancing sound. You can download some of the bands tunes for free here.

Performing with Cults this evening will be fellow Brooklynites Yuki Chikudate and James Hanna, also known as Asobi Seksu. Releasing five studio albums since 2004, the duo's songs have been featured in an Adult Swim compilation and on Ugly Betty as well as having contributed songs for 2 movies directed by So Yong Kim. Touring in support of their newest release, Fluorescence, the band has shifted from their shoe-gaze roots to a more mellow, dreamy sound.

Following the ethereal trend are Philly based duo Sun Airway. Taking cues from bands like Postal Service and Animal Collective, Sun Airway has quickly gained the attention of fans and critics. Consisting of members Jon Barthmus and Patrick Marsceill, their simple, straightforward approach to music is evidenced by their debut LP, Nocturne of Exploded Crystal Chandelier. Tonite's show will bring a packed house to the Pilot Light so make sure to get there early if you want a good spot. Below are a few samples of what to expect...

Happening This Week

03/21 The Spring Standards @ Barley's
          The Leadership Frontiers, Ian Thomas @ Preservation Pub
          Oversat, Monogold, Tiny Victories @ Pilot Light
03/22 Captain Midnight @ Preservation Pub
          Birds of Avalon, Fecal Japan
03/23 Megan Jean Band, Darlingside @ Preservation Pub
          Cults, Asobi Seksu, Sun Airway @ Pilot Light
          Black Cherry, Painted Face, Bell's Roar @ Relix Theatre
03/24 Omar Rodriguez Lopez Group @ The Bijou
          The Brothers Burn Mountain @ Barley's
          Kelsey's Woods, Josh Roberts & the Hinges @ Preservation Pub
          Invisible Hands, Naked Gods @ Pilot Light
03/25 Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors @ The Bijou
          Bobby Long @ Barley's
          Black Cadillacs, Jonathan Sexton & the Big Love Choir @ Cider House
          Mimosa, Mindelixir, Sub Shanti, Sleepyhead @ Valarium
          Brimstone Treehouse, Overzealous @ Preservation Pub
          Never Sorry, Ellie Herring @ Pilot Light
03/26 Ryan Bingham & the Dead Horses @ The Bijou
          Over My Head Tour ft. Brian "Head" Welch @ Square Room
          Tokyo GoGo w/DJ Slink @ Valarium
          Midnite Voyage Live feat. Wes Kane, Medisin, Dorian,
          DJ Avi, J Mo @ Cider House
          Madre, Sons of the Southside, Oh No No @ Preservation Pub
          Horns of Happiness, Emperor Ant @ Pilot Light
          Miranda Lambert, Justin Moore @ Civic Coliseum
03/27 Roommate, Choreboys @ Pilot Light
         Megan McCormick, Andy Wood @ Relix Theatre

Friday Flavor

TV on the Radio- Will Do


The Strokes- Under Cover of Darkness


Hooray for Earth- Surrounded By Your Friends


Solar Bears- Cub (Keep Shelly in Athens Remix) 

Gordon Lightfoot @ The Tennessee Theatre

Tonite, a folk music god takes the stage at the Tennessee Theatre. Having been declared a national treasure by fellow Canadian, Robbie Robertson, Gordon Lightfoot has had one of the most prolific and successful careers of any singer/songwriter. Part of the burgeoning Toronto music scene of the 60's and 70's, Gordon helped define what folk-rock would become. 

Always on the move, Gordon spent his younger days between Canada, California, and Europe. After artists such as Elvis, Richie Havens, and Peter, Paul, and Mary covered some of Gordon's songs, Lightfoot signed with Bob Dylan's manager, Albert Grossman. Touring and performing constantly, including an appearance at the Newport Folk Festival, helped the Canadian gain a considerable following. He would release his debut album, Lightfoot!, in 1966. 

Gordon's popularity reached its climax in the mid-seventies with the release of his number one debut, Sundown. He kept releasing original material and touring into the 80's and 90's. Recently, in 2002, Lightfoot battled an abdominal hemorrhage  that almost killed him. After awaking from a coma, Gordon urged his band to record demos he had been keeping which resulted in the release of Harmony in 2004. Lightfoot has always kept a reputation as being an incredible live performer. Seeing a folk legend in a place like the Tennessee Theatre will surely make for an unforgettable evening.

St. Patrick's Day

Today, everybody's Irish, so put on some green and hit the town tonite because it's St. Patrick's day and Knoxville has plenty to offer. First up, at the Valarium tonite, Cutthroat Shamrock brings their Irish flavored brand of  punk, rock, and bluegrass to Knoxville. The five piece has been playing together for quite awhile now and their shows have gained a high-energy, alcohol fueled reputation. Opening up for the Appalachian, Celtic punks will be Kansas natives the Calamity Cubes and local favs Grandpa's Stash.

Up on Market Square, Cafe 4 and the Square Room host a dinner concert with Four Leaf Peat. These Knoxvillians stick to the roots of Irish music. Whether it be dancing jigs or slow airs, the quartet keeps tradition in one pocket with innovation and modern style in the other. As stated before, these dinner concerts have become quite popular and surely an Irish-themed, St. Patty's day dinner and show will be no exception, so make sure to get your tix if you haven't already.

A couple doors down, Preservation Pub is hosting an interesting double bill. Tuatha Dea is a group of Gatlinburgers that began playing for fun and soon gathered a local following. Taking the show on the road, the six piece brings their eclectic, musical mix of traditional, new age, and Scotch-Irish sounds to the Pub. Playing with the East Tennesseans will be Windy City party animals, the Flavor Savers. With songs like "Dafadildos" and "Moustache Ride," the boys from Chicago mix rock, hip-hop, disco, and pop for some tasty party jams. Below are some samples of what's happening tonite... and don't forget about the bar-crawl in the Old City and the massive Irish fiesta out in Turkey Creek at Irish Times. Have fun and be safe Knoxville!

All Doggs go to Heaven

The Ides of March has come and gone taking along with it a G-funk legend. Yesterday, Nathaniel D. Hale, better known as Nate Dogg, passed away. The artist had been struggling with illnesses over the past 3 years and has had a history of strokes. Nate Dogg may not be a roman empereror, but has arguably one of the most recognizable voices in hip-hop and R&B.  Nate got his start with his cousin and high school pal, Snoop Dogg, in the rap group 213. Later after hearing Nate's soulful voice on a demo, Dr. Dre took notice and Hale later signed with Death Row Records. Along with Warren G., Nate's first hit came in '94 with the song "Regulators." Nate Dogg has also worked along side a who's who list of hip-hop artists including Snoop Dogg, Ludacris, Eminem, and Tupac. Below are a couple videos of Nate at his finest.

You be the Judge

Last week, one of Knoxville's most high-profile public servants plead guilty to felony official misconduct. Judge Richard Baumgartner was part of a TBI probe that eventually led to the judge's resignation. It was found that the Judge was buying pills from a probationer in his court. The deal was sealed when the drug dealer's ex-wife turned over photos of the judge's car at the dealer's home to the TBI. The fallout from this case is unknown yet. Baumgartner worked on many of Knoxville's most high profile cases including the Christian/Newsom murders. So in honor of Dickie Baumgartner here is fellow Tennessean Lil Wyte...

Happening This Week

Spring Break 2K11! For those of us not going to Cabo....

03/14 The Big Wooly @ Barley's
          Small Sins, Madre @ Pilot Light
          The Fox Hunt, Whiskey Bent Valley Boys @ Preservation Pub
03/15 Tim & Susan Lee, Slummers, Econopop @ Pilot Light
          The Winter Sounds @ Preservation Pub
03/16 Pegasi 51, The K-Villains @ Preservation Pub
03/17 Gordon Lightfoot @ Tennessee Theatre
          Cutthroat Shamrock, Calamity Cubes, Grandpa's Stash @ The Valarium
          St. Patty's Dinner w/ Four Leaf Peat @ Square Room
          Tuatha Dea, The Flavor Savers @ Preservation Pub
03/18 Mac Comer @ Barley's
          PopRox @ Downtown Grill
          5th Street Saints @ Patrick Sullivan's (Free Show)
          Lonetones, Kevin Abernathy, Jake Winstrom @ Pilot Light
          Hudson K, The Penny Dreadfuls @ Preservation Pub
03/19 Midnite Voyage Live: Funky James, TwarpD, DJ Tripp @ Cider House
          Tokyo GoGo @ Valarium
          Genuine @ Downtown Grill
          Badger Cannon @ Patrick Sullivan's
          Faux Ferocious, The Vaygues, Hearbeater @ Preservation Pub
03/20 Apocalyptica, Down From Up, ARC @ Valarium

Lazy Sunday

Some Sunday swag...

Tyler, the Creator- French (Toro Y Moi Remix)


Odd Future- Orange Juice


Das Racist- You Can Sell Anything


...and the hottest dance around.

Friday Flavor

Cut Copy- Need You Now


Tune-yards- Bizness


Fleet Foxes- Helplessness Blues


The XX- Crystalised (Neon Lights Remix)

Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings @ The Bijou



Photo: Dulce Pinzon

Tonite, the modern day queen of soul and her kings visit Knoxville for a very special show at the Bijou. Sharing the Daptone label with artists such as the Budos Band and The Mighty Imperials, Sharon Jones and the Daptone label's house band have been at the forefront of a movement bringing back the sweet soul sounds of the late 60's and 70's. The band (and whole label) throw today's digital recording technology aside, opting instead for the warm sounds of analog as well as using only instruments available during soul's golden age.

The band was originally known as the Soul Providers. Recording an album of James Brown covers with soul legend Lee Fields, Sharon sang back up vocals for some of the tracks. The label, at that time known as Desco, and the band was so impressed that Jones recorded two tracks that were later released on the Soul Providers debut, Soul Tequila. A couple disagreements on the direction of the label led to the band and label splitting, formation of the Daptone label, and the birth of the Dap-Kings.

Since 2001, Sharon Jones and the Dap-kings have been recording as well as touring. Their debut album, Dap Dippin' with Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, was received well by DJ's and critics and the band embarked on an international tour in its support. With the release of Naturally, in 2005, the band was finally gaining the attention and support that they had worked so hard for. 100 Days, 100 Nights was released in 2006 and more recently, I Learned the Hard Way in 2010 to much critical acclaim.

If the show hasn't sold out by now, then its probably very close. This is the kind of show that the Bijou Theatre was built for and it will be very exciting to witness the talent on stage. Opening up for Sharon Jones will be Asheville band, Reigning Sound. See everybody there!

Colin Hay @ The Square Room

Who can it be now? Forever linked to the land down under, Colin Hay is originally from Scotland, moving to Australia at the age of 14. Hay is best know for his work with 80's pop sensation, Men at Work. After the group's breakup in 1985, Colin continued writing music, releasing several solo albums. His songs have appeared in the television show Scrubs, as well as the movie, Garden State. Colin got his start as an acoustic performer and in his later years has returned to that. Although his set will more than likely be acoustic and consist of his solo material, Hay has been known to break out some of the Men at Work tunes that made him famous. The show features limited seating, but is general admission, so get there early if you want a seat. Enjoy!

Merle Haggard & Kris Kristofferson

For one night only, two country legends will be coming together at the Tennessee Theatre. Merle Haggard and Kris Kristofferson stop by Knoxville to share some songs and stories during what will be an intimate, acoustic set. Merle Haggard got his start playing music after his family moved from Oklahoma to California during the great depression. In and out of trouble at an early age, due to his father's untimely death, Merle got his start in music after seeing Lefty Frizell in concert. Frizell heard Merle singing along with his songs and enjoyed it so much he asked Haggard to join him on stage. Shortly after, Merle was back in trouble and heading to prison, San Quentin specifically. There, Merle decided to turn his life around and dedicated himself to music. Since then Merle has acquired 38 #1 hits and a slew of awards and honors including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the JFK Center for Performing Arts.

Texas native and Rhodes Scholar, Kris Kristofferson, was pushed towards a military career by his father and grandfather. After his service, Kristofferson decided to become a full-time musician. Kris moved to Nashville and began working as a janitor at Columbia Records where he met a number of country music stars, including Johnny Cash. Having a flair for writing, many artists began performing Kristofferson's songs which led to him being signed with Monument Records. Many fans had a hard time accepting Kris' rough voice and simple, outlaw style compared to the polished, honky-tonk sound of Nashville at the time. His career began to pick up however as more and more artists covered his songs resulting in major country hits for acts such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Bobby Bare, and Ray Price. In 1985, Kristofferson teamed up with Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings to form the country super group, The Highwaymen, which resulted in the Academy of Country Music's single of the year. Since then Kris Kristofferson has been inducted into the Singer/Songwriter's Hall of Fame as well as the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Marc Broussard @ The Bijou Theatre

What makes Marc Broussard unique? Many would argue that its his undeniable tendency to stick to the basics and keep it simple. Born and raised in the south, Louisiana specifically, Marc's sound has hints of country, gospel, and soul mixed with good, old-fashioned rock n' roll. The son of swamp-pop guitarist Ted Broussard, of The Boogie Kings, Broussard has been around music his whole life. His solo career began after he split ways with the Louisiana christian band, Y. Releasing his first EP, Momentary Setback, in 2002, Broussard has released three full-length albums since and toured constantly supporting acts such as O.A.R., Dave Matthews Band, and Willie Nelson. Below is a video for Marc's single "Home."

What's Happening This Week

03/07 Prince Rama, Quiet Hooves, Walsh, Psychic Baos @ Pilot Light
          The Defibulators @ Barley's
          Izzy & the Kesstronics, The Kingston Springs, Miniboone @ Preservation Pub
03/08 Marc Broussard @ The Bijou
          Merle Haggard, Kris Kristofferson @ The Tennessee Theatre
          The Fishsticks @ Preservation Pub
03/09 Hurricanes of Love, Many Mansions, Headface and
          the New Blaine Band @ Pilot Light
          Colin Hay (of Men at Work), Chris Trapper @ Square Room
          Stereofidelics, Sean Ashby @ Preservation Pub
03/10 Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings @ The Bijou Theatre
          Burning Itch, Vein Cranes @ Pilot Light
          Grace Adele and the Grand Band @ Barley's
          Delta Saints, Diana Catherine and the Thrusty Tweeters @ Preservation Pub
03/11 Jason Johns' CD Release Party @ The Valarium
          Shriek Operators, Die Job, Buffalo Bangers @ Pilot Light
          Livid @ Downtown Grill
          The Coveralls @ Preservation Pub
03/12 Nitty Gritty Dirty Band @ The Bijou Theatre
          Midnite Voyage w/ Drumcell, Oliver Dodd, The Funnel, Freq Mods,
          Greg Alan @ The Cider House
          Height, Grandchildren, TBA @ Pilot Light
          Wolfe Jam (Benefit for Joy of Music School) @ Barley's (Artists)
          The Small Ponds, My Cousin the Emperor, Silver Jubilee @ Patrick Sullivan's
          Ringers @ Downtown Grill
          Brian McGee & Hollow Speed, Coralee and the Townies @ Preservation Pub
03/13

Mardi Gras Weekend

For all of you Knox-Villains that don't have the resources to head down south to the Big Easy this weekend, Knoxville has plenty to offer for your Mardi Gras festivities. First up is the official Mardi Gras Bash at the Valarium tonite. Lord T and Eloise, along with Space Capone and 4matiks, drop by the Blackstock Ave. for a Friday nite throwdown. Hailing from Memphis Lord T and Eloise are a hip hop duo whose orignial style has attracted quite the following here in the Southeast. Dressing up as an 18th Century aristocrat and a 24 karat gold man, their unique crunk style speaks for itself.

Not only is it Mardi Gras, but today also happens to be First Friday here in K-Town. Along with all the other festivities happening about town, Holy Ghost Tent Revival will be performing tonite at the Square Room. The sextet includes banjo, guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and whatever else the Greenesboro natives feel like playing. Their eclectic style has won the hearts of fans and critics alike. If you didn't catch the HGTR's performance on Knoxville's 11 O'clock rock, make sure to catch them tonite down on the Square.

A couple doors down at Preservation Pub, local favs, Christabel and the Jons will be taking the stage here in town before embarking on a spring tour. Embracing their distinct sound and style, Christabel and the Jons have been touring and performing since 2005. Having released two full-length albums since, Christabel and the Jons have stayed busy opening for natinoal touring acts such as Brazillian Girls and The Be-Good Tanyas. All the while Christa DeCicco's smooth, sultry voice has earned her recognition as one of the best up and coming singer/songwriters around.

Valarium/Cider House Double Header Tonite

Tonite, underneath Western Avenue, the Valarium and Cider House host dueling electronic shows for one nite of what's sure to be electro-mayhem. Coming fresh off a February tour with Skrillex, Tommy Lee and DJ Aero will be hosting the party at the Valarium along with supporting acts Kill the Noise and DJ Slink. When I first heard about this show, I assumed that Tommy Lee would be drumming live along with Aero. However, after a little more research, I found that Tommy's gonna be on the decks, not behind the kit. Tickets are going to run you $20.00 plus a $3 fee for those under 21.

Next door at the Cider House, Po 'n Crunk presents DNAE Beats along with one of my favorite up and coming producers, Truly Grimy. Based out of San Francisco, DNAE knew music was his calling from a young age. Beginning in classical style, DNAE was first introduced to hip-hop and electronic music when his tour manager let him listen to Aphex Twin and Digable Planets. Although DNAE is perhaps best known for his production work with Gift of Gab from Blackalicious, his live sets have recently been turning heads earning him the recognition the DJ/producer deserves. Opening tonite will be East Tennessee's own Truly Grimy whose mix of glitch, crunk, and just about everything else has quickly taken him from bedroom producer to being one of the region's best electronic performers. The show begins at 10p and will set you back $10. Below are videos of what to expect tonite.

KJO Jazz Lunch: Music of Dave Pell

Born in New York City, Dave Pell is a saxophonist, band leader, and producer whose career has spanned six decades. The jazz legend got his start in big bands helmed by leaders and composers such as Tony Pastor and Bobby Sherwood. Transplanting himself to the west coast, Pell began forming his own bands, as well as playing as a sideman for legends such as Benny Goodman and Gene Krupa. Moving on to studio production in the 60's and 70's, including work with Gary Lewis and the Playboys, the late 80's and 90's saw Dave revisit his roots with his signature octet.

This afternoon at the Square Room, the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra presents the Don Hough Octet playing tribute to Dave Pell. Trombonist Don Hough has been performing in Knoxville for over 40 years and received the Humfeld award by the International Trombone Association in 2009. Not surprisingly, KJO's monthly jazz lunch has become a popular event and usually sells out pretty fast. The price of the ticket includes a box lunch prepared by Cafe 4.

Why Music?

Two years ago at Bonnaroo, I was separated from friends during the Passion Pit show Thursday nite. As I wandered through the crowd I found the perfect spot to view the show right in front of the sound board. In front of me was a group of 5-6 girls, probably no more than 18 years old. Every time the band started a new song, the group of girls would jump in the air and scream at the top of their lungs like they had just won the powerball. As I witnessed this take place for every new song throughout the entire show, I could only help but wonder, "Will I ever be this excited about anything in my life?"

What is it about music that brings out so many different emotions in different people? After all isn't it just an arrangement of different sounds and notes that happen to "sound good" together? What is it about the Beatles that makes them the greatest rock group ever? Aren't they just four working class kids from Liverpool? How do acts like Bassnectar and Pretty Lights draw sold out crowds every nite throughout their tours? Don't they just play music created on their laptops?

There have been hundreds if not thousands of studies on the psychology of music. Why certain notes, keys, or songs bring out different emotions in so many people. What is it about music that brings out these emotions or feelings in humans? Why are humans the only species that respond to music? Does music help us express things that as humans we simply cannot communicate? I can ask a hundred more questions, but what really got me thinking about this are two artists that have recently been speaking to my heart and saying things that for some reason I have not been able to express.