Debut album from Aranda
Aranda released their debut album yesterday, and I highly recommend it. Lots of guitar-driven rock, great hooks, great vocals. You name it - it’s got it. “Whyyawannabringmedown” is one of the best song titles that I’ve seen lately. “All I Ever Wanted” is probably my favorite song on the album. My only complaint is that there’s no mandolin to be found. 
If you’re interested, there is a CD release party Friday night at The Diamond Ballroom in Oklahoma City. Andrea and I are headed to OKC for the weekend, and we’re thinking about going. For those of you up here in Wichita, they’ll be playing Loft 150 on May 9 and 10.
Most of you have probably never heard of Aranda. Brothers Dameon and Gabe Aranda, hail from Oklahoma City and have been a musical force in the area for quite a while.
Last summer, they were in the top 5 of Lollapalooza’s Last Band Standing. Aranda placed first in the online votes, but Shockstars ended up winning.
And on a personal note, these guys lived right behind me when I was little. It’s probably been 25 years since I last talked to them. I remember going over to their house when I was 5 or 6, and pretending to be the Beatles as we sang and played air guitar and drums along to a record.
Anyway… go download the album off itunes! You won’t regret it.
You are right….this band is AMAZING!!!! Definitely one of the best albums of 2008. You guys deserve a Grammy.