Known for playing Malcolm, a ”normal” middle sibling in a family of lunatics  in Malcolm in the Middle, and the superkid spy in Agent Cody Banks, Frankie Muniz is now found with a bit of more facial hair, a fohawk or mohawk (whatever the hell it is) and piercings as a drummer for a band called You Hang Up.

This rock piece comes from Phoenix, AZ.  In first impressions, they don’t really stick to me- they’re kind of plain, a little boring, no hooks, nothing catchy.  Sorry, but it’s just my opinion, so you be the judge.

Taken from You Hang Up’s myspace biography: “…Frankie moved to Arizona in 2008 to take a break from acting and pursue a professional career in racing, but has now become a permanent fixture of You Hang Up. Between Frankie’s incredible drumming skills and his passion for music in general, he adds a flavor to You Hang Up that could not blend better with the group.”

What I just found to be intriguing is the image Muniz is going for now.  It’s actually kind of humorous.  He looks ridiculous- the piercings, the mohawk, the facial hair- it’s impossible to take him seriously.  We get it Muniz, you’re no Cody Banks anymore, but really..??

During my middle school and high school days, pop/rock music WAS MY LIFE.  I was addicted, absolutely infatuated to its helplessly catchy power of pop.  Sure, I may have matured a little with my music taste, but I’ll always love that genre. ALWAYS.  It’s what made me love music…

In the course of discovering amazing pop/rock bands, I remember fortunately stumbling upon a band that PERFECTLY fitted in the music I loved at the time; it was progressive, hard hitting, and powerful pop music that exceeded most bands in that genre.  This band, of course, was CARTEL.

From then on… I’ve always been a fan.

Their 5 song EP called The Ransom (2004) depicted Cartel at their youth and (even though I may say this for a lot of bands) showcased the band at their most raw form.  In 2005 they released their first full length album Chroma introducing the world  to singles such as “Honestly” and “Say Anything (Else).”

In 2007 Cartel released their self-titled sophomore effort, which unfortunately did not push the band any farther.  Though the album had some of the catchiest songs I’ve ever heard, including “The Fortunate” and their single “Lose It,” the album was a small success.

So now, 2 years later, Cartel will be releasing their third full length album titled Cycles, in stores 10/20/09. Listening to the album’s first single “Let’s Go” (which can be streamed on the band’s myspace), the song takes an epic and uplifting approach with full and heavy instrumentation with supporting lyrics such as “If you got a torch to carry, hold it high…light up the sky…take the world with me.”

Judging from this single, Cartel is sure to release a satisfying effort, giving us the most solid and catchy pop/rock record that will guarantee them stability in today’s music.

Listen to the band’s first single “Let’s Go” from the their upcoming album CYCLES on their myspace, where you can also pre-order the album before it hits stores 10/20/09.

Below is an acoustic version of one of the tracks (possibly another single?) taken from Cycles called “Faster Ride.“  It’s just a song that, again, reminds me of why this band exists in the pop/rock world: they’re just damn catchy, catchy, catchy.

Dave Melillo is only in his very early 20’s and is already a voice to be reckoned with.  This young musician has given himself much room  in growing and mastering his craft in becoming (if not already) a gem in pop/rock’s scene with his catchy melodies and  lyrics inspired by what only a 20-somewhat-year-old kid would know.

On his purevolume page, there’s songs off his 2006 release Talk Is Cheap EP, but newer demos have been posted which are:

- Do You Believe

- Anthony’s Song

- Hangin Around

- Fake It

- Time

With most of these newer demos, he’s going back to the basics by focusing on just voice and acoustic guitar, just like how I first came across him WAY back in the day.  But what differs from now than before is simply time; he’s starting to show maturity and growth in both guitar and vocal abilities.

To check out his new demos, head here.

You can also check out his myspace and follow his ass on twitter.

Yes, yes… oh my.. yes.

You can NOW SOUND LIKE T-PAIN with the new “I Am T-Pain” app available for the iPhone, brought to you… by T-Pain .

The app includes actual autotune (customized tuning is optional), instrumental versions of T-Pain songs with lyrics, a freestyle option to create your own tracks, and the ability to send all recordings to facebook or myspace for friends to listen to!

It’ll be America’s new favorite pass time…. or just the next annoyingly addictive form of entertainment.

Here’s the “I Am T-Pain” app at work….

Also, check out what some of T-Pain’s friends have to say about it….

With their new album, Hot Mess, about to drop on August 11, 2009 the boys (and girl) from Cobra Starship have released their new single “Good Girls Go Bad“ on their Myspace page.  Like most Cobra songs, it makes your hips involuntarily thrust and gives you uncontrollable “happy feet”. One of the surprises with this track is that the band brought in the vocal services of Gossip Girl actress Leighton Meester. Who not only is easy on the eyes, but easy on the ears as well.

Visit their Myspace and have a listen yourself…