Amalgam

New Music Tuesday 7/26/11

Posted on by Kristen

It’s Tuesday! New music comes out today! Here’s what I’ve got on the top of my shopping list (there are some really good ones this week):

 

Living Like Kings in Confined Space – Halos

I’ve enjoyed this band every time I’ve seen them. Their song “Amalgam” made my SXSW 2011 mix. I’m really looking foward to finally having this album. If you like soaring rock songs, you should check it out. And if you’re in LA, come to their record release party TONIGHT at The Viper Room. 8pm.

Download the album here

 

 

Indians – Indians

Joe Hursley (The Ringers) strikes again with this first album from his new band, Indians. This high energy debut does a decent job at capturing the crazy intensity of a live Indians performance. I’ve been listening to it since the CD release party at The Viper Room last Friday. Songs like “Long Way Home” and my favorite (at least thus far) “Dream Store” are perfect “get pumped up songs” and I’m finding this CD a perfect mood setter for a night out on the town.

Download the album here

 

 

Pressure and Time – Rival Sons

I had no idea this CD wasn’t officially released yet. I’ve been groovin’ with it for weeks now. This LA based bluesy rock band has been on my list of acts to see ever since I first heard singer Jay Buchanan sing his first note at an intimate Hotel Cafe mini set. Rival Sons seem to be getting more notice lately; playing gigs around the world, having their video played on MTVU, and being nominated for classic rock Hall of Honour awards.  Definitely a group to keep your eyes on.

Buy the album here

 

 

LP1– Joss Stone 

I haven’t heard any of this yet, but I’ve been a fan of this soulful Brit since 2003’s Soul Sessions and I’m definitely interested to see what she’s been up to lately.

 

Buy it here

 

 

Happy Listening!

 

~ Kristen

PS: apparently Nico Vega’s debut LP was not available worldwide on ITunes until today. This is one of my very favorite CDs so if you don’t yet have it, give it a download. You won’t regret it.

 

Kristen’s SXSW ’11 Mix: Part 5

Posted on by Kristen

This year’s SXSW experience was a little different than in years past (ie I actually got to GO instead of my usual just listening to all of the artists). Still, I wanted to maintain the spirit of my annual SXSW Mix being a list of artists that are mostly new to me that I somehow discovered or was inspired to write about due to my SXSW experience.  I am so excited about every one of these artists/groups. I can’t wait for them to come through LA and play!

Here’s the final part of the official mix:

 

17. “Dominos” – Electric Touch

For a hot minute, Electric Touch was in LA and I discovered their music here. Then they moved to Austin, so I had to wait ’til SXSW to see them again. Now, they’ve played Coachella and seem to be doing a bit of Warped Tour this year. Keep your eyes open for this band, ’cause your ears will be happy if you do! Here are some tunes including my favorite, “Dominos”.

 


 

18. “Amalgam” – Halos

Ok, I saw this band at The Viper Room well before SXSW…but they were there and this is the perfect excuse I’d been looking for to mention how much I enjoy them. Check out their album, Living Like Kings in Confined Spaces.

 

19. “American Dream” – Sinai

Phildelphia’s golden boys, SINAI, gave one of their rare performances at SXSW this year. It was one of my most anticipated performances of the week as I’d been waiting to see this band, comprised of some of my favorite musicians, play since they announced their formation. They certainly didn’t disappoint. I love this video for “American Dream” because quite a bit of it was taken at their Austin performance.

 

20. “Remove Money Maker” – Viva City

These Brits were a big part of my SXSW experience. The more I see them, the more I love them. Check out their CD, Phobia, which features this song as well as other dance-able hits.

 

~ Kristen

 

and you think we’re done but wait…