Local Music Nation

New Music Tuesday 5/13/14 featuring Jesse Thomas, Levi Weaver, Alright Junior, The Trouble With Templeton

Posted on May 13, 2014 by Kristen

So much good music released this week. I’ve been binging on the following:

Jesse Thomas – Burn The Boats

I had the pleasure of attending the CD release party at The Hotel Cafe for Burn The Boats. Although I haven’t sat down with the album yet, the songs in their live form are still swimming in my head. I really enjoy Jesse’s unique vocal style tackling songs ranging from the heart-breaking “Swallow That Pill” to a hilarious sing-along that strings together some of the more amusing, real life pick-up lines. Put the band behind her and she’s also got a couple up-beat hand clappers.

Levi Weaver – Your Ghost Keeps Finding Me

This album is dramatic and compelling and kept my attention from note one through to the end by introducing me to different facets of Mr. Weaver. The quiet, contemplative singer-songwriter abounds in simple tracks like “Citadel” or “Paddleboats”, the multi-instrumentalist fond of layering shines in the catchy opener, “Borrowed Clothes” and there is even a hint of punk rocker in what is currently my most played track, “Song in my Branches”. Add in guest appearances by the likes of Rachael Yamagata and Carina Round who lends vocals in the haunting duet “Pieces” and I’d call this one a winner.

Alright Junior – Amusia

My beloved Philly rockers, Alright Junior, have a new album being released in piecemeal fashion this week with the full 13 tracks up on Friday. The album title, Amusia, was inspired by a tale in Oliver Sacks’ Musicophilia that describes the life of a person with a neurological condition called amusia, defined by Sacks as a “total inability to perceive music as music.” As a fan of Sacks’ work, I was tickled by the title. I’ve also been banging my head to “Ancestors Laugh in Heaven” since the video was released. New AJ tracks every day are going to make for one rockin’ week!

go here to follow the track releases

The Trouble With Templeton – Rookie

I thought I knew Aussie artist Thomas Calder, the singer/songwriter behind The Trouble With Templeton, but Rookie introduces an exciting new dimension to the singer’s work. The band has created songs that are textured and varied, eccentric yet still melodic. Currently, my favorites might be the punchy “Like A Kid” and the Radiohead-esque “Six Months In a Cast”. This album is fun yet still full of heart…give it a listen!

Also out today:

The Black Keys – Turn Blue
Michael Jackson – Xscape
Tori Amos – Unrepentant Geraldines
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart – Days of Abandon
Various Artists- Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Little Dragon– Nabuma Rubberband
Joseph Arthur – Lou
Mirah – Chasing Light

~ Kristen and Amanda

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 5/12-5/18

Posted on May 11, 2014 by Kristen

Well, this is one weekend that I’m happy to put behind me. I’m looking forward and hoping that next week will turn things around. As luck would have it, a few of my favorites have shows this week. Dead Sara at The Echo, Queen Caveat at The Viper (both being supported by The Filthy Souls), and ½ of The Silent Comedy performing as Brothers Grimm at The Record Parlour. Thank goodness for music!

Here are the rest of my picks:

Monday: In the Valley Below and The New Electric Sound FREE at The Echo (11, 12)
ALSO: Meiko and Holly Conlan at The Hotel Cafe (8,9)
ALSO: Monday Monday FREE at Room 5 (8pm)
ALSO: It’s a School Night at Bardot featuring Jacob Snider, Cheers Elephant, Strange Talk (8pm)

Tuesday: Rixton with Bonnie McKee at The Roxy (6pm)
ALSO: The Cerny Brothers and John Gallagher Jr. FREE at The Mint (9,10)
ALSO: Novi Split at The Satellite (9pm)
ALSO: George Stanford FREE at The Piano Bar (10pm)

Weds: Dead Sara with The Filthy Souls at Bootleg HiFi (8pm)
ALSO: Broods with Strange Talk and Max and The Moon at The Echo (8:30)
ALSO: Thomas Dybdah and Broken Arrow at The Hotel Cafe (8, 9)
ALSO: Brave Soul, ME&U, Everett Coast at The Viper Room (8pm)
ALSO: Circa Zero with Jackie Tohn at The Troubadour (8pm)

Thursday: Brother’s Grimm at Record Parlour (8pm)
ALSO: A Million Pieces, Forrest Day, and Super Water Sympathy at The Viper Room (8pm)
ALSO: Royal Blood at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: The Stone Foxes, The Revivalists at The Mint (8:45, 10)
ALSO: Joel Eckels at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: Two Gallants at The Troubadour (10pm)
ALSO: Lindsey Stirling with Dia Frampton at Club Nokia (8:30)
ALSO: LA Weekly Artopia at Grand Central Market featuring The Record Company (7pm)

Friday: Queen Caveat with Filthy Souls and My Satellite at The Viper Room (9pm)
ALSO: Little Dove at Amplyfi (9pm)
ALSO: Wise Cub and The Honey Trees at The Hotel Cafe (9,10)
ALSO: Fairchild and Memoir at Silverlake Lounge (9, 12)
ALSO: The Mother Hips with Tall Tales & the Silver Linings at Bootlet HiFi (9pm)

Saturday: Lyon Apprentice at The Hotel Cafe (7pm)
ALSO: Finish Ticket, Western Scene, Bad Things at The Satellite (9pm)
ALSO: Black Hi-Lighter, Toy Bombs at The Viper Room (8pm)
ALSO: Ms. Lauryn Hill at Club Nokia (9pm)
ALSO: LA Vegan Beer & Food Festival at 8950 W Sunset Blvd featuring He’s My Brother She’s My Sister, Heaps N Heaps, and more (1pm)

Sunday: Lykke Li at The Roxy (8pm)

To Keep in Mind:
May 19^th: James Blunt at The Balasco Theater
May 20^th: Hozier at The Troubadour
May 21^st: Nickel Creek at The Wiltern
May 21^st: Dead Sara at The Satellite
May 22^nd: Nathaniel Ratliff at The Echo
May 23^rd: Ben Sollee at Largo
May 24^th: William Fitzsimmons at The Troubadour
May 24^th/25^th: Against Me! at The Roxy
May 28^th: First Aid Kit at El Rey Theatre
May 31^st: Ron Pope at The Roxy
June 5^th: OneRepublic and The Script at Hollywood Bowl
June 7^th: Make Music Pasadena
June 14^th: The Both at El Rey Theatre
June 16^th: Ed Sheeran at The Hollywood Bowl
June 17^th: Crash Kings at Bootleg HiFi
June 18^th: Matt Nathanson at Greek Theatre
June 19^th: Dan Wilson at Largo
June 21^st: The Milk Carton Kids at Japan America Theatre
July 10^th: Prides at The Troubadour
July 22^nd: OK Go at The Troubadour
July 23^rd: OK Go at The Echo
July 24^th: The Neighbourhood at Greek Theatre
August 10^th: Iron and Wine and Glen Hansard at Hollywood Bowl
August 23^rd: Lake Street Dive at The Wiltern
August 25^th: Nine Inch Nails and Soundgarden at Hollywood Bowl
August 26^th: Youngblood Hawke at Greek Theatre
October 2^nd: The War on Drugs at Fonda Theatre
October 3^rd: Ben Kweller at The Roxy
October 6^th: Carbon Leaf at The Roxy
October 8^th: twenty one pilots at Hollywood Palladium

~ Kristen

New Music Tuesday 5/6/14 featuring Thomas Dybdahl, Natalie Merchant, Morning Parade, and Hunter Hayes

Posted on May 6, 2014 by Kristen

Here is what we’re listening to this week…

Thomas Dybdahl – What’s Left is Forever

This is the one I’ll have on repeat all week. If you’re in Los Angeles, this Norwegian singer-songwriter has a residency this month at The Hotel Cafe.

Natalie Merchant – Natalie Merchant

I listen to this album and I am taken back to the 90s. There is a sense of comfort I feel while listening to Natalie Merchant’s pleading vocal. This is her first solo effort with all new material in over a decade. Definitely worth a listen. You can stream it here

Morning Parade– Pure Adulterated Joy

If you kept up with us during SXSW you would know they were one of my favorite new discoveries from this year. Admittedly, I’m not well versed in their discography but I really enjoyed what I heard out there in Austin. I also enjoyed the songs they said were new, which always lessens my pause to pre-order an album from iTunes from a band I’m not super familiar with. They are currently the single of the week on iTunes so if you want to check them out but don’t want to commit just yet, there’s your opportunity.

Hunter Hayes– Storyline

I’ve been a longtime fan of Hunter Hayes since I first heard his single “Storm Warning” on the radio. I fell even more head over heels with “Wanted” and have been waiting for a follow up to his debut album. He shies away from the typical country cliches like pickup trucks, beer drinking, partying, and the like so if you’re not really into country (or want to dip your toe in), you should give him a try. He’s a talented musician and songwriter which always strikes my fancy. I’m excited to hear what’s next from him.

Also of interest:

The Lovebirds – Breakup Shmakeup
Liam Finn – Nihilist
Sarah McLaughlin- Shine On
Hamilton Leithauser – Black Hours
Kina Grannis – Elements
Lily Allen – Sheezus
Lykke Li – I Never Learn
MONEY- The Shadow Of Heaven
tUnE-yArDs – Nikki Nack

~ Kristen and Amanda

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 5/5-5/11

Posted on May 4, 2014 by Kristen

This past week, well, it was a week. Full of highs and lows and more emotional turmoil than I’m comfortable with. Fortunately, I feel like the universe was looking out for me by presenting me with some fabulous musical opportunities/escapes. I saw one of the best shows of my year with Augustana at The Troubadour, I danced with Franz Ferdinand and reveled in special acoustic sets from Youngblood Hawke and All-American Rejects. I rocked out to Irontom, caught up with Tournament of Hearts, and got the opportunity to chat with Ryan Daly from Parade of Lights and Max Collins from Eve 6.

Speaking of Max, he has a solo album coming out this week and a residency this month at The Viper room with Jody Porter (Fountains of Wayne). Also, of note this week, Dead Sara begins their tour of LA venues. I heard them practicing yesterday and they are ready to tear up the town. Finally, LMN Band Loves NEEDTOBREATHE and twenty one pilots are both playing shows at The Wiltern.

Here’s what else, I’d recommend this week:

Monday: The Lovebirds FREE at Genghis Cohen (7pm)
ALSO: Max Collins and Jody Porter at The Viper Room (8pm)
ALSO: It’s a School Night at Bardot featuring Thomas Dybdahl, Waters, Plague Vendor, and Rey Pila (8pm)…FREE with RSVP http://itsaschoolnight.com/losangeles/
ALSO: Haminton Leithauser w/ Javier Dunn and My Name Is You at The Hotel Cafe (7, 9)
ALSO: In the Valley Below FREE at The Echo (10pm)
ALSO: Ray Lamontagne at The Cathedral at Immanuel Presbyterian (7pm)
ALSO: Hunnypot Radio FREE at The Mint featuring Elizaveta (7pm)
ALSO: Monday Monday FREE at Room 5 featuring Sunday Lane, Angel Taylor, Joel Eckels Music, and more (8pm)

Tuesday: Foy Vance and NEEDTOBREATHE at The Wiltern (7pm)
ALSO: Dead Sara with Vanaprasta at The Echo (9pm)
ALSO: The Alternate Routes and Hamilton Leithauser at The Hotel Cafe (8, 9:30)
ALSO: Secret Someones, Max and the Moon, Lovelife at Bootleg HiFi (8pm)
ALSO: Kina Grannis with Imaginary Future at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: Ray Lamontagne at The Cathedral Sanctuary at Immanuel Presbyterian (7pm)

Weds: Thomas Dybdahl at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: Los Angeles Grammy Showcase at The Mint featuring Andy Allo, Halo Circus, Rose’s Pawn Shop, and Sad Robot (7pm)
ALSO: The Basement Sessions FREE at Hemingway’s featuring Sad Robot and decoded (9pm)
ALSO: Taylor Locke and Wild Roses at Saint Rocke (8pm)
ALSO: The Filthy Souls at The Viper Room (8pm)
ALSO: Ingrid Michaelson with Sugar & The Hi-Lows and Storyman at The Wiltern (6:30)

Thursday: The Elizabeth Kill at The Viper Room (8pm)
ALSO: Korby Lenker and Tyler Lyle at The Hotel Cafe (7, 9)

Friday: twenty one pilots with Hunter Hunted and NONONO at The Wiltern (7pm)
ALSO: Jesse Thomas and Ely Rise Presents: Creepshow 13 at The Hotel Cafe (8, 10)
ALSO: Komox Kids at El Cid (10:15)
ALSO: Cheers Elephant at Bootleg HiFi (9pm)
ALSO: We Are Scientists at The Troubadour (9pm)
ALSO: Old 97’s with Nikki Lane at The El Rey (9pm)
ALSO: Chuck Ragan & the Camaraderie and The White Buffalo at Fonda Theatre (7:30)

Saturday: The North at Molly Malone’s (11:30)…CD release party
ALSO: Puscifer, A Perfect Circle and Failure at Greek Theatre (8pm)
ALSO: KISS FM’s Wango Tango f. Maroon 5, Ed Sheeran, OneRepublic, Paramore, A Great Big World, Rixton, and more (2:30)

Sunday: Puscifer, A Perfect Circle and Failure at Greek Theatre (8pm)

To Keep in Mind:
May 14^th: Dead Sara at The Echo
May 15^th: Royal Blood at The Roxy
May 16^th: Queen Caveat at The Viper Room
May 17^th: Birdy at The Wiltern
May 19^th: James Blunt at The Balasco Theater
May 20^th: Hozier at The Troubadour
May 21^st: Nickel Creek at The Wiltern
May 21^st: Dead Sara at The Satellite
May 22^nd: Nathaniel Ratliff at The Echo
May 23^rd: Ben Sollee at Largo
May 24^th: William Fitzsimmons at The Troubadour
May 24^th/25^th: Against Me! at The Roxy
May 28^th: First Aid Kit at El Rey Theatre
May 31^st: Ron Pope at The Roxy
June 5^th: OneRepublic and The Script at Hollywood Bowl
June 7^th: Make Music Pasadena
June 14^th: The Both at El Rey Theatre
June 18^th: Matt Nathanson at Greek Theatre
June 19^th: Dan Wilson at Largo
June 21^st: The Milk Carton Kids at Japan America Theatre
July 24^th: The Neighbourhood at Greek Theatre
August 10^th: Iron and Wine and Glen Hansard at Hollywood Bowl
August 25^th: Nine Inch Nails and Soundgarden at Hollywood Bowl
August 26^th: Youngblood Hawke at Greek Theatre

~ Kristen

New Music Tuesday 4/29/14 featuring New Empire, The Milk Carton Kids, Strange Talk

Posted on April 29, 2014 by Kristen

Looking for some new tunes? Here are a few suggestions….

New Empire – In A Breath

In the onslaught of new albums, singles, videos that have come through my inbox in the last week, this album by Aussie pop/rock band, New Empire, stood out like a breath of fresh air. It’s easy and enjoyable and will be a fast favorite for those who enjoy the likes of The Fray, The Script, and Augustana. The soothing vocals, piano melodies, and uplifting tones are drawing me in and I’m falling more in love with each listen. I’ll be on the lookout for New Empire when they journey to North America later this year.

The Milk Carton Kids – Live From Lincoln Theatre DVD

I know I’ve already mentioned this one, but it’s that good. The joy of this folk duo lies in their live performance which is captured quite well on this DVD. I’ve already watched it several times and the only problem is that it leaves me wanting more. The Milk Carton Kids being their largely sold out North American tour today, so if you don’t have tickets and still need your fix, the DVD’s a somewhat suitable substitute.

Strange Talk – Cast Away

Jury has been out on this synth/pop band from Australia, but I’m finding their debut album very danceable, which is decidedly a good thing. I especially like the song, “Young Hearts”.

Other releases I’m hoping to check out:

Ray Lamontagne – Supernova
Damon Albarn – Everyday Robots
Brody Dalle – Diploid Love
Chris Robinson Brotherhood – Phosphorescent Harvest
Howlin’ Rain – Live Rain
Old 97’s – Most Messed Up
Pixies – Indie Cindy
Rodriogo y Gabriela – 9 Dead Alive
Johnnyswim – Diamonds
Wye Oak – Shriek
Neil Young – A Letter Home
Saliva – Rise Up

~ Kristen

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 4/28-5/4

Posted on April 27, 2014 by Kristen

I spent most of the weekend at work (in fact I’m sitting at my desk right now), so it hasn’t felt much like a weekend, but I’m surrounded by music and heavily creamed tea and a seemingly endless supply of bagels so I’m not really complaining. My playlist today has featured the likes of The Head and The Heart, new material from NEEDTOBREATHE, Augustana, and Paolo Nutini, and a couple songs by Highasakite that I’ll just put on repeat (new obsession!).

As usual, we’ve got some great shows this week. My show pick for the week is the incredibly intriguing double headliner of All American Rejects and Youngblood Hawke at The El Rey Thursday night. I wouldn’t necessarily expect these bands on the same bill, but what they do have in common are amazing live energy and performance so it’s going to be a great night. Come early and catch openers like In the Valley Below and The Lonely Wild. It’s a charity event so also come to support the fight against Lyme Disease.

Monday: Augustana with Twin Forks and The Tragic Thrills at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: Mosco Rosco FREE at The Satellite (11pm)
ALSO: Justin Nozuka at The Hotel Cafe (7pm)
ALSO: Jason Isbell with Holly Williams at The Roxy (7:30)
ALSO: Music Mondays FREE at Room 5 (8pm)

Tuesday: Franz Ferdinand with Cate Le Bon at The Wiltern (7pm)
ALSO: Augustana with Twin Forks and The Tragic Thrills at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: Kid Karate at The Echo (9pm)
ALSO: Girl on Fire at The Viper Room (8pm)
ALSO: Badass Band Blog Presents at Silverlake Lounge f Percy & The Gunslingers (9pm)
ALSO: Deluka FREE at Loaded Hollywood (9:30)
ALSO: Heaps N Heaps FREE at Harvard & Stone (10pm)
ALSO: Eric Hutchinson with Saints of Valory at The House of Blues (7pm)
ALSO: Justin Nozuka at The Hotel Cafe (7pm)
ALSO: The Cerny Brothers FREE at The Mint (9pm)
ALSO: Drive-By Truckers at The Grammy Museum (8pm)
ALSO: George Stanford FREE at The Piano Bar (10pm)

Weds: Beware of Darkness and Kiven FREE at Hemingway’s (9pm)
ALSO: Satellite at WitZend (10pm)
ALSO: The Gallery at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: A Tribute to Eleni Mandell f. Inara George, Jackson Browne, and more at Largo (8:30)

Thursday: All-American Rejects and Youngblood Hawke at The El Rey (8pm)
ALSO: Adam Arcuragi at The Bootleg (10pm)
ALSO: Gun Hill Royals FREE at TRiP (9pm)
ALSO: Amie Miriello at The Viper Room
ALSO: Tyler Lyle at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: Tokyo Police Club with Geographer and Said The Whale (8pm)

Friday: The Brothers Zmed and Irontom FREE at O’Brien’s (9:30, 10:30)
ALSO: The Young Romans, The Record Company at The Hotel Cafe (8, 10)
ALSO: Morgan Karr and Taylor Locke at The Mint (8:30, 10:15)
ALSO: O.A.R. at The Troubadour (9pm)
ALSO: Pancakes and Booze Art Show at Lot 613 featuring music by Beatnik Jr, Percy & The Gunslingers and more (8pm)…also, all you can eat pancakes!

Saturday: Tournament of Hearts at Molly Malone’s (11:15)
ALSO: Manchester Orchestra at The House of Blues (7pm)
ALSO: Abbot Kinney EP Listening Party at Room 5 (9pm)
ALSO: O.A.R. at The Troubadour (9pm)
ALSO: Pancakes and Booze Art Show at Lot 613 featuring music by Plus, That Noise, and more (8pm)…again, all you can eat pancakes

Sunday: O.A.R. at The Troubadour (9pm)

To Keep in Mind:
May 6^th: NEEDTOBREATHE at The Wiltern
May 6^th: Dead Sara at The Echo
May 7^th: Ingrid Michaelson at The Wiltern
May 9^th: twenty one pilots at The Wiltern
May 9^th: We Are Scientists at The Troubadour
May 10^th: Ed Sheeran at StubHub Center
May 14^th: Dead Sara at The Echo
May 15^th: Royal Blood at The Roxy
May 16^th: Queen Caveat at The Viper Room
May 17^th: Birdy at The Wiltern
May 19^th: James Blunt at The Balasco Theater
May 20^th: Hozier at The Troubadour
May 21^st: Nickel Creek at The Wiltern
May 21^st: Dead Sara at The Satellite
May 22^nd: Nathaniel Ratliff at The Echo
May 23^rd: Ben Sollee at Largo
May 24^th: William Fitzsimmons at The Troubadour
May 24^th/25^th: Against Me! at The Roxy
May 28^th: First Aid Kit at El Rey Theatre
May 31^st: Ron Pope at The Roxy
June 5^th: OneRepublic and The Script at Hollywood Bowl
June 7^th: Make Music Pasadena
June 14^th: The Both at El Rey Theatre
June 18^th: Matt Nathanson at Greek Theatre
June 19^th: Dan Wilson at Largo
June 21^st: The Milk Carton Kids at Japan America Theatre
July 24^th: The Neighbourhood at Greek Theatre
August 10^th: Iron and Wine and Glen Hansard at Hollywood Bowl
August 25^th: Nine Inch Nails and Soundgarden at Hollywood Bowl
August 26^th: Youngblood Hawke at Greek Theatre

~ Kristen