Author: Kristen

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

Posted on 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.

[youtube RaQydlVZPEw]

 

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.

[youtube gL8eBrhVTJ4]

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

~ Kristen

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Watch This! Queen Caveat, Moon Taxi, The Milk Carton Kids

Posted on by Kristen

Our inbox was flooded with goodies this morning. A few of our favorite bands have videos released today. Check them out!

 

Queen Caveat – “Breathe”

I had the pleasure of participating in this particular video shoot so I’m especially proud of the final product. I love this song by my favorite LA rockers, Queen Caveat. It’s off their recently released EP, Manufactured Happiness.

[youtube xDzGjoaSiww]

Moon Taxi – “Morocco”

Just say the name Morocco and I start groovin’ to this song. Go to EW’s website to watch the video

http://music-mix.ew.com/2014/04/23/moon-taxi-morocco-video/

 

The Milk Carton Kids – “Live From Lincoln Theatre”

This one might not be up for long, but it’s a special preview of the forthcoming The Milk Carton Kids DVD release. The best part of this magical duo is their live performance. It’s the most unique combination of beautiful melancholy and absolute gut-busting hilarity. I don’t own many performance DVDs, but this one will almost certainly make my collection.

[youtube gL8eBrhVTJ4#t=157]

 

~ Kristen

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 4/21-4/27

Posted on by Kristen

I was not in a good mood last week due to some frustrating computer issues. The best way to turn my mood around is to spend an evening at my favorite music venue, The Hotel Cafe, so Friday night I ventured to Hollywood and spent 5 hours absorbed in the music and the people and I came out the other end feeling like a completely different person. It’s absolutely amazing how a good night can do that…

I’m hoping this week goes a little better. Show pick goes to Hunnypot Radio live Monday night at The Mint. One of my favorite bands, Rags & Ribbons will be down from Portland doing a live set.

Here are all my recommendations:

Monday: Hunnypot Radio live f. Rags & Ribbons FREE at The Mint (7pm)
ALSO: Mosco Rosco FREE at The Satellite (11pm)
ALSO: The Cordovas FREE at Harvard & Stone (10pm)
ALSO: It’s a School Night FREE at Bardot featuring Max Jury (9pm)
ALSO: Music Mondays FREE at Room 5 (8pm)

 

Tuesday: Deluka and The Echo and The Sound FREE at Loaded Hollywood (8pm)
ALSO: Heaps N Heaps with Holly Conlan FREE at Harvard and Stone (9pm)
ALSO: Tove Lo at The Echoplex (10pm)
ALSO: Leopold and His Fiction and The Soft White Sixties at The Viper Room (8pm)
ALSO: The Basement Sessions FREE at Hemingways featuring decoded (10pm)

 

Weds: Kiven FREE at Hemingway’s (10pm)
ALSO: Tom Brosseau with Max Jury at Bootleg HiFi (9pm)
ALSO: Terraplane Sun at The Troubadour (10pm)
ALSO: Nina Storey at WitZend (8pm)
ALSO: Revolver Golden Gods at Club Nokia f. Guns N Roses, Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, The Pretty Reckless, and more (7:30)

 

Thursday: Raquel Rodriguez at The Troubadour (9pm)
ALSO: The Alarm Science at The Viper Room (9pm)

 

Friday: David & Devine and The Record Company at The Hotel Cafe (9, 10)
ALSO: Matthew Jordan at Genghis Cohen (10pm)
ALSO: Kristen Toedtman at Room 5 (8pm)
ALSO: Lebowski Fest at The Wiltern (7pm)
ALSO: The Dandy Warhols at The Roxy (9pm)

 

Saturday: Sleeper Agent at The Satellite (10pm)
ALSO: Casey Abrams at WitZend (9pm)
ALSO: Drive-By Truckers at Fonda Theatre (9pm)

 

Sunday:

 

 

To Keep in Mind:
April 28th/29th: Augustana at The Troubadour
May 1st: Bernhoft at The Troubadour
May 1st: Adam Arcuragi at Bootleg Bar
May 1st: All American Rejects and Youngblood Hawke at The El Rey
May 3rd: Manchester Orchestra at House of Blues
May 6th: NEEDTOBREATHE at The Wiltern
May 6th: Dead Sara at The Echo
May 7th: Ingrid Michaelson at The Wiltern
May 9th: twenty one pilots at The Wiltern
May 9th: We Are Scientists at The Troubadour
May 10th: Ed Sheeran at StubHub Center
May 14th: Dead Sara at The Echo
May 17th: Birdy at The Wiltern
May 19th: James Blunt at The Balasco Theater
May 20th: Hozier at The Troubadour
May 21st: Nickel Creek at The Wiltern
May 21st: Dead Sara at The Satellite
May 22nd: Nathaniel Ratliff at The Echo
May 23rd: Ben Sollee at Largo
May 24th: William Fitzsimmons at The Troubadour
May 24th/25th: Against Me! at The Roxy
May 28th: First Aid Kit at El Rey Theatre
May 31st: Ron Pope at The Roxy
June 5th: OneRepublic and The Script at Hollywood Bowl
June 14th: The Both at El Rey Theatre
June 18th: Matt Nathanson at Greek Theatre
June 19th: Dan Wilson at Largo
June 21st: The Milk Carton Kids at Japan America Theatre
July 24th: The Neighbourhood at Greek Theatre
August 10th: Iron and Wine and Glen Hansard at Hollywood Bowl
August 25th: Nine Inch Nails and Soundgarden at Hollywood Bowl
August 26th: Youngblood Hawke at Greek Theatre

~ Kristen

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New Music Tuesday 4/15/14 featuring NEEDTOBREATHE, Dan Wilson, The Both

Posted on by Kristen

Well, this was written several days ago in the midst of an apocalyptic computer…issue,  If I can get this up now before things decide to freeze again, we will have a major success on our hands. Yay!

NEEDTOBREATHE – Rivers in the Wasteland

NEEDTOBREATHE is a band on my list of the top shows that I have ever seen. I am very much looking forward to hearing what these southern boys have cooked up since The Reckoning (one of my favorite albums of 2011). While I hear this new record on a whole is less “rockin’” than previous releases, I trust I will enjoy whatever musical journey this group decides to take me on. I am especially looking forward to seeing them at The Wiltern on May 6th. They are also doing a live in-store in Long Beach at Fingerprints tomorrow (4/16) if you are so lucky as to be able to make that one.

[youtube l3Vu29ajrJE#t=92]

Dan Wilson – Love Without Fear

I have long said Dan Wilson is my favorite songwriter… since his album, Free Life, was released 7 years ago. Since then, he has proven his songwriting skills with Grammys and notable co-writes with mega-stars. This album, however, is the one I’ve been waiting for. I’ve been listening to the stream all day. The songs may sound simple at first listen, but it’s harder than you might think to write a song that comes off as simple yet eloquent.

Steam it here: http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2014/04/14/dan-wilson-returns-with-new-lp-love-without-fear-album-premiere/

 

The Both – The Both

I haven’t hear this album yet, but it’s Aimee Mann and Ted Leo and I just know it’s going to be brilliant! Amiee Mann’s voice just transports…

[youtube VqSYzOXkthg]

 

Here are some other albums out today that I’m looking forward to digging into. Maybe you will too!

  • Emerson Hart – Beauty in Disrepair 
  • David Ramierez – RAW EP
  • Ingrid Michaelson – Lights Out
  • Shawn McDonald – Brave
  • Kwesi K – Lovely EP
  • Plauge Vendor – Free To Eat
  • Three Oh Sees – Drop 
  • The Birds of Satan – The Birds of Satan
  • Jessica Lea Mayfield – Make My Head Sing

~ Kristen

  • Justin Nozuka – Ulysees 

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 4/14-4/20

Posted on by Kristen

We’ve got some great out-of-country bands on the list this week. Birds of Tokyo (Australia), Mads Langer (Denmark), Heathers (Ireland),  and several UK artists (Sam Smith, Kate Nash, To Kill a King, The 1975)…all acts you might want to check out now because they are based overseas and might not be back for a while. Several of these shows are sold out or nearly so, so if you want to go, don’t wait to look into ticket options.

If you want to keep it more local, I would suggest Thursday night at the Slidebar in Fullerton or Friday night at The Hotel Cafe (see below for more details)

Here are the rest of my picks:

 

Monday: Mosco Rosco FREE at The Satellite (11pm)
ALSO: It’s a School Night at Bardot featuring To Kill at King (9pm)
ALSO: Kate Nash at The Roxy (9pm)
ALSO: David Crosby at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: Music Mondays FREE at Room 5 (8pm)

 

Tuesday: Birds of Tokyo at Bootleg (9pm)
ALSO: Sam Smith at The Belasco Theater (7pm)
ALSO: Act As If, The Cerny Brothers, Sam Outlaw FREE at The Mint (8pm)
ALSO: To Kill a King at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: Deluka at Loaded Hollywood (8pm)
ALSO: David Crosby at The Troubadour (8pm)

 

Weds: Sam Smith at The Belasco Theater (7pm)
ALSO: Mads Langer and Mike Sempert at The Hotel Cafe (7, 10)
ALSO: Kiven FREE at Hemingway’s (10pm)
ALSO: Mike Viola at The Mint (9pm)
ALSO: Adam Bones at The Redwood Bar (10:30)
ALSO: The 1975 with Sir Sly and Bad Suns at Club Nokia (9pm)
ALSO: MGMT at The Orpheum Theatre (9pm)

 

Thursday: Heathers at The Mint (7pm)
ALSO: Dear Boy, NO, and Night Riots FREE at Sidebar in Fullerton (8pm)
ALSO: Tyler Lyle at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: Black Belt Karate at The Satellite (10pm)
ALSO: David Crosby at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: Neko Case at The Orpheum Theatre (8pm)

 

Friday: Lakes, Joel Eckels, The Record Company, Song Preservation Society at The Hotel Cafe (8, 9, 10, 11)
ALSO: Terra Naomi and Our Lady J at WitZend (9, 10)
ALSO: Gun Hill Royals at American Legion Post 43 (10:30)
ALSO: David Crosby at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: Rufus Wainwright at The Orpheum Theatre (8pm)

 

Saturday: Jake Newton and Kevin Earnest at The Hotel Cafe (9, 10)
ALSO: Zookeeper’s Palace at The Mint (9pm)
ALSO: Madi Diaz and Royal Canoe at The Satellite (9pm)
ALSO: Timmy Sean & The Celebrities FREE at O’Brien’s (10:30)
ALSO: Checkpoint Charlie and Matt Sorum’s Darling Stilettos at The Viper Room (10pm)

 

Sunday: The Ten Thousand and The Ventriloquists at The Mint (2pm)

 

 

To Keep in Mind:
April 21st: You Me at Six at The Troubadour
April 21st: Rags & Ribbons at The Mint
April 22nd: Tove Lo at The Echoplex
April 23rd: Terraplane Sun at The Troubadour
April 28th/29th: Augustana at The Troubadour
May 1st: Bernhoft at The Troubadour
May 1st: Adam Arcuragi at Bootleg Bar
May 1st: All American Rejects and Youngblood Hawke at The El Rey
May 3rd: Manchester Orchestra at House of Blues
May 6th: NEEDTOBREATHE at The Wiltern
May 6th: Dead Sara at The Echo
May 7th: Ingrid Michaelson at The Wiltern
May 9th: twenty one pilots at The Wiltern
May 9th: We Are Scientists at The Troubadour
May 10th: Ed Sheeran at StubHub Center
May 17th: Birdy at The Wiltern
May 19th: James Blunt at The Balasco Theater
May 20th: Hozier at The Troubadour
May 21st: Nickel Creek at The Wiltern
May 22nd: Nathaniel Ratliff at The Echo
May 23rd: Ben Sollee at Largo
May 24th: William Fitzsimmons at The Troubadour
May 24th/25th: Against Me! at The Roxy
May 28th: First Aid Kit at El Rey Theatre
May 31st: Ron Pope at The Roxy
June 5th: OneRepublic and The Script at Hollywood Bowl
June 14th: The Both at El Rey Theatre
June 18th: Matt Nathanson at Greek Theatre
June 19th: Dan Wilson at Largo
June 21st: The Milk Carton Kids at Japan America Theatre
July 24th: The Neighbourhood at Greek Theatre
August 25th: Nine Inch Nails and Soundgarden at Hollywood Bowl
August 26th: Youngblood Hawke at Greek Theatre

~ Kristen

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Kristen’s Top 5 Coachella Set Recommendations

Posted on by Kristen

I won’t be making it to the desert this year, but if I were, here are the 5 sets I wouldn’t miss…

1. Tom Odell: Friday noon, Mojave Tent  

Get a spot where you can see him playing the piano

[youtube rPjJZRWAqkE#t=199]

2. Bastille: Friday 5:25, Mojave Tent  

And to think, just a year ago they were playing The Troubadour

[youtube MGR4U7W1dZU]

3. Saints of Valory: Saturday noon, Outdoor Theater

A recommendation from my Rock Boat friends.

[youtube _jZ8I749KxA]

4. Frank Turner: Sunday 3:55, Gobi  

I know there’s a whole tent for crazy dancing, but this is the set where my hands would be waving wildly in the air.

[youtube PfTDSFpvGxE]

5. John Newman: Sunday 8:50, Gobi

Because I can’t get this song out of my head and I’ve yet to see this guy live

[youtube Bs5-klTyb9o]

 

If you’ll be in Indio, stay cool, stay hydrated, and discover some great new music!

 

~ Kristen