Author: Kristen

Kristen’s Wedding Mix ’12- A Selection

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I have a friend who is getting married at the end of this month so obviously, I am making her a lovely wedding/marriage themed mixed CD. In the process of combing through my music library to select the perfect songs, I’ve realized that many of the songs that one might classify as “love songs” aren’t really that at all. Well, there are a lot of songs about love, but I feel that they are mostly about love lost, a yearning for love, or what might more appropriately be labeled “lust” songs.

Another challenge is keeping the ratio of slow songs to more upbeat numbers reasonable. Ballads are great, but there can be rock songs about love and marriage, right? right??

Overall this has been a fun little exercise as it’s encouraged me to take a closer listen to some of my favorite songs. I thought I’d share some of my selections, so here are my top five cuts from my first wedding mix:

1)      “Mountains” – Biffy Clyro

I firmly believe this to be the most romantic song ever written. I think for full impact, one must read the book Only Revolutions which inspired the song and the album it is on. I selected the acoustic version for the mix

 

2)      “Nothing Without You” – Carney

I am also including the obvious “Think of You” but I wanted to rock the mix up a bit.

 

3)      “Car Door (Dancing In the Aisles)” – Joe Firstman

All the complexities of marriage boiled down to a single line: “I’ll open up your car door every time as long as you’ll reach over and unlock mine”

 

4)      “On Top Of The World” – Matthew Perryman Jones

the beauty of this song is paralyzing

 

5)      “May I Suggest” – Red Molly

an affirmative song that should be played every day, but might be particularly relevant on a day like your wedding day

 

I also have on deck, songs from Ed Sheeran, Ben Rector, NEEDTOBREATHE, A Fine Frenzy, Tony Lucca, and more!

However, suggestions are welcomed…

 

~ Kristen

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 7/9-7/15

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I’ve been doing a lot of writing this weekend. I can’t write without listening to music, so I’ve been doing a lot of that as well. After seeing Joe Firstman Friday at WitZend play one of the best shows I’ve seen in a while (from anyone), I’ve got his entire catalog on repeat. I’m also mixing in The Young Roman’s Tiger Child and the live EP Twin Atlantic gave out last week which has a particularly compelling acoustic version of “Make A Beast Of Myself”. Finally, last night, while at The Satellite to see Queen Caveat, I discovered a new band from Portland called Rags & Ribbons so I’m absorbing and slightly obsessing over their album The Glass Masses.

Soon, however, I’ll have to switch over to The Silent Comedy to pump myself up for their show tonight at The Echoplex. I can’t imagine a better way to end the weekend than a TSC dance-party.

Next week starts off strong with a show from Tony Lucca at Room 5. We’ll see how much Tony’s popularity has increased since his showing on The Voice. My other pick of the week might have to be Saint Motel’s record release at The El Rey on Saturday. I’m so proud of these LA locals, rising in popularity to headlining status at The El Rey! There are also several great shows at The Hotel Cafe this week including one by LMN Band Love Tournament of Hearts.

Here’s my full calendar of recommendations:

Monday: Tony Lucca at Room 5 (8pm)
ALSO: Lost Lander and Terraplane Sun FREE at The Satellite (10,11)
ALSO: Miracle Parade at R Bar (?)…be sure to check the R Bar website for the current password to get in

 

Tuesday: Monsters Calling Home at The Hotel Cafe (10:30)

 

Weds: Connie Lim and Sonia Rao at The Hotel Cafe (8,10)
ALSO: Roman Candle Wars at Los Globos (10pm)
ALSO: The Dig FREE at Silverlake Lounge (11pm)
ALSO: Andy Clockwise at King King Hollywood (8pm)

 

Thursday: Sara Watkins & Tom Brosseau at The Largo (8:30)
ALSO: Naia Kete and The O’s at The Hotel Cafe (9, 11)
ALSO: London Cries at The Viper Room (11pm)

 

Friday: Thao with the Get Down Stay Down at California Plaza Downtown (12pm)
ALSO: Justin Hopkins and Orlando Napier at Harvelle’s (9:30)
ALSO: Brendan Hines and Golden State at The Hotel Cafe (9, 10)
ALSO: Javier Dunn, Jesse Thomas, and The Young Romans at Room 5 (8,9,10)
ALSO: Lady Sinatra and Warner Drive at The Viper Room (10,11)
ALSO: David and Devine at On the Rox (8pm)
ALSO: Ryan Cabrera at The Key Club (10pm)

 

Saturday: Tournament of Hearts and Dawn McCoy at The Hotel Cafe (8, 9)
ALSO: Saint Motel with Princeton and Chasing Kings at The El Rey (8pm)…Saint Motel Record Release
ALSO: Carina Round at The Bootleg (10:30)
ALSO: Finish Ticket at Amplyfi (9pm)
ALSO: Purple Melon and Berlin FREE at Pershing Square (7:30)

 

Sunday: Tyrone Wells at Saint Rocke (8:05)

 

 

To Keep in Mind:
July 19th: Missy Higgins and Butterfly Boucher at The Troubadour
July 25th: Emery at The Roxy
July 25th: Charlotte Martin at The Hotel Cafe
August 3rd: Cory Chisel at The El Rey
August 10th and 11th: Jack White at Shrine Auditorium
August 13th: The Kills at The El Rey
August 13th: Birdy at The Roxy
August 14th: The Dunwells at The Hotel Café
August 23rd: Civil Twilight and Morning Parade at The El Rey
August 24th: Truth & Salvage Co. at The Troubadour
September 1st & 2nd: FYF at Downtown LA
September 4th: Gotye at The Greek Theatre
September 14th: The Hives at The Wiltern
October 1st: Ed Sheeran at The Wiltern
October 11th: Awolnation and Imagine Dragons at Club Nokia
October 19th: Tony Lucca at The Roxy
November 6th: Jens Lekman at Fonda Theatre

~ Kristen

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Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 7/2-7/8

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Last night, The Sunset Strip kept me out a bit late, so I’m in recovery mode today. Perfect time to prep a couple band interviews and catch up on the Olympic Trials. I am quite excited about these upcoming games. Swimming! Gymnastics!! Equestrian events (I have a soft spot for dressage)!!!

But back to the point, we have another week of excellent shows. The beginning of July means new month-long residencies by Terraplane Sun at The Satellite and The Dig at The Silverlake Lounge.  Also, on the east side, Sunset Strip darlings, Queen Caveat, make an appearance at The Satellite on Saturday. Don’t miss it!

As for the rest:

Monday: Terraplane Sun and The Steelwells FREE at The Satellite (10pm)
ALSO: The Janks FREE at The Bootleg (11pm)
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)

 

Tuesday: Red Circle Underground at The Roxy (7:30)
ALSO: Beachwood Piano Bar Sessions FREE at The Piano Bar featuring Dave Green (9pm)

 

Weds: The Dig FREE at Silverlake Lounge (11pm)

 

Thursday: Marie Moreshead and Barnaby Saints at The Hotel Cafe (7, 8)
ALSO: Franky Perez & The Truth and London Cries at The Viper Room (10, 11)

 

Friday: A House for Lions and Andy Clockwise at The Central (10, 11)
ALSO: The Young Romans and The Cordovas at WitZend (8, 9)
ALSO: Bad Rabbits at The Millenium Biltmore Hotel (9pm)…playing as part of the “Keeping It Classy” adult prom

 

Saturday: Queen Caveat at The Satellite (10:30)
ALSO: Brett Detar, Audra Mae, Cory Branan at The Mint (9pm)
ALSO: Black Carl and The Shakers at The Viper Room (10,11)
ALSO: Jamar Rogers at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)

 

Sunday: The Silent Comedy at The Echoplex (7pm)

 

 

To Keep in Mind:
July 14th: Saint Motel at The El Rey
July 15th: Tyrone Wells at Saint Rocke
July 19th: Missy Higgins and Butterfly Boucher at The Troubadour
July 25th: Emery at The Roxy
July 25th: Charlotte Martin at The Hotel Cafe
August 3rd: Cory Chisel at The El Rey
August 10th and 11th: Jack White at Shrine Auditorium
August 13th: The Kills at The El Rey
August 13th: Birdy at The Roxy
August 14th: The Dunwells at The Hotel Café
August 23rd: Civil Twilight and Morning Parade at The El Rey
August 24th: Truth & Salvage Co. at The Troubadour
September 1st & 2nd: FYF at Downtown LA
September 4th: Gotye at The Greek Theatre
September 14th: The Hives at The Wiltern
October 1st: Ed Sheeran at The Wiltern
October 11th: Awolnation and Imagine Dragons at Club Nokia
October 19th: Tony Lucca at The Roxy
November 6th: Jens Lekman at Fonda Theatre

~ Kristen

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Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 6/24-7/1

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Currently listening to all the bands on the Warped Tour line-up…trying to decide if I want to go to Ventura’s date. I’m leaning towards yes, mostly because I want to see Dead Sara, but sadly I feel there are more bands on my “to avoid” list than my “to check out” list (yes, I have made lists). Regardless, I’m putting together my calendar a day early just in case…

Plenty of good shows this week. I’m most excited about seeing some local bands I haven’t seen in a while (Lovers Drugs, The Active Set, Sabrosa Purr, NO, Standing Shadows, etc.).  If you want to experience some great LA rock bands, it’s a good week to get out!

Here are the rest of my recommendations:

Monday: Graffiti6 at The Troubadour (9:30)
ALSO: It’s a School Night at Bardot featuring ZZ Ward and DWNTWN (10pm)…FREE with RSVP http://www.itsaschoolnight.com/losangeles/
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)

 

Tuesday: Beachwood Rockers Sessions FREE at The Piano Bar featuring The Cordovas (9pm)
ALSO: Keaton Simons at The Del Monte Speakeasy (9pm)
ALSO: Infantree record release FREE at The Satellite (9pm)
ALSO: Lisa Marie Presley at The Roxy (8:30)

 

Weds: Jessie Payo and Joel Eckels at Room 5 (8,9)

 

Thursday: Lovers Drugs and The Active Set at The Satellite (9pm)
ALSO: Mariah McManus at The Hotel Cafe (10pm)
ALSO: George Stanford at Room 5 (8pm)
ALSO: He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister at Saint Rocke (9pm)
ALSO: Josh Groban at Walt Disney Concert Hall (8pm)

 

Friday: Golden State, Kill the Complex and Sabrosa Purr at The Viper Room (9,10,11)
ALSO: NO at The Satellite (10pm)
ALSO: Sophie B. Hawkins and Sweet Talk Radio at The Hotel Cafe (7pm)
ALSO: Connie Lim and Nina Storey at WIZend (9,10)
ALSO: Adam Bones at The Redwood Bar (9:30)
ALSO: Keane at The Orpheum (8pm)
ALSO: Fiona Apple at Hollywood Palladium (7pm)

 

Saturday: Standing Shadows at The Roxy (9pm)
ALSO: The Watkins Family Hour at Largo (9pm)
ALSO: Matthew Jordan at Genghis Cohen (8pm)
ALSO: Buddy and Mind the Gap at The Hotel Cafe (9, 10)
ALSO: The Mountain Goats at McCabe’s (7pm)

 

Sunday: Harper Blynn and Madi Diaz at The Troubadour (8:30, 9:30)
ALSO: Brendan Hines at The Bootleg (8pm)
ALSO: The Mountain Goats at McCabe’s (7pm)
ALSO: Laura Marling Ford Amphitheatre (8pm)

 

 

To Keep in Mind:
July 7th: Queen Caveat at The Satellite
July 14th: Saint Motel at The El Rey
July 19th: Missy Higgins and Butterfly Boucher at The Troubadour
July 25th: Emery at The Roxy
July 25th: Charlotte Martin at The Hotel Cafe
August 3rd: Cory Chisel at The El Rey
August 10th: Jack White at Shrine Auditorium
August 13th: The Kills at The El Rey
August 13th: Birdy at The Roxy
August 14th: The Dunwells at The Hotel Café
August 23rd: Civil Twilight and Morning Parade at The EL Rey
August 24th: Truth & Salvage Co. at The Troubadour
September 1st & 2nd: FYF at Downtown LA
September 4th: Gotye at The Greek Theatre
October 1st: Ed Sheeran at The Wiltern
October 11th: Awolnation and Imagine Dragons at Club Nokia
October 19th: Tony Lucca at The Roxy

~ Kristen

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Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 6/18-6/24

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I posted my Bonnaroo pictures today (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.348607241875512.75890.192625794140325&type=1)!  I can’t believe it’s been a week. I’m still recovering…and ignoring the coughing and sniffling and fact that my voice is going. Probably wasn’t the best idea to follow up five days of no sleep with five days of early mornings and late nights, but I can’t imagine doing anything else. I wouldn’t have wanted to miss the big Phantom Planet reunion show. Then there was the Backstage Artist Lounge party where I discovered several great new bands including Cody Jasper who I just had to see play again the next day at The Roxy before he ventured back to Austin.

This week, the great shows continue. Glen Hansard (The Frames/The Swell Season) is in town to promote his new record, LMN Band Love, Crash Kings are making a somewhat rare appearance at The Troubadour, there are some solid line-ups at The Viper Room, and summer-staple, The Warped Tour is rolling through SoCal with stops this week in Pomona and Ventura.

I think, however, my show pick of the week would have to go to the ladies playing The Hotel Cafe Thursday night. Jasmine Ash, Kate Voegele, and Mariah McManus.

So many great musical options in LA this week. Here are the rest of my recommendations:

 

Monday: Glen Hansard FREE at Amoeba Records (6:30)
ALSO: The Rocket Boys at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: Spring Standards and Rhett Miller & The Serial Lady Killers at The Troubadour (9, 10)
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)

 

Tuesday: Keaton Simons at Room 5 (9pm)
ALSO: Beware Of Darkness, Bullet and Snow, Jamar Rogers, and Vicci Martinez at The Viper Room (8pm)
ALSO: Kate Miller Heidke at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: Lisa Hannigan & Joe Henry at The El Rey Theatre (8pm)

 

Weds: Matthew Mayfield at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: Glen Hansard at The Wiltern (7pm)

 

Thursday: Jasmine Ash, Mariah McManus and Kate Voegele at The Hotel Cafe (9, 10)
ALSO: Vanaprasta and Crash Kings at The Troubadour (9:30, 10:30)
ALSO: The Bolts, The Rambles, and Taylor Locke & The Roughs at The Viper Room (9, 10, 11)

 

Friday: The Avett Brothers at Nokia LA Live (8pm)
ALSO: Connie Lim, King Washington, The Janks at WitZend (9,10,11)
ALSO: Matt Skiba & The Sekrets at The Troubadour (10pm)
ALSO: Warped Tour Pomona featuring Bayside, Dead Sara, Mayday Parade, New Found Glory, We Are the Ocean, We The Kings, Yellowcard, You Me at Six, etc. (11am)

 

Saturday: The Elizabeth Kill at Molly Malone’s (10pm)
ALSO: Milo Greene at The Troubadour (10pm)
ALSO: Stonefeather at The Viper Room (9pm)
ALSO: Lemon Sun at Bootleg Bar (11pm)
ALSO: Oedipus at The Roxy (10pm)
ALSO: Mind the Gap at The Hotel Cafe (10pm)
ALSO: The Cult with Against Me! at Hollywood Palladium (7:30)

 

Sunday: Warped Tour Ventura featuring Bayside, Dead Sara, Mayday Parade, New Found Glory, We Are the Ocean, We The Kings, Yellowcard, You Me at Six, etc. (11am)

 

 

To Keep in Mind:
June 25th: Graffiti6 at The Troubadour
June 29th: Fiona Apple at Hollywood Palladium
July 1st: Laura Marling at John Anson Ford Amphitheatre
July 1st: Harper Blynn and Madi Diaz at The Troubadour
July 14th: Saint Motel at The El Rey
August 3rd: Cory Chisel at The El Rey
August 10th: Jack White at Shrine Auditorium
August 13th: The Kills at The El Rey
August 14th: The Dunwells at The Hotel Cafe
September 4th: Gotye at The Greek Theatre
October 1st: Ed Sheeran at The Wiltern
October 11th: Awolnation and Imagine Dragons at Club Nokia
October 19th: Tony Lucca at The Roxy

~ Kristen

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Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 6/13-6/17

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Just got back from Tennessee. The four days spent at Bonnaroo were absolutely magical. I have many a story and I will do my best to post some words and pictures soon.  After Bonnaroo we had a Nashville day spent eating BBQ, avoiding the erratic and intense bouts of rain, checking out a couple local venues, and of course a stop at Cafe Coco. I love Nashville!

But I love LA too and it’s good to be back home. Here’s what I’ve got going on music-wise for the rest of the week:

Weds: Haim and Phantom Planet at The Troubadour (9,10)
ALSO: Kyle Nicolaides at Room 5 (9pm)

 

Thursday: Mariah McManus at The Hotel Cafe (10pm)
ALSO: Cody Jasper at The Rainbow Room (11pm)
ALSO: The Mowgli’s, Avalanche City, and Walk Off the Earth (7pm)
ALSO: Blake Mills and Phantom Planet at The Troubadour (9,10)

 

Friday: Cody Jasper at The Roxy (11:30)
ALSO: Jake Newton at Room 5 (10pm)
ALSO: Leslie Stevens, Ethan Gold, and Nicki Bluhm and The Gramblers (9, 9:45, 10:50)
ALSO: Golden State at The Hotel Cafe (11pm)
ALSO: Unwritten Law at The Viper Room (11pm)

 

Saturday: So & So and Mind the Gap at The Hotel Cafe (7, 10)
ALSO: Allen Stone at The Getty Center (6pm)
ALSO: The Spring Standards and Rhett Miller & The Serial Lady Killers at Saint Rocke (9pm)
ALSO: Joel Eckles at WitZend (8:30)
ALSO: Telstar at El Cid (10pm)
ALSO: White Arrows at The Troubadour (10:30)…CD release party
ALSO: Thrice at Club Nokia (8pm)
ALSO: Scissor Sisters at Hollywood Palladium (8pm)
ALSO: Indigo Girls at The Wiltern (8pm)

 

Sunday: Jonny Polonsky FREE at The Satellite (10pm)

 

 

To Keep in Mind:
June 20th: Glen Hansard at The Wiltern
June 21st: Crash Kings at The Troubadour
June 22nd: The Avett Brothers at Nokia LA Live
June 23rd: Milo Greene at The Troubadour
June 25th: Graffiti6 at The Troubadour
June 29th: Fiona Apple at Hollywood Palladium
July 1st: Laura Marling at John Anson Ford Amphitheatre
July 1st: Harper Blynn and Madi Diaz at The Troubadour
July 14th: Saint Motel at The El Rey
August 3rd: Cory Chisel at The El Rey
August 13th: The Kills at The El Rey
October 1st: Ed Sheeran at The Wiltern
October 11th: Awolnation and Imagine Dragons at Club Nokia

 

~ Kristen

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Kristen’s 5 Most Anticipated Acts of Bonnaroo 2012

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  1. The Silent Comedy

Favored sons of San Diego have come a long way in the past year or so. To see their unique brand of ground-stomping, soul-stirring  folk rock at my favorite festival will be an unforgettable experience for sure,  one that I’m looking forward to more than any other at this year’s event.

Catch them Sunday 4pm at The Great Taste Lounge and again at 6:15 at The Sonic Stage.

 

2. Needtobreathe  

One of the best shows I’ve been to this year was Needtobreathe at Club Nokia. This band from South Carolina is absolutely perfect for the Bonnaroo audience. I can’t imagine anything but a tent-raising good time.

Catch them at Which Stage Friday at 2pm.

 

3. The Lonely Forest

I’ve been itching to see The Lonely Forest again since their record, Arrows, came out last year. This indie rock band from Anacortes, Washington puts on a great live show. I still regret missing them at SXSW two years ago…I will not let an opportunity to see The Lonely Forest pass me by again!

Catch them Thursday 5:30 at This Tent

 

 4. We Are Augustines 

I’m still buzzing off the We Are Augustines set at Coachella. These boys from Brooklyn made a great impression on me out in the desert. I’m sure they will cast a similar spell on the planes of Tenessee.

Catch them Saturday at The Great Taste Lounge at 10:40 and again on Sunday at the Sonic Stage at 2:15.

 

 5. St. Vincent

I love St. Vincent. Any chance I get to see Annie Clark perform, I will be front and center (well, as much front and center I can manage).

Catch them Friday 7:45 at That Tent

 

 

Other acts on my list to see:

 

See you at The ‘Roo!

 

~ Kristen