Kristen

Kristen’s ’10 Mix – Track 10 – Safetysuit

Posted on January 6, 2011 by Kristen

10. “Annie” – Safetysuit

I was at the Best Buy in Elmira, NY over the winter holiday. I was looking for some new music. I asked one of the employees what they’d recommend. They pointed to the album Life Left to Go by this band I’d never heard of called Safetysuit. Who would have thought I would have discovered one of my favorite new bands of the year in Elmira, NY?!? I was able to see Safetysuit, a band based out of Nashville, play The Roxy early in the year. If I liked the band before I saw them perform, I loved them afterwards. I especially enjoy this song, “Annie”, which the audience almost got them to play twice!

http://www.safetysuitmusic.com/

~ Kristen

track 9: Lady Danville
track 11: Queen Caveat

Kristen’s ’10 Mix – Track 9 – Lady Danville

Posted on January 6, 2011 by Kristen

9. “Tired Magician” – Lady Danville

One of the highlights of my year was the North Park Music Thing, a music conference in San Diego. During the day we went to talks about the industry, including a keynote speech by Kim Fowley. Then, at night, the North Park area of SD was turned into a veritable pupu platter of music. It was truly fantastical. Highlights of the weekend included Endoxi, The Silent Comedy, The Rescues, The Republic of Letters, The Makepeace Brothers, and LA’s Lady Danville. I’d been a fan of Lady Danville for awhile, but this was the first time I was able to see them. They did not disappoint.

More pictures from The North Park Music Thing:

~ Kristen

track 8: Endoxi
track 10: Safetysuit

Kristen’s ’10 Mix – Track 8 – Endoxi

Posted on January 5, 2011 by Kristen

8. “12.19” – Endoxi

Endoxi, and in particular their record Earthbound, holds a very special place in my heart. I had the distinct pleasure of being able to lurk around the studio when this CD was being put together. LMN got to attend its first listening party and really got to know Endoxi’s lead singer and songwriter, Chris Wilson, who is one of the most naturally gifted musicians I’ve ever met. Endoxi means “everything in its place” and witnessing Mr. Wilson shredding on his guitar up on stage truly gives you the sense of Endoxi. The band is based in San Diego, but promises to venture up to LA in the new year. I’m already excited!

http://endoxi.com/

can’t find a video for “12.19”…these other Endoxi clips will have to do…

~ Kristen

Track 7: Deas Vail
Track 9: Lady Danville

New Band Alert: Indians!

Posted on January 5, 2011 by Kristen

You guys remember The Ringers, right? Well, if you live in the Los Angeles area you probably remember them…or know someone who does. Well, when the band decided to dissolve, somewhat unexpectedly last year, many dissapointed fans were left wondering what happened…and what would happen next.

Well now they are back…at least in part. Singer Joe Hursley and drummer Patrick Hursley, formally of The Ringers, have combined forces with Michael Hays and Mike McGill to start a new project called Indians. No music up yet, but theyseem to have a show booked for Jan. 22nd at Area 33 in Culver City!

I don’t know about you, but I’m terribly excited!

will Indians sound anything like this?

~ Kristen

Kristen’s ’10 Mix- Track 7 – Deas Vail

Posted on January 5, 2011 by Kristen

7. “Balance” – Deas Vail

I was wandering around Warped Tour Pomona, waiting for After Midnight Project’s acoustic set, when I first heard Deas Vail. Their music literally made me stop in my tracks, turn my head, and go towards their stage. I kept trying to leave the stage (I didn’t want to be late for the other set), but I couldn’t. I kept walking back. The music was so beautiful and uplifting and SO out of place at Warped Tour. As soon as I could, I found their tent, bought every single album they had (an EP and an LP) and have been listening somewhat obsessively ever since. “Balance”, off their White Lights EP, is one of those songs that moves me every time I hear it.

http://deasvail.com/

More Deas Vail:

~ Kristen

track 6: Mumford & Sons
track 8: Endoxi

Kristen’s ’10 Mix – Track 6 – Mumford & Sons

Posted on January 5, 2011 by Kristen

6. “White Blank Page” – Mumford & Sons

I know everyone loves Mumford & Sons. Well, there is a reason for that. They are one of the best bands to break out this year. I was fortunate enough to be front row at a Mumford & Sons show at The Belly Up and was able to witness up close the pure awesomeness of this band. “Blank White Page” has always been my fave M&S song. This song also reminds me of another important factor in my life this year. This year marked the first time I had the opportunity to teach. TAing for an undergrad neuroscience class kept me from seeing Mumford & Sons when they came through LA in October. If you can imagine how this made me feel, it pretty much sums up my feelings towards teaching.

http://www.mumfordandsons.com/

more M&S pics:

~ Kristen

track 5: Jealousy Curve
track 7: Deas Vail

Kristen’s ’10 Mix – Track 5 – Jealousy Curve

Posted on January 4, 2011 by Kristen

5. “Control” – Jealousy Curve

go check out the entire album here

the only video of this song I could find…

As you all probably know, Jealousy Curve is one of my all time favorite bands. This year marked the release of their 3^rd album, Marionettes!. Unfortunately, this will be the last Jealousy Curve album as May 22^nd at World Cafe Live was the final Jealousy Curve show. I flew out, of course, to join my Jealousy Curve family in one last, somewhat tearful, sing-along with our favorite band. The song, “Control” is not only one of my faves from the new record, it lyrically encapsulates my feelings about the break-up of one of the most important bands in my life. “There must be some peace in letting go”