Author: Kristen

Kristen’s ’10 Mix – BONUS track – Jay Nash

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Bonus: “Golden State Goodnight” – Jay Nash

Jay Nash has been an LA staple in the singer-songwriter scene for awhile now. He is a brilliant musician and the inspiration behind my favorite Monday night activity, Songwriters in the Round at Room 5. This year, Jay and his wife decided to move back to Vermont. I was at Room 5 one Monday evening and Jay was in the audience. It was his last trip to Room 5 as an LA resident. He was prompted to get on stage and he played this song he wrote in tribute to his time in CA and his bittersweet departure. The room was  definitely a bit teary-eyed after this performance. A night to remember for sure.

http://www.jaynash.com/

~ Kristen

track 19: The Silent Comedy

Kristen’s ’10 Mix – Track 18 – The Silent Comedy

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18. “Footnotes” – The Silent Comedy

The Silent Comedy released their full length CD, Common Faults, this year. The song “Footnotes” was an unexpected, yet pleasant surprise and  although not often played at live shows, it has quickly become one of my fave TSC tunes. Also, this particular song played a role in one of the highlights of my year: singing on stage with one of my very favorite bands and with some of my favorite people. This band has come to mean to me more than most. Although based in San Diego, this year I attended more of their shows than any other band. In fact, I have developed an  entire family/gang based around this band and the joy that they bring to us each time they play.

http://thesilentcomedy.com/

some pictures from The Silent Comedy On The Rox:

~ Kristen

track 17: Pawnshop Roses
Bonus track: Jay Nash

Kristen’s ’10 Mix – Track 17 – Pawnshop Roses

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17. “Fault Lines” – Pawnshop Roses

Another fave band from back east, Pawnshop Roses is now the final band remaining of my original triumvirate of favorite, life-altering bands (Pepper’s Ghost, Jealousy Curve, Pawnshop Roses). Their new, highly anticipated CD, Solid Gold, was finally released at the end of the year. The whole EP is fantastic but “Fault Lines” has been one of the tracks I was most looking forward to…and here it is! *squeals of excitement*

 http://pawnshoproses.com/

~ Kristen

Kristen’s ’10 Mix – Track 16 – Lakes

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16. “Back In Your Head” – Lakes

I fell in love with so many new bands this year, it was hard to choose which ones would get slots on this mix. Lakes won out for several reasons. 1) I fell in love with them recently (first introduced to them in September) so this is a fresh love. 2) We interviewed the band and discovered that not only do they make beautiful music, but they are beautiful people. 3) most influentially, I saw them do an impromptu street performance for some fans that weren’t able to get into their show. One of the highlights of my year.

http://lakesband.com/

click here to see said street performance

~ Kristen

track 15: Egyptian
track 17: Pawnshop Roses

Pepper’s Ghost Countdown: 2 Weeks!

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I’m beginning to hyperventilate the event I’ve been anticipating for months now is only two weeks away. Pepper’s Ghost playing The Grape Room in Philadelphia. Janurary 22nd.

Here is one of my favorite Pepper’s Ghost songs. It was never released. It probably won’t be played on the 22nd as Dave Hartley won’t be there…but this is one of the most beautiful songs ever written and performed(in my opinion), so I will share it. It moves me every time I hear it.

~ Kristen

Kristen’s ’10 Mix – Track 15 – Egyptian

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15. “Colorblind” – Egyptian

check out the song (and others) here…

Lots of exciting things happened in the Nico Vega universe this year. I had the crazy amazing opportunity to be an extra in Nico Vega’s  music video for “Gravity”, their Halloween show “Witch Hunt” included the most dramatic opening for “Beast” ever seen, and they started releasing new music (well, covers of old music, but still). The lead singer of Nico Vega, Aja Volkman, started a side project this year with the singer of Imagine Dragons, Dan Reynolds. They call themselves Egyptian. They are also fantastic. I immediately fell in love with them and especially their song “Colorblind”

Instead of burdening you with my hundreds of Nico Vega pictures, I’ll just entertain you with some Egyptian videos…let the extreme cuteness unfold…

~ Kristen

track 14: The Academy Is…
track 16: Lakes

Kristen’s ’10 Mix – Track 14 – The Academy Is…

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14. “After the Last Midtown Show” – The Academy Is…

A list of songs detailing the highlights of my year would be incomplete without a song representing the trip Amanda and I took to Chicago in February to see The Academy Is… play a special show. That trip was by far one of the best of the year. We discovered several great local Chicago venues (Double Door, The Metro, Maryters), got to see one of my fave Chicago based bands,  Bottle of Justus, and discovered a new Chicago band, Surrender Dorothy. Plus, of course, The Academy Is… put on a fantastic show followed by a very entertaining afterparty at Angels and Kings.

http://www.theacademyis.com/

~ Kristen

track 13: Alright, Junior
track 15: Egyptian