Author: Kristen

Kristen’s ’10 Mix – Track 4- Joe Firstman

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4. Joe Firstman – Pretty Things

2010 proved a good year for Joe Firstman. He released a CD, Live at The Treehouse which I think may be my favorite Joe Firstman CD since 2004’s War of Women. Joe was also a feature of my summer vacation, a trip to South Carolina to spend a weekend on the beach with a bunch of singer-songwriters at Hotel Carolina. Other highlights from that event included Matt Duke, Tony Lucca, Curtis Peoples , Jay Nash, Todd Carey, etc. “Pretty Things” was one of my favorite songs from that entire weekend…everyone knows it and everyone got up on stage to sing it.

More fun videos from Hotel Carolina 2010:

~ Kristen

track 3: Biffy Clyro
track 5: Jealousy Curve

Kristen’s ’10 Mix- Track 3- Biffy Clyro

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3. “Mountains” – Biffy Clyro

Anyone who has talked to me in the last 6 months knows that I am OBSESSED with Biffy Clyro. When I first saw them, I couldn’t decide what I was listening to. Their tunes can be poppy (“Bubbles”), but they play them like a metal band. The music can be so unpredictable, yet it’s still unbelievable catchy. The song “Mountains” moves me every single time. Biffy Clyro plays arenas overseas (they’re Scottish), but in LA they headlined at The Bootleg (tiny theater). There was no show I felt more privileged to be a part of. I love a lot of bands, but with Biffy Clyro, I’m head over heels. Do yourself a favor and get their CD, Only Revolutions…do it now!

go to their website to check out more of their fantastic music videos: http://www.biffyclyro.com/

Some pics from Biffy Clyro’s Epicenter performance:

~ Kristen

track 2: After Midnight Project
track 4: Joe Firstman

Kristen’s ’10 Music Mix- Track 2 – After Midnight Project

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2. “The Becoming” – After Midnight Project

listen to the song here

An acoustic version:

After Midnight Project (AMP) is my great local band discovery of 2010. Something inspired me to check them out at Bamboozled…and from the very first song, they had me under their spell. At that same show, I was able to sneak into the VIP section to see AMP play an acoustic set. It is a mark of a truly great rock band if they can still blow you away playing acoustically…AMP takes top marks here. We ended up going to two different stops on the Warped Tour solely to see these guys play again. Then, the year culminated in an AMP headlining show at The Key Club…they brought out all the stops (new songs, a piano, members of Papa Roach and SOTY, confetti!) and cemented a spot on the list of my favorite bands. AMP’s album, Let’s Build Something to Break, is one of the best purchases I made all year.

http://www.myspace.com/aftermidnightproject

a small assortment of my 2010 AMP shots:

 ~ Kristen

track 1: Joey Ryan   
track 3: Biffy Clyro

Kristen’s ’10 Music Mix- Track 1- Joey Ryan

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Hey all!

Here, as promised, is my year’s end music mix!

Since this is the first time I get to publish my list online, I guess I’ll explain how I put it together. Throughout the year, as I go to shows and discover new music and listen to old favorites, I put all the songs that really strike me into a list. At the end of the year, I narrow the list down to however many songs I can fit onto a CD and voila! Christmas gifts!

Each song always comes with a story about why it was chosen and what it meant to me in the year. I see it as a replacement for one of those Christmastime letters detailing all the important events that occurred to a person in the year. For me, those important events all revolve around music anyway!

So, here we go, my 2010 Music Mix:

1. “Broken Headlights” – Joey Ryan

Joey Ryan entered my life last year (opened for Carney), but it was 2010 when he released an EP entitled Kenter Canyon. I still contend this is my favorite audio release of the year. Every song is pure brilliance. Being based in Los Angeles, I’ve seen Joey quite a few times. When he started playing with Kenneth Pattengale, it was like the second coming of Simon and Garfunkel. One of the most memorable shows this year was when Joey and Kenneth played Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 along with Joel Eckles and The Kin. “Broken Headlights” was the first song off Kenter Canyon that really struck me.

http://www.joeyryanmusic.com/

Joey, Kenneth, and The Kin at Room 5:

~ Kristen

track 2: After Midnight Project

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 1/3-1/9

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I woke up on the first day of the new year with a terrible cold. I suppose I should feel grateful that it didn’t hit until after I returned from my vacation. I had a wonderful holiday trip, taking me to the homes of family and friends across the country. I also had the best Christmas present from my mother who took me to New York City to see the boys of Carney on Broadway in Spiderman: Turn Off The Dark. The musical was amazing and I can’t wait to see it again!

Sorry for the lack of email last week. I really didn’t have a good internet connection my entire trip. It was a tad frustrating, but I will try to make it up to you by telling you about all the amazing musical adventures you could have in Los Angeles this week.

Also, I’m in the process of posting my annual year’s end music mix. It’s a good one, so keep checking the website for more on that…

As for this next week:

Monday: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)
ALSO: It’s a School night at Bardot featuring Lucy Schwartz and Lovebird (10pm)
ALSO: Kinch and Paper Tiger FREE at SIlverlake Lounge (11, 12)
ALSO: Lemon Sun and Cannoneers of the New Command FREE at The Echo (10pm) 

Tuesday: Diamond Light and Olin and the Moon at The Echo (9pm) 

Weds: The Nervous Wreckords, Moving Picture Show, The Young Rapscallions at Saint Rocke (8:30)

Thursday: Dave Green (of The Filthy Souls) at The Mint (8pm)

Friday: Scarlet Grey and Assemble the Skyline at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: Viza at The Troubadour (11:30)
ALSO: Rocco Deluca at The Hotel Cafe (10pm) 

Saturday: Parade of Lights and Ringside at Satellite (formally Spaceland)(9pm)
ALSO: Tyler Hilton, Keaton Simons, and Brendan Hines at The Hotel Cafe (9,10,11)
ALSO: Andy Clockwise CD Release Party at The El Rey (8pm)
ALSO: Kate Voegele at The Roxy (8pm) 

Sunday: Bonnie Dune at The Roxy (9pm)

To Keep in Mind: 

Jan. 11th: The Silent Comedy at The Echo
Jan 20th: Charlotte Martin at Bootleg
January 20th: Nikka Costa at The Roxy
January 22nd: Guster at The Music Box
Jan. 28th: Nico Vega at Saint Rocke
January 28th: Free Energy at The Roxy
Feb 9th: Sarah McLaughlin at Nokia Live
Feb 9th: Tina Dico at The Troubadour
Feb 16th: Nicole Atkins at The Troubadour
Feb 26th: Josh Ritter and Scott Hutchinson (Frightened Rabbit) at The Music Box
March 1st: Biffy Clyro at The Troubadour

 ~ Kristen

Pepper’s Ghost Countdown: 3 Weeks!

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Happy New Years!! We are now only three weeks away from what will surely be one of the highlights of my 2011, the reunion show for my favorite local Philly band, Pepper’s Ghost. The show takes place January 22nd at The Grape Room in Manayunk. I hope to see you all there! It’s a bit sad really having what could very well be one of the best days of my year so early on. Really, it could all be a let down from here.

Or maybe this event is just indicative of what kind of year this will be. I think I’ll look at it that way!

So let’s really start this year off right…with some Pepper’s Ghost tunes! Enjoy!

~ Kristen

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 12/27

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Internet for the past week has been spotty to nonexistant. I have lots to share and several shows to direct you towards, but I need to wait for reliable service.

BUT if you’re looking for something to do tomorrow (Monday), go to Room 5 where Paris Carney will rule the roost for the evening. Show starts at 8pm. Don’t know who all will be there, but I heard something about Caitlin Crosby. This is where I’d be if I were in town.

~ Kristen