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

9. “Tired Magician” – Lady Danville

[youtube HY3_iX0WVUQ]

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

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…

[youtube Kt0qU7OO3_I]

[youtube afGb5pL1mD0]

[youtube 0j3jVY9RXpE]

~ Kristen

Track 7: Deas Vail
Track 9: Lady Danville

New Band Alert: Indians!

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?

[youtube pJCdWXAGuy0]

[youtube ghHoqO-6usM]

~ Kristen

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

7. “Balance” – Deas Vail

[youtube Q4P3tD1Mc1U]

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:

[youtube TvCatzMax24]

[youtube R-3_dAVJIrQ]

~ Kristen

track 6: Mumford & Sons
track 8: Endoxi

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

6. “White Blank Page” – Mumford & Sons

[youtube I_Od0PJp6GI]

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

5. “Control” – Jealousy Curve

go check out the entire album here

the only video of this song I could find…

[youtube VQw6HUQQC9c]

As you all probably know, Jealousy Curve is one of my all time favorite bands. This year marked the release of their 3rd album, Marionettes!. Unfortunately, this will be the last Jealousy Curve album as May 22nd 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”

http://jealousycurve.com/

 Some pictures from that final show:

~ Kristen

track 4: Joe Firstman
track 6: Mumford & Sons

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

4. Joe Firstman – Pretty Things

[youtube SLcebJolMkg]

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:

[youtube OrNDibT4AHI]

[youtube ZVJ2_VfBgQQ]

[youtube 58oqqOLjDM8]

~ Kristen

track 3: Biffy Clyro
track 5: Jealousy Curve