Music Mixes and Best Of Lists

New Music Tuesday 4/30/13 Featuring Keaton Simons and Lights

Posted on by Kristen

It’s a new Tuesday, so there is new music. Here’s what I’ve picked up this week:

Keaton Simons  – Beautiful Pain

This album has been a loooong time coming in my book as I have been a Keaton Simons fan for many years and am already familiar with many of the songs. To finally have tunes like “Is There Any Other Way”, “Other Side”, and “Inspiration” in CD form is beyond thrilling. These, in addition to songs I already see as classics like the rockin’ “The Medicine” CD opener “Thrill of It All” and one of my favorite songs (ever), the heart-melting “Beautiful Pain”. Keaton is such a talent as a songwriter, guitar player, performer, etc. Beautiful Pain is a must have for any collection.

 

Lights – Siberia Acoustic

You know how I love it when bands go acoustic. Lights has a gorgeous voice which is generally surrounded by an electronic-tinged chorus of instrumentation. With Siberia Acoustic, songs from her last album are stripped back, augmenting the power and beauty of the vocal and the lyrical strength of the songs. I love it.

 

Others to look into:

  • The Postelles – & It Shook Me
  • Airbourne Toxic Event – Such Hot Blood
  • Daughter – If You Leave
  • Hanni El Khatib – Head in the Dirt
  • Alice Russell – To Dust
  • Big Black Delta – Big Black Delta
  • Beady Eye – BE

~ Kristen

New Music Tuesday 4/23/13 featuring Youngblood Hawke, Solardrive, Frank Turner

Posted on by Kristen

I am absolutely thrilled that two of my favorite CA-based bands are battling to get to the top of the charts with their new releases this week. Since I pimped The Neighbourhood’s debut I Love You. last week, today I’ll sing the praises of Youngblood Hawke’s Wake Up. Both albums are stellar and prime examples of the talent and taste coming from LA these days.

There are actually several albums I would highly recommend looking into that come out this week. Here’s a sampling of my top picks:

Youngblood Hawke – Wake Up

For all your get up and dance needs, there is Youngblood Hawke. Their new album is a collection of old favorites including their hit, “We Come Running” as well as newer gems. The band’s high energy, fun/cool vibe translates well on disc. I’ve been going to Youngblood Hawke shows for a while and it’s nice to finally be able to take the show home (dance party in the living room!).  The album title is apt…the songs call you wake up and be attentive and appreciative of the world around you.

Buy it here

 

Solardrive – Solardrive

Beat-maker extraordinaire, Balthazar Getty, has a new project and it’s called Solardrive. The self-titled debut album might best be explained by Balthazar himself in the following EPK. You can stream the entire album which features a few guest vocalists here. For those who love chilling out with some lazy beats. Seriously, I can’t help but relax a little when I put this record on…

get it here

 

Frank Turner – Tape Deck Heart

SXSW 2013 standout, Frank Turner, further showcases his unique brand of folk-punk in his latest release, Tape Deck Heart. I haven’t been able to listen to the entire 17-song album, but from what I’ve heard at the live shows, it will be a worthy addition to anyone’s CD collection.

buy it here

 

Also worth checking out:

Listen! Learn! Love!

~ Kristen

New Music Tuesday 4/16 (and beyond) featuring The Neighbourhood, Arcane Roots, Andrew Ripp

Posted on by Kristen

So, this is kind of cruel, but most of the albums I’m getting excited about today aren’t actually being released today. My inbox this morning was full of upcoming musical goodness, and I felt inspired to share. There are actually quite a few high-profile albums out today that I’ll eventually get around to checking out, but honestly, what I can’t seem to get past are the following musical teasers. I also have a couple musical suggestions if you need new music now…

The Neighbourhood – I Love You

This album will come out next Tuesday (April 23rd), but the stream was released today via Rolling Stone and I can’t stop listening. The band is playing LA tonight, opening for Foals at The El Rey. The show is sold out, but listening to the album, I got a bit overexcited and stalked Craigslist and Ticketmaster until I came up with an available ticket (happy late birthday present to me!). Seriously, the idea of having more than the brilliant 5 song EP makes me giddy.

Go here to listen and here to pre-order.

 

Arcane Roots – Blood & Chemistry

I’ve been waiting for more music from this British rock outfit for a few months now. Their first full-length album, Blood & Chemistry comes out in the UK May 6th…not sure what that means for us poor folk in the US, but this album teaser makes me think I might be importing this one…

Their first single off of the album makes me a bit dizzy, but in a feels like I’m at the show bouncing around kind of way…

 

Andrew Ripp– Won’t Let Go

Ever since a friend shared Andrew Ripp’s track “Dresden Wine”, I have been a fan of this singer/songwriter, currently from Nashville. I’m looking forward to diving in to this newest release of his.

Itunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/wont-let-go/id632774958

NCIS: LA TV Show Soundtrack – Various Artists

There were too many great artists on this soundtrack not to check it out…especially since it was streaming here. It’s quite the variety of music and yes, just about every song would work to ramp up the emotional intensity of a dramatic scene. Artists include Daughtry, Allen Stone, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Alex Clare, Jakob Dylan, etc.  My favorite tracks were the ones from The Wild Feathers, Adrian Lux f. The Good Natured, and a slow/sad one from Gaslight Anthem (below)

 

Other albums released today worth checking into:

  • Fall Out Boy – Save Rock N Roll
  • Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Mosquito
  • Sarah Brightman – Dreamchaser
  • Iron & Wine – Ghost on Ghost
  • Jessie Ware – Devotion
  • Charlie XCX – True Romance
  • The Summer Set – Legendary
  • Olly Murs – Right Place, Right Time

 

~ Kristen

Kristen’s Top 5 Acts to See at Coachella 2013

Posted on by Kristen

It’ s that time again! California’s favorite two weekend desert music festival is almost upon us. I’m (sadly) not attending this year, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t listen to all of the artist and compile a short list of the artists I would most want to see. Plus, you know, there’s the livestream! http://www.youtube.com/coachella

But if you’re venturing out to Indio this year, here’s who I’d recommend making the time to see:

1. Biffy Clyro

I almost completely rearranged my schedule and budget when I saw my beloved Scottish rockers on the line-up this year. I implore you to go see them in my stead. Their live show is one of my absolute favorites. Their new album, Opposites, is back in my car player in honor of the “so close yet so far” status.  In between weekends the band is opening for Muse on the east coast.

Video from their most recently single:

 2. The Neighbourhood

Every chance I get to see this band, I’m there. I saw them a couple times at SXSW and it almost felt like I was saying goodbye. I think they are becoming too big for me to see on the regular. They don’t even have a proper album out yet. So, if you haven’t seen or heard The Neighbourhood, Coachella would be the perfect opportunity to check them out!

3. Reignwolf

I know Coachella can get a bit warm, but if you’re looking for a proper face melting experience, look no further than Reignwolf. Listening to the bands on this year’s line-up, I felt that what was lacking was some solid straight-up rock music. If you feel the same, you don’t want to miss out on this one.

4. The Postal Service

I’d be remiss if I didn’t include the band that gave us the still ubiquitous “Such Great Heights”. I mean, they haven’t toured in ten years and rumor has it new music is on the horizon. Aren’t you curious? I sure am!

5. Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Have you heard the stream of their new album? Enough said.

 

~ Kristen

Kristen’s Top 10 Acts to See at SXSW ’13

Posted on by Kristen

I’ve listened to over 1600 bands, RSVPed to countless parties, and have a schedule that is twenty some pages long. It’s impossible to see everything you want during SXSW, so in order to help keep me sane, I’ve selected a few bands that I hope to prioritize in the coming week.

 

1. twenty one pilots

This band is my current obsession after seeing them play in LA at The Troubadour. Their unexpected yet compelling songs and insane live energy make them a can’t miss and I intend to see them upon every opportunity.

Where to catch twenty one pilots:

Wednesday at 4pm at Waterloo Records Outdoor Stage (600 N Lamar)…playing with the also buzz-worthy Tegan & Sara and Macklemore & Ryan so be sure to get there early

Wednesday at 5:30 at The Warner Sound Party at The Belmont (305 W 6th St)

At some point in the week at The Spotify House click here for more information and to RSVP for this pop up show: http://spotifyhouse.splashthat.com/

 

2. BOY

Boy’s album “Mutual Friends” is my favorite album to come out this year so far.  After seeing them live at The Troubadour last week, they have firmly cemented themselves as one of my top picks for SXSW.

Where to catch BOY:

Wednesday 3pm at The Radio Day Stage at The Austin Convention Center

Wednesday 12:30am at The Central Presbyterian Church (200 E 8th St)

Friday 12am at Hickory Street (800 Congress Ave)

Saturday 1:30 at Never Clock Out Day Party at Peckerheads (402 E 6th St)

 

3. Leogun

If you’ve been reading any LMN lately, you know I’m in love with this band from the UK. And one day I will see them play “Drunk Enough” live…

Where to catch Leogun:

Thursday 10pm at StubHub Live Showcase at Old School (401 E 6th St)

Saturday 10:45 at VEVO TV Control Room (304 W 4th ST)

 

4. Frank Turner

I had to miss Frank Turner at The Roxy last week due to illness…sigh. I will not make that mistake again at SXSW. Frank is an amazing performer and has a new album coming out in April which means new songs!!

Here’s the video for the first single off the forthcoming album, Tape Deck Heart:

Where to catch Frank Turner:

http://frank-turner.com/blog/2013/03/south-by-south-madness/

 

5. Bastille

Bastille’s “Flaws” made one of my end of year mixes two years ago and the guy has yet to play a city that I can get to. Sure, he’s from the UK, but still…I’ve been waiting far too long to miss out on a Bastille show.

What to catch Bastille:

Tuesday 1am at The British Embassy/Latitude 30 (512 San Jacinto)

Wednesday 10pm at Club DeVille (900 Red River Rd)

Thursday 1pm at The Filter at Cedar Street Courtyard Party (208 W 4th)

 

6. Young Guns – of all the bands I listened to, Young Guns was probably my favorite of those I’d never heard before
See them Thursday 3:30 at The Wind Up Records Party at Empire Control Room (606 E 7th St)

7. Sir Sly – after finally getting a sense of who these guys are last month at their Echo residency, I’m just craving more
See them Thursday 1pm at The Hype Hotel (301 Brazos St)

8. The Milk Carton Kids – hands down one of my favorite live performances come from this acoustic duo
See them Saturday 10pm at The Central Presbyterian Church (200 E 8th St)

9. Andrew McMahon – because Something Corporate will always hold a very special place in my heart
See him Friday 3:05 at Quantum Collective’s Whole Foods Rooftop Showcase (525 N Lamar)

10. Lions In The Street  – I’ve been wanting to see this Vancouver band for more years than I care to admit…SXSW’13 will mark the first time we’ve been in the same city at the same time!
See them Saturday 1am at BD Riley’s (204 E 6th St)

 

I could go on…but follow LMN on twitter (@_localmusicnat) to see what we’re up to all week and stay tuned here for nightly recaps of our adventures!

 

~ Kristen

New Music Tuesday 3/5/13 Featuring Michael Bernard Fitzgerald, Semi Precious Weapons, and k.s. Rhoads

Posted on by Kristen

There aren’t too many new releases I’m excited about today, that doesn’t mean I don’t have some new music to share!

Michael Bernard Fitzgerald – Firecracker EP

Firstly, I do love the Firecracker EP released today by Canadian Michael Bernard Fitzgerald. I saw Michael play the Hotel Cafe a month or so ago and was compelled not just by his performance, but by the songwriting showcased so well on this teaser of an EP.

you can stream the EP on Spotify here: http://open.spotify.com/album/2LByR1fHgu1GFIEfTX0nye

Here’s an acoustic take on the EP title track, “Firecracker”:

I also have a couple videos that came out most recently and hint and some excellent music to come:

Semi Precious Weapons – “Aviation High”

Semi Precious Weapons have been a bit MIA lately, but it looks like they’ve been busy gearing up for a massive re-launch, hinted at by this video for their new single, “Aviation High”. If you’re in Los Angeles tonight, the boys take the stage at the exclusive Sayers Club for their first public performance in quite a while. Don’t miss it!

k.s. Rhoads– “Orphaned”

Multi-talented Nashville-based artist, k.s. Rhoads has a new album coming out later this month aptly titled The Wilderness. Here is a cool video for his new song “Orphaned” where he explore the wilderness of Nashville in a space suit.

Listen! Learn! Love!

 

~ Kristen

New Music Tuesday 2/26/13 featuring Boy, Finish Ticket, Escondido

Posted on by Kristen

Looking for new music? Here are some recommendations from music coming out today…

Boy – Mutual Friends

This German duo was an instant music love for me. Their debut album, Mutual Friends is one of my favorite albums to be released this year. Their dreamy pop vocals almost betray a layered and more complex depth to their songs which just get better and better upon each listen. Get your tickets now for their show at The Troubadour March 8th.

 

Finish Ticket– Tears You Apart

San Francisco’s indie rock group Finish Ticket has been tickling my ear buds with singles like “Doctor” and “Tranquilize” for weeks now in anticipate of the release of their first full length album, Tears You Apart. This is the album I’ve been listening to all day. On repeat. Check out the album stream and buy the album on itunes. The band will be in LA at The Hotel Cafe March 21st.

Here’s one of my favorites, “Tranquilize”:

 

Escondido – The Ghost of Escondido

Tyler James and Jessica Maros are two Nashville-based artists who have gotten together to record a beautiful record. I got a taste with the duo’s EP released last year and I’m looking forward to hearing more with The Ghost of Escondido.

 

Other albums to check out:

 

~ Kristen