Music Mixes and Best Of Lists

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

New Music Tuesday 2/12/13 Featuring The Stone Foxes

Posted on by Kristen

The Stone Foxes – Small Fires 

All hail The Stone Foxes, a fearsome foursome from SF whose album, Small Fires, comes out today. If you’re a fan of bluesy rock with a hint of face-melting guitar, this album is for you.  If you favor songs that simmer for a bit before coming to boil, this album is for you.  If you don’t like movin’ and groovin’ (or at least foot tappin’), then maybe you shouldn’t bother with this album as its tunes are the type that infect. The infection can be slow, but before you know it you WILL be bobbing you head and you will get odd looks from your co-workers (okay, maybe that last one is just me).

For a taste, here’s the video for the first single off Small Fires, “Everybody Knows”

 

More Top Picks from Recent Releases:

I’m behind on my music acquiring/listening, but that doesn’t mean you need to be…

Frightened Rabbit – Pedestrian Verse

I haven’t heard this album in its entirety, but I love this band so I’m sure it will be a must-have for my collection.

The Shadowboxers– Red Room

I recently discovered this Atlanta-based band, but I liked them so much their track “Sidewalk” made it on my 2012 Mix B-Sides. A couple weeks ago, they released an album, Red Room. I still need to dig into the album, but it’s near the top of my queue.

 

Other recent releases to look into:

~ Kristen

New Music Tuesday 1/15 featuring The Delta Saints, Free Energy, twenty/one/pilots

Posted on by Kristen

Some new music that has come out recently that I’ve been digging or feel the need to dig into:

The Delta Saints– Death Letter Jubilee

Let’s just say, Tennessee’s The Delta Saints found their way into my life at the perfect moment. Their brand of foot-tapping, soul-rising rock was just wanted I need when their new album, Death Letter Jubilee found its way to my ears.  I was in love at first listen and cannotstop listening. I’d highly recommend picking up their album so you can join me in my newest band love. You can get it off their website, as well as iTunes, and amazon.

Free Energy– Love Sign

 When I think of Free Energy I think of fun. I think of pop. I think “let’s dance”. From what I’ve heard of their sophomore album, Love Sign, they are delivering exactly what I want. Looking forward to some Free Energy dance parties!

Twenty/one/pilots – Vessel 

This one came out last Tuesday, but I feel I’ve been anticipating this Columbus, OH based-band’s album for a while now so I didn’t want the event to go by unmentioned.  I’ve been enjoying the mash-up of different musical flavors and songs that are unpredictable and refreshing. These gents are set to make an appearance in LA at The Troubadour Feb. 20th and I’m looking forward to seeing how this music translates live.

Other recent releases to check out

New Music Tuesday 1/15 featuring The Delta Saints, Free Energy, twenty/one/pilots

Posted on by Kristen

Some new music that has come out recently that I’ve been digging or feel the need to dig into:

The Delta Saints– Death Letter Jubilee

Let’s just say, Tennessee’s The Delta Saints found their way into my life at the perfect moment. Their brand of foot-tapping, soul-rising rock was just wanted I need when their new album, Death Letter Jubilee found its way to my ears.  I was in love at first listen and cannotstop listening. I’d highly recommend picking up their album so you can join me in my newest band love. You can get it off their website, as well as iTunes, and amazon.

 

 

Free Energy– Love Sign

 

When I think of Free Energy I think of fun. I think of pop. I think “let’s dance”. From what I’ve heard of their sophomore album, Love Sign, they are delivering exactly what I want. Looking forward to some Free Energy dance parties!

 

 

Twenty/one/pilots – Vessel 

This one came out last Tuesday, but I feel I’ve been anticipating this Columbus, OH based-band’s album for a while now so I didn’t want the event to go by unmentioned.  I’ve been enjoying the mash-up of different musical flavors and songs that are unpredictable and refreshing. These gents are set to make an appearance in LA at The Troubadour Feb. 20th and I’m looking forward to seeing how this music translates live.

 

Other recent releases to check out

Kristen’s 2012 Mix – Bonus Track – Pawnshop Roses

Posted on by Kristen

I spend all year going to shows and collecting songs and pictures and stories. I’ve spent the last month or so compiling some of my top musical memories into a music mix with accompanying booklet (my favorite little crafting project). So, here I share with you my top tracks of 2012.

Enjoy!!

Pawnshop Roses

Even though Pawnshop Roses is no longer technically together, singer Paul Keen is still writing and playing. Paul has this wonderful ability to capture true emotion and still craft lyrically sound and catchy tunes. This is one of the most honest songs I’ve heard in a while and it is the most played track in my iTunes library this year.

You can find the track here, at minute 53:34

 

~ Kristen

Kristen’s 2012 Mix – Track 20 – The Kin

Posted on by Kristen

I spend all year going to shows and collecting songs and pictures and stories. I’ve spent the last month or so compiling some of my top musical memories into a music mix with accompanying booklet (my favorite little crafting project). So, here I share with you my top tracks of 2012.

Enjoy!!

The Kin

My year was bookend by memorable The Kin shows. In February, they played a show in a random venue in Venice that contained an Earth Harp. Then in November they were here for a week playing The Roxy and WitZend. These two brothers from Australia have been in my life for many years now and still provide me with some of my most memorable musical moments.

~ Kristen

Kristen’s 2012 Mix – Track 19 – Augustana

Posted on by Kristen

I spend all year going to shows and collecting songs and pictures and stories. I’ve spent the last month or so compiling some of my top musical memories into a music mix with accompanying booklet (my favorite little crafting project). So, here I share with you my top tracks of 2012.

Enjoy!!

Augustana

I saw Augustana several times this year, including one special Dan Layus solo gig at The Hotel Cafe.  This band has fast become one of my favorites and I still think their 2011 CD is one of the most underrated releases. Looking forward to more from this band in the new year

~ Kristen