Music Mixes and Best Of Lists

Kristen’s 2012 Mix – Track 18 – Belmont Lights

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!!

Belmont Lights

This song, I discovered while on vacation in Hawaii over the summer. I finally saw the band in November, and was pleased. Belmont Lights is one of those bands oozing with potential!

https://soundcloud.com/belmontlightsmusic/belmont-lights-halfway

~ Kristen

Kristen’s 2012 Mix – Track 17 – NEEDTOBREATHE

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!!

NTB2

I’ve seen a lot of great shows this year, but if I had to pick just one to rise above the rest, I might have to go with NEEDTOBREATHE at the San Diego Aquarium. This is one of the best, most dynamic and generally inspiring bands I have seen and being front row as they played in an intimate setting over some tide pools as the sun was setting over the ocean…well, it just doesn’t get much better.

~ Kristen

Kristen’s 2012 Mix – Track 16 – We Are Augustines

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!!

We Are Augustines

We Are Augustines get the award for best festival band of 2012. Their sets at both Coachella and Bonnaroo far surpassed the more established acts. There is something about the way they connect to the audience…it’s really hard to capture in words or even in a recording of one of their songs…just go see them!

https://soundcloud.com/weareaugustines/philadelphia-the-city-of

~ Kristen

Kristen’s 2012 Mix – Track 15 – Harper Blynn

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!!

Harper Blynn

You can’t be a Hotel Cafe regular without having seen Harper Blynn several times over the last year. Between their Hotel Cafe residencies and the fact that they are the best backing band in town, you really can’t miss them…and you don’t really want to.

https://soundcloud.com/harper-blynn/busy-hands-empty-hearts

~ Kristen

Kristen’s 2012 Mix – Track 14 – Brendan James

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!!

Brendan James

It was last year when I saw Brendan James play The Mint. This song was definitely what I took from that event and this year, it got a lot of spins on that radio station in my head. It was especially prevalent during the only non-music related trip I took this year to Hawaii. It took several days on an island to “de-clench” but in the end, it was one of the most relaxing and enjoyable vacations I have had in years. I certainly felt incredibly lucky to be there.

https://soundcloud.com/settleforless/brendan-james-the-lucky-ones

~ Kristen

Kristen’s 2012 Mix – Track 13 – Tyler Hilton

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!!

Tyler Hilton

2012 was the year one of my long-time favorites, Tyler Hilton, FINALLY released a new album, Forget The Storm. I’m not sure It was worth the 8 year wait, but it’s a stellar album and whenever I listen to it, I get that feeling of “home”…whatever that means.

~ Kristen

Kristen’s 2012 Mix – Track 12 – Garrison Starr

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!!

Garrison Starr

With most of my favorite singer-songwriters moving away from LA in the past year or so,  Garrison Starr is one of those who stayed, instantly elevating her to the top of my local songwriters list. This year she released her album, Amateur, which contains this song.

~ Kristen