Music Mixes and Best Of Lists

New Music Tuesday 10/16/12 Featuring Leogun, Kris Orlowski & Andrew Joslyn, ZZ Ward

Posted on by Kristen

New Music! Hooray!

My top suggestions this week:

Leogun – Leogun EP 

This band has created some of the most exciting tunage I’ve heard in a while. For more see what I wrote about them after I saw them last week. Bottom line: pick up this EP!

http://www.localmusicnation.net/2012/10/11/new-band-alert-leogun/

 

Kris Orlowski & Andrew Joslyn – Pieces We Are EP 

A singer-songwriter with a compelling baritone voice backed by a full orchestra…a full orchestra!  Do you really need more to want to give it a listen? Okay, check out this video.

 

ZZ Ward – Til The Casket Drops 

I remember being impressed with ZZ Ward’s soulful vocals when I saw her at SXSW last spring. Then this video for “Save My Life” featuring Michael Fitzpatrick (Fitz of Fitz and The Tantrums) crossed my path and I was compelled to share.

Other CDs I’d like to explore:

 

~ Kristen

New Music Tuesday 10/9 featuring The Script, Freelance Whales, Bad Books

Posted on by Kristen

Looking for new tunes? Here’s what’s is in my shopping basket today:

The Script – #3 

The Script is pretty solid when it comes to delivering radio-friendly pop/rock anthems. I anticipate nothing less from their newest album, #3, especially based on the reception it has already had since its release in their native, Ireland. Their first single, “Hall of Fame” features will.i.am and seems a slight departure for the pop crooners, but listening to the album (which you can do here http://music.aol.com/new-releases-full-cds/#/1), I have been reassured that while the band continues to grow on their musical journey (there is a bit more of this rap-interlude business), they still have plenty of that emotional, melody-driven core that drew many fans, including myself, in at the start. I’m already a fan of their next single, “Six Degrees of Separation”.

 

Freelance Whales – Diluvia 

Brooklynites, Freelance Whales, play the kind of music that might color a dreamscape; not necessarily happy, not necessarily sad, but always with a twinge of fantasy that makes it feel like you’re not quite in a reality. Streaming the new album (which can be done on their website), I’d say fan will be happy with this sophomore effort. I’ll put it on my shopping list and look forward to their next show. The band comes to the El Rey Theatre in LA October 16th.

 

Bad Books – Bad Books II

Who doesn’t love a super group? Well, at least this one between Kevin Devine and Manchester Orchestra seems to have worked out pretty well to my ears. Their second offering, Bad Books II, again does a great job of blending  the more quirky indie sensibilities of Kevin Devine with the rousing rock beats and vocals of Andy Hull and Manchester Orchestra. Check the band out live this Wednesday at The Troubadour. If you’ve seen either of these acts before, you know it’s going to be a good show.

Other CDs to check out today:

 

~ Kristen

New Music Tuesday 10/2/12 Featuring Three Days Grace, Hannah Georgas, and Tristan Prettyman

Posted on by Kristen

I’m hitting up the music store later. Here is what’s on the top of my list:

Three Days Grace– Transit of Venues 

I cannot believe it’s been almost 10 years since the release of Three Days Grace’s self-titled album. I guess it has been awhile if the way I discovered them was one of their music videos being played on the television. Anyway, the Canadian hard rockers are back with a new CD, their first since 2009. I am listening right now and can already see this one joining the ranks of their other CDs in heavy rotation on my iPod. The band does catchy angry-rock like no other. Here’s a taste:

 

Hannah Georgas – Hannah Georgas 

I stumbled across this one via twitter. I started listening and I just couldn’t let go. I’d say that’s a good sign. Here’s a stream of the song “Robotic”  from this Canadian chanteuse.

 

Tristan Prettyman – Cedar + Gold 

This San Diego singer got me with this video released today for her song “I Was Gonna Marry You”. It feels relevant, so I wanted to share. The rest of the album continues to showcase Prettyman’s lovely vocals in a slightly more upbeat fashion. You can stream it here http://www.facebook.com/tristanprettyman/app_367300559972921

 

Other albums to look into today:

~ Kristen

New Music Tuesday 9/25 featuring The Chevin, Mother Mother, Mumford & Sons

Posted on by Kristen

I know it’s a little late, but hey, I’ve been a little busy. I just submitted a manuscript so now I’m ready to celebrate with some new music!

The Chevin – Borderland

This band from The UK has been crafting this record in Los Angeles and I have had the pleasure of seeing them play several times over the last several months. The first time I saw them at The Satellite, it was like a breath of fresh air, rock and roll air. The more time I spent with The Chevin, the more I have fallen in love with their music. I cannot wait to get my hands on this record!

 

Mother Mother – The Sticks 

One of my favorite Canadian bands from recent years, Mother Mother made an impression on me with their song “Hayloft” off their debut album O My Heart (2008). I’ve been keeping tabs on the dynamic and somewhat quirky five-piece alt rock group ever since. You can stream their new album, The Sticks, here http://exclaim.ca/MusicVideo/ClickHear/mother_mother-sticks_album_stream. I did and I quickly became hooked! Not sure when you’ll be able to get it from amazon or itunes, but you can get it from the band’s website: http://mothermothersite.com/store

 Mumford & Sons – Babel 

From what I’ve heard, this record is making a play for my record of the year….

 

Other’s to look into:

 

~ Kristen

New Music Tuesday 9/18/12 Featuring Pebaluna, Youngblood Hawke, and Tina Dico

Posted on by Kristen

My goodness, there are a lot of albums coming out today! Pink, Band of Horses, The Killers, and Ben Folds Five all have new music that I’m anxious to give a listen to. However, the albums I’m most excited about are as follows:

Pebaluna – Carny Life 

Pebaluna features the sweet and soulful vocals of Laura Coleman. I’ve been looking forward to this release for a few weeks now. Watch this video of an acoustic version of the song “No, I Can’t” to understand why:

 

Youngblood Hawke – Youngblood Hawke EP 

Youngblood Hawke throws one of the best dance parties in town. It’s a good idea to get to know them now with their new EP so that later, when they explode, you can say “yeah, I’ve loved them for a while now”. Just listen to “We Come Running” and try not to bob your head.

 

Tina Dico – Where Do You Go To Disappear 

There is something special about the voice of Danish songstress, Tina Dico. I’m especially a fan of her albums, In the Red (2005) and Count to Ten (2007). I’m not sure how I feel about the more dance-y tracks, but this acoustic song, “The Other Side” is a winner in my book.

 

 

Also Out Today:

 

~ Kristen

New Music Tuesday 9/4/12 Featuring Imagine Dragons

Posted on by Kristen

There is probably a lot of great new music coming out today, but the one you absolutely need to get your hands on is the new Imagine Dragons CD, Night Visions. If you haven’t heard of this band, you’ve probably at least heard their songs on various movie trailers and TV show promos. They also snagged a MTV video music award nomination for their song “It’s Time” which will also be covered on an upcoming episode of Glee. In other words, this little rock band from Las Vegas has come a long way in the last year or so when I was rocking out with them at The Viper Room. They are one of my favorite rising bands and I couldn’t be happier for them!

Tonight, to celebrate their release, the band will be making an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel so tune in!

 

Here’s a picture I took of Imagine Dragons last night when they did an acoustic set at The 98.7 Penthouse:

 

~ Kristen

New Music Tuesday 8/28/12 featuring The Dunwells, Abandoned Pools, and Kitten

Posted on by Kristen

Looking for new music? Check out these bands that have new releases today!

The Dunwells – Blind Sighted Faith

This British folk rock band is re-releasing their debut album today in the US. They are one of my favorite discoveries this year and I love this album. The catchy first single, “I Could Be a King” made my SXSW ’12 mix, but the more I listen to Blind Sighted Faith, the more I fall in love with the beautifully harmonious “Only Me”. The band will be on Jay Leno this Friday.

 

Abandoned Pools – Sublime Currency 

Abandoned Pools have some shows coming up in the LA area to celebrate the release of their new record, Sublime Currency (tonight at The Hotel Cafe, Sept. 15th at The Roxy). So…let’s get on to the listening so we can sing along at the shows. Based on this lyric video, I like the direction the band seems to be headed!

 

Kitten – Cut It Out 

I heard this song the other day and almost didn’t even recognize the band. I love it and can’t wait to hear more from the Cut It Out EP that was released today.  Kitten is doing a residency next month at Bootleg Bar playing free shows every Monday night!

 

 

Even more recommendations:

 

Listen! Learn! Love!

 

~ Kristen