Music Mixes and Best Of Lists

Kristen’s SXSW ’12 Mix – Part 1

Posted on by Kristen

One of the things I love most about SXSW is the opportunity it provides every year to discover great new artists. The following mix reflects some of the bands and musicians I’ve added to my “watch list” as a result of SXSW 2012. Enjoy!

1. Of Monsters and Men – “Little Talks”

There is a reason why this group from Iceland is selling out venues around the country. I mean, how catchy is this song?

 

2. The Good Natured – “Skeleton”

Actually caught this band at SXSW last year, but I don’t think I remembered that until I was going through this year’s artist list and I recalled how much I enjoyed this group and this song

3. Avalanche City – “Love love love”

Everytime I hear this song, I smile

 

4. The Apache Relay– “Home is Not Places”

“Home is not places, it is love” what more needs to be said?

 

Listen! Learn! Love!

~ Kristen

Kristen’s Top 10 Bands to See SXSW 2012

Posted on by Kristen

We started the morning in Wilcox, Arizona. Drove 12 hours to get to Austin and immediately went to the Pure Volume House for its Late Night show featuring LMN faves Dead Sara and Foxy Shazam. What a fantastic way to begin SXSW 2012! Tomorrow officially begins the madness, so I thought I’d share with you my top 10 picks for the week:

  1. Twin Atlantic- if there is one band I try to see every time they play in Austin it will be Scottish rockers, Twin Atlantic. No matter that I’ve seen them three times in the past month. Their CD, Free, has a problem leaving my car stereo. Catch them at The British Embassy (512 San Jacinto) Friday night at 11pm.

2. Queen Caveat– This dynamic rock quartet from LA just released a new EP, Slap on the Wrist, and I cannot wait to see them turn heads and make even more new fans with their energetic live performance. Check them out at The ATN Showcase at The Bayou Lounge (500 E 6th St) Friday night at 10pm

3. The Silent Comedy– There is no greater joy than dancing with friends at a The Silent Comedy show. Some of my best memories from SXSW 2011 surround this folk-rocking band from San Diego. Only makes sense that 2012 will be a repeat. See them play the rooftop at Whole Foods Friday at 5:15.

4. The Milk Carton Kids- missing a Milk Carton Kids show is simply not acceptable in my book. This duo sing songs so beautiful my heart melts every time. They are only playing one show, The Hotel Café showcase at St. David’s (301 E 8th St.) Friday night. The line-up at this show also boasts other LMN faves such as Meiko, The Lumineers, LP, and Rachel Yamagata. The Milk Carton Kids play at 9pm.

 

5. We Are Augustines- I’ve been meaning to see this NYC-based band for some time now. I am MOST excited to finally get the opportunity in Austin. Their first show is 10pm Tuesday night at Antone’s (213 W 5th St). Seems like a great way to start the week to me…

6. Tournament of Hearts– Tournament of Hearts is my pick for best unknown band to check out. That’s what SXSW is all about, right? These rockers from LA are in Austin to show the industry that they are a band to watch. Watch them at The Bayou Lounge Thursday at noon (500 E 6th St)

7. Glen Hansard- The Swell Season puts on one of the best shows I have ever seen. It’s something about the way Glen can convey such emotion in his songs. I’m looking forward to seeing him solo Thursday 3:30 at Antone’s (213 W 5th St.)

8. Maverick Sabre- Two years ago Maverick Sabre captivated me with his song “I Need”. This past year this Englishman finally released his full length album which I looove.  I saw he was playing sxsw this year an instantly blocked out my schedule. Catch him at The British Embassy Saturday night at 11pm.

9. Marcus Foster– Marcus Foster has already sold out two shows at The Hotel Café later this month. I failed to get a ticket so I must catch him at SXSW. I’m aiming for 9pm Weds night at Maggie Mae’s Rooftop (323 E 6th St).

 

10. Dead Sara- Dead Sara has been one of my favorites for some time now. Their debut album comes out in April and they are already getting so much buzz they can no longer play smaller venues in LA. SXSW may be the last time I get to see them up close in awhile. Can’t miss that! Catch them play alongside some other fantastic LA bands at the Buzzbands showcase at Freehouse (700 W 6th St.) 1:30 Weds afternoon.

 

 

As for tomorrow, some anticipated highlights include We Are Augustines (10pm) and Band of Skulls (11pm) at Antone’s (213 W 5th St) and fiN at The British Music Emassy (Latitude 30- 512 San Jacinto)

 

Ok, now time for my 3 hour “nap”

 

~ Kristen

New Music Tuesday 2/14 Featuring Imagine Dragons and The Other Side of Morning

Posted on by Kristen

Yeah, I know this is a bit late, but, you know…better than never. There are a few releases today that I’d really like to turn your attention to.

Imagine Dragons – Continued Silence EP

Imagine Dragons have been on my Band Love list for a couple of years now. It’s easy to fall in love with a band that puts on such an energetic and engaging live show. The past year has brought a lot of changes for the band including a record deal with Interscope. The Continued Silence EP is the first music to come out of this deal and I’m incredibly anxious to see how the band has grown and changed musically. Watch this video to learn a bit more about the band and hear their song “It’s Time” from the new EP and if you’re in LA, be sure to come out to The Viper Room Feb. 22nd to catch the band in action.

Buy the EP here  http://www.amazon.com/Continued-Silence-EP/dp/B0076A9AXU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1329353048&sr=8-1

The Other Side of Morning– Letters From Your Love, The Madman

LMN and The Other Side of Morning go way back to our first official band interview. I’ve been keeping track of this band ever since and am SO excited that their CD, Letters From Your Love, The Madman is finally available via amazon and itunes. I’m am currently listening to the CD and waiting for my ride to The Roxy where the band is playing tonight to celebrate this release. It will be a fantastic line-up with The Other Side of Morning along with Toy, Shawn Hook, and  Jane Carrey. Show starts at 8pm!

This is an awesome video…

 

Other releases I’d recommend:

Happy Listening!

~ Kristen

Valentine’s Day Playlist: Honorable Mentions- Part 2

Posted on by Amanda

As promised, my honorable mentions list.

Honorable Mentions: Amanda

Loneliness: Medicate- AFI

Let’s see, a song about medicating, being numb, and someone who doesn’t even know your name. Yep, that’s pretty sad.

Tease: Dare Me- Pointer Sisters

I grew up listening to the likes of The Pointer Sisters, The Coasters, and other such oldies. I have to say, I like it when a lady dares a guy because she knows she can take him on. The real question is, can he handle her?

Sexy: Mr. Sinister- Scarlet Grey

One of my favorite songs from one of my favorite LA bands and while it isn’t ‘sexy’ in terms of being a song about sex, it feels sexy to me. Maybe it’s the guitar. Maybe it’s about someone sinister. It might just be the lyric, ‘he’ll help you take off your dress, insist there’s more to confess.’ Is that a promise?

Puppy Love: The Way It Is- Th’ Moonlight Sexy

Sadly, Th’ Moonlight Sexy no longer exists and neither does this song on the interwebs. I can however, link you to their old Myspace and you can listen to their other tunes. I know it’s a cop out but I got nothing….

http://www.myspace.com/springfieldrock

Sprung: Dirty Little Secret- The All American Rejects

You want me but you don’t want to tell anyone about me? Well sir, it sounds like you just want me for my body and all it’s capable of doing. I might be ok with that.

Creepy Love: I Will Follow Him- Peggy March

This might be more a song about devotion and true love but in today’s day and age, a song about following a guy no matter what reads ‘stalker.’

Unrequited Love: About A Girl- The Academy Is…

So wait, this song isn’t about a girl you’re secretly in love with? Oh wait, you just don’t want to admit it. Keep telling yourself you aren’t in love. Let’s see how long that lasts. P.S. I totally relate

Proclamation: There She Goes- Carney

Something about Carney just oozes sex. So when they start telling you they secretly love you, how could you not go weak at the knees for this? Sigh.

In Love: The Brute and The Beast- Fierce Creatures

I remember the day when Fierce Creatures came knocking on my little blog door and said ‘hey, check us out.’ It’s been love since then much like this velvety soft song.

Tragic Love: Daisy- The Silent Comedy

Sadly this song doesn’t get a lot of playtime but it’s always been a favorite of mine. Hey Daisy, just add some salt to the wound. It makes for a good song.

Post Break Up: Miserable At Best- Mayday Parade

Love sucks. Love hurts. Sometimes the best you can be is miserable. Mayday Parade understands your pain.

It’s Just Another Day: Haight St.- Anberlin

‘Let’s you and me, make a night of this. Old enough to know but too young to care.’ Hark, I hear my lost adolescence calling me! I suppose that’s why this song has a sweet spot with me.

 

And now we end all talk of Valentine’s Day! Until next year…

Valentine’s Day Playlist: Honorable Mentions

Posted on by Amanda

It wouldn’t be right of us to let the Valentine’s Day fun actually end on Valentine’s Day so we thought we would share some of the hopefuls for our playlist that just didn’t make the cut. Marissa’s list is up first because, well, I like her list more than mine. Ha ha.

Honorable Mentions: Marissa

Loneliness: Remain – Transfer

Transfer is a little bit Melancholy and this song has that sort of, “I’m just living to live” vibe about it.  Plus, I just love Transfer.



Tease: Halo Bender – The Halo Benders

“You Think You’re Heaven Sent, Gonna Get Your Halo Bent”



Sexy: I’m Gonna Love The Hell Out of You – The Silver Jews

An odd one, but I love it.  Something about the slow monotone approach of the Silver Jews makes almost every song sound a little bit naughty.


Puppy Love: Red Sweater – The Aquabats

It’s just cute. Smiles.



Sprung: Pictures of Lily – The Who

Falling in love with a sexy picture, just cause your a teenage boy, if that’s not sprung I don’t know what is.

Creepy Love: Saturday Night – The Misfits

I mean if you murder a girl, you shouldn’t sing song about being bummed out about it, it’s just rude.

Unrequited Love: My Man (Funny Girl) – Barbara Streisand

Heart breaking to say the least.

Proclamation: Winter Winds – Mumford and Sons

This is a “Holy Shit I’m In Love With You, but You Are Totally Terrible For Me” song.

In Love: Drifter – Mississippi Man

This is one of those songs that just touches of this sort of, we just happen to be perfect together things, with adorable and catchy lyrics, it’s one of my favorites.



Tragic Love: Farewell Reel – Patti Smith

Written after the death of her husband, an honest and heart wrenching account of the loss of a true love.

Post Break Up: Crown of Love – Arcade Fire

The swooning strings and Win Butler’s strong yet shaky voice give this song a pulse and intensity that isn’t characteristic of a post break up song.

 

It’s Just Another Day: Car – Built To Spill

‘You Get the Car, I’ll Get the Night Off”

Valentines Day Playlist: Cycles of Love: It’s Just Another Day

Posted on by Amanda

At long last, the cycle of love has come to an end (as has our playlists). This playlist is for those of us who don’t really pay much attention to Valentines Day. Perhaps you think it’s a corporate holiday or that picking one day to show your love for someone is stupid because you should show it every day. Maybe you are just indifferent to the whole idea. Well this is our list of songs not about love or romance. Enjoy your day. It’s just like any other.

It’s Just Another Day

Local Music – Crimson Calvary – Dirty Sweet

I will raise my arms into the night but only because you asked so nicely. This song ties for favorite from now defunct SD band Dirty Sweet. I love and miss your guitar rifts and breakdowns in your songs. So badass. You guys are missed.



Top 40 – Great DJ- The Ting Tings

I’ll be honest, I’m not entirely sure what this song is about but I remember watching The Ting Tings perform it live and being pretty happy. It’s light and dancy which makes any day better in my opinion. Plus it talks about drums of which, I am a fan.



Alternative Radio – No Rain – Blind Melon

Everything in life is beautiful, even the puddles gathering.  Blind Melon should have worked on some more hit songs though, a one hit wonder is a terrible thing.



Soundtrack – Thriller – Michael Jackson – This Is It

I’m a sucker for classics and whatever your opinion of Michael Jackson, you can’t deny he was one hell of an entertainer. The classics never die.



Misc – The World Blows My Mind – Crash Encore

Another local band making its way on the list.  Crash Encore has since disbanded and become about fifteen other bands since then, but they have left us with a plethora of a catalog and this song is one of my favorites. “The World, It Blows, My Mind, All The Time.”

Just enjoy life. That’s all we’ve got 🙂

Valentine’s Day: Cycles of Love: Post Break Up

Posted on by MarissaMortati

I think if someone complied all the songs ever written and categorized them by topic, an overwhelming number of them would be written about the wake that follows after a tragic break up.  This is why Amanda and myself had to separate our lists just to accommodate the number of songs written on topic.  Just lean on our shoulders and cry a while why you listen to these bummer numbers or if you’re the angry type, we will help you destroy all their things too.

 

Post Break Up

Amanda’s Picks:

Local Music – Breakin The Chains of Love- Fitz and The Tantrums

Love can be a drag. It can wear you down and make you forget about who you were because you were too busy trying to be who the other person thought you should be (not healthy, by the way). It’s time to break those chains and move on. Sing it Fitz!

Top 40 – Raise Your Glass- Pink

This song isn’t really about break ups per say but the message is still clear, ‘no matter our flaws, faults, and otherwise messed up selves, we still rock.’ If that isn’t an anthem for picking yourself up and getting a move on from that stupid person who dumped you or the stupid person you got involved with, I don’t know what is. This song may be pop but it makes you get up and dance (and feel empowered) which is really what you need after a break up.

Alternative Radio – Gives You Hell- The All American Rejects

I’m fairly certain we all need some kind of retaliation against the one who hurt us. Or at least the knowledge that we are doing better than they are after the break up. The All American Rejects know what I’m talking about. I hope you see me and realize what an idiot you are and how much better I’m doing with out you. I hope you suffer! Muah ha ha ha.

Soundtrack – Breaking Up Is Hard To Do- Neil Sedaka

The name says it all. Breaking up is hard to do. It’s shitty and it sucks but at least you know you are not alone.

Misc – The Test- The Academy Is…

This song was on standby after my breakup when I just wanted the knowledge that the other person didn’t care and that I was losing it. Sometimes the best feeling in the world is surrendering to the loss and acknowledge being broken. It really takes the pressure off. Perhaps my favorite line is the chorus (which gave me my validation or maybe vindication) is, ‘if this is a test, I’m losing my shit would it kill you to care as much as I did?’ Honestly, would it kill them to care?

Marissa’s Picks:

Local Music – Shifty Eyes – The Howls

A Howl: to utter a loud, prolonged, mournful cry. The Howls do exactly that as John Cooper sings about the woman who ripped his heart apart.  A cry of both anger and sadness, it was my first pick for a post break up song.

Top 40 – Fuck You – Cee Lo Green

Sometimes you just got get real and just say “Fuck You.”

Alternative Radio – Hate It Here – Wilco

Being in love is like being addicted to a person.  They invade every part of your life and when they leave there is this massive dis-function that is left behind.  You have to relearn how to live and Jeff Tweedy, an addict of many things, knows that sometimes mowing the lawn is all that keep you afloat without the one you love.

Soundtrack – Both Sides Now – Love Actually

Joni Mitchell’s song “Both Sides Now” paints a bleak picture of love, but none so bleak as paired with Emma Thompson’s beautiful performance in the movie Love Actually after she finds out her husband may be unfaithful.

Misc – You Turn Clear In The Sun – Telekinesis

Michael Benjamin Lerner is Telekinesis and I think he has one or two bad girlfriends in his past.  “I never loved you, I’ve never love anyone.” It’s his want of erasing the memories, the bad, the good, the everything that pings home with me.  Needless to say, if MBL ever needs consoling, I’m his girl.

Still trying to get over it? Me too, but tomorrow is another day…