Music Mixes and Best Of Lists

Kristen’s ’11 Mix – Track 2- Pepper’s Ghost

Posted on by Kristen

2. “Rosalina” – Pepper’s Ghost 

Everyone who knows me knows that Pepper’s Ghost is my favorite band. When the band went on “an indefinite hiatus” in 2007, I was devastated. I moved to LA the next year. When I found out that in January of 2011 they were to play a reunion show, I bought my plane tickets faster than you can say “Friday Night in Philadelphia”. That night at The Grape Room was the best night of my year. That whole weekend brought together so many of my best friends and fellow music lovers to celebrate the reunion. Pepper’s Ghost played two sets and in between I snuck over to Northstar Bar to catch a bit of another Philly fave, Alright Junior. I love living in Los Angeles, but Philadelphia and its music will always be very close to my heart.

 

 

Here’s the setlist from their show in January. I’ve been carrying it around on my teaching binder all quarter…

~ Kristen

Kristen’s ’11 Mix – Track 1 – The Milk Carton Kids

Posted on by Kristen

The New Year is almost here. The season of year end mixes is upon us! My mix is a reflection of MY 2011, containing the tracks and artists that had an impact on me, regardless of when a song was released. For those who want to know about how my year went, I have accompanying stories of why each track was chosen. For those of you just trolling for inspiring new music, I’m sure you can find that too!

Enjoy!!

1. “Michigan” – The Milk Carton Kids

 

I believe that Joey Ryan and Kenneth Pattengale are the most inspired pairing since Paul Simon met Art Garfunkel. This year, my favorite duo made it official and christened themselves a “band” with the name The Milk Carton Kids. Along with the christening, they released an album, Prolouge. “Michigan” is the first track on the album and it took me a solid week to listen to the rest of the CD because I couldn’t move past this song! This year, I saw The Milk Carton Kids at every opportunity. Their unique combination of sad, yet beautiful tunes with gut-busting banter and deadpan humor makes for a show experience unlike any other.

 

 

~ Kristen

Kristen’s Christmas Song Mini Mix

Posted on by Kristen

It’s after Thanksgiving which means, time to put in the Christmas music! I was excited to uncheck all my tunes in my Christmas playlist, but here a few of the tunes I was most looking forward to hearing once again:

River- Joni Mitchell …this is my favorite Christmas song. Of all time. I have many versions but no one does it quite like Joni.

 

Merry Ex-mas – Lelia Broussard and Jake Newton…a couple top notch singer-songerwriters got together and wrote a killer x-mas tune. Fast becoming one of my favorites. Sometimes I cheat and listen to it out of season…

 

“Christmas Day” – Dido…my junior year in college I started every single day during the holiday season with this Christmas song sung by one of my favorite voices. I still think it’s the best way to start a wintery morning.

 

 “Christmas Is All Around” – Billy Mack… Love Actually is my favorite holiday movie. Actually it’s one of only two Christmastime films I really enjoy (the other being A Muppet Christmas Carol)

 

“Maybe This Christmas” – Ron Sexsmith…say what you will about The OC, but that show put out some great music including a Christmas soundtrack which has become one of my go to holiday albums. This song is one of the many gems from that album.

 

“Bittersweet Eve” – Belasana…you can tell I love the happy holiday songs… honestly, these songs make me happy. I swear!

 

“Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” – Judy Garland…classic!

 

~ Kristen

New Music Tuesday 11/1/11 featuring The Silent Comedy

Posted on by Kristen

Some very exciting albums released today from the likes of Florence + The Machine, Vanaprasta, The Decemberists, etc. and I certainly intend to listen to them all. However, there is one very special release today that you absolutely MUST check out and that is the new EP from The Silent Comedy. Cruelty & Clemency features some of my very favorite songs by my favorite San Diego-based band. Described as folk-rockers, The Silent Comedy wins over the hearts of everyone they play for and after a highly successful stint opening for Ryan Bingham and The Dead Horses, this number of hearts is growing quite rapidly. The boys are currently on their first east coast tour that sold out The Bowery Ballroom in NYC and got them some great buzz at CMJ.

Go listen to the new EP streaming on AOL, then download some The Silent Comedy tunes on Amazon or Itunes.

And be sure to check out The Silent Comedy tour dates and catch them in a town near you. They are back in LA November 14th at The Bootleg Theater.

 

Here’s a brand new video for “Gasoline”

 

Listen and Love!

~ Kristen

New Music Tuesday 10/25/11 featuring Honeyhoney and Maniac

Posted on by Kristen

A couple big names put out releases this week (Coldplay’s Mylo Xyloto, Kelly Clarkson’s Stronger). We also have the start of the holiday CD offerings with albums from Michael Buble (expected), She & Him (intrigued), and Scott Weiland (??). While you’re in the new music buying mood, might I suggest a couple new discs from local LA artists:

 

Honeyhoney – Billy Jack

Suzanne Santo and Ben Jaffe (AKA Honeyhoney) have been around the LA scene for several years now. I’ve been a fan since I first heard “Little Toy Gun” off their debut CD, First Rodeo. I love their bluegrass-y sound and Suzanne’s alluring vocals and can’t wait to hear what they’ve come up with on Billy Jack. Honeyhoney will be back in LA November 13th at The Troubadour.

Check it out on Itunes or Amazon 

Here’s what Suzanne and Ben have to say about the record:

 

Maniac– Session 1 from Sons of Summer

As previewed when Maniac took LMN’s Band Exam, the band will be releasing new songs in groups over the next several months. Together, these songs will comprise Maniac’s second full length album, Sons of Summer. The first 4 songs were released today!! I haven’t heard the tunes, but I bet they’re fun, danceable numbers. Added bonus: the artwork on the album cover will combine with the other sessions’ covers to great one giant piece.

You can order your limited edition, hand screened pressing of Session 1 here.  The proceeds go to help record the rest of the album.

 

~ Kristen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Music Tuesday 10/11/11 Featuring Rachel Yamagata, Deas Vail, Forrest Day, Rams’ Pocket Radio

Posted on by Kristen

Looking for some new tunes? Here are my suggestions from this week’s batch of new music releases:

 

Rachel Yamagata– Chesapeake 

This is another CD that I reviewed for the fall issue of High Voltage Magazine. Don’t want to give away too many spoilers, but I love this new album from Rachel Yamagata. It might be her best to date! It showcases her sultry voice and well-crafted lyrics perfectly.  Check out the album and if you’re in LA be sure to get tickets for her show at The Troubadour November 29th.

Get Chesapeake here

 

Deas Vail– Deas Vail

I fell in love with this band a couple of summers ago (it’s a great story if you haven’t heard it already). Songs like “Balance” and “Birds” are particularly uplifting, but Deas Vail’s entire catalog has found its way onto my “make me feel better” playlist. I’ve heard a couple of tunes from this new album when I saw the band this summer at Bonnaroo. I’m looking forward to exploring the rest.

Get the album here.

 

 

Forrest Day – Forrest Day 

One of the best bands you may not have heard from located in the Bay Area. They put on quite the live performance with their interesting mix of hip-hop, jazz, rock, etc. (they call it attention-deficit disorder rock). Check out their self-titled CD out today! They play The Mint October 21st.

The album is available on Itunes and Amazon.

 

 

Rams’ Pocket Radio– Dogs Run in Packs EP 

I’ve been slightly obsessed with this one man band from Ireland since I first heard him earlier this year. The song “1+2” made my SXSW ’11 mix. I was thrilled to find out new music was released today…  Rams’ Pocket Radio is currently opening for Snow Patrol in London. I eagerly anticipate a US tour. Please.

http://ramspocketradio.bandcamp.com/album/dogs-run-in-packs

 

Other new music out today I plan on giving a listen to:

 

 

Happy Music Listening!

~ Kristen

New Music Tuesday 10/4 Featuring Jack’s Mannequin, Mutemath, Lights, and Allen Stone

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An overwhelming number of new albums I’m excited about today. Not even sure where to begin on this one. My top picks could be any number of the albums listed below…

 

Jack’s Mannequin – People & Things 

I actually got to preview this one. I wrote the following review for High Voltage Magazine:

Prince of punk rock piano, Andrew McMahon is back with another offering from his outfit Jack’s Mannequin. People and Things is standard fare for any McMahon fan, who should run immediately to the record store. It’s all there in this album; the voice, the pleading lyrics, the soaring choruses, the PIANO ROCK. Andrew McMahon has developed a trademark sound and each track can be identified as his almost immediately. While there isn’t anything very new sonically, lyrically the record shows a maturing outlook on love, life on the road, and relationships which will connect immediately to Andrew’s maturing fan base. Standout moments on the album include the poppy opener “My Racing Thoughts”, the catchy “Television”, the soaring vocals in “Platform Fire”, the quiet beauty of the more acoustic “Restless Dream” and the profoundly realistic, and somewhat hard hitting lyrics in the song “Hey Hey Hey” which reminds the listener that “we’re all going to die someday” and invites them to “sing with me just one more time.”  Hopefully not a prophetic statement…

Listen to the album here http://music.aol.com/new-releases-full-cds/#/2

Buy it on ITunes or Amazon

 

 

MUTEMATH– Odd Soul 

MUTEMATH’s self-titled debut CD, has some of my favorite songs on it. MUTEMATH also puts on one of the best live performances. Odd Soul is bound to make its way into my CD collection based on these two facts along. I’m also loving the video for the single. I’m en route shortly to see the band perform on Jimmy Kimmel. VERY excited about this one.

Pick up the CD on Itunes or Amazon

 

 

LIGHTS– Siberia 

Lights (AKA Valerie Poxleitner) has come a long way since I first heard her song “Feburary  Air” on a TV commercial about three years ago. I really like this Canadian’s first full length CD, The Listening, especially the songs “The Last Thing on Your Mind” and “Face Up.”  I’m generally not a huge fan of the electro-pop genre, but there is something about the sweetness of the voice in contrast with the electro beats that draws me in. As long as that combination remains, I’m sure Siberia will be another hit in my book. LIGHTS will be coming to Los Angeles November 7th at The El Rey.

Buy Siberia on Amazon or Itunes

 

 

Allen Stone– Allen Stone

I’ve seen this Washington soulster deliver some impressive and inspiring performances over the past year. I’m quite excited to finally have recorded versions of songs like “Satisfaction” and “The Wind.” Allen Stone has one of those voices that can change the way you think about life. Definitely give him a listen and buy the album.

 

 

Other CDs coming out today that I’m anxious to put past my ears:

~ Kristen