Music Mixes and Best Of Lists

Kristen’s ’10 Mix – Track 13 – Alright, Junior

Posted on by Kristen

13. “The One I Love” – Alright, Junior

Alright, Junior is one of my fave bands from back in Philly. Unfortunately, they don’t tend to leave the east coast, so I only get to see them about once a year…if I’m lucky! This year, I was able to catch their show at North Star Bar where they played a fantastic new song, “Burn”. They did a local radio show for 104.5, playing that song along with this cover of REM’s “The One I Love.” When I first heard this cover, it literally brought tears to my eyes.  I love this band!

http://alrightjunior.com/alrightjunior/home.html

Unfortunately, I can no longer find the link to the video online…but someone did capture their radio performance of “Burn” so ENJOY!

I love this band!

 

~ Kristen

track 12: Scarlet Grey
track 14: The Academy Is…

Kristen’s ’10 Mix – Track 12 – Scarlet Grey

Posted on by Kristen

12. “The Sky & I” – Scarlet Grey

Another great thing about Nico Vega is the  fantastic bands that they introduce me to. The best tour of the year was Nico Vega with Saint Motel and Imagine Dragons (I went to three different cities for this one). Another band that opened for Nico Vega that I enjoyed was Scarlet Grey. I had barely been to two Scarlet Grey shows, when I somehow found myself working as a PA on their music video for “The Sky & I”. The experience was so much fun that every time I hear this song I can’t help but smile. I know I am a part of another fantastic musical family!

http://www.scarletgrey.net/

~ Kristen

track 11: Queen Caveat
track 13: Alright, Junior

Kristen’s ’10 Mix – Track 11 – Queen Caveat

Posted on by Kristen

11. “In My Bed” – Queen Caveat

I’m pretty sure I discovered Queen Caveat last year, when they were known as StolenPlayer and played a random gig at Crane’s, my favorite Hollywood bar. This year, they pinned down a line-up, started playing regular gigs, released their first EP, Emptor…and I started going to all of their shows…they are that amazing live. Look for them to blow up in the next couple of years! But as one great thing begins, another must end. In November I went to the final night at Crane’s before it was relocated to Costa Rica. So many amazing memories at that place, that final night included.

http://www.myspace.com/queencaveat

 more of my favorite Crane’s regulars:

George Stanford:

Lissie:

Andy Clockwise:

~ Kristen

track 10: Safetysuit
track 12: Scarlet Grey

Kristen’s ’10 Mix – Track 10 – Safetysuit

Posted on by Kristen

10. “Annie” – Safetysuit

I was at the Best Buy in Elmira, NY over the winter holiday. I was looking for some new music. I asked one of the employees what they’d recommend. They pointed to the album Life Left to Go by this band I’d never heard of called Safetysuit. Who would have thought I would have discovered one of my favorite new bands of the year in Elmira, NY?!? I was able to see Safetysuit, a band based out of Nashville, play The Roxy early in the year. If I liked the band before I saw them perform, I loved them afterwards. I especially enjoy this song, “Annie”, which the audience almost got them to play twice!

http://www.safetysuitmusic.com/

~ Kristen

track 9: Lady Danville
track 11: Queen Caveat

Kristen’s ’10 Mix – Track 9 – Lady Danville

Posted on by Kristen

9. “Tired Magician” – Lady Danville

One of the highlights of my year was the North Park Music Thing, a music conference in San Diego. During the day we went to talks about the industry, including a keynote speech by Kim Fowley. Then, at night, the North Park area of SD was turned into a veritable pupu platter of music. It was truly fantastical. Highlights of the weekend included Endoxi, The Silent Comedy, The Rescues, The Republic of Letters, The Makepeace Brothers, and LA’s Lady Danville. I’d been a fan of Lady Danville for awhile, but this was the first time I was able to see them. They did not disappoint.

More pictures from The North Park Music Thing:

~ Kristen

track 8: Endoxi
track 10: Safetysuit

Kristen’s ’10 Mix – Track 8 – Endoxi

Posted on by Kristen

8. “12.19” – Endoxi

Endoxi, and in particular their record Earthbound, holds a very special place in my heart. I had the distinct pleasure of being able to lurk around the studio when this CD was being put together. LMN got to attend its first listening party and really got to know Endoxi’s lead  singer and songwriter, Chris Wilson, who is one of the most naturally gifted musicians I’ve ever met. Endoxi means “everything in its place” and witnessing Mr. Wilson shredding on his guitar up on stage truly gives you the sense of Endoxi. The band is based in San Diego, but promises to venture up to LA in the new year. I’m already excited!

http://endoxi.com/

can’t find a video for “12.19”…these other Endoxi clips will have to do…

~ Kristen

Track 7: Deas Vail
Track 9: Lady Danville

Kristen’s ’10 Mix- Track 7 – Deas Vail

Posted on by Kristen

7. “Balance” – Deas Vail

I was wandering around Warped Tour Pomona, waiting for After Midnight Project’s acoustic set, when I first heard Deas Vail. Their music literally made me stop in my tracks, turn my head, and go towards their stage. I kept trying to leave the stage (I didn’t want to be late for the other set), but I couldn’t. I kept walking back. The music was so beautiful and uplifting and SO out of place at Warped Tour. As soon as I could, I found their tent, bought every single album they had (an EP and an LP) and have been listening somewhat obsessively ever since. “Balance”, off their White Lights EP,  is one of those songs that moves me every time I hear it.

http://deasvail.com/

 More Deas Vail:

~ Kristen

track 6: Mumford & Sons
track 8: Endoxi