Music Mixes and Best Of Lists

Kristen’s SXSW ’10 Mix- Part 1

Posted on by Kristen

It took a bit longer than I’d hoped…and wasn’t quite as exhaustive as last year (mostly due to the lack of free mp3s on the SXSW site), BUT here it is…some of my fave “new” acts discovered from SXSW 2010…okay some of these acts I already knew and loved, but I just don’t feel that you are quite there with me yet so I decided to include them.

Also, I’ve decided to spread the love and broke my list down into several, more digestable posts full of exciting videos and music.  Enjoy!

  1. “You’ve Been Warned” – Dirty Sweet 

 Have loved this San Diego band since I saw them (multiple times) on their tour with Nico Vega and Gringo Star. They recently released their second full length album, American Spiritual. I felt this track, from that album, was the perfect way to start off this mix

             2. “Around the Bend” – The Asteroids Galaxy Tour

The obligatory “so that’s who sings that song” track. I must say Apple has good taste in music…

                 3. “We Sing In Time“ – The Lonely Forest

This is one of those tracks I fell in love with before the chorus even hit…probably the first track I knew was going to be on this mix. The Lonely Forest is at the top of my list of bands I need to investigate further…and see perform!  The video below is an acoustic version of “We Sing In Time”…it really showcases what a gorgeous song this is.

              4. “If You Care” – Doll & The Kicks

The slow song from their fantastic self titled CD. I had the pleasure of falling in love with this band when they went on tour with The Silent Comedy and Links. Just another band to add to my faves from across the pond list.

Part 2 of my SXSW ’10 Mix coming soon…

~ Kristen

Kristen’s SXSW ’10 Mix- Part 1

Posted on by Kristen

It took a bit longer than I’d hoped…and wasn’t quite as exhaustive as last year (mostly due to the lack of free mp3s on the SXSW site), BUT here it is…some of my fave “new” acts discovered from SXSW 2010…okay some of these acts I already knew and loved, but I just don’t feel that you are quite there with me yet so I decided to include them.
Also, I’ve decided to spread the love and broke my list down into several, more digestable posts full of exciting videos and music.  Enjoy!

  1. “You’ve Been Warned” – Dirty Sweet 

 Have loved this San Diego band since I saw them (multiple times) on their tour with Nico Vega and Gringo Star. They recently released their second full length album, American Spiritual. I felt this track, from that album, was the perfect way to start off this mix

             2. “Around the Bend” – The Asteroids Galaxy Tour

The obligatory “so that’s who sings that song” track. I must say Apple has good taste in music…

                 3. “We Sing In Time“ – The Lonely Forest

This is one of those tracks I fell in love with before the chorus even hit…probably the first track I knew was going to be on this mix. The Lonely Forest is at the top of my list of bands I need to investigate further…and see perform!  The video below is an acoustic version of “We Sing In Time”…it really showcases what a gorgeous song this is.

              4. “If You Care” – Doll & The Kicks

The slow song from their fantastic self titled CD. I had the pleasure of falling in love with this band when they went on tour with The Silent Comedy and Links. Just another band to add to my faves from across the pond list.

Part 2 of my SXSW ’10 Mix coming soon…

~ Kristen

New Music Tuesday 4/16 (and beyond) featuring The Neighbourhood, Arcane Roots, Andrew Ripp

Posted on by Kristen

So, this is kind of cruel, but most of the albums I’m getting excited about today aren’t actually being released today. My inbox this morning was full of upcoming musical goodness, and I felt inspired to share. There are actually quite a few high-profile albums out today that I’ll eventually get around to checking out, but honestly, what I can’t seem to get past are the following musical teasers. I also have a couple musical suggestions if you need new music now…
The Neighbourhood – I Love You

This album will come out next Tuesday (April 23rd), but the stream was released today via Rolling Stone and I can’t stop listening. The band is playing LA tonight, opening for Foals at The El Rey. The show is sold out, but listening to the album, I got a bit overexcited and stalked Craigslist and Ticketmaster until I came up with an available ticket (happy late birthday present to me!). Seriously, the idea of having more than the brilliant 5 song EP makes me giddy.

Go here to listen and here to pre-order.

 

Arcane Roots – Blood & Chemistry

I’ve been waiting for more music from this British rock outfit for a few months now. Their first full-length album, Blood & Chemistry comes out in the UK May 6th…not sure what that means for us poor folk in the US, but this album teaser makes me think I might be importing this one…

Their first single off of the album makes me a bit dizzy, but in a feels like I’m at the show bouncing around kind of way…

Andrew Ripp– Won’t Let Go

Ever since a friend shared Andrew Ripp’s track “Dresden Wine”, I have been a fan of this singer/songwriter, currently from Nashville. I’m looking forward to diving in to this newest release of his.

Itunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/wont-let-go/id632774958

NCIS: LA TV Show Soundtrack – Various Artists

There were too many great artists on this soundtrack not to check it out…especially since it was streaming here. It’s quite the variety of music and yes, just about every song would work to ramp up the emotional intensity of a dramatic scene. Artists include Daughtry, Allen Stone, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Alex Clare, Jakob Dylan, etc.  My favorite tracks were the ones from The Wild Feathers, Adrian Lux f. The Good Natured, and a slow/sad one from Gaslight Anthem (below)

Other albums released today worth checking into:

  • Fall Out Boy – Save Rock N Roll
  • Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Mosquito
  • Sarah Brightman – Dreamchaser
  • Iron & Wine – Ghost on Ghost
  • Jessie Ware – Devotion
  • Charlie XCX – True Romance
  • The Summer Set – Legendary
  • Olly Murs – Right Place, Right Time

 

~ Kristen

New Music Tuesday 3/5/13 Featuring Michael Bernard Fitzgerald, Semi Precious Weapons, and k.s. Rhoads

Posted on by Kristen

There aren’t too many new releases I’m excited about today, that doesn’t mean I don’t have some new music to share!

Michael Bernard Fitzgerald – Firecracker EP

Firstly, I do love the Firecracker EP released today by Canadian Michael Bernard Fitzgerald. I saw Michael play the Hotel Cafe a month or so ago and was compelled not just by his performance, but by the songwriting showcased so well on this teaser of an EP.

you can stream the EP on Spotify here: http://open.spotify.com/album/2LByR1fHgu1GFIEfTX0nye

Here’s an acoustic take on the EP title track, “Firecracker”:

I also have a couple videos that came out most recently and hint and some excellent music to come:

Semi Precious Weapons – “Aviation High”

Semi Precious Weapons have been a bit MIA lately, but it looks like they’ve been busy gearing up for a massive re-launch, hinted at by this video for their new single, “Aviation High”. If you’re in Los Angeles tonight, the boys take the stage at the exclusive Sayers Club for their first public performance in quite a while. Don’t miss it!

k.s. Rhoads– “Orphaned”

Multi-talented Nashville-based artist, k.s. Rhoads has a new album coming out later this month aptly titled The Wilderness. Here is a cool video for his new song “Orphaned” where he explore the wilderness of Nashville in a space suit.

Listen! Learn! Love!

 

~ Kristen

New Music Tuesday 2/12/13 Featuring The Stone Foxes

Posted on by Kristen

The Stone Foxes – Small Fires 

All hail The Stone Foxes, a fearsome foursome from SF whose album, Small Fires, comes out today. If you’re a fan of bluesy rock with a hint of face-melting guitar, this album is for you.  If you favor songs that simmer for a bit before coming to boil, this album is for you.  If you don’t like movin’ and groovin’ (or at least foot tappin’), then maybe you shouldn’t bother with this album as its tunes are the type that infect. The infection can be slow, but before you know it you WILL be bobbing you head and you will get odd looks from your co-workers (okay, maybe that last one is just me).

For a taste, here’s the video for the first single off Small Fires, “Everybody Knows”

More Top Picks from Recent Releases:

I’m behind on my music acquiring/listening, but that doesn’t mean you need to be…

Frightened Rabbit – Pedestrian Verse

I haven’t heard this album in its entirety, but I love this band so I’m sure it will be a must-have for my collection.

The Shadowboxers– Red Room

I recently discovered this Atlanta-based band, but I liked them so much their track “Sidewalk” made it on my 2012 Mix B-Sides. A couple weeks ago, they released an album, Red Room. I still need to dig into the album, but it’s near the top of my queue.

Other recent releases to look into:

~ 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 8.16.11: The Milk Carton Kids, Bird by Bird, The War on Drugs, Ten Out of Tenn, and more!

Posted on by Kristen

Another Tuesday, another barrage of new music. There are a few I’m looking forward to getting my hands on this week so I thought I’d share.
 

The Milk Carton Kids– Prolouge  

This is one of the BEST CDs currently in my player. I’ve said it before, but Joey Ryan and Kenneth Pattengale (AKA The Milk Carton Kids) are the second coming of Simon & Garfunkel…if Simon & Garfunkel could make you both laugh to the point of crying. There is no excuse for anyone not to get this CD as it is being offered for free on The Milk Carton Kids website. Pay close attention to the tour dates because this show is one you don’t want to miss.

“Michigan” is the first song off the album. It was days before I could move on to track to because I just had this one on repeat.

 

 

Bird by Bird– While You Sleep

Bay area rockers, Bird by Bird, were in town on Saturday playing On the Rox. I’ve been looking forward to seeing this duo of Jonathan Devoto and Ross Traver, but of course Saturday was the day of a million shows and I couldn’t make it. Guess I’ll have to go the download route (http://birdbybird.bandcamp.com/) on this one as the only shows the band have scheduled are up in Nor Cal. Even though I’ll have to wait a bit longer to see them live, at least now I have something new for the ears.

You can listen to a stream of the album on AOL’s Music Page: http://music.aol.com/new-releases-full-cds/#/13

 

 

 

The War on Drugs– Slave Ambient  

My Philadelphia brethren, The War on Drugs, have a new album. I’ve only heard bits of it, but some of my favorite musicians are associated with this band, so you’d better bet I’m going to go out and get it! Their 2008 album, Wagonwheel Blues, boasted tunes like “Taking The Farm” and “Arms Like Boulders” which still find their way onto my playlists. The War on Drugs is coming to The Satellite October 22nd.

Listen here to The War on Drugs live on NPR!

And an interview with Filter Magazine

Buy Slave Ambient here

 

 

 

Ten Out of Tenn– Volume 4 

Ten Out of Tenn is a collective of artists based in Nashville, TN. Individually they are all amazing singer-songwriters, Butterfly Boucher, Andrew Belle, Trent Dabbs, Katie Herzig, etc. Together, the ten (or so) artists travel around the country together playing their music and combining their skills to form a sort of super group. Their albums, including today’s release, Volume 4, come across as compilation CDs, giving the listener a taste of each individual voice. I love this concept! Ten Out of Tenn is currently out on tour. I wouldn’t miss it…

Tour: http://www.10outoftenn.com/home#/tour

 

Itunes link

Because I just saw him last Friday, here is Ten Out of Tenn featuring Andrew Belle’s “The Ladder”

 

 

Other CDs coming out today:

  • Blue October has a new one out today called Any Man in America. I am a huge fan of this band’s debut album and am looking forward to see what they sound like these days. Their album today is only $3.99 on Amazon.com…this does not sound like a bad deal to me…
  • Fool’s Gold is a band based in LA I keep meaning to check out. Maybe having their new album, Leave No Trace, will encourage me to do so. They are playing at The Amoeba in Hollywood tomorrow, August 17th, at 7pm
  • The Parson Red Heads is another LA based band. I saw them open for Truth & Salvage Co. and I recall enjoying their performance. I’m hoping their CD, Yearling,  is equally enjoyable!

 

Happy New Music Day!

 

~ Kristen