New Music Tuesday 1/15 featuring The Delta Saints, Free Energy, twenty/one/pilots

Some new music that has come out recently that I’ve been digging or feel the need to dig into:

The Delta SaintsDeath Letter Jubilee

Let’s just say, Tennessee’s The Delta Saints found their way into my life at the perfect moment. Their brand of foot-tapping, soul-rising rock was just wanted I need when their new album, Death Letter Jubilee found its way to my ears.  I was in love at first listen and cannotstop listening. I’d highly recommend picking up their album so you can join me in my newest band love. You can get it off their website, as well as iTunes, and amazon.

 

 

Free EnergyLove Sign

 

When I think of Free Energy I think of fun. I think of pop. I think “let’s dance”. From what I’ve heard of their sophomore album, Love Sign, they are delivering exactly what I want. Looking forward to some Free Energy dance parties!

 

 

Twenty/one/pilotsVessel 

This one came out last Tuesday, but I feel I’ve been anticipating this Columbus, OH based-band’s album for a while now so I didn’t want the event to go by unmentioned.  I’ve been enjoying the mash-up of different musical flavors and songs that are unpredictable and refreshing. These gents are set to make an appearance in LA at The Troubadour Feb. 20th and I’m looking forward to seeing how this music translates live.

 

Other recent releases to check out

New Music Tuesday 12/18/12 featuring Matt Duke

Matt Duke has new music out today. This is quite notable. The EP, Love on A Major Scale, has been on heavy rotation on my music player and I fall more in love with each listen. It’s been a few years since this Philly singer-songwriter has released an acoustic album and this effort does not disappoint. You can preview the entire EP here. Or just buy it from iTunes.

 

Other CDs out in the last few weeks that I’m still trying to check out (you may notice a trend…ha!):

 

~ Kristen

New Music Tuesday 11/6/12 Featuring Sad Robot, Makeshift Prodigy, Mrnorth

I’m a bit behind on all of this, but hey, better late than never, no? Here’s the new music I’ve been listening to this last week or so…

Sad Robot1.0 

I wasn’t able to post about this when it came out, but I’ve been listening to this debut album from LA rockers, Sad Robot for a couple weeks now and I am loving it! With traces of Nico Vega, this female-fronted power trio takes rock to another level, reaching out beyond the tunes to convey a message of hope and strength that is much needed in my life right now. After an October residency at The Silverlake Lounge and song placement in the TV show, Bones, this band seems to be picking up some steam. I am really looking forward to seeing where they will go next.

Makeshift ProdigyIlluminate EP 

Chicago’s Makeshift Prodigy made an impact on me a couple years ago with their stirring single, “Alive” off their 2010 album, mathematica.  The band had a new EP come out this week and from what I’ve heard of it, they seem to deliver on the rousing rock anthems that initially caught my ear.

MrnorthThis Isn’t Just Lightening 

In 2007, Mrnorth’s album Fear & Desire blew my mind. I think I had “Sleeping Dogs” on repeat for weeks. A couple weeks ago the now NYC-based rock band released a live double album.   I haven’t heard much from this band lately, but I was tickled to see that they had so much new music for me to digest in this double disc live album recorded form. Easy download decision.

 

Also to look into:

  • Mike Doughty – The Flip is Another Honey
  • Rumer – Boys Don’t Cry
  • Kate Rusby – 20
  • Joshua James – From The Top of Willamette Mountain
  • Aerosmith – Music From Another Dimension!
  • Skye –  Back to Now
~ Kristen

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

New Music! Hooray!

My top suggestions this week:

LeogunLeogun 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 JoslynPieces 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 WardTil 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

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 WhalesDiluvia 

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

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

Three Days GraceTransit 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 GeorgasHannah 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 PrettymanCedar + 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

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 ChevinBorderland

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 MotherThe 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 & SonsBabel 

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

 

Other’s to look into:

 

~ Kristen