New Music Tuesday 4/3/12 Featuring The Lumineers, Of Monsters and Men, Ben Howard

Today has been quite chaotic. There is simply more to do than time to do it in. But I’m determined to get the word on on a few new CDs that come out today. So here it is. word.

The LumineersThe Lumineers  

The Lumineers have been a LMN Band Love for a little while now. I’ve been anxiously awaiting this album. It has been the soundtrack of my day. You should take a listen.

Buy it here.

 

Of Monsters and MenMy Head is An Animal

These guys made my SXSW ’12 mix with their song “Little Talks”. I am very much looking forward to checking the rest of the album out. Here’s a taste.

Amazon link

 

Ben HowardEvery Kingdom

Another artist from my SXSW ’12 mix has a CD coming out today. I already have a ticket to see Ben at The Troubadour in June. He’s playing two nights (5th and 6th). I think there are still tickets available for the second night.

Cd can be found here.

I’m not generally a fan of music videos, but this one really grabs me.

 

~ Kristen

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

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 DragonsContinued 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 MorningLetters 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

New Music Tuesday 1/31 Featuring Adam Arcuragi and Carsie Blanton

Another great day for music releases. There are several new records I’m interested in checking out, but I’m going to put the spotlight on two amazing artists based in Philadelphia that have new music out today. Adam Arcuragi and Carsie Blanton are both part of the folk/coffeehouse scene in Philly. I have enjoyed both artists for many years and am most excited to hear what they have been up to lately.

Adam’s deep, soothing and soulful voice is mesmerizing. I’m writing this as I stream his new album, Like a Fire That Consumes All Before It from NPR and I find it casting a spell on me. The songs seem to maintain a folk/indie sensibility but with a quiet beauty that reminds me of a Ryan Adams song. I can’t wait to delve deeper into the record!

Carsie Blanton is the epitome of sweet. I love her folksy songs and candy-coated voice.  She could be singing the most depressing tune, but you still couldn’t help but smile at the inflections in her voice. From what I’ve heard of Idiot Heart it sounds like another charmer. You can download the new CD here. http://carsieblanton.bandcamp.com/album/idiot-heart

I was unable to find a video for a song from her new album (which you can stream from her website), but here’s a fun song off her album, Buoy.

 

Here are a few more I’d recommend looking into:

~ Kristen

New Music Tuesday 1/24 Featuring Ingrid Michaelson, Foxy Shazam, Graffiti6, etc.

I know it’s been awhile since I was able to do one of these, but there are so many wonderful CDs coming out today and I felt it necessary to invest some time into pointing them out. I hope you, in turn, will invest some time into listening! Click on the artist’s name for more info on them and how to get their new CD.

Human AgainIngrid Michaelson

I first heard this CD about a month ago and I have been counting down the days for its release. I’m a huge fan of Ingrid Michaelson and she takes this record to darker places both musically and lyrically and I love it! My full review of the album will be printed in the winter issue of High Voltage Magazine, but suffice it to say, fan or not, I think you should check out this record.

 

The Church of Rock and RollFoxy Shazam

When I first heard this group (sight unseen) I thought they were being led by a powerful black woman. Imagine my surprise when I found out their lead singer was a diminutive white guy. The surprises are never ending with Foxy Shazam and their newest record, The Church of Rock and Roll, definitely pushes the boundaries of what is expected from a rock band from Ohio. Check them out if you want something refreshing for your ears. And when they come to your town, do NOT miss the opportunity to see them live.

 

ColoursGraffiti6

I had the pleasure of discovering these Brits at The El Rey last week when they opened for Augustana. They play the kind of music that makes it easy to smile and sway along. I got the CD that night and have been listening to it on repeat. My favorite song is “Free”. I hope it can make you smile as well…

 

Others I hope to look into:

 

Listen, Learn, Love!

~ Kristen

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

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

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

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

 

Rachel YamagataChesapeake 

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 VailDeas 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 DayForrest 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 RadioDogs 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