Listen to This! Shawn Hook, Imagine Dragons, Youngblood Hawke

Posted on by Kristen

Good morning! Today was one of those days where I woke up dancing. This was most likely due to some of the songs swimming around in my head lately. I thought I’d share:

“Every Red Light”- Shawn Hook

I saw Shaw Hook (formally Shawn Hlookoff…took me a minute to figure out this was the same guy) at The Roxy Tuesday night. I had seen Shawn several times before, but he was always guy with guitar and great voice. Tuesday night he had a full band and it was rockin! This song in particular really stuck in my head and got my body moving…

[youtube 2Fz_cAoiPIc]

“Radioactive” – Imagine Dragons

I finally got around to listening to this today. I pressed play on the first song, “Radioactive”, and it immediately gave me that jolt of energy I needed to start the day. The rest of the EP seems to be following in kind. The Imagine Dragons show at The Viper Room next Weds. (Feb. 22nd) is going to be quite cathartic.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/1625571″ height=”200″ iframe=”true” /]

 

“Rootless” – Youngblood Hawke

Youngblood Hawke is one of the first bands I think of when I want some good jump around the room and let off some steam music. They are playing tonight at The Central in Santa Monica. I’m currently polishing my dancing shoes…

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/782125″ height=”200″ iframe=”true” /]

 

You feel like dancing yet?

 

~ Kristen

 

Growing: Ivan and Alyosha

Posted on by Amanda

While I’ve only seen this band but once, they certainly captured my attention at SXSW. I suppose it’s only fitting that I receive a press announcement about them via email as well as a song premiere post on Facebook from Paste Magazine on the same day. Clearly, they are meant to have my attention today. I don’t really mind 🙂

I’m happy to report that this little band is doing quite well for itself after just an EP release. I’ve been slightly keeping up with them via Facebook but Missing Piece Group says it so much better,

“2011 saw Seattle folk-pop band Ivan & Alyosha play more than 150 shows in support of their EP Fathers Be Kind, highlighted by tours with Brandi Carlile, Aimee Mann, and Hey Rosetta! The EP has been recognized on Amazon’s Best Music of 2011 Thus Far, with that EP’s “I Was Born to Love Her” ranked at #4 on their Songs You May Have Missed round-up. This echoed the earlier inclusion of Fathers on NPR’s Best of the Year (So Far) list.”

 

Quite impressive! They are currently recording their debut album and will be on tour in March and April through May with Rosie Thomas. I hope to catch them here in SD and again at SXSW. Are they playing in your area?

[youtube IINT71haDCs]

Upcoming Tour Dates:

MARCH

2 – Pullman, WA: Belltower Concert House
3 – Portland, OR: Bunk Bar
5 – Los Angeles, CA: The Echo
6 – San Diego, CA: Soda Bar
7 – Tucson, AZ: Plush
8 – Santa Fe, NM: Santa Fe Sol Live
11 – San Antonio, TX: The Big Spill Festival
13 – 18 – Austin, TX: SXSW Music Conference
21 – Lincoln, NE: Bourbon Theatre
22 – Denver, CO: Hi-Dive

APRIL*

25 – Portland, OR: Mississippi Studios
27 – San Francisco, CA: Hotel Utah
28 – Visalia, CA: The Cellar Door
29 – Los Angeles, CA: Hotel Cafe
30 – La Jolla, CA: The Loft at UCSD

MAY*

1 – Phoenix, AZ: Rhythm Room
4 – Dallas, TX: LaGrange
5 – Austin, TX: Lamberts
6 – Tulsa, OK: Fassler Hall
8 – Denver, CO: Soiled Dove Underground
9 – Salt Lake City, UT: The State Room
11 – Seattle, WA – The Neptune

http://www.ivanandalyosha.com
http://www.facebook.com/ivanandalyosha
http://www.myspace.com/ivanandalyosha
http://twitter.com/ivanandalyosha

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

Posted on by Kristen

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 Dragons – Continued 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

[youtube 61Ml1NOxR5A]

The Other Side of Morning– Letters 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…

[youtube NQwJRQPbHdA]

 

Other releases I’d recommend:

Happy Listening!

~ Kristen

Valentine’s Day Playlist: Honorable Mentions- Part 2

Posted on by Amanda

As promised, my honorable mentions list.

Honorable Mentions: Amanda

Loneliness: Medicate- AFI

Let’s see, a song about medicating, being numb, and someone who doesn’t even know your name. Yep, that’s pretty sad.

[youtube wCwEBz3ego8]

Tease: Dare Me- Pointer Sisters

I grew up listening to the likes of The Pointer Sisters, The Coasters, and other such oldies. I have to say, I like it when a lady dares a guy because she knows she can take him on. The real question is, can he handle her?

[youtube vPTwcwA6vuk]

Sexy: Mr. Sinister- Scarlet Grey

One of my favorite songs from one of my favorite LA bands and while it isn’t ‘sexy’ in terms of being a song about sex, it feels sexy to me. Maybe it’s the guitar. Maybe it’s about someone sinister. It might just be the lyric, ‘he’ll help you take off your dress, insist there’s more to confess.’ Is that a promise?

[youtube wLeNTbDpqkw]

Puppy Love: The Way It Is- Th’ Moonlight Sexy

Sadly, Th’ Moonlight Sexy no longer exists and neither does this song on the interwebs. I can however, link you to their old Myspace and you can listen to their other tunes. I know it’s a cop out but I got nothing….

http://www.myspace.com/springfieldrock

Sprung: Dirty Little Secret- The All American Rejects

You want me but you don’t want to tell anyone about me? Well sir, it sounds like you just want me for my body and all it’s capable of doing. I might be ok with that.

[youtube gPDcwjJ8pLg]

Creepy Love: I Will Follow Him- Peggy March

This might be more a song about devotion and true love but in today’s day and age, a song about following a guy no matter what reads ‘stalker.’

[youtube YCCm5-mwtr8]

Unrequited Love: About A Girl- The Academy Is…

So wait, this song isn’t about a girl you’re secretly in love with? Oh wait, you just don’t want to admit it. Keep telling yourself you aren’t in love. Let’s see how long that lasts. P.S. I totally relate

[youtube 3M6ZvNmwGxs]

Proclamation: There She Goes- Carney

Something about Carney just oozes sex. So when they start telling you they secretly love you, how could you not go weak at the knees for this? Sigh.

[youtube usXYHehXLnQ]

In Love: The Brute and The Beast- Fierce Creatures

I remember the day when Fierce Creatures came knocking on my little blog door and said ‘hey, check us out.’ It’s been love since then much like this velvety soft song.

[soundcloud url=”http://soundcloud.com/fiercecreaturesband/the-brute-and-the-beast”]

Tragic Love: Daisy- The Silent Comedy

Sadly this song doesn’t get a lot of playtime but it’s always been a favorite of mine. Hey Daisy, just add some salt to the wound. It makes for a good song.

[youtube ZjOatPvyWaY]

Post Break Up: Miserable At Best- Mayday Parade

Love sucks. Love hurts. Sometimes the best you can be is miserable. Mayday Parade understands your pain.

[youtube GqM3Dr7agjY]

It’s Just Another Day: Haight St.- Anberlin

‘Let’s you and me, make a night of this. Old enough to know but too young to care.’ Hark, I hear my lost adolescence calling me! I suppose that’s why this song has a sweet spot with me.

[youtube F1lLtl-NX_o]

 

And now we end all talk of Valentine’s Day! Until next year…

Valentine’s Day Playlist: Honorable Mentions

Posted on by Amanda

It wouldn’t be right of us to let the Valentine’s Day fun actually end on Valentine’s Day so we thought we would share some of the hopefuls for our playlist that just didn’t make the cut. Marissa’s list is up first because, well, I like her list more than mine. Ha ha.

Honorable Mentions: Marissa

Loneliness: Remain – Transfer

Transfer is a little bit Melancholy and this song has that sort of, “I’m just living to live” vibe about it.  Plus, I just love Transfer.

[youtube tHsbtBpJUQA]

Tease: Halo Bender – The Halo Benders

“You Think You’re Heaven Sent, Gonna Get Your Halo Bent”

[youtube fWpeaQ904bc]

Sexy: I’m Gonna Love The Hell Out of You – The Silver Jews

An odd one, but I love it.  Something about the slow monotone approach of the Silver Jews makes almost every song sound a little bit naughty.
[youtube p0LofG4oe6o]

Puppy Love: Red Sweater – The Aquabats

It’s just cute. Smiles.

[youtube 1GXY04abNHY]

Sprung: Pictures of Lily – The Who

Falling in love with a sexy picture, just cause your a teenage boy, if that’s not sprung I don’t know what is.

[youtube 7BmkBroiw1s]

Creepy Love: Saturday Night – The Misfits

I mean if you murder a girl, you shouldn’t sing song about being bummed out about it, it’s just rude.

[youtube 82oSu6gIvms]

Unrequited Love: My Man (Funny Girl) – Barbara Streisand

Heart breaking to say the least.

[youtube Hdlz6QzyAVA]

Proclamation: Winter Winds – Mumford and Sons

This is a “Holy Shit I’m In Love With You, but You Are Totally Terrible For Me” song.

[youtube _KCg_QEHtkY]

In Love: Drifter – Mississippi Man

This is one of those songs that just touches of this sort of, we just happen to be perfect together things, with adorable and catchy lyrics, it’s one of my favorites.

[youtube VyJxGdMNAic]

Tragic Love: Farewell Reel – Patti Smith

Written after the death of her husband, an honest and heart wrenching account of the loss of a true love.

[youtube eeNoIbbWVyQ]

Post Break Up: Crown of Love – Arcade Fire

The swooning strings and Win Butler’s strong yet shaky voice give this song a pulse and intensity that isn’t characteristic of a post break up song.

[youtube kxkK06HlgqA]  

It’s Just Another Day: Car – Built To Spill

‘You Get the Car, I’ll Get the Night Off”

[youtube c_WMkIOsPMQ]

Valentines Day Playlist: Cycles of Love: It’s Just Another Day

Posted on by Amanda

At long last, the cycle of love has come to an end (as has our playlists). This playlist is for those of us who don’t really pay much attention to Valentines Day. Perhaps you think it’s a corporate holiday or that picking one day to show your love for someone is stupid because you should show it every day. Maybe you are just indifferent to the whole idea. Well this is our list of songs not about love or romance. Enjoy your day. It’s just like any other.

It’s Just Another Day

Local Music – Crimson Calvary – Dirty Sweet

I will raise my arms into the night but only because you asked so nicely. This song ties for favorite from now defunct SD band Dirty Sweet. I love and miss your guitar rifts and breakdowns in your songs. So badass. You guys are missed.

[youtube BCtQVhkqY88]

Top 40 – Great DJ- The Ting Tings

I’ll be honest, I’m not entirely sure what this song is about but I remember watching The Ting Tings perform it live and being pretty happy. It’s light and dancy which makes any day better in my opinion. Plus it talks about drums of which, I am a fan.

[youtube FH6wpO66J4k&ob=av2e]

Alternative Radio – No Rain – Blind Melon

Everything in life is beautiful, even the puddles gathering.  Blind Melon should have worked on some more hit songs though, a one hit wonder is a terrible thing.

[youtube 3qVPNONdF58]

Soundtrack – Thriller – Michael Jackson – This Is It

I’m a sucker for classics and whatever your opinion of Michael Jackson, you can’t deny he was one hell of an entertainer. The classics never die.

[youtube vPeFcLn_ces]

Misc – The World Blows My Mind – Crash Encore

Another local band making its way on the list.  Crash Encore has since disbanded and become about fifteen other bands since then, but they have left us with a plethora of a catalog and this song is one of my favorites. “The World, It Blows, My Mind, All The Time.”

[youtube mETGj5m5-uU]

Just enjoy life. That’s all we’ve got 🙂

Amanda’s SD Concert Calendar 2/13-2/19

Posted on by Amanda

It’s a grey and dreary Monday down here in San Diego which is fine by me since I’m still recovering from last week. I was about to get out and see Dr. Dog, Saint Motel, and Griever as well as enjoy some art and partake in a video shoot. I’m still tired thinking about it. Anyways, we have a brand new week with brand new shows.
Monday: The Asteroids Galaxy Tour @ Belly Up @9 $15
AND: Drag The River @ Casbah @9 $12

Tuesday: Bombay Bicycle Club @ Casbah @9 $15

Wednesday: Josh Damigo @ House of Blues @6

Thursday: The Fray and Scars on 45 @ House of Blues @730 $35-$55

Friday: The Howls, The Heavy Guilt and Low Volts @ The Loft @ UCSD @7
AND: River City and Briertone @ Soda Bar @830 $5
AND:  CAKE @ Belly Up @830
AND: Kevin Martin and Gayle Skidmore @ Griffin @7 $8
AND: New Mexico @ Casbah @9 $10
AND: The New Kinetics @ Eleven @11 $10
AND: The Styletones @ Bar Pink @9

Saturday: Jesse LaMonaca and the Dime Novels with Blackout Party @ Casbah
AND: Cold Cave @ Soda Bar @9 $12
AND: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy @ Anthology

Sunday: Craig Finn @ Casbah @9 $12
AND: G Love and Special Sauce @ House of Blues @8 $25

Keep in Mind:
February 20th- Get Back Loretta and Wendy Bailey and True Stories @ Casbah
February 22nd- Anya Marina @ Casbah
February 23rd- Ra Ra Riot @ Belly Up @8 $18
February 23rd- Hot Chelle Rae w/Electric Touch @ House of Blues
February 23rd- Scars on 45 @ Anthology @730
February 24th- The Soft Pack @ Casbah @9
February 25th- The Nervous Wreckords, Midnight Rivals, and Grand Tarantula @ Anthology @9 $12
February 25th- Mat Kearney @ House of Blues
February 26th- Cursive @ Casbah @9
February 27th- Foxy Shazaam @ 710 Beach Club
February 28th- He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister @ Casbah @9 $8/$10
February 29th- The Kooks @ House of Blues
March 3rd- Jackie Greene @ Belly Up @9
March 3rd- Alkaline Trio @ House of Blues
March 6th- Flogging Molly @ House of Blues
March 8th- William Fitzsimmons @ Anthology @7
March 8th- The Silent Comedy and Dead Feather Moon @ Belly Up
March 9th- The Stone Foxes @ Casbah @9
March 11th- Crocodiles @ Casbah @9 $12
March 11th- Fierce Creatures @ Tin Can Alehouse
March 18th- Puscifer @ California Center for the Arts Escondido
March 20th- Ani DeFranco @ House of Blues
March 21st- Cults @ Belly Up @9
March 22nd- Cartel @ Soma
March 23rd- The Ting Tings @ House of Blues
March 30th- Into It Over It @ Soma
March 31st- Henry Rollins @ SD Women’s Club $27.50
April 4th0- Hunter Hayes @ House of Blues
April 7th- Transfer and The Blackout Party @ Belly Up
April 13th- Coachella Weekend 1
April 15th- Rise Against @ Viejas Arena
April 16th- Elvis Costello @ Humphreys
April 20th- Coachella Weekend 2
May 2nd- Say Anything @ House of Blues
June 3rd- Mogwai @ Belly Up