Kristen’s ’10 Mix – Track 17 – Pawnshop Roses

17. “Fault Lines” – Pawnshop Roses

Another fave band from back east, Pawnshop Roses is now the final band remaining of my original triumvirate of favorite, life-altering bands (Pepper’s Ghost, Jealousy Curve, Pawnshop Roses). Their new, highly anticipated CD, Solid Gold, was finally released at the end of the year. The whole EP is fantastic but “Fault Lines” has been one of the tracks I was most looking forward to…and here it is! *squeals of excitement*

 http://pawnshoproses.com/

~ Kristen

Kristen’s ’10 Mix – Track 16 – Lakes

16. “Back In Your Head” – Lakes

I fell in love with so many new bands this year, it was hard to choose which ones would get slots on this mix. Lakes won out for several reasons. 1) I fell in love with them recently (first introduced to them in September) so this is a fresh love. 2) We interviewed the band and discovered that not only do they make beautiful music, but they are beautiful people. 3) most influentially, I saw them do an impromptu street performance for some fans that weren’t able to get into their show. One of the highlights of my year.

http://lakesband.com/

click here to see said street performance

~ Kristen

track 15: Egyptian
track 17: Pawnshop Roses

Pepper’s Ghost Countdown: 2 Weeks!

I’m beginning to hyperventilate the event I’ve been anticipating for months now is only two weeks away. Pepper’s Ghost playing The Grape Room in Philadelphia. Janurary 22nd.

Here is one of my favorite Pepper’s Ghost songs. It was never released. It probably won’t be played on the 22nd as Dave Hartley won’t be there…but this is one of the most beautiful songs ever written and performed(in my opinion), so I will share it. It moves me every time I hear it.

~ Kristen

Kristen’s ’10 Mix – Track 15 – Egyptian

15. “Colorblind” – Egyptian

check out the song (and others) here

Lots of exciting things happened in the Nico Vega universe this year. I had the crazy amazing opportunity to be an extra in Nico Vega’s  music video for “Gravity”, their Halloween show “Witch Hunt” included the most dramatic opening for “Beast” ever seen, and they started releasing new music (well, covers of old music, but still). The lead singer of Nico Vega, Aja Volkman, started a side project this year with the singer of Imagine Dragons, Dan Reynolds. They call themselves Egyptian. They are also fantastic. I immediately fell in love with them and especially their song “Colorblind”

Instead of burdening you with my hundreds of Nico Vega pictures, I’ll just entertain you with some Egyptian videos…let the extreme cuteness unfold…

~ Kristen

track 14: The Academy Is…
track 16: Lakes

Kristen’s ’10 Mix – Track 14 – The Academy Is…

14. “After the Last Midtown Show” – The Academy Is…

A list of songs detailing the highlights of my year would be incomplete without a song representing the trip Amanda and I took to Chicago in February to see The Academy Is… play a special show. That trip was by far one of the best of the year. We discovered several great local Chicago venues (Double Door, The Metro, Maryters), got to see one of my fave Chicago based bands,  Bottle of Justus, and discovered a new Chicago band, Surrender Dorothy. Plus, of course, The Academy Is… put on a fantastic show followed by a very entertaining afterparty at Angels and Kings.

http://www.theacademyis.com/

~ Kristen

track 13: Alright, Junior
track 15: Egyptian

The Nervous Wreckords and Moving Picture Show at Saint Rocke

Weds night was a much needed evening at one of my favorite venues, Saint Rocke. I sometimes forget about this venue down in Hermosa Beach because it’s a bit off the beaten path, but really it doesn’t take me any longer to get there than a club in Hollywood. And this place has comfy seats you don’t have to pay for, delicious food, and I always manage to have a perfect view of whatever musician or band I’ve come to see…while sitting down. As I’m getting older, the sitting thing has become an increasingly important draw.

Anyway, I ventured down to Saint Rocke Weds night because I wanted to see The Nervous Wreckords. Last time I saw them play was at the SDMAs and that was just a teaser so I’d been craving. The Nervous Wreckords did not disappoint! As much as I’ve been enjoying their CD, Valuminium, this is definitely a band I prefer live. Live, you get a better feel for the entire band and the songs become more alive and meaningful as each member gets their chance to shine. Despite the pedigree of lead singer, Brian Karscig, this band really does seem to just be “Doing it to Do It” and enjoying the ride. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s all join in!

I stuck around after The Nervous Wreckords to check out Moving Picture Show. I really didn’t know what to expect when the band took the stage.  Three members dressed in paint splattered attire banging on garbage cans…for a second I recalled Miss Congeniality and wondered if I was safe in the front row. The threesome quickly drew me in however with their catchy tunes and their fourth member, a video screen. I’ll admit, it was this forth member that captured most of my attention. Displaying cute stories about rescuing lost dogs that had been blown away, mesmerizing special effects, well-timed animation, and the rock band style cues for one of the trio’s songs, it was easy to fall in love with what I was hearing. I immediately went home and downloaded the group’s latest album, Studies Have Shown…, and have been listening ever since!

If you go to the Moving Picture Show Myspace and sign up for their mailing list, you can get a free mp3 of my fave MPS song, “By Now”. Seriously, listen to the lyrics…or even better go to the band’s next show at The Echo this Monday (Jan. 10) and see the lyrics for yourself displayed on the big screen (such a genius ploy, really…and so well done!)

~ Kristen

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

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…