Kristen’s 2012 Mix – Bonus Track – Pawnshop Roses

I spend all year going to shows and collecting songs and pictures and stories. I’ve spent the last month or so compiling some of my top musical memories into a music mix with accompanying booklet (my favorite little crafting project). So, here I share with you my top tracks of 2012.

Enjoy!!

Pawnshop Roses

Even though Pawnshop Roses is no longer technically together, singer Paul Keen is still writing and playing. Paul has this wonderful ability to capture true emotion and still craft lyrically sound and catchy tunes. This is one of the most honest songs I’ve heard in a while and it is the most played track in my iTunes library this year.

You can find the track here, at minute 53:34

 

~ Kristen

Kristen’s 2012 Mix – Track 20 – The Kin

I spend all year going to shows and collecting songs and pictures and stories. I’ve spent the last month or so compiling some of my top musical memories into a music mix with accompanying booklet (my favorite little crafting project). So, here I share with you my top tracks of 2012.

Enjoy!!

The Kin

My year was bookend by memorable The Kin shows. In February, they played a show in a random venue in Venice that contained an Earth Harp. Then in November they were here for a week playing The Roxy and WitZend. These two brothers from Australia have been in my life for many years now and still provide me with some of my most memorable musical moments.

~ Kristen

Kristen’s 2012 Mix – Track 19 – Augustana

I spend all year going to shows and collecting songs and pictures and stories. I’ve spent the last month or so compiling some of my top musical memories into a music mix with accompanying booklet (my favorite little crafting project). So, here I share with you my top tracks of 2012.

Enjoy!!

Augustana

I saw Augustana several times this year, including one special Dan Layus solo gig at The Hotel Cafe.  This band has fast become one of my favorites and I still think their 2011 CD is one of the most underrated releases. Looking forward to more from this band in the new year

~ Kristen

Kristen’s 2012 Mix – Track 18 – Belmont Lights

I spend all year going to shows and collecting songs and pictures and stories. I’ve spent the last month or so compiling some of my top musical memories into a music mix with accompanying booklet (my favorite little crafting project). So, here I share with you my top tracks of 2012.

Enjoy!!

Belmont Lights

This song, I discovered while on vacation in Hawaii over the summer. I finally saw the band in November, and was pleased. Belmont Lights is one of those bands oozing with potential!

https://soundcloud.com/belmontlightsmusic/belmont-lights-halfway

~ Kristen

Kristen’s 2012 Mix – Track 17 – NEEDTOBREATHE

I spend all year going to shows and collecting songs and pictures and stories. I’ve spent the last month or so compiling some of my top musical memories into a music mix with accompanying booklet (my favorite little crafting project). So, here I share with you my top tracks of 2012.

Enjoy!!

NTB2

I’ve seen a lot of great shows this year, but if I had to pick just one to rise above the rest, I might have to go with NEEDTOBREATHE at the San Diego Aquarium. This is one of the best, most dynamic and generally inspiring bands I have seen and being front row as they played in an intimate setting over some tide pools as the sun was setting over the ocean…well, it just doesn’t get much better.

~ Kristen

Kristen’s 2012 Mix – Track 16 – We Are Augustines

I spend all year going to shows and collecting songs and pictures and stories. I’ve spent the last month or so compiling some of my top musical memories into a music mix with accompanying booklet (my favorite little crafting project). So, here I share with you my top tracks of 2012.

Enjoy!!

We Are Augustines

We Are Augustines get the award for best festival band of 2012. Their sets at both Coachella and Bonnaroo far surpassed the more established acts. There is something about the way they connect to the audience…it’s really hard to capture in words or even in a recording of one of their songs…just go see them!

https://soundcloud.com/weareaugustines/philadelphia-the-city-of

~ Kristen

Kristen’s 2012 Mix – Track 15 – Harper Blynn

I spend all year going to shows and collecting songs and pictures and stories. I’ve spent the last month or so compiling some of my top musical memories into a music mix with accompanying booklet (my favorite little crafting project). So, here I share with you my top tracks of 2012.

Enjoy!!

Harper Blynn

You can’t be a Hotel Cafe regular without having seen Harper Blynn several times over the last year. Between their Hotel Cafe residencies and the fact that they are the best backing band in town, you really can’t miss them…and you don’t really want to.

https://soundcloud.com/harper-blynn/busy-hands-empty-hearts

~ Kristen