Amanda’s Top 10 Discoveries of ’10- Part 1

It’s now 2011. Which means, it’s time to reflect on all the things that happened in 2010 and all the things we want to accomplish in 2011. I for one, had a wonderful time discovering and rediscovering music that I love. This particular post is part one of a list I made of my top 10 favorite musical discoveries of 2010!

10. Assemble the Skyline-

Here’s the thing about Assemble the Skyline… they picked up Kristen and I on the Sunset Strip after a Scarlet Grey show. Normally, I don’t pay much mind to bands throwing cds at me but they did more than just plug the show and give us a free cd. They took the time to engage us about our night and were so darn adorable that it was hard for us to walk away. Once we played their song and heard the phrase, “you’re such a bitch and it thrills me” we were definitely curious and decided to go to the show.

While they aren’t the typical kind of music I like, they are so fun to see that its hard not to make space in your heart for them. Actually, they are a band that would be fantastic on Warped Tour. I’d love to see that and I will keep enjoying my guilty pleasure band.

9. The Howls-

I first saw The Howls open for my favorite San Diego band, The Silent Comedy. I wasn’t really sure what to think at first but I was intrigued. The more I’ve seen them play, the better they seem to get. They are currently in the middle of recording a new record but I can’t wait to hear what they come up with. You can download some tunes like the one below for free at their website. Do it!

The Howls- Revival

8. Mumford and Sons-

If you aren’t familiar with Mumford and Sons, you must be living under a rock. It’s ok though. There is still time to discover how amazing they are. Mumford hails from West London and “have shared a common purpose: to make music that matters, without taking themselves too seriously.” I never thought I would be afforded the opportunity to see them as they sell out venues so fast. However, I got lucky when aforementioned band, The Silent Comedy, opened for them at The Belly Up! I wasn’t overly familiar with their music but fell head over heels for them. When I was able to see them once again in LA, my love was cemented.

7. Landon Pigg-

Landon brings back such great memories! I was familiar with him insofar as I knew his song from the mobile carrier commercials but I wasn’t really familiar with his music as a whole. Kristen on the other hand, was familiar and one day, saw a post about his upcoming west coast tour and a need for fans to merch. Kristen, knowing my deep seeded desire to merch for bands and hit the road told me about this wonderful opportunity. I replied to the request and we were able to work the show in San Juan Capistrano! The venue was great, the music was great, and the people were awesome. We made some serious buck for Landon and we hope to do it again soon.

By the way, this video totally melts me.

6. Fierce Creatures

Fierce Creatures came out of nowhere and hit me upside the head like a bag of bricks when I saw them (in the best way possible). You can check out a previous post I did on them here but I have to say, I was not prepared at all for their hurricane-like force. There was this crazy supernatural energy they emitted. Maybe it was all the banging on cans or the dancing in the crowd but I’m seriously hooked. They lived up to all the hype I heard and while I’m bummed they are up north, I can’t wait to see them play again!

Stay tuned for my top 5 discoveries!

Amanda’s Top 10 Discoveries of ’10- Part 1

It’s now 2011. Which means, it’s time to reflect on all the things that happened in 2010 and all the things we want to accomplish in 2011. I for one, had a wonderful time discovering and rediscovering music that I love. This particular post is part one of a list I made of my top 10 favorite musical discoveries of 2010!

10. Assemble the Skyline-

Here’s the thing about Assemble the Skyline… they picked up Kristen and I on the Sunset Strip after a Scarlet Grey show. Normally, I don’t pay much mind to bands throwing cds at me but they did more than just plug the show and give us a free cd. They took the time to engage us about our night and were so darn adorable that it was hard for us to walk away. Once we played their song and heard the phrase, “you’re such a bitch and it thrills me” we were definitely curious and decided to go to the show.

While they aren’t the typical kind of music I like, they are so fun to see that its hard not to make space in your heart for them. Actually, they are a band that would be fantastic on Warped Tour. I’d love to see that and I will keep enjoying my guilty pleasure band.

9. The Howls-

I first saw The Howls open for my favorite San Diego band, The Silent Comedy. I wasn’t really sure what to think at first but I was intrigued. The more I’ve seen them play, the better they seem to get. They are currently in the middle of recording a new record but I can’t wait to hear what they come up with. You can download some tunes like the one below for free at their website. Do it!

The Howls- Revival

8. Mumford and Sons-

If you aren’t familiar with Mumford and Sons, you must be living under a rock. It’s ok though. There is still time to discover how amazing they are. Mumford hails from West London and “have shared a common purpose: to make music that matters, without taking themselves too seriously.” I never thought I would be afforded the opportunity to see them as they sell out venues so fast. However, I got lucky when aforementioned band, The Silent Comedy, opened for them at The Belly Up! I wasn’t overly familiar with their music but fell head over heels for them. When I was able to see them once again in LA, my love was cemented.

7. Landon Pigg-

Landon brings back such great memories! I was familiar with him insofar as I knew his song from the mobile carrier commercials but I wasn’t really familiar with his music as a whole. Kristen on the other hand, was familiar and one day, saw a post about his upcoming west coast tour and a need for fans to merch. Kristen, knowing my deep seeded desire to merch for bands and hit the road told me about this wonderful opportunity. I replied to the request and we were able to work the show in San Juan Capistrano! The venue was great, the music was great, and the people were awesome. We made some serious buck for Landon and we hope to do it again soon.

By the way, this video totally melts me.

6. Fierce Creatures

Fierce Creatures came out of nowhere and hit me upside the head like a bag of bricks when I saw them (in the best way possible). You can check out a previous post I did on them here but I have to say, I was not prepared at all for their hurricane-like force. There was this crazy supernatural energy they emitted. Maybe it was all the banging on cans or the dancing in the crowd but I’m seriously hooked. They lived up to all the hype I heard and while I’m bummed they are up north, I can’t wait to see them play again!

Stay tuned for my top 5 discoveries!

Kristen’s Concert Calendar 9/27-10/4

Epicenter was fantastic…fantastically hot. But fun was definitely had as I got to see some of my favorite bands, meet a couple new ones, and see some big groups I never would have seen otherwise. But the lesson of the weekend is definitely one Douglas Adams would approve of: always carry a towel! More on our adventures in Fontana to come.

My fave group of the weekend, Biffy Clyro, is playing Bootleg Theater on Thursday so if you weren’t able to make it to Epicenter over the weekend be sure to venture to Booleg on Thursday. But first, tonight (Monday), Semi Precious Weapons invades the El Rey. This group buts on the most insane show I’ve ever seen and it’s not to be missed.

As for the rest (so many good shows this week, it will be very hard to choose):

Monday: Semi Precious Weapons at El Rey (8pm)
ALSO: Hellen Stellar and Moving Picture Show FREE at Spaceland (9pm)
ALSO: Chasing Kings and Pacific Hurt FREE at The Echo (8:30)
ALSO: Juke Kartel Record Release at The Hotel Café (9:30)
ALSO: The Black Keys and Nicole Atkins at Hollywood Palladium (7pm)
ALSO: A Fine Frenzy FREE (with RSVP) at Bardot http://www.itsaschoolnight.com (10pm)
ALSO: Alice Wallace at The Mint (7:30)
ALSO: Pete Yorn at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: Paris Carney and Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (8,9)

Tuesday: Landon Pigg and Guster at The Troubadour (8:15, 9)
ALSO: Ellie Goulding at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: Anna Nalick at The Hotel Café (10pm)
ALSO: The Black Keys and Nicole Atkins at Hollywood Palladium (7pm)
ALSO: Sara Barellies and Greg Laswell at The Orphium (8pm)

Weds: Parade of Lights at El Cid (10:30)
ALSO: Electric Touch at Silverlake Lounge (11pm)
ALSO: Sarah Harmer at Spaceland (9pm)
ALSO: Mikel Paris (of OAR) and WPA f. Sean Watkins and Glenn Phillips (8, 9:30)
ALSO: The Felice Brothers at The Echo (8:30)
ALSO: Jimmy Eat World and We Were Promised Jetpacks at The Wiltern (7pm)

Thursday: Biffy Clyro at Bootleg (10:30)
ALSO: Queen Caveat at Silverlake Lounge (9pm)
ALSO: Jukebox the Ghost at The Echo (10pm)
ALSO: Volcano Dolls at The Viper Room (9pm)
ALSO: Spoon at Hollywood Palladium (7pn)
ALSO: Train and NeedtoBreathe at The Greek Theater (7:30)
ALSO: Brian Ray at The Mint (8pm)

Friday: Brandi Carlile and The Avett Brothers at Nokia Theater (8pm)
ALSO: Fight From Above, Fat City Reprise, The Shakers at The Viper Room (10, 11:30, 12:30)
ALSO: Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers at The Hollywood Bowl (7:30)
ALSO: Kyle Riabko at The Hotel Café (8pm)
ALSO: Ludo at The Key Club (10pm)
ALSO: Aimee Mann at Largo (8:30)

Saturday: Truth & Salvage Co. at The Troubadour (9:15)
ALSO: Raining Jane and Keaton Simons at The Hotel Café (10,11)
ALSO: Prohibition Rose at The Cat Club

Sunday: Aimee Mann at Largo (8:30)
ALSO: Belle & Sebastian at The Hollywood Bowl (7:30)…this one is for the student in my discussion section who likes this band J

To Keep in Mind:

October 8th: Crash Kings, Civil Twilight, and Anberin at The House of Blues
October 13th: Frightened Rabbit at The Mayan Theater
October 17th: Joe Firstman at The Hotel Café
October 18th: Mumford & Sons at The Hollywood Palladium
October 28th: Foxy Shazam and Free Energy at The Troubadour
October 29th: Nico Vega at The Roxy
November 2nd: Ingrid Michaelson at The Troubadour
November 4th: Five for Fighting at The Brixton
November 5th: Bayside at The Toubadour
November 8th-10th: A Perfect Circle at Avalon
November 17th: Tyler Hilton at The Roxy
November 18th: Freelance Whales at The Troubadour
November 21st and 22nd: Dar Williams at The Hotel Café
December 4th: Joe Firstman at Saint Rocke
December 11th: The Black Crowes and Truth & Salvage Co. at Hollywood Palladium

~ Kristen

Amanda’s Concert Calendar 5/24-5/30

And Happy Monday Evening to you all. I know this is a bit late but I’m just finishing up my very last finals week and celebrating graduation from college. That might have confused you a bit… Point being, I’m in my very last finals week so it’s been a bit crazy on my end. Let’s get down to the good stuff though. Looks like an excellent jam packed week ahead of us! Thursday and Saturday are the nights to be out and about. I wish there were more of me so I could get to everything. Alas, teleportation is not yet available and it would take too long to clone myself…

Also, we best not forget The Silent Comedy, Dirty Sweet, etc at the North Park Theater on Friday night. That is a must see show!

Monday: Patrick Watson @ The Casbah $15 @9 p.m.
AND: Lady Dottie and the Diamonds (every Monday!) $3 @10 p.m.

Tuesday: Sweethead @ The Casbah $10 adv/$12 day of @9 p.m.
AND: Shelby Lynne @ The Belly Up $25 adv/$27 day of @8 p.m.
AND: Legends of the San Diego Rock Scene @ Anthology (prices vary. go here to look) @6p.m.

Wednesday: Isis @ The Casbah (sold out! but maybe you can get lucky) @9 p.m.
AND: St. Mawr and The Shade @ Tin Can Alehouse $4 @9 p.m.
AND: Scarlett Symphony @ U-31 $5 @9 p.m.

Thursday: Landon Pigg @ Anthology $12 @9:30 p.m.
AND: Brenda Xu Goodbye Show @ Lestats $8 @9 p.m.
AND: Echo Revolution @ Tin Can Alehouse $3 @9 p.m.
AND: Stealing Love Jones @ Bar Pink @10 p.m.
AND: Angels and Airwaves with Say Anything @ House of Blues San Diego $30 adv/$32 day of @7:30 p.m.
AND: Mad House @ The Belly Up- get your dancing shoes! $8 adv/$10 day of @8:30 p.m.

Friday: The Silent Comedy, Dirty Sweet, Transfer and Apes of Wrath @ North Park Theater $16 adv/$18 day of @7 p.m.
AND: Blackout Party, Lady Dottie and the Diamonds, and The Howls @ The Casbah $10 @9 p.m.

Saturday: Get Back Loretta with Or The Whale @ The Casbah $8 adv/$10 day of
AND: Scarlett Symphony @ Tin Can Alehouse $4 @9 p.m.
AND: Boomsnake and Snuffaluffagus@ Che Cafe $6 @7:30 p.m.
AND: Dynamite Walls @ The Belly Up $11 adv/$13 day of @9 p.m.
AND: 3OH!3, Cobra Starship, Travie McCoy @ Soma $25 adv @6 p.m.

Sunday: Cash’d Out @ The Belly Up $15 adv/$17 day of @9 p.m.

I hope you have as grand a week as I am planning ; )
~Amanda

Kristen’s Concert Calendar: 5/24-5/30

Hey All!

This is Amanda posting for Kristen. She has had a super busy and awesome weekend on the east coast and just flew back in (she left at 5:30 am east coast time!) to LA this morning. Needless to say, she is pretty tired and still running around going to lab and class. I don’t know how she does it. Anyways, below you will find her concert calendar. I’ll be sure to put mine up when I can…
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So…I’m still reeling from Saturday night. I have no words…actually I have five pages of words, but have decided not to post them here. Maybe someday I’ll do a proper write up of what was one of my favorite band’s last show ever. The end of the Jealousy Curve era is officially upon us. Saturday night was an intense mixture of tears, hugs, stories, and most importantly face-melting rock music.  This band has had such a major impact on my life over the past five years. I can’t really fathom my life without them, so I’m feeling a bit lost at the moment.  I’m SO incredibly grateful for Pawnshop Roses and the show that they played tonight (Sunday)…even if I did have to drive across the state line into New Jersey to see it. They reminded me that I still do have a reason to come back and visit my former and beloved home of Philadelphia.

Flying back to LA tomorrow in time for a full week of concerting. Might be a tad on the depressed side this week, so come out and enjoy some music with me! Here are the options:

Monday: Carney at Bardot Hollywood (8pm)…it’s guest list only, but they might still be taking RSVPs (http://www.itsaschoolnight.com/index.html)
ALSO: The Like at The Echo (10pm)
ALSO: Wartapes at The Silverlake Lounge (11pm)
ALSO: Filthy Souls at 19 Below in Santa Monica (8pm)
ALSO: Sweethead at Spaceland (10pm)ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)

Tuesday: The Elizabeth Kill and The Other Side of Morning at The House of Blues
ALSO: The Airborne Toxic Event at The Echo (8:30)
ALSO: Kina Grannis at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)

Weds: The Shakers at Canter’s Kibitz room (11pm)

Thursday: rest up for Friday?

Friday: Landon Pigg and Mandi Diaz at The Troubadour (9pm)
ALSO: Abbot Kinney at Molly Malone’s (10pm)
ALSO: 100 Monkeys at The Roxy (7:30)
ALSO: The Parson Read Heads, Or The Whale, Olin and The Moon and Whispering Pines at Spaceland (8:30)
ALSO: big show in San Diego featuring The Silent Comedy, Dirty Sweet, etc. at North Park Theater (7pm)
Saturday: The Real Sunset Strip On The Rox (above The Roxy) featuring Links (10pm)
Sunday: Queen Caveat at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)

To Keep in Mind:

June 1st: First Aid Kit at Bootleg
June 3rd: Mumford & Sons at The Music Box
June 6th: Mumford & Sons with The Silent Comedy at BellyUp (in SD)
June 10-13th: BONNAROO (in Tennessee)
June 25th: Warped Tour in LA
June 25th: The Rescues CD Release at The Troubadour
June 21st: Carney at The Troubadour
July 10th: Lilith Fair

~ Kristen

Kristen’s SXSW ’10 Mix- Part 4

              13. “Sympathetic_Vibrations” – The Paper Raincoat

I discovered Amber Rubarth from last year’s SXSW offerings. I was surprised to hear her voice under a different name, but since seeing The Paper Raincoat play with Joey Ryan at The Hotel Cafe, I think I may be an ever bigger fan of this project Amber has with fellow Brooklynite Alex Wong. Their live version of “Rewind” should not be missed!

                14. “Manhattan” – MoZella

I’m just so excited that she finally put this full length CD,Belle Isle, I had to celebrate!

             15. “Moving Backwards” – Ben Rector

This song moved me. end of story.

              16. “Sleep Walking” – Erin McCarley

I’ve been looking for an excuse to showcase this song since I saw Erin play with Landon Pigg at The Troubadour several months ago. This was a good a place as any.

  

             17. “Followed the Waves” – Melissa Auf der Maur

A music-loving friend turned me on to the former Hole bassist’s solo project. This friend is very wise.

…not done yet…

~ Kristen