Michael Buble

New Music Tuesday 4/23/13 featuring Youngblood Hawke, Solardrive, Frank Turner

Posted on by Kristen

I am absolutely thrilled that two of my favorite CA-based bands are battling to get to the top of the charts with their new releases this week. Since I pimped The Neighbourhood’s debut I Love You. last week, today I’ll sing the praises of Youngblood Hawke’s Wake Up. Both albums are stellar and prime examples of the talent and taste coming from LA these days.

There are actually several albums I would highly recommend looking into that come out this week. Here’s a sampling of my top picks:

Youngblood Hawke – Wake Up

For all your get up and dance needs, there is Youngblood Hawke. Their new album is a collection of old favorites including their hit, “We Come Running” as well as newer gems. The band’s high energy, fun/cool vibe translates well on disc. I’ve been going to Youngblood Hawke shows for a while and it’s nice to finally be able to take the show home (dance party in the living room!).  The album title is apt…the songs call you wake up and be attentive and appreciative of the world around you.

Buy it here

 

Solardrive – Solardrive

Beat-maker extraordinaire, Balthazar Getty, has a new project and it’s called Solardrive. The self-titled debut album might best be explained by Balthazar himself in the following EPK. You can stream the entire album which features a few guest vocalists here. For those who love chilling out with some lazy beats. Seriously, I can’t help but relax a little when I put this record on…

get it here

 

Frank Turner – Tape Deck Heart

SXSW 2013 standout, Frank Turner, further showcases his unique brand of folk-punk in his latest release, Tape Deck Heart. I haven’t been able to listen to the entire 17-song album, but from what I’ve heard at the live shows, it will be a worthy addition to anyone’s CD collection.

buy it here

 

Also worth checking out:

Listen! Learn! Love!

~ Kristen

New Music Tuesday 10/25/11 featuring Honeyhoney and Maniac

Posted on by Kristen

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 1/13-1/19

Posted on by Kristen

I’m still feeding of the epicness that was The Black Crowes at The Palladium Saturday night. Being at the rail for the extra long (was it really three hours?) final set was an intense experience I won’t soon forget…and I’m not just saying that because I think that the incense they were burning on stage has permanently affixed itself deep inside my nostrils.

Hopefully the Palladium show, which also featured personal favorites Truth & Salvage Co.  was just an indicator of what is to come. With the quarter ending (and my evenings becoming less burdened) and with all the fantastic shows on the menu (AMP! Nico Vega!! Hotel Cafe holiday party!!!) I’ve got a fantastic feeling about this week!

Here’s what else is cooking:

Monday: Garrison Starr and The Rescues at The Hotel Cafe (8,9:30)
ALSO: Princeton and Hands FREE at The Echo (8:30)
ALSO: Little Red Radio at The Key Club (8:30)
ALSO: Michael Buble at The Staples Center (8pm)…this is in honor of my college roommate…
ALSO: Paris Carney and Songwriters in the Round featuring Joey Ryan and Kenneth Pattengale at Room 5 (8,9)|
ALSO: It’s a School Night at Bardot featuring Belle Brigade and Sonos (10pm) 

Tuesday: After Midnight Project at The Key Club (7pm)
ALSO: The Rescues at The Hotel Cafe (9:30)
ALSO: Honeyhoney at Bootleg (10pm)
ALSO: Tame Impala at The Echoplex (8:30)
ALSO: Satellite Holiday Party at Spaceland (8:30) 

Weds: Justin Jones and Badly Drawn Boy at The Troubadour (9,10)
ALSO: Ari Shine and The White Buffalo at The Mint (9:30)
ALSO: Low at Spaceland (9pm)
ALSO: Adam Lambert at The Music Box (8pm) 

Thursday: Justin Jones and Badly Drawn Boy at The Troubadour (9,10)
ALSO: Brian Wright and Jessie Cole at The Hotel Cafe (9,10)
ALSO: Keaton Simons and Lovers Drugs at Genghis Cohen (8,9:30)
ALSO: Adam Lambert at Club Nokia (8pm)
ALSO: Nico Vega at The Slidebar in Fullerton…totally worth the trip outside LA 

Friday: Hotel Cafe Holiday party featuring The Weepies, Butch Walker, Cary Brothers, and SO many more (7pm)ALSO: 8mm at The Viper Room (9pm)
ALSO: Camp Freddy at The Roxy (11pm) 

Saturday: Fat City Reprise, The Shakers, Red Circle Underground at The Viper Room (10,11,12)
ALSO: Hotel Cafe Holiday party featuring Tyler Hilton, Keaton Simons, Lelia Broussard, and SO many more (7pm)

Sunday: holiday party/Love Actually viewing… 

To Keep in Mind:
January 7th: Scarlet Grey at The Roxy
January 9th: Bonnie Dune at The Roxy
January 20th: Nikka Costa at The Roxy
January 22nd: Guster at The Music Box
January 28th: Free Energy at The Roxy  
Feb 9th: Tina Dico at The Troubadour
Feb 16th: Nicole Atkins at The Troubadour
March 1st: Biffy Clyro at The Troubadour 

~ Kristen