MTVU

New Music Tuesday 7/26/11

Posted on by Kristen

It’s Tuesday! New music comes out today! Here’s what I’ve got on the top of my shopping list (there are some really good ones this week):

 

Living Like Kings in Confined Space – Halos

I’ve enjoyed this band every time I’ve seen them. Their song “Amalgam” made my SXSW 2011 mix. I’m really looking foward to finally having this album. If you like soaring rock songs, you should check it out. And if you’re in LA, come to their record release party TONIGHT at The Viper Room. 8pm.

Download the album here

 

 

Indians – Indians

Joe Hursley (The Ringers) strikes again with this first album from his new band, Indians. This high energy debut does a decent job at capturing the crazy intensity of a live Indians performance. I’ve been listening to it since the CD release party at The Viper Room last Friday. Songs like “Long Way Home” and my favorite (at least thus far) “Dream Store” are perfect “get pumped up songs” and I’m finding this CD a perfect mood setter for a night out on the town.

Download the album here

 

 

Pressure and Time – Rival Sons

I had no idea this CD wasn’t officially released yet. I’ve been groovin’ with it for weeks now. This LA based bluesy rock band has been on my list of acts to see ever since I first heard singer Jay Buchanan sing his first note at an intimate Hotel Cafe mini set. Rival Sons seem to be getting more notice lately; playing gigs around the world, having their video played on MTVU, and being nominated for classic rock Hall of Honour awards.  Definitely a group to keep your eyes on.

Buy the album here

 

 

LP1– Joss Stone 

I haven’t heard any of this yet, but I’ve been a fan of this soulful Brit since 2003’s Soul Sessions and I’m definitely interested to see what she’s been up to lately.

 

Buy it here

 

 

Happy Listening!

 

~ Kristen

PS: apparently Nico Vega’s debut LP was not available worldwide on ITunes until today. This is one of my very favorite CDs so if you don’t yet have it, give it a download. You won’t regret it.

 

Warped Tour Pomona

Posted on by Kristen

About a week ago, Amanda and I ventured to Pomona for Warped Tour #2. I’m so glad I went, mostly because it was another excuse to rock out with After Midnight Project, who, by the way, are coming home to LA to play the Key Club September 4th (get your tickets now!).

One of the best parts of Warped Tour Pomona, was the fact that After Midnight Project was able to do an acoustic set. The following video isn’t from Pomona, but AMP have been doing several acoustic sets, including one at the KIA tent that was captured and showcased here. I love it when rock bands break it down acoustically, but I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a band do it as well as After Midnight Project…

Other highlights for me included actually being able to see Mayday Parade, hearing some of You Me At Six’s  new songs, and being able to sample several new bands. Amanda was a big fan of Dicso Curtis who gave me a new appreciation for Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance” and certainly put forth the happiest performance of the day (seriously, try to watch the band play and not smile).

Personally, I was enraptured by the Arkansas-based Deas Vail, whose soaring vocals, subtle harmonies, and piano base drew me in like a moth to a flame. I was literally walking past their stage to go elsewhere when I heard the music and HAD to stop. I kept trying to leave, but I just couldn’t…it was too beautiful to look away.

I recognized the name of the band, not because they were openers for the Owl City/Lights tour that I really wanted to see, but because I had at one point told myself NOT to like the band as they won a competition to get their video on MTVU, beating my beloved Carney. Funny how these things work sometimes…

Here’s that video:

And here’s the song that hooked me: Birds

~ Kristen

p.s. pictures to come…

Important Carney announcement- VOTE VOTE VOTE!

Posted on by Amanda

The CD is officially out in Australia! The band is there at the moment doing a string of shows before returning to the states for the big show at the El Rey on May 15. In the meantime, their amazing video for their first single “Love Me, Chase Me” is in contention to be played on MTVU. Go here and vote for Carney to be this week’s Freshman Video. If they win, they’ll get airplay on MTVU!

After you VOTE FOR CARNEY (multiple times) check out the other videos!  They all seem like great new bands to keep an eye on. Codeine Velvet Club is on my SXSW ’10 list and I just saw them last week with Nico Vega and Metric. Their song “Hollywood” was one of my favorites! The video for Silver Starling’s “Closer” is also fun…that is totally the kind of fort I used to build!

But let’s get that Carney video some airplay! Vote today! Have your say! It would make my day! Hahaha!! Clearly, I didn’t get enough sleep last night…okay! 🙂

~ Kristen

Warped Tour Pomona

Posted on by Kristen

About a week ago, Amanda and I ventured to Pomona for Warped Tour #2. I’m so glad I went, mostly because it was another excuse to rock out with After Midnight Project, who, by the way, are coming home to LA to play the Key Club September 4th (get your tickets now!).
One of the best parts of Warped Tour Pomona, was the fact that After Midnight Project was able to do an acoustic set. The following video isn’t from Pomona, but AMP have been doing several acoustic sets, including one at the KIA tent that was captured and showcased here. I love it when rock bands break it down acoustically, but I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a band do it as well as After Midnight Project…

Other highlights for me included actually being able to see Mayday Parade, hearing some of You Me At Six’s  new songs, and being able to sample several new bands. Amanda was a big fan of Dicso Curtis who gave me a new appreciation for Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance” and certainly put forth the happiest performance of the day (seriously, try to watch the band play and not smile).

Personally, I was enraptured by the Arkansas-based Deas Vail, whose soaring vocals, subtle harmonies, and piano base drew me in like a moth to a flame. I was literally walking past their stage to go elsewhere when I heard the music and HAD to stop. I kept trying to leave, but I just couldn’t…it was too beautiful to look away.

I recognized the name of the band, not because they were openers for the Owl City/Lights tour that I really wanted to see, but because I had at one point told myself NOT to like the band as they won a competition to get their video on MTVU, beating my beloved Carney. Funny how these things work sometimes…

Here’s that video:

And here’s the song that hooked me: Birds

~ Kristen

p.s. pictures to come…