Mumford & Sons

Valentine’s Day Playlist: Honorable Mentions

Posted on by Amanda

It wouldn’t be right of us to let the Valentine’s Day fun actually end on Valentine’s Day so we thought we would share some of the hopefuls for our playlist that just didn’t make the cut. Marissa’s list is up first because, well, I like her list more than mine. Ha ha.

Honorable Mentions: Marissa

Loneliness: Remain – Transfer

Transfer is a little bit Melancholy and this song has that sort of, “I’m just living to live” vibe about it.  Plus, I just love Transfer.



Tease: Halo Bender – The Halo Benders

“You Think You’re Heaven Sent, Gonna Get Your Halo Bent”



Sexy: I’m Gonna Love The Hell Out of You – The Silver Jews

An odd one, but I love it.  Something about the slow monotone approach of the Silver Jews makes almost every song sound a little bit naughty.


Puppy Love: Red Sweater – The Aquabats

It’s just cute. Smiles.



Sprung: Pictures of Lily – The Who

Falling in love with a sexy picture, just cause your a teenage boy, if that’s not sprung I don’t know what is.

Creepy Love: Saturday Night – The Misfits

I mean if you murder a girl, you shouldn’t sing song about being bummed out about it, it’s just rude.

Unrequited Love: My Man (Funny Girl) – Barbara Streisand

Heart breaking to say the least.

Proclamation: Winter Winds – Mumford and Sons

This is a “Holy Shit I’m In Love With You, but You Are Totally Terrible For Me” song.

In Love: Drifter – Mississippi Man

This is one of those songs that just touches of this sort of, we just happen to be perfect together things, with adorable and catchy lyrics, it’s one of my favorites.



Tragic Love: Farewell Reel – Patti Smith

Written after the death of her husband, an honest and heart wrenching account of the loss of a true love.

Post Break Up: Crown of Love – Arcade Fire

The swooning strings and Win Butler’s strong yet shaky voice give this song a pulse and intensity that isn’t characteristic of a post break up song.

 

It’s Just Another Day: Car – Built To Spill

‘You Get the Car, I’ll Get the Night Off”

Kristen’s ’11 Mix – Bonus 1 – Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons

Posted on by Kristen

Bonus 1. “Never Meant to Love You” – Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons 

LMN made the trek to Bonnaroo this summer. This is my favorite festival. From early morning yoga to the late night dance parties, I treasured every moment of my Bonnaroo ’11 experience. I discovered so many great bands (Aunt Martha, The Black Box Revelation, The Kopecky Family Band, Fences, JEFF The Brotherhood), saw several favorites for the first time (Scissor Sisters, Amos Lee, Neon Trees, Freelance Whales, Black Angels, Alberta Cross, Robert Plant), and enjoyed beloved bands like The Decemberists, Emimen, Deas Vail, Mumford & Sons, Nicole Atkins, The Head & The Heart, Band of Skulls, The Black Keys, etc.  Going into the event Corey Chisel and the Wandering Sons were on the top of my list of bands to check out. I ended up seeing them three times. “I Never Meant To Love You” is one of my favorite songs. I couldn’t locate a recorded version, but I tracked this bootleg. Check out the bands album, Death Won’t Send a Letter.

~ Kristen

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 12/5-12/11

Posted on by Kristen

I barely survived last week. I can’t remember the last time I pushed my poor body so hard for so long. I can’t say it was a bad week because it was peppered by some amazing musical experiences, but it’s not a good sign when going to a show is a “break” rather than the end of your day. But it is weeks like these that make me most thankful for great live music and its ability to get me through just about anything.

Here’s to hoping this week can be fabulous without the severe sleep deprivation!  Musically, there is a lot of promise. Friday I’m going to wish I could be in 10 places at once. Thankfully, my fave rockers Queen Caveat will also be making an appearance Weds night down in Hermosa Beach. They’ve been busy recording new music and I’ve been suffering withdrawals…

As for the rest, here’s my list:

 

Monday: Brian Wright at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: Sabrosa Purr FREE at Silverlake Lounge (9pm)
ALSO: Beverly Kills at Howl at The Moon in Universal City (10pm)
ALSO: It’s a School Night at Bardot featuring Daniel Lanois and Rocco Deluca…free with RSVP (10pm)
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)

 

Tuesday: Maniac and The Postelles at Bootleg Bar (8:30,10:30)
ALSO: Benefit for Free The Slaves at The Hotel Café featuring Joe Purdy, Cary Brothers, The Rescues, The Makepeace Brothers, etc. (8pm)
ALSO: Me Talk Pretty at The Key Club (10:30)
ALSO: The Dahls at The Viper Room (9pm)
ALSO: Carina Round and Puscifer at The Orpheum (8pm)
ALSO: Beachwood Night FREE at The Piano Bar (9pm)

 

Weds: Queen Caveat FREE at The Shore Lounge in Hermosa Beach (9:30)
ALSO: Meiko at The Hotel Cafe (9:30)
ALSO: Scott Weiland at The El Rey (8pm)
ALSO: The Kooks at The Music Box (9pm)

 

Thursday: Ryan Cabrera at The Viper Room (midnight)
ALSO: The Kooks at The Music Box (9pm)

 

Friday: Jon McLaughlin and Stephen Kellogg at The Key Club (9, 10:15)
ALSO: Queen Caveat and Kevin Martin at The Viper Room (11, 8pm)
ALSO: The Silent Comedy at Villian’s Tavern (?)
ALSO: The Elizabeth Kill at Molly Malone’s (8:30)
ALSO: Camp Freddy at The Roxy (9pm)
ALSO: Sara Bareilles and Joshua Radin at The Palladium (7:30)
ALSO: The Belle Brigade at McCabe’s (8pm)
ALSO: William Elliot Whitmore and Trampled by Turtles at The Troubadour (9,10)
ALSO: The Chris Robinson Brotherhood at The El Rey (8pm)

 

Saturday: Quiet Mind, Soul Puppet, The Young Royals, and Roman Candle Wars at Molly Malone’s (8pm)
ALSO: Aimee Mann Christmas Show at The Wiltern (8pm)
ALSO: Sugarcult at Chain Reaction in Anaheim (7pm)
ALSO: KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas at The Gibson Amphitheater featuring Incubus, Bush, Chevelle, New Found Glory, etc.

 

Sunday: Satellite Holiday Recital and Toy Drive FREE at The Satellite featuring Steven Wikin (Vanaprasta), Useless Keys, Rob Kolar & Lauren Brown (He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister), etc. (7pm)
ALSO: Odd Us and Parker Ainsworth at The Hotel Cafe (8,9)
ALSO: Brandi Carlile at Broad Stage in Santa Monica (?)
ALSO: KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas at The Gibson Amphitheater featuring The Black Keys, Cage the Elephant, Death Cab for Cutie, Florence + The Machine, Mumford & Sons, The Naked and Famous, etc.

 

Advance Notice NEXT MONDAY: High Voltage Holiday Party at On the Rox featuring Zero 1, The Active Set, Suddyn, and Bethpage Black (8pm)

 

 

To Keep in Mind:
December 14th: Deas Vail and Lakes at The Roxy
December 16th: Camp Freddy at The Roxy
December 16th: Oh Land at The El Rey
December 16th: Forrest Day at Molly Malone’s
December 16th: Chris Cornell at The Orpheum Theater
December 16th: Hotel Café Christmas Party night 1
December 17th: Hotel Café Christmas Party night 2
December 17th: Tori Amos at The Orpheum Theater
December 18th: Tori Amos at The Orpheum Theater
December 23rd: Camp Freddy at The Roxy
December 31st: Semi Precious Weapons at The Roxy
January 12th: Milk Carton Kids at The Largo
January 29th: Tyrone Wells at Saint Rocke
January 31st: Atomic Tom at Bootleg Bar
Feb. 2nd: Mutemath at Club Nokia
Feb. 14th: Twin Atlantic and You Me at Six at The Troubadour
March 9th: William Fitzsimmons at The Troubadour
March 13th-18th: SXSW (Austin, TX)
March 24th: Ani DiFranco at The Orpheum Theater

~ Kristen

 

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New Band Love: The Lumineers

Posted on by Kristen

At points, last night at the Hotel Cafe seemed akin to a raucous hoedown with all the enthusiastic clapping, group dancing, interactive sing-alongs, and people that just couldn’t stop smiling. The packed crowd seemed wholly transformed by what was going on around them. Even the usual chit chat in the back of the room was silenced.  The cause of such a scene was a band identified by the kick drum resting on the edge of the stage that read “The Lumineers.”

The Lumineers are a Denver-based folk rock band composed primarily of Wesley (lead vocals, guitar, piano), Jeremiah (drums), and Neyla (cello, piano, vocals, etc.). They are in the same vein as other LMN favorites like Aunt Martha, The Head and The Heart, and Mumford & Sons.  Prior to last night, I had not heard of The Lumineers save a friend’s mention on facebook, but that was enough to get me to go early to The Hotel Cafe and check them out. I got increasingly interested during the band’s set up as more and more instruments were piling onto the stage…mandolin, extra kick drum, cello, etc. etc. I was even more intrigued as the buzz of anticipation around me became palpable. So many excited fans itching to see one of their favorite bands perform. It’s not often I see this level of excitement anywhere in Los Angeles. I started to buzz as well.

The band began to play and about two songs into their somewhat lengthy set, as the musicians were hopping about the stage instrument-swapping, I completely understood what all the fuss was about.  I immersed myself into the sea of hand clapping/foot stomping revelry.  The Lumineers not only delivered on the tunes, both memorable and fun, but they also had the kind of lyrics that really stick with you, simple yet thought-provoking. Their messages ranged from the fun/ny (classy girls are not the ones you’ll be kissing in a bar) to the more serious (the opposite of love is indifference) and the music rang with such truth and sincerity, it would be difficult not to connect to it in some way.

My favorite moment of the set might have been when the entire band got off the stage and went into the audience, busker-style, to incite a massive sing-along for the song “Ho Hey.” Although, I was also quite moved by the song “Slow It Down” which is one of those tunes with lyrical depth that also has some movement, staring slow and then building up to a head nodding climax.

There was a moment of sadness in the set when we were told about the band’s recent misfortune of having some instruments and gear stolen out of their van. But aside from giving the audience extra incentive to buy some merch, the band wanted to make a point to express their joy and gratitude towards all the great people who were able to loan them equipment and instruments on such short notice (they were even able to play the night that the event happened). You could tell they were still a bit freshly scarred, but the spirits were not down and they played on with perhaps even more gusto. The band was even granted a rare and greatly deserved encore opportunity.

For more information on The Lumineers, please check out their webpage. You can get tour dates (they’re currently on a west coast tour, but will be hitting up the east coast in October), links to their social media sites, and information on their stolen instruments (spread the word!) as well as a place where you can leave a donation. This is such a great band, I really hope that they can fully recover from this incident and continue spreading the music love. They certainly have my heart.

Website: http://www.thelumineers.com/index.htm

 

 

~ Kristen

Kristen’s ’10 Mix – Track 6 – Mumford & Sons

Posted on by Kristen

6. “White Blank Page” – Mumford & Sons

I know everyone loves Mumford & Sons. Well, there is a reason for that. They are one of the best bands to break out this year. I was fortunate enough to be front row at a Mumford & Sons show at The Belly Up and was able to witness up close the pure awesomeness of this band. “Blank White Page” has always been my fave M&S song. This song also reminds me of another important factor in my life this year. This year marked the first time I had the opportunity to teach. TAing for an undergrad neuroscience class kept me from seeing Mumford & Sons when they came through LA in October. If you can imagine how this made me feel, it pretty much sums up my feelings towards teaching.

http://www.mumfordandsons.com/

more M&S pics:

~ Kristen

track 5: Jealousy Curve
track 7: Deas Vail

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 10/18-10/24

Posted on by Kristen

That blank white page really is filling me with rage this week. My favorite Mumford & Sons tune will have to be performed without me in the audience tomorrow (Monday Oct. 18th) at The Palladium as I will be proctoring an exam that evening. It was quite painful to give away my ticket (purchased during the pre-sale mind you). But, as they say, life goes on…as does the music. With Joe Firstman tonight at the Hotel Cafe and a host of promising acts to fill the week, I’m sure I’ll get by ;).

Here are my musical suggestions this week:

Monday: Mumford & Sons at The Hollywood Palladium (7pm)
ALSO: Griffin House at The Troubadour (9:30)
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm) 

Tuesday: The Diamond Light at Bootleg (10:30)
ALSO: Keaton Simons at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: Northstar Session at The Hotel Cafe (9pm) 

Weds: Flyleaf and Story of the Year at House of Blues (7:45)
ALSO: BellX1 at The Hotel Café (9pm)
ALSO: Matt White at The Viper Room (7:45) 

Thursday: Griffin House at Saint Rocke (10pm)
ALSO: Dead Country at Silverlake Lounge (9pm)
ALSO: Alex Dezen at The Hotel Cafe (10pm)
ALSO: Assemble the Skyline FREE at Hot Topic on Hollywood and Highland (6:30)
ALSO: The Shakers at The Kibitz Room at Canter’s Deli (10:30) 

Friday: Prohibition Rose at The Viper Room (10pm)
ALSO: Buckcherry at The Honda Center in Anaheim (8pm) 

Saturday: Sufjan Stevens at The Wiltern (7pm) 

Sunday: Joan Osborne at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: The White Buffalo at Saint Rocke (9:30) 

To Keep in Mind:
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 6th-7th: Florence + The Machine at The Wiltern
November 8th-10th: A Perfect Circle at Avalon
November 13th: Terrible Things and Mae at The El Rey
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
https://twitter.com/_localmusicnat

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 10/11-10/17

Posted on by Kristen

These last couple weeks have been rough. My schedule has been commandeered by a little thing called teaching. In trying to maintain my busy schedule with the additional duties of being a teaching assistant I have managed to get sick again…I suppose the severe lack of sleep might have contributed. Anyway, the dearth of posting will most likely continue until December when my schedule can return to its usual merely busy state.

Unfortunately, this also means I have to cut back on my concert-going…I’m going to aim for a healthy diet of 2-3 shows per week and see if that can get me through. This week I am continuing my kick of going to see artists from the UK (like Biffy Clyro and Tired Pony). Fran Healy is branching out from his band, Travis, to do a solo album. He plays twice this week, once at Bardot and once at The Hotel Cafe (the latter being sold out already). Then on Weds., my last year’s band obsession, Frightened Rabbit, returns to LA to play at The Mayan. But those are only the tip of the ice berg when it comes to great shows going on around town this week. You will all have to double your efforts to go out in my absence. Here’s what I suggest:

Monday: Fran Healy (of Travis) at Bardot (11:30)…RSVP here http://itsaschoolnight.com/
ALSO: Whispertown and Jessie Baylin at Bootleg (8:30, 10:30)
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm) 

Tuesday: Fran Healy at The Hotel Cafe (7pm)
ALSO: Songwriter Round at Saint Rocke featuring Keaton Simons, Justin Hopkins, and Randy Coleman (8pm)
ALSO: The 88 at The Troubadour (10pm)
ALSO: That Noise at The Viper Room (11:45)
ALSO: Macy Gray at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: Alice in Chains at Gibson Amphitheater (7:15)
ALSO: The Script at The Wiltern (7:30)
ALSO: Punch Brothers featuring Chris Thile at El Rey (9pm) 

Weds: Frightened Rabbit at The Mayan Theater (7pm)
ALSO: Beachwood Rocker’s Society at Crane’s   

Thursday: Toby Lightman at The Hotel Cafe (8pm) 

Friday: Nicole Atkins at The Echo (9pm)
ALSO: Mike Doughty at Bootleg (10pm)
ALSO: Frightened Rabbit at HOB Anaheim (8pm)
ALSO: George Stanford at The Hotel Cafe (11pm) 

Saturday: Bird by Bird at Genghis Cohen (10:30)
ALSO: Gaelic Storm (9pm)
ALSO: Jenni Alpert at The Hotel Cafe (8pm) 

Sunday: Joe Firstman at The Hotel Cafe 

To Keep in Mind:

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

https://twitter.com/_localmusicnat