Opposites

New Music Tuesday 5/28/13 Featuring Bastille, Laura Marling, Dan and Matt Wilson

Posted on by Kristen

Bastille – Haunt EP

It is difficult to find the words to express just how excited I am to have UK’s Bastille finally release some music here in the US. Bastille has been one of those bands I go to for comfort and inspiration and quite frankly, I was getting tired of putting music videos on repeat just to listen to the songs. The EP only has four songs (three from the band’s debut, Bad Blood and a new demo from which the EP gets its name), but I haven’t been this excited about a release since Biffy Clyro’s Opposites. If you just want to sample, iTunes has “Pompeii” available as their free download of the week…get on that one!

Laura Marling – Once I
Was An Eagle 

I was lucky enough to catch a live streaming performance of Ms. Marling’s the other day on via KCRW. She simply captivates in a way that reminds me of some of the singer/songwriters I grew up listening to from the 60s/70s. I’ve seen Laura Marling play a few festivals, but honestly, I find her music too intimate for large crowds. Just find yourself alone in a room with your thoughts and put Once I Was An Eagle on the record player and get lost. Through this lens, the record is perfection.

You can listen to the album via NPR first listen here

Dan and Matt Wilson – Minneapolis
2013 

You know I’m a huge Dan Wilson fan. Dan and his brother Matt have been in various bands over the years and they came together at the Pantages Theater in Minneapolis to play a show featuring songs spanning their careers. We are quite lucky that they recorded the show and this can now be purchased via their website as a digital download. They did this back in 2010 and although I’m not the biggest fan of live albums, this one I love. You can
stream Minneapolis 2013 on the site as well…


Also:

  • Imaginary Cities – Fall of Romance
  • John Fogerty – Wrote a Song For Everyone
  • Alice in Chains – The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here
  • Eisley – Currents
  • Guster – Live Acoustic
  • Rise Against – Rpm10
  •  CocoRosie – Tales of a Grasswindow

~ Kristen

Kristen’s Top 5 Acts to See at Coachella 2013

Posted on by Kristen

It’ s that time again! California’s favorite two weekend desert music festival is almost upon us. I’m (sadly) not attending this year, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t listen to all of the artist and compile a short list of the artists I would most want to see. Plus, you know, there’s the livestream! http://www.youtube.com/coachella

But if you’re venturing out to Indio this year, here’s who I’d recommend making the time to see:

1. Biffy Clyro

I almost completely rearranged my schedule and budget when I saw my beloved Scottish rockers on the line-up this year. I implore you to go see them in my stead. Their live show is one of my absolute favorites. Their new album, Opposites, is back in my car player in honor of the “so close yet so far” status.  In between weekends the band is opening for Muse on the east coast.

Video from their most recently single:

 2. The Neighbourhood

Every chance I get to see this band, I’m there. I saw them a couple times at SXSW and it almost felt like I was saying goodbye. I think they are becoming too big for me to see on the regular. They don’t even have a proper album out yet. So, if you haven’t seen or heard The Neighbourhood, Coachella would be the perfect opportunity to check them out!

3. Reignwolf

I know Coachella can get a bit warm, but if you’re looking for a proper face melting experience, look no further than Reignwolf. Listening to the bands on this year’s line-up, I felt that what was lacking was some solid straight-up rock music. If you feel the same, you don’t want to miss out on this one.

4. The Postal Service

I’d be remiss if I didn’t include the band that gave us the still ubiquitous “Such Great Heights”. I mean, they haven’t toured in ten years and rumor has it new music is on the horizon. Aren’t you curious? I sure am!

5. Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Have you heard the stream of their new album? Enough said.

 

~ Kristen

Watch This: Biffy Clyro’s “Black Chandelier”

Posted on by Kristen

Scottish rockers Biffy Clyro released the video for “Black Chandelier”, the first single from their forthcoming double album, Opposites. I quite like this song as it has many of the Biffy elements I am so fond of (great melody, rockin’ breakdown, unexpected musical flares, lyrics that make me think then make me smile, etc).

“it’s just the two of us and a cute little cup of cyanide”

The video is pretty cool too. I love how it ends.

~ Kristen

 

p.s. One of my favorite shows of the year was Biffy Clyro at The Satellite. Have you seen my pictures?