Phoenix

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 Band Alert: Leogun

Posted on by Kristen

 

Leogun stormed into my life Wednesday night when they played an electrifying set at The Satellite. I don’t think this band has been around for too long (they joined facebook in April of 2012), but I’m sure it won’t take too long for their popularity to grow. They are the kind of band that demands notice. For a quick summary, their fb page gives two definitions for the term “Leogun”. The first is “a three-piece band from London, surging with a mix of blues, soul and a whole lotta rock & roll. With “bite your head off” choruses and a hunger to groove, LEOGUN mixes the musicality and heart bleeding emotion of The Racounteurs with all the sexual prowess and break-neck attitude of Queens of The Stone Age.” The second definition is “believed to be a were-lion, LEOGUN was a half man, half lion.” I think that sums up my experience of the band quite nicely.

Their debut self-titled EP comes out next week (10/16). Here are my quick thoughts on each song:

“Let’s Be Friends” – their first single, a great introduction to their rockin’ style with stand-out guitar licks, soaring yet gritty vocals, and brazen attitude all wrapped in a catchy tune.

“End of The World” – sung with abandon, it will seduce you

“You’d Better Love Me”- a blistering rock song that rightly demands the attentions of its listeners

“Everyday” – a slower-building jam that showcases the groovier side of the band but will have your head banging by the end

 

Here’s the band’s first official video:

 

Other important info to get you connected to the band:

Website: http://leogunband.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LeogunBand

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LeogunBand

They are currently touring around the US. Be sure to catch them if they near a city by you!

 

DATE CITY VENUE INFORMATION
10/10/12 Los Angeles, CA The Satellite More Info
10/14/12 Phoenix, AZ Hard Rock Cafe More Info
10/17/12 Philadelphia, PA North Star Bar More Info
10/18/12 Easton, MD Nightcat More Info
10/19/2012 New York City, NY Fat Baby – CMJ Convention More Info
10/23/2012 Somerville, MA Johnny D’s Restaurant & Music Club More Info
10/31/2012 – 11/04/2012 Miami to Great Stirrup Cay Kiss Kruise II More Info
11/07/2012 Chicago, IL The Ace Bar More Info
11/08/2012 Madison , WI The Rigby More Info
11/09/2012 Minneapolis, MN 7th Street Entry More Info
11/11/2012 Saint Louis, MO Heartbreakers Rock-N-Roll Saloon More Info
11/12/2012 Lee’s Summit, MO Jerry’s Bait Shop More Info
11/14/2012 Denver , CO Hi-Dive More Info
11/16/2012 Colorado Springs, CO Stargazers Theatre More Info
11/20/2012 Boise, ID Neurolux More Info
11/21/2012 Spokane, WA Knitting Factory Concert House More Info

Listen! Learn! Love!

~ Kristen

New Music Tuesday 8/14/12

Posted on by Kristen

Looking for new tunes? Here are my listening suggestions for albums coming out this week:

The Dirty Guv’nahs –   Somewhere Between These Southern Skies

One of my favorite discoveries from Bonnaroo this year was The Dirty Guv’nahs.  I’ve been loving the single, 3000 Miles, and from what I’ve heard so far, the rest of the album delivers more of that southern rock sound I enjoy. This album is a must on my list.

 

Charlie Mars – Blackberry Rain

Listening to the first song off this album, I am captivated…

 

The Classic Crime – Phoenix

When browsing through the new releases for this week, The Classic Crime, jumped out at me. I haven’t heard from this Seattle rock band in a couple years, but I’ve been a fan for a while and I can’t wait to hear what they have been up to. I’m skimming through the podcasts they have up on bandcamp and hearing much potential in the tantalizing tidbits of music.

 

Yellowcard – Southern Air

This year there has been a bit of a resurgence of Yellowcard in my life. The band played a couple acoustic tunes at the Warped Tour kickoff party at Club Nokia and then I saw them again at Warped Tour where they played songs off Ocean Avenue and reminded me why I was in love with that album. Yellowcard still holds a place in my heart and I’m looking forward to hearing more of their signature brand of California punk-pop laced with electric violin (forever and always my favorite aspect of Yellowcard).

Here’s the lead-off track from Southern Air. I like it!

 

Listen! Learn! Love!

 

~ Kristen

New Band Altert: The Milk Carton Kids

Posted on by Kristen

It’s Joey Ryan and Kenneth Pattengale! Looks like they’ve finally made it official. This makes me very happy as I LOVE this duo. The formation of The Milk Carton Kids was just announced so don’t forget to like on facebook, follow on twitter, and check out their website.

They have a couple songs up for FREE download on their site. So, what are you waiting for? Just press “download”!

They are on tour this summer, opening for Joe Purdy. That means, The Troubadour on April 30th for all my fellow Los Angelenos. For everyone else, check out their website or just look at the dates and places below:

 

4/22 Austin, TX: The Parish
4/23 Dallas, TX : The Loft
4/25 Santa Fe, NM: Corazon
4/27 Phoenix, AZ : Rhythm Room
4/28 Solano Beach, CA : Bellyup Tavern
4/30 Los Angeles, CA : Troubadour
5/3 San Francisco, CA : The Independent
5/5 Portland, OR : Doug Fir
5/7 Vancouver, BC : The Rio Theater
5/9 Boise, ID : Neurolux
5/10 Salt Lake City, UT : State Room
5/12 Denver, CO : Bluebird Theater
5/14 Lawrence, KS : Bottleneck
5/15 Des Moines, IA : Vaudeville Mews
5/16 Minneapolis, MN : Varsity Theater
5/17 Milwakee, WI : Turner Hall
5/18 Chicago, IL : Lincoln Hall
5/19 St Louis, MO : Off Broadway
6/9 Birmingham, AL : WorkPlay
6/10 Atlanta, GA : The Loft
6/11 Asheville, NC : Grey Eagle
6/12 Carborro, NC : Cat’s Cradle
6/14 Annapolis, MD : Ram’s Head
6/15 Philadelphia, PA : World Café Live
6/16 New York City, NY : Highline Ballroom
6/17 Fairfield, CT : Stage One
6/20 Northampton, MA : Iron Horse
6/21 Allston, MA : Brighton Music Hall
6/22 Fall River, MA : Narrows Center for the Arts
6/23 Burlington, VT : Higher Ground
6/25 Montreal, QC : Petit Campus
6/26 Toronto, ONT : Horseshoe Tavern
6/27 Pittsburgh, PA : Rex Theater
6/28 Cleveland, OH : Beachland Ballroom
6/30 Syracuse, NY : Westcott Theater

~ Kristen

 

p.s. Joey and Kenneth playing “Girls, Gather Round” live at the Vail Film Festival:

 

Amanda’s Show Calendar 9/20-9/26

Posted on by Amanda

Hey look at that… I’m on time! Whew. Thankfully I have a bit of down time today within all my running around. Plus, you folks deserve something nice since it’s Monday after all.

In case you haven’t noticed, Kristen and I are heading off to Epicenter this weekend! Should be tons of fun 🙂 Also, keep a look out for Kristen’s Countdown to Epicenter.

Anyways, let’s see what this week has in store…

Monday: Echo Revolution @ The Casbah @9:30 $6
AND: Endoxi @ Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge @8 $FREE
AND: Calexico @ The Belly Up @8 $22

Tuesday: Phoenix @ SDSU Open Air Theater
AND: Blockhead @ The Casbah @10 $15

Wednesday: Muse @ Viejas Arena
AND: Dungen @ The Casbah @10 $12 adv/$14 day of
AND: Inspired Flight @ The Belly Up  @9 $20 adv/$22 day of

Thursday: Molly Jensen @ Lestats @9 $?
AND: Jamuel Saxon @ Soda Bar @9 $7
AND: Illuminauts @ Tin Can Alehouse @9:30 $5

Friday: Blowoff @ The Casbah @10 $12 adv/$14 day of

Saturday: The Black Keys @ Soma
AND: Republic of Letters @ HOB SD Voodoo Stage @7
AND: The Loons @ Soda Bar @9 $10
AND: Adams Ave. Street Fair @11-9

Sunday: Adams Ave. Street Fair @11-9

Keep in Mind:
 September 30th- Fountains of Wayne @ The Casbah (Yeah, I said it!)
October 1st- O.A.R. @ SDSU Open Air Theater
October 1st- Spoon @ Soma @7 $28
October 14th- Frightened Rabbit @ House of Blues San Diego
October 14th- Motion City Soundtrack @ Soma @6 $20
October 16th- One Republic @ Viejas
October 21st- Interpol @Soma @7 $25
October 22nd- Flyleaf @ House of Blues San Diego
October 29th- Portugal. The Man @ House of Blues San Diego
November 14th-Blonde Redhead- House of Blues San Diego
November 16th- Mayday Parade @ House of Blues SD\
December 2nd-The Dead Kennedys- House of Blues San Diego

Amanda’s (very late) Show Calendar

Posted on by Amanda

I’m sure I could give you a slew of reasons for my late calendar (yet again) and give you a battery of apologies (which I really do!) but let’s get to the calendar before I waste any more time. (For the record, I really am sorry about this very late calendar!)

P.S.- The SDMAs were super fun! Expect a post about that soon.

Wednesday: Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers @ The Belly Up @7:30 $16
AND: The Sea of Cortez @ The Casbah @10:30 $6
AND: Benjamin Winter @ Lestats @9 $?

Thursday: Jessica Heine @ Lestats @9 $?

Friday: Dirty Sweet @ Bar Pink @9 $5
AND: Joey Ryan and Kenneth Pattingale @ Lestats @9 $?
AND: Menoma @ The Casbah @11 $15

Saturday: Hanson @ House of Blues SD @7 $prices vary
AND: Paramore @ Viejas Areana @6 $prices vary
AND: Get Back Loretta @ Soda Bar @9 $?
AND: Booty Basement Djs @ The Casbah @9 $5

Sunday: Local Natives @ The Belly Up @9 (sold out but you can probably score tix at the door)

Keep In Mind:

September 21st- Phoenix @ SDSU Open Air Theater
September 22nd- Muse @ Viejas Arena
September 25th- The Black Keys @ Soma
September 25/26- Epicenter @ Fontana
October 1st- O.A.R. @ SDSU Open Air Theater
October 1st- Spoon @ Soma @7 $28
October 14th- Frightened Rabbit @ House of Blues San Diego
October 14th- Motion City Soundtrack @ Soma @6 $20
October 16th- One Republic @ Viejas
October 21st- Interpol @Soma @7 $25
October 22nd- Flyleaf @ House of Blues San Diego
November 5th- Ghostland Observatory @ 4th and B
October 29th- Portugal. The Man @ House of Blues San Diego
November 14th-Blonde Redhead- House of Blues San Diego
November 16th- Mayday Parade @ House of Blues SD\
December 2nd-The Dead Kennedys- House of Blues San Diego

Amanda’s Show Calendar 8/23-8/29

Posted on by Amanda

I can’t believe it’s the end of August already! Where the heck did this year go? It’s flying by at breakneck speed for sure. Not much news to report on this end. I’ve been working on a few things but I’ll be sure to share those in due time.

Let’s see what this week has in store for us fine music folk, shall we?

Monday: White  Apple Tree @ The Casbah @9:30 $5

Tuesday: The Flowerthief @ Tin Can Alehouse

Wednesday: Little Hurricane @ Belly Up @9 $8
AND: Joe Gil @ Lestats @9 $?
AND: The Kabbs @ The Casbah @9:30 $5

Thursday: Something Corporate @ Soma @7:30 $25 adv
AND: The Silent Comedy @ W Hotel in downtown San Diego @7 FREE
AND: Bedford Grove @ Prospect Bar @9 $3
AND: Black Hondo @ The Casbah @9:30 $6

Friday: Mississippi Man @ Tin Can Alehouse @9:30 $5
AND: The White Buffalo @ The Casbah @9:30 $12 adv/$14 day of

Saturday: Endoxi @ The Belly Up @9 $12 adv/$14 day of
AND: Longstay @ Tin Can Alehouse @9:30 $5
AND: A Scribe Amidst the Lions @ The Ruby Room
AND: Chris Wilson @ Lestats @9 $?

Sunday: Ricky Stein @ Lestats @9 $?

Keep in Mind:

September 18th- Paramore @ Viejas Arena
September 18th- Hanson @ House of Blues San Diego
September 21st- Phoenix @ SDSU Open Air Theater
September 22nd- Muse @ Viejas Arena
September 25th- The Black Keys @ Soma
September 25/26- Epicenter @ Fontana
October 1st- O.A.R. @ SDSU Open Air Theater
October 1st- Spoon @ Soma @7 $28
October 14th- Frightened Rabbit @ House of Blues San Diego
October 14th- Motion City Soundtrack @ Soma @6 $20
October 21st- Interpol @Soma @7 $25
October 22nd- Flyleaf @ House of Blues San Diego
October 29th- Portugal. The Man @ House of Blues San Diego
November 14th-Blonde Redhead- House of Blues San Diego
November 16th- Mayday Parade @ House of Blues SD
December 2nd-The Dead Kennedys- House of Blues San Diego