Valentine’s Day Playlist: Cycle of Love- Creeper Status

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Amanda

Sometimes the path of love takes a sharp left turn and you end up with someone who you thought was harmless but they really aren’t. Perhaps they call or message you incessantly. Maybe they just give off a weird vibe around you. Or, you might have a full on stalker. Chances are they might be listening to these songs. And let’s face it, we’ve all been creepers on Facebook. No one is immune to some mild stalking. We still love you though.

Creeper

Local Music – Beware – The Silent Comedy

The Silent Comedy boys warned you. They told you to beware. I mean, you might find yourself creeping in your lovers lair. Do they know who you are though?

Top 40 – Paparazzi – Lady Gaga

The paparazzi are a scary people. Even scarier when Lady Gaga says she will be a paparazzi until you love her back. True creeper status.

Top 40 – Every Breath You Take – The Police

The reason we have two top forty picks is because we couldn’t decide. “Every Breath You Take” being the theme song for stalkers the world over, was essential. Also, we were scarred that Sting might be watching us and take revenge if he didn’t make the list.

Alternative Radio – I Will Possess Your Heart – Death Cab for Cutie

While I appreciate the idea of this song, it pushes past unrequited love into that area of creepiness. When I think of someone possessing my heart, my mind jumps to the idea of a serial killer who just wanted my heart. But hey, thats just me and I watch a lot of crime tv.

Soundtrack – Hellfire – The Hunchback of Notre Dame

If you are a young woman, there is nothing creeper than an (unattractive) older man perving on you. This is taken to a whole new level when that pervy old man is gonna kill your whole family if you don’t succumb to him. What’s a girl to do?

Misc – Do You Love Me – Nick Cave

What isn’t creepy about Nick Cave? I mean, he’s a creeper, through and through, but I love him just the same. It’s mostly the way he asks the listener, “Do You Love Me?” that sends chills running up and down my spine.

You’re not a creeper or you’re trying to get over it? Good for you! Just sit there on all that love. Stay tuned!

Amanda’s Top Ten Musical Experiences (The Finale!)

Posted on January 22, 2012 by Amanda

It’s long overdue but at last I’m bringing this thing to a close. Without further ado, my top 2.

2. The Silent Comedy/Saint Motel/Tranfer

I realize this is like cheating by having 3 bands listed without a discernable event that brings the three together. Well, the fact of the matter is, The Silent Comedy is at the center of this love triangle and if it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t include the others. This past summer The Silent Comedy embarked on their Summer Sweat Tour with Saint Motel which had numerous highlights from a show at the Casbah to playing LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) which culminated in a residency at The Cosmopolitan Hotel in Vegas. Vegas with the boys was a highlight for me because it was like a mini sin filled vacation surrounded by (almost) everyone you know and love. It was lovely. On the flip side, Transfer and The Silent Comedy are like two peas who have outgrown their pod. I first knew of Transfer because of The Silent Comedy and I know people who are vice versa. Transfer and The Silent Comedy have put on some epic shows this year but perhaps the mist epic of all was New Years Eve at the Lafayette Hotel here in San Diego. It was almost like Vegas but had way more bands and more friendly faces. It was definitely the best New Years Eve experience I’ve ever had! As a side note, I’ve had some wonderful video experiences with The Silent Comedy this year from shooting video of them to being in a video with them. Many cherished memories.

1. William Beckett

I’m not really sure to begin my story of my love for William Beckett. It’s a love I’m not entirely proud of, mostly because his fans are either teenagers/early twenty somethings or those crazy moms that like bands who go to rock shows and embarrass their kids. Nevertheless, my love for this particular artist came from a random chance discovery of his (now broken up) band The Academy Is… I’m not sure if it was a music or the lyrics that caught me first but the thing I have loved and always admired about William was his writing. I was hoping to go see The Academy Is… a few times on their tour this year when news broke that they had parted ways. I was devastated. My first band love had broken up and though I had been to many of their shows, I felt I could have done more. After all, Kristen and I galavanted around the east coast last year to see them, surely there was more I could have done. But then, magic happened. William announced he was coming to LA to open for the sold out Dear Jack benefit on 11/11/11. I immediately got on Craigslist and found a ticket. What a magical show it was! Between Mr. Beckett playing acoustic (which I had never seen) he played rare TAI songs, covers, and even a few of his new solo tunes. I was in heaven! What made the night even better was getting my favorite lyrics from The Phrase that Pays written down by his hand on a piece of paper. My life was complete!! Only, not quite. William announced he was playing a holiday show in Chicago and I knew I couldn’t miss it. I flew out to Chicago and was there for 3 days and 2 nights to catch this acoustic holiday show which featured, Jennifer Hall, Bonaventure, Into It. Over It., and William Beckett. It was a wonderful adventure where I got to meet other fans, chat with William about a mutual love for Nashville, and just enjoy life. It was whimsical and it’s why he is my number 1 for 2011.

Amanda’s Top Ten Musical Experiences (cont.)

Posted on January 20, 2012 by Amanda

I bet you thought I forgot all about this! Well, the truth of the matter is… I haven’t been home to write and when I am home, I’m sleeping. I’ve been out making new musical experiences for 2012! As such I’m giving you three more of my top musical experiences and I promise the top 2 won’t be far behind.

5.SXSW- I don’t really know how to describe SXSW to anyone other than calling it a musical orgy of sorts. There is so much to see and do whilst in Austin, Texas that it’s hard to keep your head on straight. Last year was my first year and I hope to be going every year after. The cool thing about SXSW is you really only need money for a place to stay and some food. We never went to any official shows (which is what badges are required for) and we had a hard time keeping up with all the musical options out there. During our time at SXSW we saw; Fierce Creatures, Viva City, Purple Melon, AWOLNATION, Neon Trees, The Head and The Heart, The Kin, Dead Sara, Fitz and The Tantrums, Tailor Made Fable, Keaton Simons, Liam Finn, Atomic Tom, Ivan and Alyosha, Queen Caveat, The Gallery, Sabrosa Purr, The Greenhornes, The Silent Comedy, Mother Mother, Agnes Obel, Brian Wright, Brooke Fraser, Cary Brothers, Holly Conlan, Jim Bianco, Joey Ryan, Kenneth Pattengale, Laura Jansen, Little Red Radio, OK, The Milk Carton Kids, Deluka, Hugo, Meriwether, My Cousin The Emperor, Sinai, Taylor Locke & The Roughs, The Good Natured, Augustana, Doll and The Kicks, Empires, Lenka, Twin Atlantic, and The Stone Foxes. Well, you get the idea…

4. Blink-182- I was never a huge fan of Blink. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t change the radio station when their music came on or anything but nothing about them made me have a burning desire to see them live. In 2011, I saw them not once but twice and they will always have a warm spot in my heart. The first time I saw them was for the Honda Civic Tour. I was working with Kevin and Rebecca Joelson and doing some shooting of the event which means I was in the pit for the first few songs and was able to be side stage for the rest of their set. I was surprised at just how many Blink-182 songs I knew and Rebecca and I sang along from the sidelines. What really blew my brain was when they ‘finished’ their set and this giant rig comes down from the batons where all the lights are. I had been staring at it all night trying to figure out what it was. Well, it was a giant arm with a drum set attached! Travis got on this rig and was taken out over the audience while he played a solo for a few minutes. The rig would tilt down, back up and move around. It was mind blowing!!!! Needless to say, I was a fan after that.

3. Bonnaroo- In 2011, Bonnaroo was what Coachella should have been lineup wise. If you’ve ever been to or know about Coachella, think of Bonnaroo as the cooler sister who is both hippie and hip. Bonnarro is also held in a giant field and while it lacks the artistic attractions like the wandering robot and the giant hand that can kill a car, it has yoga and it’s own post office. Bonnaroo also has this giant fountain which I’ve been told gets painted different colors every year but it’s a great way to stay cool in the heat. Coachella doesn’t have that. Granted Coachella is easier to get to, but flying out gave us the chance to hang out in Tennessee and check out Nashville for a day or two. Our highlights from Bonnaroo were already posted on this site but we had a blast watching Eminem, The Head and The Heart, Portugal. The Man, Neon Trees, Kopeckey Family Band, Mumford and Sons, Cory Chisel and The Wandering Sons, Alberta Cross, The Black Angels, and The Decemberists. Bonnaroo is a new tradition in my book and I can’t wait to see the lineup for 2012!

See you soon for my top 2!

Amanda’s SD Concert Calendar 1/16-1/22

Posted on January 16, 2012 by Amanda

It’s a gloomy Monday afternoon down here in San Diego but there is no reason to be glum. I would be far more chatty but I’m a tad bit tired after The Silent Comedy/Transfer show last night and we have round 2 tonight! I thought I would get this calendar out early before I forgot so I’m sorry if this is a tad scatterbrained…

Enjoy.

Monday: The Silent Comedy, Transfer, and Dead Feather Moon @ Casbah @9 $15

Tuesday: Pilots @ Soda Bar @830 $5
AND: The Silent Comedy, Taylor Locke and The Roughs, and Races @ Roxy @8 $12

Wednesday: Olin and the Moon @ The Casbah @9 $8
AND: The New Kinetics @ Bar Pink @9

Thursday: Jamuel Saxon and White Apple Tree @ Casbah @9 $8
AND: John Meeks @ Tin Can Alehouse @930 $5
AND: Grouplove @ Porters Pub @730

Friday: Skyline Union @ Griffin @9 $5
AND: Dashboard Confessional @ House of Blues @7 $25/$38
AND: Gregory Page @ Lestats @8

Saturday: Strangers Family Band @ Casbah @9 $13

Sunday: Wilco and White Denim @ Copley Symphony Hall

Keep in Mind:

January 23rd- April Ventura and The Magnolias @ Casbah @9 $5
January 26th- Nico Vega and The Filthy Violets @ Casbah @9 $8/$10
January 27th- The Howls, Jesse LaMonaca and The Dime Novels, and Family Wagon @ Casbah @9 $8/$10
January 28th- Endoxi and Kevin Martin @ Griffin @830 $8
February 2nd- The Burning of Rome @ Soda Bar
February 3rd- Mute Math @ 4th & B
February 4th- Where’s the Band Tour @ House of Blues
February 7th- Dr. Dog w/Purling Hiss @Belly Up @9 $18/$20
February 10th- Young the Giant @ Soma
February 11th- You Me At Six @ Soma @6 $12
February 19th- Craig Finn @ Casbah @9 $12
February 23rd- Ra Ra Riot @ Belly Up @8 $18
February 23rd- Hot Chelle Rae w/Electric Touch @ House of Blues
February 23rd- Scars on 45 @ Anthology @730
February 24th- The Soft Pack @ Casbah @9
February 25h- Mat Kearney @ House of Blues
February 26th- Cursive @ Casbah @9
February 29th- Red Hot Chili Peppers @ Valley View Casino Center
March 3rd- Jackie Greene @ Belly Up @9
March 6th- Flogging Molly @ House of Blues
March 8th- William Fitzsimmons @ Anthology @7
March 9th- The Stone Foxes @ Casbah @9
March 11th- Crocodiles @ Casbah @9 $12
March 21st- Cults @ Belly Up @9
March 23rd- The Ting Tings @ House of Blues
April 15th- Rise Against @ Viejas Arena

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 1/16-1/22

Posted on January 15, 2012 by Kristen

Currently watching The Golden Globes and I have come to the conclusion that I really don’t know much about contemporary popular culture. I’m incredibly frustrated because all the commercials for interesting new TV shows give their premiere date based on something called “the super bowl”. Okay, I know what The Super Bowl is (unfortunately), but I have no clue when it is. Can you please give me an actual date associated with these shows? Not that I’ll time to watch them…

Listening to all the nominees for the best films and TV shows of the year, I realize how out of tune I am with these things. I think I’ve seen all of two movies that were mentioned the entire evening and I had no clue Matt LeBlanc or Kelsey Grammar were doing TV again. Also, when did my favorite movie stars like Julianne Moore and Kate Winslet get so old?

Sorry for the extracurricular rant. I might know more about these things if I didn’t spend my every spare moment going to shows, listening to music, writing about music, and hanging out with people talking about music, etc. But honestly, I love my life and wouldn’t have it any other way…

And now that I’ve brought us back around to the point of this email, here are my musical recommendations in LA this week. (I’d especially take note of The Silent Comedy’s return to LA on Tuesday):

Monday: The Elizabeth Kill at The Viper Room (12:15)
ALSO: Chasing Kings FREE at The Satellite (11pm)
ALSO: NO, Zane Carney, and The Pierces at Bardot (10pm)…FREE with RSVP http://www.itsaschoolnight.com/losangeles/
ALSO: Kevin Earnest at The Hotel Cafe (7pm)
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)

Tuesday: Races, Taylor Locke and The Roughs, and The Silent Comedy at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: Finish Ticket at The Viper Room (9:30)
ALSO: Olin & The Moon and Maxim Ludwig FREE at The Echo (9pm)

Weds: Adam Arguarci at Bootleg Bar (11pm)
ALSO: Augustana at The El Rey (8pm)
ALSO: Marcus Very Ordinary and Forrest Day at Molly Malone’s (9,10)
ALSO: Jamestown Revival at The Hotel Cafe (10pm)

Thursday: Zane Carney at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: Forrest Day at The Satellite (10pm)
ALSO: Civil Twilight at Bootleg Bar (8pm)
ALSO: Terra Naomi and La Vie at WitZend (9, 10)

Friday: The Good Natured at The Echo (10pm)
ALSO: Holly Conlan, Rob Giles and All New People, and Rocco Deluca at The Hotel Cafe (8, 9, 11)
ALSO: Wires in the Walls at O’Briens in Santa Monica (10pm)
ALSO: PK at The Mint (10pm)
ALSO: Shane Alexander and Chris Pierce at WitZend (10,11)

Saturday: Finish Ticket at The Hotel Cafe (10pm)

Sunday: rest…yay!

To Keep in Mind:
January 26^th: Endoxi at The Roxy
January 29^th: Tyrone Wells at Saint Rocke
January 31^st: Atomic Tom at Bootleg Bar
Feb. 2^nd: Mutemath at Club Nokia
Feb. 2^nd: Dead Sara at Bootleg Bar
Feb. 8^th: Marketa Irglova at The Hotel Café
Feb. 9^th: Joss Stone at The Troubadour
Feb. 9^th: Harper Blynn at The Hotel Cafe
Feb. 14^th: Twin Atlantic and You Me at Six at The Troubadour
Feb. 17^th: Ryan Adams at The Hollywood Bowl
Feb. 19^th: The Darkness at House of Blues Sunset
Feb. 20^th: Milo Greene at The Satellite
Feb. 21^st: Scars on 45 at The Troubadour
Feb. 22^nd: Will Dailey and Mariah McManus at The Hotel Cafe
March 9^th: William Fitzsimmons at The Troubadour
March 13^th-18^th: SXSW (Austin, TX)
March 18^th: Dia Frampton at The Troubadour
March 20^th: Needtobreathe and Ben Rector at Club Nokia
March 24^th: Ani DiFranco at The Orpheum Theater
March 24^th and 25^th: Allen Stone at The Troubadour
March 31^st: Tyrone Wells at The Roxy
April 13^th-15^th AND 20^th– 22^nd: Coachella
April 25^th: Ben Kweller at The El Rey
May 8^th: Snow Patrol at The Hollywood Palladium

~ Kristen

http://twitter.com/#%21/_localmusicnat

http://www.localmusicnation.net/

Amanda’s Top 10 Musical Experiences (continued)

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Amanda

The musical journey continues as I continue to reminisce about endeavors of good old 2011. There was so much good music packed into one year but choices must be made (or so I’ve been informed).

8. Cage the Elephant– I remember when this band caught some buzz in 2010 and for one reason or another, I was never able to attend a show to see if they lived up to the hype. Thankfully for me, Cage the Elephant played Wrex the Halls this year in San Diego and I happened to be lucky enough to work the show. I was shooting video from the mixer in the middle of the floor and despite my distance, I could feel their energy. The highlight of their set was singer Matthew Shultz’s crowd surfing. He came off the stage into the crowd not once, not twice, but three times! The last time was after the band finished playing and had walked off stage. He looked out into the crowed, shrugged his shoulders as if to say ‘why not?’ and crowd surfed his way off stage.

7. Milk Carton Kids and Joe Purdy– At barely a year old, The Milk Carton kids have really started to make a name for themselves. I first saw one half of The Milk Carton Kids when Joey Ryan opened for Carney a few years ago. I was enchanted with him then and soon he was making music with his musical soul mate (or so it seems), Kenneth Pattengale. In 2011, they came through San Diego a few times, one of which was supporting Joe Purdy at The Belly Up. I remember this show specifically because a few friends joined me for the show and one of them was so taken with The Milk Carton Kids and the childhood memories they brought back to her, she started to cry. Joe Purdy was new to me and he did not disappoint! It was a lovely night all around and I’ll hold it fondly in my mind for quite some time.

6. North Park Music Thing– Now known as the San Diego Music Thing. I think. It might change it’s name again. All you really need to know is that it is 2 days full of speakers and music. In the morning/afternoon you can find workshops with top dog speakers about anything from touring to selling your music for tv. There is a whole other slew of workshops from basic music industry 101 to the state of radio. The evening is chock full of local acts at local venues. To give you an idea, this year included music from; Nico Vega, Kevin Martin, The Silent Comedy, Andy Clockwise, Endoxi, Youngblood Hawke, White Apple Tree, Grand Tarantula, The New Kinetics, Queen Caveat, Republic of Letters, Saint Motel, Purple Melon, Little Hurricane, Mattson 2, Miss Erika Davies, Jesse LaMonaca and the Dime Novels, The Heavy Guilt, Cuckoo Chaos, The Nervous Wreckords, Writer, Gregory Page, Steve Poltz, Maren Parusel, and Dynamite Walls. And that was in two days!

While Nico Vega isn’t a San Diego band, they were just a few of the guests we had in from LA!

Local Musicians Giving Back to the Community

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Kristen

Holidays are a time of year where there is a huge emphasis on giving to the less fortunate. You don’t always put together local music and giving to the local community. At least I didn’t. Well, about a dozen local SoCal bands did just that. Hi. My name is Ashley and Kristen and Amanda are letting me hijack their blog for this one post. I work for a nonprofit agency called Child and Family Guidance Center in Palmdale. We give all of our clients and their siblings (low income at risk youth) gifts for the holidays. I got the bright idea to ask local bands to donate their merchandise and music to the teens as a unique and totally awesome gift. I got so many more positive responses than I was expecting. I was able to collect enough items to give 60 totally awesome gifts to the clients. I was so moved that I asked Kristen if I could post a big THANK YOU (!) to all the bands. It made my heart swell with happiness and warmth to know that they cared enough to donate their hard work. Plus the clients really enjoyed getting the special gifts.

As an added bonus-Oh No Not Stereo gave me money to be able to run a music group for the teens. Talk about my heart filling with even more gushy happiness.

Here is a list of the bands and their websites. Check them out cause they rock.

Oh No Not Stereo: http://ohnonotstereo.com/blog/