Well I've been in Atlanta for just about 3 months now and it sure has been the most difficult change I've even experienced. Not only do I miss my family and friends, but I miss my old city, Austin. I miss all the little things about it, but mostly I miss the live music. It really is such a unique city and I think that's why so many bands come to play there. Atlanta, well is not Austin. The music scene is seriously lacking, I mean really lacking. I know I know, I'm probably not trying hard enough to get into the local music scene OR finding the right spots, but at this point I'm a little over it. And before you say anything, I am still new to this city so give me a break :)
About a month ago I got up enough courage to go to my first show in Atlanta since I moved here... and it was actually a great show. I saw the Generationals at a venue called the Earl in East Atlanta. The venue was pretty much like The Parish but a little smaller. The crowd wasn't what I was expecting at all... kind of a college, preppy crowd. But the Generationals sound great live and I really like their new album, a lot actually... perfect summer soundtrack. I did like the venue and I know there are several other venues that I'd like, but it seems like the summer here has been a huge dud. None of the bands I've been listening to are coming here.... why???? Oh well... I shouldn't complain, but damn it's hard not to when I used to see so many shows in Austin. God I miss you.
So enough of my pitty party for one. I've been a little out of touch with blogging and sharing what I'm listening to since I moved here. I think it's been a bit hard to find some inspiration to write, maybe because I haven't had a great live show experience in a while. There really is no better way to become an instant fan of a band than the feeling you get after you see them perform live. Unfortunately, I haven't had that feeling in a while in a few months, but there have been a few great albums that came out recently that have been on repeat in my head...
Cults, "Cults": their full length album just came out a few weeks ago and shit, it's good. I mean, probably the best album I've heard this year. Every song is great and they have such a great sound... very retro and soulful almost. I really admire the girl singer because she is able to change her singing voice from one song to the next. It's a great album and I wish I would have paid more attention to their set when I saw them at Fun Fun Fest last year.
Latest tracks by cultscultscults
Bass Drum of Death: I'll skip writing about them since I wrote about them last month, but definitely my favorite discovery so far this year.
Bon Iver, "Bon Iver": so I have always liked them but never actually got any of there stuff. Their second album came out this week and it's incredible, I mean some of the most beautiful music your ears will hear. Every song tells a different story and although some of the lyrics are a bit hard to make out, I still can't help but feel moved by the music and lyrics. I probably shouldn't listen to it at work, all I end up doing is crying because the music is so beautiful it's hard not to get swept up in it. I have a feeling this album will be on the top of all the 2011 music list picks for a while and it rightly should.
This song isn't from their new album, but I love it, and now I have a crush on Justin Vernon.
All these bands have completely different sounds from each other, but I feel like each of these albums can help compliment the emotional roller coaster that has been my life since April. Cults is perfect for listening to when I need to dance around a little bit and listen to some chick rock. Bass Drum of Death, well perfect for when I'm angry and just need to listen to some rock and roll. And then Bon Iver... for a good cry and to help calm me down. The power of music will forever help me get through times in life.. good or bad, sad or happy.
Anyways, that's all I got for now. I'm just waiting for, well I'm not entirely sure but whatever it is, I'm sure it's in a song somewhere.
