DUM DUM GIRLS: COMING DOWN from Malia James on Vimeo.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
A year of silence
Wow so I guess I really did go a year without writing anything! I think the first day of 2014 is a great time to end my year of music blog silence. I spent the first part of 2013 living in two cities that I didn't like and had a job that was destroying me. After two years of living away, I decided to move back to my home, AUSTIN! I was hoping that when I moved back, I would find the inspiration of writing that I used to have, but just couldn't find it... until now!!
Last night was New Years Eve and for the first time ever, I decided to go out rather than stay in or house party it up on NYE. One of my favorite bars in town was hosting a huge party that featured 20 local bands that picked a band from 1994 and did covers. It was really AWESOME! A few of the ands I saw covered Magnetic Fields, Pavement, and Mazzy Star. It's real crazy to think that in 1994 I was 10 and in 4th or 5th grade. I grew up listening to county music and classic rock so in 1994 I had NO idea was alternative/indie rock was nor did I know these bands. It wasn't until college and meeting new people, that I learned about older bands from the '90's. I wish that I could have been in my teams in the '90's so that I can appreciate bands like The Pixies and Sonic Youth a bit more. I think living in the time of the bands hay day really helps understand what their songs mean and the story behind them.
I ended the night seeing the Mazzy Star cover band and the last song they played was Fade Into You. I remember hearing that song in 1994 from some movie and I've loved that song since them. I wish I could describe and explain why this song is so infectious, but I can't. The guitar and the beautiful voice make it impossible to not want to singe along and hear n repeat. The song seems to melt into you.
A current band that I love, Dum Dum Girls, came out with a song a few years ago and not only does it remind me of Fade Into You, it is one of those songs that allows me to sing and sing hard. Music is forever and sounds/song from years past always reincarnate and surface back in new music.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
To Dive or not to DIIV...
A few months ago I wrote about when I saw Frankie Rose and another band called Dive. I definitely liked Dive, but didn't give them too much thought. The main man of Dive used to tour with Beach Fossils so I just kind of associated Dive with Beach Fossils. In any case, while seeing Dive I told my friend "Just wait a few months and they will be huge". Well, it's been a few months and they aren't just yet "big", but they are getting tons of well deserved hype. Since the show, they changed their spelling to DIIV... apparently there is some Euro band named Dive. So, after my Beach House "Bloom" obsession died down a bit, I decided to download the new DIIV album. It took me a few listens, but now I'm just as obsessed with this record as I was with the Beach House new album. So much so, that on a recent flight back to Texas I listened to it on repeat for 2 straight hours. I always have a hard time describing what a band sounds like or what I feel like while listening to it, and that's certainly the case with DIIV. I just really, really, really like the album, and the WHOLE album. If you know me, you know that just about any band that sounds low-wave/dark-wave, really any "wave", is going to be a favorite of mine. There's something special about DIIV that I can't quite nail down, I just know I love it.
In 2010, my favorite band was Wild Nothing and when they finally came to Austin in early 2011, my little heart was complete. I've been waiting and waiting for another album from Wild Nothing and about a month ago they released a new single. I kept looking at their tour dates and, of course, Atlanta was not listed... BUT a week ago they announced they'd be here with.... DIIV. Perfect line up.... Captured Tracks really knows what they are doing when they add bands to their label. I'm fairly certain that the new Wild Nothing album will be my favorite album of the year, which might be a stretch considering this year has been full of great music. Here's the new WN single:
This fall is going to be filled with fantastic music and great shows... can't wait.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Blooming back in action
Sorry blog... I have completely avoided you for months and cannot put into words why I haven't been motivated to keep up with you. My life continues to change and I am happy to say I have survived my first year here in Atlanta. It's been rough, but I hope that the hard days are behind me. As always, music is what keeps me sane and helps me comprehend all the emotions that fill my overanalytical mind. It's really exhausting, but anytime I need to sort my thoughts I just listen to music. Music will either help me sort my thoughts, or just make me accept the way I feel. It's free therapy and I wish I could thank each and every musician that has helped me get through each trying day.
So far this year, I've seen a handful of good shows. After a depressing and boring winter, the spring came and brought music back to Atlanta. One of the first few shows I saw this spring were Chairlift and Frankie Rose. I have a strong feeling that this might be the year for female singers. Both shows were pretty incredible. Frankie Rose really is someone to be in awe of. She actually sounds even better live than on the record and has such a playful cute stage personality. And to my suprise, I just so happen to find a live video from her show in Atlanta playing my favorite track on her album:
Another great show that I mentioned I saw a few weeks ago was Chairlift. I wasn't too into them when they first came on the scene years ago, but their new record is seriously pretty great. She's got a really great voice and there are lots of good dance worthly songs on the record. Below is my favorite track:
Seeing both these lead female singers really makes me question my path in life and why I never took up playing an instrument. I'm totally enamored by their musical ability and talent. It's so stupid. I should make this dream happen somehow. But in the meantime, I will continue to fantasize about this dream and just listen to music.
This year hasn't had too many great records to come out so far, but just last week the album that I have been waiting quite a while for came out. Beach House's new album "Bloom" is seriously a dream. Anytime I listen to Beach House I am immediately transported to a different place, where I'm floating on cotton balls and an immediate sense of calm overwhelms me. Even though the lyrics can be quite depressing, it doesn't matter. Again, (especially with them) listening to their songs I'm able to put into words what I'm feeling. They have such a beautiful ability to make the lyrics and the guitar flow so perfectly together that it's impossible to not be overwhelmed. This record is perfect in every way and I feel like it came into my life at the exact time I needed it to. The opening track "Myth" has such a great line in it that is fitting for what I'm going through... "You can't keep hangin' on to all that's dead and gone". I don't exactly know what Victoria means by this, but to me specifically I need to move on from my past life in Austin. Every song on the record is powerful and just flows through my mind, captivating my thoughts. The great thing about Beach House is their sound doesn't change from record to record. Their story just continues, rather than stops. I hope they never change.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Friending
If anyone actually follows this blog, you might have noticed that I disappeared and have been pretty absent to the blogosphere world since moving to Atlanta. I've tried to figure out why I stopped writing when I enjoyed it so much before. I think maybe it's because I just haven't been interested in writing down my thoughts on music and haven't wanted to share it. I should be writing more, but I just haven't wanted to. It's almost as if I feel like nobody would even read it and maybe it makes me feel more alone than I already do.
I can't tell you how many people have told me that I should join a church or some other sort of social group, but I think when you move to a city and want to meet people, you have to do it your way otherwise you're not being yourself. And for me, going to see bands is my "social group". Even if some times I don't strike up conversations with people, it's ok. At the end of it, at least I know I'm doing this my way.
With all that said, I've actually been having fun and have seen some really great bands... some have been great, and some have sucked. But the good ones... the good ones are well worth the awkwardness of standing in a crowded room alone, staring enviously at people there with friends. Every time I go to a show, I get stronger and feel better about my situation. I'm not sure if any of this even makes sense, but I feel like each time I go to a show alone I'm crossing over 1 more hurdle to self acceptance and each show I go to, I seem to focus more on the music and less on feeling sad for the fact that I'm there alone. I have seen more concerts since I've moved to ATL than I did in the first 4 months of 2011 while living in Austin. I thought going to shows along would be my guaranteed way to meet people, but how is that possible when I won't even talk to anyone? I mean, I do talk to people, I'm just a little hesitant to. In any case, I think I've snapped out of this fog I've been in and hope to start up blogging again, and more importantly "friending" again.
So there is that... it's been a strange and difficult transition for me, but I have learned way more about myself than I thought I would. And somehow writing all of this down is helping me make more sense of it all. I'm constantly battling with my self confidence each time I step out of my apartment, but it's getting better every day and I think things can only get better from here. So my friends, this is where I am in life and on that note I'm going to end this overthought blog with a song from a band I'm going to see tomorrow night, Gold Leaves:
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
FFF... Fantastic Fall Forecast
I have to say this summer there have been some pretty incredible music discoveries for me and fall album previews. And what's even better is most of the music releases that are top on my list are from bands that will be coming to Atlanta in the next few months. It's been a pretty disappointing summer for live music here, but I'm hoping the fall will make up for it.
I think the show I'm most excited to see is actually in Athens next month- Toro y Moi, Bass Drum of Death, and Unknown Mortal Orchestra. You all know how much I love BDD, but Unknown Mortal Orchestra is a band that came into my radar this summer. Foggy, lo-fi at it's greatest, garage rawness to a T. I'm a little in awe of how great this band is. Everytime I listen to them, I feel all fuzzy and warm inside and I always have a smile on face... So, this show is going to be pretty big and I can't wait to see it... not only to see all 3 bands, but to go to Athens for the first time with my dear friend (ERIN) who will be making her ATL debut from NYC.
Next on the list of Fall shows to come is Girls. They are finally releasing another full length album in September and will be playing in ATL the day after their album releases... perfect timing I must say. I can't tell you how much I love Girls and Christopher Owens. He's truly a poet, and together with his side kick they really make some incredible music. I honestly believe that Girls will be a band that will be immortalized and just might be the modern day "Led Zeppelin" for me. A few weeks ago they released their new sing, Vomit, and below is the music video:
Of course I've got to throw in some electro/low-wave stuff in the summer mix, so some other bands I've been listening to that will also be coming to ATL in September are Hooray for Earth, Gardens & Villa, and The War on Drugs.
And finally is a show I recently saw, White Fence. I've loved WF for a while now and have always wondered what a live show would be like... and I finally experienced it. I really admire the musicians behind bands such as White Fence/Wild Nothing, because they record their albums as a sort of a one man band by creating most of the sounds themselves, but have a full band backing them up when they play live shows. It's incredible and actually makes the show more interesting because the songs you know and love from their albums sound the same, yet different live. I actually prefer that. To be suprised at a show, and not know what the heck the band will sound like.
I've got high hopes for the album releases in the fall, and more importantly for the shows I'm planning to see in the next few months. I'll say it again as I've said before, there really is no better feeling than seeing a live show and walking away thinking that you just saw greatness from a band you either loved or were just starting to...
I think the show I'm most excited to see is actually in Athens next month- Toro y Moi, Bass Drum of Death, and Unknown Mortal Orchestra. You all know how much I love BDD, but Unknown Mortal Orchestra is a band that came into my radar this summer. Foggy, lo-fi at it's greatest, garage rawness to a T. I'm a little in awe of how great this band is. Everytime I listen to them, I feel all fuzzy and warm inside and I always have a smile on face... So, this show is going to be pretty big and I can't wait to see it... not only to see all 3 bands, but to go to Athens for the first time with my dear friend (ERIN) who will be making her ATL debut from NYC.
Yourstru.ly Presents: UMO "How Can You Luv Me" from Yours Truly on Vimeo.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra - 'Ffunny Ffrends' from Bowlegs on Vimeo.
Next on the list of Fall shows to come is Girls. They are finally releasing another full length album in September and will be playing in ATL the day after their album releases... perfect timing I must say. I can't tell you how much I love Girls and Christopher Owens. He's truly a poet, and together with his side kick they really make some incredible music. I honestly believe that Girls will be a band that will be immortalized and just might be the modern day "Led Zeppelin" for me. A few weeks ago they released their new sing, Vomit, and below is the music video:
Of course I've got to throw in some electro/low-wave stuff in the summer mix, so some other bands I've been listening to that will also be coming to ATL in September are Hooray for Earth, Gardens & Villa, and The War on Drugs.
Hooray For Earth - True Loves from Dovecote Records on Vimeo.
The War on Drugs "Baby Missiles" from Secretly Jag on Vimeo.
And finally is a show I recently saw, White Fence. I've loved WF for a while now and have always wondered what a live show would be like... and I finally experienced it. I really admire the musicians behind bands such as White Fence/Wild Nothing, because they record their albums as a sort of a one man band by creating most of the sounds themselves, but have a full band backing them up when they play live shows. It's incredible and actually makes the show more interesting because the songs you know and love from their albums sound the same, yet different live. I actually prefer that. To be suprised at a show, and not know what the heck the band will sound like.
I've got high hopes for the album releases in the fall, and more importantly for the shows I'm planning to see in the next few months. I'll say it again as I've said before, there really is no better feeling than seeing a live show and walking away thinking that you just saw greatness from a band you either loved or were just starting to...
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Atlanta... it's not Austin
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.
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.
Monday, May 9, 2011
BTW... aka bands to watch
Here I go again... waiting too long to write and forgetting to log all the bands and songs I'm obsessed with. It's been a little more difficult to keep tabs of new music since I moved. I listen to the radio all day at work and since I moved I can't turn the music up as loud as before. Oh well...
In any case, I've been purchasing lots of new vinyl. And when I say new, I mean vinyl from new/current bands. I just recently upgrade my record player to one that you can convert vinyl to MP3's! Totally awesome! So screw iTunes... I might as well by the vinyl and then convert it to MP3's! More bang for my buck :) So a few new albums I purchased I've been so excited about! Bass Drum of Death is one of them. Of course, I heard then one day listening to xmu and can't get enough. Finally I gave in and purchased their album. Man is it good, especially on vinyl! They are a cross between Ty Segall and Waaves... which are both bands that I love. Incredible garage rock with lots of raw beats. I think this band is from Mississippi or somewhere in the south and you can totally hear the southern 70's garage rock influence.I think these guys are really going to blow up. They played a show in Atlanta a few weeks ago but I didn't make it out.... I'm sure I will regret it in 3 months when they start to get some buzz.
Another album that I've been obsessing over is the new Kurt Vile. Unfortunately, I only purchased the MP3... I can only imagine how good it would sound on vinyl. I think the reason why this album is so good is the flow of each song into the next and the beautiful piano in each song. This album is pretty folky and sort of Wilco-ish. More acoustic and piano driven than I'm used to hearing from him. Each song is written so well with so much meaning in the lyrics and you can really hear it. Listening to the album all the way through, I find myself feeling so many different emotions and reactions. Some songs make me reminiscent of college, others incredibly happy, but there's one that makes me cry, "On Tour". I think this song sums up how I'm feeling right now in my life. I know I'm totally interpretting the song in my own way, but that's the magic of music. Sometimes a song meaning is what you make of it. Who cares what the song really means, what matters is how it makes you feel and react. I think that's why music means so much to me. Whenever I'm having trouble admitting to myself how good or bad my life is, all I need to do is listen to music, get lost in the beats, and let the feelings and emotions flow through...
In any case, I've been purchasing lots of new vinyl. And when I say new, I mean vinyl from new/current bands. I just recently upgrade my record player to one that you can convert vinyl to MP3's! Totally awesome! So screw iTunes... I might as well by the vinyl and then convert it to MP3's! More bang for my buck :) So a few new albums I purchased I've been so excited about! Bass Drum of Death is one of them. Of course, I heard then one day listening to xmu and can't get enough. Finally I gave in and purchased their album. Man is it good, especially on vinyl! They are a cross between Ty Segall and Waaves... which are both bands that I love. Incredible garage rock with lots of raw beats. I think this band is from Mississippi or somewhere in the south and you can totally hear the southern 70's garage rock influence.
Find more artists like BASS DRUM OF DEATH at Myspace Music
Another album that I've been obsessing over is the new Kurt Vile. Unfortunately, I only purchased the MP3... I can only imagine how good it would sound on vinyl. I think the reason why this album is so good is the flow of each song into the next and the beautiful piano in each song. This album is pretty folky and sort of Wilco-ish. More acoustic and piano driven than I'm used to hearing from him. Each song is written so well with so much meaning in the lyrics and you can really hear it. Listening to the album all the way through, I find myself feeling so many different emotions and reactions. Some songs make me reminiscent of college, others incredibly happy, but there's one that makes me cry, "On Tour". I think this song sums up how I'm feeling right now in my life. I know I'm totally interpretting the song in my own way, but that's the magic of music. Sometimes a song meaning is what you make of it. Who cares what the song really means, what matters is how it makes you feel and react. I think that's why music means so much to me. Whenever I'm having trouble admitting to myself how good or bad my life is, all I need to do is listen to music, get lost in the beats, and let the feelings and emotions flow through...
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Well Hi ole' friend
Hi again... I'm back. I've missed you. A lot has happened since I last wrote. Lots of life changes. I moved from Austin, TX to Atlanta, GA... big change. Luckily, I left Austin with a bang and got to enjoy SXSW 1 more time as an Austinite.
This years festival was like no other from years past... so many people, more free shows than official ones, and too many rowdy drunks for that city. I think I did it right though and posted up at a few places rather than run around to different venues and try to make every show that I wanted to see.
I didn't see as much as I should have, but that's ok. The beauty of music festivals is, you'll see the bands you missed another time. So I have a few festival favorites, and here they are
-Atlas Sound: (a.k.a Bradford Cox of Deerhunter, a.k.a. my music idol). This show was unbelievable... I walked away feeling like a better person after seeing first hand Braddy work his magic on stage. Every time I listen to him I always wonder how that dude can create such magical harmonies and beats. Atlas Sound is completely different than Deerhunter, but in a good way. It's Bradford at his best, by himself with just a guitar, some weird foot petal thing, and a harmonica. This show really gave me a sense of how he creates his music. Several times during this set he would stand up (while the back beats were going), run off to the drums in the back of the stage (which weren't even his), and just start banging on them. UGH... I could really go on forever about him, but I should stop.
-Small Black: These guys are GREAT! Dance/chill wave music by definition. Prior to seeing them live I wondered how they could perform live... like did they use real instruments or was the band like Washed Out, a guy with his computer singing. Well Small Black was a band, with lots of impressive instruments and they put on a great show. You could tell they were having fun.
-Summer Camp: One of my fav radio bloggers, Gorilla vs Bear, was having a SXSW day party and Summer Camp was there. I heard this band a few months ago on blog radio and really hadn't heard anything like them before. It's hard to describe their sound... Dance/poppy with soul. The band is just a girl singing and playing some weird keyboard and a guy with a guitar. The girl has an incredible voice and they sound even better live. They are awesome and if you don't have their stuff, GET IT.
The Soft Moon: I can't get enough of new wave and it makes me happy when bands these days do it right... and The Soft Moon is one of those bands. There music is complex, instrumental, and they really get it. You can definitely tell they were influenced by Joy Division and I can't help but get lost in the beats when I listen to them. I'm so glad I got to see them at the Gorilla vs Bear party because I would have been disappointed in myself if I didn't. I have to say I wasn't expecting these guys to look the way they did... a bit older than you'd expect for a band that is just now starting out, but it makes perfect sense given their sound. In any case, they were great and I can't get enough of their sound. It's dark, industrial, and chaotic.
Even though I didn't see as many bands this year, the shows I saw were great and the goods shows I was able to get close enough to the stage to see, which is important. Now that I'm not in Austin all I can think about is the next band I get to see live. And I can't wait!
This years festival was like no other from years past... so many people, more free shows than official ones, and too many rowdy drunks for that city. I think I did it right though and posted up at a few places rather than run around to different venues and try to make every show that I wanted to see.
I didn't see as much as I should have, but that's ok. The beauty of music festivals is, you'll see the bands you missed another time. So I have a few festival favorites, and here they are
-Atlas Sound: (a.k.a Bradford Cox of Deerhunter, a.k.a. my music idol). This show was unbelievable... I walked away feeling like a better person after seeing first hand Braddy work his magic on stage. Every time I listen to him I always wonder how that dude can create such magical harmonies and beats. Atlas Sound is completely different than Deerhunter, but in a good way. It's Bradford at his best, by himself with just a guitar, some weird foot petal thing, and a harmonica. This show really gave me a sense of how he creates his music. Several times during this set he would stand up (while the back beats were going), run off to the drums in the back of the stage (which weren't even his), and just start banging on them. UGH... I could really go on forever about him, but I should stop.
-Small Black: These guys are GREAT! Dance/chill wave music by definition. Prior to seeing them live I wondered how they could perform live... like did they use real instruments or was the band like Washed Out, a guy with his computer singing. Well Small Black was a band, with lots of impressive instruments and they put on a great show. You could tell they were having fun.
-Summer Camp: One of my fav radio bloggers, Gorilla vs Bear, was having a SXSW day party and Summer Camp was there. I heard this band a few months ago on blog radio and really hadn't heard anything like them before. It's hard to describe their sound... Dance/poppy with soul. The band is just a girl singing and playing some weird keyboard and a guy with a guitar. The girl has an incredible voice and they sound even better live. They are awesome and if you don't have their stuff, GET IT.
The Soft Moon: I can't get enough of new wave and it makes me happy when bands these days do it right... and The Soft Moon is one of those bands. There music is complex, instrumental, and they really get it. You can definitely tell they were influenced by Joy Division and I can't help but get lost in the beats when I listen to them. I'm so glad I got to see them at the Gorilla vs Bear party because I would have been disappointed in myself if I didn't. I have to say I wasn't expecting these guys to look the way they did... a bit older than you'd expect for a band that is just now starting out, but it makes perfect sense given their sound. In any case, they were great and I can't get enough of their sound. It's dark, industrial, and chaotic.
Even though I didn't see as many bands this year, the shows I saw were great and the goods shows I was able to get close enough to the stage to see, which is important. Now that I'm not in Austin all I can think about is the next band I get to see live. And I can't wait!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Sometimes it's better the second time...
So Deerhunter is definitely one of my favorite bands, I think I've dedicated more blogs about them than any other band. When I saw the line up for FFFest 2010 I about fell over in my chair when I saw they were on the line-up. Every single album they have is solid; packed with beautifully written songs and amazing instrumental parts. I think this is why I like them so much... the beautiful lyrics (and voice) and the songs that end with minute long instrumental parts. It's so easy to get lost in them. In any case, back to the point... I saw them at FFFest and wasn't necessarily disappointed in their performance, I think I was just hoping for more. I probably put too many hopes in the experience. Maybe I thought after seeing them live (for the first time) I'd walk away feeling more spiratually connected to them or something. But that didn't happen. And I honestly don't know that I've ever felt that way after seeing a band at a festival.
So a few weeks went by after the festival and I kept wishing for more. Frankly praying for another chance to see them, and soon. But it didn't happen. I just had to accept it and wait until they came to Austin again. But then, I got word that my potential move to Atlanta (aka their home town) was official thus making my prayers come true. OF COURSE I'll see them again, either at a live show OR (fingers crossed) sitting next to me at a bar. Who knows, maybe they read my blog and think "ohh, we gotta meet THAT girl."
Anyways, I checked out the pitchfork website yesterday and there was a post that Deerhunter recorded a live show at an Apple Store in NYC. Kinda random, but cool. I've heard the live version of Helicopter and well let's just say, it's way better live than on the album. Well today I finally downloaded the 8 song EP and wow, it is GREAT. It really and truly sounds EXACTLY like their set at FFFest (minus the cheers from people at the apple store... lucky jerks). So listening to these live songs makes me really happy, and makes me appreciate the FFFest show. Even if it didn't give me the feeling I wanted, it was still great and listening to this live recorded album makes me appreciate that show even more. Even if I could barely see them through the lights and smoke, I sure did hear them... And that was well worth the wait.
So at the end of the day, hearing this live concert recording of Deerhunter not only makes me happy, but makes me think of all those other bands that I gave up on after seeing a live show that I didn't particularly like. Maybe "sometimes it's better the second time..."
So a few weeks went by after the festival and I kept wishing for more. Frankly praying for another chance to see them, and soon. But it didn't happen. I just had to accept it and wait until they came to Austin again. But then, I got word that my potential move to Atlanta (aka their home town) was official thus making my prayers come true. OF COURSE I'll see them again, either at a live show OR (fingers crossed) sitting next to me at a bar. Who knows, maybe they read my blog and think "ohh, we gotta meet THAT girl."
Anyways, I checked out the pitchfork website yesterday and there was a post that Deerhunter recorded a live show at an Apple Store in NYC. Kinda random, but cool. I've heard the live version of Helicopter and well let's just say, it's way better live than on the album. Well today I finally downloaded the 8 song EP and wow, it is GREAT. It really and truly sounds EXACTLY like their set at FFFest (minus the cheers from people at the apple store... lucky jerks). So listening to these live songs makes me really happy, and makes me appreciate the FFFest show. Even if it didn't give me the feeling I wanted, it was still great and listening to this live recorded album makes me appreciate that show even more. Even if I could barely see them through the lights and smoke, I sure did hear them... And that was well worth the wait.
So at the end of the day, hearing this live concert recording of Deerhunter not only makes me happy, but makes me think of all those other bands that I gave up on after seeing a live show that I didn't particularly like. Maybe "sometimes it's better the second time..."
Friday, February 4, 2011
Big happenings...
Saw the first show of 2011 last week... Wavves and Best Coast at Emos. I was pretty excited to see them. After FFFest I needed to see them again up close because both of their albums were on my repeat playlists last year. I absolutely hated that they were playing at Emo's, because everytime I see a show there I question myself as to why wasted my money/time. But this time I figured I'd give Emo's one last chance to change my mind. Well, sadly I'll never go to Emo's again... Even if it's a great band. I'll just suffer and wait to see them elsewhere. It's unfortunate that so many great bands are booked there instead of the Mohawk (because the hawk is by far the best live music venue in Austin). It's incredibly hard to hear anything at Emos', even standing right next to the speaker. It sucks... spending $20 to see a band you LOVE and walking away being disappointed, not by the performance of the band, but by the sound quality. Anyways, even though the Emo's show sucked, I'm still glad I got to see Wavves and Best Coast. In my opinion, Wavves put on a better show. Maybe because they play music that you can pump your fists to and yell/sing. Even though I'm still a little disappointed in the show, sometimes it's not about that... sometimes it's about the overall experience. Because afterall if you are at a show with a great group of friends and have a great time, that's really all that matters. And I certainly had A GREAT TIME.
And speaking of bands I LOVE... My fav band of 2k10, Wild Nothing, is FINALLY playing in Austin. I just can't believe it took so long for me to see them. I am in love with their dreamy/synth/pop sound and I still listen to their records on repeat... just listening to them over and over. Everytime I listen to them I feel like I'm floating on a cloud, it's so dreamy. You just have NO idea how much I love this band. Luckily they are NOT playing at Emo's, otherwise I'd cry. In any case, they are the only band that I love that I haven't seen yet... actually take that back, I still haven't seen The Drums :( Wild Nothing is playing tonight at Red 7, which is a bit weird considering that place usually has metal bands play. It should be interesting... I'm going to geek out when they play.
In other BIG news, I visited Atlanta this week and found the local college radio station. They played some Weekend, Wild Nothing, AND every other song was either Deerhunter or Atlas Sound (they are from ATL). It makes me very happy that the indie college station was playing some Bradford Cox. I always wondered if the local indie folks that live in ATL actually appreciated him, and apparently they do!!
Well, that's all I got today. Super excited about the show tonight. Hopefully they don't cancel, considering it snowed here last night (which has the city in a panic because it never snows).
Until next time, K-spot is snowed in.
And speaking of bands I LOVE... My fav band of 2k10, Wild Nothing, is FINALLY playing in Austin. I just can't believe it took so long for me to see them. I am in love with their dreamy/synth/pop sound and I still listen to their records on repeat... just listening to them over and over. Everytime I listen to them I feel like I'm floating on a cloud, it's so dreamy. You just have NO idea how much I love this band. Luckily they are NOT playing at Emo's, otherwise I'd cry. In any case, they are the only band that I love that I haven't seen yet... actually take that back, I still haven't seen The Drums :( Wild Nothing is playing tonight at Red 7, which is a bit weird considering that place usually has metal bands play. It should be interesting... I'm going to geek out when they play.
Wild Nothing - Chinatown from Jack Tatum on Vimeo.
In other BIG news, I visited Atlanta this week and found the local college radio station. They played some Weekend, Wild Nothing, AND every other song was either Deerhunter or Atlas Sound (they are from ATL). It makes me very happy that the indie college station was playing some Bradford Cox. I always wondered if the local indie folks that live in ATL actually appreciated him, and apparently they do!!
Well, that's all I got today. Super excited about the show tonight. Hopefully they don't cancel, considering it snowed here last night (which has the city in a panic because it never snows).
Until next time, K-spot is snowed in.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Riding the wave into 2011
Hello blogosphere, I've missed you... it's been a while since I last posted. This year has started off a bit crazy, and I've been a little unmotivated to write anything. Maybe because I haven't been inspired or found any good new music worth writing about. Well, I finally found something pretty great.
For those who know me, I am constantly listening to xmu and each day for about 2 hours they have a different "blog radio" DJ. These bloggers play whatever they want to, and I usually find myself making notes of "music to download". I'd certainly like to take created for a lot of the new bands I write about, but mostly I hear them first from blog radio.
Anyways, the other day one of the bloggers played this song called "Knock Out" by Air Waves. For a few days I couldn't get this song out of my head. I kept going to iTunes and would think about DLing the whole album, but didn't want to waste $9.99 on an album with only 1 good song. Finally, I went for it. And let me tell you, completely worth it. I can't really describe the sound of the band nor try to compare them to another band. All I can say is I love their sound... incredible lead singer voice, heavy bass, and flirty guitar sound. The lead singer's voice is a mix between Beach House and Lower Dens... deeper female voice, unique and great. Apparently they might be located in Austin?!? Check em out below:
Of course, they played a show last night and I missed it. BUT they will probably be back for SXSW, which will be better because I can see them doing a set alone. I can't get enough of them, their album is great and I highly recommend getting it.
That's all I got for now. There are a few other bands I'm excited about, but Air Waves tops my list. Great way to start the year.
Until next time-
KSpot out!
For those who know me, I am constantly listening to xmu and each day for about 2 hours they have a different "blog radio" DJ. These bloggers play whatever they want to, and I usually find myself making notes of "music to download". I'd certainly like to take created for a lot of the new bands I write about, but mostly I hear them first from blog radio.
Anyways, the other day one of the bloggers played this song called "Knock Out" by Air Waves. For a few days I couldn't get this song out of my head. I kept going to iTunes and would think about DLing the whole album, but didn't want to waste $9.99 on an album with only 1 good song. Finally, I went for it. And let me tell you, completely worth it. I can't really describe the sound of the band nor try to compare them to another band. All I can say is I love their sound... incredible lead singer voice, heavy bass, and flirty guitar sound. The lead singer's voice is a mix between Beach House and Lower Dens... deeper female voice, unique and great. Apparently they might be located in Austin?!? Check em out below:
Find more artists like Airwaves at Myspace Music
Find more artists like Airwaves at Myspace Music
That's all I got for now. There are a few other bands I'm excited about, but Air Waves tops my list. Great way to start the year.
Until next time-
KSpot out!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
My favorites of 2010
Wow, how can I possibly summarize what all my favorite bands/shows/albums of the year? This year was full of incredible new music and unforgettable live shows. I can only imagine what 2011 has in store.
So here it is... K-Spot's 2010 Year End Review-
Favorite Live Shows:
-Local Natives at SXSW... These guys have amazing chemistry with each other while they play and this performance definitely solidified them as a breakout band for SXSW. My favorite thing about Local Natives is how they switch instruments during a set and how they have such a gift for making each singers voice complement the other. "Gorilla Manor" is definitely one of my favorite albums this year.
-Spoon at SXSW and FFFFest... I totally geeked out to the max at both of these shows. Their performance at FFFFest was, well... I already wrote about it how much I was blown away by this show. Freaking idolize Spoon. And their 2010 album, Transferrence, is pretty darn close to my favorite Spoon album ever. Awesome awesome awesome.
-Beach Fossils at SXSW and again at Emos... amazing peformances both times, but I have to say I like the SXSW show better because I think there was only a few other people at the show that knew who BF was. And with that said, they are my FAVORITE BAND OF 2010. Yes... I could go on and on about how much I love them, but I won't because it might come off as annoying or dorky. I just can't help but obsess over how much I am in love with their sound. I have listened to all of their songs on repeat this entire year and I never get tired of it. Such a great band.
-Beach House at ACL... they decided to add a few extra members to the band and I have to say, it really made a difference. The addition of these new members really created a different sound for them. Their album Teen Dream, released this year is so beautiful and great.
-Millionyoung... the PERFECT show to end a year full of greatness. Gosh, these guys are amazing. I'm still so impressed by the fact that the frontman recorded everything by himself, but then on tour had a full band playing the songs that were artifically made on a computer. Incredible...
Favorite NEW bands of 2010:
-Wild Nothing (still waiting to see them)... SECOND FAVORITE BAND OF 2010. Yes, again just like Beach Fossils, I have been listening to their songs obsessively all year. Their sound is unique and liquid. I still can't comprehend how they come up with the different elements and effects in each song. Wild Nothing has an amazing ability to intertwine the drums, synth, and guitar... it's stupid awesome. I just love them.
-The Drums (haven't seen them yet)... 2010 was the year for subgenres of indie rock (aka chill wave, lo-fi, etc.). So many bands came out that were lumped into "indie rock", yet all sounded different. One of my favorite bands to make this statement is The Drums (even though I'm still trying to put a sub-genre on them, but can't seem to place it). The lead singers voice is incredibly beautiful and makes my knees go weak.
-Best Coast (saw them at FFF)... finally some good chick rock that's not Rilo Kiley. She has such a pretty, un-annoying voice. Very simple guitar, but it's all about her voice and the perfection of Cali-rock!
-Lower Dens (saw them with Future Islands twice).... BEST new band this year (Even though Beach Fossils are my fav band this year, Lower Dens is my favorite NEW band this year). Their album, Twin Hand Movement, is incredible. Lo-wave to the max!
-Twin Shadow... wow, beautiful song writer and perfect 80's dance party magic.
-Palmbomen... I wonder if these guys will ever come to Texas? If they did, I'd drop everything I was doing to see them. Perfect Dance Party music.
Favorite albums of 2010:
-Deerhunter "Halcyon Digest"... I really could go on and on about Deerhunter, but I think I already have in another post. I can't tell you how much I like this album and how much I love them.
-Future Islands "In Evening Air"... this band actually goes into all 3 categories for my 2010 favorites. Whenever I'm having a bad day, all I need to do is listen to this album and I will completely forget whatever was bothering me. Best stage presence out of any show I've seen this year. Such great dance beats.
-Girls "Broken Drums Club"... beautiful. Completely in love with Christopher Owens and his lyrics.
-Harlem "Hippies"... saw them twice this year, the first time was weird, real weird. The second time was good, even if some dude stage dove on top of me. In any case, this album is incredible and they are super talented. Such good garage rock.
2010 really was a great year for new music, great music festivals, and memorable shows. I only wish that I would have started this blog in January 2010 so I could remember everything better! With all the craziness of this year and all the stresses that life brought, the music of 2010 sure did help me great through some tough moments. It's amazing to think that 1 song can make everything better and make you think differently about something. I guess that's why music continues to evolve and change and why people are continuing to make music... because it will forever carry on and will continue make an impact on someone's life.
Until next year, K-Spot out.
So here it is... K-Spot's 2010 Year End Review-
Favorite Live Shows:
-Local Natives at SXSW... These guys have amazing chemistry with each other while they play and this performance definitely solidified them as a breakout band for SXSW. My favorite thing about Local Natives is how they switch instruments during a set and how they have such a gift for making each singers voice complement the other. "Gorilla Manor" is definitely one of my favorite albums this year.
-Spoon at SXSW and FFFFest... I totally geeked out to the max at both of these shows. Their performance at FFFFest was, well... I already wrote about it how much I was blown away by this show. Freaking idolize Spoon. And their 2010 album, Transferrence, is pretty darn close to my favorite Spoon album ever. Awesome awesome awesome.
-Beach Fossils at SXSW and again at Emos... amazing peformances both times, but I have to say I like the SXSW show better because I think there was only a few other people at the show that knew who BF was. And with that said, they are my FAVORITE BAND OF 2010. Yes... I could go on and on about how much I love them, but I won't because it might come off as annoying or dorky. I just can't help but obsess over how much I am in love with their sound. I have listened to all of their songs on repeat this entire year and I never get tired of it. Such a great band.
-Beach House at ACL... they decided to add a few extra members to the band and I have to say, it really made a difference. The addition of these new members really created a different sound for them. Their album Teen Dream, released this year is so beautiful and great.
-Millionyoung... the PERFECT show to end a year full of greatness. Gosh, these guys are amazing. I'm still so impressed by the fact that the frontman recorded everything by himself, but then on tour had a full band playing the songs that were artifically made on a computer. Incredible...
Favorite NEW bands of 2010:
-Wild Nothing (still waiting to see them)... SECOND FAVORITE BAND OF 2010. Yes, again just like Beach Fossils, I have been listening to their songs obsessively all year. Their sound is unique and liquid. I still can't comprehend how they come up with the different elements and effects in each song. Wild Nothing has an amazing ability to intertwine the drums, synth, and guitar... it's stupid awesome. I just love them.
-The Drums (haven't seen them yet)... 2010 was the year for subgenres of indie rock (aka chill wave, lo-fi, etc.). So many bands came out that were lumped into "indie rock", yet all sounded different. One of my favorite bands to make this statement is The Drums (even though I'm still trying to put a sub-genre on them, but can't seem to place it). The lead singers voice is incredibly beautiful and makes my knees go weak.
-Best Coast (saw them at FFF)... finally some good chick rock that's not Rilo Kiley. She has such a pretty, un-annoying voice. Very simple guitar, but it's all about her voice and the perfection of Cali-rock!
-Lower Dens (saw them with Future Islands twice).... BEST new band this year (Even though Beach Fossils are my fav band this year, Lower Dens is my favorite NEW band this year). Their album, Twin Hand Movement, is incredible. Lo-wave to the max!
-Twin Shadow... wow, beautiful song writer and perfect 80's dance party magic.
-Palmbomen... I wonder if these guys will ever come to Texas? If they did, I'd drop everything I was doing to see them. Perfect Dance Party music.
Favorite albums of 2010:
-Deerhunter "Halcyon Digest"... I really could go on and on about Deerhunter, but I think I already have in another post. I can't tell you how much I like this album and how much I love them.
-Future Islands "In Evening Air"... this band actually goes into all 3 categories for my 2010 favorites. Whenever I'm having a bad day, all I need to do is listen to this album and I will completely forget whatever was bothering me. Best stage presence out of any show I've seen this year. Such great dance beats.
-Girls "Broken Drums Club"... beautiful. Completely in love with Christopher Owens and his lyrics.
-Harlem "Hippies"... saw them twice this year, the first time was weird, real weird. The second time was good, even if some dude stage dove on top of me. In any case, this album is incredible and they are super talented. Such good garage rock.
2010 really was a great year for new music, great music festivals, and memorable shows. I only wish that I would have started this blog in January 2010 so I could remember everything better! With all the craziness of this year and all the stresses that life brought, the music of 2010 sure did help me great through some tough moments. It's amazing to think that 1 song can make everything better and make you think differently about something. I guess that's why music continues to evolve and change and why people are continuing to make music... because it will forever carry on and will continue make an impact on someone's life.
Until next year, K-Spot out.
Monday, December 6, 2010
My "iTunes waste of money list" 2010
Nothing is worse than spending $9.99 for an entire album on iTunes, listening to it, then realizing you just made a HUGE mistake. This happens more than it should... you hear a few songs from a band, and think "Hey, I'll buy the whole album. Surely all the songs are good." It's so easy to spend money on iTunes. With 1 click, you've just spent 3 beers worth of money and didn't even have to sign a receipt. Wasting $10 on an entire album that sucks, sucks.
So, rather than start my year end reviews with my "Top 2010 list", I've decided to come up with my "iTunes Waste of Money List" first. Don't get me wrong, the list below is not bashing the bands nor discrediting their muscial abilities... I obvisiously liked them enough to buy the album. This list merely represents the albums I should have thought twice about and only bought the songs I KNEW were good.
Here is it... K-Spots "iTunes Waste of Money 2010 List":
1. Bear in Heaven "Beast Rest Forth Mouth"- Alright, alright. I know it's a somewhat good album, but total waste of iTunes funds. I think I bought this after seeing them at SXSW this year because I was on a high from seeing them. Don't get me wrong, they were great live... but I just don't REALLY like this album enough to burn to a cd and listen in my car OR suggestion to someone. I tried real hard to get into this album, but just never did.
2. Broken Bells "Broken Bells"- completely dissappointed. I DO like about 4 songs on the album, they are pretty catchy BUT there is no really consistency in their sound and quite frankly I could do without it. By the time SXSW came this year, I was already over them and had no desire to see them. I almost want to delete it completely from my library, but just can't do it.
3. The Dead Weather "Horehound"- Not enough rock for me. I expected WAY more from a Jack White/The Kills side project. Huge bummer.
4. Fang Island "Fang Island"- Pitchfork gave them a great write up and rating so I was very hopeful that this album would be good, but I don't really get it. Fang Island is more of an instrumental band, but this album sounds more pro-rock than anything. There is only 1 good track: Absolute Place, which is a Yeasayer Remix.
5. Chromatics "In the City"- So I heard a few songs from them on blog radio, and thought this would be another group to add on my "Dance Party in my Head" list.... saddly, this album didn't hold up to it. A few songs are totally worth downloading, but not the whole album. Actually, now that I think about it... after listening to the album a few times, it got a little annoying. The beats are all the same in every song, except 1 which is weirdly enough a super slow ballad. Oh well.
6. Diamond Rings "Special Affections"- I just can't seem to like the guy's voice. I try. But there's just something that turns me off about his voice. I can't seem to get past it and focus on the music. Sorry DR.
7. and by far the biggest mistake... Broken Social Scene "Forgiveness Rock Record"- I'm not even sure I can really talk about how disappointed I am in this album. I know it did make a few "best new music" lists, but it sucks. NOTHING at all like what I was expecting. Terrible.
I could go on, but to be true to the title of this list, these are all the albums I purchased that I wish I wouldn't have. Feel free to add... if there is anyone out there reading this lame blog.
More to come on year end lists!
K-Spot out... and not downloading anything else this year!
So, rather than start my year end reviews with my "Top 2010 list", I've decided to come up with my "iTunes Waste of Money List" first. Don't get me wrong, the list below is not bashing the bands nor discrediting their muscial abilities... I obvisiously liked them enough to buy the album. This list merely represents the albums I should have thought twice about and only bought the songs I KNEW were good.
Here is it... K-Spots "iTunes Waste of Money 2010 List":
1. Bear in Heaven "Beast Rest Forth Mouth"- Alright, alright. I know it's a somewhat good album, but total waste of iTunes funds. I think I bought this after seeing them at SXSW this year because I was on a high from seeing them. Don't get me wrong, they were great live... but I just don't REALLY like this album enough to burn to a cd and listen in my car OR suggestion to someone. I tried real hard to get into this album, but just never did.
2. Broken Bells "Broken Bells"- completely dissappointed. I DO like about 4 songs on the album, they are pretty catchy BUT there is no really consistency in their sound and quite frankly I could do without it. By the time SXSW came this year, I was already over them and had no desire to see them. I almost want to delete it completely from my library, but just can't do it.
3. The Dead Weather "Horehound"- Not enough rock for me. I expected WAY more from a Jack White/The Kills side project. Huge bummer.
4. Fang Island "Fang Island"- Pitchfork gave them a great write up and rating so I was very hopeful that this album would be good, but I don't really get it. Fang Island is more of an instrumental band, but this album sounds more pro-rock than anything. There is only 1 good track: Absolute Place, which is a Yeasayer Remix.
5. Chromatics "In the City"- So I heard a few songs from them on blog radio, and thought this would be another group to add on my "Dance Party in my Head" list.... saddly, this album didn't hold up to it. A few songs are totally worth downloading, but not the whole album. Actually, now that I think about it... after listening to the album a few times, it got a little annoying. The beats are all the same in every song, except 1 which is weirdly enough a super slow ballad. Oh well.
6. Diamond Rings "Special Affections"- I just can't seem to like the guy's voice. I try. But there's just something that turns me off about his voice. I can't seem to get past it and focus on the music. Sorry DR.
7. and by far the biggest mistake... Broken Social Scene "Forgiveness Rock Record"- I'm not even sure I can really talk about how disappointed I am in this album. I know it did make a few "best new music" lists, but it sucks. NOTHING at all like what I was expecting. Terrible.
I could go on, but to be true to the title of this list, these are all the albums I purchased that I wish I wouldn't have. Feel free to add... if there is anyone out there reading this lame blog.
More to come on year end lists!
K-Spot out... and not downloading anything else this year!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Thanksgiving came early!
The lovely Bradford Cox just posted on his blog the release of 2 albums that he recently recorded as Atlas Sound... and guess what kids, they are FREE TO DOWNLOAD. THANKS BRADFORD. Apparently he recorded these at home during August and November of this year AND a mystery contributor to his 1st album is his roommate's cat, who's name is Weekend at Bernies II! Awesome...
I just downloaded both and cannot wait to listen to them all day!
http://deerhuntertheband.blogspot.com/
I just downloaded both and cannot wait to listen to them all day!
http://deerhuntertheband.blogspot.com/
Friday, November 19, 2010
Broken Dreams Club...
So Girls released their new EP "Broken Dreams Club" this week. Of course it's ridiculously good. It's a bit different than their first album... A few songs even sounding a bit country with the addition of a steal guitar and trumpet. Apparently Girls released this album as a thank you for all of the support they have received. Well, THANK YOU GIRLS. In any case, every song is beautifully written. Instead of tuning out the lyrics and focusing on the instrumental parts of songs like I've been doing lately, the lyrics are all I can focus. The title track "Broken Dreams Club" describes exactly what I've been feeling lately, but haven't been able to put into words.
"it's hard enough to be alone
it's harder still to spend so long looking for happiness
feeling so restless
I know you feel like I do too
even though I'm close to you I can't be what you need
you're just as lost as me
I just want to get high but everyone keeps bringing me down
if you know something I don't, come on and help me out
but I just don't understand how the world keeps going nowhere
there's still so many people poor
can't get my head around these wars, all of this senselessness
of feeling so hepless
so many people live and die
and never even question why all of their dreams are gone
how can they carry on
I would like some peace of mind, I've got such a heavy heart
and you were broken down before you had a chance to start
and I just don't understand, how the world keeps going nowhere"
Girls have such a briliant way of writing songs about heartbreak, defeat, love, and life that is overwhelmingly relatable. It's almost like you feel you are apart of the song and comforted to know that someone else was feeling that way... like Girls is welcoming you to the club and saying "I get you". Well, I think I just might be CEO of the broken dreams club.
Even though their performance at ACL was a let down, I still enjoyed watching them and walked away wishing for more. The way he swaggers around with his guitar and smurks, the chemistry between all the band members, and the meaningfullness of every single word in each song is exactly why they are great. Unbelieveably charismatic.
Bradford, I think you just might be momentarily replaced as my "frontman love".
"it's hard enough to be alone
it's harder still to spend so long looking for happiness
feeling so restless
I know you feel like I do too
even though I'm close to you I can't be what you need
you're just as lost as me
I just want to get high but everyone keeps bringing me down
if you know something I don't, come on and help me out
but I just don't understand how the world keeps going nowhere
there's still so many people poor
can't get my head around these wars, all of this senselessness
of feeling so hepless
so many people live and die
and never even question why all of their dreams are gone
how can they carry on
I would like some peace of mind, I've got such a heavy heart
and you were broken down before you had a chance to start
and I just don't understand, how the world keeps going nowhere"
Girls have such a briliant way of writing songs about heartbreak, defeat, love, and life that is overwhelmingly relatable. It's almost like you feel you are apart of the song and comforted to know that someone else was feeling that way... like Girls is welcoming you to the club and saying "I get you". Well, I think I just might be CEO of the broken dreams club.
Even though their performance at ACL was a let down, I still enjoyed watching them and walked away wishing for more. The way he swaggers around with his guitar and smurks, the chemistry between all the band members, and the meaningfullness of every single word in each song is exactly why they are great. Unbelieveably charismatic.
Bradford, I think you just might be momentarily replaced as my "frontman love".
Monday, November 15, 2010
Animals ARE people...
New obsession... music videos with animals (specifically cats and dogs) acting instead of humans. Example below...
Went to the "new" Barbarella this Saturday for some dance therapy and the ONLY (stress the only) good thing I got out of that experience was seeing the video above by Holy Fuck. I was totally hypnotized by this video. Imagine me on a dance floor, trying to do my weird dancing thing, but can't because this video was so funny/cute. Not to mention the song is pretty great. Anyways, this post was meaningless... just wanted to share the video. Thanks Erin for sending it!
Also, I'm a bit disappointed in Barbarella. I get what they were trying to do by moving their space to make more room, but the crowd seems a bit different than before. I was confused by it all. I'm just glad that the last great time I had at Barbarella was with Erin, on a Sunday night, and we owned the dance floor. And I shared with her my high school drill team routines. Awesomeness.
That's all I got right now.... I'll do another post soon. About Future Islands, and some more great stuff.
K-spot done.
Went to the "new" Barbarella this Saturday for some dance therapy and the ONLY (stress the only) good thing I got out of that experience was seeing the video above by Holy Fuck. I was totally hypnotized by this video. Imagine me on a dance floor, trying to do my weird dancing thing, but can't because this video was so funny/cute. Not to mention the song is pretty great. Anyways, this post was meaningless... just wanted to share the video. Thanks Erin for sending it!
Also, I'm a bit disappointed in Barbarella. I get what they were trying to do by moving their space to make more room, but the crowd seems a bit different than before. I was confused by it all. I'm just glad that the last great time I had at Barbarella was with Erin, on a Sunday night, and we owned the dance floor. And I shared with her my high school drill team routines. Awesomeness.
That's all I got right now.... I'll do another post soon. About Future Islands, and some more great stuff.
K-spot done.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Low Waving it...
Another reason I love Austin, The Mohawk. What a great venue for live music and socializing. I think I'm there at least once a week. The drinks are great, the bartenders are amazingly welcoming, and there is such a diversity of bands that perform there. The owners have done such a great job at making the Mohawk different than any other music venue in Austin.
Anyways, I love the Hawk and more imporantly almost all the shows I check out are at the Hawk. Another reason why I like the Mohakw... all the hot bearded men. mmmmhmm.
So tonight is a show that I've been such excited about for a few months, Future Islands and Lower Dens (hence the Low Waving it title). Both bands are amazing AND are from Balitmore! 2 more bands NOT from Brooklyn or Cali.
The first time I heard FI I feel in love. I know, I know, I say that about almost every band, but it's the truth. It was the EXACT sound I was looking for at the time (I remember saying that out loud, to my cat). It's hard for me to even describe the type of sound if you don't already know them. It's dancy... Heavy snyths, drum machine, bass guitar, and a very distinct vocal. The lead singers voice, wow. It's very different, but good. All I know is, whenever I need a pick me up and need to dance around (even alone at my apartment) I'm going to put on some Future Islands. I saw them back in the spring and it was amazing. There was maybe 10 people in front of the stage but it gave me plenty of room to dance. The singer was very engaging and sings like he's telling the story of the song... Incredibly enthralling, charismatic and theatrical. It's hard to describe, but it was great. You could tell they were having a good time.
So when I saw Future Islands they had opening band that didn't exactly have a band name yet... but they were crazy good and I remember thinking to myself- I hope I can remember who they were because I liked them so much. A few months went by and xmu started playing this song by a band called Lower Dens. After some web surfing I realized Lower Dens was THE band that opened for Future Islands that we all liked so much (the crowd was completely impressed and thought they were great). So, much to my suprise Lower Dens is playing AGAIN with Future Islands. Again, I'm terrible at describing how a band sounds, but they inspired my new genre "Low Wave". It's a mix between New Wave and Chill Wave. 2 great guitar melodies that are completely intertwined, with great snare/kick drum action, low female vocal and more upbeat bass guitar. I really like them and know they are gunna blow up!
Hospice Gates by Lower Dens
AHH... I'm so excited to see both these bands. It's going to be a great show!
I completely forgot that I haven't been including a playlist for the week. Well, here it is (if anyone is out there):
1. Deerhunter "Desire Lines" (it's on repeat)
2. Foxes in Fiction "Flashing Lights Have Ended Now" (did some research on these guys and apparently they have said they decided to play music after hearing Atlas sound a.k. Bradford Cox... interesting)
3. Frankie Rose & The Outs "Little Brown Haired Girls" (Hey, that's me!)
4. Future Islands "Long Flight"
5. Future Islands "Inch of Dust"
6. Lower Dens "A Dog's Dick"
7. Lower Dens "Two Cocks"
8. Real Estate "Out of Tune" (totally kicking myself for missing their show at SXSW. I only wish they would roll back into Austin).
K-Spot is excited...
Anyways, I love the Hawk and more imporantly almost all the shows I check out are at the Hawk. Another reason why I like the Mohakw... all the hot bearded men. mmmmhmm.
So tonight is a show that I've been such excited about for a few months, Future Islands and Lower Dens (hence the Low Waving it title). Both bands are amazing AND are from Balitmore! 2 more bands NOT from Brooklyn or Cali.
The first time I heard FI I feel in love. I know, I know, I say that about almost every band, but it's the truth. It was the EXACT sound I was looking for at the time (I remember saying that out loud, to my cat). It's hard for me to even describe the type of sound if you don't already know them. It's dancy... Heavy snyths, drum machine, bass guitar, and a very distinct vocal. The lead singers voice, wow. It's very different, but good. All I know is, whenever I need a pick me up and need to dance around (even alone at my apartment) I'm going to put on some Future Islands. I saw them back in the spring and it was amazing. There was maybe 10 people in front of the stage but it gave me plenty of room to dance. The singer was very engaging and sings like he's telling the story of the song... Incredibly enthralling, charismatic and theatrical. It's hard to describe, but it was great. You could tell they were having a good time.
So when I saw Future Islands they had opening band that didn't exactly have a band name yet... but they were crazy good and I remember thinking to myself- I hope I can remember who they were because I liked them so much. A few months went by and xmu started playing this song by a band called Lower Dens. After some web surfing I realized Lower Dens was THE band that opened for Future Islands that we all liked so much (the crowd was completely impressed and thought they were great). So, much to my suprise Lower Dens is playing AGAIN with Future Islands. Again, I'm terrible at describing how a band sounds, but they inspired my new genre "Low Wave". It's a mix between New Wave and Chill Wave. 2 great guitar melodies that are completely intertwined, with great snare/kick drum action, low female vocal and more upbeat bass guitar. I really like them and know they are gunna blow up!
Hospice Gates by Lower Dens
AHH... I'm so excited to see both these bands. It's going to be a great show!
I completely forgot that I haven't been including a playlist for the week. Well, here it is (if anyone is out there):
1. Deerhunter "Desire Lines" (it's on repeat)
2. Foxes in Fiction "Flashing Lights Have Ended Now" (did some research on these guys and apparently they have said they decided to play music after hearing Atlas sound a.k. Bradford Cox... interesting)
3. Frankie Rose & The Outs "Little Brown Haired Girls" (Hey, that's me!)
4. Future Islands "Long Flight"
5. Future Islands "Inch of Dust"
6. Lower Dens "A Dog's Dick"
7. Lower Dens "Two Cocks"
8. Real Estate "Out of Tune" (totally kicking myself for missing their show at SXSW. I only wish they would roll back into Austin).
K-Spot is excited...
Thursday, November 11, 2010
FFFester for life yo...
Gosh Austin, this is why I love you... music festivals. I'm still on a big of a high from FFFFest. I would write about my experience of FFFest in greater detail, but my lovely fellow blogger friend (EMIK) wrote about it so perfectly.
To sum the festival up, it was VERY "FUN". Best bands (my opinion of course):
-The Antlers- even though their songs are a bit mellow (songs that would be the perfect setting for a road trip) it was a great band to start off the festival. I really, really liked watching the lead singer swing around with his guitar... hottness. Kudos to the sound dudes... they really turned up the volumn
Two by THE ANTLERS
-Wavves- sound was terrible... could barely hear them and during one song the mic wasn't even on. BUT just like I felt after seeing Girls at ACL, I will still like them and want to see them again. They played great and they were fun to watch. We kept running into 2 of the band members Saturday night and I acted like a total groupie. They were really nice. AND the lead singer was wearing sweat pants, with a drawstring. Pretty laid back dudes. Perfect Cali-rock... makes me want to be the "queen of the beach".
King of the Beach by WAVVES
-Delorean- so glad I saw them. Perfect Dance-rock. We danced from the backstage area (thank you Erin for knowing someone to let us get back there), spectacular light show, the keyboardist runs while he plays, the crowd LOVED THEM, and we got to meet them. YES. Another plus, they are from Spain.
STAY CLOSE by DELOREAN
-Deerhunter- wish it was a different setting (smaller venue and a crowd that was more into it), but they played the 3 songs I HAD to hear (below is 1 of the song). I can't get enough of them and I cannot wait to see them, but just them. One thing that I really like about their stage performance is their stage lighting is from the back, so all that you see is their shadows. Perfect.
Deerhunter 'Rainwater Cassette Exchange' by 4AD
-Sonny and the Sunsets- Erin and I caught them at the Hawk after the festival ended on Sunday and completely and absolutely the BEST way to end a great weekend filled with music. They are pretty flipping awesome. Their sound is a mix between Velvet Underground and early Beach Boys. Sonny (I'm assuming that's his name) was wearing a sweater from 1973 and rocked out. The crowd loved them. Thank you Aquarium Drunkard for introducing your listeners to them months ago.
Too Young to Burn by sonny & the sunsets
It was a great festival, not only because it was easy to get around and the beers were reasonably priced AND the porter potties were somewhat clean BUT the festival goers were a lot better than ACL festival goers. It was well worth it. Not only was the festival fun, but being around my sweet friends made it that much "Fun"-er.
I have way more to say... so I'll do another post, maybe later.
K is out y'all.
To sum the festival up, it was VERY "FUN". Best bands (my opinion of course):
-The Antlers- even though their songs are a bit mellow (songs that would be the perfect setting for a road trip) it was a great band to start off the festival. I really, really liked watching the lead singer swing around with his guitar... hottness. Kudos to the sound dudes... they really turned up the volumn
Two by THE ANTLERS
-Wavves- sound was terrible... could barely hear them and during one song the mic wasn't even on. BUT just like I felt after seeing Girls at ACL, I will still like them and want to see them again. They played great and they were fun to watch. We kept running into 2 of the band members Saturday night and I acted like a total groupie. They were really nice. AND the lead singer was wearing sweat pants, with a drawstring. Pretty laid back dudes. Perfect Cali-rock... makes me want to be the "queen of the beach".
King of the Beach by WAVVES
-Delorean- so glad I saw them. Perfect Dance-rock. We danced from the backstage area (thank you Erin for knowing someone to let us get back there), spectacular light show, the keyboardist runs while he plays, the crowd LOVED THEM, and we got to meet them. YES. Another plus, they are from Spain.
STAY CLOSE by DELOREAN
-Deerhunter- wish it was a different setting (smaller venue and a crowd that was more into it), but they played the 3 songs I HAD to hear (below is 1 of the song). I can't get enough of them and I cannot wait to see them, but just them. One thing that I really like about their stage performance is their stage lighting is from the back, so all that you see is their shadows. Perfect.
Deerhunter 'Rainwater Cassette Exchange' by 4AD
-Sonny and the Sunsets- Erin and I caught them at the Hawk after the festival ended on Sunday and completely and absolutely the BEST way to end a great weekend filled with music. They are pretty flipping awesome. Their sound is a mix between Velvet Underground and early Beach Boys. Sonny (I'm assuming that's his name) was wearing a sweater from 1973 and rocked out. The crowd loved them. Thank you Aquarium Drunkard for introducing your listeners to them months ago.
Too Young to Burn by sonny & the sunsets
It was a great festival, not only because it was easy to get around and the beers were reasonably priced AND the porter potties were somewhat clean BUT the festival goers were a lot better than ACL festival goers. It was well worth it. Not only was the festival fun, but being around my sweet friends made it that much "Fun"-er.
I have way more to say... so I'll do another post, maybe later.
K is out y'all.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Ghostland... what a joke
I'm pretty certain that anyone who was a Ghostland Observatory fan "back in the day" when their second album, Paparazzi Lightning, was just getting some local buzz is no longer a fan. They really lost it... I mean, really lost it. I'm not sorry for saying that either. I feel pretty confident in saying that that album was a 1 hit wonder for them. Everything they've done after that album just isn't the same. I remember how much I loved them in 2006-2007. My roommate and I at the time would have lil living room dance parties, and GH was on repeat. Sweety dance parties...
I remember seeing them at Lucy's in San Marcos (ticket was only $8) and the crowd wasn't even full... now their playing at the Cedar Park amplitheater ever other week?? flipppppping weird/lame. They were so good back then, and now it's just pittiful. I know I'm not a music critic or a musician, but still... I wish they would just stop and do something else.
If anyone actually reads this amatuer blog, you are probably wondering what brought on this anit-ghostland rant... I checked Pitchfork out this morning (as I usually do) to read the latest album reviews, and lo and behold Ghostland Observatory just released their 5th ablum. Here's the review: http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/14786-codename-rondo/
WOW!
Alright, I'm done venting on how disappointed I am. Maybe even sad.... not just about how much GH stinks, but because looking back at the time in my life when I was the #1 Ghostland fan was also some of the best years of my youth. I've been pretty nostalgic lately, thinking about life and changes. It's amazing how listening to a song or thinking about a band makes you remember where you were the first time you heard them. Who you were the first time you heard that band, and how much you've changed since you loved that band.
Crazy
I remember seeing them at Lucy's in San Marcos (ticket was only $8) and the crowd wasn't even full... now their playing at the Cedar Park amplitheater ever other week?? flipppppping weird/lame. They were so good back then, and now it's just pittiful. I know I'm not a music critic or a musician, but still... I wish they would just stop and do something else.
If anyone actually reads this amatuer blog, you are probably wondering what brought on this anit-ghostland rant... I checked Pitchfork out this morning (as I usually do) to read the latest album reviews, and lo and behold Ghostland Observatory just released their 5th ablum. Here's the review: http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/14786-codename-rondo/
WOW!
Alright, I'm done venting on how disappointed I am. Maybe even sad.... not just about how much GH stinks, but because looking back at the time in my life when I was the #1 Ghostland fan was also some of the best years of my youth. I've been pretty nostalgic lately, thinking about life and changes. It's amazing how listening to a song or thinking about a band makes you remember where you were the first time you heard them. Who you were the first time you heard that band, and how much you've changed since you loved that band.
Crazy
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
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