Tunes for Your Thursday.

Here are some tunes for you to enjoy, both new & old. :)

Los Campesinos! - TIPTOE THROUGH THE TOE BITS

As this track appears as a recent release, it actually was one of the tracks that didn't make the cut to be on their 2011 full-length Hello Sadness. I 

Blood Diamonds Ft. Grimes - "PHONE SEX"

Words can't explain how I feel about this song, I'm sure this will show up the next time you visit YouTube narnia.

Family of the Year - "DIVERSITY"

This is a recent stumbling find for me (not from Stumbleupon, I literally stumble when I hunt for music). This track has a bit of a Grouplove / Mates of States sound to be honest, which I really really REALLY like. 

Bear in Heaven - "SINFUL NATURE"

This is a track off the recent full-length April release for Bear in Heaven called I Love You, It's Cool. Other tracks to check out from this group include: "The Reflection of You", "Kiss Me Crazy", and "Cool Light". 

MGMT - "OF MOONS, BIRDS, AND MONSTERS"

A bit of a throwback, but I randomly found myself watching videos of MGMT from 2008-2009. This track is by far one of my favorites, and I chose this particular clip when they performed on KCRW because it's a perfect example of how amazing James Richardson (the lead guitarist) is. I was lucky enough to catch MGMT headline the first day of the 2009 Treasure Island Music Festival. Sadly, I was underage & sober as a bear but still had one hell of a time. 

POP ETC - "KEEP IT FOR YOUR OWN" (Yours Truly Session)

Yes it is true, The Morning Benders are now acknowledged as "POP ETC". I really appreciated the first part of this clip as it definitely answered some questions us MB fans had. If you're not too familiar with The Morning Benders, check out the video below. 

"All Day All Light" from their 2008 debut album "The Big Echo"

Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros - "DEAR BELIEVER"

The followup to the LA groups' 2009 debut album is FINALLY OUT! So much folk, so much soul on the new album Here. I've already listened to the entire thing over a handful of times. It's definitely an album that fits perfectly when listening from beginning to end. I highly recommend listening to everything on this album, and besides it's only 9 tracks deep (but honestly I think that's all they needed to do). Jade's vocals are out of this world too (listen to "That's Whats Up" and you'll know what I mean).

ELLIE COVERS THE WEEKND. YES

I shouldn't be posting this as I am knee deep in makeup work, but when I read that one of my favorite artists EVER covered another artist who I LOVE I just couldn't let this slide. Earlier today Ellie Goulding released her cover of The Weeknd's "High For This" on her Soundcloud account. I am absolutely in love with the sound/flow of it and in case you were wondering, it was produced by Xaphoon Jones. If Xaphoon Jones doesn't ring a bell to you, he's 1/2 of the hip-hop/experimental/alternative duo Chiddy Bang from the East Coast. It's been quite awhile since we've heard new material from Ellie Goulding, and definitely didn't see something like this coming our way. 

Here's the original JUST in case you've never heard of The Weeknd.

 ENJOY! X 

freshvibesmonday #6

HAPPY MONDAY EVERYONE! Today is a pretty special day for Americans as it is a day to honor those we may or may not know that are brave soldiers who fought for our country! It's not "just" a holiday, it's much more than that. 

So, have a lovely rest of the day & enjoy these tunes whether you're relaxing, recuperating, or freaking out over finals (like me). Sorry for the draught of posts recently, I promise I'll make up for it with the next couple of ones! :) XX

Loquat - "TIME BENDING"

YAY THEY'RE BACK. Well, only 3 of the original members but still- this is a bit of a surprise to hear that they are back AND with a full-length album to deliver. "Time Bending" is the first track off We Could Be Arsonists, and it's a great way to start off the album. Super-duper catchy, and I ADORE Kylee Swenson's voice. Crossing my fingers this bay-area band will be performing at this years Treasure Island Music Festival, as they played an opening slot during the festival in 2008. 

Lana Del Rey - "NEVER LET ME GO" 

This is an unreleased track from LDR that recently leaked about a week ago or so. Perfect track for summer and especially to tend the blues that come with it. I'm curious to see where this track will go, maybe a new EP or something for her to perform during the three straight days of performing in LA? Who knows. 

Two Wounded Birds - "TO BE YOUNG"

The intro to this song gives off a more accelerated Tennis vibe, but when the vocals start to kick in I immediately think of The Horrors. I really dig their sound as it fits in perfectly with one of my previous posts "Sounds That are Younger Than They Sound". If it says anything, check out on their "Artists We Also Like" tab on Facebook: the first two are Ramones & The Beach Boys. BOOM perfectly describes their sound. Dig it! 

Milo Greene - "DON'T YOU GIVE UP ON ME" 

Discovering Milo Greene must be credited to the 2012 music issue of NYLON. It's by far my favorite magazine, and I'm pretty sure this is the one issue that I literally read from front to back in less than two hours. Thought it was pretty clever to read that Milo Greene came from a pseudonym made up from the band members when they collaborated at shows in 2009. Look out for their debut album out July 17th, and if you dig their sound check out: The Head & The Heart and The Civil Wars! 

Van She - "IDEA OF HAPPINESS"

If you're a Van She fan, you're probably freaking out about their upcoming release since it feels like forever when they released their self-titled EP in 2006. The new album will be released in the US On July 10th, YIPPEE. 

Bobby Womack Ft. Lana Del Rey - "DAYGLO REFLECTION"

If the name Bobby Womack doesn't ring a bell for you, listen to the track and hopefully you'll recognize that soulful rich voice. Or if you're a Gorillaz fan like me, then BAM it should make perfect sense to you who Bobby Womack is (does "Stylo" ring a bell). This beautiful duet will be released on Womack's full-length album The Bravest Man in The Universe on June 12th in the US on XL Recordings. Mmm classic & elegance at its finest.

"LIKE" LYED ON FACEBOOK!

Recently I’ve created a page on Facebook for this lovely little blog.  All you have to do is click here & you’re already there! “Like” it and please share with your friends/family/followers/cat. The more – The merrier! This is an easier way to inform you of blog updates, and I’m always sharing the latest announcements for shows in California/West Coast.

THANK YOU & REMEMBER TO "LIKE" LET YOUR EARS DECIDE! 

All Things Sasquatch Flavored Pt. 1

In case you weren't aware: this upcoming weekend is not only Memorial Day Weekend but it also marks the 10th annual Sasquatch Music Festival held at the Gorge Amphitheatre in George, Washington. It's a 3-day festival sponsored by: esurance (an AllState company), Kokanee, Honda, Verizon, Matador, and Alaska Airlines. Some of the high notes for the festival are without a doubt: Jack White, Beck, Bon Iver, Tenacious D, The Shins, and Pretty Lights. 

So HERE is the first dose of my personal high notes that I highly suggest you check out for yourself while you're there (because unfortunately I'm a full-time student and finals are in less than two weeks, boo). 

If you want to learn more about the festival itself, feel free to checkout their website by clicking here!

METRIC

Alright, so you're probably thinking "no shit sherlock" that Metric is a must-see on my list. I might be a fairly young(22) music enthusiast, but Metric and I go WAY back. Thanks to a dear friend of mine, I was immediately attached to this group following the 2003 release of their first full-length album Old World Underground, Where Are You Now? "Dead Disco", "Combat Baby", "Wet Blanket" were bonafied jams of mine. They have an undeniable "sparklepunch" sound that I find addicting; and spikes your curiosity about what influences the words that come out Emily Haines' mouth. Other tracks of mine that I'm head over heels about and hope you'll hear live are: Police in the Private, Monster Hospital, Help I'm Alive, Collect Call, Gold Guns Girls, Gimme Sympathy, and this newly released track you'll find below titled "Youth Without Youth". This single will be on their upcoming release Synthetica that is out on June 12th. If you think about it, this is the perfect time to expose some of the new material. 

THE JOY FORMIDABLE

Take it from me as I've had the pleasure of catching The Joy Formidable live twice last year-THEY PUT ON AN AMAZING LIVE SHOW. Not only did I catch them at a festival setting (Outside Lands), but also at a small nearby venue (SoHo). TJF is a trio consisting of Ritzy Bryan(lead vocals/guitar), Rhydian Dafydd(bass guitar/backing vocals), and Matt Thomas(drums/percussion) from the UK. Don't let Ritzy's pint-size frame fool you, she's a beast (just watch how big her eyes get). It really amazed me how identical they sounded to their recordings. Below is my favorite track by them "A Heavy Abacus" off their first (and only so far) full-length 2011 album The Big Roar. Have no fear, the amount of roar in their music will not cheat you whatsoever. 

PURITY RING

I predict Purity Ring to be one of the standout sets for this music festival. With the amount of hype that's been generated off their 3 tracks that have been swimming for what feels like forever, Purity Ring is barely a year old. After an amazing delivery at this year's South By Southwest (SXSW), a surprise release of a new single "Obedear" that was followed by the announcement of an upcoming album release has graced our attention. Shrines is the first full-length from Purity Ring, and will be released July 23rd on 4AD/Last Gang Records. Below is the first single off Shrines titled "Obedear". 

ACTIVE CHILD

Recently when I posted about favorite duets, Active Child was featured in it along with How To Dress Well for their hypnotizing track "Playing House". Active Child (aka Pat Grossi) is easily one of the most talented solo artists today, and I am extremely envious of you who get to catch him in the flesh this weekend! I would love to hear what your thoughts were in regards to his live performance. Enjoy Active Child's Live Performance on KEXP Radio below from last September.... that harp-playing is mighty wonderful. 

ZOLA JESUS

Zola Jesus aka Nika Roza Danilova is the voice of your darkest dream. The first word that comes to mind whenever I listen to her music is "release". Therapeutic or cathartic also appear. In my opinion I wasn't much of a fan at first for her 2nd EP Stridulum, which is the 6th release from Zola. Conatus on the other hand, was an immediate attraction for me. What I found is that the music on both Stridulum and Conatus reflect identically upon their album covers. While Stridulum captures Zola completely drenched in a dark liquid, Conatus displays Zola wrapped in a white sheet as well as wearing white clothes. This isn't to say that the music on Conatus is super airy and lacking the operatic darkness, because it is still there in full force. Also, Zola Jesus is featured on the first track "Intro" of the latest M83 album Hurry Up We're Dreaming & collaborated with Orbital on "New France". Those are two tracks that are definitely worth checking out if you haven't already. Below is my favorite Zola Jesus track which is found on Conatus titled "Seekir". Enjoy!

freshvibesmonday #5

HAPPY MONDAY! Hope you're in a somewhat electronic mood today, as for the most part that's what your ears are about to hear! 

Dwntwn - "SEE MY EYES"

This duo from Los Angeles has captured my attention for several months. I've stumbled across a couple of their cover songs (Calvin Harris, Angus and Julia Stone & Bruce Springsteen) and when I recently heard this - my love grew even more for them. 

Ladyhawke - "SUNDAY DRIVE" (AllSaints Basement Sessions)

In exactly one week from today (May 28th) Ladyhawke's 2nd full-length album titled Anxiety will be released in the US! Ladyhawke has already released two singles "Black White & Blue" and recently "Sunday Drive" made it's way to the public. I really enjoyed how this track was performed as apart of Ladyhawke's AllSaints Basement Session. Hope you like it too! 

Teengirl Fantasy - "MOTIF"

Released earlier this morning, Teengirl Fantasy is definitely a duo I want to catch live when they come to California next. I'd like to describe Teengirl Fantasy's unique style as  trippy/techno/dreamy or a mixture of Four Tet/Burial/Crystal Castles/TRUST. Don't expect any overdosing sounds like you would assume since I mentioned Crystal Castles, but more-so vibes that resemble "Pap Smear" & "Celestica". It's another world I tell ya. 

Emma Louise - "BOY"

Just released last week, this song immediately caught my eye as I've been on a massive Daughter/Lucy Rose kick. I don't know how else to describe this track besides "beautiful". 

BAIO aka Chris Baio (who is the bassist for Vampire Weekend), released a 3-track EP for his first project as a solo artist today titled Sunburn. In this EP you'll find plenty of West African flavor that is also exposed in the majority of Vampire Weekend's work. In "Sunburn Modern" it's a pretty consistent tropical melody created from a variety of instruments that makes the song the most colorful of the EP. Click on the link below to listen to "Sunburn Modern" on Baio's Soundcloud! :) 

Baio 'Sunburn Modern'

Dirty South, Thomas Gold, Kate Elsworth - "EYES WIDE OPEN" (Felguk Remix)

So this isn't necessarily "fresh", but for me this is a track worth hearing two months later. It actually took a couple listens, and then suddenly BOOM I was entirely hooked on it.

Hope you enjoyed today's post! 

SUNDAY VIBES & REMEMBER _______?

What better way to pick yourself up from the weekend than with the mix of songs I'd listen to whenever I'd have to be wake up at 4am (for my 6am shifts, so fun). Just enough energy to have me two-stepping while brushing my teeth, but not to the point where I was shuffling. 

LCD Soundsystem - "I CAN CHANGE"

James Murphy has a way with getting people to move their feet in various patterns, mine tends to be when my eyes are puffy and i'm barely making ends meet when picking out an outfit. This is Happening is an album that will pick your feet up, if you have the time (songs range from 5-8 minutes long). It's more than worth it, I promise. 

The Von Bondies - "C'MON C'MON"

Here's a throwback to make you say "oh my god I remember that song" from way back when. It's a classic....c'mon.

The Kills - "CHEAP & CHEERFUL (SEBASTIAN REMIX)"

What's better than hearing that songbird of a voice AKA Alison Mosshart in the morning? Hearing it paired with some electronic beats fueled by Sebastian. The Kills will remain a favorite of mine until the end of time (sounds cheesy, but it's the truth). Last September they played an amazing show at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles that I was lucky enough to experience, and this year they are also performing at the Outside Lands Music Festival in San Francisco! :) 

Les Savy Fav - "SLEEPLESS IN SILVERLAKE"

Some Indie flavored rock for your sunday, and this is my favorite track off their 2010 full-length album Root For Ruin. Check 

The Sounds - "TONY THE BEAT"

In short: MAJA FOREVER. I've had one hell of an obsession with this woman and her pack of fearless men. I can't express how much love I have for this bitch and those catchy songs that trace back to my early high school days where life was all about my best friend Jackie & Vanilla Cherry Coke from the Ice Burgie. Excuse my language, but The Sounds are a fucking legend and your ears need to hear every single track from the 2003 full-length Living In America. "Don't Stop, Push It". They're fucking amazing to see live, and will always thrive on their show at the Fillmore in 2007. Madness

Morgan Page - "BELIEVE"

In case you weren't aware, that is Elizabeth Maurus on vocals (aka Lissie). This track is from Morgan Page's 2nd full-length album from 2010 which is also titled Believe. Lissie provides most of the vocals on this album, which has me believing they make a pretty good pair. Remember "The Longest Road"? That's Lissie too. Addictive beats. 

Givers - "CEILING OF PLANKTON"

Hangover or not, this song still has a sweet pick-me-up to whatever state of mind I'm in. I've yet to catch this track live, as I had to leave from their set after 3 tracks or so. It's a scientific way of expressing love for someone, and when that someone understands it- it's  amazing. 

Kaskade Ft. Skylar Grey - "ROOM FOR HAPPINESS"

Mmmm. here's another track from KASKADE that I can't get enough of. Remember the cosmic sounding female in the Dr. Dre video for "I need a doctor" or those mesmerizing vocals in P Diddy's "I'm Coming Home"? That's Skylar Grey, who also provides the vocals on this stellar track. Her voice & Kaskade's brilliance paired together is uplifting, and much needed for a sunday.

P.S. REMEMBER PRETTY GIRLS MAKE GRAVES?

"THIS IS OUR EMERGENCY"

"ALL MEDICATED GENIUSES"

Both of these tracks were released on the 2nd full length album The New Romance in 2003. If the style/word "scene" rings a bell for you, you've probably brushed upon this band years ago. If you were wondering, yes I was under that "scene spell" just enough to create my own pathetic Xanga and thrive over The Blood Brothers whenever I was alone. Sadly Pretty Girls Make Graves broke-up in 2007 after forming a band 6 years before in Seattle, the name did come from the title of a Smiths song which is traced back to Jack Kerouac. 

P.S. TOMORROW NIGHT IN SANTA BARBARA AT SOHO IS THE CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY YEAH SHOW. Expect some groovy tunes of theirs on tomorrow morning's post. 

P.P.S. Thanks for visiting my blog! If you don't feel like leaving a comment on here, feel free to tweet/follow me at twitter.com/emponce ! :)

Diggin' on Duets & Daughter

Originally I imagined a post devoted to duos in music that I dig nowadays, but when I started to list them out I realized I had more than I planned to....after 2 minutes of brainstorming. They were as followed (and yes there were more after the 2 minute mark but I'll save those for another post):

The Kills

Kids At The Bar

Sleigh Bells

Tennis

Purity Ring

Beach House

Wye Oak 

NERO (originally there were two, but with the addition of Alanna I guess this kicks them out)

The Hundred in the Hands

Phantogram

The Black Keys

Matt & Kim 

Memoryhouse

Major Lazer (as of right now, Switch is no longer in ML- sadface)

CocoRosie

She & Him

Adventure Club

Postal Service

First Aid Kit

& I'm not trying to write a novel as a post, I'm just here to supply your ears with some good tunes. SOOO to switch it up a bit- here are some duets I dig instead! To narrow it down a bit I focused on vocal duets rather than collaborations (because that easily would have been a mile-long list). Enjoy!

Active Child & How To Dress Well - "PLAYING HOUSE"

*This is a personal favorite of mine. I just love Active Child...a LOT. Tranquility is literally embedded in this track. Listen Listen Listen, and then listen to what's below. ;)

Miike Snow Ft. Lykke Li - "BLACK TIN BOX"

I consider myself quite lucky to have experienced this track live during Miike Snow's set at Coachella during Weekend 1. The image of myself immediately shrieking at the top of my lungs "IT'S LYKKE LI!!!!!!!" when she revealed herself on stage still plays in my head, one of several idiotic moments that seem to occur in my life. Sigh. 

Sharon Van Etten ft. Zach Condon of Beirut - "WE ARE FINE"

This track is found on SVE's latest full-length release Tramp, and it's definitely a beautiful track to say the least. With Sharon's raspy yet convincing voice flowing from beginning to end, Condon literally soars with his easygoing yet overpowering tone. Meowza

Amanda Blank Ft. Lykke Li - "LEAVING YOU BEHIND"

A few years back I had a massive Amanda Blank addiction (and it still lives on to this day) which was right around the time she released her first full-length LP I Love You. & who could forget Let's just say I worshipped that album enough to give AB credit for the crazy individual that I tend to be. If you have time on your hands, please YouTube the heck out of this little woman from Philly who spits faster than any other female out there (Amy Heidemann is a close call but not in my book). "Leaving You Behind" is the last track on the album, and what a way to slam the door on the album? "Using my legs because my head ain't right" BOOM. 

Santigold Ft. Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "GO!"

This is the first track off Santigold's latest album Master of My Make Believe & I hope with the success of this particular track that we will hear more from both of them.

Lissie Ft. Ellie Goulding - "EVERYWHERE I GO"

Ahh I'm just in love with the vocal chemistry of this track overall. 

P.S. HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT DAUGHTER?

If you haven't already, then here is your time to do so...

"YOUTH" from their 2011 (2012 for US)  EP The Wild Youth. 

"CANDLES" from the 2011(2012 for US) EP His Young Heart. By far my favorite track from Daughter, and If I could I would talk about Daughter until your ears started to bleed. THEY ARE AMAZING. Please check out their soundcloud & bandcamp site listed below along with the link the US Itunes Store, this trio is a band worth supporting!

http://soundcloud.com/ohdaughter 

http://ohdaughter.bandcamp.com/

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-wild-youth-ep/id504143198

Songs That are Younger Than They Sound.

Hope all of you are enjoying the new Beach House album Bloom. Despite what other critics say, I do recognize slight similarities...but this is THE STYLE OF BEACH HOUSE. Cryptic, Classic, and overall it's JUST WHO THEY ARE. Respect this powerhouse duo who convey some of the most mind-boggling lyrics through a voice that literally gives a grown man the chills (who will remain nameless for now) and to this day their setup of instruments is just as simple as it was when they first started. I read an interview on Pitchfork with the members of Beach House (Victoria Legrand & Alex Scally) recently that needs to be read by everyone, words can't explain their intelligence. 

 http://pitchfork.com/features/interviews/8831-beach-house/

So if beach house isn't your style, here are some jams that go great with sunshine, or possibly make you stir-crazy if you're somewhere in the world where the sun doesn't shine. 

ENJOY FOLKS! :)

TENNIS

"ORIGINS"

After releasing the crafty & extra retro Cape Dory , Tennis (a husband & wife duo from Denver consisting of Alaina Moore & Patrick Riley) joined forces with Patrick Carney of the Black Keys to create their 2nd LP titled Young & Old. Tennis has a way of literally taking you back in time with their sound, and their chemistry when performing live is absolutely something to love. The sound in Young & Old definitely has a more mature sound to it overall, yet maintains the same quality of passion that you find in Alaina's voice. Catch them in August at this years Outside Lands Music Festival, you won't be disappointed. 

Other tracks to check out: Petition, Deep in the Woods, Marathon, My Better Self (newly released video for this track on YouTube now!). 

"IT ALL FEELS THE SAME" on the Dave Letterman show (4/9). 

Never underestimate the power of a voice that comes from a body so petite. 

SURFER BLOOD

(if you go to UCSB, here's some time for you to complete a little bit of your Extravaganza homework, because they will be performing live).

"FLOATING VIBES"

One of their most popular songs from their 2010 album Astro Coast, and overall it's a pretty decent album. The award for my favorite song is actually from their 2011 EP Tarot Classics, and you can access their Halfway House Sessions performance of "I'm Not Ready" HERE!

& feel free to call me crazy, but towards the end of the "I'm Not Ready" track that John Paul Pitts starts to sound like Glenn Danzig? You know, "MOTHERRRRRRRRR, can you keep them in the dark for life?"

REAL ESTATE 

"EASY"

Mmmm. mellow, fresh, and totally something to read the newspaper to. Or put together your new fixie bike? Close your eyes and imagine drinking a forty on Venice Beach in the early 1960's, does that do the trick for you? Phew. If you are diggin' Real Estate, I recommend going back to their first self-titled album and starting from there. Your ears will be so chilled you won't know what to do with yourself. 

"IT'S REAL" (Live on KEXP)

These indie sweethearts have only been around for a few years, but here's a live version of "It's Real" to let you know...... well, they're real. 

SUMMER CAMP 

"BETTER OFF WITHOUT YOU" a track found on the first track on their 2011 full-length Welcome to Condale. With a name like Summer Camp, what were your expecting? It's flirty. It's borderline dramatic. It's hopeful. These are just a few of the emotions exposed at Summer Camp. Elizabeth Sankey nails it as a lo-fi version of Alison Mosshart in the track "Nobody Knows You". I suggest your ears have a listen & let me know.

CAMERA OBSCURA

"FRENCH NAVY" off their 2009 full-length album My Maudlin Career. They have a sweet sound, and I literally mean sweet. After listening to their 2006 LP Let's Get Out of This Country, I literally wanted to go layout at the beach with my cassette tape player. 

Except, it was nearly 2AM on a Tuesday night, 

and I don't own a cassette tape player. 

"THE SWEETEST THING"

Other tracks to check out from Camera Obscura: Tears For Affair, Comeback Margaret, Honey In The Sun.

Feel free to let me know what you & your ears think! Tweet about it. Share with everyone and your mother... Please & Thank You! :)