This week's fascination is Soft Reeds, a band from Kansas City that I just *magically* stumbled across the other week. I wish I could remember exactly how & when I found these guys, but it really doesn't matter at this point. All that matters is that you can count on their sophomore record Blank City to occupy a spot when my "Best of 2013" list rolls around. This band deserves way more attention for how talented and crafty they are with their sound. It's been a minute since I last found an album that flows so well like Blank City does. It's hard for me to suggest which songs I like more, because in all honesty- I dig each track equally.
Here they are performing "Pregnant Actress" at Element Recording Studios as part of a segment for Middle of the Map Fest. It's almost unreal how much it sounds like the version that's on the album, which gives me the feeling that this band puts on one hell of a live show. Middle of the Map Fest is curated by The Record Machine, an independent record label that started in Kansas City, Missouri back in 2003. Be sure to check out the independent record label's website where you can find a roster filled with up & coming midwest talent!
So, what'd you think? If you're digging it as much as I am, be sure to grab a copy over on iTunes. It'll be the best $9.99 you've spent all week!
It's a brand new day, a brand new month // HELLO AUGUST! I thought i'd feature about an hours worth of my favorite tracks from the month of July before I dig into the newer stuff. You're probably thinking, "wait I heard this song back in May or June". That might be the case, but the majority of these tracks were featured on albums that were officially released sometime in July. I know, I know, there I go again with the music nerdism.
P.S. Shout-out to Chad for making it way too easy for me to figure out how to attach playlists from Spotify onto this blog!
Oh yeah, "LYED" is 5 Likes away from 300 on Facebook! Click here if you feel like helping a blogger out!
Hope you guys had a safe & eventful weekend, here's some tunes to help start the week off right. :)
I feel like this came out of the blue, but don't think i'm complaining because I'm still thriving on their last full-length album Swoon. Neck of the Woods is due out May 8th on Dangerbird Records. From this track alone, I already recognize a more electronic rock feel, but I'll let you be the judge of that. :)
I was introduced to Hooray For Earth by a friend a couple of months ago, and immediately was hooked on their track "True Loves", and as I was scrambling through the tracks on their album thats also titled True Loves, my eyes were immediately attracted to the title "No Love" which takes a different direction from the album title. It took a few listens to get the hang of the track, but it's definitely one of my favorites by Hooray for Earth. Hope you like it too!
Slow Club - The Dog
They have a great sound them, and this song is pretty catchy. It reminds me of a little bit of Tokyo Police Club with Los Campesinos mixed in it. If you don't have an idea who those bands are..... just imagine the excitement of a minimum day when you're in high school topped mixed with the band the garage band that your crush is in. Not to say that this is for "younger audiences", but this music reminds me of younger times: times when I felt a lot more kick-back about life, and "hard times" never crossed my mind. Not a bad thing to say about Slow Club.
" I DO ALL I CAN; BUT WHO IS MY MAN?" that says it all ladies & gentleman. I have so much respect for Sharon Van Etten, and after her making it through a rough performance in LA recently (due to an overly- intoxicated fan who literally stole the spotlight from a LARGE % OF THE TIME. Honestly, I didn't let that get in my way for as long as I've waited for this experience.) "All I Can" has a similar buildup like her previous track "Love More" and evolves into a chorus that needs to be heard at the highest volume. Mark my words, this is in my top 3 albums of 2012 so far. I want to kick myself in the face for traveling to Bonnaroo 2011 & not catching her set, repeatedly. TRAMP is the album you want to keep with you at all times. From beginning to end, this album will tug at your heartstrings.
P.S. I LOVE WHEN PEOPLE LEAVE COMMENTS! I KNOW IT'S WEIRD WITH THE WHOLE GOOGLE+ BUT IT'S NOT HARD TO SET UP A SIMPLE ACCOUNT, LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU LOVE & LET ME KNO WHAT YOU HATE--IT MAKES LIFE THAT MUCH EASIER AND ENJOYABLE!
Welp, it's been real Spring break. Sadly tomorrow starts a new quarter, but what's really on my mind is the fact that WE LEAVE FOR COACHELLA IN 11 DAYS! So much excitement, and so much to do in such little time. I'm hoping to share with you guys as many Coachella acts as possible, but for those who dwell on my Coachella posts, I'll share some other tunes as well.
I heard about these guys last summer when the track "Colours" was a free track from Itunes, and caught a bit of their set at Outside Lands Music & Art Festival (great festival to check out in San Francisco around August). I love watching bands live that have more then a few people in the band, as it's an experience to watch them feed off each others' energy. What I really like about this track is the way that it builds up to the chorus before exploding with intensity. The way Christian Zucconi's voice weaves in and out with the sound of the instruments makes it super catchy. Other tracks to check out: Colours, Tongue Tied, Slow. (DAY 2)
I literally screamed at the top of my lungs as I read that Feed Me was on the Coachella lineup. Thankfully I was in my living room, and home alone. I've yet to see the infamous "Feed Me" (also known as Jon Gooch). I was immediately hooked when I first heard "Pink Lady" around this time last year. As you already know, I am horrible at giving descriptions.. so by providing you with the videos I hope that you'll understand why I chose these songs in the first place. In ways this track seems repetitive but it's the type that you'll get lost in for 6 minutes and 46 seconds & not realize it. Other tracks to check out: One Click Headshot, Whiskers, Relocation, Strange Behaviour (DAY 1)
First & Foremost: MIIKE SNOW IS NOT ONE PERSON. It's actually three guys from Sweden: Christian Karlsson, Pontus Winnberg, and Andrew Wyatt. This is your ideal pop indie "band" with an electronic twist. The video for "The Wave" is the sequel to the video for "Paddling Out" which was the first single from their recently released album Happy To You. Words can't describe how excited I am to actually experience this set "live". (DAY 2)
This was a great surprise to see a local Santa Barbara band on the 2012 Coachella lineup, and even better that it was Gardens & Villa. Pitchfork describes the bands' sound as "mixing gothic mysticism and hazy dream pop", and I definitely have to agree. I've had the pleasure of attending two of their shows within the past 8 months and with their last show at Casa de la Raza in Santa Barbara, it made me even more pumped for their upcoming set at Coachella. I've heard nothing but great things about these guys and I wish them the best of luck! Without a doubt, catching Gardens & Villa's set will be a great way to start the last day of Coachella! (DAY 3)
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NEW BEACH HOUSE!!
Yes it's true....The Baltimore duo of Victoria Legrand & Alex Scally are about to release a new album titled "Bloom", and a few tracks have already been released. As tranquil & elegant as their previous albums sound, expect a continuation. I was very pleased with their performance at last years' Treasure Island Music Festival, as they played on the Bridge stage while the sun went down. The first single from their new album was released around 3 weeks ago and if you haven't stumbled across it already, enjoy!
Another track has also surfaced on the web, "Lazuli" which also sends a dark chill down your spine. Recently I've been listening to a lot of Memoryhouse, where I receive similar vibes.... this isn't something to do a keg-stand to, but more along the lines of when you have a night to yourself and feel like busting out a blank canvas. Or maybe that's just me......
