March Music Madness

Posted on March 8, 2012March 9, 2012 Posted in Announcement, Blog Post, Event, MusicTagged 35 denton, alternative, austin, Best Coast, denton, event, festival, indie, music, sxsw, the jesus and mary chainLeave a comment

This month is going to be full of noise.

Whew! Just let me breathe for a moment. I’m currently in the process of reviewing three albums by today, and planning several things. When I say “several things,” I mean 35 Denton and SXSW, and that’s just in the duration of two weeks. Last Monday I was at a Radiohead show in Dallas (click here for my videos), which prepared me for concert mode, and seizure-dancing with maracas if SXSW bands feel inclined to do so. However, one arena concert will not fully prepare me for the onslaught of music about to occur.

Beautiful Austin before the annual invasion

Every March bands parade through Texas (and usually most of the U.S) while they make their way to SXSW. 35 Denton is the weekend before SXSW’s music portion really kicks in. This year’s lineup boasts bands such as The Jesus & Mary Chain, Atlas Sound, Best Coast, The Raincoats, Mountain Goats, and more. SXSW includes more than 2,000 bands.

As thrilled as I am to satisfy my shoegaze heart’s desire for The Jesus & Mary Chain, it is also one of the most stressful times of the year for me. Luckily I am not currently in college, so I have time to plan everything, but the level of press I am providing this year is far above anything I have ever done. On one hand, I feel a sense of accomplishment, and promise that my worries of not having a successful future is merely temporary self doubt. On the other hand, am I going to survive?! The amount of walking/awkward running will surpass the previous festival workouts.

It may seem like I’m just complaining (well, I kind of am, aren’t I?), but I certainly enjoy the craziness. 35 Denton is much more relaxed and laid back. It is a way to see bands without the mayhem and large crowds, and SXSW offers an atmosphere and musical experience unlike any other in the world.

This year, I will be taking photos and reviewing shows at 35 Denton (which goes along with the Air Review interview already completed), and then it is off to SXSW on March 14-20. So far, I know there will be an interview with Brooklyn’s Ava Luna, photo-taking at Spin‘s Austin Throwdown and Rachael Ray’s Feedback parties, and reviewing/taking photos at many day parties.

There are some other possible developments that are really exciting. I will be interviewing other bands, and may be attending a few other events that will for sure get me giddy if they end up being confirmed. Here’s to musical bliss and sneaking in saltine crackers for the next few weeks!

Anti-Valentine’s playlist (part 1)

Posted on February 14, 2012February 14, 2012 Posted in Blog Post, MusicTagged 13th floor elevators, alternative, angry, breakup, classic, compilation, foo fighters, husker du, indie, led zeppelin, lily allen, linkin park, modern, muse, music, playlist, pop, queens of the stone age, rilo kiley, rock, song, talking heads, valentine's, white stripesLeave a comment

A playlist for the rest of us.

Ahh, Valentines, the time of the year I find myself eye-rolling the most. For some, it may be more about sobbing or feeling lonely, but no worries. Here’s a playlist of songs to remind you of how awful you feel!

This is part one of the playlist. Yes, I am a pessimist.

1. “Don’t Want to Know If You Are Lonely”- Hüsker Dü

If you don’t know about the influential band Hüsker Dü, please listen to Candy Apple Grey right now.

2. “There’s No Home for You Here”- The White Stripes

This song is in the middle of angry and happily independent. The lyrics appear to be resentful, but the music isn’t as dark.

3. “Heartbreaker”- Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin…isn’t that reason enough?

4. “Gonna Leave You”- Queens of the Stone Age

Singer/guitarist Josh Homme has one of my favorite voices in rock, yet Bassist Nick Oliveri sings on “Gonna Leave You.”

5. “One Step Closer”- Linkin Park

Yes, I included a Linkin Park song. Don’t judge me! I have to occasionally relive my middle school years just like everyone else.

6. “Hyper Music”- Muse

An obvious but fantastic nod to the guitar genius Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine, “Hyper Music” doesn’t seem to have aged much over the course of more than 10 years.

7. “No Compassion”- Talking Heads

David Byrne sounds somewhat like a jerk if you listen to the lyrics, but it is David Byrne we’re talking about, so you never know what’s going on in that arty head of his.

8. “Monkey Wrench”- Foo Fighters

There’s no way I can play this song without a smile on my face. This song may not necessarily be about a romance, but it’s still applicable. The Foo Fighters will always be one of those bands that bring back good memories.

9. “Breakin’ Up”- Rilo Kiley

Dance beat, Jenny Lewis’ sweet voice, and liberating lyrics…not all breakup songs are sad!

10. “Smile”- Lily Allen

I’m not a huge fan of Lily Allen, but she does know how to create music that is equally acerbic and upbeat.

11. “You’re Gonna Miss Me”- 13th Floor Elevators

What are the lyrics? I don’t know, but it sounds nice!

Santigold is back!

Posted on January 26, 2012January 26, 2012 Posted in Blog Post, MusicTagged 2012, album, alternative, big mouth, examiner.com, http www youtube, indie, music, music video, news, santigold, song1 Comment

It’s hard to believe that four years have passed since Santigold’s first album Santogold was released. “L.E.S. Artistes” was the first song of hers that I heard back in 2008. Last year I saw her dynamic performance at Austin City Limits, and she drew a much bigger crowd than I expected.

Even though I’m not a fan of hip hop, I gravitated towards her kaleidoscope of genres including pop, hip hop, and indie rock. Now she has done it again with her new single “Big Mouth.” Hopefully the new album she is releasing in the spring will turn more heads (and ears) towards her.

Click here for the “Big Mouth” music video and more information that I have written about what mischief Santigold will be up to this year.

Music video for “L.E.S. Artistes”

Related Products

Related Posts

Digitalism Interview

San Francisco playlist

Posted on December 10, 2011January 16, 2012 Posted in Blog Post, MusicTagged 60s, alternative, arctic monkeys, blues, buddy guy, california, city, entertainment, folk, hippies, indie, john lee hooker, modern, music, otis redding, playlist, pop, punk, ramones, red hot chili peppers, retro, rock, san francisco, scott mckenzie, soul, the replacements, tony bennett, van morrison3 Comments

Since I will be on my way to San Francisco throughout the Christmas holiday after this semester is (finally) over, I have decided to put together a playlist of songs that mention San Francisco, whether it’s in the chorus, song title, or just one verse.

The songs in the collection are quite varied. There’s anything from blues to punk rock, but isn’t that the fun of mixes anyway?

Click here to listen to the playlist.

Unfortunately, 8tracks wouldn’t allow me to add The Mamas & the Papas version of “San Francisco” since I didn’t have the album title labeled, so here it is for your enjoyment. I personally like it just as much as the original Scott McKenzie version.

Here are the songs included on the playlist:

1. “San Francisco (Be Sure To Wear Flowers in Your Hair)”- Scott McKenzie

Besides being an exhausting title, this track can also be noted for the beautiful melody. Once it’s stuck in your head, good luck getting it out. You’re welcome.

2. “Left of the Dial”- The Replacements

Ok, so San Fran is only mentioned once, but it’s such a good line:

“Headed out to San Francisco, definitely not L.A.”

The Replacements certainly had an affinity for humorous lyrics. This band, along with R.E.M., introduced me to the plethora of fantastic music known as the ’80s underground (college radio!).

3. “Judy is a Punk”- Ramones

I honestly had no idea what “they both went down to Frisco, joined the SLA” meant. After looking it up, I discovered that it was referring to the Symbionese Liberation Army– the militant group that kidnapped Patty Hearst in the ’70s. Who says you can’t learn anything productive from punk music?

4. “Back in San Francisco”- Orange Peels

It’s not really a popular song, but it has a laid back feel that (I assume) fits the vibe of San Francisco. Ironically, they will be performing in the city while I’m visiting.

5. “Linden Arden Stole the Headlights”- Van Morrison

Veedon Fleece is an underrated album, and Van Morrison is an underrated artist in general. His songs have always been able to capture a mood or moment perfectly through both lyrics and vocal styles. “Linden Arden Stole the Headlights” is about an Irishman living in San Francisco. It doesn’t exactly end up well.

6. “I Left My Heart in San Francisco”- Tony Bennett

Is it possible to not love Tony Bennett? I’m not a big fan of crooners, but something about his music just makes me all smiles. This song is an official song of the city, so others must feel the same way.

7. “Hello San Francisco”- Buddy Guy

You will probably find yourself nodding to the slow, grooving beat whether you like it or not. Chicago blues would not be the same without Buddy Guy. Also, this may just be the perfect song for someone like me who is visiting San Francisco for the first time because of the following lyrics:

“Hello, San Francisco. Oh, we finally got a chance to meet. I knew someday that I would walk up and down your hilly streets.”

Yep, pretty much perfect.

8. “Deep Kick”- Red Hot Chili Peppers

Believe it or not, this Red Hot Chili Peppers song is about drug use. Who would have thought! The beginning is quite odd, and if you’d like to get on to the headbanging, skip to 1:40. Flea does some strange singing near the end. Let’s all be happy he’s an excellent bassist.

9. “Fake Tales of San Francisco”- Arctic Monkeys

Always writing songs with a wink, the Arctic Monkeys poke fun at an imaginary British band trying too hard to relate to American culture.

10. “Frisco Blues”- John Lee Hooker

If Ray Charles and the blues were mixed together, it would probably sound very similar to this. I love the female backing vocals as well .No one has ever sounded quite like him. Maybe there are 20 songs about San Francisco that he made, but I wouldn’t know since he made over 100 albums!

11. “Grace Cathedral Hill”- The Decemberists

It’s a fairly simple acoustic song with baroque leanings. Colin Meloy’s voice is very unique, and allows the song to stand out a bit more. Just don’t listen to it if you’re sleepy (unless you are wanting to go to sleep).

12. “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay”- Otis Redding

I saved the best for last. This song paints a picture of the bay so beautifully. I can’t really even describe why it’s so good, because it really isn’t a complex song. It’s most likely because Otis Redding’s voice exudes soulfulness. He could sing about a sandwich and make it emotional.

If anyone knows of some other fine tunes about San Francisco, let me know!

Related Products

Florence Welch has my heart

Posted on October 8, 2011January 10, 2012 Posted in Blog Post, MusicTagged album, alternative, ceremonials, florence and the machine, indie, music, pop3 Comments

I’m going to start something a little different on my website. Rather than just announcements and such, I’ll make this a blogging space too. My inaugural blog post is about Florence + the Machine‘s Florence Welch (here’s a quick profile I made about her early this year: http://www.examiner.com/alternative-music-in-national/alternative-music-spotlight-florence-and-the-machine). Besides being gorgeous and stylish in her own way, she’s also a great singer and songwriter. Her powerhouse voice makes me wonder if there is such a thing as vocal steroids. How does she never lose her voice?!

Her new album Ceremonials will be released November 1st, which I’m quite giddy about. Hopefully I’ll have another chance to see her live. She has quite the presence onstage in her dramatic, flowing clothes (that are often more like costumes).

Anyway, enjoy the lovely Florence.

The single “What the Water Gave Me” from her upcoming album

Footage I made from Voodoo Festival in New Orleans last year

Kristin Lockhart

Tag: indie