Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Free Download Heaven!

Brand Spankin New!-and the order is from best to most notable:)

The entire new Kills album is being streamed for free here-( a week earlier than the release date) one half of the Kills (Alison Mosshart) is also in the band the Dead Weather with Jack White, if that gives you any idea, think dark, twisty with a beat kind of a hard edge version of the xx's + maybe a little modern version of Joan Jett.(especially on the track ''Nail in the Coffin'' I LOVE it and have every intention of buying it!-They are also playing at the Vic on May 4th.- I might have to seriously consider picking up tix because if they can record this kind of genius I can only imagine what they can do live-Preview it here!

http://www.thekills.tv/bloodpressuresstream.php

next Nylon Mag Blog's new band crush: Two Wounded Birds-Night Patrol-Free Download Here(love the guitar background on this maybe R.E.M something you'd here in a smoky hipster club/coffee shop for sure.

http://www.nylonmag.com/?section=article&parid=6084


Noah & the Whale-the beginning of their track "Give It All Back'' reminds me of Matt & Kim, very pop/keyboard heavy upbeat with a melody that will get stuck in you head. But the vocals compare more to the Hold Steady. download it here:
http://soundcloud.com/nylonmag/give-it-all-back-live-mix-1


Those Darlins ''Screws get Lose''- notable, but not as developed as the other bands listed above Female, punkish sound similar to the Donnas, who I haven't heard from at all lately:( I used to love them, (Not familiar with the Donnas? Think of a squeaky clean version of the Runaways? Yeah, weird I know, kinda defeats the purpose of the reference. but you'll see what I mean.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYqSshgv3yw


Thanks everyone!
xoxoxo

Sunday, March 27, 2011

high fidelity

So I love when you watch movies that you own and you remember for a moment, because you forgot how GREAT, something is..

for me that something was the movie High Fidelity  (John Cusack/Jack Black) about a guy who owns a record store in Chicago, breaking down his top 5 worst breakups with an amazing list of playlsts mixed in with musical performances by Lisa Bonet (covering Peter Frampton's ''Baby I Love Your Way''-god damn I wish I was as cool as that chick! and she was married and had a kid with Lenny Kravitz,(I'm convinced he is my soulmate) and Jack Black's cover of "Let's Get it On'' genius! a fantastic add on the the already amazing soundtrack would be The Vaccines-Post Breakup Sex-, check it out and tell me you agree/disagree

so, at the end Rob the main character talks about the art of making a good playlist/compilation and he says, you have to start out with an attention grabber something great that hooks people in, then you have to step it up a notch, but you can't ''blow your wad'' you have to slow it down.. ect'' :) this is my exact approach to creating lists. forget the the ''theme'' if there is one, its about the exact order!

John Cusack/Rob says it's a very tricky business making playlists they're are dos and don'ts you're using someone else's words to express how you feel. (personally, I always hear lyrics to a song wishing I was genius enough to write those exact words, but I can't say them, and that would also means I would have to admit feeling one way or another, which I refuse to do, so muscians and writers are by far a braver lot that I am.) and that is why I respect all musicians good/bad/crazy/indie/commercial it doesn't matter. But it's a lot better if you're good or talented of course.

then another great point is that it is WHAT you like, now what you ARE like that matters, books, films, cds/records'' these are the things that matter. You can tell a great many things about a person by their preferences in these things, because it shapes your perception of the world. You can always change how you act towards people, but what you like although it evolves as you get older or younger :) but you always go back to your favorites for comfort or absolution, or just reassurance that the world is not such a terrible cynical place as I always find it to be.


That being said, here are my picks of the week:

1. Strangelove, Bat for Lashes cover Depeche Mode: http://www.twentyfourbit.com/post/3432013945/hear-bat-for-lashes-cover-depeche-mode

2, Set Fire to the Rain-Adele feat Gibere Forte:
http://rpmmsc.bandcamp.com/track/set-fire-to-the-rain-remix

(sidenote, Rolling in the Deep was also covered by John Legend accapella version, the man has some serious vocal chops although I agree that it could use some drums or some instrumental version

3. sxsw featured artists(Brother, The Joy Formidable, Boy & Bear)-FREE DOWNLOADS-http://www.nylonmag.com/?section=article&parid=6000

check out Toro Y Moi-Still Sound, if you like a chilled out version of MGMT's ''Electric Feel'' this track is definitely for you!

4.Foster The People-Helena Beat This song has been on constant repeat since Ive heard it, think Beach House+MGMT+Rilo Kiley= instant feel good in the AM song!, that can carry you through a crappy Monday -http://nylonmag.com/nylonblogs/?s=foster+the+people

5. For a chilled girly (meiko, florence + the machine, jazzy girl vibe, pick this up: CallmeKat http://soundcloud.com/nylonmag/my-sea

Monday, March 14, 2011

Company of Thieves!!!

Wow!!! best lunch break ever!


Met Company of Thieves outside of H&M they were previewing their new single to fan's on their Ipod and getting feedback.  I was probably super lame jumping up and down like a little kid, relishing every single word/chord/lyric.  (Gennieve was so sweet!, and Mike M. hugged me!!!)   much mutual love and respect! and even better yet, their new single (releasing tomorrow on Itunes) is GREAT! it's up tempo, Genieve is so natural with her progessions and pitch ranges. The song is catchy I'm so excited that they are growing as a band and they are definitely living up to their potential (even with Mike Ortiz leaving the band:(


http://www.livefromdarylshouse.com/currentep.html?ep_id=30you can hear some of their stuff here!


They played Lollapalooza last year, and their most notable single to date is ''Oscar Wilde'' off of their first album Ordinary Riches, it's amazing that a band who is growing so quickly is still dedicated to their fans and so humble! I can't wait to hear the rest of the album!

Friday, March 11, 2011

Generationals!

soo..  I first found out about the band the generationals from a free Starbucks Itunes DL for their single ''Trust'' and found a video for their new song, its fun and happy and retro kind of like Phoenix meets MGMT:)

Enjoy!!!

http://nylonmag.com/nylonblogs/blog/2011/03/10/music-video-the-generationals/

Happy Friday! I dunno about you guys but it's payday AND that means I can actually go out and do a little celebrating!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

New Albums Released TODAY

So I only had about 15 minutes while getting ready this morning to preview the new albums released today on Itunes


first mention as we live in Chicago goes to Lupe Fiasco-Lasers!, generally I'm not a fan of Hip Hop so I had low expectations, especially after hearing the first single ''Show Goes On'' not impressive.

Featuring  everything from international affairs to party/love songs (my favorites are the collaborations with Trey Songz & John Legend. I will definitely give this album a 2nd listen.


2nd honorable mention goes to the much anticipated album from Ellie Goulding- (she is playing at Lincoln Hall May 31st tickets are $15.00

or her cover of Rihanna's Only Girl in the World see link here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IieOEvzMjng&feature=related

''Lights'' the single is my favorite Hear it here!

:http://www.somekindofawesome.com/journal/2011/1/18/watch-ellie-goulding-lights-video.html


 Very distinctive voice, that you would remember.

Sounds like a softer version of La Roux on MOG she listed her own personal playlist(her taste and mine is definitely similar, definitely have Robert Smith/Crystal Castles, the xx, & Vampire Weekend are permanent staples on my Ipod.

1. Lissie – “Everywhere I Go”
Ellie Goulding Says: “I’m very fond of Lissie. This was the very first song I ever heard from her. It’s still my favourite.”
2. James Blake – “Limit to Your Love”
Ellie Goulding Says: “Saw him at Union Chapel last year. He was fantastic – a bit Burial and a bit Bon Iver. Truly Soulful.”
3. Jay-Z – “D.O.A (Death of Auto-Tune)”
Ellie Goulding Says: “The biggest rap artist in the world. I listen to him when I go out running. It makes me feel pumped up.”
4. Yeasayer – “I Remember”
Ellie Goulding Says: “This song reminds me of coming to the end of my tour. A sad song.”
5. The XX – “VCR”
Ellie Goulding Says: “The coolest band in the world.”
6. Willow Smith – “Whip My Hair”
Ellie Goulding Says: “She’s 10 years old and she’s already legendary.”
7. Vampire Weekend – “Cousins”
Ellie Goulding Says: “Amazing song.”
8. Crystal Castles feat. Robert Smith – “Not In Love”
Ellie Goulding Says: “The chorus blows me away.”
9. The Innocence Mission – “Lakes of Canada”
Ellie Goulding Says: “A really lovely little folk band.”
10. Antony & The Johnsons – “Hope There’s Someone”
Ellie Goulding Says: “I used to play this song when I did acoustic open mic nights. It’s one of the most beautiful songs in the world.”
11. Starsmith – “Give Me A Break”
Ellie Goulding Says: “He helped me produce my album and I think he’s gonna have a good year.” (HEAR IT HERE)
12. Foals – “Spanish Sahara (Deadboy Remix)”
Ellie Goulding Says: “I saw Foals a few times last year – they were amazing. The album is brilliant and rightfully Mercury nominated. I love this Deadboy remix.” (HEAR IT HERE)



Broken Bells released a new single yesterday called ''Windows''
http://www.somekindofawesome.com/journal/2011/3/7/listen-broken-bells-windows.html

It's definitely a different style for Danger Mouse/James Mercer, if this is the direction the new album release date March 29th, I kind of like the new direction, we will see


Also came upon Sara Bareilles new single ''Uncharted''. Although I don't really think the 2nd album is as strong as her breakout ''Little Voices''. This new single is cute, and a few different celebrities make appearances in the video to sing along to the words Pharrell/Sugarland/Adam Levine to name a few.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Where to Start? Music assignment

Should I create playlists based of mood?, should I post a video of my new favorite artist tell you why I like them and where you can see them? Comment on other music blogs posts of the day?

Let's start there!

My friend J. gave me a ''music assignment'' after looking at a piece of canvas art on my wall of a girl strolling the city of London. She told me to create a soundtrack for the girl in London- I thought of a Devil Wear's Prada/Anne Hathaway type of girl just tryin to make it in the big city but with a European flair. She gave me parameters

only 15 songs and no longer than an hour! it was tough but I just rolled up my sleeves and went to town. (I have always dreamed of creating a soundtrack for movie/tv since half of the bands I talk about end up on a tv or commercial or somewhere random like that!


So here's what I came up with

if you have questions or want to hear any of them, or send me an email I'll tell you where you can find it.

Hometown Glory-Adele (off of the ''19'' album) her new cd has received rave reviews even guys are commenting on how great and catchy her first single ''Rolling in the Deep'' is. She plays the Riv on 5/24 tix sold out but I'm sure you can grab them on stubhub!

Mirror Conspiracy-Theivery Corporation (got lounge-y jazz vibe, very sexy!)

Here I am-David Morales (DJ Kasade) Remix, (clubby dance vibe, knd of a I am woman hear me roar lyrics

Bright Lights Big City- Cee Lo Green(let's face it this man is a genius! you saw him on the Grammy's right? big Elton John glasses feather headdress & muppets?) that's him. (again dance-y club track) one of my favorites!

Oscar Wilde-Company of Thieves, COT is a local Chicago band with a folky rock sound but that description does not NEARLY do them justice, they cover everything from the Zombies, to Stevie Wonder and still make it their own.  Seen them live twice have not seen that much energy from one single band ever!  and they played Lollapalooza last year! any band who uses a solid literary figure is alright in my book!

Florence & the Machine-Cosmic Love(Playing at the Aragon 6/18-SOLD OUT)- Ah yes one of my Lolla 2011 wishlist bands! I would describe them to previous generations as a modern day Fleetwood Mac. you can disagree with me or come up with a more suitable comparison if you like, but she has a very rock/etheral sound that relies heavily on Florence Welch's deep vocals, and superior storytelling in a song.


Let Go-Frou Frou (also featured in the Holiday movie soundtrack) the scene where Cameron Diaz spots Jude Law in the bar and her heart stops? yeah!

Valerie-Amy Winehouse feat/Mark Ronson-another girlpower anthem with a motown throwback sound and some wicked sax instrumentals

Song for Dan Treacy-MGMT-again very retro sound with random storytelling. and an optimistic tone in the vocals/beat I just heard it and thought of a random girl running around the city like a chicken with her head cut off, trying to stay smiling and stay positive.

I'm Good, I'm Gone,-Lykke Li, (from genius album Youth Novels released in 08) Also, LL is on the cover of Spin Magazine this month, great article. She's a bit off center and I like it. Swedish, kind of Bjork sounding. very much and individualist. ''I'm breaking a sweat but it's all good, cuz I know I'll get it back'' it's positive reinforcement I like it:) She's a breath of fresh air kind of like the xx's were to music last year.

Seven Nation Army-White Stripes combine the steady drum beat/base that gets stuck in your head + Jack White's tortured voice and a girl really can take on an army!


Right Angles-The Paper Raincoat- Cali based duo guy & girl-heavy on string & piano instrumenal and light vocals piano background gets stuck in your head, very pretty. ''the patterns have meaning when you're looking at the right angle, the boundaries are blurry when you're looking at the right angle''


Ours-The Bravery- yeah it was on the Twilight/Eclipse Soundtrack, but its rock, its upbeat, its a let's take on the world type of song. perfect for my '' independent girl taking on the city theme''


After Hours-Shout out Louds (featured on the Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist Soundtrack)
This band sounds like a modern day 80's band vocals, guitar playing, repetive beat, perfect for a pick me up on a rainy day.  I gave their album ''Work'' released last year honorable mention for best new album. ''Play the Game is a great breakup song!


Sometime Around Midnight-Airborne Toxic Event- definitely a rock band but with misleading strings/soft rock beginning, another guy sees girl across bar and heart stops'' but chorus is catchy and screamy:) Tix on sale now for Metro on 5/18! I am DEFINITELY wanting to go to this show! other notable songs to check by them are ''Something New'' and ''Happiness Is Overrated''

Here's the video-to help persuade people to come to the show with me on 5/18!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYPoMjR6-Ao


and a plug for Lykke Li so you can check out her article in Spin this month and check out her new album ''Wounded Rhymes'' released TODAY on Itunes and Spin Mag Cover!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRFybeuLh54


whew! hopefully they won't all be this long:) I promise they won't be!