First and Foremost, I have to talk about Florence Welch (Florence + the Machine)
She brought back this Stevie Nicks cool chick vibe, that made female singers with raspy voices and a darker edge cool.
Although let's get real Stevie never Really left/ or was forgotten about, Flo just brought it back to maintream with Cosmic Love, and Dog Days songs brought to mainstream through movie soundtracks, tv episodes and commercials.(which is naturally where I began to grow completely tired and annoyed of the songs) beside the point..
Here is Florence's new single:---
http://www.somekindofawesome.com/journal/2011/8/23/watch-florence-the-machine-what-the-water-gave-me-official-v.html
I Love This!- the way it starts off in true Flo fashion showcasing just her vocals, then building gradually with the instruments & background choral element. Almost reminds me of Adele's "Rolling in the Deep''--funny next day I read this article on the track and found it was produced by the same guy (Paul Epworth)--read article on spinner.com
(Anyone remember the Theme from the 80's movie Lost Boys??- If not check this out real quick: http://www.youtube.com/watchv=mrMLMV6E4CM&feature=related
''remember the choir boy part ''Thou Shall Not Faaalll... Thou Shall Not Feeaaar'' same idea!
Okay on to a younger generation of Florence + the Machine: Say Hello to Marina & The Diamonds
combine Flo + Madonna's ''Like A Prayer,'' and you get the track ''Fear & Loathing''
http://www.somekindofawesome.com/journal/2011/8/23/watch-marina-and-the-diamonds-fear-and-loathing-x-radioactiv.html
This appeals to my darker edgy side:) and the thing I"m most thankful for in both these ladies, is the both videos refused to give up any artistic license and kept their individuality no matter how abstract and it doesn't come across as gimmicky or being crazy for crazy's sake. It all still all works!
Now to prove that she's not all dark and twisty, pain & angsty, to show you some range the 2nd track ''Radioactive, you can definitely hear in a club somewhere--can't wait to hear the reminx to this!:0)
Lady Gaga move over, I predict that Marina will take your crown of glory very very soon!! thank goodness too because the last two gaga releases are complete garbage!:)
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
(Pre Lolla) The Vaccines, The Drums & BEST Foo Fighters cover!
the Vaccines (they are playing at Lolla) http://nylonmag.com/nylonblogs/blog/2011/07/13/music-video-the-vaccines/
Ximena Sarinana- Shine Down www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2vhQFMcXgw
I love this song! You can download it for free on Itunes! just search forher name and the song..
I posted it a few months ago on FB but her new album is not really a reflection of this track, the Label released another first single ''Different'' which is very sugared pop song that you would most likely hear from a teen star like Demi Lovato or Selena Gomez,--while they are of Latina descent I don't think Ximena should be herded into that category:(--she can have a more edgy appeal)
Also, I think I found the best cover of Foo Fighters I've ever seen--this guy could be my soulmate, British, soulful & He's got a picture of Marvin Gaye on his radiator! www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9kZQ1DEJPw
Sony
(just announced they will be playing at Lincoln Hall on 9/21 as well as at Lolla)!--www.lincolnhallchicago.com
The Drums (playing at Subterranean 10/4) http://www.somekindofawesome.com/journal/2011/7/25/watch-the-drums-money-video.html
Guaranteed this song will be stuck in your head all day once you listen to them!
Ximena Sarinana- Shine Down www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2vhQFMcXgw
I love this song! You can download it for free on Itunes! just search forher name and the song..
I posted it a few months ago on FB but her new album is not really a reflection of this track, the Label released another first single ''Different'' which is very sugared pop song that you would most likely hear from a teen star like Demi Lovato or Selena Gomez,--while they are of Latina descent I don't think Ximena should be herded into that category:(--she can have a more edgy appeal)
Also, I think I found the best cover of Foo Fighters I've ever seen--this guy could be my soulmate, British, soulful & He's got a picture of Marvin Gaye on his radiator! www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9kZQ1DEJPw
Recently I made a playlist for each stage of Lolla this is the shortened version!
Bud Light
Young the Giant-My Body
Grace Potter & the Nocturnals-Hot Summer Night
The Kills-Future Starts Slow
Bright Eyes-Jejune Stars
Coldplay- Viva La Vida
Disappears –Magic
Friendly Fires-Blue Cassette
My Morning Jacket- It Beats 4 You
City & Colour-Weightless, Fragile Bird
Google
Ryan Leslie-Addicted
Tennis-Marathon
Reptar-Houseboat Babies
Le Bucherttes-Bang!
Cults-Bumper
Tinie Tempah-Till I’m Gone (feat Wiz Khalifa)
Ok Go-Not All is Lost
Ratatat-Mirando
Julia Easterlin-A Mild Response
An Horse-Tracks and Trains
Maps & Atlases- Israeli Caves
The Drums-Money (if you can’t find that one—use I Felt Stupid
Ellie Goulding-Lights
Iration-Turn Around
Fences-The Same Tattoos
Best Coast-Crazy for You
Manchester Orchestra-Virgin
Ximena Sarinana-Shine Down
Sony
Wye Oak-Doubt
Naked & The Famous-Young Blood
Foster the People-Houdini
Two Door Cinema Club-Cigarettes in the Theater
Crystal Castles- Not in Love (feat. Robert Smith)
Grouplove-Gold Coast
Phantogram-When I’m Small
Explosions in the Sky-Human Qualities
Music Unlimited
The Vaccines-Norgaard
Delta Spirit- Bushwick Blues
Muse-Supermassive Black Hole
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Ode to Buddy Holly
Be on the lookout for current various artists (Florence & the Machine, She & Him, Cee Lo Green, Kid Rock & Modest Mouse to name a few) covering/tribute to Buddy Holly
Julian Casblancas-http://www.somekindofawesome.com/journal/2011/5/14/listen-julian-casablancas-rave-on-buddy-holly-cover.html
Modest Mouse-http://www.somekindofawesome.com/journal/2011/5/9/listen-modest-mouse-thatll-be-the-day-buddy-holly-cover.html
I'm excited that they are playing tribute to what seems to be a genre that is often imitated but never duplicated, or at least not well since the playful Wheezer song ''Buddy Holly. Notable attempts include the Morning Benders,
See Excuses Video :www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeE82XyNkyM
She & Him-(Zooey Deschanel & M. Ward)
and most recently the Cults(my vote for top 3 album of the year!)--
http://www.somekindofawesome.com/journal/2011/5/23/listen-cults-cults-full-album-stream.html
but in this case I don't think any artist, can replace the greatness of the past. Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, created a new genre in a time where rock and roll was shocking for more than just sake of pushing the envelope and creating a riot among parents and censors. It was about story telling, truth & love, and having fun & actually having musical talent and charisma without styling teams, producers and autotuned voices, Kind of makes me want to watch ''Cry Baby'' or ''Walk the Line''
" complete with Happy Days themed video for Buddy Holly:) for nostalgia's sake:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kemivUKb4f4
Julian Casblancas-http://www.somekindofawesome.com/journal/2011/5/14/listen-julian-casablancas-rave-on-buddy-holly-cover.html
Modest Mouse-http://www.somekindofawesome.com/journal/2011/5/9/listen-modest-mouse-thatll-be-the-day-buddy-holly-cover.html
I'm excited that they are playing tribute to what seems to be a genre that is often imitated but never duplicated, or at least not well since the playful Wheezer song ''Buddy Holly. Notable attempts include the Morning Benders,
See Excuses Video :www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeE82XyNkyM
She & Him-(Zooey Deschanel & M. Ward)
and most recently the Cults(my vote for top 3 album of the year!)--
http://www.somekindofawesome.com/journal/2011/5/23/listen-cults-cults-full-album-stream.html
but in this case I don't think any artist, can replace the greatness of the past. Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, created a new genre in a time where rock and roll was shocking for more than just sake of pushing the envelope and creating a riot among parents and censors. It was about story telling, truth & love, and having fun & actually having musical talent and charisma without styling teams, producers and autotuned voices, Kind of makes me want to watch ''Cry Baby'' or ''Walk the Line''
" complete with Happy Days themed video for Buddy Holly:) for nostalgia's sake:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kemivUKb4f4
Most Electic tracks on an album goes to
Iron & Wine
With such hits as ''Flightless Bird'' Featured on the Twilight soundtrack, the spanish guitar inspired ''Boy with a Coin'' mastermind Sam Beam has proved he can write a folk/pop hit and expand his musical range, but to be honest I was starting to get a little bored with the sleepy folk rock. The two tracks mentioned being my favorite and the rest sound the same.
I heard I&W live in Millenium Park a week or two ago and once the setlist started I thought it was a different band, they actually sounded happy. I first thought it was Blues Travelers going under the name Iron & Wine although I couldn't see the stage by the sound of it, they had a multiple piece band including saxophone & trumpet the vibe was more R&B and Jazzy than their signature acoustic guitar melancholy. The band did what they did best and just PLAYED, like a true jam band, one song effortlessly flowing into each other. reminded me of simpler times, when you could still smile through the rough times of it all, but not forget that you had some important ideas to express about what is going on in the world around you. ''Kiss Each Other Clean'' the titled of their latest album accomplishes just that.
favorite track: ''Glad Man Singing''www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvIaI5ekrpw
Next album review will be Bon Iver,(hopefully posted later today). you can preview the album in it's entirety before the release date 6/21 here:
With such hits as ''Flightless Bird'' Featured on the Twilight soundtrack, the spanish guitar inspired ''Boy with a Coin'' mastermind Sam Beam has proved he can write a folk/pop hit and expand his musical range, but to be honest I was starting to get a little bored with the sleepy folk rock. The two tracks mentioned being my favorite and the rest sound the same.
I heard I&W live in Millenium Park a week or two ago and once the setlist started I thought it was a different band, they actually sounded happy. I first thought it was Blues Travelers going under the name Iron & Wine although I couldn't see the stage by the sound of it, they had a multiple piece band including saxophone & trumpet the vibe was more R&B and Jazzy than their signature acoustic guitar melancholy. The band did what they did best and just PLAYED, like a true jam band, one song effortlessly flowing into each other. reminded me of simpler times, when you could still smile through the rough times of it all, but not forget that you had some important ideas to express about what is going on in the world around you. ''Kiss Each Other Clean'' the titled of their latest album accomplishes just that.
favorite track: ''Glad Man Singing''www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvIaI5ekrpw
Next album review will be Bon Iver,(hopefully posted later today). you can preview the album in it's entirety before the release date 6/21 here:
Friday, June 3, 2011
Summer Fun/ Bands B, D & F
I know I'm a little late to jump on the bandwagon but Best Coast is a really amazing band. I guess I was a little unappreciative of their album ''Crazy for You'' because arguments can be made the sound was intentionally distorted to an annoying degree, and all the songs started to sound the same, akin to Courtney Love/Hole with a more beachy California vibe.
However the band's newly released Itunes Session album they fix everything I disliked about the original album. The sound is less distorted & more realistic because its supposed to be a ''live'' performance, the message more clear and pop friendly, and I think they did a great job focusing/selecting the best tracks(or my favorites) I should say of the original album with the same price for $7.99. This should definitely be a staple on summer playlists.
you can download their ''Boyfriend'' track here: http://stereogum.com/422942/best-coast-boyfriend-2/mp3s/
my personal favorite is the title track ''Crazy for You'' http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hear-it-now-best-coasts-crazy-for-you-20100727
also just posted on SKOA is their Loretta Lynn cover featured on Itunes Session:
http://www.somekindofawesome.com/journal/2011/6/3/listen-best-coast-first-city-loretta-lynn-cover-itunes-sessi.html
Now on to Death Cab, so I'm a little bias and I've been talking constantly about each new video/single release and their upcoming concert at UIC Pavillion in August:) (I already purchased my tickets!)
I agree with Ben Gibbard when he says this album is more balanced and focused as opposed to the random streams of consciousness that usually occurs on Narrow Stairs and Transatlantism. The tone is even different and reflecting on the happier times the band experienced in their hometown, (more on that described later..)
But that in no way means the band has lost all remains of what we as fans always loved about them, the intimacy, the self reflection, acoustic guitar playing. it's all there:) including a performance of ''Cath'' and "I Will Follow You Into the Dark''
Imagine my excitement when VH1 brought back their Storytellers program and Death Cab was featured last week.
http://www.vh1.com/video/misc/657028/cath-vh1-storytellers.jhtml#id=1664579
I also caught the Friendly Fires show at Lincoln Hall last week. The songs from their new album "Pala'' are way better performed live, from the synthesizers to the saxophones, and the lead singer's crazy snake like/Mick Jagger dance moves. I loved it. This album should be your second album staple for summer playlist. Notably, ''True Love'' ''Bring me Back to Earth''
''Show Me Lights''
http://www.mtv.com/videos/friendly-fires/655158/show-me-lights-lightbox-session.jhtml#artist=2811304
Now, for the more radio friendly notable songs (don't normally talk about radio play here because it's so overly saturated to the point where people are sick of hearing it), but even I have succumbed some of the catchy/charming songs
One Republic-Good Life
Tinie Tempah- Written in the Stars
Enjoy the hot weather and be sure to update your Ipods for the season!
P.S. One Republic are playing Lincoln Park Zoo in June and Colbie Callait will be there in August tix $23.. both sound like a good way to spend a cool summer night!
or to beat the heat... you could always head over to one of my favorite concert venues Lincoln Hall (Halsted & Fullerton) they will be showing classics like (The Goonies & ET) tonight/tomorrow and Fast Times & Ridgemont High & Dazed & Confused next week on their 225'' Hi Def screen:)
Happy Friday to you all! Have a great weekend! xoxo
Rosie
However the band's newly released Itunes Session album they fix everything I disliked about the original album. The sound is less distorted & more realistic because its supposed to be a ''live'' performance, the message more clear and pop friendly, and I think they did a great job focusing/selecting the best tracks(or my favorites) I should say of the original album with the same price for $7.99. This should definitely be a staple on summer playlists.
you can download their ''Boyfriend'' track here: http://stereogum.com/422942/best-coast-boyfriend-2/mp3s/
my personal favorite is the title track ''Crazy for You'' http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hear-it-now-best-coasts-crazy-for-you-20100727
also just posted on SKOA is their Loretta Lynn cover featured on Itunes Session:
http://www.somekindofawesome.com/journal/2011/6/3/listen-best-coast-first-city-loretta-lynn-cover-itunes-sessi.html
Now on to Death Cab, so I'm a little bias and I've been talking constantly about each new video/single release and their upcoming concert at UIC Pavillion in August:) (I already purchased my tickets!)
I agree with Ben Gibbard when he says this album is more balanced and focused as opposed to the random streams of consciousness that usually occurs on Narrow Stairs and Transatlantism. The tone is even different and reflecting on the happier times the band experienced in their hometown, (more on that described later..)
But that in no way means the band has lost all remains of what we as fans always loved about them, the intimacy, the self reflection, acoustic guitar playing. it's all there:) including a performance of ''Cath'' and "I Will Follow You Into the Dark''
Imagine my excitement when VH1 brought back their Storytellers program and Death Cab was featured last week.
http://www.vh1.com/video/misc/657028/cath-vh1-storytellers.jhtml#id=1664579
I also caught the Friendly Fires show at Lincoln Hall last week. The songs from their new album "Pala'' are way better performed live, from the synthesizers to the saxophones, and the lead singer's crazy snake like/Mick Jagger dance moves. I loved it. This album should be your second album staple for summer playlist. Notably, ''True Love'' ''Bring me Back to Earth''
''Show Me Lights''
http://www.mtv.com/videos/friendly-fires/655158/show-me-lights-lightbox-session.jhtml#artist=2811304
Now, for the more radio friendly notable songs (don't normally talk about radio play here because it's so overly saturated to the point where people are sick of hearing it), but even I have succumbed some of the catchy/charming songs
One Republic-Good Life
Tinie Tempah- Written in the Stars
Enjoy the hot weather and be sure to update your Ipods for the season!
P.S. One Republic are playing Lincoln Park Zoo in June and Colbie Callait will be there in August tix $23.. both sound like a good way to spend a cool summer night!
or to beat the heat... you could always head over to one of my favorite concert venues Lincoln Hall (Halsted & Fullerton) they will be showing classics like (The Goonies & ET) tonight/tomorrow and Fast Times & Ridgemont High & Dazed & Confused next week on their 225'' Hi Def screen:)
Happy Friday to you all! Have a great weekend! xoxo
Rosie
Friday, May 13, 2011
The Letter of the Day is ''C''(UPDATED 6/6/11 WITH NEW LINKS)
C-as in ''Cults & City & Colour my favorite buzzworthy bands:)
Check out the Cult's new video ''Abducted'' here:
http://pitchfork.com/news/42514-video-cults-abducted/
Kind of like Lykke Li meets Foster the People it's catchy beat + haunting melodramatic vocals. and weird video
City & Colour
Dallas Greene is a complete genius! again spine chilling vocals and amazing harmonies! Both playing at Lolla this year! http://www.somekindofawesome.com/journal/2011/5/12/listen-city-colour-northern-wind-x-fragile-bird.html- I dunno what it is but this band makes me feel centered and calm-- and seems like that's hard to come by nowadays! two separate tracks on this link the 2nd is alot more bluesy both equally good!
Have a good weekend!
Check out the Cult's new video ''Abducted'' here:
http://pitchfork.com/news/42514-video-cults-abducted/
Kind of like Lykke Li meets Foster the People it's catchy beat + haunting melodramatic vocals. and weird video
City & Colour
Dallas Greene is a complete genius! again spine chilling vocals and amazing harmonies! Both playing at Lolla this year! http://www.somekindofawesome.com/journal/2011/5/12/listen-city-colour-northern-wind-x-fragile-bird.html- I dunno what it is but this band makes me feel centered and calm-- and seems like that's hard to come by nowadays! two separate tracks on this link the 2nd is alot more bluesy both equally good!
Have a good weekend!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Who's psyched for Lollapalooza?/new challenge
THIS GIRL<<<<<<<
My favorite bands/lineup predictions/sold out shows came true!!!
1. Cee Lo
2. Lykke Li
3. Foster the People
4. City & Colour- check out his cover of Adele's Chasing pavements here:http://www.somekindofawesome.com/journal/2011/4/28/watch-dallas-green-covers-adele-live-in-london.html
(Although I think the two tracks that most represent his ability and range are ''Day Old Hate'' & ''Coming Home''
5. Elle Goulding
all previously posted right here!!!:) you heard it first!
(those are just the ppl that sold out/didnt' come to chi that I wanted to see)
Friendly Fires
Two Door Cinema Club
Maps & Atlases
The Joy Formidable
I have already seen 3/4 of these bands and I am a huge fan! FF & JF were a big hit according to Spin's recap of SXSW festival so I can't wait!
Maps & Atlases are much better live than they are on tape (record whatever)! so I suggest you go see them! they can be compared to Iron + Wine, bearded front man, folk rock but not necessarily sleepy. definitely hippie music!:) I can dig it.
TDCC and FF are definitely going to be high energy, dancy electronic pop + skinny foreign guys could it get any better?
My newest obsession is the Raveonettes, they actually played Lolla in 2009, and their big hit was ''Last Dance'' of of their album Control. this song is sweet, catchy and definitely soundtrack bound if it hasn't been picked up already. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxbmxsEr-rE
other tracks by them ''Gone Forever'', ''Heart of Stone'', & ''Hallucinations''
New challenge: A friend asked me if I thought I were capable of writing/speaking intelligently about other genre's of music besides alternative. I said possibly.--- my first response is I do not consider myself a decent writer by any means, I am much more capable of speaking intelligently about a subject and using references and personal taste to gauge what people want to hear, and judging which artists/albums will be successful and which ones will fade away.
I accept the challenge!, TBD
Favorite single by a new breakout artist: ''Fitz & the Tantrums''(also playing at Lolla) single -''MoneyGrabber'', if you are a fan of good ole Motown, (think O'Jays' Love Train + Sly & the Family Stone) + a little disco mixed in you'll like it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bb6cBKE3WzQ
This single excited me the way Raphael Saddiq did with his album ''The Way I See It''-not the latest album but the one before. (It brings back soul/R&B/pop back to what was good and pure about it, a genre that appealled to people of all walks of life, brought the soul and the heart back into music.
That being said, his most current album did not inspire me the way the last one did. I think it's good but not great. I think he wanted to ride the wave of popularity and momentum he had playing at the Grammy's and Lolla last year, and kind of reminds me of sweet home chicago blues, not bad- just not great compared to his predecessors
''Stone Rollin''-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHyalVRUXrA&playnext=1&list=PLFCBA7BF9DEAF8B0A
I guess would be the most notable of his new singles. (For those of you interested in seeing him live, he's definitely worth checking out. playing at Park West June 3rd--- Perfect Venue for him I think!)
My favorite bands/lineup predictions/sold out shows came true!!!
1. Cee Lo
2. Lykke Li
3. Foster the People
4. City & Colour- check out his cover of Adele's Chasing pavements here:http://www.somekindofawesome.com/journal/2011/4/28/watch-dallas-green-covers-adele-live-in-london.html
(Although I think the two tracks that most represent his ability and range are ''Day Old Hate'' & ''Coming Home''
5. Elle Goulding
all previously posted right here!!!:) you heard it first!
(those are just the ppl that sold out/didnt' come to chi that I wanted to see)
Friendly Fires
Two Door Cinema Club
Maps & Atlases
The Joy Formidable
I have already seen 3/4 of these bands and I am a huge fan! FF & JF were a big hit according to Spin's recap of SXSW festival so I can't wait!
Maps & Atlases are much better live than they are on tape (record whatever)! so I suggest you go see them! they can be compared to Iron + Wine, bearded front man, folk rock but not necessarily sleepy. definitely hippie music!:) I can dig it.
TDCC and FF are definitely going to be high energy, dancy electronic pop + skinny foreign guys could it get any better?
My newest obsession is the Raveonettes, they actually played Lolla in 2009, and their big hit was ''Last Dance'' of of their album Control. this song is sweet, catchy and definitely soundtrack bound if it hasn't been picked up already. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxbmxsEr-rE
other tracks by them ''Gone Forever'', ''Heart of Stone'', & ''Hallucinations''
New challenge: A friend asked me if I thought I were capable of writing/speaking intelligently about other genre's of music besides alternative. I said possibly.--- my first response is I do not consider myself a decent writer by any means, I am much more capable of speaking intelligently about a subject and using references and personal taste to gauge what people want to hear, and judging which artists/albums will be successful and which ones will fade away.
I accept the challenge!, TBD
Favorite single by a new breakout artist: ''Fitz & the Tantrums''(also playing at Lolla) single -''MoneyGrabber'', if you are a fan of good ole Motown, (think O'Jays' Love Train + Sly & the Family Stone) + a little disco mixed in you'll like it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bb6cBKE3WzQ
This single excited me the way Raphael Saddiq did with his album ''The Way I See It''-not the latest album but the one before. (It brings back soul/R&B/pop back to what was good and pure about it, a genre that appealled to people of all walks of life, brought the soul and the heart back into music.
That being said, his most current album did not inspire me the way the last one did. I think it's good but not great. I think he wanted to ride the wave of popularity and momentum he had playing at the Grammy's and Lolla last year, and kind of reminds me of sweet home chicago blues, not bad- just not great compared to his predecessors
''Stone Rollin''-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHyalVRUXrA&playnext=1&list=PLFCBA7BF9DEAF8B0A
I guess would be the most notable of his new singles. (For those of you interested in seeing him live, he's definitely worth checking out. playing at Park West June 3rd--- Perfect Venue for him I think!)
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