Pictures to follow, (they turned out pretty cool because I got a shot of him moving all over the place, not just standing stationary at the mic) but I finally got to see one of my favorite Rock Gods live... Lenny Kravitz!
The man is damn near 50 years old and he is talented, sexy and defines rock and roll. Leather vest, chains, tattoos, trademark sunglasses Extremely grateful to his fans, humble, everything I thought he would be.
Playlist (not necessarily in order :/
Always on the Run
American Woman
Mr. Cab Driver
Rock Star City Life
Believe
Black & White America
Stand
Stand by My Woman
It Aint Over Till It's Over
Rock and Roll is Dead
Fly Away
Are You Gonna Go My Way
Push
Let Love Rule
Lenny walked the whole theater and sang in the crowd, shook hands smiled and talked back to his fans in the front row. Waved at every single section of the theater and we all sang along. He had cute little anoedotes, how happy he was to be back the US.
During ''Black & White America" a home movie of Lenny's childhood played in the background, pictures of Lenny from childhood to teenager,(a star in the making) pictures of his parents (the late Roxie Roker of the Jeffersons & movie/tv producer Sy Kravitz)
His band was incredible (same guitarist from his early days (Craig Ross) white guy with massive 'fro, saxofonist, trombone player, drummer from Chicago. Welcome to Chicago, Home of the Blues!
He looked like he was having so much fun and didn't want to leave. 15mins were called and he kept saying "We're not done playing yet''
Great encore of Let Love Rule, that seemed to last forever (definitely a good thing) There was not a single person in the crowd that wasn't participating singing each word "Leettt'' "Looooove'' ''Ruuule''
This show was well worth the wait. Soon after the concert Lenny posted on his facebook status ''Chicago, you Lifted Me.'' Thank you. Love Lenny.
Chicago Loves you too LK!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
Friday Playlist
It's been awhile since I've posted one of these, but I'm super happy with this one! Hope you all like it!
rosie's friday playlist
for Alex Winston, Snow Patrol & Band of Skulls I recommend watching the video! Thanks to Tony for introducing me to Bingo Players & Friend Crush
Blood Orange-Bad Girls
www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_fgi1X0Fs0
Princess Chelsea-Cigarette Duet www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TV_128Fz2g
Alex Winston-Choice Notes http://www.nylonmag.com/?section=article&parid=7453
Bingo Players-Cry A Little www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBpWdwXzpMk
Miike Snow-Paddling Out http://www.somekindofawesome.com/journal/2012/1/19/listen-miike-snow-paddling-out.html
Arctic Monkeys-Ritz to Rubble
www.youtube.com/watch?v=givRh52Ic3A
Snow Patrol-In The End
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llUMU1jy_4g
Band of Skulls-Bruises
www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBgSw4GstGs
Bleached--You Take Time
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xk1X_oLmLsQ
Friends-Friend Crush
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfamBoa_zYQ
That's it!:)
rosie's friday playlist
for Alex Winston, Snow Patrol & Band of Skulls I recommend watching the video! Thanks to Tony for introducing me to Bingo Players & Friend Crush
Blood Orange-Bad Girls
www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_fgi1X0Fs0
Princess Chelsea-Cigarette Duet www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TV_128Fz2g
Alex Winston-Choice Notes http://www.nylonmag.com/?section=article&parid=7453
Bingo Players-Cry A Little www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBpWdwXzpMk
Miike Snow-Paddling Out http://www.somekindofawesome.com/journal/2012/1/19/listen-miike-snow-paddling-out.html
Arctic Monkeys-Ritz to Rubble
www.youtube.com/watch?v=givRh52Ic3A
Snow Patrol-In The End
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llUMU1jy_4g
Band of Skulls-Bruises
www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBgSw4GstGs
Bleached--You Take Time
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xk1X_oLmLsQ
Friends-Friend Crush
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfamBoa_zYQ
That's it!:)
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Soundtracking--must read!
Taken from NYLON BLOG post
We know, we know. Twitter is addictive enough. But before your friends yell at you to put your phone away- again- check out this app that manages to combine all the best parts of Twitter, with a musical edge.
Soundtracking is a musical postcard that lets you share what you're listening to, what you're doing while you're listening to the tracks, and your location all in one post. Think of it as FourSquare, Twitter, and Spotify rolled into one (free) program. It's even a little bit like SHAZAM, because it also identifies what's playing in a room.
Although you can add your own updates with photos and texts to correspond to each song, we think it's more entertaining to check out what other people are into throughout different locations (who knew everyone in SoHo was listening to Rihanna last week?!).
There's no question that the music you listen to has personal meaning behind it. But this is by far our new favorite way to show it.
--LIZA DARWIN
click on the link below for a free download!
http://www.nylonmag.com/?section=article&parid=7378
We know, we know. Twitter is addictive enough. But before your friends yell at you to put your phone away- again- check out this app that manages to combine all the best parts of Twitter, with a musical edge.
Soundtracking is a musical postcard that lets you share what you're listening to, what you're doing while you're listening to the tracks, and your location all in one post. Think of it as FourSquare, Twitter, and Spotify rolled into one (free) program. It's even a little bit like SHAZAM, because it also identifies what's playing in a room.
Although you can add your own updates with photos and texts to correspond to each song, we think it's more entertaining to check out what other people are into throughout different locations (who knew everyone in SoHo was listening to Rihanna last week?!).
There's no question that the music you listen to has personal meaning behind it. But this is by far our new favorite way to show it.
--LIZA DARWIN
click on the link below for a free download!
http://www.nylonmag.com/?section=article&parid=7378
bands to be on the lookout for (six degrees of music separation)
Not going to lie, I heard this on MTV this morning and immediately started moving and shaking:) Electric Guest
http://www.mtv.com/videos/electric-guest/721483/this-head-i-hold.jhtml
Electric Guest is producted by Danger Mouse. (Danger Mouse also produced the most recent & successful Black Keys Album)
Jack White & Danger Mouse formed a band with Norah Jones & Daniele Luppi called Rome (see videos below:)
Rome- ''Season Trees''--
http://www.vevo.com/watch/danger-mouse-daniele-luppi/seasons-trees/GB0401100111
Rome-- "Black"
http://www.vevo.com/watch/danger-mouse-daniele-luppi/black/GB0401100112?recSrc=artA&source=watch
Jack White signed band Alabama Shakes to his label Third Man Records
Alabama Shakes(sound similar to Black Keys--in my humble opinion)---
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HxNtWEIKhQ
Walk the Moon (opening for Young the Giant's show at the Riv in February!) they could be musical cousins so it's perfect!
http://www.mtv.com/videos/walk-the-moon/719094/anna-sun.jhtml#id=1590830
The Denzels-- surfer rock/reminds me of the Morning Benders, happy go lucky, but with self depricating after party/regret lyrics..
http://thedenzels.bandcamp.com/album/easy-tiger-ep
The Big Pink--synthy 80's remniscient and punk all at the same time! love!
http://www.spin.com/articles/spins-25-winter-albums-you-gotta-hear?page=0%2C1
Porcelain Raft
60's groovy beach music!--stream the whole album here before release jan 30th.
They are coming to the Metro in February
http://www.somekindofawesome.com/journal/2012/1/16/listen-porcelain-raft-strange-weekend-full-album-stream.html
The much anticipated return of Sleigh Bells!---
http://www.somekindofawesome.com/journal/2012/1/16/listen-sleigh-bells-comeback-kid.html
Also, I am slowly but surely becoming a Lana Del Ray fan-- think fiona apple's voice mixed with 40's pin-up glamour.. (Born to Die) & (Video Games)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bag1gUxuU0g
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HO1OV5B_JDw
http://www.mtv.com/videos/electric-guest/721483/this-head-i-hold.jhtml
Electric Guest is producted by Danger Mouse. (Danger Mouse also produced the most recent & successful Black Keys Album)
Jack White & Danger Mouse formed a band with Norah Jones & Daniele Luppi called Rome (see videos below:)
Rome- ''Season Trees''--
http://www.vevo.com/watch/danger-mouse-daniele-luppi/seasons-trees/GB0401100111
Rome-- "Black"
http://www.vevo.com/watch/danger-mouse-daniele-luppi/black/GB0401100112?recSrc=artA&source=watch
Jack White signed band Alabama Shakes to his label Third Man Records
Alabama Shakes(sound similar to Black Keys--in my humble opinion)---
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HxNtWEIKhQ
Walk the Moon (opening for Young the Giant's show at the Riv in February!) they could be musical cousins so it's perfect!
http://www.mtv.com/videos/walk-the-moon/719094/anna-sun.jhtml#id=1590830
The Denzels-- surfer rock/reminds me of the Morning Benders, happy go lucky, but with self depricating after party/regret lyrics..
http://thedenzels.bandcamp.com/album/easy-tiger-ep
The Big Pink--synthy 80's remniscient and punk all at the same time! love!
http://www.spin.com/articles/spins-25-winter-albums-you-gotta-hear?page=0%2C1
Porcelain Raft
60's groovy beach music!--stream the whole album here before release jan 30th.
They are coming to the Metro in February
http://www.somekindofawesome.com/journal/2012/1/16/listen-porcelain-raft-strange-weekend-full-album-stream.html
The much anticipated return of Sleigh Bells!---
http://www.somekindofawesome.com/journal/2012/1/16/listen-sleigh-bells-comeback-kid.html
Also, I am slowly but surely becoming a Lana Del Ray fan-- think fiona apple's voice mixed with 40's pin-up glamour.. (Born to Die) & (Video Games)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bag1gUxuU0g
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HO1OV5B_JDw
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
comfort songs
new start to a new year.. I spent the first couple days sick and in bed, not the best way to ring in the new year but maybe it's not as foreshadowy as one might think.
In my near hallucinatory state, I learned a thing or two by watching season 5 of How I Met Your Mother, basically that things happen as they are suppossed to without interference or our best laid out plans. Surprises happen and you just have to be in the right place at the right time with the right perspective..
This winter season I am big on listening to what I call ''comfort songs'' songs I can listen to and peacefully fall asleep not thinking about anything other than the sound of the singer's voice. Calming influences. Something Optimistic.
Specifically,
VH1, artist of the month Kina Grannis-- In Your Arms- she has in the past done covers of Kings of Leon, Bon Iver, ect but my favorites I have to say are her original songs. catchy melodys and hooks, and the purity and sweetness of the tone in her voice, make even the biggest cynic like me smile.
The Airborne Toxic Event-- The Book Of Love (cover) live at Disney Hall complete with instrumental arrangement.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CKat0z07kw
Joshua Radin's album Simpler Times, is an old standby for me, you can't argue with his song the ''Fear You Won't Fall''
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiGgoCnmJoI
from the strings, to his whispery voice, to his earnest lyrics, saying all the things I secretly think but can't say out loud.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOu0DuxFAT0
What are your comfort songs??
In my near hallucinatory state, I learned a thing or two by watching season 5 of How I Met Your Mother, basically that things happen as they are suppossed to without interference or our best laid out plans. Surprises happen and you just have to be in the right place at the right time with the right perspective..
This winter season I am big on listening to what I call ''comfort songs'' songs I can listen to and peacefully fall asleep not thinking about anything other than the sound of the singer's voice. Calming influences. Something Optimistic.
Specifically,
VH1, artist of the month Kina Grannis-- In Your Arms- she has in the past done covers of Kings of Leon, Bon Iver, ect but my favorites I have to say are her original songs. catchy melodys and hooks, and the purity and sweetness of the tone in her voice, make even the biggest cynic like me smile.
The Airborne Toxic Event-- The Book Of Love (cover) live at Disney Hall complete with instrumental arrangement.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CKat0z07kw
Joshua Radin's album Simpler Times, is an old standby for me, you can't argue with his song the ''Fear You Won't Fall''
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiGgoCnmJoI
from the strings, to his whispery voice, to his earnest lyrics, saying all the things I secretly think but can't say out loud.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOu0DuxFAT0
What are your comfort songs??
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Bon Iver highlights
* Sound-- considering the venue (UIC Pavillion) purposed as a basketball arena sound was perfect! you could hear every string, every horn, every whisper of Justin Vernon. Not one overpowered the other, but everything in perfect unison.
* Crowd (I've never seen that many people since Lolla) it made me glad I had seats being the wimp that I am I'd get claustrophobic in the sea of people on the main floor
*Lighting (as it should) enhanced as a means of the song's emotion. Not just for spectacle's sake. It was a 10 person band with Justin Vernon in front, doing everything from keyboards to guitar. he said ''this is a strange band to be in, but the only time it's not strange is when we play in front of all of you'' he kept thanking us the fans for all of our support. Geniunely humbled.
I never wanted it to end. I closed my eyes and basically lived a whole lifetime of flashbacks in my mind signficant moments (no I was not smoking pot!) that's just how powerful his songs are. each one covers a different period of life, falling in love, breaking up,(Skinny Love) loss, life, boredom, (Michigant) isolation, happiness, hope (Blood Bank)community. No secret his lyrics are hard to follow, but when I was standing there I felt what he felt as he was singing. Combined with the emotional performance of the band. The perfect ensemble.
Setlist:
Songs like Stacks I used to love but as with everything, sometimes you avoid listening to for the memories it brings, but after some time has passed you listen to it again and remember everything you originally loved about it, and put it back in rotation.
Or with Perth. I remember the first week it was released and it instantly appeared on all of my friend's playlists. From the first few chord's its a genius arrangement!.
The encore was my favorite it made me appreciate songs I'd previously dismissed
Flume
For Emma
Skinny Love
The only thing that ever disappoints me about seeing one of my favorite artists live is knowing that i'm going to go back to my Ipod and the songs are going to sound ''precious'' in comparison. I hope he will be releasing a live DVD/cd in the near future..
I've seen more shows in the past 2 years than I can count, and hopefully many more to come, but I know that spending literally my last $50 for a ticket to that show was worth every penny. Something I'll never see again!
* Crowd (I've never seen that many people since Lolla) it made me glad I had seats being the wimp that I am I'd get claustrophobic in the sea of people on the main floor
*Lighting (as it should) enhanced as a means of the song's emotion. Not just for spectacle's sake. It was a 10 person band with Justin Vernon in front, doing everything from keyboards to guitar. he said ''this is a strange band to be in, but the only time it's not strange is when we play in front of all of you'' he kept thanking us the fans for all of our support. Geniunely humbled.
I never wanted it to end. I closed my eyes and basically lived a whole lifetime of flashbacks in my mind signficant moments (no I was not smoking pot!) that's just how powerful his songs are. each one covers a different period of life, falling in love, breaking up,(Skinny Love) loss, life, boredom, (Michigant) isolation, happiness, hope (Blood Bank)community. No secret his lyrics are hard to follow, but when I was standing there I felt what he felt as he was singing. Combined with the emotional performance of the band. The perfect ensemble.
Setlist:
Setlist
Songs like Stacks I used to love but as with everything, sometimes you avoid listening to for the memories it brings, but after some time has passed you listen to it again and remember everything you originally loved about it, and put it back in rotation.
Or with Perth. I remember the first week it was released and it instantly appeared on all of my friend's playlists. From the first few chord's its a genius arrangement!.
The encore was my favorite it made me appreciate songs I'd previously dismissed
Flume
For Emma
Skinny Love
The only thing that ever disappoints me about seeing one of my favorite artists live is knowing that i'm going to go back to my Ipod and the songs are going to sound ''precious'' in comparison. I hope he will be releasing a live DVD/cd in the near future..
I've seen more shows in the past 2 years than I can count, and hopefully many more to come, but I know that spending literally my last $50 for a ticket to that show was worth every penny. Something I'll never see again!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
2011 Albums of the Year
Some of these picks might be new to you, some definitely mainstream--all definitely talked about in previous posts but as a whole I think 2011 brought some light and hope regarding new music.
Most of the artists here take some retro influences or in some artists case their earlier work. Some went in an entirely new direction than previous albums. but the one thing they all have in common? Heart.
I decided I am not going to list them in numerical order starting with the best. But give them specific catagories I made up instead. I will probably add more later on and forgive me if some of these albums came out in late 2010.
Best Rock Album (return to Rock God Glory)
Foo Fighters Wasting Light-- Best Foo album in years! not all the tracks are necessarily radio play worthy, but I feel like this album was more for hardcore rock fans than previous albums that I thought catered were more mainstream commercially pleasing ''hits'' Dave Grohl's scream at the beginning of Bridges Burning? I called Foo's return to rock when DG appeared on Slash's album for the ''Watch This'' track. I would love to see more Foo albums stay this direction.
Music Appreciation Album--Death Cab-- Codes and Keys
what I mean by this catagory is that Death Cab has been around a long time, some albums are cult classic and some no so much. This album combines everything fans love about death cab into one album (essentially a greatest hits'' but with new lyrics. See ''Monday Morning'' but shows serious growth. They aren't all just sad bastard songs, they talk about growing up, settling down, and generally being stable and content with your postion in life. ''Stay Young Go Dancing'' But by no means is this album boring. Doors Open & Unlocked, is a true jam song and defintely my favorite.
Best Breakthrough Album on a 2nd try.--
Cage the Elephant-Thank you Happy Birthday--when I heard the lead vocal I was excited & nostalgic. I watched the video of some grungy skinny, young guys. It reminded me of what might have been if Kurt Cobain had an nephew or cousin in a band. Are they as creative or groundbreaking? Not yet. But they are fun and Angsty. ''Shake me Down'' ''Aberdeen''
Most eclectic (comeback) album you proably haven't listened to yet
Lenny Kravitz-Black & White America--this album has a little bit of everything, rock, rap, soul, funk, dance. It epitomizes why I have been a Lenny fan for 10+ years. Let Lenny Rule!
Most Potential--Childish Gambino
Known best for his role as Troy on Community, Donald Glover's rap alter ego has really created a persona that people should listen up and watch for next year. He has a message and the potential to appeal to a broader audience beyond the confines of the obvious fans of rap.
Best Breakout Brit(Tie)-- Ed Sheeran-- Plus & Birdy
I fell in love Ed awkward nerdy ginger genius once I discovered that Birdy (had covered his song A-Team)
and more notably the song he did''Lego House'' video that features Rupert Grint ''Ron'' from HPotter. a lovable musican with a sense of humor.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4BLVznuWnU
but note he is not just a guitar strumming swoonworthy heart melting musician. he can have range!--
check out this electro inspired track '' You need me I don't need you''
Birdy is on her way to pop superstardom ( A younger equally talented and soulful Adele) She has already covered Bon Iver, the xx's(my fave) Ed Sheeran, and she's only 15! Can't wait to hear what else she's capable of!--
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXwPUYU8rTI
Most artistically creative album
Bon Iver-Bon Iver
(I think this is an album you either love or hate, you get it or you don't. It IS abstract. more big picture concepts than just those that insprired ''Skinny Love'' but I called it with his collaboration with St. Vincent, that this is the right direction for him.
Best ''Sad Bastard'' Album
City & Colour-Little Hell-- not since Adele have I heard such a soul strring, hearachingly beautiful voice (Dallas Greene) about love, reflection, life, growth. and anything that comes from a real place that people don't like to talk about. The feelings we all keep buried but are still there all the same. I didn't think he could top his last album ''Bring me Your Love'' but he does it here, and shows more versatility to boot adding some bass, keyboards, ect, and some funk to ''Fragile Bird,''
Best ''Recovering from a Breakup Album''
The Drums-Portamento
I love that the Drums are the closest band I can get to my favorite of all the The Cure no --infectious beats and melodies that make me want to dance 80's style and still hold my middle finger in the air to stick to whomever. ''How it Ended'' and ''Days'' & ''I Need A Doctor''--this last track belongs inserted into John Hughes Pretty in Pink
Best Dance Album
Friendly Fires- Pala
(I'm kind of dissappointed that they were not recognized for best alternative or dance album) :( picture this album played during a beach party, skate party with an awkward yet hot skinny Brit dancing around in snake formation).. How could you not love it??
Best re-creation album comeback of genre The Cults
when this band released their first album I fell in love with the overall vibe remniscent of a Motown 60's girl group, nothing that i've heard until the release captivated everything that included joy, youth, and the energy that made this genre a classic. Previous bands never had all the elements. and when Madeline's sweet innocent voice combined with companion Brian (her real life love) it was magic. -- I am a bit disappointed that said magic doesn't translate as well live as it does in the studio, (energy was there, but the sound quality was terrible, lead singer is not a belter so everything was a quiet whisper even in the first five rows it was hard to hear)-- But I have to wonder.. Is this going to be a one album band, future attempts will not be as good?
Luckily they are experimenting with rap collaborations--http://stereogum.com/882022/cults-bad-things-remix-feat-freddie-gibbs/mp3s/ I like this
I would love to see a dance remix with them with the right DJ
Best Cover Album (Remake of U2) Achtong Baby
This album really was all I wanted it to be from Jack White, to Depeche Mode & the Fray, they really did the album justice. The Snow Patrol cover of Mysterious Ways was too out of the box for my taste, but the Damian Rice balanced that out.
Let's end the list on a hopeful note what am I most excited about for a year in music next year?
Best Artist on the Rise-- James Blake-refer to entire post on JB featuring collaborations with Bon Iver, and Drake Remixes.. he's Indy now, but he is truly a renaissance man, limited to not just one type of music. One fo the best mix master's I've ever heard.
Most of the artists here take some retro influences or in some artists case their earlier work. Some went in an entirely new direction than previous albums. but the one thing they all have in common? Heart.
I decided I am not going to list them in numerical order starting with the best. But give them specific catagories I made up instead. I will probably add more later on and forgive me if some of these albums came out in late 2010.
Best Rock Album (return to Rock God Glory)
Foo Fighters Wasting Light-- Best Foo album in years! not all the tracks are necessarily radio play worthy, but I feel like this album was more for hardcore rock fans than previous albums that I thought catered were more mainstream commercially pleasing ''hits'' Dave Grohl's scream at the beginning of Bridges Burning? I called Foo's return to rock when DG appeared on Slash's album for the ''Watch This'' track. I would love to see more Foo albums stay this direction.
Music Appreciation Album--Death Cab-- Codes and Keys
what I mean by this catagory is that Death Cab has been around a long time, some albums are cult classic and some no so much. This album combines everything fans love about death cab into one album (essentially a greatest hits'' but with new lyrics. See ''Monday Morning'' but shows serious growth. They aren't all just sad bastard songs, they talk about growing up, settling down, and generally being stable and content with your postion in life. ''Stay Young Go Dancing'' But by no means is this album boring. Doors Open & Unlocked, is a true jam song and defintely my favorite.
Best Breakthrough Album on a 2nd try.--
Cage the Elephant-Thank you Happy Birthday--when I heard the lead vocal I was excited & nostalgic. I watched the video of some grungy skinny, young guys. It reminded me of what might have been if Kurt Cobain had an nephew or cousin in a band. Are they as creative or groundbreaking? Not yet. But they are fun and Angsty. ''Shake me Down'' ''Aberdeen''
Most eclectic (comeback) album you proably haven't listened to yet
Lenny Kravitz-Black & White America--this album has a little bit of everything, rock, rap, soul, funk, dance. It epitomizes why I have been a Lenny fan for 10+ years. Let Lenny Rule!
Most Potential--Childish Gambino
Known best for his role as Troy on Community, Donald Glover's rap alter ego has really created a persona that people should listen up and watch for next year. He has a message and the potential to appeal to a broader audience beyond the confines of the obvious fans of rap.
Best Breakout Brit(Tie)-- Ed Sheeran-- Plus & Birdy
I fell in love Ed awkward nerdy ginger genius once I discovered that Birdy (had covered his song A-Team)
and more notably the song he did''Lego House'' video that features Rupert Grint ''Ron'' from HPotter. a lovable musican with a sense of humor.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4BLVznuWnU
but note he is not just a guitar strumming swoonworthy heart melting musician. he can have range!--
check out this electro inspired track '' You need me I don't need you''
Birdy is on her way to pop superstardom ( A younger equally talented and soulful Adele) She has already covered Bon Iver, the xx's(my fave) Ed Sheeran, and she's only 15! Can't wait to hear what else she's capable of!--
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXwPUYU8rTI
Most artistically creative album
Bon Iver-Bon Iver
(I think this is an album you either love or hate, you get it or you don't. It IS abstract. more big picture concepts than just those that insprired ''Skinny Love'' but I called it with his collaboration with St. Vincent, that this is the right direction for him.
Best ''Sad Bastard'' Album
City & Colour-Little Hell-- not since Adele have I heard such a soul strring, hearachingly beautiful voice (Dallas Greene) about love, reflection, life, growth. and anything that comes from a real place that people don't like to talk about. The feelings we all keep buried but are still there all the same. I didn't think he could top his last album ''Bring me Your Love'' but he does it here, and shows more versatility to boot adding some bass, keyboards, ect, and some funk to ''Fragile Bird,''
Best ''Recovering from a Breakup Album''
The Drums-Portamento
I love that the Drums are the closest band I can get to my favorite of all the The Cure no --infectious beats and melodies that make me want to dance 80's style and still hold my middle finger in the air to stick to whomever. ''How it Ended'' and ''Days'' & ''I Need A Doctor''--this last track belongs inserted into John Hughes Pretty in Pink
Best Dance Album
Friendly Fires- Pala
(I'm kind of dissappointed that they were not recognized for best alternative or dance album) :( picture this album played during a beach party, skate party with an awkward yet hot skinny Brit dancing around in snake formation).. How could you not love it??
Best re-creation album comeback of genre The Cults
when this band released their first album I fell in love with the overall vibe remniscent of a Motown 60's girl group, nothing that i've heard until the release captivated everything that included joy, youth, and the energy that made this genre a classic. Previous bands never had all the elements. and when Madeline's sweet innocent voice combined with companion Brian (her real life love) it was magic. -- I am a bit disappointed that said magic doesn't translate as well live as it does in the studio, (energy was there, but the sound quality was terrible, lead singer is not a belter so everything was a quiet whisper even in the first five rows it was hard to hear)-- But I have to wonder.. Is this going to be a one album band, future attempts will not be as good?
Luckily they are experimenting with rap collaborations--http://stereogum.com/882022/cults-bad-things-remix-feat-freddie-gibbs/mp3s/ I like this
I would love to see a dance remix with them with the right DJ
Best Cover Album (Remake of U2) Achtong Baby
This album really was all I wanted it to be from Jack White, to Depeche Mode & the Fray, they really did the album justice. The Snow Patrol cover of Mysterious Ways was too out of the box for my taste, but the Damian Rice balanced that out.
Let's end the list on a hopeful note what am I most excited about for a year in music next year?
Best Artist on the Rise-- James Blake-refer to entire post on JB featuring collaborations with Bon Iver, and Drake Remixes.. he's Indy now, but he is truly a renaissance man, limited to not just one type of music. One fo the best mix master's I've ever heard.
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