new tracks via Indie Shuffle & Christmas

Indie shuffle strikes again!--

AND... I've just figured out that once you select an individual track, after it's played it creates a pandora like radio station of similar tracks and just keeps going.

My only complaint is I wish there was a site or media outlet that allows me to purchase these tracks as not all are available on Itunes :(

Oh Ellie Goulding.. you can do no wrong in my eyes-- but when talented DJ's take your covers and put a zen like background beats.. to mellow you out.. I'm in heaven.. This song makes me want to turn off all the lights put on my big headphones and stare up at a ceiling of glow in the dark stars

http://www.indieshuffle.com/ellie-goulding-heartbeats-cosmonaut-grechko-edit/

A mashup of the xx ''Angels'' & TLC ''No Scrubs''-- an  unlikely pairing but undeniably sexy
http://www.indieshuffle.com/the-xx-vs-tlc-no-angels-bastille-ft-ella/


And since It's Christmas...

the xx covers Wham's Last Christmas-- http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2012/12/listen-to-the-xx-cover-whams-last-christmas.htmlOliver has a decent voice.. Who knew? (I'm prone to dislike any and all Christmas music as a result of working retail with the same Christmas tape for 4+ years) but I've since taken a break, so I can appreciate it more now.

Christmas playlist I made via Spotify.. it's something I threw together, still a work in progress
Rosie Christmas Mix

Cheering for the musical underdogs!

One of the main purposes of this blog is to draw some attention to the musical underdogs, not always in your face as top 40 records or given as much media attention as I think they deserve.

December brings all of the ''best of the year'' lists and it's a great way to check on my own progress as a blogger and see how in tune I am with other writers and critics. While I don't always agree, when some of the artists I favor are mentioned it brings me a sense of recognition that my tastes are going in the right direction

So here you go! a few of my favorite obscure best of lists that I've found on the blog circuit:
http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2012/12/07/overlooked-artists-music-under-the-radar-2012/

(I don't particulary respect MTV's rotation but MTV2 is getting better and actually playing music) a friend pointed out a good observation when he noted that most of the bands on this list are already successful and well known in the indie circuit, but I think it's great for well deserved artists to expand their talent and fanbase even just a little) just in case you haven't heard of one or two I'm gonna break it down.

Chad Valley's album (and collaboration track with Twin Shadow) definitely caught my attention and gained a spot on the repeat play list. It's chilled and synthy pop but the tempo is fun and upbeat for fans of Friendly Fires.
Chad Valley – I Owe You This (feat. Twin Shadow)
Chad Valley – Tell All Your Friends

Marina & the Diamonds (she is British so of course I love her) she's got more authenticity than the Lady Gaga persona female driven in your face, carefree woman and her lyrics are very clever

Now Now (dreamy melodies/ mostly girl breakup songs but the lyrics are so moving) similar to that of  The xx + lo fi vibe
Prehistoric and School Friends
Now, Now – Prehistoric

Tanlines-- All of Me, great track and the name of the band is growing on me:)

Tanlines – All Of Me

2:54 has long been a favorite of mine, and after seeing them live open for the xx this year. They proved they can create a mood/atmosphere like no other band I've ever seen. I can see why they paired up with the xx.
2:54 – Sugar
It's dark, smoky room/ bad ass, lyrics of ''Sugar'' similar to the Dead Weather/ Dirty Ghosts or the Runaways.


17 New Bands You Have to Hear
http://www.nme.com/blog/index.php?blog=147&title=new_band_tips&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1&utm_source=nme&utm_medium=bestofnme&utm_campaign=bestofnme-17%20new%20bands%20you%20have%20to%20hear


This article really introduced me to some brand new artists to give me inspiration to write this entry. Thanks to my friend Christoph for passing this along!

(I tend to include the same artists on rotation and get stuck in a musical comfort zone) and the best part is these bands are favorites recommended by other artists!

So far my favorites from this article are The Crookes (remniscent of the Arctic Monkeys)

Eyes on Film

& Deaf Club (recommended by 2:54)

I haven't gotten through the whole list yet, so I'll expand and add a section later.

Enjoy the new stuff, remember to keep an open mind, if you don't like something right away.. listen to it again some other time--- Maybe you're just not ready to hear it just yet:)

Gypsy playlist

Here's a new playlist I've been working on. Inspired by the last few posts

The title Gypsy comes from the European dance wave influence and a free spiritied vagrant/ ''club vibe'', and of course tracks recently listed on Indie Shuffle including the one below not yet available on Spotify

http://www.indieshuffle.com/#night-terrors-of-1927-dust-and-bones/

Gypsy

Enjoy!

Rock & Roll with (distinction & distortion)

Ever since Jack White & the Black Keys came along and showed me the power of the distorted bluesy guitar I've been obssessed with anything that remotely resembles the sweet sweet scratchy sound!

So given that information.. WHY has it taken me so long to discover the awesomeness of Jeff the Brotherhood?? (produced by Dan Auerbach of the BK)

Words cannot accurately convey how much I adore them!

Six pack is my favorite

excellent listen/ review courtesy of Indieshuffle

http://www.indieshuffle.com/#jeff-the-brotherhood-hypnotic-nights/

Full Album for Spotify users

Jeff The Brotherhood – Hypnotic Nights


Similar sound (band cousin) but not as impresssed with them as a whole as I am this one song. Also compliments of Indie Shuffle

http://www.indieshuffle.com/black-manila-june-95/

It's Electric(onica)-- More links added 11/15/12

I was revisiting an old playlist and counted the number of bands on it that I've seen live (10 total  out of 33 songs) a few repeats and felt incredibly lucky to have catched these ''indie bands'' when they were in my city. Including Friendly Fires & Daughter! see below.. for completely new and different remixes

I used to hate covers and remixes, why mess with a good thing? But as my tastes have changed and songs get entirely played out, I've grown to appreciate the new more creative take. In fact I was resistant to the whole Electronica movement at first dismissing them as ''button pushers'' but I was defniitely wrong and thee songs below prove the best of both worlds.

ENJOY!


(Spotify users)

Friendly Fires – Paris (Aeroplane Remix)
Friendly Fires – Hurting (Tensnake Remix)

Daughter (remix)

http://www.indieshuffle.com/#daughter-youth-alle-farben-remix/

 New Band Flight Facilities http://www.indieshuffle.com/flight-facilities-clair-de-lune-ft-christine-hoberg/

Ghost Beach http://www.indieshuffle.com/ghost-beach-modern-tongues-ep/

 

Saving the best for last-- Chad Valley (Spotify links)

 

Chad Valley – I Owe You This (feat. Twin Shadow)

Chad Valley – Fall 4 U (feat. Glasser)

Best New Albums

Happy Tuesday!

On the forefront today is Gary Clark Jr. (See my rave reviews of his live set at Lollapalooza this past summer) but the previously inaccessible album Blak and Blu is finally here due to high demand and his extensive touring schedule.. including this fantastic set visiting Jimmy Fallon..
http://www.somekindofawesome.com/journal/2012/10/26/watch-gary-clark-jr-numb-x-aint-messin-around-live-fallon.html

(the only constructive criticism that's more of a personal preference really-- is when he switches from R&B crooner to blues, it's just strange without any transition or connective tissue. I understand he's trying to show his range and duality as an artist but I feel like the guitar playing blues comes naturally and is more authentic

Check out Glitter Aint Gold, and Numb


Gary Clark Jr. – Blak And Blu 2



The past few weeks I've had Ellie Goulding's Halcyon on repeat specifically ''Only You'' the backbeat is infectious, perfect getting ready to go out song
Ellie Goulding – Halcyon

She eventually gained some momentum off the 2010 hit ''Lights'' and this new album is more developed, and I'd venture to guess influenced by her romantic relationship with Skrillex, but that's a good thing. It has a more complex sound, but what's somewhat disappointing is that she doesn't have some of the best collaborations on her new album

http://earplugsnotincluded.com/ellie-goulding-stay-awake-prod-by-madeon/


I recently had the opportunity to see UK trio Daughter at Schubas Tavern, (Sold Out show) where my new friend and I were discussing who to compare the vocal style with. He said Feist. I disagreed. Elena has the range of Florence and the Machine but it's less theatrical and more pure sounding. Nothing is better than a small room acoustically perfect and the crowd is silent it's almost deafening.. That's how you know you have real talent.


''Run'' is a great song but check out their newest single Smother
http://earplugsnotincluded.com/daughter-smother/

Music Bloggers unite and their voices shall be heard

Thanks to a friend I was introduced to this new website/Spotify app called Hype Machine.  This site features and shares blogs by other writers such as myself.

I'm so excited to have found other like minded music enthusiasts and their web designs are top notch! and they have tons of links to listen to songs!

My favorite so far is www.earplugsnotincluded.com.

The author has an affiinity to the indie pop/British artists like Ellie Goulding and Benjamin Francis Leftwich of the like:) Really excited to connect with other writers and readers and share ideas!

I've been a huge fan of Spotify the past year or so, and I think its amazing how much that they've grown and how much they've given back to the music community. It's impressive and inspiring for sure

I'm not tech savy obviously and I'd love help redesigning the site and learning how to input new share links photos/videos.

But these are all things I can learn. Maybe I could take a class or grab help from some buddies.  What's most important to me is content at the moment.  So check those sites out and support amazing listeners and writers share your ideas and get your voice heard too!