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New Music: Buxton – Nothing Here Seems Strange

23 Mar

Everyone should be heading into this gorgeous weather weekend with some good tunes so this Friday I bring you, Buxton and their third record and first on New West Records, Nothing Here Seems Strange.

All week I’ve been holding out on posting this and I think it’s because of how much I sincerely love this album and their folk-rock sound, I wanted to keep it a secret but what fun would that be.

The album starts off with some slow harmonies (but in a good way – “Wolves & Owls” and “Fingertips”) before ratcheting it up and kicking some serious butt.  Just give “Blown A Fuse” a listen and it will all make sense, I promise.  For whatever reason the harmony on “Broken From Bread” makes me think of the Grateful Dead, but the best of the album I believe is with the single, “Boy of Nine” and “Down In The Valley.”

If you are fan of White Denim, DAWES, Middle Brother, Ryan Bingham, Fleet Foxes, The Avett Brothers, Ryan Adams and the likes, you are definitely going to be digging the Buxton sound.

 

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Revisited: SXSW 2012 via @Wat_Mo

21 Mar

Since I wasn’t able to make it to SXSW I had my buddy Mike Watson share his experience and the highlights from Austin.  He definitely had the chance to hear a ton of great bands and catch some very unique performances.  Hope you enjoy!

 

Bands I had never seen live:
Top 3

Of Monsters and Men

Walk the Moon

GIVERS

They all put on amazing shows.  Of Monsters of Men had never played in the US.  Saw them twice.  I was at their first US show and it was in a bike shop.  Gotta love SXSW.  I really think they are going to blow up.  Talked to them at the Mumford & Sons concert and their album is being released in the US on April 3.  I had been a fan of Walk the Moon and GIVERS for a while now and they definitely didn’t disappoint.  The both put on incredible shows.  There is no wonder they get so much buzz.  Even if you don’t know a single song of theirs they will have you a fan after seeing them live.

I would say Walk the Moon and GIVERS put on the best shows from the bands I had never seen, along with Gary Clark Jr.  Gary Clark is just unbelievable on guitar.  I see why Clapton has taken him under his wing. The dude is going to be the next big thing, he already is in the blues guitar community.  He played at the White House with Buddy Guy, Jeff Beck, and Mick Jagger.  Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr also put on a hell of a show, but I am just not into their music.  Maybe it will grow on me.  Fun. was a band that obviously had a lot of hype with the song out right now “We are Young”.  They have a lot of other great songs though.  The title track of their album was awesome live, “Some Nights”.  I had never seen Keane before.  I absolutely love their first album from a few years back and they sounded really good live.  The lead singer’s vocals were spot on.

I was really excited to see Princeton.  I love their album but they didn’t have a lot of energy in their show.  Maybe it had something to do with it being 11am on a Thursday but a band should not have to say “y’all look tired”.  They should be able to amp up the crowd on their own.  I was also excited to see Reptar but they just didn’t sound good live.  I will have to give them another chance.  Tennis was another band that I was excited to see but the show left a lot to be desired.

Bands I have seen before:
Top 3

Temper Trap

Mumford and Sons

Band of Skulls

Temper Trap played a few new songs and in particular the song “Trembling Hands” was amazing.  They are just great live.  Band of Skulls lead man is so incredibly talented on the guitar.  Some of the stuff they pull off live is just amazing.  He really makes the band because the girl doesn’t do much on stage.  Everyone knows how good Mumford is.  They played a few new songs that were really good.  I see their second album having the same success as their first.

Bands I didn’t get to see but wanted to:

Alabama Shakes – They were THE buzz band going into SXSW this year.  Much like Foster the People last year.

US Royalty

Tango in the Attic

Bright Lights Social Hour

Finally, here is a list of bands I saw, I know I am missing some but can’t remember them all:

He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister @ Bayou
These people brought a ton of energy.  The chick drummer plays standing on top of a drum head wearing tap shoes.  It was crazy.  So much fun.  I had never heard them before but they were a great live show.  I am going to have to listen to them more.

Dawes @ Cedar Street

Future Unlimited and Princeton @ Beauty Bar

Tennis @ Stage on 6th

Big Deal @ Hype Hotel

Of Monsters and Men @ Mellow Johnny’s (First time playing in the USA)

Punch Brothers, Ed Sheeran (This guy was cool, was just him and his guitar.  He would play something, loop it, and then play riffs over it.  Was awesome show), Kimbra (She was awful), Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr, Dr. John, Gary Clark Jr all @ La Zona Rosa

Walk the Moon @ Antone’s

Reptar, Band of Skulls, Kaiser Chiefs, Keane @ Cedar Street Courtyard

Imagine Dragons, fun., @ Woodies

Girls, Kaiser Chiefs, Temper Trap @ Stubb’s

Of Monsters and Men @ Cedar Street Courtyard

Howler @ W Hotel

Free Energy @ Peckerheads

50 Cent, Eminem @ Austin Music Hall

Old Crow Medicine Show, Edward Sharpe, Mumford and Sons @ LBJ Library Lawn

They played the Railroad Documentary on a screen.  This was probably my favorite part of the weekend.  Weather was perfect and the documentary was incredible.  Oh and those bands are pretty damn good too.

Johnny Corndawg @ Lustre Pearl

The Guards, GIVERS @ Chevy

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New Music: Dead Fingers

16 Mar

It’s Friday and why not kick the weekend off with some new tunes!  Coming to you from husband and wife due, Taylor Hollingsworth and Kate Taylor, here is Dead Fingers.  And while it may sound like a punk or metal band, it’s the complete opposite. The couple released their self titled debut album a couple of weeks ago and if you are a fan of guy-girl duos like I am (think Jenny & Johnny, The Civil Wars, She & Him, Sam & Ruby), you should really dig their work.  Give a spin, if you like, listen to more and snag yourself the album as this could very well become the album on repeat for you this spring.

Now Playing: New Navy – “Zimbabwe”

22 Feb

Surprise, surprise yet another band from Australia that has caught my attention.  Give a listen to “Zimbabwe” from New Navy and check out their EP, Uluwatu.  Seriously there continues to be so much great music from Down Under.

 

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Taking a further look at the Bonnaroo 2012 lineup

16 Feb

As everyone knows, the Bonnaroo lineup was released earlier this week and all I can keep thinking about is, will June 7 just get here already?!

So in anticipation, I put some of my thoughts together on the lineup.  I’m also amazed at how many of the bands I’ve actually seen live before.

  • Radiohead – never been a big fan of them (a little shocker, I know) but seeing them in the middle of nowhere should be awesome
  • Red Hot Chili Peppers – yes, yes, yes! If you’ve ever been to a RHCP show you know what I’m talking about
  • Phish – been a while since I’ve seen them live, can’t wait (Bart Scott voice)
  • Bon Iver – have to be honest, not a big fan but will check them out
  • The Beach Boys – this one is growing on me, I am just imagining hanging out in the field listening to the Beach Boys on a hot summer day in Tennessee
  • The Avett Brothers – if you have never seen these guys live, WOW!
  • The Shins – yes! Catching them this spring too!
  • Foster The People – seen them way too many times in the last 12 months and thrilled to see them getting bigger and bigger
  • Skrillex – just doesn’t fit in Bonnaroo if you ask me but I’m sure the kids will be going crazy
  • Aziz Ansari – crazy to me he’s getting a big slot this year as the “comedy headliner” – introduced the Black Keys last year
  • Dispatch – one of my dreams coming true, finally getting to see them live
  • Feist – actually excited about this
  • The Roots – there is nothing quite like a Roots show, simply amazing
  • Alice Cooper – I can hear “School’s Out For Summer” in my head
  • SuperJam – oh who will it be this year
  • Black Star – yes sir!
  • The Word (featuring John Medeski, Robert Randolph and North Mississippi Allstars) – are you effen kidding me!
  • Ludacris – throw dem bows!
  • Ben Folds Five – I hope this is better than just a Ben Folds show
  • Flogging Molly – woohoo, let the ruckus begin!
  • Spectrum Road (featuring Cindy Blackman Santana, Jack Bruce, John Medeski and Vernon Reid) – solid!
  • Mac Miller – get to check what this kid is all about
  • Childish Gambino – my surprise of the festival last year, should be a blast
  • Major Lazer – I love this call!
  • tUnE-yArDs – mad excited to see them live
  • Afrocubism
  • Flying Lotus – late night bonanza
  • Umphrey’s McGee – yes, the jamming
  • Little Dragon – stoked!
  • St. Vincent – really intrigued with all the press and push over the
  • City and Colour – big fan of Dallas Green
  • The Civil Wars – super excited for this performance although I wonder if Joy Williams’ pregnancy will prevent them from performing.  Let’s hope not.
  • Young The Giant – so stoked for these guys and having seen them live in tiny rooms, concert halls and a festival atmosphere, I can’t wait for Bonnaroo to get rocked by them
  • Two Door Cinema Club – one of the more energetic and fun live bands
  • Punch Brothers – ready for a get down
  • NEEDTOBREATHE
  • Fitz & The Tantrums – if you’ve never seen Fitz live, it is a must
  • Bad Brains – taking it back, let’s rage!
  • Yelawolf – never got into his music, maybe I’ll give it a gander
  • Dawes – awesome live, incredibly talented, can’t wait to see them on The Farm
  • Battles
  • Danny Brown – YES YES YES! His coming out party continues
  • The Black Lips – there is really nothing like a Black Lips show, trust me
  • SBTRKT – I am just picturing a late night get down!
  • Phantogram – continuing to rise
  • Kendrick Lamar – one of the breakout artists of 2012, let’s see it!
  • Charles Bradley and his Extraordinaires – oh man this may be one of the best shows at the festival
  • The Kooks – another band from across the pond I can’t get enough of
  • The Joy Formidable – fun live if you’ve never seen them before
  • The Antlers – dreams are starting to come true, can’t wait for this performance
  • Kathleen Edwards
  • Mimosa – just starting to listen to them, getting excited
  • Kurt Vile & The Violators – yes, another artist everyone should get excited to see
  • Alabama Shakes – HOLY AMAZING – when I first heard them I was in lvoe
  • Das Racist – kinda indifferent
  • Delta Spirit – just saw one hell of a rocking show with these guys.
  • Gary Clark Jr. – welcome back to Roo! Incredible talent
  • Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk – oh yeah!
  • Laura Marling – love, love, love her voice
  • Trampled by Turtles – JUST A LITTLE EXCITED!
  • Mogwai – not my cup of tea but…
  • The War On Drugs – Thanks, Kurt Vile!
  • Ben Howard – killer voice
  • Grouplove – they had my favorite album of 2011, are incredible live and will take the energy of Bonnaroo through the roof!
  • Blind Pilot
  • ALO – been a minute since I’ve seen them live. Fun show!
  • The Devil Makes Three
  • White Denim – get ready to take yourself on a rock experience
  • EMA
  • Here We Go Magic – P A R T Y
  • K-Flay
  • The Lonely Forest – on tour with Portugal. The Man right now
  • Mariachi El Bronx – oh this is going to be a special one at Bonnaroo!
  • Big Freedia
  • Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. – Detroit Rock City
  • The Soul Rebels
  • Kvelertak
  • SOJA – Jah ready for a reggae good time? Don’t miss this show
  • Steven Bernstein’s MTO Allstars Plays Sly
  • Big Gigantic – hello late night!
  • Sarah Jarosz
  • Orgone – one of the more entertaining and talented bands I’ve seen live. F U N
  • Darondo
  • Fruit Bats – feeling a mid afternoon slot for them
  • Moon Taxi – holy can’t believe they are on the line-up, so stoked for me and them!

So there you have it, some quick thoughts on the initial Bonnaroo 2012 lineup.  The best part is we still have more acts to be announced!

Can’t wait to be in Tennessee again! A little over 100 days away, I’m not counting or anything.

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Now Playing: The Lumineers – “Ho Hey”

13 Feb

Music Monday. Here’s to a great week ahead! I really hope The Lumineers get a chance to show their stuff at Bonnaroo this year. I feel this Denver based band is the perfect fit for the festival and would just thrive in front of the this type of crowd. Give a listen to the below and you’ll see why.

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News: Walk The Moon to release Anna Sun EP next week

2 Feb

In anticipation of their upcoming release on RCA Records, I got very excited when I found out Walk The Moon will be releasing a three song Anna Sun EP next Tuesday, February 7.  The EP will feature the hit song, “Anna Sun,” off their independently released i want i want, “Next in Line” and Tightrope” which quite frankly I believe is their best song (and it’s hard not to love “Anna Sun”).

The quartet are mighty talented, bring a ton of energy to the stage every night and there’s a reason they were tabbed as one of MTVs Artists to Watch in 2012.  I’ve been fortunate to have seen the guys perform at Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza and in Las Vegas as well as interview them and all I can say is you are sorely missing out if you are not listening to Walk The Moon.

Another thing to look forward to besides their upcoming tours with Young The Giant and some dates with the Kaiser Chiefs, is their first-ever live performance on late night television April 5 on Late Night wth Jimmy Fallon. Oh man I can’t wait to see if ?uestlove is going to rock the face paint with the fellas.

 

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Now Playing: Of Monsters And Men – “Little Talks”

31 Jan

Thanks to my brother, I am all about a band from Iceland, yes Iceland.  Of Monsters And Men released a four song EP, Into The Woods and as they ready for the worldwide release (already available in Iceland) of their debut album, My Head Is An Animal, give a listen to this track, “Little Talks.”  Even better news, they are playing SXSW and embarking on a U.S. tour this spring.

 

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New Music: Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International

24 Jan

If you are reading this and have not at least given a listen to Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International, do so immediately after reading the rest of this post.  Released today digitally (next week on CD) and comprised of 80 musicians who contributed new or previously unreleased recordings, this is an amazing collection and tribute to my favorite musician of all time.  While the list of musicians featured on the four disc set is staggering and I have yet to listen to all the renditions, there are a selection that stand out to me:

The Belle Brigade – “No Time To Think”

Michael Franti – “Subterranean Homesick Blues”

State Radio – “John Brown”

Ximena Sarinana – “I Want You”

Cage The Elephant – “The Lonesome Death Of Hattie Carroll”

The Gaslight Anthem – “Changing Of The Guards”

Lenny Kravitz – “Rainy Day Women”

Elvis Costello – “License To Kill”

The Airborne Toxic Event – “Boots Of Spanish Leather”

Mariachi El Bronx – “Love Sick”

Raphael Saadiq – “Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat”

We Are Augustines – “Mama, You Been On My Mind”

Fistful of Mercy – “Buckets of Rain”

Flogging Molly – “The Times They Are A-Changin”

Of course Dave Matthews Band – “All Along The Watchtower”

And yes, I can’t believe I’m writing this but Miley Cyrus – “You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go.” See for yourself, below.

You can click here for the official release regarding the album, artists, making, etc. and how you too can support Amnesty International.

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New Music: San Cisco

16 Jan

Feel free to do the happy dance, it is Music Monday after all! To get the week started heading in the right direction here’s yet another band from down under, San Cisco. The Australian four-piece released their first EP, Golden Revolver, last year with a second EP, Awkward, slated for release on February 7.   They fall into the trending indie-pop category but in a very good way will a playful spirit and fun loving harmonies.  If you are a fan of GROUPLOVE, Two Door Cinema Club, Vampire Weekend or The Jungle Giants, you’ll definitely be digging this rising young group from Australia.

Here’s the title track off the upcoming EP, “Awkward.”

 

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