Sights.Sounds.Sass.
This Thursday, check out a free outdoor show featuring Tyrone Wells and Meiko.
I’ve featured Meiko a few times before, and been a fan of Tyrone for years. Tomorrow, they’re teaming up for “The Sound of Summer,” a weekly concert in downtown LA’s Pershing Square and sponsored by 100.3FM.
Meiko goes on at 8pm, and Tyrone’s set starts at 9.
Dowload MP3: Tyrone Wells – More
More info: The Sound of Summer
My uncle gave me A Fine Frenzy’s CD “One Cell In The Sea” the day before Christmas Eve 2007. It also happened to be the day before my grandmother would pass away, but we did not know that at the time.
A few hours after she died, I drove to my apartment to be alone for awhile. My uncle had said that despite the name, A Fine Frenzy was actually a singer/songwriter named Alison Sudol. I just knew I needed something to drown out the loud nothingness that was taking over my brain.
The drive from my parent’s house to my apartment was the longest 45 minutes ever – I remember every stretch of nothing as I cut through LA County into Orange. Sudol’s voice was both strangely muted and present as she sung of love and loss. The vocals were soothing and and strangely beautiful, and the music – with piano performed by Sudol – was well suited for her voice.
Her new song, “Blow Away” is the first single off her album Bomb In A Birdcage which will be released in September. Fans of Feist and Regina Spektor will be pleased. If the song is any indication, Birdcage will be much more pop-influenced than the piano-driven One Cell In The Sea.
What do you think?
And this is where I lose any male readers I once had. Please come back tomorrow.
I have two male roommates who dominate the living room television with Cartoon Network and any show that features explosions, blowing stuff up, or explosions (apparently, there’s a difference between the two). Sometimes, a girl just needs a glass of wine or two or five, thirty gorgeous men, and a few girlfriends to yell at the tube with.
Last night was that kind of night. During last night’s finale of “The Bachelorette”, poor Jillian Harris was stuck in Hawaii and down to two guys: Ed Swiderski, who admitted he was “married to [his] job” and briefly left the show when his wife cracked the whip; and Kiptyn Locke, who — well, I really don’t know much about him. The guy is simply gorgeous. And he smiles all the time. And he is so.so.hot. He also seemed like the more well-rounded of the two — the “works hard, plays hard” guy, while the Edster was raioj;fdalsfjdal;s… oh sorry, I fell asleep at the keyboard again. Bad habit.
All signs pointed to Jillian picking Kiptyn. Meaning, of course, that she would pick Ed, who apparently has no desire to leave the 1980’s and purchase any shorts that fall below the knee. Throw in a few “most dramatic rose ceremony EVER” twists and…
During a beautiful Hawaiian sunset, Jillian rejects this:
for this:
Aloha.
Download MP3: Meiko – Hawaii
Photo Credit :: Aaron Young :: thesmallestbox.com
I had high hopes for the past two weeks:
Um yeah. You got none of that.
Last weekend I went to Mexico for the bazillionth time. And before assumptions are made, I voluntarily signed a covenant which stated that I would not drink alcohol for the entire time I was there. Or flirt with boys.
Confused much?
Cross the Otay Mesa border in San Diego, hang a left at the tire shop, go offroading for a bit, narrowly escape death by crazy tanker trucks and machine-gun-wielding policemen several times, and you will soon enter a migrant community known as Rojo Gomez.
I’ve been going down there for four years to build houses for families there who previously lived in boxes made of garage doors, tarp, and some scrap wood. Dirt floors on hills that frequently get hit with mud slides. No bueno.
These familes have become family to me. It’s interesting how much we have in common with each other. The first kid I ever met was named Adrian, who had the most sarcastic sense of humor ever (not that I could relate to that. Nope…). I should probably admit my lack of knowledge of Spanish, despite the fact that it is my father’s first language and I have a hispanic last name. But I have discovered this handy equation:
Broken Spanish + Broken or Nonexistent English + Smiles + Crazy Hand Gestures X Lots of Piggy Back Rides + Soccer Balls (Cubed) = Love
Photo Credit :: Aaron Young :: thesmallestbox.com
This is not a guilt trip.
Rather, this is a reminder to the intended geographical audience of this blog that three hours away is third world-ville. And I have no answers as to what your part to play is or if you even have one. But in relation to this blog, there is an amazing culture practically down the street, with some sweet ass music, some amazing food (um holy crap on crack, some amazing food. I swear that sometimes I think I only go there for the street tacos. But that isn’t true.) And the importance of family (and in Mexican culture, anyone within a 100 mile radius is familia. Which is all kinds of awesome.)
To put it mildly, my life has been dramatically changed (beyond words that can do justice) since discovering Rojo Gomez, and the neighboring town of El Nino. And as I helped build two houses last weekend for two rad families, it has taken some time to adjust back here, and I really have not felt like writing or checking out any new music. I’m getting back into the swing of things, so check back tonight or tomorrow. But processing and reflecting on all that occurred on that rad weekend was more important and worthwhile.
For now, enjoy some of the music from a few hours south.
Download MP3: Rodrigo Y Gabriela – Vikingman
Download MP3: Pistolera – Nuevos Ojos
Download MP3:Grupo Fantasma – El Sabio Soy Yo
More info:
Habitat For Humanity
Baja Christian Ministries
Yesterday, I gushed about the subtle 60’s psychedlic vibe that Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros seemed to have mastered. Today, take a listen to Sondre Lerche and his take on 80’s pop.
If you don’t know Lerche by name, you may have heard him on the big screen, as he composed all of the music for 2007’s Dan In Real Life. “Heartbeat Radio” is the title track off his album that will be released September 8. The song is classic Sondre, so if you like this, then definitely check out some of the Norweigan’s earlier alums.
Download MP3: Sondre Lerche – Heartbeat Radio
Sondre Lerche - website
Only two albums worth your while this week, but these two are must haves. I’ve been looking forward to both of these must have albums for about four months. Say it with me now: Must. Haves. Okay. On with the show.
Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros – Up From Below (Community Music/Fairfax Recordings/Rough Trade)
Download MP3 Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros – Carries On
I featured Ed Sharpe’s song “40 Day Dream” on my June Playlist, and I wish I could have featured every song from his first full length album. The LA band’s sound differs from song to song, though there’s a little 60’s throwback in each.
The group features Alex Ebert, who also fronts the dance rock band Ima Robot. However, Ebert takes on the persona of Edward Sharpe for his new gig, and received tons of positive press during their set at Austin’s South By South West this year. Reviews of “Here Comes” (their EP featuring songs also on the full-length “Up From Below”) have been solid. Check out a show if you can, because I may have failed to mention that the band consists of Edward Sharpe and his 12 piece band.
The Dead Weather – Horehound (WEA/Reprise)
Download MP3: The Dead Weather – “Are Friends Electric?”
Jack White just doesn’t stop, and for that I am grateful. The more I listen to one of his musical endeavors, the more I am convinced the guy is a musical genius. Whether it’s making sweet melodies with his ex wife, or collaborating with the boys, White proves that he can consistently create unique music. His third venture is no different.
Though White and lead singer Allison Mosshart (who also sings for The Kills) are arguably the most famous members of the newly formed The Dead Weather, the group also consists of guitarist Dean Fertita (Queens of the Stone Age) and bassist Jack Lawrence (The Raconteurs and the Greenhorns). Given Mosshart’s unique vocal styling, the Dead Weather definitely gives off a Kills vibe, but it will likely please many fans of harder alternative.
Honorable Mentions
The Fiery Furnaces – I’m Going Away (Thrill Jockey)
The Fiery Furnaces remind me of a more melodic, quieter version of the Dead Weather. I constantly repeat their single “The End Is Near” which is a slow number featuring lead singer Eleanor Friedberger. The album’s digital release date is today and CD’s are releasing next Tuesday.
(500) Days Of Summer – Original Soundtrack (Sire/WEA)
A movie about (good) music? Yes please. This soundtrack features tracks from some solid artists in indie music: Feist, Regina Spektor, She & Him, and more. It also highlights some greats such as Simon & Garfunkle and The Smiths. If you’ve been finding yourself in a music rut, check out the soundtrack (and buy me a ticket to the movie, please)
It’s easier to make a pop or dance song as Song of The Week. The adjectives are more descriptive, and when in doubt, just TYPE IN CAPS AND TALK ABOUT HOW LOUD AND FUN THE BEATS ARE. Plus, the minute I describe Fleet Foxes as “folk,” half of you will close your browsers. Yup, I now have only one person reading. Thank you for sticking with me, Mom.
Yes, Fleet Foxes are more mellow than, say, Asteroids Galaxy Tour. But lead singer Robin Pecknold has been absent from the scene since White Winter Hymnal was released in 2008, so this live track (from BBC Radio 6) was quite a surprise. No harmonies (which is usually a FF staple), but this unique song is still wonderfully crafted. I can’t stop listening to “Blue Spotted Tail” and I hope you feel the same way.
Download Fleet Foxes – Blue Spotted Tail
Photo Credit - Carlton Beener
I first saw Death Cab For Cutie at the Glass House in Pomona. This was in 2001, and they were the opening band. I can’t, for the life of me, remember who the headliner was. “Who’s this Death Cab band?” I asked my friend. “Oh, they’ve been around a couple years, they’re from Seattle. I don’t know how far they’ll go.”
Pretty damn far.
Steph and I have been looking forward to this show for months: Death Cab for Cutie at the Hollywood Bowl, accompanied by the Los Angeles Philharmonic. And the two opening bands – the New Pornographers and Tegan & Sara – were nothing to scoff at, either. So we packed our food (and wine, and red party cups because we’re classy like that), and headed to LA for a night of post-July 4th relaxation.
The New Pornographers were, sadly, a let down. And I have a mad crush on lead singer A.C. Newman. It could have been my (nosebleed) seats, and the fact that it was hard to connect with the band from that far. But they were just… boring.
Tegan & Sara – indie music’s favorite lesbian twins – were incredibly engaging. They bantered with the audience between every song. They played favorites from their most recent album, and generally got a better reception than the previous band.
Photo Credit: Michael Didyoung
But it was apparent that everyone (except the middle aged season ticket holders who were noticeably very alarmed by the abundance of plaid, tattoos, and skinny jeans) was there for Death Cab.
The band played over 10 songs without the Philharmonic. A lot were classics like “This Is The New Year,” Photobooth” (the song that caused me to fall in love with lead singer Ben Gibbard, back in college), and “I Will Possess Your Heart.” Halfway into the set, I turned to Steph, disappointed, and asked if the Phil was EVER going to appear. What can I say… patience is not a virtue of mine.
After playing “Sound of Settling,” the band began to leave the stage and Gibbard announced that they would soon be back with “50 of our closest friends.” Soon, the Phil (conducted by Beck’s dad… niiice) appeared and Gibbard, without accompaniment from the rest of his band, sang “I will follow you into the dark”. Beautiful. Other blogs complained of timing issues and other problems with the song, but I guess my ears are not refined enough, because that song was worth the price of admission, alone. The song was beautifully composed. A harp was played at the right time. A harp! With Death Cab!
When the band got to “Soul Meets Body”, the listless audience finally began to perk up, and sing along a bit. This had to be one of the most boring audiences I have ever been a part of. Attention, people in cheap seats: what you lack in money, you should make up for in energy. I’m pretty sure I made dozens of enemies as I swayed back and forth, sang along, and bobbed my head (because that’s how white people show they like the music).In the late ‘90’s, Death Cab was grouped in with bands like The Juliana Theory, and, most notably, Dashboard Confessional. Their musical style was known as “emo” – short for “emotional.” Death Cab is still an emotional band… so get emotional, bleacher seats!
“Highway” was a perfect example of why only one rehearsal with the Phil could prove to be a mistake. During the height of the horn section, Gibbard’s voice could not be heard at all. The whole song, while gorgeous in parts, was a bit awkward.
Yes, my seats were far. Photo Credit: Veronica Ramirez
The concert closed with “Transatlanticism,” with Gibbard starting on keyboards and then easily transitioning back to the guitar. Midway, the fireworks started, and as Steph pointed out (since I can be horribly unobservant at times), the fireworks were timed perfectly w/ the beats of the song. Did I say “I will Follow You Into The Dark” was my favorite part of the show? I lied. This song was one of the best musical experiences I’ve had in a long while.
I didn’t want the show to end, but part of the reason is because I didn’t feel that Death Cab had really played their heart out yet. I felt that they were still holding out on us, and there was more to be delivered. The set also felt a bit rushed, with one song awkwardly bleeding into the other. A perfect contrast would be T&S’ set, which was full of banter and engagement with the audience, and careful transitions.
Kevin Bronson put better than I could, writing “I need you so much closer” (to quote a Death Cab lyric). Too true.
However, it was freakin’ Death Cab with the freakin LA Philharmonic, which was led by freakin’ Beck’s father. It was a great experience and I can’t wait to see what next summer’s pairings hold.
This Sunday, my friend Bams and I will be back at the Bowl to hear the sexiest voice alive, Ray Lamontagne. Holy yes.
This post is brought to you by the letter “O”… for overtime. Sucks when you’re the last car out of the parking structure, but oh, how I love the numbers on the paycheck.
Which means, of course… foolish spending on music.
Enjoy.
Discovery – LP
Download Discovery – I Want You Back
For the second week in a row, the album I was most looking forward to was a dance/electronic one. Discovery features members of Ra Ra Riot (one of my favorite bands) and Vampire Weekend (probably in my top 20). Overall, the album is hit and miss. I love the track that is hitting the indie airwaves, “Orange Shirt”. But I can’t stand their Jackson 5 cover (a bit ironic, though, of course, it was made long before Jackson’s death) of “I Want You Back”. Believe me, it’s not much of a tribute, or at least not to my ears.
However, Amazon is currently offering the album for $3.99. Definitely worth it. There are more hits than misses, and I do believe they will soon –ahem — discover what works for them, rather than just putting a bunch of beats together and praying to baby Jesus that it works out.
We Were Promised Jet Packs – These Four Walls
Download We Were Promised Jet Packs – Conductor
I’d never heard of this band till last week, when I was searching for albums that were coming out in July. The band name sounded intriguing, I listened to some samples, and became hooked. They’re a melodic, four-piece rock band from England that sounds a bit (and on some tracks, a lot) like Frightened Rabbit, or Bombay Bicycle Club. Actually, they sound like the punk-pop-emo I listened to in college… but in a good way. The album is great and I am surprised that this band hasn’t received more publicity. Oh wait, I just said the band is good. How silly of me to expect mainstream radio to give them a second glance.
Bowerbirds – Upper Air
Download Bowerbirds – Northern Lights
I am so excited for this album to be out. I’m a fan of Bowerbirds, and folk-pop in general. This group makes great use of their instruments – guitars, accordians, violins, etc. Mellow without being boring, and quirky without being overbearing, this album shows that the group knows how to strike a great balance.
The Lovell Sisters – Time To Grow
Download The Lovell Sisters – Time To Grow
As the members of Nickel Creek spend more time on solo and side projects, I have been on bluegrass withdrawl (what? You didn’t know that this blog would feature bluegrass music? Ohhhh yes it will. Be excited.). The Lovell Sisters may not completely fill the void – their album title is exactly what they need, and hopefully their next effort will provide a little more vocal depth and creativity – but for fans of Sara Watkins, Little Big Town, and Alison Krauss, this is an album to get.
Other albums to check out:
Owen – The Seaside EP
Tiny Vipers – Life On Earth
The Minus 5 – Killingsworth
Laura Jansen - Photo Credit: Jeff Koga
Back in April, I saw Meiko at Saint Rocke in Hermosa. Laura Jansen was one of the openers. I never heard of her but was quickly impressed. And though I had a final paper to finish for class, I immediately went home and scoured the internet to find an mp3 of her track, “Wicked World.” To no avail, since it hadn’t been recorded yet. I finished the paper, though. Thanks for asking.
When I was a kid, I loved those fairy tale books where the Big Bad Wolf or the Wicked Witch would tell the “true story” of what “really happened” in their far off place. “Wicked World” is a bit of a take on that. Jansen’s piano skills and the story she creates through the instrument are what really drew me in when I first heard that song, and every time I listen to it. The lyrics are simultaneously hilarious, yet still encompass reality. Like many of her songs on her Single Girls EP, Jansen highlights relationships, as in lyrics like these:
Once, I tried to be so good
All sweet and spice like good girls should.
But I don’t see why I try — why do I try?
When every time I climb that hill,
My Jack is up there chasing Jill.
Support the artist. Buy the music.
EP – Single Girls
Single – Wicked World
Why do I try, why do I try? When every time I climb that hill, my Jack is up there chasing Jill.
