Walk The Moon

Anyone heard of this pretty awesome band I stumbled across this morning? Walk The Moon? Anyone? Their song, Anna Sun, kinda makes me want to jump up and down.

This 4 dude band from Cincinnati reminds me a lot of The Killers or OK GO (wow, remember them?) with their pop mainstream sound while still maintaining some sort of indie cred. OK - kinda maintaining indie cred? Maybe?

The best way I've heard them described is as follows...

"If you like your indie pop to be positive, catchy, energetic and astonishingly consistent then you have to buy this album. It’s so well aimed at your happy button that it has the power to bring sunshine into the darkest corners of life. So to conclude, here’s the way that this should be pitched – stop wallowing, stop asking why, stop trying so hard and switch off for half an hour by getting into this lot. There. Sometimes the answers are found in the simplicity of it all." - therecommender.net

It's nice to have found a silly/happy band on this oppressively hot, and only getting hotter, morning! They have a couple of other great songs if you want to preview their recently released album here - http://walkthemoon.bandcamp.com/ - I promise there's something everyone will enjoy.


In the Open: Walk the Moon - Anna Sun & Let's Dance from In the Open on Vimeo.

I'm also fairly devestated to announce that I just found out they are playing the Black Cat in DC this Monday with GroupLove and it's sold out. Pout.

Blogger fail.

So I had a long post about what songs have been in my head recently, but due to some Blogger malfunctions my post was lost....sad, but true. It had things like Smashing Pumkpins, Seether, and Rise Against....but the song that is really getting me today is Angus and Julia Stone - Lonely Hands.

I've had this song on my itunes for ages - but today, well today I've listened to it about 100 times after I re-found it.

Check it out....I basically love everything about them.

Boyce Avenue

Last week I was introduced to the Boyce Avenue song Dare To Believe and I think I've listened to it about 1,000 times since then. Lead singer, Alejandro's, voice just gets me and this song just gets me. It's smooth and sincere and yearns for a certain something that almost brings a tear to my eye.

If you swear you believe in life
Embrace forgiveness ‘cause it’s all that I’m askin’
Or keep holdin’ out while the innocent die

This 'Puerto Rican-American accoustice rock' trio of brothers has 2 full albums, one recently released June 2010, All We Have Left, that I recomend checking out. Their origional songs remind me of those of Matt Wertz or Eye Alaska. They also have a ton of covers on youtube including Katy Perrys Teenage Dream, Tracy Chapmans Fast Car, Googoo Dolls' Iris, and many more. Every cover gets better then the last and I can see why their youtube fan base is growing at an alarming race.

Foster the People - Torches

I know it's been quite some time since I have posted, but this new band DEFINATELY deserves a post because I am obsessed with them. They are the perfect summer band for me and I'd like to personally thank Mr. Matthew Laptew for the tip-off!


If you like Passion Pit then you will DEFINATELY like Foster the People!
 
Foster the People is an indie/pop band from California best known for their song Pumped Up Kicks. This upbeat and catchy little dance number has been on my radar for quite some time and with one "Hey, Allison listen to this - Helena Beat" the whole album became mine. Unfortunately, I can't find a whole lot of information on them because they are just gaining popularity, but I definately recoment taking a listen.
 
Much like Passion Pit's Michael Angelakos, lead singer Mark Foster's voice will throw you off guard for a minute with his intense high pitched falcettos, but I promise it will grow on you. Comprised moslty of dance numbers, and some dance-like ballads [IE: I Would Do Anything For You] this album is the dance/pop lovers wet dream.
 

Running playlist needed!

HELP! I need to log some serious miles and I need some good suggestions of what to listen to as The Black Eyed Peas and Passion Pit are quickly growing old!

La Belle et Le Bad Boy

Oh. My. Goodness! Look at what I have found!!

La Belle et Le Bad Boy

For all you Sex and The City fans out there - you know EXACTLY what this is from.

Way over priced, but I immediately bought it for $1.29 on itunes.

$5 Amazon Albums

Periodically....or more like 3 times a month...I get emails from Amazon.com about their $5 album deals and more often than not I take full advantage of them so why not share the wealth!

For you - 100 $5 Albums on Amazon

I think I might get best of Radiohead, Of Montreal, maybe Kid Cudi (Do I want Kid Cudi? ...Yeah, I do), maybe Ted Leo & The Pharmacists...but probably not.

Ok - Enjoy!!

Pinback

I was asked by my boyfriend some time ago if I wanted to see a new band called Pinback. Of course my answer was "sure!" - new artist I've never heard of? 930 Club? Why not? However, through our ever busy and ever changing schedules I don't think we will get to see this band - but I've been urged to blog on them anyway. Here are my findings;

My initial reaction while listing to Penelope (which by the way is a song about a goldfish...), trying to get a feel for thier sound, and looking for pictures of them... They sound like THIS and look like THAT? Very unexpected, but pleasantly surprised!

Pinback in an indie rock band from California that has a very Her Space Holiday sound to them mixed with a Princess Bride meets Lord of the Rings visual quality - they are incredibly smooth with ghostly melodies accompanied by a slow (sometimes intense) instrumental backdrop.

What I am enjoying more and more while listening to this music is their ability to move seamlessly from lively upbeat (Good To Sea) to melancholy sounds (Walters). They have quite a few albums, singles, EPs dating back to 1999 and a new album "Information Retrieved, Pt A" in 2011, Part B in 2012.

I should probably look into getting those.

In the end if you like Her Space Holiday or Death Cab For Cutie - you will probably enjoy Pinback also.

Jenny and Tyler

Oh Oh - Look what I've found!












Jenny and Tyler....the quintessential couple brought together by their love of song writing and mutual upbringings full of jazz, bluegrass, and southern gospell. Their first album 'A Prelude' dropped in 2007 and since then they have had 2 more full length albums. 'This Isn't A Dream' released in 2009 and 'Faint Not' released late 2010. They also have 1 8-song Christmas EP called 'Love Came Down' released 2009. If their most recent album wasn't described as "Faint Not ia a cohesive story; each song building off the other. The end result is an intimate telling of Jenny & Tylers journey of faith." I would consider buying it.

As most may know I tend to get uncomfortable and turned off when hearing religion is brought into the mix – It’s a wonder that I own albums by Sufjan Stevens, The Mae Shi, and Justice! Oh wait, I know, it's because I like dance music...

Point being, Jenny and Tylers music is sweet and soulful and full of love and if you’re feeling like me this morning you should probably listen to the player of their new album here; http://jennyandtylermusic.com/

Also - does anyone else think their song, Song For You, sounds an awful lot like When Your Mind's Made Up from the Once soundtrack?? (Side note, if you haven't seen this movie or listened to this sound track, you are SERIOUSLY missing out.)

Songs of the day!

They played 2 major songs on the radio this morning. I had to share.





Have a good Friday!

Another post on The Pretty Reckless and Taylor Momsen

I did everything in my power to fight The Pretty Reckless phenom. Really, I didn't want any part of it. I didn't want to believe this sorry excuse for brooding teen angst actually had the least bit of talent. I wanted to look and laugh and enjoy in a mocking sort of way where I could walk away and listen to something else. Something better. Someone not known as "Little J." I feel like I'm in some sort of insane comedic relationship with myself where the outcome is becoming less of a music enthusiast and more of a pop culture wannabe.

Then wannabe it is. I downloaded their album yesterday, Light Me Up, and it's got me. I hate to admit it, but it really does. I've listened to it all of yesterday and so far all of this morning. I feel like I am in the period in college when I was really into AFI - THAT is who they remind me of (Now I wish I still had their CD so I could listen and reminisce).

Point being....there are lines like "Does what I'm wearing seem to shock you? Well that's ok" and "Since you've been gone my life has moved on quite nicely, actually" and they surprisingly don't phase me in the slightest.

I feel like I've moved past a period of music in my life - that that I used to listen to in high school and college and this is what it reminds me of and I am having a damn good time reliving it.

With that being said - my favorite song off their album so far is Light Me Up. Not that I could hear it at the concert a few weeks ago with all the screaming teenagers and the multiple alcoholic beverages coursing through my veins. Did I mention the concert was fun? I had a great time with my girlfriends, albeit we stuck out like sore thumbs.


Annemarie, Ari, Me, Marisa, Jenny



The Pretty Reckless

Tonight is the night Ms. Taylor Momsen. We are coming for you!

Tonight my girlfriends and I are going to see Taylor Momsen and her band The Pretty Reckless at the Jammin' Java. Not entirely sure if I am beyond thrilled about this or way less thrilled than I can describe.

Either way, I'm sure it will be a good time. Always is with my ladies!

Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs - Little Red Riding Hood

Well hello - it's been quite some time since I've blogged hasn't it? I figured this needed some love because I think she does a pretty fantastic rendition of Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs - Little Red Riding Hood.

Check out Amanda Seyfried singing Little Red Riding Hood. It's ghostly and fantastic.

Know who Arcade Fire is or....

Hipsters will kill you!



This is only made funnier by the fact that my friend Will mentioned Arcade Fire to me yesterday because they've recently won a Grammy and he is the FURTHEST thing from a hipster.

It should actually also be known that I COULD have gone to an Arcade Fire/Spoon concert with my coworker months ago - but decided not to. With that being said, I don't think I've ever actually listeneded to Arcade Fire.

Cue angry hipsters.

Dance My Pain Away

Because I know no one really reads this thing I find it completely understandable to use this as my creative outlet and vent. I won't explain what about, but I'll use music.

Rod Lee - Dance My Pain Away

I'm just in a crappy mood.

Tomorrow/Saturday I fully plan on taking my problems out on the dance floor with a shit ton of vodka.

Lia Ices & Jesse Thomas

A few days ago I picked up 2 Starbucks picks of the week with my daily cup of coffee - Lia Ices and Jesse Thomas, two VERY different yet powerful female artists.

Let me know what you think. Right off the bat I kind of want to buy Jesse Thomas's album! She somewhat sounds like a one woman Tegan and Sara (The Con).

Lia Ices - Love Is Won

Jesse Thomas - You I Want

Speaking of Tegan and Sara - anyone used to listen to Meg and Dia? Yeahhh, I went through a brief emo/indie girl band period years ago. Check out thier song, Monster.

Drive By Truckers

I don't know anything about this band other than I've heard of them in passing and that I might like them. Hearya.com has brutally let me know I've missed the boat on their free download of Everybody Needs Love from Valentines Day yesterday, but I can't stop listening to it so I thought I'd share with the 5 of you that read this. I'm pretty much obsessed with this song and their southern sound.

So Enjoy.....Everybody Needs Love.

I will report more on them later when I have time and don't feel like crap.

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Hairpray - Without Love

Song Of The Day!

So my last post mentioned Sia's new album...I think it's only appropriate that my song of the day be a Sia song....

Clap Your Hands


God, I love her - She is so f'ing weird.

Also, for those of you who like Lady Gagag - her new song was released this morning. I can't find it on youtube, but it sounds an awful lot like Madonna's, Express Yourself.

Sia - We Are Born

Sia is a singer I've been into for quite some time now through various people, places, and things.

I first heard her song, Breathe Me, in college when my theatre group used it for a dance number depicting the death of a president, his wife, and his cheating ways. Can you guess the pres?

Anyway - I absolutley fell in love with this song. It's haunting and powerful at the same time, but I never knew who the artist was. Sometime later I bought her album, Some People Have Real Problems on a whim, during a date at Starbucks, and fell even more in love with her. I even sent her song Death By Chocolate to my friend when he was having girls problems....

"Tears on your pillow will dry and you will learn / Just how to love again / Oh my weeping willow / Let your leaves fall and return / Oh darling the seasons are your friend"

Another great song from this album was the silly and bouncy Academia that has completely opposite undelying notes of not being good enough or not being noticed from the upbeat percussion. Something I've found pretty common amongst her early music, it's a bit....sad.

Point of this post being, that was 2008, and I've forgotten about her until now. Amazon.com has so generously given me her new album (just released this year) for only $5 and it's AWESOME! This ever changing, Australian electro-jazz/soul pop, and noticably eclectic singer has put out an UPBEAT album!

Right off the bat, The Fight, made me start grooving in my seat with electro-pop goodness. Then you also have songs like Stop Trying and Never Gonna Leave Me.

Check out her video below for You've Changed - while I spend the rest of the day soaking up this albums awesomeness!



Oh Sia - I have to say....YOU'VE changed for the better!

The Rio Girls

If you like 80s Madonna glamour or the likes of Pat Benatar or Bowie you will LOVE this new German girlband I've come across - The Rio Girls.

They actually started out as contestants on Germanys Next Top Model and it's entirely too bad I can't find any more information on them other than their one song, Neonlights, but oh well.

It's dreadful and catchy and awfully wonderful at the same time and reminds me greatly of hte Dragonette/Kaskade song Fire In Your New Shoes.

Enjoy!

Song(s) of the day!

So I meant to post this yesterday, but had a long day at work, then spent over an hour at the gym, and once I got home I felt like death, ate a lean pocket, watched Jersey Shore and passed out.

Yesterdays Song Of The Day was this....



But today...in honor of the super bowl coming up and MY TEAM making it in for the SEVENTH time...I will make todays song this...



STEELERSSSS!!!!

Voxtrot

I haven't updated my blog in forever so sorry to the 3 of you who keep up with this thing! But thanks to my friend Michelle I've stumbled upon a super cute song by Voxtrot! Check the link under the pic.



The Start Of Something

They are an indie pop band formed in Austin, TX (someone please take me there by the way because I am dieing to go...) back in early 2000. Looks like I'm really behind the times with this one. They have one full, self titled, album released in 2009 and apparently have broken up in April 2010. Bummer. Anyway, check out 1 of their 2 videos below...Not sure that I like this song as much as the song above...



Here's one I like a lot better - Missing Pieces - Which, coincidently isn't even on their album, but their first EP, Raised By Wolves.

Song Of The Day

This is a terrible song of the day - but it's been in my head since monday nights spin class with Marisa.



I'm shameless - I've listened to it about 100 times since Monday also.

Does anyone actually remember P.O.D?

Someone Still Loves You Borris Yelstin, Two Door Cinema Club, Tokyo Police Club @ 930 Club

Last week the boyfriend and I went to see one of his favorite bands, Two Door Cinema Club, at 930 Club in DC. I'm not going to lie they put on a pretty fantastic show! ....but a little more on that in a bit.

In true fashion he decided to check out the opening band, Someone Still Loves You Borris Yelstin, and what he found wasn't bad so we were both really looking forward to checking them out for the first time. They put on a pretty great performance as well. Sounding a lot like Vampire Weekend, another band I really enjoy, SSLYBY is a indie pop band hailing from Misouri that have 3 full length albums: Broom (2005), Pershing (2008), and Let It Sway (2010).

Here's a crappy pic I took of them during the concert with my iphone. I wish it turned out better, but it's the best one I could get!

And here are a few of their songs to check out as well....

Modern Mystery
Think I Wanna Die
Sink/Let It Sway

The main attraction (for us at least), Two Door Cinema Club, put on a AWESOME show and the audience was super extatic when they finally made their debut. They played a bunch of songs off of their debut album Tourist History including Do You Want It All, Something Good Can Work, and Undercover Martyn (which is the boys fave song by them so I'm glad he got to hear it live!). They also played a couple of songs I didn't know, either previous singles, or something to be released in the future. Regardless, I don't remember because it was a week ago.

In the end they put on a damn fantastic show live! They were full of energy and the crowd was going nuts including my silly boyfriend who was headbanging!

I have a couple of videos from the concert as well, but won't be able to upload those until I get home tonight.

The last band we didn't really stay to hear too much of...partially because we are old and were tired and partially because I don't think either of us really cared that much. I've heard of Toyko Police Club in passing, but never heard their music and I was more than slightly dispointed when the lead singer wasn't the guy with crazy spikey black hair that I thought he was.

The Pretty Wreckless does Wonderwall by Oasis

My good friend, Ari, just sent me this video of Taylor Momsen and The Pretty Wreckless singing Wonderwall by Oasis.



I hate to say it, but I like this cover.

Doesn't help that she still looks miserable though...

Here's another that I don't mind, even though the video is terrible - Miss Nothing

Coachella 2011

The lineup for Coachella 2011 has been released a little bit ago and I am sort of dieing to go - however, completely out the relm of possibility because of Thailand/Vietnam & a possible Vegas trip coming up...Whine/Devestation.

There are a couple great artists I would love to see including Kings of Leon (for the 2nd time), Crystal Castles, Flogging Molly, Mumford & Sons, Bright Eyes, Scissor Sisters, Delta Spirit, The Strokes, and a few others...Oh! And a special one for the BF - Two Door Cinema Club (a post coming up recounting the awesome concert we went to last Thursday) will be playing a set there Saturday, April 16.

*sigh*

It's too bad - but maybe next year....

The Pretty Wreckless @ Jammin' Java

I've agreed to go with my girlfriends to see Taylor Momsen in The Pretty Wreckless on St. Patricks day (March 17, 2011) at the local Vienna, VA "hotspot" known as Jammin' Java (aka a coffe house/bar in the strip mall next to applebees...where teens hang out...and I may or may not have gotten drunk there on a few special occasions and done rediculous things like hit on bassists, try to buy people drinks who clearly make a shit ton more money than me, and make up fake personas).

I can't wait for heavy eyeshadow, lingerie, and teens who looked coked out - aka Taylor Momsen. My surpressed teen angst will not be able to handle it all and I will completely pretend I don't want to write for a credible music blog some day.

Frankly, I don't know a whole lot of anything about The Pretty Wreckless other than their song Make Me Wanna Die...which I know I've blogged about before and I hate to admit that I don't totally hate. To make matters worse, I hear she doesn't put on a terrible show either.

New Blog Update! Woohoo!

As you can see I've decided to update my blog. I love the old and empty feel to this new template, but we'll see how long it lasts before I'm back to pink water color.

J-Roddy Walston and The Business

Another fabulous suggestion from hearya.com - J Roddy Walston and The Business band is a "rock meets glam" band hailing from good ol' Baltimore, MD. Actually, lead singer Rod hails from TN, but is now held up with the rest of the band members in B'More.

Their sound is southern rock meets rock n' roll meets 80s hair bands meets Kings of Leon meets Dropkick Murpheys and then some. They have a self titled album I downloaded a few days ago that is next to none and I suggest everyone dl it - or just ask me and I'll give it to you.

The best way I can describe their sound is something I'd want to hear in a dingy dive bar while pounding back beers with some good friends.

The best I can do right now is lay in bed, watching modern family, drinking a beer.

Enjoy.

S. Carey

Another starbucks pick of the week has stolen my heart a bit. I'm such a sucker for male vocalists, pianos, and rich melodies! Not to mention I am sucker for the lovely band BON IVER with whom Sean Carey is a part of and plays drums and piano for during liver performances!

S. Carey - In the Dirt

Careys debut album, All We Grow, released Aug 2010 is a tribute to his rock and jazz background and composed during Bon Iver's tour downtime. He has also earned his degree in classical percussion. His album is short (only a mere 9 songs), but if it's anything like Bon Iver and the first track released above, it will be sweet.

I am dieing to have this and it might be mine by the end of the day.

The Radio Dept.

I first found out about The Radio Dept. when I first fell in love with Her Space Holiday for a few months. I always thought of them as a little slow and dreary and emo sort of like...well...Her Space Holiday, but they also remind me of Death Cab For Cutie, a band I haven't been into since high school, and wrote them off without a second thought.

The Radio Dept. - Pulling Our Weight

Ok, so maybe it's just the black and white video that's pulling me down. Not to mention those clouds with eyes are a tad bit creepy.

Anyway, Obscure Sound has recently somewhat changed my mind and made me a bit more interested in listening to this band. Their songs Never Follow Suit and Freddie and the Trojan Horse are a bit more upbeat, but they are still annoyingly robotic and monotone.

Ok again, maybe not so interested.

• Myspace.com/officialradiodept
• Official Website

The Beatles

Yesterday I bought the collectors edition Beatles 100 Greatest Songs Rolling Stone mag. It is the most amazing thing to grace my presence and I fully plan on reading it cover to cover. I took a quick flip through it last night during the Golden Globes and I was completely in a trance. There are some amazing quotes and stories and I can't wait to sit down and actually read some of them.

I'm sure I will report back!

With that being said - enjoy....

Chet Haze

...aka Tom Hanks son...can rap?

I'm posting this because it's funny - also a little funny that it's not too bad.

Chet Haze

The Head and The Heart

Stumbled upon a great new band thanks to hearya.com (of course) - The Head and The Heart. This 6 person band is a fusion of everything I love when it comes to music - they are described as The Beatles meets Crosby Stills Nash & Young and the Avett Brothers with a powerful, folky, instrumental backup.

They have one album self released June 2010 - that I cannot find, so if anyone can find it and knows where to DL it PLEASE let a sister know so she can get her new music on.

Their one song that I cannot seem to get enough of is Lost In My Mind, I tend to zone out listening to this one, it just makes me happy, especially when the beat picks up and I have to stop myself from clapping my hands like a wild woman.

They are described as "speaking to the newness of a fresh start, of the ghosts left behind, of moving forward, all brimming with a soulfulness and hope for a better life than the one we've all been sold" - I felt this was pertinant to 2011, fresh beginnings and all.

Here are a couple other good one's to check out -
Down in the Valley
Ghosts
Cats and Dogs & Coeur D'Alene

New from The Script!

The Script is a small "soft-rock" band from Dublin I've been into for a while thanks to my good friend, Dom, who introducted me to their song The Man Who Can't Be Moved. They are a bit....typical...for my liking, but I still enjoy them - especially the song We Cry. They remind me a bit of Eye Alaska...someone I need to blog about soon because they are pretty great.

Point being, their first album was released in 2008 and they just came out with a new album in September called Science & Faith. I have yet to purchase said album, but it's on my list of things to do.

In the mean time - enjoy their new song Walk Away.

Jamie Lidell on The Beatles

Sigh....

iTunes asked some famous artists what their favorite Beatles song was because they recently decided to add this wonderful ear-gasmic music to their repository.

“It seems so cruel to isolate one lonely favourite from a family of masterworks but it must be done so I’m gonna chose ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand.’ I challenge any living, breathing adult not to feel the rush of young love when this number pushes its exuberance out into the room. This song is like a sonic perfume and that for me is to be found in all the best music. This one smells like the most optimistic spring I can imagine.” - Jamie Lidell

Challenge accepted, young love felt, and sonic perfume.....well.....I don't know how to respond to that, BUT I agree that it is the most optimistic thing one can ever hear. I find it truly impossible to be sad listening to the Beatles, regardless of subject matter.

So here - enjoy, feel some love, and I dare you not to grin like I do while listening to this!



I think it's safe to say that I don't have a favorite Beatles song because I find it absolutely impossible to pick just one...I love If I Fell, Revolution, and especially All You Need Is Love - which brings a tear to my eye every time - but I also have a soft spot for any song they have created.

Check out below the T-Mobile Hey Jude Beatles sing along, something I would have given my right arm to be a part of and still makes me cry every time I watch it. Iconic. There is no other word for this band in my book.



What is your favorite Beatles song?

Utopia

I completely forgot to post this awesome video I took at my friend Diane's birthday dinner. We went to this great little restaraunt/bar called Utopia in DC that plays live jazz every night. I highly recomend it! I don't remember what I got to eat for dinner, but I remember it was delicious - AND there were a bunch of delicious sounding vegetarian options.

Anyway - check it out!

Glasser

I got a new starbucks pic of the week yesterday while getting my coffee on with Jenny.

Glasser - Home

Thoughts? Her trance-like melodies remind my of the likes of Tycho (Daydream) and I don't particularly think I can get into something like this and stay into something like this....as evidence of my fleeting love of Tycho.