A few nights ago, I went to the Pete Yorn concert at the Fillmore. Pete was wonderful. Excellent, just as expected; but the real shock came before he even got on stage. His opener, Juliette Commagere, was like nothing I’d ever heard before…in a good way!
Her sound has a very pop-art, electronic feel to it. It’s vividly orchestrated as she sings with an entire stage of backup instruments including the horns, strings and tambourines. The combination is captivating, yet light, drawing similarities to artists like Goldfrapp and even Bjork.
Juliette first spent several years fronting the energetic indie rock band, Hello Stranger, alongside her high school sweetheart, Joachim Cooder (son of Ry Cooder). Their band toured the world with big names like the Foo Fighters and Kings of Leon before Juliette decided to move on in a new direction.
In the Los Angeles Times, Juliette describes her change by saying “Sounds corny but it’s true…I think everybody, artists and non-artists, has got to keep creating or else life seems pointless”. In attempt to try something a little different, she lent vocals to songs for Puscifer and Avenged Sevenfold, and then shortly after, began writing for her solo album.
Her solo debut released in 2008 titled, Queens Die Proudly,has received excellent reviews. The album is lyrically pretty dark, so she says she wants to make a “lighter” second album to balance it out. She’s even mentioned collaborating with her brother, Robert Francis, also a singer/songwriter. Either way, I can’t wait to hear what she does next!
She is now touring with Pete Yorn and a band she put together from Cragslist ads (how cool is that!?), and says she loves it. Below are two of my favorites, but the album is definitely one to play all the way through. Let me know what you think!
A few months ago I came across some free music downloads from Casey Shea. Always a lover of free music, I added it to my iTunes library immediately. Once I got to listening, I found myself wondering why in the world this guy would give his music away for free; it was so good!
Casey’s sound is very, dare I say, Beatles-esque (yes, I said it). Drawing influences from artists like Bob Dylan, Beck, and Tom Petty, his sound is melodic and soulful, yet completely original. Delightful combinations of country, alternative, rock and folk make up his catchy sound that I just can’t get enough of.
Casey originally fronted a few rock bands in Tallahassee and Nashville, but in 2004 he decided to pack up and move to New York City to focus on his solo career. Visiting open mic nights around the city, Casey ended up meeting Jeff Jacobson and Wes Verhoeve, who eventually formed the Lower East Side band called, The Undisputed Heavyweights. The band is now focused mainly around Casey’s solo material, still performing together around the city. The guys have established quite a following around New York, known for their wildly entertaining personalities and commentary in their live shows.
Casey’s debut album, Take the Bite, came out in 2006, which is available on iTunes. But since then, all of his newer music is available on his blog for free. It doesn’t make sense to me; this guy is amazing and he’s just posting song after song for anyone to grab. It sure gets his music out there though! You can visit his blog at caseysheamusic.com/blog and click “singles” to see all the songs he has posted. And on top of this, I just found out he combined most of those singles to make an album called, In Search of Seas, which can be downloaded at 100,00oFans (yep, you guessed it…for free). Of course you should always make a donation to support the artist, or in Casey’s words, ‘help support his eating habbit’; but the amount is up to you. And to add to all this excitement, I posted a few of my favorites below. Let me know what you think of Casey. Let’s get him to come to San Francisco!
First off, I want to apologize for not blogging in over a month. I took a long vacation to Europe, and once I returned, it took me a little longer to get back into the swing of things than I thought it would. But fortunately, all the time I spent on busses and planes traveling around, I was listening to tons of new music to share! But first, I want to make sure everyone in San Francisco knows about the Outside Lands Music Festival coming up.
Now held annually in Golden Gate Park, Outside Lands is a 3 day music festival with a huge line up of bands; all of which I love! Headlining this year are some huge names including Pearl Jam, Incubus, Dave Matthews Band, Modest Mouse, Black Eyed Peas and Jason Mraz, just to name a few.
Last year I was new to living in the city and Outside Lands was the first big festival I attended with my roommates. Although we saw some awesome live music including Cake, Ben Harper and Tom Petty, I have to admit we missed a few good bands thanks to a nice combination of one (or four) too many beers and being horrible at planning and directions. The park is huge with stages all over, so you have to force yourself to do a little planning, or else you could miss a lot in the time it takes to walk across the park.
But this year my roommates and I are getting 3 day passes and vow to see every band we want to see, but there are so many good ones! Aside from the headliners, I can’t wait to see The National, TV on the Radio, Conor Oberst & The Mystic Valley Band, Portugal. The Man, Bat For Lashes, Lenka, Brett Dennen, Calexico, Band of Horses… and the list goes on!
Anyone who lives in the San Francisco area should definitely attend at least one day of this festival. Aside from the music, it is known to have some of the best food and drinks of any event in the bay area. The festival is coming up on August 28, 29 and 30th and I am literally counting down the days. Above is the concert poster with the lineup, but you can also visit the website to see artist bios and purchase tickets. I also posted songs by some of my favorite artists in the lineup that I can’t wait to hear live. With so many songs I’m eager to hear, there might just be a part two of this post closer to the show!
First of all, I would like to thank iTunes for somehow convincing me to pre-order this album over a month ago. It was the first time I had ever done this, and had totally forgotten about it! So what a pleasant surprise it was when it appeared out of nowhere in my iTunes a few days ago. Ever since then, I can’t stop listening to it!
Back & Fourth is Pete’s first album in three years, and is rather different than his earlier work. In an attempt for some change, he packed up his beach house in sunny LA, and headed to Omaha, Nebraska to work with producer Mike Mogis (Bright Eyes, Cursive) for two months.
In Pete’s previous work he played most of the instruments himself, but for this album, he sought out the help of some friends including drummer Joey Waronker (Beck), pianist/arranger Nate Wolcott (Bright Eyes, Rilo Kiley), guitarist Jonny Polonsky, bassist Joe Karnes (John Cale) and backing vocalist Orenda Fink (Azure Ray).
”As much as it was what I wanted to do, it was definitely hard on me,” Pete says of working with a band for the first time. “I’m so used to doing it all myself, it’s definitely a challenge for me to let go and let people bring their stuff to the table. But these were all musicians I definitely have a lot of respect for, and they played some things I don’t think I would have thought of myself, so that was good.”
Personally, I am loving his new style! I think once adjusted, having his new band really benefited this album. It allowed him more time to focus solely on his lyrics, which I absolutely love, before composing any music.
Aside from Back & Fourth, Pete also has an entire duet album with Scarlett Johansson, which just came out yesterday. The album is called Break Up, and from what I’ve heard so far, it’s actually pretty good!
My favorite songs off the Back & Fourth album would have to be his first single, Don’t Wanna Cry, and Thinking of You, which are both posted below. He is also playing at The Fillmore here in San Francisco on August 24th. So any bay area listeners should definitely attend!
For the last few days I have been listening to the new Eels album, Hombre Lobo, and I have to say I am really impressed! I must admit this is the first Eels album I’ve actually bought and listened to all the way through, but what I’m hearing has certainly inspired me to go back and listen to everything I haven’t heard.
Often referred to as “A Man Called E”, “Mr. E” or just “E”, Mark Oliver Everett is the talented man behind the music. The title, Hombre Lobo, translates to “wolfman”, which is no coincidence to Everett having a super long, rugged beard on the album cover. Describing how it inspired the mood of his new songs, Everett said “I was working on some other music and I looked in the mirror one morning and I saw this werewolf staring back at me. And I thought, ‘You know, this beard doesn’t really suit the music I’m working on currently. I should cut it off.’ And then, at the last minute, it occurred to me, ‘Well, why don’t I just make some music that suits the beard, and I’ll keep it.’ ” He later said that he would imagine the dog-faced boy from 2001’sSouljacker album to have grown up as a “dignified oldwerewolf”, and this is who he channels throughout these 12 songs of desire.
The lyrical content of this album is what has really kept me playing it over and over again. It is meant to be a character/concept album, as Everett takes on the mood of his beard to tell his stories; but it’s interesting to me how he goes from obnoxious lust and seduciton to serious and desperate emotion. The tracks’ order seem to trade off evenly between the two tones of songs; almost like a conversation between the real E and his werewolf. Perhaps it was just easier for him to be this raw and personal when speaking through an imaginary character? Nevertheless, each song feels real and honest, which is why I think this album will speak to people and be well received by critics.
I posted the edgier track, Tremendous Dynamite, and the softer, All the beautiful Things, below; but I really suggest buying the whole album. I’d bet on this one being around for a while!
I’ve decided lately that work is the best place to decide if you like a new CD or not. If it keeps you entertained or makes your day at all better or faster, then it’s always worth a second listen. Lately at work I have been listening to Coconut Records non-stop! The new album, Davy, is amazing. It has the perfect mellow, yet catchy vibe to it, which keeps me working and entertained all at once. Coconut Records is actually the name of Jason Schwartzman’s indie pop solo project, which he started back in 2006. You know him best as the actor from The Darjeeling Limited, I heart Huckabees, Spun, and Slackers. And before that, he was the drummer and songwriter for the band, Phantom Planet. He wrote that fantastically over-played theme song, California, for The OC. I actually didn’t realize that Coconut Records was him until I did some research; but once I did, it just made it even better! Jason is currently working on a movie (which I cannot wait to see) called Funny People with Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen. He’s also doing the score for the movie. (How much do you want to be this guy’s new best friend right now?) Jason’s first CD, entitled Nighttiming, featured collaborations from Brandon Boyd (Incubus), Zooey Deschanel (ex girlfriend, She and Him), and Robert Carmine (brother, lead singer of Rooney). Coconut Records‘ sophomore album, Davy, as far as I know, is a complete solo effort. So considering how great it is, I am hoping that after his upcoming movie, Jason continues to stick to music for a while!
About a year ago I graduated from college and got my first real job. I’d have to say my number one fear at the time (aside from finally having to become a real grown up, of course) was that I wouldn’t make any friends at work. Luckily this fear was shattered within hours of my first day when I was introduced to Amber. Sure, we were probably only introduced because we were close in age and fashion sense, but the second music was mentioned we bonded instantly. The first time we went to lunch together, The Spill Canvas, one of my absolute favorite bands, was playing in her car. That was pretty much the moment I knew we would be work “musical soulmates”. Ever since then, we are always exchanging our latest musical discoveries and recommendations with each other. Recently she gave me a Jenny Lewis CD to listen to, which I fell in love with, so I asked Amber to write a guest post about her. Here’s what she had to say below:
Jenny Lewis
From country roots blossomed an amazing indie rock sensation that mixes folk, country, rock, and soul into a unique and refreshing sound known as Jenny Lewis. On her way to being a household name, Lewis is definitely a recognized name in the indie rock world. Once a 80s child star from Las Vegas, NV, Lewis made her music career start in 1998 when her and friends started the band Rilo Kiley. Their most popular record “Under the Blacklight” was released in 2007, and is simply terrific. If you don’t have the album already, I suggest you pick it up. Well worth the money! You may also recognize her amazing voice from The Postal Service, where she guests on many songs of their 2003 ‘Give Up’ album. Lewis performed in the video for the single “We Will Become Silhouettes”, and toured with the band in 2003. Lewis contributed vocals to several tracks on the 2004 Cursive album ‘The Ugly Organ’. These guest spots are what first got me noticing Jenny Lewis’ unique and powerful voice, and encouraged me to check out her solo projects.
Lewis didn’t embark on her solo career until 2006, then known as Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins. Along with 2 EPs, the full-length album ‘Rabbit Fur Coat’ was well received by critics. But it was Lewis’ newest solo album Acid Tongue, released in 2008, that propelled her into indie rock stardom. The album is amazing all around. Listening to tracks “The Next Messiah” and “Jack Killed Mom” throws the listener back into the acid trip 1960s. While tracks like “Trying My Best to Love You” (listen for Zooey Deschanel singing backup) and “Pretty Bird” shows off Lewis’ powerful range and beautiful tone of voice. Among high energy soul-infused tracks like “See Fernando” and “Carpet Baggers” (featuring legend Elvis Costello), title track “Acid Tongue” and “Black Sand” are great for early mornings or other mellow times of your day. As you can see, every track on this album is equally impressive and provides an exploding range of emotions and moods that doesn’t get old. Not convinced after the first listen? Listen again. It only gets better.
Jenny Lewis recently played the Coachella Festival in Indio, CA, and is currently on a U.S. tour. She plays The Fillmore in San Francisco this Thursday and Friday, May 28 and 29. See you there!
One of my favorite places to discover new music is through TV shows. I guess I’m revealing my secret here, but I swear you can find some of the best new artists just from turning on your favorite show! Being quite the TV fanatic (if you only knew what an understatement that is) I had long ago discovered the San Fransico-based band, Highwater Rising. Their songs were featured on The OC, Sex and the City, Summerland and One Tree Hill. But frontman, Aidan Hawken, has been flyin’ solo for a few years now and I absolutely love him. He basically sounds like if The Shins, Elliot Smith and Band of Horses had a baby. Yes, pretty much a dream! Aidan’s newest album is called, The Sleep of Trees, which I have not stopped listening to all week. My favorite song, Innocent, is posted below. You should also check out Fly Straight and Shut Me Out. Or visit his myspace page here.
Sometimes I forget how lucky I am that there is such a good music scene here in San Francisco. On any given night there is probably someone singing in my town that I would want to see play. Sure it’s unrealistic to see them all, but I do try to get to shows as often as I can. It’s one of the best ways to discover new artists!
On wednesday night my roommates and I went to see Jay Nash play at the Red Devil Lounge here in SF. Yes, we are guilty of being impressed by just about any semi attractive guy playing a guitar, but Jay far exceeded both of these qualifications. Within seconds of hearing his voice we were giving each other looks of shock from how incredible he sounded. His voice is soulful and powerful, yet warm and inviting all at the same time. His sound mixes a perfect blend of country, folk, blues and rock, which makes it all the more reason to fall in love with it. His set was one good song after another. He’s definitely one of those people that is even better to watch live as he truly was connecting with the audience. As much as I’d like to say that he and I had a serious love connection (we did make it to concert second base: eye contact), I think every girl in the room was probably feeling the same way.
When asked about performing live Nash said, “There was something kind of magical and amazing about it. It wasn’t about me, but having all these people in the same place feeling the same things, forgetting about everything else for that moment.” Perhaps this feeling is what makes Jay such a good performer. How refreshing it is to hear an artist so in touch with what makes a good show.
On top of all this, he seems like a really fun guy. He stuck around and signed CDs after the show making sure to talk with everyone who waited, including myself. He even had a few drinks and watched the next band with the crowd.
Jay’s latest album is called The Things You Think You Need which has received wonderful reviews. One of the slower songs, Over You, channels a Joshua Radin vibe, and Barcelona showcases his wide vocal range and ends with some truly chilling vocals by Sarah Bareilles. Jay Nash’s album is certainly one I would recommend picking up. You wont be disappointed!
Blind Pilot is Israel Nebeker and Ryan Dobrowski, a folk duo from Portland that have been best friends since college. Last year they decided it would be fun to go on a west coast bike tour. Literally. They road bikes and carried their own equipment to play shows all along the west coast. How great is that!? Their album, 3 Rounds and a Sound, was very well received drawing comparisons to some of my favories: The Shins, Modest Mouse and Iron and Wine. I’d describe their sound as a mix of indie and folk with an acoustic, laid back feel to it. AKA my dream combination. This is the first band in a long time that captured my attention so quickly. Within seconds of sampling a song on their myspace, I knew I had to buy the whole album, and now I can’t stop playing it. It was hard for me to even choose a favorite song to post, but I finally narrowed it down to two. Below you can listen to One Red Thread and 3 Rounds and a Sound. If you don’t hear from me for a while it’s because I’m off training on my new bike (which I need to purchase) in case the guys want company on their next tour!
