a day with amy and reese

The delightful Amy Kuney asked me yesterday to write a blog about my day with her for her blog. I happily agreed. Check out what I have to say here.

coachella

I have to say, I'm not too impressed with the Coachella lineup this year. The past three years have been wonderful, but I don't think these acts just match up with the glory of past headliners. Radiohead would have been nice, but Goldenvoice may be reserving that for their fall New Jersey festival, the All Points West Music and Arts Festival.

The only artists that really draw my attention are Kate Nash (obviously), Rilo Kiley, M.I.A., DeVotchKa, Cinematic Orchestra, New Young Pony Club, Metric, Black Kids, and the Shout Out Louds.

Kate is set to perform on Saturday, as far as I can tell, as long as they stop changing the schedule. The organization for this year is absolutely disastrous. The poster keeps changing and ticket sales have already halted. They need to get it together, and quickly.

Due to the lack of absolutely stunning bands, I think I may only catch one of the days this year, preferably Saturday.

arctic monkeys: flourescent adolescent

I've been meaning to pick up the Arctic Monkey's new album, Favourite Worst Nightmare, since it released earlier last year. I loved their debut release, Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not, and found it to be a great upbeat dancey album. I also saw their set at Coachella 2007 and they were spectacular. For a group of early 20s guys with much success already attributed to their name, the Arctic Monkeys seem to be a band that's going to be around for awhile.

I finally got their sophomore release this past week and I'm still wondering why it took me so long to do so. It was always on my "to get" list of CDs, but I suppose other albums crept their way ahead of this one.

Although I've only gone through a couple spins of the CD thus far, it is quite good. It seems more rock-edged and less dancey than the last CD, but it definitely maintains that Arctic Monkeys feel.

Flourescent Adolescent would have to be my favorite off of the album at this point. It's fun and catchy.

Surprisingly enough, the lovely Kate Nash recorded a cover of the song in October of last year. Right now, I'm torn between the two versions. Kate gives the Arctic Monkeys a good run for their money on this one. Check out the videos from each artist, the first from the Arctic Monkeys and the second from Kate Nash.

In your opinion, which of these British acts does a better job in their rendition of Flourescent Adolescent?

feist: i feel it all video

It looks like beloved Feist's music video for I Feel it All just released. I love this song. It's so upbeat and fun. It reminds me of summer. The video is spectacular with all of the synchronized fireworks. Enjoy!

radiohead covers new order

One of my favorite songs of all time is Ceremony by New Order. There's just something enchanting about it.

Well, today I found a video of Radiohead, another favorite band, covering Ceremony. They did a pretty nice job, so I recommend you check it out.

For another interesting tidbit, I downloaded Radiohead's new release, In Rainbows, last October when it released digitally. I paid five bucks for it (I don't think anyone should be cheated) and thoroughly enjoy it. Since January, when it released on CD, Barnes and Noble has played it as an instore play. How convenient, right? All of my musical loves as of late have been featured, or will be, where I work.

lilys

I owe Annie of Giant Drag some thanks for introducing me to the music of the Lilys when I asked her for a recommendation. I went out and bought their 2003 release, Precollection.

I enjoyed the rock-minded, Kinks-esque, shoegazing vibe of the band. My favorite track off of the album has to be Will My Lord Be Gardening? There is just something comforting and pleasing about the melody. I immediately fell in love with it.

More recently, I purchased the Lilys' 2006 release, Everything Wrong is Imaginary, which is just as good as Precollection. I recommend the tracks Black Carpet Magic and Scott Free.

Kurt Heasley, the core member of the band, formed the Lilys at the start of the 90s out of Washington, D.C. Lately, they've been doing shows here and there around California. I hope to catch one in the not too distant future.

black kids

My favorite way of discovering new music artists is listening to the bands my favorite artists listen to. Such is the way I heard of Black Kids.

I've raved about Kate Nash in my past few posts, so I did a few Internet searches on her and found out that she covered one of the Black Kids' songs, I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You. You can download her cover here.

I loved the song and craved to learn more about the original artist, Black Kids. Not surprisingly, their Myspace was featured in Kate Nash's top 8.

Black Kids are five lovely individuals from Florida that describe their music as "Indie, Crunk, and Religious." Their music is fun and energetic. You can download their self-released demo EP, Wizard of Ahhhs, for free off of their website, here.

Their musical career has just taken off and I suspect they're bound for a bright future. They are currently touring with Kate Nash around Europe and are set to play the third day of Coachella this year, Sunday, April 27.

kate nash: the instore play

Life has its funny little ways. I found out today that Kate Nash's album, Made of Bricks, which I can't seem to stop listening to, will soon be an instore play at Barnes and Noble. Starting February 1, I'll be granted the pleasure of listening to Kate as I brew some coffee and make some mochas. Delicious.

kate nash at the troubadour

Last night, the wonderful Kate Nash played for a sold out show at the Troubadour in West Hollywood. It was her first time in Los Angeles, and I hope she enjoyed it enough to come back quite soon!

Kate's performance was undoubtedly spectacular. At first she seemed rather reserved, or perhaps a bit nervous, but as the show progressed, she really got into it. Kate would bounce on her piano seat and pound the keys ferociously during the dramatic parts of her songs, like Skeleton Song, Merry Happy, and Mariella. It was all quite impressive.Mostly Kate sang and played on her keys, but pulled out an acoustic guitar for Birds, Nicest Thing, and Dickhead. It was nice to see her emerge from behind the red curtain of her piano. A showgoer complimented her on her darling shoes, and Kate agreed that she loved them too. Such a lovely Brit! The show seemed to pass quickly, but that may be a result of several factors. First of all, I waited around for quite a many hours, and the hour-long performance may have seemed short in comparison. Secondly, the songs seemed a little more upbeat and faster than on the CD. And finally, I know I was having a brilliant time and as you already know, time flies when you're having fun.
Kate and her band, after leaving the stage following Merry Happy, came out to do an encore performance of Little Red and Pumpkin Soup. The crowd went wild as Kate ended the show with a fierce smashing of her hands against the keys for a good couple of minutes. She seemed to draw some entertainment from it.
As she waved goodbye and tossed a guitar pick out to the audience, her watch accidentally flew off of her wrist. Kate commented that she did not mean to do that and the showgoers kindly returned it to her.

Following the show as the crowd dispersed, I saw some of my former Geffen supervisors and said hello. It was nice seeing them again. I hope to keep in touch.

I also spotted the infamous Perez Hilton walking about. He met with Kate after the show and shortly thereafter posted a blog about her show.
Simply, Kate Nash is quite brilliant. Her songs are addictive. Her live performance is energizing. And her demeanor and accent are darling (just look at that reserved and satisfied smile.) Basically, her music makes me smile. Thank you, Kate Nash.
You can find the rest of my pictures here:

vancouver

My much needed trip to Vancouver, Canada was quite a cold one, but also lots of fun. It's always good to get away from work and school and everything for a little while.The first full day there, my friend and I visited the Capilano Suspension Bridge and ran atop treetop bridges while drinking some hot cocoa. The scenery was absolutely amazing and somehow we managed to stay warm despite the rain.Our second day there, we took a stroll around Stanley Park. However, just a little while into it, we felt our toes and our noses freezing off of our body, so we decided to head back to the hotel a little sooner than we planned. Later, we met with a friend for lunch and shopped around the city.

Sunday, we foolishly walked over the Granville Bridge in the freezing rain to go to the Granville Island Public Market. My friend managed to land herself under the aims of a bird while we were there, so it became quite the adventure. In the afternoon, we visited our favorite cafe, Cafe Artigiano, where they make the most beautiful lattes.

All in all, it was a really enjoyable trip. We spent most of our time walking through the icey city singing random bits of Kate Nash and Amy Kuney as we couldn't seem to get them out of our heads. Somehow, I always find some music to characterize my vacations. That just makes them that more memorable. I hope everyone is having a great start to their new year!

kate nash

I have to add Kate Nash to my top favorite musicians, which now makes four. I first heard about Kate last fall because her name just kept coming up on my Last FM account and then her song, Merry Happy, played on Grey's Anatomy. I immediately fell in love.

Kate's music is brilliant fun. Her album, Made of Bricks, which just came out today, makes me want to have a dance party or a giant sing along/clap session in my car. Her music is just a great feel-good album and quite addictive. I'd have to say she reminds me of a nice mix of Regina Spektor and Lily Allen, who in fact paved the way to Kate's discovery.

Kate apparently broke her foot when she fell down a flight of stairs and became housebound. She then decided to focus on her songwriting and start a career in music. After uploading her music to Myspace, Lily Allen placed Kate in her "top 8." Since then, her music has exploded over the UK. Thank goodness for that broken foot.

While in Vancouver this weekend (pictures to come, I promise!) my friend and I continously had Kate's songs stuck in our head as we bobbed about town. I couldn't wait to buy her album when it came out in the US, so I made my way to the nearest HMV to buy it there. We listened to it the entire weekend.

Kate's music videos are just so loveable. I especially love Foundations and Mouthwash.



I'll be catching Kate next Monday at her sold-out Troubadour show. I'll give a full review with loads of pictures!

vacation time

I'm headed up to Vancouver, Canada later today for a little break and to celebrate a friend's birthday. Be on the lookout for pictures and stories!