album cover
The Besnard Lakes out of Montreal on Jagjaguwar have won multiple Canadian awards and been around for awhile. This husband and wife team create atmospheric masterpieces with the perfect touch of fuzz, and the latest release has just premiered the video for the single “People of the Sticks”. Best for people who like things pretty and weird. There’s a lot going on in the sound, try it with headphones.
When I request new music from labels, I’m usually looking for any catchy indie-pop, psych rock, and things that are unique. I did NOT expect to hear the most beautiful sad song I’ve ever heard, though! Then I watched the video and it hit me harder than any Oscar-winning cry-a-thon has. Wow. Amanda Palmer, you are so good.
still from video
Hunters are a rowdy group from Brooklyn who just signed with Mom+Pop Records and are already opening for JEFF the Brotherhood, a personal favorite of mine. Listen to their 5 song EP, it gets better and better song by song, fuzzy rock that is reminiscent of Sonic Youth in a way, and the tracks progressively build until track 5 is just full blast. Love the alternating vocals, reminds me of the angel and devil screeching in each ear. As soon as they start, they light the stage up. And why yes, I do love her hair.
album cover
Kinski from Seattle with Kill Rock Stars have been making their fuzzed out, wildly psychedelic hard rock music for over a decade. The new album Cosy Moments shows a more pop sound, and I love it, especially considering I never expected another album! All the fuzz and garage and over layering are still there, but melodies are stronger, everything just sounds more blissful and ethereal. Listen to track 3, “Skim Milf”, it’s under two minutes, if you like it then you’ll love the 6-8 minute stuff. For the space rock of old, check out track 9, “We Think She’s A Nurse”. I haven’t seen them live (rare!) and their tour dates seem to stick around the East Coast. Come to Denver! We like music!
photo by leslieloudspeaker
Tom Marshall posted a song left off Traveler called “Hotbox” today, and I’ve listened to it 17 times now. They need to hotbox Dick’s, it’s only fitting. Heck, just play it live anywhere!
photo by leslieloudspeaker
Shakey Graves is a one man band to be reckoned with. Just when you think there are enough folk/blues singer/songwriters, someone like Shakey Graves fires through proving you wrong. Hailing from Austin, he’s recently finished a residence at The Parish and went on to become a big buzzed about musician during sxsw. When he walked up to the Denver show in his cowboy hat and leather jacket, fans were stopping him to shake hands, take pictures and tell him thank you. The word has really gotten out! The venue was packed clear back to the soundboard at Hi Dive, filled with people who had heard about this guy and his drum suitcase. He didn’t disappoint. Playing with ease and singing with conviction, he had the audience clapping and in awe, leaving them yelling for an encore, which he gladly played. Next time he comes through town, he’s going to have a big show, and it definitely won’t be free.
On a personal note, when reading his bio, I came across his old headshot. I knew Alejandro instantly from old castings and working on Spy Kids 3. Small world! I’m glad the ghost of Shakey Graves decided to haunt him, guy has talent galore, and I’ve gotta say, the ladies LOVE him, I saw y’all all swooning at the front last night!
photo by leslieloudspeaker
photo by leslieloudspeaker
photo by leslieloudspeaker
photo by leslieloudspeaker
photo by Brittney Bollay
Pickwick have released one of the best albums this year, Can’t Talk Medicine. Indie-pop enthused with the bluesy soul of singer Galen Disston, a guy who listens to his dad’s vinyl collection of Grateful Dead and cites Bob Dylan’s lyrics as an influence, giving a positive sound to this Seattle band, a town known for it’s grunge and sludge. Incredible energy live, caught them at sxsw and the audience was dancing, an activity seldom seen there. Catch them live in Boulder on May 8th.
listen to the album, buy the album, check out tour dates
photo by Russ Simon
Want to find me at a concert when I’m not working? I will be in some form of this outfit, maybe even this exact outfit itself! Concert clothes get grossed up,and I see no point in spending lots of money on concert clothes. This skirt is from Wet Seal, and most likely was no more than 7 bucks. It’s scratchy, it’s cheap, it’s stretchy, it’s perfect. Found out the hard way that you need to wear tights under it, but that’s ok because not only do they save you from thousands of tiny scratches, they keep the skirt in place! I always feel bad watching younger chicks pulling and pulling their little cotton miniskirt ever since they came back in style. Take a walk around the block, always test your stuff out before embarking on five hour dancing excursions! And size up, if it keeps pulling up, it’s too small. No shame in wearing the size that fits and looks good.
The shirt is a really thin linen one from The Gap, and I could kick myself for not buying every color. You get the look of the mismatched plaid without the heat of a flannel. Amazing. It’s not on sale but The Gap, bring this Slim Boyfriend Shirt back. You had it in red/white and blue/orange, too.
I lean towards ankle boots lately just because I’m a little moto and cowboy booted out, and spring is coming! These are awesome and I actually have them in three colors. The leather is soft like a slipper, be careful when taking them off at the end of the night (don’t grab by the heel),
Vince Camuto Marcin Bootie (on sale)
This outfit is so clutch that sometimes, it can even be used as workwear as long as I bring my camera bag (only one pocket with this outfit, must have showpurse ). I love my camera bag from Cheeky Lime, durable, simple, and people know there is camera stuff in there so it parts the sea like Moses.
Classic Red Camera Bag from Cheeky Lime
photo by Russ Simon
Tuesday 4/2
Parenthetical Girls – Hi-Dive – experimental indie pop from Portland video for “A Song for Ellie Greenwich”
Hidden Towers – 3 Kings – post hardcore rock trio from Vancouver, they are touring for their first full length album
Wednesday 4/3
Shakey Graves – Hi-Dive – one man band from Austin, used to play on the streets, now he’s having a moment. True talent. video with story of his name and song
Acid Baby Jesus – Lost Lake – fuzzy punk from Greece, you may have seen them open for Black Lips a couple years ago: video for “It’s On Me”
Cold War Kids – Gothic – Long Beach based moody pop trio with piano. I LOVE these guys. Some friends don’t like the singer’s over-pronunciation, I love it, so make your own decision: new single from latest album
Thursday 4/4
Spiritualized – Bluebird – space rock from England following the demise of Spacemen 3
Airborne Toxic Event – Ogden – for people who like this song
Merchandise – Marquis – these guys are good live video of Merchandise
Deer Tick – Gothic – see them if you haven’t, even the lead singer solo is great their main video
Friday 4/5
The Suspects – 7th Circle – Houston, TX ska band I’ve been seeing my whole life, great ska
Saturday 4/6
Detective – Lions Lair- awesome band on the rise, favorite at sxsw some of their music
Slaughter – Grizzly Rock – gotta do some people watching at a hair metal show at least once a year
Monday 4/7
Purity Ring – Gothic – sugary dance pop, openers Blue Hawaii are pretty good so come early. For a good time read their Youtube comments where people fight over who was a fan first. Purity Ring Video
photo by leslieloudspeaker
Pitchfork Advance is streaming the album right now, check out that remix of “Dejalo” with Too Short I mentioned last week for yourselves! Album out tomorrow!
leslieloudspeaker 