11 Kentuckiana Bands Who Had a Great 2013

Kentucky is truly filled with great and diverse music. There were many names this year who released great records and made noise nationally. From hip hop and spunky rock to electro pop and down home country, the commonwealth was bursting at the seams with great tunes done by great people. Here are some (and by no means all) of the highlights:

The Debauchees: The rising stars in the Louisville music scene are these three spunky teens. Two things that pop out even before hearing their tunes. The group is two thirds female and they decided to create the band before they knew how to play. With that being said, they create some poppy spunk rock with vocals to kill from their debut release Big Machines & Peculiar Beings.

The Pass: Labelmates with The Debauchees and purveyors of the same scene, The Pass from Louisville keeps getting bigger with every album. They were still ridding the coattails of their second full length Melt when they began 2013 and they are on this list especially for their announcement of a new album and special release of singles that will occur during the first four months of 2014. The Pass's electro pop will keep you dancing and yes, the occasional air guitar.

Cage The Elephant: The biggest name on this list is the alternative rockers from Bowling Green, Kentucky. They made their year with the release of their third album Melophobia (which oddly enough means fear of music). CTE threw us something different on Melophobia including a horn section and a guest spot from Alison Mosshart from The Kills. Supposedly they didn't allow themselves to listen to any music other than their own during the recording process. We are still waiting on a full blown tour from CTE but check out Letterman's reaction when they played lead single "Come A Little Closer" on his show.





 Sundy Best: Here is a pair of good ol' boys from Prestonburg, Kentucky that have been playing the heck out of the state and region throughout all of 2013. The released Door Without A Screen in 2013 and have already made plans for their second album Bring Up The Sun in March 2014. It's simple tunes-one plays guitar, the other is percussion and that usually means the box. They sing very tangible lyrics and down home tunes. Country is real and it's Sundy Best.

Buffalo Rodeo: Buffalo Rodeo is another fantastic band from the crop of alternative bands that keep coming out of Bowling Green. But they definitely have their own style. Hard enough to rock out to and poppy enough to dance and sing along to, Buffalo Rodeo had a great year by releasing their best EP yet in April called Home Videos. They play a crazy live show and they plan on keeping the momentum in 2014. Zanzabar in Louisville seem as if it is becoming the home away from Casa de Buffalo. They return January 16.

Ben Sollee: Ben Sollee can do just whatever he absolutely wants and people will eat it up. Originally from Lexington, he captivates us with his sincerity, generosity and innovation. His activism is always present in his work and that usually deals with his protests of mountaintop removal. This year he released The Hollow Sessions, for free and unannounced. It was an album chalk full of great cover tunes. Sollee started solo but has come to bringing his percussion Jordan Ellis and much more of a full band around now. He went a bike tour earlier this fall where he traveled to each show via bike.

The Hollow Sessions (name your price bandcamp album)  

Nerves Junior: Way back in February, Nerves Junior released what some people have called the best EP of the year in Craters. That garnered the Louisville band an invite to SXSW. Nerves junior continued with walking the fine line between darkness and dreams with ambient synth and driving rhythm section with drowning vocals. Stay tuned for a full length.



Jalin Roze: There may be an argument but Jalin Roze is Louisville's best hip hop act hands down in my opinion. His beats are creative and bumping. His rhymes are catchy, relatable, and driving. Still can't get over when he rhymed "newest thrills" and "are you for real" with "Dumervil" (former UofL LB). The best part of his year was playing Pianos in NYC for CMJ. He documented it. Watch it here. Roze announced today that he will be touring with a full band in 2014.

Matt Duncan: At the very very beginning of the year Matt Duncan (the band, not the dude) released the best throwback with their album Soft Times. We are talkin Motown and Stax for white guys. The key word is smooth--in lyrics and music. The Lexington group brought a '70s flashback with a twist and its definitely easy on the ears.

Kaleidico: Kaleidico released Free Falling Waltz to the world in May in all its psychedelic glory. This record was maybe the most critically acclaimed record to come out of Louisville this year. They have not done too much promotion for it, but that definitely does not take away from how good it is. To compare it to something, I would say a dreamier Tame Impala with less guitar. But it basically sounds like an experiment, there is so much going on. They ring in the New Year at The New Vintage tonight.

Free Falling Waltz

Honorable Mention (because of geography): Louisville has a tendency to kind of claim everything good that comes out of New Albany because it is just across the river and sometimes it really seems like the same city. Sooooo the last band may be the pretty big, but I'll throw it in here anyways.

Houndmouth: Houndmouth had the best year ever. Hailing from New Albany, Indiana, they brought their guitar twang raucous all over the USA and Europe hitting the festival circuit with a fierce energy. From the thumping "Come On, Illinois" to the crowd sing along "Krampus," their debut album From the Hills Below The City officially made them national news. Don't expect it to slow down either.

There you have it: a mix of 10 of Kentucky's best plus one from southern Indiana because I had to. It shows how blossoming Kentucky is in terms of their musical success and diversity. I did not even mention how much bigger Forecastle is getting every year. String Cheese Incident, The Black Keys, and The Avett Brothers headlined this year and we can expect more and more for 2014. Not to forget Cropped Out Music Festival, @LouMUSICulture, the resurgence of the Louisville record shop, and all the fantastic shows that took place this year (some of which you have seen on this blog).

Here's to an even better 2014. Cheers.    



Deciphering Today's Country Music: Part 1

I have no idea what qualifies as country music. Do you?

I have been confused with the essence of country music ever since high school when some people who became my best friends also were some of the people went to the free Billy Currington shows at the KY States Fair. Since then, I have seen The Band Perry, Lady Antebellum, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Zac Brown Band, Miranda Lambert, Eric Church, Rascal Flatts, Eli Young Band, and Little Big Town.

It may not be my favorite genre, but I been around it a few or so times.

I still don't get it.

When I saw the viral video called Why Country Music Was Awful in 2013 (created by Entertainment Weekly country music writer Grady Smith), I really believe that what he says makes a lot of sense. It's a male dominated genre in airplay whose lyrics are both similar and shallow. In my opinion, it is a female dominated genre in talent. Women like Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, Ashley Monroe, and Carrie Underwood have the chops to takes down all the guys. I do not include Taylor Swift in that list because I still don't know how much country she actually plays anymore.

I assume the male singers are popular because men idolize them and women want to be with them. They are finding ways to pinpoint the demographic and create music distinctly for their tastes.

 But their position on these tunes reminds me of a Bo Burnham sketch. Here I will let him explain.

Both the music and lyrics of most of these men (specifically the ones in the video like Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, and Randy Houser) are vague enough to apply to most any girl. That's why I feel like today's country music is very popular to both country, rock, and pop fans. They are vague and blur the lines off different genres both musically and lyrically.

With that being said, I'll go off the topic of the video a little bit and address my confusion with what people classify as country music. The multiple country music awards shows throughout the year are exhibitions of what country fans find acceptable in and out of the country world. A fine example is the monologue of Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood when they host the CMAs.

Country Music Television though is a different story. Musicians that were presenters or performers at the 2013 CMTs included Lenny Kravitz, Seth & Scott Avett, Ed Sheeran, and Nelly. Not necessarily twangiest of people are they? Also in terms of CMT music videos, sometimes those are loosely interpreted as country. I am thinking specifically of Moon Taxi's "River Water" and The Wild Feathers' "The Ceiling." Both are very high quality songs and those are two of my favorite bands but are they country songs? And if they are country songs, are they today's country songs? It is decisions like these two that make me believe that country music isn't one genre or one idea, but merely determined by what the county demographic deems good and acceptable.

Now to address those that  oppose that country is definitely not one genre or idea. Well I would disagree. I will point out specifically country and hip hop/rap that are defined by certain values and musical characteristics. Other genres that have been given names like pop, rock, alternative, and indie are loosely based more on a philosophy, an attitude, or how the songs get played on radio. Pop, rock, alternative, and indie songs have such a wide spectrum within the genre and before country became influenced by these other genres they were their own entity with their own sound.

None of these accusations are too diminish the songs themselves that are listed here. My point is that what was country music in the past is hard to recognize by who represents the genre. If you ask anyone, they will attest that one of my favorite bands is Zac Brown Band and how much I love their concerts. But they are a fine example of the melding that occurs and I will just state it by who they cover in their shows, as cover songs are a great indicator of the influence of the band. At ZBB's show in Tulsa on December 28, they played 25 songs and 10 cover songs. The bands they covered were John Mayer, Stevie Wonder, Van Morrison, Dave Matthews Band, Guns'n'Roses, Garth Brooks, Billy Joel, James Taylor, Metallica, Led Zeppelin, and The Charlie Daniels Band. Now that is a wide array of artists, all likely to be received well.

I'll end this little explanation with a couple women who I believe are represented what country music used to be: Ashley Monroe and Kacey Musgraves.

I have got to be wrong in this thing somewhere so let me know what you think in the comments section or tweet to me @parasiticnoise.

Phish and Conference USA basketball

Phish irritated some fans this Halloween by "covering themselves" than their usual routine of covering an album like they have done in the past such as The Beatles "The White Album." But in changing things up, the band played their next album in its entirety which they said they will record soon.

It's noteworthy to me because I am a fan of the University of Louisville. But what exactly is the connection between Phish and the University of Louisville?

Well...Phish wrote a song about one of the most random things that anyone might be able to conjure up. They debuted a song at their Halloween show this year about the 2005 Conference USA basketball championship game. Completing in this game was Memphis and Louisville. The song is specifically about the internal turmoil of Darius Washington Jr. (Memphis) at the free throw line. He was fouled while shooting a three point field goal as tike expired. His team was down two.

He only made one. Louisville won.

Here is a story by ESPN on Darius Washington and those free throws.

 

And now the song. Here is Phish debuting "The Line" live in Atlantic City this year on Halloween.

 

"The Line" begins at 2:07:10

Check Out Your New Favorite Female Vocalist

Her name is Nini Fabi and she sings for the electropop band Haerts. Fabi was originally born in Ohio and moved to Germany. She studied music in Boston and now has landed in New York. In the attached video for the song "Wings" off the debut EP Hemiplegia, Fabi has such a commanding vocal part of the song. Her elongated notes drown everything else out and yet the beat compliments her very well. Can't wait to her the full length from Haerts.

"Wings" is being performed during CMJ 2013 at Judson Memorial Church. The acoustics are incredible.

Haerts website

My Favorite Albums of 2013

I'm no genius and I am hardly a qualified critic but I figured I can shed a little light on my favorite albums of 2013. No order--just a group of the best (with audio/video of my favorite song from each).

Cage The Elephant -- Melophobia

The Wild Feathers -- The Wild Feathers

Arcade Fire -- Reflektor

Jake Bugg -- Shangri La

The Debauchees -- Big Machines and Peculiar Beings

Moon Taxi -- Moutains Beaches Cities

Kurt Vile -- Wakin On A Pretty Day

GROUPLOVE -- Spreading Rumours

Houndmouth -- From The Hills Below The City

Kacey Musgraves -- Same Trailer, Different Park

Music News O' The Day (12/19) + Jagwar Ma

The Super Bowl halftime show may be headlined by Bruno Mars, but that will be just scratching the surface of music come Super Bowl weekend in New York. On Thursday, January 30 a "History of Hip Hop" party is on, hosted by The Roots featuring Run DMC, Busta Rhymes and special guests. Friday the 31st, take in some Imagine Dragons and follow that up on the first of February with the double bill of Foo Fighters and Zac Brown Band. And before going to the game on Sunday, fans can take in Fall Out Boy and Jake Owen. Also NYC radio station WFAN will be hosting a Super Bowl party of their own the night before the game with a lineup that includes Red Hot Chili Peppers, MS MR, J. Roddy Walston & the Business, New Politics, and Basic Vacation. (via Consequence of Sound)

The first slate of Grammy performers have been announced. They are as follows: Daft Punk (first live performance since 2008), Kendrick Lamar with Imagine Dragons, Pink with Nate Ruess of fun. and a combination of Merle Haggard, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, and Blake Shelton. The Grammys are January 26. (via The AV Club)

On the heels of announcing new singles and their debut on vinyl, The Pass will unveil each 7'' with a release show every month from January to April. That means one show each month at Zanzabar in Louisville. Each show will  feature great local/regional acts with some special guests. The first show is Saturday January 11 with Skyscraper Stereo. Tickets are $8. (editorial: How about having the full album release party in the summer at Headliner's or The New Vintage where youngin's under 21 can go and enjoy these great tunes.) (via Backseat Sandbar)

Listern here: Jagwar Ma "Uncertainty"

New Video for "Mason Jar" + more from Smallpools

smallpools is a four piece indie pop band based in Los Angeles. Their second ever music video is shot in the UK. Looks like they are popular there too, eh?

This music video is a good indication of the ride you will be on at a smallpools show. Four fun guys playing their own fun music for everyone to dance along with. Its infectious.

These guys have already toured with San Cisco, Two Door Cinema Club, Walk the Moon, Twenty One Pilots, and soon they will make their way with GROUPLOVE. They keeping finding themselves in good company and soon, you will hear their name all over the place. We can hopefully expect a full length soon but in the meantime listen to their debut four song self titled EP.

Take a look also at their first video for "Dreaming"

If you like "Dreaming," Smallpools released a Dreaming Remix EP with remixes done by The Chainsmokers, Magic Man, Zookeper, Charlie XCX, and Twin Idol. More awesome contagious dancing!

Smallpools is for you folks who like being happy and letting music be the catalyst for that habit.

2014 Grammy Predictions

These predictions are made in accordance with who I want to win, not who will win. If I wrote about who will win, what fun would that be? Because the Grammys likely won't give an award to the best music anyway...

Oh yeah, I only I predicted the categories that I feel have really good music in them or are the top awards.

All the nominees can be found by clicking here

Record of the Year: Radioactive--Imagine Dragons

 

 Album of the Year: Random Access Memories--Daft Punk

Song of the Year: Royals--Lorde

 

Best New Artist: Kacey Musgraves

 

Best Rock Performance: Radioactive--Imagine Dragons (second award for same song so I threw in a different video: On Top Of The World)

Best Rock Song: Ain't Messin' 'Round--Gary Clark Jr.

 

Best Alternative Music Album: Modern Vampire of the City--Vampire Weekend

 

Best Country Solo Performance: I Want Crazy--Hunter Hayes

 

Best Country Song: Merry Go 'Round--Kacey Musgraves

 

Best Country Album: Same Trailer Different Park--Kacey Musgraves

 

Best Dance Electronic Album: Random Access Memories--Daft Punk



 

 

WHAT DO YOU SAY?!

Give This Collab A Chance

Because you need to know that Dave Grohl isn't an idiot for working with a country band. Because you need to know that each member of Zac Brown Band is so incredibly skilled. Because Zac Brown Band is not like every other country band out there--they are so much more.

ZBB covers anyone from The Charlie Daniel Band, Dave Matthews Band, Metallica, Led Zeppelin, and David Gray at their shows. I mean Zac Brown recently appeared at Lock'n Festival and played a set with The String Cheese Incident and Furthur, for god's sake. My friend reminds me all the time of how I thought that Rolling Stone said ZBB uses "rock undertone" was so cool. But legitimately, they serve many audiences.

Their debut album started way more country with song titles like "Chicken Fried" and "Where The Boat Leaves From." Ever since then they have merged more and more into rock with a country twist. On their second album You Get What You Give, they include a 10 minute jam called "Who Knows." On their next album they include collaborators Amos Lee and Trombone Shorty. They host a cross-genre festival in Nashville and Charleston which included Dawes, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeroes, and Grace Potter & the Nocturnals among others.

The song "Day For The Dead" that ZBB and Dave Grohl performed together at the CMAs a couple weeks ago is an absolute jam. Grohl is producing the next album and there is no ceiling for what that collaboration can produce.

Don't write it off. Neither country fans or rock fans should consider this a terrible move by either party. Give it a chance. 

Buffao Rodeo Kills It Again In Louisville

Buffalo Rodeo played Iron Bells CD release party last night at Diamonds in Louisville and they ripped some songs off their "Home Videos" EP they released in April and some songs "so new they don't even have titles yet" singer and keyboardist Jordan Reynolds announced during the show.

 

They are entertainers. They are passionate. As a cohesive unit, Buffalo Rodeo puts on a killer show regardless of the attendance or venue. There is something inside of them that they feel about their music making their show such a spectacle. But it does not come from flash or dazzle. It's five people pounding on drums, wailing into their microphones, or blasting into their guitars--raw energy.

 

It's amazing to watch and I can't get enough.

Next the band will be taking a part of a show tour with The Weeks including a stop back in Louisville at Zanzabar on December 4. Be there!

 

For a taste, check out their bandcamp page.

http://buffalorodeo.bandcamp.com/

 

Houndmouth. Night 1. Welcome Home. We Love You.

I have never seen a band have more genuine fun that what I saw onstage at Headliner's last night. I do not know if it was the fact that they were home or they were playing to a sold out crowd but there was magic in the air last night at the Houndmouth show. (Not to mention they covered "This Magic Moment.")

 

Almost every member played every instrument and all of them were all smiles and sometimes all dancing. From the crowd roaring "Krampus" to a the gang vocals of "Penitentiary" and a closing cover of "I Shall Be Released," Houndmouth was pumping out a wall of sound with every tune.

 

From the balcony at Headliner's I saw a sold out crowd so energetic, so entranced in what they will now claim as their own. Yeah sorry New Albany, Louisville is probably going to take it from here. Trade ya Jennifer Lawrence?

 

The stage was reminiscent of the original Thanksgiving concert feast a la The Last Waltz with a tapestry depicting their album cover and a chandelier hanging the middle of the stage, but by the end of the show everyone on stage had ripped it to shreds. They left everything out there and hey they will do it tonight too to another sold out crowd. Daniel Martin Moore and Howell Dawdy open tonight.

 

You're lucky if you got a ticket this weekend. Houndmouth isn't going anywhere. Anywhere but up that is. 

 

   
   
   
   
   

Video Premiere: The Debauchees "I've Got Energy"

Take a look at the first video from Louisville trio The Debauchees for "I've Got Energy" off their debut album Big Machines and Peculiar Beings. Powered by pumping bass lines and interesting vocals, The Debauchees are only 19 years old and you can't tell. "I've Got Energy" is an pronouncement of just that--a catchy, dance-y guitar riff and an energetic tempo.

The video is so them. Playing in front of the big screen at a drive in theater, the band is hammering away while lead singer Sydney Chadwick finds herself a star on screen. Together with some moments of them just being themselves, the video is simple and funky--a good reflection of the tune.

"I've Got Energy"

Imagine Dragons Steal The Spotlight at AMAs

Rock doesn't really get the best spotlights in major American awards show and but boy oh boy did Imagine Dragons steal it last night.

At the American Music Awards Sunday night, in a show sandwiched between the biggest and brightest like Justin Timberlake, Lady GaGa, and Katy Perry, Imagine Dragons made the absolute most of their performance with a medley of Demons/Radioactive.

Frontman Dan Reynolds's towering figure commanded the stage while the rest of the band's intensity was just as equal. Their performance was so powerful because it's wasn't flashy. No choreographed dance moves. No big drama. It was all intensity start to finish.

The best part about the song was that it wasn't a charade. They did not tailor the performance to the AMA stage as other artists do. I saw them in Indianapolis earlier this year and that's what they do. They didn't make anything up for your amusement on a grand stage. The gave the AMA's the show they give every single fan. They were true to themselves and true to the music. Maybe that's why rock can't seem to find its place on these stages....

At one point in the performance every member of the band was playing some sort of percussion, all of the giving all the energy into the drums. Their performance and their Favorite Alternative Rock Artists award will keep the buzz going on a well deserved band.

When the crowd gave Imagine Dragons a standing ovation, I could not help but remember Arcade Fire. They won Album of the Year in 2011 and Dr. Dre's face was priceless--like he didn't even know who they were. I love how these bands show that rock will never die. It may fade, but it will never die.

Americana Amped Up By A Brit

Jake Bugg was 17 when she stepped on stage at Glastonbury. He hasn't looked back since.

Last week, he released his second album Shangri La with the added help of Rick Rubin and Chad Smith (of RHCP). Bugg was pegged as a revitalization of early Bob Dylan because his first album sounded very Greenwich Village-esqe. Even the vocals were recorded soft and faded. But luckily with his second album, he didn't pigeon hole himself.

Speaking of vocals, Bugg's voice is very unique. It borders on screechy but its sincere and pronounced. After all, he is still young and that's what it sounds like. When you hear the mature music, you sometimes forget it.

Shangri La loses the old time production of Bugg's first album and ups the tempo. "What's Doesn't Kill You" sounds like Arctic Monkeys grungy pop (I would Alex Turner a bigger influence than Bob Dylan). "Me And You" sounds like California hippie folk. His songwriting melds ages and genres. 

Bugg disputes that Dylan was ever really an influence, but just like an earlier release from Gary Clark Jr. , you can pinpoint what Bugg is all about. His predecessors played a big role in his past but his present is very much Jake Bugg.

Bugg is playing naturally and enthusiastically. No image. No fluff. Listen to Shangri La for some genuine tunes. He can rock, he can roll, he can play 'em all.

What Doesn't Kill You

A Song About Love

Your New Favorite Band: St. Lucia

Folks, I've found it: your new favorite band. And its name is St. Lucia.

Actually it's Jean-Philip Grobler, a South African born (now based in Brooklyn) indie pop beat master. He will remind you of the '80s but not take you exactly there. Grobler brings in some acoustic guitars as well as a saxophone that is featured prominently in multiple songs on his debut album When The Night. St. Lucia is anthemic, dance tunes.

The synths are driving, the drums are pounding and every song is danceable in its own way. Grobler's vocal choices are essential to his songs. His voice (a young Sting if Sting danced a little more) is strong and layered, making a big wall of sound. He also brings a female vocal to compliment his voice well. It's breath of fresh air.

Guitars, synths, saxophone, vocals--all leading to a big, playful sound for all the freaks in the night. Let loose with St. Lucia.

I highly recommend St. Lucia for fans of M83, Passion Pit, and Ellie Goulding. In January, St. Lucia will begin a tour of major cities on the East and West Coast.

Need to hear songs: Closer Than This, The Night Comes Again, Elevate

St. Lucia live on Jimmy Kimmel performing Elevate

 

 

 



Music video for September

Lily Allen "Hard Out Here"

Lily Allen is no stranger to the modern day behavior and view of women in the spotlight. The paparazzi and tabloids in England followed her around everywhere making her a constantly subject of the pictures and articles. She hardly stood for it though.

Before she took a break from music to focus on her family and to get away, she was never shy with what was on her mind. "The Fear" describes women being forced to take off the clothes to get famous and "22" explains that life is over for women after 22.

Recently, we found out that Allen is back after a four year break when she released "Hard Out Here," a direct cheeky poke at the twerkers of the world.

"Don't need to shake my ass for you 'cause I got a brain."

Taking the title from Three 6 Mafia's "It's Hard Out Here For A Pimp," she says it's hard out here for a bitch. The video is especially direct. She starts by laying on a surgical table as doctors try to perfect it to beauty's standards while her manager says the Letterman and Kimmel have passed her over. From there, many music videos with scandalous female dancing and flashy everything.

Glad to see Lily Allen is back. Exactly what we were looking for.

KROQ Announces Huge Almost Acoustic Christmas Show

There are thousands of people in Los Angeles who had their prayers answered with the best KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas this year. KROQ has brought together the best of the alternative/indie rock world for two nights of fantastic music.

Night 1: Kings of Leon, Queens of the Stone Age, Arctic Monkeys, Vampire Weekend, Foals, Cage the Elephant, Grouplove, AFI, New Politics

Night 2: Arcade Fire, Lorde, Phoenix, Portugal. the Man, Fitz and the Tantrums, Atlas Genius, The Neighbourhood, Bastille, Capital Cities

Tickets run from $96-$177 and night 1 is already sold out. The show is held at Shrine Auditorium.

The jam packed lineup will absolutely deliver and you have KROQ to think for that.  

Cover of the Week

 

"The Suburbs" by Mr Little Jeans

Mr Little Jeans is Norwegian born Monica Birkenes and she transforms Arcade Fire's "The Suburbs" into a darker tune filled with swerving overdubs and layered vocals. Her take on the song sounds more like the minute and a half part of "The Suburbs" that Arcade Fire included at the end of their album.

Her vocals reflect the almost whispering and nonchalant voice of Win Butler, but instead of a quiet drum beat, Mr Little Jeans emphasizes the orchestration and adds her eerie synths with a haunting wail in the background.

Still, her voice and transformation shows her ability to know the music in its essence. Watch out for Mr Little Jeans debut full length album and catch her single "Oh Sailor."

For reference, I have included the Arcade Fire original version of The Suburbs.

Check This Guy Out Too

While you are here...

You need to check out The Weekly Feed. This is just a quick shout out to a WFPK DJ in Louisville doing it his own way and killing it. Good tunes and a stellar interview every episode. Kyle has recently sat down with Queen of the Stone Age, Arctic Monkeys, and Matt & Kim.

"It's a one hour specialty show hosted by Kyle Meredith from the WFPK studios in Louisville, KY. We find the newest, best, and most discussed tracks making waves across the net and compile them all into a mixtape bent on keeping you up-to-date."
  http://www.theweeklyfeed.org/

This guy is my favorite.

Review: Wet "You're the Best"

Wet (Neon Gold Records) new song "You're The Best" is catchy beyond belief. It begins with vocals through a vocoder and a simple beat. When they take that as far as it can go, a great strong guitar chord comes in a la Phoenix and turns the song into a fantastic tune. The vocals are so fitting for the music and the atmospheric emptiness in parts of the song makes the sounds the listener does get that much more valuable.

This one will stay in your head all day. So good.

Gotta Have Good Tourmates

I'm a fan of music first and foremost. That's the way I look at music initially. Anything that makes me happy as a fan will make me happy as a critic. As a fan, something that really makes me appreciate what a band does for a fan is filling the bill. Picking cohesive tour mates can really set the tour on fire.

Filling the bill can get the headliner's fans amped before they get on stage. Having fans in the palm of a band's hand from start to finish is hard to do so with the right opening band, they are already locked and loaded for the headliner. Sometimes a great bill has three or four bands as opposed to the normal two, but I say the more the merrier. 

Another benefit for a good opening act is it will bring fans of the opening act to the headliner's show. More bands equals more fan bases for the headliner's music because if fans were wise they would stay till the end. They already paid for the ticket. 

Doing this can also benefit the fan and opening band in a more inclusive way. A fan might show up at the headliner's show, a band they already like, and totally get blown away by the opening act, a band they had never heard of. This has happened to me many times--so much so that I buy their album. 

The best example of this for me was when I saw Passion Pit in Convington, Kentucky just outside of Cincinnati. When I bought the tickets, they had not even announced the openers yet. They ended up being Youngblood Hawke and Hollerado. I bought the Hollerado disc at the show and later got Youngblood Hawke's EP in Indianapolis when they opened for GROUPLOVE. I play those bands all the time now and had not even heard of them before the Passion Pit show. 

A full bill is underestimated and can benefit all parties involved. Headliners needs to put thought into who opens for them because it can bring more fans and hype to the show. They also must make sure the opening band can apply to their bands too. Gotta work together to help yourself. 

Recent and upcoming loaded tours to note:

Walk the Moon w/ The Mowgli's and smallpools

New Politics w/ Sleeper Agent and Magic Man

Fitz & the Tantrums & Capital Cities w/ The Beat Band

Atlas Genius w/ Family of the Year and The Colourist

The Orwells & Fidlar w The Kingston Springs

Local Louisville spotlight:

Iron Bells w/ Buffalo Rodeo, Vice Tricks, and Smoke Shop Kids

Shot at the Night -- The Killers

Today, The Killers release their first greatest hits album, called Direct Hits. It features 13 songs from their previous four albums as well as two new songs, "Shot at the Night" which was produced by M83 frontman Anthony Gonzalez and "Just Another Girl."

"Shot at the Night" is The Killers submission to any John Hughes movie. Producers can play a big part in the tint of songs and in this song, you can hear a lot of the ambient synths and drums Gonzalez frequently uses. It has a booming chorus, Phil Collins-esque '80s drums, and tone setting synths. Brandon Flowers vocals are as strong as ever. "Shot at the Night" is definitely not the guitar oriented rock you sometimes associate with The Killers in their songs like "When You Were Young."

But seriously, can't stop picturing a teenage girl emotionally dancing in an empty high school gym with this song booming in the background. Better late than never--this song is awesome.

Who Needs You -- The Orwells

I have been loving these guys since I got to see then with The Kingston Springs. The Orwells are a young five piece from the Chicago suburbs that already play extremely well as a cohesive unit and it continues with "Who Needs You." The lead singer makes his lyrics howl with strong support from the band. The headbangers and fans of more poppy melody driven songs should both enjoy this song with its pounding drums and guitar. A little playful, a little menacing.

 

The Orwells continue their tour with Fidlar until November 2nd. They are in Nashville tonight and Indianapolis Wednesday. Prepare for a ruckus of a show when you go to see them.

 

 

 

BU Radio Studio Shows

BU Radio has started off the year right with some studio guests. Here are some pictures to show you how we do. Feat. Buffalo Rodeo, Justin Paul Lewis, Ryan Brenzel.