Posts should pick up by the end of the month when I will be going to more gigs around town. Also, expect some down time in the upcoming weeks as i will be moving server locations.

See You Soon

please anticipate the following posts:

Sia
Missy Higgins
Mirah/ the blow

as well as the back to back shows i have tonight for:
8mm
carina round

thank you

~AT

for neglecting this blog for the last few weeks. A lot has been going on with the holidays, shows, and i celebrated my 23rd birthday last week. So, look for reviews on the new Killers disc “Sawdust” and Goldfrapp’s “Seventh Tree” along with the backlogged show reviews that i mentioned last time along with another 8mm gig. I’m hoping to have all these reviews done before i see Tori Amos on the 12th. Thanks for being patient!

~AT

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Now playing: Goldfrapp - Caravan Girl
via FoxyTunes

You have to listen to Kate Nash. I think she’s going to be the next “it” girl. Last summer, it was Lily Allen and next I know its going to be Kate. There are a lot of UK press comparing her to Lily Allen and i can see it only in that they have the same lyrical style in storytelling but Kate is more piano and classical based while Lily had a bunch of electronic beats and ska/ reggae sounds. Kate’s voice is richer while Lily’s is more airy. Though, they both have distinct British accents when singing along to their scathing song lyrics. Lily has a knack for using the higher notes when singing while Kate stays in the middle. Think of Kate as a mix between Regina Spektor with her off beat piano playing and vocal style meshed with Lily Allen’s distinct accent and song writing style.

The track “foundations” has many similarities with Lily Allen’s songs in that they share the same theme and scathing wit. Not to mention the great chorus and melody. My favorite parts in the song are definitely when she sings bitter, fitter, the line about her boyfriend “getting sick on her trainers” and how her throat hangs on the ick in “sick”. I can feel her cringe. Kate and Nash both have that ability to eject sarcasm and attitude into their music that i really love.

Kate Nash “Foundations”

Kate Nash “Mouthwash”

Lily Allen “Smile”:

Regina Spektor “Better”

Regina Spektor “Samson”

According to lostinthe80s they have more than one good song.

Placebo is one of those bands that has been around for a while and has a huge fanbase all of the world. I grew up listening to Placebo and Brian was my Jordan Catalano. Today, they remain one of my favorite bands. Teenage Angst, a single off their self titled debut album was release in July of 1996. It features Brian with longer hair. The concept is simple- features teens with hidden emotions, frustration, uncertainty- identity issues, struggling to break out of their restraints, very my so called life. There is so much red in the video that it reminds of of a womb.

The acoustic version of this song is equally if not better. Listen/ watch it

If you are a fan of the 80s, Lost In the 80’s is a great blog to check out. i was reading through it and discovered a bunch of songs that i have totally forgotten about. Namely, Human League’s “Open Your Heart”. I had forgotten how great that band is! Sure, everyone has heard “don’t you want me” and “fascination” but what of the other songs? Each post also has a lot of information and “trivia”. so check it out!

I’ve been a fan of Nerina for a few years now. I discovered her singing on the Delerium track “Truly”. I was lucky enough to be at one of the west coast shows where she actually performed the track live with Delerium. After the show, I proceeded to immediately purchase her solo record “Dear Frustrated Superstar”. Songs like “My Last Tango”, the tracks that showcased her piano playing really resonated with me. About a year and a half later, i was surprised to see a Myspace message from her introducing herself and asking to be my friend. A few months of correspondence she wrote me again telling me that she would be doing a small show at Hotel Cafe. I jumped at the opportunity to see her play and was completely blown away by what i heard. These songs became the basis for “Fires”, her second record. Boasting such talent as matt chamberlain, wendy melvoin, jon brion, and eric rosse on the record, “Fires” was released on her own label with the backing of her publishing company. The record found success and Nerina was signed on 14th Floor records (damien rice’s label) and re- released. This year Nerina was nominated for a Brit award for British Female Solo Artist as well as an Ivor Novello for best song.

Listen to:
- Idaho
- Sophia
- Damascus
- My Last Tango
- Geek Love
- Peg (steely dan cover)
- Love Will Tear Us Apart (Joy Division Cover)

She’s also been featured on Live at Abbey Road:

The Aquarium Drunkard has a cover of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” by the White Stripes up on their page. I’ve never heard the song before but its wonderfully depressing.

there is this post i just read about Jose that really resonated with me. I think you should read it.
Author Molly Lambert compares Jose’s music to the term Saudade and couldn’t be more accurate.

You should also watch this commercial feat. Jose’s cover of “Heartbeats”

Boasting a lineup of:

Julien- K

HIM

Placebo

Taking Back Sunday

My Chemical Romance

Linkin Park

it is difficult to see why Placebo is even in this grouping- they have been one of my favorite bands since the 90s.  Brian & Co. have boasted international success along numerous world tours. Hopefully the MS broadcast of their set will make their name even more recognizable.