"Mind Control" by Friends is just so damn catchy.
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A Little Slice of History: Joan Jett
Joan Jett, a Queen of Rock n’ Roll got her start as one of the founding members of the Runaways. As just a young thing in the band she sang backing vocals, played rhythm guitar and co-wrote many of their songs. When the band broke up in 1979 she decided to pursue a solo career. The most astounding thing about Joan Jett as a musician is that once her solo album was recorded it was rejected by 23 labels in the US. But she didn’t give up. She created her own label, Blackheart Records and “I Love Rock n’ Roll” became a number one hit. What does this tell musicians?…
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Song of the Week: “The Only Place” by Best Coast
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoPoRuNTo9U&feature=fvwrel]”The Only Place” is the title track off Best Coast’s sophomore album which comes out May 15th. The song holds the characteristics of the catchy music from their debut album, retro sounding, short and sweet and summery. Yet, Bethany Cosentino may have traded in her slightly whiny voice for a more country sound. It works out great for Best Coast, perhaps marks the maturation from debut to sophomore album. Obviously Best Coast loves California, their band name after all does reflect that they think “the west is the best.” This new single is all about their love for California.
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St. Vincent Shows Her New Side at Bogart’s
St. Vincent is one of my favorite musicians and let’s face it… she really is a solo act. I’ve seen her six times now and I’ve watched her evolve from literally a solo act, to having the same band for about three years, to her latest band which is mostly electronic. We get attached to our favorite musicians so sometimes it’s a bit odd to see them change. The show took place May 9 at Bogart’s with the awesome opening act, Shearwater. Annie Clarke is one of my all time favorite guitarists. She is extremely talented and really leads the band with her angelic vocals and mind numbing guitar solos.…
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A Little Slice of History: Janis Joplin
Janis Joplin, born in Port Arthur, Texas in 1943, was a legendary singer who caught the attention of the world originally in the band Big Brother and the Holding Company. Joplin went on as a solo act and became one of the most important women to ever exist in the rock world. What you may not know: Kris Kristofferson, lover and friend of Janis’s, first sang her “Me and Bobby McGee” in the Chelsea Hotel. Janis Joplin’s version went on to be a number one hit and appeared on her famous album, Pearl. Fun fact: Patti Smith was present for this amazing experience.
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Song of the Week: “You’re Early” by 2:54
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9blpg5NknU] When Goth was reborn in the 80’s it pertained to music both dark and beautiful. Bands like The Cure and and Bauhaus so perfectly fit the description. However, Goth became warped and mutilated and became something not so beautiful but more dark and twisted. 2:54 brings the old Goth back to life. Who are they? Two sisters from England, Hannah and Colette Thurlow. There music is largely described as shoegaze but is the Goth that once lived and captured so many hearts back in the 80’s. This music is definitely for fans of I Love You But I’ve Chosen Darkness and The XX.
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Song of the Week: “Walking in L.A.” by Missing Persons
Missing Persons, an 80’s new wave band, was fronted by Dale Bozzio who was well known for her outrageous outfits and unusual voice. “Walking in L.A.” speaks the truth about L.A… “nobody walks in LA.” And they really don’t. The weather is beautiful, the houses are lovely, but somehow it’s rather unstylish to walk to your destinations. Missing Persons’ song appeared on their debut album, Spring Session M, an album that went gold. An upbeat and fun song to listen to, “Walking in L.A.” delivers enough of an edge to make it rockin’. Various members of the band met through Frank Zappa. The band is no longer together. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7U2mvoh8j4M]
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Lisa Walker of Wussy on Why It’s Better to Be a Woman in Rock
I’m a huge fan of Wussy and this week I was fortunate enough to meet with Lisa Walker, vocalist and guitarist of Wussy. We met at Sitwells in Clifton and she walked in with her extremely endearing smile, cowboy boots intact. We chatted for a few minutes about SXSW, which they just played, and about the show they’re playing this Friday at the Taft Theatre. But after a few minutes we got down to the questions, and man, did she have some answers. IK: Where did you get your start in music? LW: Really singing in church and in school. I had a record player in my room and a clock radio. We all got…
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Song of the Week: “Kool Thing” by Sonic Youth
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDTSUwIZdMk&ob=av2n] Sonic Youth. You’ve heard the name but have you heard the music? Probably the original hipsters, Sonic Youth made nerdy cool. This week’s Song of the Week is their song “Kool Thing” off their seventh album, Goo. Kim Gordon directly alludes to the corruption of pop stars and rappers because of fame. David Browne’s book “Goodbye 20th Century” tells a story of Kim Gordon interviewing LL Cool J for Spin and finding out that he wasn’t nearly as cool as she thought he was, he didn’t even know who Iggy Pop was. She took her emotions about this out in the song “Kool Thing.” If you’ve never quite understood Sonic Youth, “Kool Thing”…
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The Return of the Alternative Pop Women: 4 Albums to look forward to this Spring
It’s been awhile since a good alternative pop album was released but finally four of my favorite artists are nearing their sophomore releases! What defines alternative pop? Well, its upbeat, slightly electronica, danceable hip music. For whatever reasons, these ladies are off beat enough (and probably too talented) to be put in the category of radio ready pop stars. Here’s a taste of the hot music to come this spring! Marina and the Diamonds –Electra Heart will be released April 30th in the UK. Her debut album The Family Jewels came out in February of 2010 and two years later, she’s giving us another taste of her Indie pop soul. What separates Marina…
