“Lowlife” was released on Scanners debut album Violence is Golden back in 2006. Six years later, the song still haunts me. From London, England, this talented band has almost disappeared but is not forgotten. “Lowlife” is a beautiful song that is paired with a video both eerie and effective. The lyrics open with “I know you’re not ready to live, are you ready to die?” “Lowlife” is the perfect song to listen to when you are indeed feeling alone. It has the right amount of darkness that can really make you feel something, whether it is sadness or reflection. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNzFzNHJh8g]
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Pretty Things I Found at the Country Music Hall of Fame
I just returned from a four day vacation in Nashville, Tennessee and in case you were worried, the legacy of country music lives on! The place is filled with live music, many I’m happy to report, were female! While I was there I had the opportunity to visit the Country Music Hall of Fame. I met some new friends and saw beautiful items belonging to some old friends. I thought I would share with you all. First, I met Cindy Walker, who was one of country music’s first professional female songwriters. Most notably, she wrote “Bubbles in My Beer” and “You Don’t Know Me,” the latter recorded by Ray Charles…
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“Do What You Do”
Formed in 2006, The Love Me Nots are a retro rocking, go-go boot wearing band. Fronted by Nicole Laurenne, the Phoenix band has released four albums. The song of the week is from their third album, Upside Down Inside Out. “Do What You Do” is high energy garage rock song that represents the catchy riffs that encompass so many of their songs. The music video that accompanies the song is sexy and shows off the enthusiasm of the band, especially Nicole, and bass player, Kyle Rose Stokes. Michael Walker performs a dynamic guitar solo that brings the song to a groovy end. This band is definitely for fans of the Detroit Cobras…
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MWxSW
This week I had the pleasure of attending the MWxSW kickoff party at the Redmoor in Cincinnati, Ohio. This very special event was a send off concert for the Cincinnati/regional bands going to SXSW. The concert included Oh My Me, Whiskey Daredevils, The Sundresses, and Wussy. I got there in time to catch The Sundresses and Wussy and man, was it a rockin’ show. I wanted to give a special shout out to Makenzie Place, bassist and trombonist for the Sundresses, and Lisa Walker, guitarist/vocalist of Wussy who represent the Cincinnati Women in Rock. Although I didn’t catch Oh My Me, Erin Reynolds will be another Women in Rock on…
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“Buttercup”
I’ve never been a huge fan of country but Lucinda Williams sure turns my head. Her most recent album, Blessed, came out in 2011 which is when I realized I had severely overlooked this category of country rock n’ roll. “Buttercup” is an excellent example of her work because it combines her southern drawl with a sound just ever so gritty. This song urges me to leave the midwest and join Lucinda in the south. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8pB8xTKzlU]
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“Black Door”
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-B75HjeQU8Y&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PLFDCD1C61AB114907] “Black Door” by Pink Mink sounds like a mix between the Runaways and riot grrrl bands of the 90’s. The opening track for their new self-titled debut album is a rocking one that sets the tone for the 40 minutes. Pink Mink is comprised of members of the Von Bondies, Ouija Radio, Selby Tigers. If you like Wild Flag, Sleater-Kinney and Bikini Kill you should definitely check out this band. Christy Hunt (guitar/vox) has the rock n’ roll soul needed to inspire other women in rock. As a band, Pink Mink is keeping the garage rock of the 90’s alive.
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“Future Starts Slow”
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiLjuRG3hoE&ob=av2n] The opening track for their fourth album, Blood Pressures, “Future Starts Slow” exudes the coolness of The Kills. Comprised of Jamie Hince and Alison Mosshart, The Kills have grabbed the hearts of underground rock fans. The video for “Future Starts Slow” displays what makes them so unique. The relationship between Alison and Jamie is intimate and unbreakable and is what makes the band so special. With lyrics like “If I ever give you up my heart will surely fail,” they could be singing to a lover or to each other. They have been a band over a decade and have found a mix for success. There’s a difference between bands…
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“You’re Not Pretty But You Got It Goin’ On”
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0MZ69Y0Z_Q] Band of Skulls recently released their sophomore album Sweet Sour. Their track “You’re Not Pretty But You Got It Goin’ On” is the the Women in Rock song of the week! This song is telling of what they’re good at, no fuss hard-driving rock n’ roll. Band of Skulls is from Southampton, England and is for fans of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and The Dead Weather.
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Lana Del Who?? Check out The Black Belles
By now you’re probably aware of Lana Del Rey, the new glamorous sensation. However, she is just another woman to put down her guitar, put on a pretty dress and catch the attention of media. My question is, how come she gets all the attention and a well-deserving band like The Black Belles get overlooked? Maybe you haven’t heard of them, let me introduce you. The Black Belles are four women who put a new spin on “southern gothic.” From the looks of them, you might mistake them for witches in their all black, wide rimmed hats and long black hair. And who knows, maybe they will cast a spell…
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“Serpents”
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYgyQ20TJAs&feature=related] Sharon Van Etten is a woman of passion and this comes out in her new song “Serpents.” It appears on her third album, Tramp, that will be released February 7th. Van Etten is quite a rockstar among rockstars in the Indie world. Aaron Dessner of the National produced her album and plays on most tracks. Matt Barrick, drummer of the Walkmen builds the intensity on “Serpents” while Sharon sings of a lover that didn’t take her seriously. Van Etten has grown from a timid musician, singing her older songs at a quiet volume, to an expressive musician. The emotion captured in this song is amazing and fits perfectly into…