Tag Archives: music

Song of the Day: ultraísta “smalltalk”

May 25, 2012 By in Song of the Day Tags: , , , , , , , Leave a comment

What do you get when you pare the brilliance of Nigel Godrich, clever synthesized beats and the celestial vocals of Laura Bettinson, ultraísta. The “sixth” member of my all time favorite band Radiohead, has formed a new group with drummer Joey Waronker and Bettinson. Information is sparse online aside from their newly released single, smalltalk.

I’m loving this new track and the video is mesmerizing…literally, the movement and colors keep your eyes locked. The drum beats are beautifully wrapped with Bettinson’s vocals and the familiar synth effects that are becoming a staple in Indie Pop/Electronic music today. Their Facebook page hints for more to come so hopefully an EP or full length album is in their future.

Happy Listening and Happy Memorial Day Weekend!!! What does everyone have going for the long holiday?

Song of the Day: Morning Teleportation “Just a Figment” [Review]

May 18, 2012 By in Concert Reviews, Song of the Day Tags: , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Morning Teleportation

I’m doing things a little different for today’s Song of the Day. Last Wednesday I reviewed a local show for GoodBAMMSho in Deep Ellum and was pleasantly surprised by the night’s lineup. Philly foursome Nicos Gun, local Dallas boys The Roomsounds, and Isaac Brock’s (of Modest Mouse fame) pet project, Morning Teleportation were an impressive group of young musicians.

My favorite of the night was headliner Morning Teleportation. Their distinct sound really caught my attention for reasons that you’ll just have to read below (how about that transition). So check out a track off their 2011 release, Expanding Anyway, and read up on the other stellar bands of the night.

Just a Figment: 

Nicos Gun

Wednesday night brought three very different yet seamlessly connected bands to the LaGrange in Deep Ellum. The last few times I’ve ventured down the tattooed streets of the once bustling local music scene, a little bit of hope is restored for music in Dallas. The LaGrange is a quaint and hip music spot perfect enough to fill a herd of music lovers into its sophisticated ambiance. It’s been serving up local tunes and Tex-Mex for a few years now but to me, I’ve found a new spot to check out the hungry and talented (musically speaking of course).

Wednesday’s event was sponsored by the fabulous peeps at Blackbox Presents and GoodBAMMSho. Opening the night was philly foursome Nicos Gun. Permeating the dark streets with their electro infused beats it made for a grand entrance into the club. The crowd was small but it didn’t prevent them from putting on a hell of a good set.

Continue reading >> Nicos Gun, The Roomsounds, Morning Teleportation & a Whole Lotta Smoke

Song of the Day: White Denim “Street Joy”

May 11, 2012 By in Song of the Day Tags: , , , , , Leave a comment

Oh Friday how I love you. It’s the end of a long week and the start of the weekend! I can stay up as late as I want and drink as much wine as I please without worrying about hitting the grind the next day. What I will have to worry about is making my flight Saturday morning!!! Yes that’s right I’m FINALLY making my first trip to Las Vegas. The food, the gambling, lord help me…I will definitely try to squeeze in some quick posts throughout the trip!

For all the mothers and graduates, I wish you the best weekend ever!! To get it started off right I thought I’d go with a little White Denim for your Friday afternoon. Yes I know I promised some more music from the fab ZZ Ward, but I decided to spread the Song of the Day love instead. Frontman James Petralli gives a very Jeff Buckley vibe to Street Joy, one of the more mellow tracks on the bands 2011 release, D. It’s a perfect mid-day tune.

Street Joy: 

Photo Source: NME

New Music Obsession – ZZ Ward

May 9, 2012 By in Music to My Soul Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

I tried to wait until Friday for my Song of the Day but I just can’t contain myself. I love discovering new music…best of all GOOD new music. So for this new finding I have to give 100% credit to my mom. Things have been so crazy lately and my emails have been piling up. While doing a routine clean-up I saw an email from her. She’s been wanting me to cover John Legend’s Ordinary People for a while and saw a cover of ZZ Ward covering the tune for Grammy.Com. Well, needless to say, one click-through from an email has severely affected me musically.

This girl is so sick. How do I describe her….blues? Soul? R&B? Hip Hop? All of the above? Yes! I immediately downloaded her Mixtape “Eleven Roses” and I’m officially blown away. Lucky for me her EP released a few days later so I’ve got 13 ZZ Ward items to put on full rotation on my iPod.

So please, do yourself a favor. LIStEn! DOwnLoaD!!!! Be AMAZED!!! This chick is the effing bomb! Look out for Friday because I’m going to blow her up on Song of the Day!! 😉

Got it Bad:

Photo credit: The Boom Box

Sarah Jaffe Enchants at Hometown Gig in Dallas [Review]

May 7, 2012 By in Concert Reviews Tags: , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

When most people were camped out on a patio filled with tortilla chips and margaritas, I was anxiously awaiting Denton singer/songwriter Sarah Jaffe to take the stage at the Granada Theater in Dallas. Personally, I couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend Cinco de Mayo then with the talented North Texas native.

Sarah brought two local artists along for the ride starting with electro pop group Zhora. Unfortunately I was finishing up my Cinco de Mayo celebration and didn’t make it out for the set but after listening to some tunes online, it sounds like it was a good show!

I did make it out to see John Singer Sergeant, aka John Dufilho, and must say my initial reaction was…confused. I’m not familiar with the Dallas born musician and was excited when the curtain raised to a full band, full sound, and what I was hoping to be a captivating live show. I did some minor research over my Mexican Martini earlier and read nothing but stellar reviews about Mr. Dufilho’s new musical escapade.

Read the rest of the review on GoodBAMMSho!

Song of the Day: Sarah Jaffe “Glorified High”

May 4, 2012 By in Song of the Day Tags: , , , , , Leave a comment

TGIF everyone! Another Friday has arrived and another busy weekend ahead. I’m super stoked to see Sarah Jaffe’s headlining show at the Granada Theater tomorrow night. I’m a new fan of Sarah and have been listening to her second studio album, The Body Wins, nonstop since it’s release last week. I’ll be reviewing the show for GoodBAMMSho so look out for a full report early next week.

The Texas native’s calming vocals blend beautifully with haunting piano licks and perfectly placed orchestral melodies. Not to mention she’s a phenomenal songwriter. The Body Wins is simply, refreshing.

I’ve completely fallen in love with the female voice again with all of the fantastic vocalists on the scene lately. As a singer growing up around big voices it’s easy to get locked into the typical “pop” sound with soaring high notes and exaggerated vocal runs. Artist like Sarah Jaffe tap into the simplicity of the female voice, the beautify of those warm tones so many singers forget to tap into (myself included). I’m inspired!

Check out her current single Glorified High below and have a fantastic weekend!

Glorified High:

Photo Source: Music is Amazing

Song of the Day: 2:54 “You’re Early”

April 27, 2012 By in Song of the Day Tags: , , , , Leave a comment

London based siblings Colette and Hannah Thurlow make up the dark and dreamy 2:54. It’s hard to turn on Sirius XMU without hearing their latest single “You’re Early” and I’m definitely not complaining. I’m not usually drawn to dreary chick rock but this is different. It has an allure, an edge that keeps you drawn into every drum roll and guitar lick. Colette’s vocals are pretty enticing as well.

Check out another tune, Got a Hold, on Fader and look out for their debut album to hit stores next month.

You’re Early:

What’s everyone up to this weekend??

Photo source: NME

The Black Keys Steal the Show at EdgeFest22 [Review]

April 25, 2012 By in Concert Reviews Tags: , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Sunday afternoon thousands of hipsters, edgeheads, and an entire new breed of young rockers ascended upon the FC Dallas Stadium in Frisco, TX for the 22nd annual EdgeFest. Every year 102.1 The Edge puts on a day of music with some of the biggest bands in rock ‘n roll. Sixteen bands played on two stages throughout the day but I was really there to see one band in particular, The Black Keys.

To say I’m a huge Black Keys fan is a massive understatement. Ever since my husband loaded me up with a road trip playlist featuring the band’s early recordings a few years back, I’ve been absolutely enamored with the bluesy duo. So when I heard they were headlining EdgeFest there was no question where I’d be spending my Sunday night.

Read my full review at GoodBammSho!

Song(s) of the Day: Class Actress “Weekend” & “Keep You”

April 20, 2012 By in Song of the Day Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

TGIF!! I am SOOOO excited about this weekend. Sunday I finally get to see my favorite band live, The Black Keys!! Every year Dallas based radio station 102.1 The Edge puts on a mini festival called EdgeFest. In the past the lineup wasn’t really that appealing but this year I’m beyond stoked for the show. Sixteen bands will be playing but I’m the most excited about The Ting Tings, Arctic Monkeys (amazing live), Garbage, Cake, and of course The Black Keys. I’ll be reviewing the show for GoodBammSho so check back early next week for a full report.

For  today’s song of the day I wanted an ode to the weekend so what better song  then “Weekend” by Brooklyn-based (of course) trio Class Actress. I love their album so much that I had to do a special two part Song of the Day with their equally amazing single, “Keep You”.

I love the styling of Indie music these days. The strong female presence and electronic elements blended together with delicious synthpop beats. It’s definitely making me more excited about music then I have been in a while.

Happy Listening!

Weekend:

Keep You:

Who are you jamming out to these days?

Chairlift Takes on the Big D with Special Guest Nite Jewel [Review]

April 18, 2012 By in Concert Reviews Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

I’m excited to announce I’ll be partnering with GoodBAMMSho to bring you reviews of the hottest Indie bands coming through the DFW Metroplex. I couldn’t have asked for a better show to kick off the collaboration then Chairlift with opening act Nite Jewel.

Lying in the shadows of the “live music capital of the world”, otherwise known as Austin, Dallas hasn’t been considered much of a music Mecca. But don’t make your judgments yet because this southern city in the heart of Texas has a lot of talent to offer.

Indie music is making a huge splash on the scene in venues like the Granada Theater, Palladium Ballroom and of course, Club Dada.

It’s been years since I’ve been to Club Dada let alone Deep Ellum and I was a little disappointed to see how desolate the area has become. The happening music scene of my youth has turned into a condo wasteland littered with a few nightclubs and readily available retail space. Thankfully there are still some good bands coming through the east side Dallas hangout, and Monday night was no exception with Nite Jewel and Chairlift on the bill.

 Read the full review at GoodBAMMSho!