dancing on your doorstep

Laura Gibson

2012-02-17T07:59:00.000-08:00

Seriously, where have I been?

Last night I was able to catch the last few songs at a Laura Gibson show.

Incredible.

I wish I could have seen the whole performance.

Where have I been?

Julia Holter - A different kind of lo-fi

2012-02-14T09:45:00.000-08:00

Julia Holter is a 27 year old music school grad tutor from Los Angeles.

According to Pitchfork, when she's not recording music out of her home (which she says is out of necessity and not choice) she's volunteering her time with a non-profit organization that helps at-risk teens.

Holter's forthcoming album Ekstasis (March 8th) will be her second and she says she's already working on a third, tentatively titled Gigi.

'In the Same Room' is one of the first songs released from Ekstasis.
Julia Holter - In the Same Room by RVNG Intl.

Goddess Eyes is from Holter's debut LP Tragedy, released last year.
04-goddess-eyes by Kim_grif

Mixtape Sessions

2012-02-10T22:20:00.000-08:00

I am taking a trip home this weekend which means I had to make a mixtape for the road.

This is a sample of what I put together.

Hope you enjoy.

(p.s. By mixtape I mean iTunes playlist)

Side A

Alabama Shakes - Hold On

Battles - Ice Cream

Grimes - Genesis

Water Liars - $100

The Shins - Simple Song

Side B

M.I.A. - Bad Girls

St. Lucia - All Eyes On You

Ducky - Killing Time

Plants & Animals - Lightshow

Los Campesinos - Hello Sadness

I spent this week obsessing about this song:

and this video:

Happy Weekend Friends!

Royal Baths

2012-02-01T10:27:00.000-08:00

This band a little farther down the rabbit hole than I tend to travel but I gotta say, I'm glad I took the trip.
Royal Baths are a psychedelic rock band out of... you guessed it.... San Francisco.

If you like White Denim or Ty Segall you should give this band a listen.
They have a new rekkid out an Tuesday (Februarury 7th).
It's called 'Better Luck Next Life."

Royal Baths - Faster, Harder

Top 10 Lady Tracks - 2011

2011-12-25T19:34:00.000-08:00

I know - I've been out of the blogosphere for awhile, nearly a year actually. But if 2012 goes the way I want it to, and the world doesn't end, then I'm back to bloggin! I rarely try to attempt year-end music reviews because they can be overwhelming. And who am I to say whether Ryan Adams had a better year than Hayes Carll? Well... Hayes Carll definitely wins that one but you know what I mean. However, I feel like this year belongs to the ladies. And I wanted to put together a simple list of songs by awesome ladies that everyone can enjoy. So here it is - my picks for the top 10 tracks by female artists released in 2011.

10. Dum Dum Girls - Bedroom Eyes

Simple girl pop. That's all it is and it's great. Plus their outfits are amazing.

9. Vivian Girls - Take It As It Comes

This video has to be one of my favorites of the year. Again, it's simple girl pop but it's also great advice. And the video reminds me of one of my favorite childhood TV shows - Clarissa Explains It All. Except Clarissa didn't have naked chicks drawn on her walls.

If you like either of those bands you may also want to check out:

Frankie Rose

La Sera

8. Those Darlins - Waste Away

I had never heard of Those Darlins before this year but that's not too surprising given their background. This group started playing together as country trio at the Southern Girls Rock & Roll Camp in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. That was five years ago. Today, their youngest member is 21. Their first album didn't get quite the attention 'Screws Get Loose' got this year. Since that 2008 release, they've picked up another member (a guy) and traded Carter Family covers for a gritty garage sound. But I'd say you can still hear the twang in Jessi Darlin's voice.

Read the Rolling Stone Article Here

7. Bleached - Searching Through the Past

Bleached is made up of sisters Jessica and Jennifer Clavin, formerly of Mika Miko. This song is addicting.

RIP Mika Miko.

6. Sharon Van Etten - Serpents

Ok, so technically this song hasn't officially been released on a full length album yet... but it's coming. Sharon Van Etten is expected to release 'Tramp' in February of 2012 but I'm so excited I can't keep this single off my best of 2011 list. She deserves it. This song, like most of her songs, is haunting and poetic and delightfully eerie.

5. Jessica Lea Mayfield - Trouble

That girl is trouble. She's a player and she'll play you.
Stereogum calls Jessica Lea Mayfield's music "heart-heavy country folk" and I think that pretty much sums it up.

4. Gillian Welch - The Way That It Goes

Eight years ago Gillian Welch and David Rawlings released her last album 'Soul Journey'. It was her last album until 2011 when 'The Harrow & The Harvest' came out. It's been a long wait but it was worth it. Gillian Welch is and always will be a staple in Americana music. Her music is timeless and feels a bit like growing up on a cotton farm in red dirt country. It's nice to finally have new songs from her to sing along to.

3. Adele - Rolling in the Deep

Adele is one of the few things mainstream radio has gotten right. I don't have much to say about this one. I think it's obvious - she's incredible.

2. Lana Del Rey - Video Games

Lana Del Rey. So maybe she had her lips done. And maybe she's being used as the road to hipsters wallets by not-so-indie label Interscope Records. I'm not saying that liking her music isn't drinking the Kool-Aid because I'm fully aware that it might be. But I like the girl. However, I can't say I'm as big of a fan of Interscope.

1. Amanda Shires - When You Need a Train It Never Comes

Hands down, Amanda Shires had the best record out this year. And I'm not just talking about girl records either. 'Carrying Lightning' has been on repeat in my car and apartment since it came out in May. This girl has a way with words that's unmatched. And she's cool as hell.

I think you'll like this song too.

Amanda Shires - Detroit or Buffalo from Timoteo Harman on Vimeo.

That's it! That's my list. Let me know what you think.
♥
kim

Alexander Ebert

2011-02-05T12:24:00.000-08:00

You may know Alexander from Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.
Well, he's going solo with his first album, perfectly titled Alexander, to be released March 1st.
Every part of every song was recorded by Alexander alone in his bedroom.
Three tracks have leaked in the last couple weeks.

I'm really digging these:

Alexander - In the Twilight

Loving La Sera

2011-02-01T08:24:00.000-08:00

I can't say that I was ever a big Vivian Girls fan but damn if they don't all have amazing side projects.

La Sera

Katy Goodman or Kickball Katy (of Vivian Girls) released her solo 7" last November.

The full version of Never Come Around will be out February 18th.

La Sera - Devils Hearts Grow Gold

This video is kinda gross... and hilarious.

While all three girls have been busy with their own projects they have not lost track of the band that put them on the map.

The Vivian Girls will release their 3rd album, 'Share the Joy,' on April 12th.

Here's the first released track off the new album:

Vivian Girls - I Heard You Say

Other Vivian Girls projects:

100 Lovers

2011-01-27T20:39:00.000-08:00

DeVotchKa.

Is.

Back.

Oh how I love this gypsy indie band.

DeVotcKa is from Denver even though they could easily pass for a Greek brothel band.

Yes, they're the ones who made Little Miss Sunshine sound so pretty.

But that's just what they do for everything.

100 Lovers is scheduled to be released on March 1st on Anti-Records.

It's their fifth album and the first since 2008's A Mad & Faithful Telling.

DeVotchKa 2011 Tour Dates:
02/12 – Denver, CO @Fillmore Auditorium
03/01 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Venue
03/02 – Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory
03/03 – Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
03/04 – Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
03/05 – Seattle, WA @ Paramount Theatre
03/07 – San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall
03/08 – San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall
03/11 – Solana Beach, CA @ Belly Up Tavern *
03/12 – Hollywood, CA @ The Music Box *
03/13 – Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theater *
03/15 – Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater *
03/16 – Austin, TX @ South By Southwest
03/19 – Kansas City, MO @ The Midland by AMC *
03/21 – Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel *
03/23 – New York, NY @ Highline Ballroom*
03/24 – New York, NY @ Highline Ballroom *
03/25 – Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory *
03/26 – Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club *
03/28 – Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground *

* = w/ Mariachi el Bronx

Back to your roots.

2011-01-14T23:23:00.000-08:00

Tonight I discovered a blog. A music blog. An amazing music blog that focuses on real music made by real people all over the world and at all different times.

The author of Ghost Capital describes his site as "an effort to share the love of rare, under-appreciated and oddball music of many kinds."

It's a gold mine.

The first of many treasures found- an Arizona Dranes compilation circa 1926-1929. Dranes is pretty well unknown now but paved the way for some very prominent gospel and soul artists. Dranes was born blind in Sherman, Texas around 1891. Her ragtime style broke barriers held in "Holiness" music, a genre once largely a capella began to drown any silence with the jarring sound of piano keys clanking.

Arizona Dranes - My Soul is a Witness for the Lord

The whole collection can be found here.

Other songs I found while pillaging:

Abner Jay - Cocaine Blues

Abner Jay - I Cried

Abner Jay was a one man band from the deep south... he was a member of Silas Greens Minstrels in the 1930's.
That led to the WMAZ Minstrels... he spent the next 20 years appearing on Macon radio.

I love finding new blogs but I don't set aside time for searching like I once did. If you have any suggestions please send them my way.

Must Have Music

2010-12-02T23:16:00.000-08:00

The Babies

I really can't get enough of the only two songs they have available.

The trio is made up of Vivian Girls frontwoman Cassie Ramone, Woods bassist Kevin Morby and drummer Justin Sullivan of Brooklyn band Bossy.

I'm not a huge Vivian Girls fan... just not my style... I'm more of a Corin Tucker kind of girl (more on her later).

However.... this incestuous indie child so-called The Babies is brilliant.

The Babies - Caroline

Girl Talk

Finally downloaded the new Girl Talk album All Day after trying for days.

Guess that whole free download thing really put the strain on some servers.

Do not listen if you do not enjoy dancing...

Girl Talk - Everyday

The Corin Tucker Band

Oh how I miss Sleater-Kinney..... but not as much as I did before I heard Corin Tucker's new solo project.

Love her.

I wish I was rock n roll.

Corin Tucker is sooo rock n roll.

Sleater-Kinney days:

Corin Tucker days:

She must be the coolest mom in America.

The Corin Tucker Band - Doubt

Thanksgiving Eve!

2010-11-24T20:24:00.000-08:00

In my line of work holidays don't exist.

I would be lying if I said it wasn't a little depressing hearing about everyone's travels back home but I have really come around to spending Thanksgiving and Christmas at work.

Reasons it's not so bad:

1. The pay is great.

2. There's lots of food.

3. You get to slack off a little just because you showed up.

4. Your working friends start to feel a lot more like family.

These are some of the people I will be with this Thanksgiving.

Not really sure what's wrong with my face... weekend crew brings out my crazy face.

Of course Thanksgiving meals at work are pot luck.

I'm bringing cranberry bread.... I didn't trust myself to volunteer a real dish.

I destroyed a cake last weekend.

Good reason to drink... holiday booze!

Never cooking again.

Thanksgiving playlist is a little country.... ok.... it's straight country.

I may be the only one who appreciates this:

Happy Thanksgiving!

FREEKRADIO: Cowboy & Indian

2010-11-19T10:19:00.000-08:00

I again feel the need to share my obsession with Cowboy & Indian.

They recently stopped by FREEKRADIO in Austin, TX and recorded 5 songs.

I think you will like what you hear.

They were also featured on Parenthood last week, very exciting stuff.

Watch here:

http://www.freekradio.com/mediaroom.html

Currently Digging: jj

2010-11-18T10:32:00.000-08:00

My good friend Whitey has an amazing blog called Culture Greyhound.
He reviews music, movies, tv... anything that interests him.
It interests me too.

Some of my favorite posts of his are called "Currently Digging."
It's a one stop shop for what's new in indie music.
So I'm stealing his idea and posting what I'm currently digging: jj!

jj is a Swedish duo mixing electronic, pop and blurry hip hop remixes.

I first heard jj in 2009 about the time they signed to Secretly Canadian... one of my favorite labels.

Check out their artists - Damien Jurado, Jason Molina, Jens Lekmen, Yeasayer.

So good.

I have nothing too new to share but these tracks are pretty spectacular.

jj - i'm the one/money on my mind

jj - let them
jj - let go

Beatlemania.... I thought we moved on.

2010-11-16T15:35:00.000-08:00

Today is a day many prayed for and many never thought would come.

The Beatles collection is on iTunes.

I don't really care... I think The Beatles are a little overdone... but what do I know?

Funny that on this day of Beatlemania I ran across the original mash-up artist Harry Nilsson with a Beatles cover including 20 different Beatles songs.

Take a listen:

Speaking of mash-ups... Girl Talk's new album is out.

I haven't listened to it yet.

It's downloading now.

Get it for free here.

Patty Griffin

2010-11-11T00:07:00.000-08:00

Patty Griffin - for those who don't know - is (not-so)arguably one of the best song writers alive.

She's a beast and a beauty.

She can say things like no one else can... sending words like daggers straight through the skin.

Mildly put, she's amazing.

I first fell in love with Patty back in 2005 - I heard Top of the World and it was done.

Sometimes I feel like music has become such a game.

It's all about who's weirder, who's more indie, who's being different by being exactly like everyone else.

What ever happened to great American music?

Sometimes I just want to hear a good song.

Why is that so hard?

This song has been on repeat for days.

I think it's good when you find a song you can't get tired of.

Madrid, NM

2010-11-01T22:24:00.000-07:00

This week has been nuts.

I had a great Halloween getting to know my co-workers a bit better.

The post-Halloween was not so great.

My apartment flooded, leaving two inches of water all over.

Professionals had to step in to clean up.... now there are fans blowing constantly.

They're slowly driving me insane.

So I took a day trip with a friend!

Welcome to Madrid....

We definitely got coffee here.

And pie.

They had the locals birthdays written on a dry erase board.

This was a little shop we visited.

I think the owner was not happy with all my picture taking.

That's Amanda.... she's a trooper for putting up with my need to control the music on the trip.

And she shares her pie with me.... friends forever.

I wanted these.

Madrid reminds me of Stars Hollow, the town from Gilmore Girls.

I was (and still am) obsessed with that show.

It was too funny and I really wanted to move to Stars Hollow... but it's not a real town.

There are several buildings made out of train cars there.

It's my hobo dream on stable ground!

For hobo families?

Art along the street.

I think these were done by the same artist who made that wood horse outside of my dorm in college.

Neat to see in the middle of nowhere.

Marble beer!

We ate a lot on this trip.

Fried green tomatoes?

Delish.

Don't worry, we got in a good hike before we chowed down.

Fried Okra!

Madrid is really a neat stop in the road.

You should stop there sometime.

Playlist for the road:

This is my new favorite band.

Absolutely love these Alabama girls.

They credit family, church and Everly Brothers' songs for their success.

You can count on hearing more of the Secret Sisters.

I love them.

Big City Blues

2010-10-25T18:32:00.000-07:00

I love Albuquerque.

It's weird and fast and there's vegetarian options at every restaurant.

But sometimes I just get sick of seeing people everywhere.

There's traffic and way too many Starbucks.

The best thing about living here is the country is a 20 minute drive away.

The Sandia Mountains are so beautiful!

Especially this time of the year.

At the top, it was 35 degrees and there was ice falling out of the sky.

Crazy!

It's good to watch for bears when you're hiking alone.

I'm always more scared of running into criminals than bears though.

Why do people do this?

Don't vandalize public property!

Were you raised in a barn?

And why does that look like some freakish cult sign?

You can't really tell... but there's a cave in the side of that mountain and I'm gonna find it!

Aspens are my grandma's favorite tree.

Not so safe looking stairs to the cave.

Vandals I'll get you!

This is as far as I would go... I got that indian fear in me.

Don't fall.

Even if you're hiking alone in the middle of nowhere, you should STILL brush your hair!

Parked by a stream... in case you were wondering.

That's it.

I love the mountains.

I would move up there right now if I was rich.

Maybe I'll just pop a tent.

Presents! and whiskey.

2010-10-20T22:54:00.000-07:00

I mentioned in my last post that I love getting mail.

This is something my little brother is well aware of. He does an excellent job at keeping my postal obsession entertained.

This is my brother Brent... or Brother Brent. *Fist Pump* He's a pretty cool kid, maybe the coolest. Growing up, we were always close but fought constantly.... it was not until we were older that he finally let me live down my bad taste in music years (korn - 1999) and that time I hit him in the face with a baseball.... and every morning when I would dump my breakfast on his plate and run out of the room before our parents could notice. He got lots of lectures about eating too slow. Sorry Brent.

So now that we're older (he's 21 - geeezzzz), he likes to remind me of how uncool I am for have a job while he's still spending nights watching amazing bands and having the time of his life. It's not really fair considering I taught him damn near everything he knows about music! Well, maybe not.... I like to pretend. So when Brent goes to a show that he knows I would have sold an Emmylou Harris record to be at, he gets me something from the merch table. Like this Lucero flask that came in the mail today. Thank you!

Other presents I've collected in my uncool years: Cory Branan & Jon Snodgrass LP

Revival Road LP Featuring Chuck Ragan, Ben Nichols and Tim Barry

It's nice to have a brother who cares (enough to remind you are old and he is not....yet.)

So now it is my mission to buy whiskey - Kentucky Delux anyone!?! - and listen to Ben Nichols or Cory Branan OR Ben Nichols AND Cory Branan.

Sometimes I miss those Lubbock nights.

Treasures....

2010-10-15T11:19:00.000-07:00

This week I took a trip back home to good 'ole Carlsbad to see the family and help clean my room since painters have taken over my parents house.

Cleaning your childhood room can be a lot fun because you find things that you haven't seen in years.

Like this Country Dance Super Hits tape!

Joe Diffy, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Patty Loveless.

My mom must have played this tape for 8 months straight back in '95.

I've been scouring for a tape player but haven't found one... as soon as I do... Country Dance Super Party!

My grandpa is helping me catch up on our family history.

I came home with a sack full of books about Carlsbad, the Guadalupe Mountains and all the people who left their mark.

This will be the first one I crack open.

And when I got back I received a great surprise... my Amanda Shires Dinosaur Party shirt came in the mail!

I really love getting mail.

I was going to start writing all of my friends who live far away but I didn't get past buying the cards and envelopes.

In the spirit country super hits... here's your 90's country fix for the week... oh Patty, love the hair!

It's a Townes Van Zandt kinda day

2010-10-07T09:31:00.000-07:00

If you have never seen the Townes Van Zandt documentary Be Here to Love Me, I suggest you call in sick today. Really, if you want to watch it, follow that there link above!

Hells Bells, I went shopping.

2010-10-04T15:30:00.000-07:00

I got a new dress!

It was such a find, only 30 bucks at Anthropologie. I rarely even go in that store because everything cost a freakin paycheck.

But not today.

I also found this sweet feather belt.

It's wrapped around the baby apricot tree my awesome friend Brennan brought me this week.

She's the best.

Of course, this is an outfit begging for boots.

Here they are!

My most favorite vintage Justin boots.

They're pretty dirty, though.

New Mexico girl style.

In other news, Cary Ann Hearst has a new video out. I'm not sure how I feel about the song. I love this girl because she has the big mouth I sometimes wish I had. Eh... my brain is giving mixed reviews. I still think she is cooler than most anybody.

Also, a friend recently told me about this Josh Ritter video. It's so amazing! It makes me feel all weepy and romantic just watching it. Thumbs up, for sure.

I'm really in need of some new music... I think I've hit a rut. Send your suggestions, please!

Road Trippin Like a Thrift Store Cowboy

2010-09-29T22:39:00.000-07:00

TSC and Warren Jackson Hearne were nice enough to let me tag along with them for a day. They're wrapping up their current tour but don't worry, they'll be back on the road in a couple weeks.

There are many reasons I love those Thrift Store Cowboys... above all, they're never afraid to get down and dirty (at twister).

I don't think he would hurt a fly... but he sure looks like he might!

Boxing ball. Is that a good idea?

A trip to the Folsom, NM museum turns into a regular jamboree. Everyone looks so happy.

Trek to the river can be dangerous, good thing Daniel's not afraid of rusty barbed wire. Yikes!

Regular country folk.

The new album Light Fighter is available on iTunes.

I can't stop listening to it.

If you're familiar with TSC, Light Fighter is just as strong Lay Low While Creeping and Crawling if not stronger.

Take a listen - this is my favorite song off the new album.

Now tell me that's not good.

If you would like to lend the band a hand, they could always use a little help replacing what that damned fire ate.

New Cowboy and Indian Video

2010-09-21T20:59:00.000-07:00

Cowboy and Indian - Hurt My Pride from William Cabral on Vimeo.

I absolutely love these beautiful people.
They are working to get an album out... but you know... we're in a recession.

If you'd like to help them out you can do so here.
There are some great prizes in it for those who donate.

Virginia is for....me.

2010-09-21T19:08:00.000-07:00

That's my grandma....

she's tiny and tough and makes the best fried squash in the south.

James River... blues.

Sonny and the Sunsets... or just a pretty sunset.

New Point Comfort Lighthouse.

On this pier I:

Made $300 from the minnows I caught.

Got stung by a jellyfish.

Cleaned fish with my grandfather.

But that was years ago.

Old Crow Medicine Show - James River Blues

Super Cool People

2010-09-11T00:31:00.000-07:00

One thing about my life, I have been blessed to know so many amazingly talented people.

Thrift Store Cowboys are on their west coast tour and have an album on the way. I hear October 12th might be the release date but until then, there are a couple new songs drifting around, making me wish the album was ready today.

My friend Kelly from mucho mucho bueno bueno designed this for the song Scary Weeds.

(if you haven't seen her blog, please go check it out. it makes me super happy every time.)

See what I mean, these people are great at everything!

You can get TSC's new song Scary Weeds here.

And you should, cause it's less than a dollar and it's gooood.

And go see them!

Sep 11 2010 The Mint Los Angeles, California

Sep 12 2010 Hemlock Tavern San Francisco, California

Sep 13 2010 Old Ironsides Sacramento, California

Sep 15 2010 Evangeline’s Colfax, California

Sep 16 2010 Laurel Thirst Portland, Oregon

Sep 18 2010 The Ballard Mine Seattle, WA

Sep 19 2010 Empyrean Coffeehouse Spokane, WA

Sep 20 2010 The Badlander Missoula, Montana

Sep 21 2010 The Filling Station Bozeman, Montana

Sep 22 2010 The Reef Boise, Idaho

Sep 23 2010 The Music Barn Parowan, Utah

Sep 24 2010 Zion Canyon Music Festival Springdale, UT

Sep 25 2010 Hotel Monte Vista Flagstaff, Arizona

Sep 26 2010 Low Spirits Albuquerque, NM

Sep 30 2010 Hi-Dive Denver, Colorado

And after the show, tell Colt Miller you want a pair of his boots.

They're the prettiest boots I ever did see!

Goodbye Summer

2010-09-07T00:35:00.000-07:00

Instead of marking the end of summer with a barbecue or lake trip, this year I took drive into the Sandia Mountains. The best thing about this state is it's uncanny ability to freak me out.

Buried between mountains, pine trees and pure New Mexico landscape, random art communities and biker gang hangouts appear as natural as the petroglyphs that surround them.

If you're ever in the area, I suggest taking a trip along the Turquoise Trail. There you'll find Santa Fe Railroad box cars turned into buildings. There's also a tiny town just off NM 14 with a large population of Banditos. I really wanted to take a picture but thought they might kill me.

Here's what I've been listening to.

I also highly recommend Mondo Boys end of summer mixtape. These guys never disappoint me. You can download Tidal Wave here.

El Primo

2010-09-05T22:36:00.000-07:00

This week was pretty special for me. One of my most beloved friends drove all the way from Denton, Texas to hang out in the beautiful ABQ.

This is Jorge Penso. A man among men.

Take that to mean what you want. Jorge is of the KTXT days, meaning we're basically family. I could say a lot of things about Jorge but everything I could possibly say can be said so much sweeter in a song. He's the classiest man I've ever met and his taste in music reflects that sentiment entirely.

Jorge made the mistake of leaving a mix CD in my laptop... thus prompting this post. It's every reason I wish I was born 40 years earlier. And why I'm put to shame every time the music conversation comes around.

In college, Jorge was better known as El Primo. And Wednesday nights in Lubbock were set to the billowing backdrop of blues, soul and jazz. That station brought us (all) together and even though it's long gone, 88.1 still keeps our friendships strong as we move apart. That sounds like something written in a yearbook... oh well.

So here's to Jorge and all my other very much missed 88.1 familia.

'Til we meet again.

Midnight Train to Georgia

Rudy Got Soul

Women I want to be

2010-08-29T22:09:00.000-07:00

As much as I would like to think I am complete badass, truth is, I'm an uptight news producer who spends eight hours a day worrying about grammar and time cues. But I'd like to think if I was born in a different time or had a different life, I would be more like these ladies.

Emmylou Harris: My undying love for Ms. Emmylou probably comes up in conversations for me at an uneasy rate. I can't help it. She was hanging out with Gram Parsons while my mom was running up credit at the local corner store. She really liked candy. And now, 40 years later, Emmylou is as beautiful as ever. Not plastic or pulled. She's as natural as her humble beginnings.

Gillian Welch: Whenever anyone asks me about my favorite artist, I know exactly how to answer. After years of hanging on every last word she sings, that slight twinge of uncertainty has disappeared. There's is no one above her. It doesn't matter if it's a summer evening, the fireplace is going, I just got dumped or got a new job, she's number one. She could shoot you or kiss you. If you don't absolutely love her, then I have no words.

Amanda Shires: If you're from Lubbock, you know. If you're not, let me tell you. Amanda Shires is just a girl. Boots and braids, she's just a girl. But when she picks up her fiddle she'll charm you like a cat to a snake. Amanda very much a center piece in the Americana scene I grew to love in west Texas. Everyone knew she was going farther than those red dirt roads would take her. Now she's big in Nashville, making movies with Gwyneth Paltrow and such.
Just watch:

Moving means.....

2010-08-28T22:30:00.000-07:00

lots of alone time.....
adventures.....
and new records!

Albuquerque is fantastic. It very much feels like home but with funk. I'm still finding my groove but until then, I have music. I've made sure to make friends with the record store owner in Nob Hill, very important. I've added about 10 new records to the collection... these are my faves.

Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros - Up From Below
The album is nothing new. It came out in July 2009 but it's amazing. This what I imagine my life would have been like if I was living in a commune in 1965.
They are so imaginative and the music is thorough. It's catchy but not annoying. I don't care how many times I've heard "Home," I love it every time.

Bob Dylan - Greatest Hits Volume II

It's exactly what it sounds like. The best of Dylan, of course it's good. I am especially excited about one song in particular... Lay, Lady, Lay. Not sure why I have never owned this song before. My memories of Lay, Lady, Lay all involve a juke box and wanting everyone to shut up as soon as it comes on. Just wish I had Volume I.

And finally-

Etta James - Her Greatest Side Volume I

Gotta say, it's probably the best 10 dollars I have ever spent. I will never cook again without Etta singing to me in the background. Pushover, Sunday Kind of Love, At Last... really, the best ten dollars I've ever spent. She makes my heart ache in the best way possible.

So that's it. New Mexico is treating me kind, and it should, it's home.

Three days of migas and counting!

2010-07-05T19:42:00.000-07:00

I'm stealing this idea from my good friend Brennan over at drinkrunlove. She likes to post pictures of the meals she makes and since I'm on a migas marathon, I figured I would do the same.

Anyone who talks to me on a regular basis knows I have recently converted to a naturalist's diet (sort of, I'm trying). Just a year ago, I really didn't know how to peel garlic but now that has changed.

The best part about my new appreciation for real food is that ever-so needed relaxation period after work. Once upon a time I would pick up dinner out of drive-thru window. Gross. Now, when I get home from work I open the windows, put on a record and cook, yes, cook my dinner. I try to avoid boxes and cans, choosing fresh veggies instead. Not only does the food taste better homemade, but less boxes and cans means less trash going into landfills. Hippie, I know, I live in west Texas.

So in keeping with my thoughts on food, I want to introduce a band that openly supports the organic food movement.

Carolina Chocolate Drops are modern musicians playing traditional bluegrass. Roots run deep among the North Carolina trio. They formed as the Chocolate Drops in 2005, a name inspired by the Tennessee Chocolate Drops of the 1930's. In the beginning, the group spent Thursday evenings playing together with old-time fiddler Joe Thompson.

Over the years, their music and fan base has grown. Their latest album Genuine Negro Jig was released this past February. The Drops, like many traditional folk and bluegrass groups, are especially great because their music can withstand the test of time.

Carolina Chocolate Drops - Ol' Corn Likker

Cowboy and Indian

2010-07-04T09:51:00.000-07:00

The Golden Light Cantina, once again, delivers an unforgettable evening. Last night, like many before, I found myself on 6th street in Amarillo looking for something that could not be offered by the yuppie bars downtown. A good time. A good band. Found it.

If Alexi Murdoch, Chan Marshall (Cat Power) and Dan Auerbach (Black Keys) formed a supergroup, it might end up sounding something like Cowboy and Indian.

The Austin-based folk trio made a final stop on their first tour at my favorite venue on the high plains last night. Blending boy/girl harmony, country twang and sulky blues, this group was a much needed reminder of what music should sound like.

The band is somewhat of a supergroup in its own right. Jazz Mills plays Indian. Headdress and all, this is a girl who stood with no backing band whatsoever and sang, a capella. She killed it.

There is some debate about who Cowboy is. Daniel James says he's just Dude. James joins Mills and Jessie Plemons from a band called Leopold and his Fiction. Plemons' talent does not just take shape when there's a banjo in his hand. He's an actor, most notably playing Landry Clarke in the TV show Friday Night Lights.

I wish I could show you just how great this group is but they are so new, they don't yet have an EP available. After some digging, I was able to find some videos that will sufice until their album is out.

After the show was over and the bar was closed, the music did not end. I had the privledge of sitting in on a sing-a-long on the patio outside of the GLC. In that hour, it became very evident that these were people not playing for the silly and selfish reasons people sometimes play. These were people who really just love music.

Good luck to Cowboy and Indian and Happy 4th of July!

Tennis

2010-06-23T17:15:00.000-07:00

If you like summer, you'll probably approve of this band.

Tennis a husband/wife duo from Colorado singing 60's style pop. They're pretty fantastic.

The two say they saved up money in the Centennial State and bought a sail boat. They set sail on the east coast and recorded their debut 7" to document the experience.

The record will be released on July 27th on Fire Talk.

While chillwave seems to be the trend of 2010, I'm very much supporting this retro-pop movement. It's dancy and dancy is good in my book. You kids can keep your chillwave.

So here's to Tennis. Good music for good people.

Tennis - Marathon

Tennis - South Carolina

Retro Music

2010-06-21T20:25:00.000-07:00

This post is much past due. I don't have much to say tonight. Only that I hope to focus more of my attention on music and less on the borning crap I've been occupying my time with.

Here's four songs from four different decades (with the exception of The Morning Benders, those kids are younger than me).

Robert Johnson - Sweet Home Chicago

The Morning Benders - Nothin' In The World Can Stop Me Worryin' 'Bout That Girl (Kink's Cover)

J Frank Wilson & The Cavaliers - Last Kiss

The Hykkers - Deiyo Deiyo

New posts are to come.

Remember This Song???

2010-05-31T21:17:00.000-07:00

I do and I love it.
It reminds of my early days at KTXT.
Love! Love! Love!

(note: this video is not for children)

Happy Memorial Day.

Excuse Me - You Are Blowing My Mind

2010-05-19T19:17:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I was sitting my living room with a friend. It was a lazy Sunday afternoon and I was trying to convince him of the awesomeness of my music. Lucero. Cory Branan. Son Volt. "Music is the way to your heart, I can tell," he said.

Josh Ritter
So Runs the World Away
Pytheas Recordings

If you haven't heard Josh Ritter's new album (or ever heard Josh Ritter) I suggest you make arrangements to have your heart strings tugged. Josh Ritter is a man who can take words and make them sound so pretty, all dressed up in commas and question marks.

His new album So Runs the World Away is the latest in a career of above-and-beyond musical achievement. In 2006, Paste Magazine named Ritter one of the "100 Greatest Living Songwriters." The Historical Conquest of Josh Ritter (2007) proved that title to be true but his newest release might put him at the top of that list.

There's 13 tracks.
This one is my current favorite.

Josh Ritter - Change of Time

Not Josh Ritter. This song is just fun.

Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt - Ride Frindship
we're alive, we're in love. we've got hope just because.

New Release

2010-05-10T21:14:00.000-07:00

Phosphorescent
Here's To Taking It Easy
Dead Oceans
It's been three years since Phosphorescent's Matthew Houck has put out original material. Following last year's release of To Willie (a collection of Willie Nelson covers), the Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter has been busy producing what might be the best work of his career.

The first track on Here's To Taking It Easy might catch a Phosphorescent fan off-guard. The horn-infused ode to Alabama is punchy in lyric and downright dancy. "It's Hard to Be Humble (When You're From Alabama)" strays from the melodic twang that put Houck in the realm of Americana in the first place but the rest of the album is tried and true.

If you haven't heard of Phosphorescent before, it's music cut and carved for fans of alternative country. Houck is a master of storytelling in songs like "The Mermaid Parade." He'll take you to a beach front in Mexico just to watch a love slip away. And he'll do it to the tune of a sad country ballad on a porch drinking night.

On Here's To Taking It Easy, Houck finally stops trying to go-it alone. He enlisted a six-piece ensemble to perform on the new release, a move that may finally gain this artist the recognition he deserves.

Phosphorescent - The Mermaid Parade

In the Collection - Part 1

2010-05-07T20:55:00.000-07:00

Because I am becoming a complete recluse and chose to spend my friday evenings in my apartment, I have decided to post a list of my favorite records in my very humble collection. Really, I have nothing better to do with my time. And I really love these records.

The Great Buddy Holly - Maybe it was all that time in Lubbock that turned me on to Buddy Holly or maybe the man was just good. Exploring music in Lubbock, Texas is like going to church and asking for a beer. The bible belt has changed little in the last 50 years. It's been only a year since the city was voted wet. All this time, west Texas has been working to suppress the demons it believes breeds in alcohol and rock & roll. Back in his day, no one in Lubbock wanted to hear the local boy playing "black" music. Now, they jump to gain every last penny from his name.

Freddy Fender - Before the Next Teardrop Falls One of my grandmother's favorite songs is Wasted Days & Wasted Nights. A song recorded in 1959, the year my mother was born and shortly before Freddy Fender (gringo for Baldemar G. Huerta) did a three year stint in Louisiana jail for possessing "grass." Besides that stash being killer, I love this record because it's from a man who sang songs to make the grim days seem better. In a note to his fans, Fender talks of his family's migration from south Texas to other parts of the country, picking everything from cotton to tomatoes. He talks of his struggle with the bottle, a sentiment candidly exposed in his music. These songs simply remind me of home.

Elton John - Honkey Chateau
To be honest, it wasn't until a couple of years ago that I realized that Elton John was not just singing sappy ballads like "Candle in the Wind." I bought this album at a thrift store on a whim and realized Elton John might just be God. Well, maybe not God, but as close to a rock & roll saint as there ever could be. Love it. Done.

On Repeat

2010-04-29T19:00:00.000-07:00

This is a list of songs I can not stop playing. Enjoy.

The Art Museums - Sculpture Gardens

Ivan & Alyosha - Easy to Love

Jonsi - Go Do

MV & EE with the Bummer Road - Canned Happiness

Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings - I Learned the Hard Way

White Fence - I'll Follow You

As if it wasn't evident, I've been on a bit of a Woodsist kick as of late. Anyhoo, that's my list.

Wye Oak

2010-04-28T20:17:00.000-07:00

Wye Oak
My Neighbor/My Creator
Merge Records

A boy/girl duo in the indie world today could almost be considered cliché. An influx of such groups have made huge waves in 2010, from Sleigh Bells to She & Him but one group out there seems to be creeping along the edges of the trend.

Wye Oak is a slowcore (or indie folk) due out Baltimore and a breath of haunting air. As most evident in the stand out track "I Hope You Die", My Neighbor/My Creator is heavy in lyrics but simply nostalgic. It's reminiscent of a Yo La Tengo album, you know, the one made you join that college radio station.

Songs like "My Creator" could almost be considered a realm of alt. country but producers Chris and Mickey Freeland rely on keyboard and drums to make this track stand out.

Did I mention that last song is a rap remix? Producer/DJ Mickey Free takes "That I Do" (a track from Wye Oak's previous album) and makes it unforgettable.

This is the 3rd release from Jenn Wasner and Andy Stack and one that shortly follows last years highly praised The Knot. Their latest EP is available on the internet. The physical release of My Neighbor/My Creator will be available on June 8th.

Wye Oak - I Hope You Die

Coffee Every Morning & Tequila Every Night

2010-04-20T20:07:00.000-07:00

Rodney Parker & the 50 Peso Reward return to their fans in the Texas Panhandle. On a Saturday night in the only place in Amarillo fit to host such a group, Rodney Parker and the boys take the stage at the Golden Light.

In my two years in this town, the Golden Light is the only venue I can ever seem to catch a decent band. It's really no more than a hole in the wall, decorated with signatures from locals and traveling acts alike. The stage is no bigger than the dance floor but that doesn't matter when the band is playing, people are dancing, even standing on picnic tables, shouting for more.

As always, Rodney Parker & the 50 Peso Reward had the room shaking to the tune of a banjo and a dozen boots two-stepping. They played a couple new songs, but mostly old favorites. I think Amarillo would be happy to have them back again soon.

Rodney Parker & the 50 Peso Reward - Ghost (download here)

Las Rubias Del Norte - Zinguala

2010-04-15T19:22:00.000-07:00

Imagine a world where Buddy Holly never existed; no Beatles, no Dylan. Instead, the world kept turning through the 1950's and 60's thriving on the Latin beats that had people dancing decades before the electric guitar.

That's exactly what Las Rubias Del Norte aimed for in their latest album, Zinguala. Hailing from Brooklyn, New York with two albums behind them, Las Rubias opens the door for listeners to imagine what it would be like never having known rock music. An interruption in that evolution may sound grim but I assure you, when the group takes cumbia and mixes it with cha-cha and even surf guitar, your feet will surely move.

After gaining recognition from The New Yorker, NPR and A&E's Breakfast with the Arts, vocalists Allyssa Lamb and Emily Hurst provide their fans sounds without borders. From a French track with a Spanish source (Seguedille) to a Bollywood cover (Mana Janab Ne Pukaara Nahin), Lamb and Hurst, along with a seven-piece ensemble, travel the world musically.

Zinguala is a significant album for world music, bearing rich harmony and Spanish cadence.

Las Rubias Del Norte - Navidad Negra

Las Rubias Del Norte - Corazon, Corazon

I bought a bike!

2010-03-10T08:03:00.000-08:00

Here is my referral code from Republic Bike. It's good for a $5 discount.

nznevyybBaaDBaDgacGK

it looks something like this:

but with a brown seat and yellow chain.

Beware of Falling in Love

2010-03-09T21:42:00.000-08:00

I have felt so many emotions lately in my attempt to capture the true love of life itself. I'm feeling bad for those who don't wake up every morning with a smile, greeting the world for it's one more day lost, one more gained. Our lives only last so long and we can do anything. Anything. Believe it. I do.

Here's some songs I've been loving.

Joanna Newsom - Good Intention Paving Company
Straying from the scratchy and intimidating sounds of Peach, Plum, Pear, Joanna Newsom has opened the door for new listeners. This song is so welcoming to thirsty ears. Especially for those of us who loved her from the beginning.

Karen Dalton - Something on Your Mind

Karen Dalton of Enid, Oklahoma. Bob Dylan loved her. Good people love her. Folk, blues, motown, the woman was amazing. Just open the window and turn up the volume. It will make your day.

Nagisa Ni Te - Premonition
Not sure why, but if your music is in a language other than english, chances are I will like it. This song is not new but still great, so if you haven't heard them, listen up.

The Sandwitches - Back to the Sea

And finally, it's 1957 and the surf's up. Girl rock at its finest. Listen up March, summer is on your heels.

Go forth and do good things.

kim

360 - Day 1

2010-01-09T09:03:00.000-08:00

Brent turned 21 yesterday.

I figured that would be a good day to start to this project.

Note to real photographers: I am not a real photographer. I just thought this would be fun.

Anyways, Happy Birthday Brent. May you never have another 21st.

Pieces of the Junkyard Ghost Revival

2009-12-21T17:55:00.000-08:00

I spent last Halloween in a church. I spent last Halloween watching artists spin words into beautiful webs of consciousness. It was an ironic night. I would like to relive it.

Derrick Brown - The Kurosawa Champage

Anis Mojgani - Pretty Blonde Girl

New Blog Kickoff: Saturday Morning Listening Session

2009-12-19T10:00:00.000-08:00

NPR's Tiny Desk Concert

Edward Sharpe is the fictional embodiment of the band, thought up by lead singer Alex Ebert. Ebert says Edward Sharpe is a man, sent to Earth to save mankind but keeps getting distracted and falling love. This is what came out of Ebert's AA classes and heartbreak in California. They may be all hippies and communes but I love them just the same.

Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zero's - Brother

Also worth a listen - climbing back through the years, finding myself in gritty americana.

The Beautiful Buffy Sainte-Marie

"silly sinful seeds you've sewed"

Buffy Sainte-Marie - Codine