I don't know what percentage of songs are written about love: be it the beginning or the end of a relationship. I've also devoted many a mixtape to the subject. This one is brief but one of my favorites nonetheless. These tracks have a heavy emphasis on matters of the heart (and a title to match), guaranteed to pull on yours. 1. The Avett Brothers – Kick Drum Heart "Kick Drum Heart" covers a lot of territory: it goes from slow to screaming in seconds. This is probably [...]
Kelley McRae is a singer/songwriter who draws heavily from the same school of sound as Regina Spektor. She is from Mississippi and technically calls Brooklyn home these days although you're more likely to find her on the road in her VW van touring from town-to-town in support of her musical exploits – specifically her most recent album Highrises In Brooklyn . The album was more or less self-released and you grab it in exchange for an email address from her website. Her music sets the scene perfectly for any New York coffee shop or for a fireplace in [...]
A sold-out show at the Granada and a punk show up in Denton highlight tonight's kickoff to the work week. ... Continue reading "Tonight, Tonight: Josh Ritter at the Granada Theater and Elvis Took Acid at Hailey's Club" >
When I try to get away, you always give me the slip. Follow Owl and Bear on Facebook and Twitter for contests, MP3s, and links that don't make it onto the blog.
Frank Yang The technology woes that made the end of last week so unexpectedly... interesting have largely been resolved - hello from my new laptop - but Thursday night was most definitely an evening that I was perfectly fine with not having anything to do with anything electronic. In other words, an ideal time for The Head & The Heart . The acoustically-inclined Seattle six-piece's self-titled debut was originally self-released last year but being rootsy, harmonious and from the Pacific northwest it was inevitable that Sub Pop would come a-calling. [...]
Tonight's top shows: ► Local Natives perform at the sold-out Walt Disney Concert Hall. Weren't these guys gigging at the Silverlake Lounge, like, last month? Seems like. The breakout quintet will perform one acoustic set with a string quartet, then a second plugged-in set with a 23-piece orchestra. ► Speaking of breakouts, Young the Giant is rolling behind its self-titled debut, and the O.C. quintet rocks the Roxy tonight, supported by We Barbarians and Kitten . ► Still love Matt Pond PA's "The Dark Leaves," [...]
Contributor Dave Rolfes was in attendance last week for Josh Ritter and Scott Hutchison at 20th Century and files this report. Last week Josh Ritter brought his world tour back to the 20th Century Theatre for the second time in less than six months. A sold out room greeted Josh and his band, as well as Tift Merrritt, in October of 2010 and once again Cincinnati showed up for Mr. Ritter in February 2011. The only real difference heading into the night was the undercard which had changed from Ms. Merritt to Scott Hutchison of the [...]
Terminal 5 | New York City, New York | 12 February 2011 | Full Set Two weeks ago, I attended one hell of a show. Two of my absolute favorite artists touring together is a noteworthy event in my life. So much so, that I traveled 1800 miles to be there. You're probably thinking I'm a bit insane at this point (long time readers know I'm a bit insane). But the truth is, I had the time of my life. And I have consistently at [...]
MAN OR ASTRO-MAN?, OCTOPUS PROJECT ( Doug Fir , 830 E Burnside) Slide a hollowed-out television set upon your head and light a votive flame upon the altar of the Mummies, for Man or Astro-Man? has returned. The band split for their home planet (wait, was it them or Supernova that claimed to be extraterrestrials stranded on Earth?) in the early '00s, but thankfully these sci-fi surf rock futurists are back. If the Little Prince had a Link Wray LP instead of a rose, he would have ended up like MoAM?, who-much [...]
One of America's "Top 100 songwriters" has his own local show this weekend! John Ritter & The Royal City Band will be playing live this Saturday, Feb. 26 at the Music Box. The tour is in support of last year's...
Together and apart, tour covers of 'Stories We Could Tell,' 'Pale Blue Eyes,' 'Purple Rain,' and 'The Funeral.'
Even though that picture of Slash and his guitar I took a couple weeks ago has nothing to do with any of the new albums coming out this week I felt it appropriate as it conveys how awesome this weeks new releases are. Why so awesome? Glad you asked... two words, the Monkees! Just kidding, they were not that good. Just kidding they were pretty awesome. Especially for a sorta fake band that was cast, as actors... for a TV show, they were excellent. Daydream Believer , Last Train to Clarksville ... so good. Today's [...]
Here are The Wheel's Still In Spin's suggested new releases for this week. The Builders and the Butchers – Dead Reckoning. Download "Lullaby" (mp3). This acoustic-based band is lead by singer Ryan Sollee, whose voice and vocal phrasing are similar to Colin Meloy of The Decemberists. Both bands also utilize a wealth of acoustic instruments and have narrative lyrics. But the Builders and the Butchers stand on their own on this, their third album. The Cave Singers – No Witch. Download "Swim Club" (mp3). Download "Black Leaf" (mp3). For their third [...]
It rains pretty much every afternoon during a period of the Denver summer. These are some of my favorite moments and inspired me to make an entire rain day playlist, which has long since been lost with an old iPod. In the middle of the cold, snowy winter I can't help but daydream about better weather. Here are a few of my favorite songs inspired by storms. 1. U2 - Electrical Storm This is one of my favorite U2 songs, and we all [...]
Josh Ritter returns to Portland next week, playing the Crystal Ballroom on Wednesday, February 23rd (7pm doors, 8pm showtime). The date might be the best opportunity yet to see Ritter bring his musical mini-cinemas to life as it finds him backed by the seven-piece Royal City Band -- oh, and the opener isn't too shabby either: Frightened Rabbit 's Scott Hutchison delivers a solo set! The appearance comes on the heels of last year's So Runs the World Away [...]
Sudden Lovelys - Saw You Yesterday Fresh & lovely new band from Minneapolis, MN (and an old friend). They're a music making duo that fell in love - a seemingly common story these days (read: Tennis ). The two sound great together, taking on the sound of Josh Ritter or the Weepies. They post these honest & refreshing videos on YouTube full of accolades for theirs fans, an attempt they say to "create music of substance and truth… we want to make a connection with you". If you're in Minneapolis - Be sure to check [...]
Josh Ritter & The Love Cannon String Band October 10th, 2010 Main Stage, The Festy, Devil's Backbone Brewing Company, Roseland, VA Set List: - Good Man - Snow Is Gone - Change Of Time - Rumors - Wolves - Southern Pacifica - Me & Jiggs - Folk Bloodbath - Girl In The War - To The Dogs Or Whoever - Long Shadows - Idaho - Pretty Saro > Moon River - Harrisburg - Right Moves [...]
The Civil Wars once again top this week's countdown of the top selling albums at Grimey's New & Preloved Music in Nashville.
Everybody Taste folkie favorite Josh Ritter—whose So Runs The World Away we dubbed our 5th favorite album of 2010 —will be in Portland on February 23rd to play the Crystal Ballroom along with Scott Hutchison of Frightened Rabbit. On stage, Ritter is a ball of unequaled energy and enthusiasm. Simply put, I couldn't recommend a show more highly. Luckily, I have two free tickets to give away. To enter, simply leave your favorite Josh Ritter song in the comments section below with an email address. [...]
WXPN will host its 7th Annual Musicians On Call Benefit Concert on Sunday, March 6 at World Cafe Live. The concert will feature an acoustic performance by Josh Ritter and an "in the round" performance by XPN Local artists Lizanne Knott, Suzie Brown, Scot Sax and Kuf Knotz. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased in advance online at www.XPN.org/moc-benefit or at the door. All ticket proceeds benefit WXPN Musicians On Call. Merrifield Records has released a 2 disc compilation, "Twins." Stream the 34 tracks from the label's website . [...]
The Ruckus
All Things Go
DC9 At Night
owl and bear
Chromewaves
Buzz Bands
EachNoteSecure
End Hits
The Scenestar
Cover Me
Electric Mustache
The Wheel's Still In Spin
opbmusic
Peach Otter
Americana Roots
Culture Bully
Everybody Taste
PlugInMusic.com
Beach House covers Queen
Antony and the Johnsons - "Rise"
The Bee Gees – Tragedy (Equateur Remix)
