Listen: My fave songs of the year, thus far (June 2012)

This is some of the best music that has come out of the first part of 2012.

There is a lot of music out there and PLENTY of reviews on these bands. I've included a few below. Take them as you will. Art is like dating - you go out and try it and if you don't like it, you know more of what you like and what you don't. I don't think someone else telling you whether something is good or not should be the decision-maker.  Luckily, for you, there are a lot of good reviews on all of these.

Go ahead. Put on your headphones and listen.

Lower Dens
Song: Candy
Album: Nootropics
Purchase songs & album here.

First thoughts: Hazy, hypnotic dreams.
Ok, first it was Brains.  Then, it was Propagation.  So maybe I'm a single whore...as in album single...  These happen to be the singles off of their most recent album, Nootropics. There have been some nights and a bottle of wine that have accompanied the entire album. I love the wailing guitar and Jana's use of her voice in Candy.  I just saw them live and was curious to see how the album would translate. Verdict: So good, great energy and the best gig I've been to in a while.  They are on tour in the US and parts of Europe through August -- you should catch them.


Read this, too: NPR: First Listen: Lower Dens 'Nootropics'

Hospitality
Song: Friends of Friends
Album: Hospitality
Purchase here.


First thoughts: Boppity, summ-summ-summertime and yay, friends! Kind of what I thought of L.A. vs. NYC.
This is probably as about as poppy and cute-sy I'm getting in these suggestions.  For some reason, when I first saw the video -- it reminded me of a modern day, NYC version of Clueless and the reality of long distance relationships. They suck and good friends are amazing people to have in your life. NYC is her now, dude.  Nice little message.  Watch the video, too.  They'll be on tour this summer.  Would love to finagle a Houston show...

Beach House
Song: Lazuli
Album: Bloom

First thoughts: chiming and sumptuous
Myth was the first track I heard...and always made me cry when I listened to it.  Teetering between moments of happiness and then seeking someone to "help me to make it," felt close to home. Myth really is a gorgeous song...you need to listen to it, too. Lots of touring for them starting July 1st.

Purity Ring
Song: Obedear
Album: Shrines (out July 24, 2012)

[if the song isn't showing up, listen to it here.]
First thoughts: ethereal and drifting; heavenly and hellish
This takes me back to some of my favourite electropop which also resided in the goth world. Maybe the goths and non-goths can all be friends now since I can see them both liking it :) They arrive courtesy of 4AD which hosted another ethereal, ghostlike fave, Cocteau Twins.

Exitmusic
Song: Passage
Album: Passage

First thoughts: dramatic, dark and strong. Am I going too far when I think of a darker Janis?
I stumbled upon this band as the opener for someone else. The lead singer has an incredibly powerful voice with an equally powerful band to back her up. If you see them live, the percussion makes your whole body reverberate along. It is a song ridden with drama and radiance. "Suggesting Berlin and Bowie, Bedhead and Portishead, Exitmusic's third release continues and catalyzes the pair's stepwise progression..." - Grayson Currin, Pitchfork.

Bear in Heaven
Song: Sinful Nature
Album: I Love You, It's Cool


First thoughts: unleashing inhibition and sex.
I definitely first heard this and thought of a hazy seduction. Then I thought, "Bring it Bear In Heaven." And, Jon Philpot's explanation of the song makes perfect sense to me now:
"'Sinful Nature' is an ode to all the shy girls out there. Don't restrain your inner freak. You could change the world if you just let yourself. It's also an inner dialogue between my responsible and not-responsible self."

Read what NPR had to say, "Bear in Heaven's 'Sinful' Ode to Shy Girls."

Tanlines
Song: All of Me
Album: Mixed Emotions


First thoughts: Damn catchy. Laugh when you need it. Go ahead, it's ok. Someone better play this at a dance party.
Read what NPR had to say, "First Listen: Tanlines, 'Mixed Emotions'.

Free Press Summer Fest: Willie Nelson & Snoop Dogg

Whom am I most excited to see?

Willie Nelson

Snoop Dogg

No online video could do either of them justice. Don't miss it! One should always see Willie when one has the opportunity. I J S.

More bands I plan to check out at Free Press Summer Fest Houston

More Free Press Summer Fest (@fpsf) Previews of What I Want To See

This is by no means comprehensive...the lineup is HUGE!

The Flaming Lips (They will perform Dark Side of the Moon) - @theflaminglips.
Here's an interview with 2995 and Wayne Coyne on their performance this weekend.

Wild Moccasins - Late Night Television - @wildmoccasins 

The Watermarks - Run Away - @thewatermarks 

Love these guys and Songs From A Room Houston alums -- see those videos here.
See the full lineup here.  More tomorrow!

Five things to do before Free Press Summer Fest Houston

Free Press Summer Fest is almost here ... and with the closest thing Houston gets to a music festival, I cannot wait!

Here are a few things I'm doing to get ready:

1. Getting a pedicure.
I'm going fuss-free but pretty. Painted toenails will be the new black and be on view through some flip-flops. Ladies, you will curse yourself if you wear heels. Wedges, ok.

2. Clothes that are OK being burned/trashed afterwards.
Since there's a 0% chance for rain, it's going to be hot, messy and sweaty. With highs in the low 90s and the wind at a paltry 11 mph (and humidity in the millions, probably), there will be pony tails flying and plenty o'skin showing. Think bathing suit and some digs from Forever 21 (or the new H&M at Baybrook will be open on May 31, so you can go there, too!) Would love some Joe Fresh in this piece...just putting that out there.

Not going to rain, y'all.

3. Sunscreen!
With all that skin showing, it needs some love. Slather, rub and repeat...maybe get someone cute to help apply. Be generous. Your 50-year-old self will thank me.

4. Champagne pops and water! And, beer. And, pizza.
Hydration is important...especially, a good balance of champagne, water and beer. Soak it all up with some pizza and you'll be feeling like a champ. Maybe throw a stash of coconut water in your fridge for when you get home. You'll thank me the next day. I will thank myself the next day.

5. Bands, bands, bands!
Last, but not least...the whole reason I am doing all of the above: the music. Thanks to this sweet Spotify starter list that was created...I've started to carve out a list of what I need to see.  Just because you may not see your fave band only means there is new music to explore. So, go do it.

Here are a few to start and in no particular order:

Phantogram - As Far As I Can See - @phantogram

Starfucker - Rawnald Gregory Erickson The Second - @starfucker_usa

Two Door Cinema Club - What You Know - @tdcinemaclub

Ok. Now, make sure you have your FPSF tix and get back to work. More tomorrow.

xohp

Where Texas, Paris + Strings Collide | Songs From A Room Houston | April 30, 2012

Houston and Texas are both known for wide, open spaces but there was very little to be found on a Monday evening in Downtown Houston in Hogg Palace. It was a refreshing night juxtaposing the new with the 91-year-old, Art Deco building. New and familiar faces gathered in a private loft to kick-off another Houston secret gig as part of the global Songs From A Room series.

Shellee Coley - hauntingly, beautiful voice and her 'Conversations with Z' is one all daughters and those with daughters of their own will appreciate. [Like Shellee Coley on Facebook]

Tatsu - a rock-string-septet where you will hear Guns 'N Roses, Mumford & Sons and Queen like never before. [Like them on Facebook]

No Flag Project - so honored to host their first-ever US gig. Extremely lovely band from Paris adding some raw pop-rock to the evening. [Like them on Facebook]

And, yes -- support independent musicians!

It's nights like these that I thank the stars I'm in Texas.

If you want to be as thankful, you need to sign up at at sofarsounds.com to be invited. Songs From A Room happens in 16 cities across 6 continents so if Houston isn't your port of call...they may be in your city already.

Special thanks: Songs From A Room, No Flag Project, Tatsu, Shellee Coley, Ryan Butcher {video}, Melissa Fitzgerald {photography}, Hogg Palace.

Foster the Record Store - A peek into Record Store Day 2012

Before there was hanging out at the coffee shop {or a bar}, there was hanging out at the record store.  At least, for me.

Record Store Day is THIS Saturday, April 21, 2012.  It's a day that celebrates an explosion of specially-released vinyl and special performances with artists and music stores coming together to foster and continue to breathe life into record store culture.

Just like there are all types of music fans, this day is for everyone.  You'll see releases from Bruce Springsteen, Buddy Guy, Arcade Fire, Beach House, ABBA (where did they come from?), David Bowie, Cult, James Brown, Jimmy Fallon/TeBowie...it goes on & on.  Big or small, all of these artists understand the plight of the independent record store and their necessity in our communities.

The record store was a very integral part of my teen years.  I remember going to a local record store every Thursday in my '89 Volvo 740 GL to see what was out there I should be listening to or if they had any new The Cure vinyl and CDs come in the used bin box so I could buy them ALL.  I also made friends with some of the people that worked there and eventually started my short-lived retail career in a record store.

At 16, that was the coolest thing ever!  Plus, I got to inflict my favourite music on an entire store rather than just my parents, sister and friends.

Every trip I went on...especially when in London (I always hit Berwick Street), there was a stop at a record store.  My favourite vinyl covers are from Joy Division.

I always find myself digging back into music at certain points in life.  It's integral, it's transformative, it's a basic need. And, with vinyl -- it becomes another type of art. I love cover art and when you give me a coloured vinyl - I can get giddy.

Here are a few fun items you may want to look into on the 21st.  Yes, it involves actually going to a store near you, interfacing with clerks and not swiftly clicking a download button. Oh, and if you don't have a record player, you need to get one.  Music sounds so great on them!  Aside: I'm not going to lie...the last time I saw a CD for sale...I got really confused.  This was about three weeks ago.


Here are a few releases that strike my fancy - they may not all be at your local record store and possibly limited quantities -- remember, this is a store with inventory, not a giant warehouse:

• Arcade Fire, Sprawl II {RSD Exclusive Release}
• Animal Collective, Transverse Temporal Gyrus
• Beach House, Lazuli B/W Equal Mind - white vinyl and from their album coming out in May 2012...OMG.
• David Bowie, Starman {RSD Exclusive Release} - 7" picture disc + 7" picture disc w/ clear plastic sleeve + numbered
• Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
• Foster the People, Broken Jaw/Ruby {RSD Exclusive Release}
• M83, Mirror, previously unreleased track available
• Sigur Ros, Hvarf Heim, {RSD Exclusive Release}
• St. Vincent, Krokodil, {RSD Exclusive Release}, red vinyl
• The Flaming Lips, The Flaming Lips and Heady Fwends
• Pretty In Pink {pink vinyl!} and The Breakfast Club movie soundtracks 
• Empire Records movie soundtrack - you could have your own Rex Manning Day!
• Mates of State, Crushes (The Covers Mixtape)

Oberhofer {Kanye West cover included}, School of Seven Bells, Starfucker, Wilco {deluxe box set}, the list goes on and on.  Take a peek at more special releases here.

Even if you don't see something you want - do something different and go visit your local record store.  You may find something that brings back good or miserable memories. : )

Here's what's going on in Houston -- wow, we have more stores than I thought.

You can see what's going on near you at recordstoreday.com.  Happy vinyl hunting!  You may want to get your needle checked out, too.

p.s. Let me know what you get in the comments section below...!
p.p.s.  If you love live music in a secret setting, you need to check out Songs From A Room. It's a parlor-style music concert that gives you a taste of up-and-coming bands from all around the world in a living room most likely near you.  The next Houston one is on Monday, April 30.  To be invited, you MUST sign up at sofarsounds.com.

If I was in London tomorrow, I would...

Head to Roger O'Donnell and Adam Donen's performance of Requiem at St. Leonard Church, Shoreditch - Monday, April 2nd at 7:30 p.m.

A bit about this once-only performance:

You can also purchase this poster here,
signed by both artists.

Kaparte Promotions presents:

REQUIEM - ROGER O'DONNELL and ADAM DONEN
with The Contrarian Ensemble

Kaparte Promotions presents:

REQUIEM - ROGER O'DONNELL and ADAM DONEN
with The Contrarian Ensemble

Requiem is one-off performance that will take place at Shoreditch Church on Monday 2 April, hosted by Kaparte Promotions. 

It will feature both Donen and O'Donnell playing as part of a 12-piece ensemble that includes string quartet, French horn and assorted woodwinds.

Keyboard player, producer and composer Roger O'Donnell is best know for his work with The Cure but he has also performed in the Psychedelic Furs, the Thompson Twins and Berlin.

The Requiem is his first foray into classical music after his widely-praised 2011 suite, Quieter Trees, inspired by Hockney's Bigger Trees Near Warter.

Critically celebrated across Europe, Adam Donen's songs have been compared to those of Cohen and Brel, yet his style is all his own. He has garnered much praise for his performances and transcendental music that takes you through terror and heartbreak, and out the other side.

If tickets aren't already sold-out, you can get them here:  http://www.wegottickets.com/event/157459.

Best wishes to you both on a great gig!  Wish I could be there. xohp