Album of the Day: The Kaleidoscope by Lemolo

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Lemolo released their full length debut today, The Kaleidoscope. And, with one cursory listen. It's airy, clean, and fantastic. I will go into more depth sooner rather than later. But, I thought first I'd share the first (new) song that jumped out at me. Enjoy.

Support local music (or long distance music, for you long distance readers) and pick up this record. Be warned, that this record will be everywhere soon, and rightfully so. Go to the girls Bandcamp page and grab it. Or be left behind.

"Move Me" by Lemolo

Band Of The Week and Public Apology: The Belle Brigade

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Do you ever write a list and then immediately regret the order in which you listed things? Yeah, me neither.

But, I am feeling a little pang of regret over my best albums of 2011 list. Not so much in the albums I picked to include, because, I feel very good about that. First time in years, I might add. What I do feel, is that I messed up on one album in particular. The Belle Brigade.

Now, being upset for not including an album is one thing, but I am sitting here fretting over how listing them 4th is a disservice. I think I talked myself out of ranking there where I originally wanted, 1st. I don't know why I did that. The album is FANTASTIC. Like beginning to end, completely out of control, super-duper good.

You will hear a lot of people wax on about how their influences are clearly Simon and Garfunkel, The Beatles, and Fleetwood Mac. And all of those are true. But when I hear them, I cannot help but hear me some Loggins and Messina, which makes me very happy.

I am not going to rewrite my Best Albums of 2011 list tonight, but, I want to get this out there. I should have put The Belle Brigade as my number 1 record of 2011. And I want to publicly apologize to them for this egregious error.

"Belt Of Orion" 


"Lucky Guy"


"Where Not To Look For Freedom"

Band of the Week: Kim Churchill

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I have a singer songwriter for you all to fall in love with. A new unique voice on the landscape of the songsmith. Someone that will ease the tension in your shoulders, get you to stop thinking. Someone that will allow you just to wander aimlessly through the shelter of lyric and melody.

Please meet, The Band of the Week: Kim Churchill

This 20 year old Australian classact and guitar player extraordinaire (watch the second clip for proof) is quickly climbing up the ranks of my favorite Singer Songwriters. A genre any long time reader of this blog will know I take very seriously. I would normally wax on and on (I'm a bit long winded if you hadn't noticed) about how he is this and that. How he sounds like a mixture of that guy and this guy, but I am going to let the music do the talking today. Please watch these videos. There are going to be quite a few, so bear with me. I promise it will be worth your time, as my gut tells me that North America is in for a Kim Churchill song storm in the next year or so.

"Smile As He Goes Home"


"Bathed In Black"


"Will Go Home"


"The Battle of Mr. Shibuya"


"Rusted Wals"


"Turn To Stone"


"Truest Intentions" (Thanks to Green Couch Sessions for this Awesome Video)


Visit kimchurchill.com for more info and to purchase this kids lovely tunes. 

Band of the Week: Schuyler Fisk

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There is something undeniable about Schuyler Fisk. Something palatable. Something unflinchingly engaging and utterly beautiful about her timbre. I have been a fan of hers since I caught the dramatically underrated flick I'm Reed Fish back when I only knew her as that cute girl from now Day and Orange County. But, she picked up a guitar in that flick and changed everything. Since then, I have picked up everything she has released and have yet to be disappointed.

This blog does not even touch on her FM Radio stuff, which I shared two weeks ago and is already my 7th most popular post ever. Right now, I cannot get enough of Schuyler Fisk.
Here are 5 of my favorite tracks.

"Blue Ribbon Winner"


"Miss You" 


"If You Were Gone"


"From Where I'm Standing"


"Givin' Up"

Band of the Week: Dawes

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Dawes is a band that snuck right up on me. I was going to a concert for Brett Dennen, and for Brett Dennen only, but, being the audiophile I am, I opted, as I always opt, to make sure I was early enough to catch the opening act. This band that my friend who sold me her tickets to the show, was very excited to see. A band that I had never heard of. This little band called Dawes. A little band the blew me away. A little band, who's album I purchased based on that set alone, is now dead set to end up in the top 5 records of 2011.

Now, I may have been behind on the times when it comes to Dawes, but I'm making up for it with my enthusiasm for them now.

So, with that, I present you, the Band of the Week:

Dawes

Below, you will find 5 fantastic songs, three of them I would like to thank the fantastic people over at Sleepover Shows for producing and making available. The other's and just a couple songs I could not fathom to leave off this showcase.

"If I Wanted Someone" (Sleepover Show)


"A Little Bit Of Everything"


"How Far We've Come" (Sleepover Show)


"That Western Skyline" (Sleepover Show)


"Million Dollar Bill" (my personal favorite, and one that I uploaded myself)

Band of the Week: Allen Stone

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Allen Stone is something to behold. He is a honest to goodness oxymoron. I mean, look at the picture below, and then listen to the songs. If soul music was dead, Allen Stone would be the revivalist. His album is so choice, (yes, I used choice like its 1988) that it feels unreal, and makes me feel bad for other soul singers out there, because there is just no competing.

I get excited about music, we all know this, its the curse of being a passionate person/blogger. But this record is far and away the best Soul record I have picked up since 2001's "The Way I Feel" by Remy Shand.
Oh, and to top off the madness, he is a NW product. From Chewelah to be exact. For those who don't know, and I can't understand why you wouldn't, that's north of Spokane, the way to the lovely town of Republic. How he found this sound in Chewelah is anyone's guess. I'd kill to look through his record collection. 

Band of the Week: Allen Stone

Photo Credit goes to Allen Stone's Facebook. 

"Sleep" (my favorite)


"Say So"


"The Wind"

Band of the Week: Slow Club

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So, on Sunday, I finally got my autographed Slow Club record, and I could not be more excited. I love autographs.

Now, in all my excitement, I neglected to realize that the little bonus disc it came with it is fan-fucking-tastic. Like seriously, beyond words good. I feel bad for all the other Americans that were not willing enough to spend extra money, wait 3 weeks, and have a record shipping all the way from London, cause they are missing out. But, I'm feeling generous, so I am going to share 3 of the super-duper tracks with your here on this lovely blog. 

"Half Drunk"

"Palms"


"Never Look Back (Acoustic)"

Band of the Week: Campfire OK

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So, I know that the whole concept of Band of the Week is to actually post a Band of the Week. But, you have to understand something. Bands of the week only really come out of my inability to narrow down a bands library to a single Song of the Day. Some bands, I get so engrossed in, so enveloped by, that picking just one tune becomes a task that is often unbearable. That, my friends, is the general dilemma that brings you blogs such as the one you are about to read.

Band of the Week: Campfire OK

Photo Credit kjphotos.com (taken from bands Facebook Page)

So, being a northwest music junkie like I am, I have heard the rumblings of Campfire OK for a long while now. They have always been, what I like to call a good karma band. A band that likes to play free impromptu shows to coffee houses and cafes, and participates in a cover song contest for Seattle based Fences (which they should have won), and that will willingly help fill out the sound on Pickwick's KEXP video debut, without clamoring for credit. They just put good vibes out there. And it if finally paying off.

Campfire OK's debut album is one of the more complete records I have heard in many many years. There is not a throw away track among the bunch. In today's digital music industry, when albums are pushed out so fast, this is one hell of an accomplishment.

I think, if not the shadow of the Head and the Heart's hustle, this would be considered the best band in Seattle right now. Easily. And, I am sure, soon enough, the rest of the country is going to catch on as well. And that is in no way a slight to THATH, you all know how much I love them, but Campfire OK, is wow.

There is little doubt in my mind that this record will be firmly placed in my top 3 by years end.

Below you will see an excessive, even for me, amount of videos, 3 I uploaded and 2 live, all spectacular.

"Not Young Not Old"


"Wishing You The Best" (live in a cafe)

Campfire Ok at Oddfellows from Christian Sorensen Hansen on Vimeo.

"Complimenting Parts" (my favorite)


"Strange Like We Are" 

Strange Like We Are from Christian Sorensen Hansen on Vimeo.

"Mexico N-O"

Band of the Week: Lissie

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Band of the Week 

Lissie

So, I was a little behind on the Lissie train, but not really. I purchased this album at the tail end of last summer, like in late Sept. but by then, I had so much music on my plate, I completely forgot about it. But then this Spring, I reviewed my music collection and found that I had never even added the record to my iPod. It was a big mistake. I am sure, that if I would have given this the time it deserved last year, it would have been a top 5 record. Easy. As it is now, I have fall in love with this girl. She is incredible, and I have supplied a smattering of things to help you fall in love with her as well.

Just so its clear, I am breaking my rule, and including this record, released in Aug of 2010 as a 2011 selection. Because, so far, it really has been my soundtrack of the year.

"When I'm Alone"


"Hello" (Lionel Richie Cover)


"Worried About" (my personal favorite)


"Everywhere I Go" (acoustic)

Band of the Week: The Oh Wells

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Band Of The Week: The Oh Wells

(Photo taken from the bands Facebook Page)

Canada does good! I know as a Washingtonian it is my right and duty to make fun of all things Canadian, but I cannot muster the enthusiasm when it comes to this lovely band.

I was unable to attend this years Sound Off! music competition. So, I had my own little contest. I picked up the EP of each of the four finalists (Northern Departure, Fit For Hounds, Tomten, and The Oh Wells), and although all were good, and Tomten officially won, if I had a vote, it would go to this quirky ensemble.

Yes, they have a bit of Regina Spektor in them with some She and Him mixed in, but they truly stand on their own. With sharp hooks and biting quirk they have worked out their own niche.

"Is It Too Late To Apologize"


"Closure"


"I Hate The Sun"

Band of the Week: Youth Rescue Mission

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Band of the Week: Youth Rescue Mission

(Photo taken from bands Facebook,)

Bands like this make me feel like I got shorted by the sisters I was assigned. How my family grew up stuffing each other into clothes dryers and trying to trick one another into brushing their teeth with Clorox, when this family can grow up making sounds like these, is really not fair.

Youth Rescue Mission, a Seattle band, by way of Montana, has me all in a tizzy. This group of siblings make noises to die for. I keep trying to string together other artists to give you a good description/comparison of style/sound, but all combo's fall short. Yes, you can hear a bit of The Head and the Heart, a dollop of Blind Pilot, a tad of Hey Marseilles, and a smidge of Choir of Young Believers, but in only the littlest of amounts. They are distinctly their own. And I am loving it. Shoo in to be included in my best albums of the year list. 

I hope the band does not mind. Their music has not flooded YouTube yet, so I uploaded two of my favorite tracks to go along with this great live, acoustic performance.

"Very Nice Things" 

"Floorplan"

"Problem Solver"

Band of the Week: Local Natives

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So, I am not gonna lie. 3 weeks ago, I didn't like this record. I didn't find the originality in it. I had fully decided that it was NOT going to take part of my year end music review. In fact, I was not even set on including any of the tracks on my top 30 (or probably 50, if I cannot narrow down), so for this post be up now is a considerable feat.
But, one of my favorite friends, and a true musical soul told me how it was her record of the year. I was shocked and knew right then and there that I missed something. Her and I are like musical soul mates, so if she saw something deeper or different than I did, I knew that was on me. So, I gave it another listen. Soon I realized it was one of those records you don't know you love. You know. A song comes on, you love it, you sing along, and you move on. I never knew that the songs I was tapping my toe too, or turning up in the car, were these songs. I just did not make that connection. So, yeah, that is my bad.

This is a fantastic record and will sneak in the bottom half of my top 13. Enjoy, the Band of the Week:

Local Natives

"Sun Hands"

"Airplanes" (Let this song build around you. It's a wave)

 

"World News"

"Wide Eyes"

Band of the Week: Lemolo

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This is a band that I saw open up for Wakey!Wakey! at the Sunset Tavern. I walked away utterly impressed by their talent, poise and songwriting skills. The band was mature in a way you do not find in local "waiting to hit it big" indie type bands. I left the tavern with a strong sense that I will be seeing more and more of this lovely duo. Now, sadly, they have not made the instant impact I had expected, but hopefully, they will get some more attention, and actually make the noise they deserve.

The Civil Wars are playing a show at the Tractor Tavern in December that I am super excited about. Suprisingly, their opening act is currently listed as "TBD". I emailed the band and asked them who they had lined up, cause I love me an opening act, and was told they were still looking to fill the spot. I emailed them back and urged them to snatch Lemolo up asap. I really hope they let these ladies join them on the bill, as it would be the perfect pairing, and I would love to see them again.

Band of the Week: Lemolo

Photo Credit belongs to the bands Myspace Page

"Who Loves" by Lemolo


"Beautiful Night" by Lemolo

Band of the Week: The Antlers

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I don't have a plethora of words tonight. It is has been a long long life/day. But this band seems to fit the weather, pace, expectations, and stale movements of life lately. And that sounds way more emo than I meant it. I am talking about summer stumbling into winter and the broken grace that shapes those steps.

If you have read my blog, you will have already heard one of these songs more than a couple times. It was a frequent song of the day last year, and eventually taking hold of the #3 song of the year. The album climbed from #11 up to #7 on my last quarterly review. It is the kind of album that takes hold of you, defines you for that three and half minutes, and makes everything in the world feel incredibly large and infinitely small at the exact same time.

Band of the Week: The Antlers

"Bear"

"Two"

"Kettering"

Band of the Week: Ray LaMontagne

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Now, on to whom I like to call The Bearded Musical Messiah, Mr. Ray LaMontagne, for no other reason, then he has a beard, and if you squint, kinda looks like Jesus.

It still shocks me to this day, when I bring up his name in conversation and people do not know him. And understand, that I bring up a lot of bands that no one knows (most of the time I do this on purpose to sound like a genius), but, this guy, should be known by everyone by now. One of the most unique voices, one of the best writers out the today, and just a hell of an artist, and has one of the best "stories" in music.

Band of The Week: Ray LaMontagne

Allegedly, while working in a shoe factory, he heard a Stephen Stills song, I like to imagine "Tree Top Flyer," quit, and picked his guitar back up and decided to make a go out of it. And the rest is history.

"Trouble" (his biggest hit, you probably know if, even if you didn't know it)

"Shelter" & "Hold You In My Arms" (both of my favorites by him, shelter melts me.)

"Be Here Now" (I love the simple beauty in this song. This song proves that something does not have to be complicated to soar)

"Till The Sun Turns Black" (It is hard to believe that all these songs are recorded live. Crazy great voice)

Band of the Week: Andy Hull

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I try not to repeat bands/music/sessions. But this just needs to be shared.

I feel a little down today, like my eyes want to break down the dams for no real reason. It's interesting. Well, with that in mind....

I give you Andy Hull. The frontman of two of my favorite bands, Manchester Orchestra and Right Away, Great Capitan! He is honoring us, via Spin.com with an acoustic set of songs from the most recent M.O. release.

He sings like crying, and it feels perfect.

On the unfinished list for best modern/current songwriters, he is in the top 3.

His side project RAGC is releasing their 3rd and final album this year. It is a trilogy puzzle piece of a record, completing a story of a Sea Capitan just trying to get home. And I have high hopes for it.

Overall, this just feels right on this sunday.

I hereby present, Andy Hull as the Band of the Week.

"I Can Feel A Hot One" (Easily one of my favorite songs of all time. When I re-write my top 100 songs of all time, this will surly fall in the top 50)

"I've Got Friends" (Surprisingly impactful acoustic version.)

"My Friend Marcus" (I suggest you listen to the lyrics. Brilliant and sad.)

"100 Dollars" (wow, the emotion, the pain, the voice)

"The Only One" (bonus clip. Great song)

And, my all time favorite Andy Hull song....

"How I Waited" (So hard to find a quality version of the track)

Band of the Week: BOAT

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Time for a good weather tunes. Local band does good. Easily the catchiest (spell check says thats a real word) songs of 2009.

Get on the BOAT everyone.

Below you will find 5 tracks, the first 4 are from their fan-fucking-tastic 2009 release "Setting the Paces" and the last one is my favorite pre-Paces track from their "Let's Drag Our Feet" album, released in 2007.

Enjoy.

Band of the Week: BOAT

"Lately (I've Been On My Back)" This was my number 6 song of '09 and Stevie's number 3. So that should tell you something.

"Friends Since 1989"

"Prince Of Tacoma"

"Name Tossers"

"(I'm A) Donkey For Your Love"

Band of the Week: Why?

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We all have one of these bands in their ipod. Those bands that you forget all about. That never cross your mind, or that you reach out to listen too. But then, there is that one day, where you are uncomfortably hot driving along the water front, speakers maxed, thinking that, perhaps your loud music will help cool the pedestrians, when among the thousands of possible songs that could come on, you get something both perfect and unexpected. That, in a not so nutshell is WHY?

The creative nature of this band is something to behold. Its like they look at "traditional" methods of instrumentation, and say "fuck you!" Just watch the videos below, look at how he is playing piano in "A Sky For Shoeing Horses Under" or how the guitar is being beautifully abused in "The Vowels pt. 2" and you will understand what I mean.

Band of the Week: Why?

"These Hands/January Twenty Something"

WHY? - These Hands / January Twenty Something from anticon. on Vimeo.

"A Sky for Shoeing Horses Under"

WHY? - "A Sky For Shoeing Horses Under" from anticon. on Vimeo.

"The Vowels pt 2." (Live and Rooftop Unplugged)

Band of the Week: Mimicking Birds

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Band of the Week: Mimicking Birds

I have been SEARCHING for a decent video for this 3 piece Portland band for months now. One of my favorite albums of the year, this band combines sorrowful/beautiful vocals, looped guitar licks, and haunting/stunning lyrics in a way that makes you feel feelings. The band emotes at you.

I think this record has a strong chance to not only make my best albums of the year list, but to sneak into the top 4 or 5.

Check the videos out below, all from the same in studio session at opbmusic. Normally, I try to vary it up some, but good recordings are hard to come by. I'm just super thankful that someone was smart enough to get this on film.

If my heart was a home, this music would be a home-wrecker.

"Home And Somewhere Else" (my personal favorite)

"Subsonic Words" (I love the lounge feel of this one)

"The Loop" (probably the song that will make them famous)

Band of the Week: Samantha Crain

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So, I went to a show last night to see First Aid Kit, and although they did not disappoint, they did not completely impress either. However, I was abnormally impressed with an opening act. I walked into The Vera Project a fan of First Aid Kit, and walked out a fan of Samantha Crain. She stands as tall as her guitar, she is small in stature, however, her voice towers a good 9 feet tall. I cannot stress enough how much power and beauty she filled the room with.

Oh, and she substituted an electric guitar (band mate quit before the show) with a kazoo. And it worked, well.

Here are some examples of the aweness. You can say you heard her first when she is everywhere next years.

Her new album comes out on Tuesday. Buy it. Support independent music!!!

Band of the Week: Samantha Crain

(and The Midnight Shivers)

Her new album is just under her name alone, and she mentioned a band member leaving, So I am not quite sure on the official name.

"Lions"

"The Dam Song"

"Santa Fe" (from the new record coming out on tues)