WHAT I FELL ASLEEP TO IN FEBRUARY:
Camera Obscura – “The Sweetest Thing”
My Maudlin Career, which came out about a year ago, as a whole is great to fall asleep to. My favorite tracks off that cd are probably this and “French Navy”
Bob Dylan – “Positively 4th Street”
This has to be my favorite Bob Dylan song. Many artists have covered this song, however my favorite versions would have to be by Stereophonics and X
Radiohead “Subterranean Homesick Alien”
Frank Black “Honey Comb”
The Crystals “He’s a Rebel”
Iggy Pop – “Cry For Love”
David Bowie -“Blue Jean”
They Might Be Giants – “Birdhouse in Your Soul”
M. Ward – “Chinese Translation”
Paul Westerberg – “Best Thing That Never Happened”
Easton Corbin – “A Little More Country”
This guy wins for coolest name I’ve heard in a while. I’ll confess that I initially thought this was either a George Strait or Joe Nichols’ song (even though their voices aren’t all that similar). Well with all of those 90’s bands getting back together, it’s definitely feeling like a revival of that decade is upon us. I guess it was only a matter of time before it’d hit Country music as well. This song isn’t necessarily indicative of that statement, but if you listen to some of Easton’s other songs like “The Way Love Looks” you get transported back to a time (that is if you know your Country music) when Ty England, David Kirsch, Bryan White, Paul Brandt, and Rick Trevino were around. Plus he looks kinda like Tracy Byrd to me, who was prominent in the 90’s Country scene. Ok, now I’m going to go listen to some Tracy Byrd. This month at some point I’ll be temporarily switching out the LA city back drop for one that’s similar to this, don’t worry my cell and wireless should work and I’ll try not to fall off a horse
The Lemonheads – “My Drug Buddy”
What I Didn’t Fall Asleep To…
Astra Heights – “Swimming in a Bottle”
Congrats to this local LA band on their latest release, we know how tough it can be to get albums made, released, and distributed that’s why it’s even more commendable that they are giving it away for free on their site. The beginning of this song made me want to listen to one of my favorite Elvis’ songs “His Latest Flame.”
The Cute Lepers – “Smart Accessories“
I have a feeling I would enjoy this Seattle band live, I’ll need to make an effort to catch them sometime this year. They are labelmates (Blackheart Records) with our friends in The Dollyrots. Here is their video for “So Screwed Up”
Nine Inch Nails – “Supernaut”
I like this version of the Black Sabbath original http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMtqVoZl8TA, although I really would’ve liked to see the early 80’s Sabbath line-up performing this (especially that drum solo) live
Gomez - “Girl Shaped Love Drug”
Loudness “Let It Go”
Yeah I know, random right? I don’t know why, but this song made me want to listen to “Roll on Down the Highway” by Bachman Turner Overdrive (BTO)
Girls – “Lust for Life”
When this song first came out, my first thought was do they know there is a hugely popular well known song with this same title? I’m sure they did and hope that knowledge served them well. How’s that for search engine optimization?
Graham Parker – “Local Girls”
When I first heard this song many years ago I actually thought it was an Elvis Costello song.
Roll the Tanks – “Gameshow Love”
I was really looking forward to catching at least one of their shows during their residency at Silverlake Lounge (kudos to Scott Sterling for booking this). I made Notes from Vivace meet me at their last one (ok so no arm twisting was necessary…) Despite their recent line-up changes (new drummer on board) I wasn’t disappointed, they had a tight sound as I’d expected (they’ve opened up for Against Me and NOFX –who along with our friend Jeff Penalty we hope are and continue to be safe out in the earthquake affected areas of Latin America on their latest tour.) despite the fact that they were competing with the Mexican radio that was transmitting via the lead singer’s amp ( a common hit or miss occurrence that happens at this venue that most bands aren’t sure how to react to) which the band handled fairly well. I won’t write much more about this show in case Notes from Vivace is planning on including in an upcoming column. I do however look forward to seeing this band play live again.
L7 -“Shitlist”
You know I kind of missed the whole Riot Grrrl movement, I might’ve been too young or something. I became a fan of bands like Bikini Kill (and later Le Tigre), Babes in Toyland, and L7 after the fact I think. Although I will admit that it was kind of cool for us to have Donita Sparks play Kiss or Kill and she and Dee Plakas were nothing short of great. On a random but yet related note, I was just pre-spring cleaning and came across and just tossed their guest list from that show last night. Here are a few things I learned about myself while cleaning: I have way too much clothes, I really like music, I really like books, I really like magazines, I really like dresses. So really I learned nothing new. I also really like this song.
The Soft Pack - “C’mon, C’mon”
This month’s list sure included a few younger bands. I think this band would appeal to a younger crowd, but I like their straight forward rock’n'roll style.
