90s Flashback

One of the many things that I love about LA is that on any given night, I can catch a show by a band that I really love. Or I band that I really used to love, but never had a chance to see live. Last week, my friend Missy asked me if I wanted to go see the band Lit at the Slidebar in Fullerton, to which I immediately responded YES!!!

Ah yes, taking a trip back to my youth on a Monday night and dancing around like I was a teenager again - truly one of the most fun nights I have had in a long time. They played all of their hits, including some rare tracks from their first album. They sounded and looked great, totally got the crowd singing every word. Between jumping and dancing in the middle of the hundreds of fans, I got up close and personal and took some great shots. Check 'em:

This was the first time I had seen Lit live since their drummer Allen, lost his battle with cancer. There were some emotional moments throughout the show, but the band still sounded great. Can't wait til the next one boys!

The Sounds - The Wiltern 10/21 & 10/22

These past few months I have gone to several shows around LA...Metric/Phoenix at the Greek, Sugar Ray at HOB, Mae at the Roxy....but the best show by far was the Sounds 2 night stand at the Wiltern, just 2 weeks ago. I got an e-mail from Live Nation about a 2 for 1 sale and I got super excited and ordered tickets for both Sounds shows, mostly because I ordered for the first night but wanted to see Shiny Toy Guns the second night. But hey, 2 nights in a row of the Sounds at 2 for 1 prices...yeah i'll take that.

The band brought incredible energy both nights. Lead singer Maja reminds me of Gwen Stefani, she has that 'thing,' that presence that just draws your eyes to her. Not to mention she's beautiful. Anyways, the boys and girl rocked it for an hour and a half, playing songs from their old and new albums, even with an amazing live version of their latest single 'tony the beat.' tons of percussion and effects, a great light show and a killer setlist - all in all, worth every penny. can't wait until they come around on their next tour!

New Obsession

My newest obsession and favorite source of new music is the website hypem.com. New artists, remixes and rare tracks - I spend hours on this website. I really, really suggest you check it out! I swear you will be hooked.

Back in Action

So it has been a while since I have written anything on here, but life has just been so crazy and busy that time has just slipped away. I know, I know, its not an excuse but hey, life just gets a little crazy sometimes.

That said, I've discovered so much new music, artists and the like in the past few months that I have no choice but to begin writing about it again, if anything to share it with all of you. I'm inspired again and ready to share my thoughts. So stay tuned, lots of good stuff coming your way..

Shuffle It

here is another round of songs that i have on my playlist lately. this one is an interesting mix of old and new, funk and rock, a little country feel...yup, anything goes.

Discovery - So Insane

Discovery is the side project of a member of Ra Ra Riot and a member of Vampire Weekend...and it is GOOD. So Insane slows down and ramps up in just the right places, keeping my ears glued to this electro-poppy-catchy piece of goodness. Definitely worth a listen.

try it - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYIyuy4m3HE

Maps - It Will Find You

It's eerie, smooth, catchy - a song that you get sucked into because the pattern of the beat and repetitive melody lure you in. the electro/ambient feel of this one is perfect background music while just hanging out, working, or, writing.

space out - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXfmGoDxDEs

The Delgados - The Light Before We Land



the string arrangement begins and grabs me...then the harmonizing voices, then the drums come crashing in...ahh, this is just a beautiful song. its a mellow, articulate piece of music that is pleasing to the ear. i can only wish i write something as beautiful one day.

just listen - http://www.last.fm/music/The+Delgados/_/The+Light+Before+We+Land

N'Dea Davenport - Whatever You Want

N'Dea's smooth and sensual voice blends perfectly with the light melody and beat on this track, causing me to forget everything i'm doing and really get into the groove, while I subconsciously bob my head and move my body to this jam. A true gem on the "Deelicious" album, as recommended by the boss. Thanks again, boss.

smooth - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKer2rJ6wxE

Deerhunter - Circulation

this definitely has a more pop feel to it compared to their older stuff, but its still a great song. the catchy guitar riff builds up anticipation to the chorus, but the semi-distorted sound of the rest of the song makes it legit. this is just a rad song to add to a laid back summer playlist for the beach. i'm excited to hear what the rest of the album will sound like.

jam - http://joshengroff.com/post/130634074/deerhunter-circulation-from-rainwater-cassette

i'm just a girl...lucky me

i just had what some might call, the best fucking weekend ever. not only did i have a kick ass afternoon at warner brother records on friday, but i scored free no doubt tickets (thank u, tj <3)

the stage was incredible, the songs were as good as ever, and i jumped around and sang my heart out along with every lyric just like i did when i saw them as a teenager 10 years ago. amazing.

after the show we went backstage to the friends and family party. buckets of beer, food and candy, little kids and grandmas, all related to the band. i met everyone but gwen, she never showed. but all the boys were as sweet as ever.

the rest of my weekend went extremely well, for various reasons :) i love my friends, i love L.A., i love my life and the opportunities i have right now. life is good!

break it like you mean it

i can't get this song out of my head.

The Bridges - Pieces

it's not even that new, but its just a very, very well written song. the melody, the lyrics, the tempo - everything just feels right. the track feels a little like fleetwood mac with a country twang - powerful female vocals accompanied by intricately written music.

please your ears:



the more i learn about the Bridges, the more I like them. a true family band, all cousins, and mostly female - 4 chicks play instruments and sing while the guy cousin backs them on drums - they are tight knit and most importantly, quality songwriters. i'm looking forward to discovering the rest of their music.

radio ga ga

sitting in my new chair as i write this (thanks Piggy!)

first, sirius online radio decided to charge me an extra fee to listen online - on top of my monthly payment. then i moved onto pandora, but they decided to put a limit on how many hours a month i could listen to my personalized station. damn you, economy. sigh.

but then, i tried iTunes radio - my savior. after several trial and error attempts with a good amount of stations, i've finally settled on a few that satisfy the music nerd in me.

category - alternative

station - WOXY

sitting in my boss' office one day as we were discussing our distaste of these ridiculous charges just to listen to online radio, he suggested WOXY. this small independent station out of Ohio is by far my favorite thing to listen to these days. they truly are on the verge of new indie music. i find myself writing down at least 5-10 songs a day that catch my ear and i go home and download. thanks boss.

category - ambient

station - afterbeat electronica 1.FM

perfect blend of mellow jazz-y smooth songs that somehow flow together. perfect for a chill night, when i feel like mellowing out and writing (like right now). one word for this station - relaxing.

category - alternative

station - errorFM

a cross between WOXY and your favorite classic rock station. the people at error tend to play more mainstream indie artists (does that make sense?) and throw in a classic CCR or Beatles track every now and then. i find myself singing along, sometimes out loud, as i listen at my desk at work.

category - dance

station - disco one

every single song reminds me of my family and life back in new york. i remember growing up hearing my parents play diana ross, KC and the sunshine band, among others, dancing to these songs at weddings, christenings, etc. must be an east coast thing. this station never fails to make me feel a bit homesick. KTU 103.5 anyone?

New York, i miss you.

On Rotation

To beat the office blues and the thought of being stuck inside when the weather outside is just so... perfect...here is a little playlist of some upbeat and cheery songs that keep me smiling.

Grizzly Bear - Two Weeks



Happy piano, beautiful harmonies. If my morning coffee doesn't wake me up, this song will do.

check it - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjecYugTbIQ



Fun. - At Least I'm Not As Sad (As I Used to Be)















The singer from the Format and his new band - excellent, catchy, and, fun.

dig it - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nemst-oB3Po

La Roux - Bulletproof



Think Ladyhawke meets the Sounds with electro attitude. My lesbians are onto something here with this chick. I see big things coming, La Roux.

listen - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQdC7h609k8

Passion Pit - The Reeling



This is a perfect afternoon pick me up song when you had too much to eat during lunch and go into a food coma. Passion pit and their synths always perk me right up.

wake up - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVstHPhaJ6M

Wilco - You Never Know



The breezy, simple guitar in this song is a perfect way to end the day. And the chorus pretty much sums up the day sometimes - 'I don't care...anymore.'

fuck it - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puSQjcAxbR0

Htown's Finest

I'm not usually one for rap or hip-hop. A friend of mine in Houston has been rapping for years, and when he told me he had an album out I was a bit hesitant.

 I must say, my ears were pleasantly surprised. 

Think Lupe Fiasco meets Q-Tip with a touch of Jay-Z.

Right from the Intro, "Resilience" delivers. Good beats and catchy melodies throughout, complete with a sample of Cher's 'Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves." These boys make it work. I've been listening  to this album on repeat for a few days now.

Must Listens:

"Intro"

"Never With It"

"Be the Only One"

"Our Gospel"

"Out of Control"

music for cougars

Another reason why I love L.A.

Got home from work, changed, drove 15 minutes down the street to go check out Sugar Ray for an in-store performance. Saw my friend George (their guitar tech), heard some good tunes, met some good people. The band's new album, "Music For Cougars," was released today, and I have to say its perfect summer music. Light and breezy and happy.


Favs:

"Girls Were Made to Love"
"Boardwalk"
"Going Nowhere"

hot town summer in the city

girl from the east coast living life on the left coast...1 year in.

life must haves: music, sun, friends, coffee.

i decided to start this blog to get myself writing again, since my creative juices have stopped flowing for some reason. short and sweet posts about my adventures and mishaps in the crazy, beautiful, dysfunctional city that is L.A.

stay tuned...

current jam: franki valli - can't take my eyes off you