Almost Famous

If you ever get lonely, just go to the record store and visit your friends.

[wisebeyondher-ears]

This song is my latest obsession.

Aurora is just 19 years old and hails from Norway. Her music is relevant, unique, and somehow years beyond her time. I hope to see more from her this year. 

[wisebeyondher-ears]

Hailing from Los Angeles, the guys in The Rebel Light definitely let that fact flow through their music. They remind me of a smaller version of The Mowglis. “Strangers” features lots of almost boy-band harmonies, toe tapping riffs, and plenty of energy. Their upbeat sound almost masks the sadness of the lyrics, which is no easy feat. This is another great song that manages to make the atmosphere feel like summer even when it’s freezing out.

[wisebeyondher-ears]

This song is for all you elecro-indie junkies out there.

Newcomers Hoonch are certainly making their way up to the top with their catchy riffs, low-fi vocals, and DJ worthy production values. I can see their music becoming really popular in the club scene within the next year but it’s still relatable and easy to digest. Get on board with members Jonathan Kim and Gabriel Rodrigues before they make it big!

[wisebeyondher-ears]

Since I don’t have as much times as I used to to dedicate to this blog, I’m going to make a few posts in the coming days about songs that I’m really into right now.

The first is “Run” by the Nashville band Coin. 

There’s not much information going around about these guys, but their debut album is full of amped up, fun, nostalgia-driven music that does the impossible task of forgetting yourself for awhile. I first heard this song in the late summer months and I think it perfectly captures that windows down, warm air, feeling that is hard to forget in the depths of winter. 

[wisebeyondher-ears]

Says he and Ezra Koenig will continue to collaborate

While I definitely understand his reasoning, I’m very sad to hear this news. I feel like Vampire Weekend worked best as a team, and this included Rostam’s producing. I’m worried the next album won’t have quite the same feel if he isn’t contributing that part of his talent. I’m just glad it wasn’t anything personal and they can continue with their collaborations. 

[wisebeyondher-ears]

Because there will never be a more relevant day to post this song.

Also, I’m seeing them next month and Holy Nostalgia, Batman!

[wisebeyondher-ears]

Hey all!

Sorry things have been quiet over here. I’m in the middle of a move and trying to look for some jobs so I haven’t had much time to post. I’ve got some great stuff to share, though and I should have quite a bit of free time in the next few weeks so keep an eye out for that!

[wisebeyondher-ears]

Leave it to someone like Beck to release a new song that sounds absolutely nothing like the music that just won him a Grammy. 

“Dreams” has some serious old-school Beck vibes and was released just in time for pool party season. 

[wisebeyondher-ears]

Currently obsessed with the new video from Jenny Lewis showcasing some of her famous childhood acting roles (Troop Beverly Hills 4 Life).

Featuring cameos by: Feist, Vanessa Bayer, Zosia Mamet, Fred Armisen, and Leo Fitzpatrick. 

[wisebeyondher-ears]

Justin Vernon confirms return of Bon Iver

The band's headlining appearance at Eaux Claires Music Festival will mark the beginning of its third cycle.

Exciting news for Bon Iver fans! I figured there might be a big announcement since Justin Vernon is a co-creator of the Eaux Claires Music Festival.

[wisebeyondher-ears]

I’ve been monitoring B.B. King’s situation closely over the last few weeks, but I still didn’t feel prepared when I heard the news of his passing early this morning.

I’m still trying to process my feelings. He has been such a big part of my life. He was the first true blues musician where I went “Wow, this music really gets to me.” and I’ll never forget that.

Here is a live clip from 1983 of B.B. and the band doing one of my favorite songs of his.

Rest In Peace, you truly were a King.

[wisebeyondher-ears]

I had a blast hanging out at Culture Clash records (Toledo) last Saturday for a special in store performance by Waxahatchee!

She played a short stripped down set of mainly songs off her latest album Ivy Tripp. What a raw, emotional performance from such a lovely and talented individual. 

[wisebeyondher-ears]

There’s no video to link, but click for an AMAZING version of “California Dreamin’” (probably my favorite Mamas and the Papas song besides “Dedicated To The One I Love”) by Sia with an orchestra and a little electronic beat mixed in. 

I’ve loved Sia since middle school and she continues to blow me away with every new turn she takes. 

[wisebeyondher-ears]

Ben E King: R&B legend dies at 76 - BBC News

R&B and soul singer Ben E King, best known for the classic song Stand By Me, dies at the age of 76.

Very sad to hear this news today. Ben E King was one of my favorite singers growing up.

[wisebeyondher-ears]

Listen and share before this gets taken down!

We’re still a little over a week away to the premiere of Montage of Heck but the goodies are flowing. Here is a very rare, previously unreleased audio clip of Kurt Cobain singing “And I Love Her” by The Beatles.

This is funny to me because Paul McCartney wrote this song and Kurt had publicly stated that he hated Paul in an interview with Rolling Stone.

[wisebeyondher-ears]

Record Store Day: Listening To Both Sides

Though Record Store Day (RSD) has only been around since 2009, it has already reshaped the way we view local music stores, breeding a new era of exclusive content, while reinstating the merits of o...

This is a much more in depth article of a version I was going to post on this blog after RSD last year, and I’m glad I waited. I interviewed record store owners, and added personal experiences. 

This is meant to show both the good and bad sides of RSD and I hope you’ll take a look at it and it gives you something to think about today!

[wisebeyondher-ears]

"New Glow" Matt and Kim: Album Review

  Matt and Kim albums are 100% “drive around town with the windows open” style music and it almost always puts me in a better mood. Though the lyrics are light and frothy, only occasionally ex...

My second review for indie-nuts is up! I’ve been a fan of Matt and Kim for six or seven years now so it was a lot of fun to get to do an in depth critique of New Glow.