Short but sweet tonight. I am currently listening and loving Thao & Mirah, this is their first collaboration and it is filled with a TON of energy. Busy rhythms and fantastic folk-rock harmonies, the two together are an impressive marriage of sounds. Really well done.

Local Los Angelenos, Thao & Mirah will be at the Troubadour this Sunday (5/1/2011)

Little CupThao & Mirah

Thao & Mirah 2011 (Kill Rock Stars)

and you said you knew
how you were gonna take it
that you’d take it all
that you knew my heart was not that small
and how could we ever manage
carts and horses could never carry

all I want to give
not give enough
I want to give
not give you love

I chose the strangest little cup
to drink you from and stir you up
and you were beautiful it’s true
and all I ever wanted was
to be good to you

and when you see me cry
you ask me, but I think that
you already know why
I’m staring up at the sky

and you said you understood
but promises are not that good
in this improper marriage
love and justice found miscarriage
at the only embassy
with an office for… (need remaining lyrics)

and when you see me cry
you ask me, but I think that
you already know why
I’m staring up at the sky

Through the last few years I have enjoyed bits and pieces of Wye Oak. But on their new album Civilian they really give it their all. A beautiful blend of indie rock and dreamy folk-pop make this album so very, very good. I really am able to enjoy the entire album, which I have never been able to say before. So what has changed? The indie rock is soaring and Jenn Wasner’s vocals are dreamy and soulful. The sound is more developed and it is distinct. This album is a good surprise in 2011 that I wasn’t expecting, I love when that happens.

PlainsWye Oak

Civilian 2011 (Merge Records)

Sometimes I use my commute to unwind. Tonight I did just that. I knew the traffic on the freeway was beyond anything I was willing to take on after this very long day so I took to the coast. A beautiful drive, but it takes me a good 45 min to make it home and I don’t care.  It gives me time to listen to music and let my mind wander. I look out to the sky and ocean (while at stoplights only of course). I work a lot on myself during this time, there are a lot of self-realizations, life changes and attitude adjustments during this 45 min in the car. It is just me, the music and the beautiful scenery of the Southern California Coast. Perfection.

Exile VilifyThe National

Exile Vilify Single (Portal 2) 2011

Nostalgia 77 is the jazz and soul infused project of Ben Lamdin. On his new album he has recruited a German jazz-folk singer-songwriter that goes by the name of Josa Peit. Peit has so much soul pouring out of her voice you fall instantly in love with her. The Sleepwalking Society is a perfect blend of jazz, soul, British folk with an underlying bluesy feel,I listened to it throughout the weekend and have really enjoyed it from beginning to end. Thank you to a dear friend for introducing me to this wonderful album, I am in love. xx

SimmerdownNostalgia 77 & Josa Peit

The Sleepwalking Society 2011 (Tru Thoughts)

Tonight I want to talk about The Kills. I enjoyed their 2008 album Midnight Bloom. Although it wasn’t my favorite album of the year, I enjoyed it. I am attracted to their sexy rocker pop style that oozes out of both Alison Mosshart’s and Jamie Hince’s pores. I have to say they have taken this indie garage rocker style to a whole a new level on their new album Blood Pressures. They combine a little old with a little new on this album and I think it is phenomenal. They went for a deeper sound, Future Starts Slow kicks the record off with a big drum beat and soars into a marvelous indie-rock song that I have on constant repeat. Then Satelitte strolls in with a slower steady beat, gritty guitars and a fantastic chanting vocal. The tracks keep getting better and better. The duo have so much style and confidence, they kick some serious ass. I hope they continue to kick ass together for years to come. xx

SatelliteThe Kills

Blood Pressures 2011 (Domino)

For the record I am 4 beers deep and so tired that I may be writing this in my sleep… I may be drunk/sleep blogging… Just kidding. I am really quite tired though.

I recently came across James Vincent McMorrow and his music literally made me stop everything I was doing so that I could find out more about this amazing music that I just heard. This Irish singer-songwriter is a mix of Bon Iver meets Iron & Wine with a bit of Ray LaMontagne mixed in for flavor. McMorrow creates his own unique music, with lyricism and layers of melodies that will grow on you like wild fire. If I would have heard this album in 2010 Early In The Morning would have been a serious contender for my end of the year list. He is real, honest, creative and he has created a stunning debut album.

If I Had a BoatJames Vincent McMorrow

Early In The Morning 2010 (Vagrant Records)

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