Ooh La La Lollapalooza 2011
This year I made my second trip to Lollapalooza and per usual it failed to disappoint. Thinking back to 2 years ago at Lolla I remember one band that stood out to me as the best of the day. It was raining all day and everyone was muddy, disgusted from all day porta potty use - but very happy because all of us music lovers were together listening to beautiful sounds. With the rain we all sang along to the tunes of Bon Iver. You’ve heard this before so I won’t go into too much detail except to say that I had another magical moment this year. It’s that moment that you hear a song for the first time and you immediately know it, like know it. That probably doesn’t make sense but I think the best songs are ones that you hear for the first time and immediately respond to. You have no doubt when you buy their cd that it is going to be amazing and that’s what happened with Young the Giant. I could hear their music from far away and walking up towards their stage I just had this surge of happiness inside. They are EVERY bit as good live as their cd which really is saying something – It’s not just their production company that makes them good -they really are that good. Their music is fun, definitely west coast, and may I say that Sameer is ridiculously cute? Two more things for brownie points: 1) They are touring right now with Incubus 2) In March they headlined the Billboard Showcase at South by Southwest. Just another reason to go to Austin this year!
Other AMAZING Lolla bands:
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals – I talked mostly about Young the Giant but they were my second favorite of the day
Wye Oak - WO had some electrical problems her first time at Lolla but man was she cute. Like her a lot.
Tags: Bright Eyes, Foster the People, Grace Potter and The Nocturnals, Lollapalooza, Two Door Cinema Club, White Lies, Wye Oak, Young the Giant
I Dream of the Parlours
May 24, 2011 Artists
Last night I found the perfect excuse for watching a ridiculous amount of TV – the Parlours. My husband and I were watching the season finale of a show called The Chicago Code, which if you don’t watch you need to get on it, and then it happened. We heard the Parlours and they changed my life. Seriously, I mean I don’t even like Chicago that much and now I’m itching to go. You will know what I am referring to when you listen to their song “I Dream of Chicago.”
Such a sweet, enchanting and inspiring sound I could listen to all day. A little pop, a little folk, a little more indie – the perfect combination. And I love that they are so harmonious that they can sound like a duo one minute and then a band the next.
When you listen to them, life will be better. I promise you. They are playing with Grace Potter and the Nocturnals in a couple months if that tells you anything. If they keep this up, they could climb the ranks in the Amanda-meter with the likes of The Weepies. It could happen. I can’t wait to hear them more.
I dream of Chicago. I dream about you. I dream I could go and say all the things that I never said to you.
Parlours
Tags: Amanda loves, Folk, Indie, Parlours, Pop, The Chicago Code
Summertime and the living is easy
Apr 13, 2011 Artists
Generationals
The weather is warming up and I’m in need of some good summertime music, cue the Generationals. I don’t know why but they make me want to put on some roller skates and roll down to the nearest ice cream shop, all the while being all “gussied up” wearing a poodle skirt of course. It could just be me but I swear that’s what I picture doing while listening to When they fight, they fight. I am kind of in love with this band. I’m trying to tone down my crazy love in case it might be premature, but definitely take a listen for yourself.
Red Cortez
So when you your latest album is produced by Kings of Leon, Ryan Adams and Ray LaMontagne you know it can’t be bad, right? Well to be honest I’m not “stop everything your doing” impressed with Red Cortez (except for All the Difference – good song), but they just released their first album so I’m going to give them some time to marinate. Let’s marinate together. Let me know what you think – Potential? Maybe the Generationals are just soo good I’m having trouble caring about them. Could be.
So & So
Now I’ve only heard snip-its of So & So, but I have liked them on Facebook so that’s a big step for just hearing snip-its. I’m not sure I like their new marketing and polished look, but their sound is great. Very calming, folksy and romantic. Great summertime music folks!
That’s all I got for now. I’m out.
Tags: Alternative, Indie
Um Sia, do you have marbles in your mouth?
Mar 29, 2011 Artists
If you’ve ever read the lyrics of Sia’s music you know that she’s had a somewhat disturbed life. Seriously, just look at the picture below to see what I mean. And yes at some points she sounds like she’s mumbling. 
But dang it I still like her. She has this super sad and ery sound to her music, with urgency and passion that makes you kinda want to give her a hug as fast as possible so she doesn’t do something stupid. Every time, I repeat, every time she sings I feel like I’m hearing the song the very first time she thought it up. Check out some live tunes from her and let me know what you think…
2011 Grammy’s were Redonkulous
Perhaps it was just me, but the Grammy’s were pretty darn awesome this year. Besides Taylor Swift not being there of course. Arcade Fire won album of the year?? Their performance was both weird and awesome at the same time. Best new artist was not Bieber, but Esperanza Spalding?? Where did this awesome gal even come from? These Grammy organizers really know what’s up. But BY FAR the best performance of the night was from Mumford & Sons and The Avett Brothers. I felt like I was seeing them at a local bar. Loved the stage set up. If you missed it, check it out…
2011 Grammy Performance: Bob Dylan, Mumford & Sons, The Avett Brothers
Tags: Acoustic, Amanda loves, Folk, Grammys, Indie, Mumford & Sons, The Avett Brothers
A front row seat to the breaking of my heart
Jan 28, 2011 Artists
I’ve been listening to Chris August’s new cd No Far Away all week long and there is a song that I swear speaks of my childhood. I’ve been reading this book lately called The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce. I’ve been reading it in the hopes that I could identify the broken pieces inside and put them back together. I’ve always been the person who avoids looking inside cause I’m too scared what I might find. Chris’s song 7X70 is about the mess that parents sometimes create for their children and how he overcame that. All I remember when I was younger was being lonely and confused and not liking myself. Until I discovered God’s love, I thought little of myself and my future. Only God can put our broken pieces together. We are human. We all make mistakes, parents and children alike, and the only way we can get over the past is to be understanding and forgiving of that humanity. And after we realize this, we need to grab God’s strength and move on.
Tags: Chris August, Christian
My Soul Now to Stand
Jan 24, 2011 Artists
In light of the new year, I’ve been thinking a lot about my own new year’s resolution. I don’t know that I’ve really ever made one, but a lot has happened this past year and even more recently that has made me want to change things this year.
Yesterday, our church service was all about reconnecting with God. And wouldn’t you know, they played this song that met me right where I was at: Joel Houston’s The Stand. Ever increasingly throughout my life, I’ve had one stumbling block: myself. I am often crippled by one loud voice telling me I’m a failure. That the past is an indicator of the future. But this isn’t the voice I should be listening to. God makes all things new!
This year, I’m going to get to know my God better.
This year, I’m going to become a better wife.
This year, I’m going to become the me that I’m supposed to be.
Fear is a crumbling thing. It’s this exact thing that stops us from becoming the people God intended us to be. I refuse to listen to it.
So how am I going to succeed at my new years resolution? By listening to God. By changing the way I think. Probably one of the hardest things to do, but I’m determined. Because I don’t want to live anymore of my life hurting myself.
Here’s to the future…..
I’ll stand with arms high and heart abandoned
In awe, of the one who gave it all
I’ll stand, my soul Lord to you surrendered
All I am is Yours
Jukebox the Ghost…Piano Rock!
JukeBox the Ghost
So a good friend of mine, Mr. Vince Eagan, sent me an email earlier this week to check out this band: Jukebox the Ghost. He’s got good taste in pretty much everything, so I clicked the link and listened away. Low and behold, good music! He had seen them on Letterman and thought they were good, bought their cd, and now we will be partaking in their delightful music tonight at Radio Radio. Fingers crossed he ever gets back to me so I have a date. Anyways, I just thought I would share with you the link so that you can do the same. Buy their cd and go out to Radio Radio tonight to see them. Ticket’s are only $8. Do it to it!
Favorite Song: Empire
Tags: Jukebox the Ghost, Rock
Ari Hest, a grown up Matt
Oct 6, 2010 Artists
Ok, so it is a little obvious. At least to me. That Matt Nathanson, Matt Kearney…They all sound the same right? They sound the same, sing the same tunes, and so that is why they typically don’t make my top 10 list. If you haven’t noticed by now, I tend to be drawn to the musicians that have that “something special” that no one else does. They may sound different, but different is good. They are not for everyone’s tastes. Well, today I want to talk about another Matt Nathanson and Matt Kearney. His name is Ari Hest. And yes, I am just now discovering him. Late to the game, I know. Here’s the difference with him: He has an album with Rosi Golan. Done and done. Just for that, he makes the top of my list. And maybe I’ve been a little harsh. If Matt or Matt saw this, they may be a little hurt. I’m sure to them their music is “unique”. It’s just not to my ear. Not that they would ever read this blog. ANYWAYS, Ari has this certain quality, a grown up sound to his voice. It’s so deep. And his new album with Rosi? Killer. They are really really good together. So check it out. It’s only 5 songs, but I seriously can listen to them over and over again on my 30 minute drive to work and it doesn’t get annoying. It’s acoustic, laid back music with that haunting twist to it. My kind of music. So listen to it. Or don’t. You do whatever you want with your life, but I wouldn’t suggest missing out on it.
Bio: He released his first studio album in 2004 Someone to Tell. He is a college music professor and plays a variety of horns instruments.
Influences: Dave Matthews, U2, Smashing Pumpkins, Pearl Jam, Tears for Fears
Tags: Acoustic, Ari Hest, Rosi Golan
You Can Catch Me If You Try
Jul 21, 2010 Artists
Jamie Nichole
You can definitely tell from the first note that comes out of Jamie Nichole’s mouth that she was influenced by Jewel. Not necessarily a bad thing. It would be if she was forcing it, but I don’t think she is. I think she really just sounds a lot like her, probably due to years of playing and playing and playing again jewel cd’s. It happens. But I mean, who doesn’t love Jewel? I think her next cd will be the one to hear, and I really love Catch Me. Oh, and P.S. I found her through MojoStockIndy, which is an festival I went to last weekend where I also saw Midwest Hype whom I love. I also love that one of her influences is Patty Griffin who I’ve been meaning to talk about. Why did I only discover her a couple months ago? Where has she been all my life? She has probably influenced most of the female singers I love and for some reason I’ve never heard about her. If you haven’t heard her either you need to check her out because she is ridiculously talented.
Tags: Folk, Funk, Jamie Nichole, Jazz, Midwest Hype, MojoStockIndy, Patty Griffin
