My Notes On The Latest Albums

Dan Auerbach, "Keep It Hid"
-Can anyone say rock n’ roll? Auerbach's solo album is a must-buy...it’s like listening to the Black Keys but with a full kick ass band (otherwise known as Hacienda) and I’ve been listening to this non-stop!

Blitzen Trapper, "Furr"
-A bit country pop, this band was a favorite of mine at SXSW, and I have no idea why I didn’t like them before!

The Airborne Toxic Event, self titled
-Another favorite at SXSW, a mixture of a bit Arcade Fire, Bush, and Lightspeed Champion, with a killer violinist

Yeah Yeah Yeahs, "It’s Blitz!"
-Their third album and typical Karen O, but they bring something new to the table here—keep making more!

Wilco, "Sky Blue Sky"
-I’m excited to see this album play out in concert—check out Wilco if you haven’t already, their experimentation might take a bit to get used to, but trust me you’ll love them!

Peter Bjorn & John, "Living Thing"
-I’ve been anticipating their second album, but who hasn’t? These guys stood out at Coachella, and if you liked “Young Folks” you will be pleased

Camera Obscura, "My Maudlin Career"
-Same dreamy voice, same original sound. They played in this small, beautiful church at SXSW and it felt like heaven

Coner Oberst, "Outer South"
-Album is released May 5th, but I got a sneak peak at Coachella. Oberst, otherwise known as Bright Eyes, does folk rock at it’s finest

Chairlift, "Do You Inspire You"
-You know their song “Bruises” featured on an ipod nano commercial, but the rest of the album is solid and very different (keep an open mind), and they did a impressive job for us at SXSW

Felice Brothers, "Yonder Is The Clock"
-I’ve been talking about these boys non-stop and their dusty, rustic folk rock sound; with vocals reminiscent of Dylan. You feel like you’re in a barn during a country jam session drinking beers—in the distant past

Ida Maria, "Fortress ‘Round My Heart"
-I like this album, but it’s still growing on me—I’ve gotta support my fellow Norwegians! I like her loud rock tunes but more so when she slows it down, and I hear she’s great live

M. Ward, "Hold Time"
-One half of the band She & Him, and the talk of the town at Coachella, this album is a great one to sit back and relax to, or to pop in your car during a road trip

And look out for Hockey, if you like the Black Lips you will probably dig these dirty boys!

Coachella-Sunday

Another fabulous day in the beautiful Palm Springs has passed, and sadly the spring break is over.  Kate and I started the day by the pool and then stopped by the Indioasis party, which had an interesting hipster crowd frolicking in the pool. After getting our share of free booze we headed over to the festival's main stage and chilled there and at the closest beer pen all night. Amazing performances by Peter, Bjorn and John and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs ensued, after which we met some great people and danced wildly to The Cure--the most anticipated show of the event.
I was sad to miss Lykke Li (we weren't rushing over to the festival) but I'm sure I'll get to see her again in NYC. I haven't seen PB&J in a few years, but they seem much more in sync with each other and I have been waiting for their next album! The Yeah Yeah Yeahs always put on some of my favorite shows. They rock hard, and damn good. Karen O is as crazy and happy as ever performing, and it's always great fun watching her do her thing. Unfortunately we had to sit through My Bloody Valentine, which was horrible. It was a good beer break but as Kate put it, "like listening to constant static." How did they get such a great time slot??? As for The Cure, it was surreal. I never thought I would see them, let alone they'd be touring again. They were perfection, and Robert Smith was just as scary as you'd think he would look. I love his voice though, and they played a set list everyone was happy with.

What a perfect festival weekend!!!