It’s official, I got a girl crush. Kitten is the band. Chloe Chaidez is the object of my affection. I got it bad ya’ll. Yeah, I know and I am just as surprised too. Let’s get this straight. I am not some floosy easily enamored by a demi-rock Pop-goddess with the stage presence of a modern day Madge Ciccone (but with prettier and softer edges than M. Sorry Ms. Material Girl). At first brush Kitten is Madonna, Taylor Dane and Cyndi Lauper-ish, but with extra sprinkles and sweeter glitter. Yet, her sound isn’t as simplistic as it seems. There exists depths of influence and elements with deep roots from the late 60’s and 70’s. A heavy dose of the bands stemming from the British Invasion. Along with a spattering of divergent elements as well. I musn’t forget her supporting cast. Guitarist Andy Miller and bassist Chris Vogel bring the goods and then some. Kitten is purely hard candy-Pop with an independent spirit. It’s at times a funkier, more often than not a post-punkier scope and orchestration. She’s like a jawbreaker or an all-day Day-Glo sucker. Kitten’s self-titled debut album is an alt sort of Pop too, which doesn’t don primary colors. No, hers is an ultraviolet and star splashed fluorescent patina. Yes, I have a genuine and unapologetic girl crush indeed. Continue reading “I Was There: The Shelter, Detroit, Michigan | Kitten”
metronomy | love letters lp | video
Recently, the latest album Love Letters, from the ever-changing and perpetually ear-appealing foursome Metronomy is 10-piece deep fried and served with packets of funk sauce. Yes, your ears will need wet wipes for this one. Here is a band with a sound soul-stitched in the artsy annals of some future retro otherworld. Down below you can check out the brand new and oh so official video the their titled-track Love Letters. This piece was directed by Mr. Michel Gondry, so you know it’s an eyeful of sticky sweet. You can cop Love Letters now via the music outlets below, and check out the band’s Deezer Session you’ll succumb to total swoontaneous combustion. Peace.
iTunes
Amazon US
hmv
Recordstore.co.uk
Rough Trade East Continue reading “metronomy | love letters lp | video”
active child // she cut me
Active Child (Patrick Grossi) is indeed active (I couldn’t resitst). Listen to his latest, She Cut Me, the track is taken from his latest Rapor LP out now courtesy of Vagrant Records. Peace. Continue reading “active child // she cut me”
the new self defense // meet me overboard
New York-based alt rockers The New Self Defense give as good as they get. And what’s better than delivering the goods when it comes to rockin’ out? The band’s music has been described as “face melting,” and although my face is still intact my ears are definitely ringing. The band’s latest EP, Meet Me Overboard, released in June 2012 is steeped in the vaulted rock tradition. Check ”em out. Peace. Continue reading “the new self defense // meet me overboard”
the presets // fall
The Presets (Julian Hamilton & Kim Moyes) are currently tearing it up on their North American Tour 2013, so catch ’em if you can. Until then, you can have them whenever you wish via iTunes. Also, you can watch their new video for the track Fall ’til your heart’s content. I’m out. Peace. Continue reading “the presets // fall”
mayer hawthorne // her favorite song
Boss Angeles denizen and resident funk-soul-brotha’ Mayer Hawthorne will release his new album Where Does This Door Go on July 16th courtesy of Republic Records. The first single Her Favorite Song features the sultry voiced Jessie Ware (gotta’ love that) and drops via iTunes May 21st (tomorrow). Peace. Continue reading “mayer hawthorne // her favorite song”
capital cities // safe and sound + video
One sure thing you can count on when dropping the needle on any music by Capital Cities is it will remain fresh and crispy endlessly. This duo (Ryan Merchant
and Sebu Simonian) made impressive moves last year (loved their remake of The Purple Ones’ Nothing Compares 2 U), and in 2013 are slatted to drop their debut album In A Tidal Wave Of Mystery on June 11th. Continue reading “capital cities // safe and sound + video”
everything everything // kemosabe
It’s been a minute since the boys from Manchester have dropped new material. And although we’ve heard the tracks ‘Cough, Cough” and “Kemosabe,” from their soon to be releases LP ‘Arc’ we’re still waiting for the other shoe to drop January 14th. In my book this is one of the most anticipated albums of 2013. Peace. Continue reading “everything everything // kemosabe”
boombox // lost ya
Russ “the Captain” Randolph and Zion Rock Godchaux together form the rock/bass/disco house project Boombox and so far these Alabamians have proven you can’t judge musical influences by geography. The track, “Lost Ya,” is different in all the right ways. Peace. Continue reading “boombox // lost ya”
shiny toy guns // fading listening
on the track “fading listening” the voices of chad petree and carah faye charnow of the now undefunct pioneering electro-pop band shiny toy guns, do a sort of call and response reminiscent of the vocally handsome twining with the sonically beautiful. but don’t mind me just listen to the song and just be thankful this pioneering band of four (the other two band members being Jeremy Dawson and Mikey Martin) are finally back together and making great music. the band’s new album III is out now, and if you want to stream it then go to www. shinytoyguns.com. peace.