Awesome Brooklyn concert TOMORROW!

So unfortunately I'm not going to be in town for this but three of my favorite up-and-coming East Coast bands are playing all in one show tomorrow night (Friday) at Bell House, here in Brooklyn. We have Ravens & Chimes, Miracles of Modern Science AND Drink Up Buttercup (who has an album due out soon, so expect to hear more about that here at GFP within the next few days). Doors are at 7pm and tickets are just $7. I actually had thought about almost this exact line-up for a GFP Presents show myself, so I'm kinda sad someone beat me to it, but oh well. Also really sad I can't make the show, but YOU should go. I guarantee you'll LOVE it.

Hearts of Palm [mp3] - Ravens & Chimes - (iTunes)

MR2 [mp3] - Miracles of Modern Science - (iTunes)

Gods & Gentlemen [mp3] - Drink Up Buttercup - (iTunes)

Artists to Watch in 2010

For the last of our lists this year, we have artists that have shown promise and/or generated buzz, and that we're expecting to see interesting things from in the year to come. So, just in time for the New Year, we present you with "Artists to Watch in 2010":


Ellie Goulding
21-year-old Ellie Goulding has already been chosen as one of the 15 best rising music stars on BBC's Sound of 2010 list. She's been generating tons of buzz over the last few months, and with an electro-pop sugary sound, musicians like Little Boots and Marina and the Diamonds (more about her below) are often mentioned alongside her. Her first single "Under the Sheets" was released a couple of months ago and her debut set to release in March, so, like we've said before, expect this one to hit big.

Under the Sheets [mp3] - (no online purchase available in US)

Marina and the Diamonds

"I Am Not A Robot" was one of Lise's tracks-on-repeat this last summer, and like Ellie above, Marina and the Diamonds have also made BBC's Sound of 2010 list. People love her for her don't-care-what-others-think attitude and robust, thickly vibrato-ridden voice, but Lise is still waiting to be impressed with a live performance, although perhaps that will change in this upcoming year. Until then, you should at least check her out if you are unfamiliar, cause there is no doubt you will be hearing more about her in 2010.

I Am Not A Robot [mp3] - (no online purchase available)

Heathers
This Irish twin girl duo, named after the infamous '80s movie starring Winona Ryder, is kind of like Tegan & Sara 2.0, but more folky perhaps. They're how I imagine Tegan and Sara were when they were just starting out - talented and adorable, keeping things simple but lovely, with rocking acoustic guitar and awesome vocal harmonies. It sounds like things are starting to pick up for them in Ireland and we're hoping that they'll pick up for them here in the US too, so that they'll come back stateside for a tour again soon.

Veronica [mp3] - (iTunes)

Drink Up Buttercup

Em first saw Drink Up Buttercup by chance back in May, instantly loving them, and has watched their audience grow and expand at shows in NYC in August and November. They are worth seeing again and again live because they have such great energy as they bang and plang and clang on everything from your typical keyboards and guitars to the less typical garbage can tops, tool boxes and plastic maracas. Their EP is superb and hopefully we can expect a full-length album from them in 2010.
Sosey Dosey [mp3] - (iTunes)

Pattern is Movement
Much to our surprise, these two lumberjack-looking guys make the most elaborate, fanciful, delightful and downright bizarre music we've possibly ever heard. It certainly wasn't what Em was expecting when they opened for St. Vincent earlier this year, but they ended up blowing her away and we can't wait to hear more from the Philadelphia duo.

Jenny Ono [mp3] - (iTunes)

Local Natives

One of LA's top indie acts that are ready to break out in a big way, all 4-part harmonies and pounding toms. They're already popular overseas, having toured the UK and Europe in 2009, and they've just been signed to NY label Frenchkiss Records (home of The Antlers, Passion Pit, The Dodos, etc.) They played a soldout show at the Echo the other night - their last US show until the domestic release of Gorilla Manor (February 5) - and any Angelenos who made it out will be lucky enough to say they were there first.

Camera Talk [mp3] - (Amazon)

Marching Band
Unlike a lot of the Scandinavian music we receive here at GFP, this isn't dark, experimental, or haunting. Marching Band's music is for the most part poppy, pretty and highly enjoyable. It will definitely leave your head bopping and your toe tapping, and since a lot of amazing stuff is coming out of Scandinavia right now, I think we can expect to see them fair well here in the US.

Gorgeous Behavior [mp3] - (iTunes)

Avi Buffalo

One of our writers, Diana, has been into Avi Buffalo for a little over a year now and we can't wait to see what SubPop does for them in 2010. Seeing Avi play his Fender Jaguar will make you envious that you're not 19 years old, winning folks over with a high falsetto and lines like, "you are tiny and your lips are like little pieces of bacon."
What's In It For? [mp3] - (iTunes)

Fredrik
Their album Na Na Ni was on our Best Albums of 2008, and their album Trilogi was supposed to come out this year, but has been pushed back to January of 2010. So keep your eye out for that. The one track they've released from it is even more haunting, dark and stunning than the highly experimental Na Na Ni, and we've heard that the rest of Trilogi is supposed to follow suit.

Trilogi [mp3] - (iTunes)

Castledoor

We still don't know why this band isn't signed. Their debut Shouting At Mountains was quite solid, and the 3 shows Diana attended of their June residency at Spaceland were easily the best shows she's seen this whole year. Nate Cole has all the charisma a frontman needs and more, and the songs are just an awesome mix of blues, rock, and pop. They've been going strong in the LA scene for a couple years now, so we have my fingers crossed that 2010 will be their year.
Skipping Stepping Stones [mp3] - (iTunes)

tUnE-YaRdS
tUnE-YaRdS, aka Merrill Garbus is incredibly intriguing to say the least. Her unique rhythms, complicated music and full voice make for an interesting listen. However, her debut album, Bird Brains, was made very much DIY-style, and while she certainly does quite well with very little, we would love to hear what she can do with some real production value behind her. Hopefully we will get the chance considering how much buzz she has gotten this year.

News [mp3] - (iTunes)

Surfer Blood

Their debut album Astro Coast is dropping January 2010, and having listened to a couple of the tracks, we wager that it'll probably take a few months for news to properly circulate about this band. Surfer Blood has somehow managed to encompass that guilty pleasure of 90's pop-rock sound of Weezer and Keane and structure it into a sophisticated-yet-carefree indie rock throwback with added fuzzy flair for the upcoming decade.
Floating Vibes [mp3] - (iTunes)

Gamble House
One of Diana's bandmates introduced her to Gamble House a couple months ago, and she recommends them to anyone who is a fan of pre-Veckatimest Grizzly Bear. This year they self-released an album of low-key indie/folk-ish music that goes beyond the standard vocals/guitar M.O., incorporating banjo, bells, keyboards and other little flourishes that reflect the band's jazz background. Definitely worth checking out.

Central Park [mp3] - (no online purchase available)

Phantogram

For a duo that has yet to come out with a full-length album, Phantogram sure has a pretty big following. A bit reminiscent of Blonde Redhead, their electro-dance-rock certainly will get you moving. They're great live and we look forward to hearing what they come out with in the future.
When I'm Small [mp3] - (iTunes)


Ravens & Chimes
So they were on our list of Artists to Watch for 2009 last year, but unfortunately they didn't end up coming out with any new stuff this past year. However, it is confirmed that they will be coming out with an album in 2010, so we are putting them on the list again because we love them that much. Hopefully, after going through some major member changes this year (only two of the people in this picture are still in the band but we can't find any more recent ones...), next year will be a successful one for them. Here's one of the songs off their upcoming 2010 album.

Hearts of Palm [mp3] - (iTunes)

Ravens & Chimes new mp3

It is my pleasure to share with you a new mp3 from one of my favorite local bands, Ravens & Chimes, off the album they're currently working on (no release date as of yet). They'll be playing CMJ on the night of October 23rd at Mercury Lounge. And keep your eyes peeled for a new behind-the-scenes video (I know, it's long overdue) of Ravens working on one of the other songs from that album,

Hearts of Palm [mp3]

CouchCrash @ Southpaw

Friday night, I attended the very first concert that I myself co-organized with my friend Jason for NYC CouchCrash. I must say, it was a smashing success. Something around 200 people showed up and had a blast! I'm not going to write too much about it because I'm short on time, but all the bands were fabulous, and the whole night built in a really phenomenal way. The bands totally fed off each others' energies (and the audience's). The bands were, for those who missed my earlier announcement: Shark?, Ravens & Chimes, Urban Sun and Midnight Spin. Below is a slide show and some mp3s for your listening pleasure. Special thanks to all those who helped make it possible (especially Southpaw!).

I've Got Friends [mp3] - Shark? - Fear! EP
Rhythm In The Dark [mp3] - Midnight Spin - Through the Mojo Wire EP
The Faraway Sound of Cars [mp3] - Ravens and Chimes - Reichenbach Falls (iTunes)
Practice Me [mp3] - Urban Sun - Practice Me (iTunes)

Park Slope is the place to be on Wednesday

So, for those of you who did not manage to score tickets to MGMT's sold out performance at Celebrate Brooklyn, don't despair! Some of my favorite bands are playing at some my favorite Park Slope music venues tomorrow night:

Head to Union Hall to bask in the beautiful dramatic melodies of NYC band Ravens & Chimes. Doors at 7:30pm. Cover $8.

Mosey on over to Union Hall's sister bar, Bell House, to rock out to NYC band Apollo Run and my fave Detroit trio, The Hard Lessons. Doors at 7:30pm. Cover $8. 18+

So many great shows, so little time... This is one of those situations I wish I could be in many places at once.

This Is Where We Are [mp3] - Ravens & Chimes (iTunes)
Love Song [mp3] - Apollo Run (iTunes)
Arms Forest [mp3] - The Hard Lessons (iTunes)

Ravens & Chimes, Mia Riddle @ Joe's Pub

Saturday night I hit up Joe's Pub to see one of my favorite local bands, Ravens & Chimes. It's been way too long since I've seen them perform and I'd heard they'd been writing a bunch of new stuff. I was also very excited to see Mia Riddle because I caught only the very end of her set at the Deli Magazine Best of New York show and definitely wanted to hear more.

Mia Riddle was up first. She started out a little bit... nervous? Timid? I think she was a tad bit overwhelmed about playing at the infamous Joe's Pub. She kept saying how awesome it was to be there ("like a dream come true!"). As the set went on, she got more and more confident (as did her band), which was great to see. She has a very strong voice and a good stage presence, especially when she smiles and looks like she's having fun. The audience seemed to be really digging her particular brand of folk rock, as was I.

Echo [mp3] - (iTunes)

Ravens and Chimes also seemed a little nervous and warmed up as they went. I guess it's the Joe's Pub reputation for star-making. They played quite a few new songs, which is exciting. I am really looking forward to hearing even more when their next album comes out. Although, I was a little disappointed that they didn't play my very favorites (in their defense, I do love basically all their old stuff though. And they did play "General Lafayette! You Are Not Alone!" which is fitting since we were on Lafayette street). I was also not so impressed with the mixing for their set, but that's not their fault. And at least lead singer Asher's underwear didn't get stolen (apparently he used to perform commando and once his underwear got stolen during a gig at Maxwells, but he no longer goes commando). During the show, he also told a funny story about almost getting arrested but getting out of it by telling the cop he was in a band.

General Lafayette! You Are Not Alone! [mp3] - (iTunes)

Artists to watch for 2009

Happy New Year everyone! We actually meant to post this yesterday, but we were just so busy celebrating the New Year that it didn't happen. So, in honor of the first day of the new year, here are some artists we think you should keep your eye out for in the year 2009.

Erin McCarley

It's hard to believe that her album was just released on iTunes two days ago- December 30th- with a physical release in stores planned for January 6th, 2009 (despite claims that it would arrive in the fall of 2008), cause God knows she's been everywhere on hype these days. Plus, she recently went on tour with Josh Radin, so you know this girl has talent. Basically this girl is the new Sara Bareillis with a side of A Fine Frenzy, and if the radio ever catches on to this one, she's gonna be big.
Love, Save the Empty [mp3] (myspace)

VV Brown

Self described as a "fusion of doo-wop sound, swing, bebop, and then obviously that indie edge," this British 24-year-old is set to be the next big thing to come out of the UK. While her music video for the single Crying Blood seems to try to incorporate something from each decade from the last 50 years, whether it be the tetris background or the 1960's simple slightly-lame dancing, its no doubt a single you will be hearing much more of, especially in remixed format. With a major label backing her up, she's destined to reach fame in 2009.

Quick Fix [mp3] (myspace)

Florence and the Machine

Again, the Brits are doing great things. Florence and the Machine sounds as if someone took Lily Allen/Kate Nash and mixed it with some of Amy Winehouse's insanity and an indie rock band. People are taking notice of this one, though. In February Florence will be awarded the Critics' Choice Award at the Brit Awards, an honor bestowed upon Adele just last year. At a Versace party at Donatella's mansion in Milan, Florence sang cover songs to audiences that included Jay-Z and Beyonce. Interviews with Florence herself come across as way-energetic-border-line-insane, which can only a good thing in the music world of expression and entertainment. Two singles, Kiss With A Fist and Dog Days Are Over have been released with a full album anticipated sometime in 2009.

Kiss With A Fist [mp3] (myspace)

Matt Jones

While we wanted to put his album in my best debut albums category, technically it's still not out yet. But good news, it is due out very soon from my understanding. Matt Jones is that rare singer-songwriter with incredible talent that naturally stands out from the other throngs of singer-songwriters. His amazing lyrics and whimsical complex simplicity make him shine.

Waltzing With Lady Dawn [mp3] (myspace)

Ravens & Chimes

I think they have to count as Em's favorite discovery of 2008. She absolutely fell in love with them and their music. There's just something about them... We love the drama in their music and many of the songs off their 2007 album have been on repeat on our playlists since Em first saw them back in August. We don't know if there is a new album due out soon, but we hope so. And in honor of the new year, we're posting the song January.

January [mp3] (myspace)

Aaron Beaumont

Aaron Beaumont has got it all - the talent, the voice, the looks, the wardrobe. He writes beautiful piano ballads and I can picture him rocketing to fame pretty swiftly, so listen to him now so that you can say "I knew him before he was famous."

Love Doesn't Hurry [mp3] (myspace)

Via Audio

This fun, quirky band is relatively popular within the indie scene. Em saw them play with indie darlings Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin. From silly but poignant songs such as Digital (about digital media and how talentless people are getting ahead because their voices and images can be digitally altered) to the melancholy but beautiful Oh Blah Wee (about how life goes on), Via Audio is a pretty hip band and they are definitely going places.

Digital [mp3] (myspace)

Sounds of Summer

Lise already posted her top 5 summer songs, but I have been reluctant to admit that summer is over. I'm still not ready for it to end, but I think I can safely list the songs that topped my summer playlist (though picking 5 is too hard, but I've managed to narrow it down to 10). The songs tend to come from all different genres all over the place and were played on repeat for different reasons, which I think is indicative of the type of summer I've had. Well, and my eclectic music taste, in general. In no particular order:

Waltzing with Lady Dawn [mp3] - Matt Jones - "The Black Path" (iTunes unavailable)
That's Not My Name [mp3] - The Ting Tings - "We Started Nothing" (iTunes)
Polite Dance Song [mp3] - The Bird & The Bee - "Please Clap Your Hands EP" (iTunes)
Be Mine Everyone [mp3] - Sam Champion - "Heavenly Bender" (iTunes)
The Blood [mp3] - Frontier Ruckus - "I am the Water You Are Pumping" (iTunes unavailable)
Talk Radio [mp3] - The Dandy Warhols - "Earth To The Dandy Warhols" (iTunes)
Lonesome Organist Rapes Page Turner [mp3] - The Dresden Dolls - "No, Virginia" (iTunes)
This is Where We Are [mp3] - Ravens & Chimes - "Reichenbach Falls" (iTunes)
A Song for Ellie Greenwich [mp3] - Parenthetical Girls - "Entanglements" (iTunes)
Hold It In [mp3] - Jukebox The Ghost - "Let Live and Let Ghosts" (iTunes)

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Secrets Secrets

On Saturday night I attended a "secret" Rogue Wave show at Union Hall (code name: Endless Shovels). Yeah, I'm cool like that. ;-)

First up was Ravens & Chimes, who I absolutely loved. They were down one member - who is in Japan - and down two for the first few songs, as keyboardist Brittany arrived late from a show in Jersey with some other group. But their sound was still quite full despite being only 4 instead of their usual 6 for a bit, and there was something really striking about it. They had very commanding presence. And there is something very unique about their sound and their songs that I just can't put into words. It's kind of retro-pop/rock, but at the same time incredibly dramatic and occasionally dreamy. I positively adore their album, "Reichenbach Falls," and have been listening to it on repeat for the past few days.

Next up was Frances. They were another 6-piece band with a full sound that I completely fell in love with. They fit incredibly well with Ravens & Chimes and props to whoever made that match. Once again, they had a kind of dreamy, dramatic retro-pop quality to them. Their songs were catchy, but dark and beautiful. There are parts of their song Cousin that I swear sound just like a soundtrack to a movie that I can't think of and it's driving me nuts! But it might just be because it has that dark dramatic flare to it.

Rogue Wave was the "secret" headliner. They were quite good, as well. But I think the first two bands kind of stole the show for me because they were new discoveries. But Rogue Wave was fun and poppy and I love their music, so I enjoyed it immensely. They have some really beautiful songs and they were a great finale to the night.

This Is Where We Are [mp3] - Ravens & Chimes - "Reichenbach Falls," (iTunes)
Cousin [mp3] - Frances - "All the While" (due out Fall '08)
Lake Michigan [mp3] - Rogue Wave - "Asleep At Heaven's Gate" (iTunes)

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