Hello Motopony

Tacoma, WA based band Motopony's song "Wait for Me" has been stuck in my head for some days now, so I decided to do a little research and see what could be shared.

There isn't a wealth of information out there, but I feel with the release of the band's EP, some more light will be shed. What I do know is that the band is headed up by lead singer Daniel Blue, former fashion designer and writer and has only released a few singles and performed various live shows. The band kicks off their tour, releases a new video, and promotes their album release tonight in LA, performing at Bardot's and KCRW's "It's a School Night." They will be at the Troubadour tomorrow night in LA as well.

The other bit of information I've learned about Motopony in an email update from the band that was sent out this afternoon. Daniel Blue sites his influences come most heavily from his grandfather, noted to be a proud descendant of Jesse James and Vaudeville-trained musician. Blue credits his grandfather, thanks the band's supporters, and casts the bottle against the ship in regard to Motopony's maiden voyage. I'm interested to see where they end up traveling.

Some enjoyable tunage:

Seer by tinyogre

The song that got me:



King of Diamonds crude acoustics:



For more details on Motopony's tour, see their MySpace account.

-Laura in LA

Riverboat Gamblers - Rock that Moves Me Out of 323

What can I say about the Riverboat Gamblers?  They hold a special place in my heart, as I remember seeing shows of theirs in college at a small, quirky little venue called Rubber Gloves in Denton, Texas.

Riverboat Gamblers - Castastrophe by VolcomEnt

After playing the Dallas/Ft. Worth scene for a while, the band decided to chuck it and head for Austin, Texas around 2003.  The band proceeded to garner buzz at SxSW that year, and has since enjoyed a slow and steady growing fan base in Austin.  Riverboat Gamblers have since played many a showcase in the yearly festival, and the has also been featured in several video games; Tony Hawk's American Wasteland ("Hey! Hey! Hey!"), Madden NFL 07 ("On Again Off Again"), Skate 2 ("Uh Oh!") and Rock Band 3 ("Don't Bury Me... I'm Still Not Dead").  In 2010 they performed on the Vans Warped Tour in the United States and the Eastpak Antidote Tour in Europe.



I recently caught these guys at the Slidebar in Fullerton and proceeded to have my socks rocked off.  Lead singer Mike Weibe has demure, well-spoken controlled exterior off-stage.  However his on-stage persona takes quite a jolting u-turn.  There was crowd surfing, climing on stage fixtures, and ample sweaty rocktitude at the Slidebar show.  

What I'm finding hard to put together is the seeming disconnect between what's available online for RG, and what I experienced at the show.  What I remember from college, and seemed to re-connect with at this recent show, is that they are no-frills, non-emo un-apologetic rock with a little punk and perhaps a sprinkle (just a tad) of ska.  What I feel like I'm finding online is more emo-sounding Blink-182 reminiscent guff.  I tried to dig and find the better bits to share.  Hope it is enjoyed.



Bottom line, Riverboat Gamblers put on a kick ass live show, and I highly recommend checking them out in any live venue settling.  Online samplings may prove to be slimmer pickings.

 -Laura in LA

Jamie XX back to back with OneMan Live Mix

This is a roughly recorded, but fantastic mix - the selections are amazing and the genre bending journey is worth 95 mins of your listening pleasure. Featuring Funk, Disco, Dubstep & Techno it certainly is a lesson in how to put together an amazing DJ set.


'Live From' - FACT x Young Turks - Jamie xx b2b Oneman by BOILER ROOM

Watch them in action here

All courtesy of http://boilerroom.tv/

Andy in London

I'm feeling a bit Jeff Buckley Today...

It all started when I was taking a walk at dusk and Mr. Buckley's version of  Billie Holiday's "Strange Fruit" popped up on my iPod.  It instantly put me in a mood for some similar tunage,  and leads me to someone who reminds me quite a bit of the magnanimous Mr. Buckley.  If you appreciate a laid-back singer songwriter that doesn't put you on folk-overload, then I think you would put Patrick Joseph in the swell files.  Not all Buckley reminiscent all the time, the multi-instrumentalist presents a varied and soothing repertoire of well crafted songs.  His recently released album Antiques, is available for a "name your price" download through the artist's website.  One of the stand-out tracks, "Better Than it Was Before."

The song that first garnered the artist attention on the web in 2009 that also ended up on Antiques, is "Arsonist Blues."

Arsonist Blues by Patrick Joseph by mediaHomusic

However I think I'm more partial to the track Escape Artist, also on Antiques:

Escape Artist by Patrick Joseph


Mr. Joseph performs around town at venues like Hotel Cafe, El Cid, and Room 5.  If you have a chance, check him out.

P.S. Patrick and fellow musician Lucas Martinez do a really good cover of Nina Simone's "Feeling Good" and if you see them live, keep your ears open for this one!



-Laura in LA

Why Didn't I Know About Empire of the Sun?

Apparently it took a kick-ass show at Coachella that's been talked about quite a bit in LA to get me into these guys.  It seems the more I dig though, I'm finding that there isn't a ton of music produced by Empire of the Sun.  Here's what I have been able to kick up:

-The group is headlined by two Aussies, both with other band projects they're known for.

-Nick Littlemore, of the band Pnau is also currently musical director of a Cirque de Soleil show at Radio City Music Hall.  This totally makes sense if you watch any of the EOTS videos, and pay attention to their visual style.

-Luke Steele, the other half of EOTS, also has another band called The Sleepy Jackson, which is a much more stripped down acoustic venture.

-Their live shows are highly theatrical and thematically tied together and musically seamless.

What is interesting to me, is that the band really hasn't put out any new music since 2009, yet they had packed slot at Coachella and a fantastic response to their music in general.  I'm wondering if they plan to continue on as Empire, or if the Nick and Luke will continue to go in separate directions with their other bands and side projects.  I think what they are doing is interesting, highly visual, and has a nice mix of electro-pop with a little Mad Max futuristic world vision thrown in.  Tell me what you think?

Their hit single, "We Are the People," which was filmed in Monterrey, Mexico.  I think the video locations are pretty visually stunning.




Here is a video from their recent Coachella performance (sort of a rough, homemade video but you get the idea):




Here are some of Luke's The Sleepy Jackson musical stylings:

The Sleepy Jackson - Mourning Rain by delapoppleinlesoreilles


And some of Nick Littlemore's Pnau:

Baby by Pnau


Some markedly different sounds and styles that seems to sort of manifest itself in what Empire of the Sun's sound is.  Colorful stuff. 


Happy Easter Eggs.

-Laura in LA

Foster The People Live in London

So last week I headed down The CAMP in Old Street for Foster The People's 1st gig in London. This band have been creating a buzz for a while stateside and the sold out crowd in London last Wednesday (13th)  had an air of excitement.  The LA boys bounded on stage with such energy and enthusiasm it was very difficult not to be entertained by Foster The People who have been compared to MGMT. A set that was punchy, tight and full energy kept the crowd at CAMP dancing until midnight. These boys attract an up for it, happy following, even for their 1st gig in the UK.

Set highlights for me were Helena Beat:


Helena Beat by joebourjac

and the brilliant Pumped up Kicks

Pumped Up Kicks by j.wilson


And today saw the release of this amazing remix of Pumped Up Kicks by NYC's The Knocks - just up for it and brilliant - I be giving it a spin on Saturday...

Foster The People - Pumped Up Kicks (The Knocks Remix) by The Knocks

FTP played Coachella at the weekend and are returning to the UK in May to kick start a string of dates across Europe before playing all over Canada and the US including 2 sold out dates at El Ray in LA... Its a big year for these boys....


Andy in London

Panda Bear

Panda Bear's new record 'Tomboy' has hypnotized me today. The gentle sounds of Tomboy are magical and this album has a psychedelic, washed up summer sound that has won me over today. Noah Lennox's other main project is of course Animal Collective - who's album Merriweather Post Pavilion was massive for me in 2009 so I have been looking forward to this release for while.

This new record is  full of the ambient loveliness that Panda Bear executes so well. Early highlights for me are 'Benfica' & 'Surfer's Hymn'. The whole album feels enormous and the echoing, haunting vocals are just beautiful. Lennox is constantly experimenting with his sound and there are elements of dub-step / and hip hop beats on this record which add to the repetitive atmospheric vocals. In my opinion this is one of those albums that begs to be listened to over and over - especially on a beautiful early summer's day.


Sit back and let the sounds of Panda Bear wash over you....

Panda Bear - Tomboy by In House Press

I have also stumbled across this mesmerising remix of Surfer's Hymn - just brilliant:

While we are here, it wouldn't hurt to have a listen to the stunning 'My Girl's' from Animal Collective's Merriweather Post Pavilion...



Enjoy your Sunday!

-Andy in London

Covered Up

Laura: Everyone loves a good cover tune right?  From the band at your Cousin's wedding playing Young MC's "Bust a Move," to the saucy Flamenco version of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit," a good cover can re-invent a song and put a fresh spin on an old favorite.  Sometimes even make a not-so-likable song, well...damn good.

Some covers that have been floating around in my head lately that really stick are, the Secret Sisters with Jack White, covering Johnny Cash's "Big River."  Jack White of course throws some well-deserved rocktitude on it:

The Secret Sisters - Big River by the ruckus

Le Original, also kick ass in it's own way. Oh Johnny C, you're good not just 'cause you're cool.




I'm also a big fan of this Elvis cover too.  I'm a sucker for a good Elvis cover.  It's such common ground to tread, but it hits a sweet spot I think...Anna Calvi does it well:




Now please enjoy the original care of some random You Tube video that some dude edited...why not!




And lastly on my list of kick-ass covers, comes "Tyrone," as covered by My Morning Jacket.  Please excuse the shoddy video....it was taken by yours truly on a Canon Power Shot with a video function.  But the audio isn't bad....


The original:



(And That Ain't Right Child)

Andy: One of the most important tunes that has stuck with me for years is Ride's 'Vapour Trail'. Every time I hear it I get shivers down my spine. It sums up what an amazing bad Ride were and their legacy of shoe gaze sounds can be heard everywhere.

Vapour Trail by Holly-1

Now listen this outstanding cover by Seattle shoe gaze lovers: Trespassers William. This cover is nothing but incredible and takes nothing away from the original and stands on its own as being as magical.

God bless Erol Alkan for including it on his 'Bugged In' compilation from a couple of years ago.




Ok so Siouxsie and the Banshees effort of The Beatles fine song Dear Prudence is also one of my all time favorite covers - basically speaks for itself - beautiful:

Ok and onto something that is totally different, but in my opinion is still an amazing cover! This time it comes from Oxford boys Foals in the form of Swedish House Mafia's One. Yes, thats right Foals covered one of the biggest dance tunes of last year and have made it their own. There are not many covers that blow you away and grab your attention but this one does - its huge and sounds like it was almost made for Foals to play, what with their relentless percussion driven sound. Its totally different from the above tracks so if your feeling a bit mellow and chilled - prepare to get groove on!

Foals - One (Swedish House Mafia Cover) by ryanwillsy

 Ok and now to the original feat Pharrel - not to everyones taste but you have to admit that it is pretty dam epic! Reminds me of standing in a field last summer jumping around.... Last years huge club anthem:

Architecture In Helsinki

Architecture In Helsinki - Contact High by modularpeople

Today sees the release of Architecture In Helsinki's new electro upbeat album full of bouncy tunes. The Aussie 5 peiec have been going for 11 years and Moment Bends on Modular Records is their 5th album. Based on the single Contact High - its defo worth a punt in my view....

Out in the US on May 3rd

Andy in London

Music to Move to

So in a year ripe with fantastic music, comes change for the West Coast Faction of After We Talked.  I've recently relocated....to the other side of Hollywood (the prettier side) and have taken some time away from AWT.  Music, has not been absent from my life during this time, however I have not had the ability to do much writing about it as of late.  Kudos to Andy in London for taking the ball and running with it, posting new lovely musical bits on the regular while I was transitioning in to my new home.  I thought I'd share some of the songs and artists that kept me motivated to pack, move, and un-pack again.

Really enjoying former Elephant front man Diego Garcia's new album.  Have only heard a few tracks, but here is one of them "You Were Never There" off his debut solo album entitled "Laura."




I also like the song "Stay," which sounds sort of half Spanish ballad, half 50s crooner...diggin' it. I'm seeing Velvet paintings...

Stay by Mace550

I've also really been into the Vaccines lately, thanks to Andy in London's suggestion.  The entire album is good, but the track that has superfantastic earworm power is "Post Break Up Sex"



However my absolute favorite tune is Wetsuit:

The Vaccines - Wetsuit (Radio Rip) by weallwantsome1

On the softer side of things, I've been listening to the soothing sounds of Agnes Obel.  Something fresh and yet old-world about her.  I like this track called Riverside.



I even like some tracks of the new Paul Simon joint, "So Beautiful So What." The two tracks I've heard off the album seem to have a bluesy sort of New Orleans/Zydeco feel to them. Takes me back to my last trip to Nola and time spent dancing at D.B.A. in the Marigny district. Have a listen to "Afterlife."



Alright friends, enjoy the rest of what's left of Sunday. I bid you adieu.

-Laura in LA

Brand New Beastie Boys

Oh it feels good that the Beastie Boys are back this year and doing what they do best!



'Make Some Noise' has been floating about this week and it just sounds so damn good....Its the first helping from the upcoming Hot Sauce Committee Pt. 2 LP out in May. A couple of years ago there may have been doubts about whether Brooklyn's finest would return to their former glory after Adam Yauch’s cancer scare but after 'Make Some Noise' was leaked online a couple of weeks ago, you can totally feel they are ready to stage a comeback of epic proportions.


Beastie Boys – “Make Some Noise” by ellenwoodEP

Andy in London

New Holy Ghost!

What do you make of the new NYC's favorite Electronic duo Holy Ghost's new material?

The album is out on Monday (11th) and is pretty much a guaranteed 'winner' according to Charlie Sheen.

I am really enjoying Do It Again - and you can stream the whole album here - flippin' amazing!

Just in time for some sun drenched parties!

Holy Ghost - Do It Again by Vitalic Noise

Pretty great sounds...

Andy in London

Sun Is Shining In London Town...

Caribou - Sun (Midland Re-Edit) by WeAreBlahBlahBlah

Love the Midland Re-Edit of Caribou's Sun... Perfect

Andy in London

Wild Beasts

I have been listening to Wild Beasts a lot recently - their album Two Dancers which was easily one of the best albums of last year really still sounds so good and utterly brilliant. They return in May with new single Albatross from forthcoming album Smother on Domino Records.

Wild Beasts - Albatross by rockfeedback

Their haunting sounds and distinctive vocals are nothing but a joy to listen to and Albatross certainly soothes the soul. I saw them play last year at the Lovebox festival in London on a seriously hot day in the city and their dreamlike sounds cast a spell over Victoria Park that day as I am sure they will again on August 6th when they play Field Day in the very same park.



They have a string of gigs around the UK in support of the new album release including 2 at the absolutely stunning Wilton's Music Hall. A Victorian Music Hall in London's East End - very befitting for a band who sound so beautiful.

I'll leave you to enjoy Two Dancers from last year

Wild Beasts - Two Dancers by kngrooo

Andy in London

The Return of Glasvegas

3 years after their debut album was released to universal acclaim and a Mercury prize nomination, Glasgow's finest band return with EUPHORIC /// HEARTBREAK \\\ - out 04//04. I am getting pretty excited about absorbing what Glasvegas have been working on during the 3 year's they have not been around.

This album has the potential to be massive - stirring, uplifting and haunting tunes are what Glasvegas does best and this trailer certainly wets the appetite. 

The World is Yours speaks for itself......

Awesome - 

The World Is Yours by glasvegas

Go get this album

Andy in London

Goodbye LCD

This weekend marks the end of LCD Soundsystem as they play the last gigs at Madison Sq Garden in NYC.

I have loved everything James Murphy has laid his hands on and LCD Soundsystem have been one of the best live bands I have been lucky enough to see. I saw them twice in London - once at the now demolished Astoria in '07 and again last year on the This Is Happening tour at a packed Brixton Academy - both shows were awesome.

They kicked off their 1st farewell show at Terminal 5  with a 3 hr set last night! - how I wish I could have been there!!

LCD you will be missed.....

Check out the London sessions below:

LCD SOUNDSYSTEM LONDON SESSIONS 2010 by pepe2010


....shed a tear listening to utterly brilliant Someone Great....

LCD Soundsystem - Someone Great by brendanlikes

Andy in London

Our Mountain

A band that have really grabbed me today are Our Mountain. The mysterious US/Aussie 4 piece based out of Brooklyn produce dark and twisted Nick Cave influenced, dramatic rock that attacks you as soon as you hear it. Now, I would not normally go for this kind of stuff, but there is something about Our Mountain that intrigues me and after repeated listens of 'Wooden Heart's' and I am sucked in.

Our Mountain- Wooden Hearts by godisinthetvzine.co.uk


Pretty epic isn't it? - The're album is out this year and if that track is anything to go by is going to be pretty incredible.





I will have to check them out at Stag & Dagger this year

Andy in London

Lady Danville and Some Damn Good Harmonies

I'm a sucker for a nice harmony.  I've also recently became more appreciative of the power of a cappella and songs that incorporate that style of harmony when an friend of mine made it on to the show "The Sing Off," which aired last fall on NBC.  The show covered mostly mainstream stuff, but there were defo some fantastic pipes on display.  The sheer musical power and effect a simple voice or voices can have without instrumentation can be overwhelmingly beautiful.  Although I adore instrumentation, it's cool to listen to, and think about the musical possibilities afforded simply by your own internal instrumentation...

An band who I think does a good job with harmonies is Lady Danville.  An LA outfit that began in 2007, Lady Danville has since toured with Dashboard Confessional and Ben Folds.  You can't really not help but smile when you hear their stuff.



Also a fan of this older song from the band, Tired Magician:

Tired Magician - Lady Danville by RootMusic


Easy singer/songwriter harmony stylee on a Sunday, no?

-Laura in LA

The English Riviera

3 years ago the music scene in the UK was getting over the 'nu-rave' bubble with bands like CSS and Klaxons at the fore. Also very much part of that scene was Metronomy who brought their experimental electro madness to the table for all to enjoy and possibly have been underrated in the past. The bands line up has shifted about and fast forward to 2011 Metronomy are on the verge of releasing their 3rd album 'The English Riviera' - I can only assume named after the coastline of Devon where the band were born. Metronomy have maybe mellowed in their sound and delicate new single 'The Look' reflects that... I have had this on repeat today. *Warning* the organ line will get stuck in your head for the rest of the day....

The Look - Metronomy by Weirdbrowser.blogspot.com


Also a big fan of 'She Wants' and this video is also pretty special Directed by www.juletmat.fr


METRONOMY - She Wants - by JUL & MAT from JUL & MAT on Vimeo.

Keep an eye out for 'The English Riviera' due for release on 11 April in the UK and forthcoming in the US - this could be a biggy!

Touring across the UK & France in April & May and according twitter due to hit the US later this year...

 Andy in London

Yacht: Dystopia

 So the album hasn't quite dropped yet, but Yacht has released a new single off of their forthcoming album Shangri-La, entitled Dystopia. I'm not only a fan of all things nautical, I'm also a fan of any artistic endeavor that traverses Utopian themes. And this band and this song is doing just that for me.  The band, based in Portland, OR and Marfa, TX straddle sounds that are sort of dance, sort of disco, and one part arty-electro. The lyrics seem timely in light of recent events as well, so maybe that's why this one really seems to speak to me. What do you think?



I first heard of Yacht via this tune Psychic City "Voodoo City," which is totally catchy, almost infectious.  The video is also highly entertaining.



Perhaps I'll write a follow-up to this post when the album drops. Now go enjoy your Saturday ya dingus!

-Laura in LA

Two Wounded Birds - West Coast Surfer Rock from Kent, England!

The Beach Boys inspired many, and are to this day adored by musicians and music lovers the world over.
There is one band from a small, slightly shabby seaside town called Margate in Kent who might love The Beach Boys a bit more than you. Two Wounded Birds have been on tour with The Drums and are offering up  a nostalgic 1960's early rock n roll, surf pop vibe that could have easily been born somewhere along Pacific Highway 1. Instead it was born out of the washed up, slightly battered but still lovable Victorian seaside resort of Margate in Kent.

I am surprised by quite how good this band sound - they have a defined sound that is tight, up beat and quite brilliant. Check out All We Wanna Do from their forthcoming EP 'Midnight Wave' out on Moshi Moshi on 18th April.



Their track 'My Lonesome' which is doing the rounds and getting some airplay sounds like an early rock n roll vinyl track you might have picked up from a 2nd hand store and is my personal favorite! What are the odds Tarantino uses this track in his next movie?

You can imagine the movie scene being played out in your mind...

My Lonesome by Two Wounded Birds

Do you hear any similarities to Kenny Rogers?

Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was in)-Kenny Rodgers and the First Edition by SolarKake

Happy Friday!

Andy in London

Kurt Vile supplying the tunes for a sun soaked Spring

So Spring 2011 has landed in London and the sun is shining and the sunglasses have been dusted off and people are walking the streets of Soho with a smile on their face. I have been listening to Kurt Vile's debut album for the past few days and I have to say 'Smoke Ring For My Halo' which was released on Matador a couple of weeks ago is almost the perfect soundtrack to the sun soaked city.

To be honest I had not heard anything from this album until I got hold of it and Kurt Vile (lead singer of The War On Drugs) has delivered a collection of psychedelic, fuzz filled folk songs that are brilliant. The War On Drugs really reminded of The Verve's early work and Kurt's vocals are not a million miles away from Richard Ashcrofts. I don't usually like comparing musicians but Kurt's sound really hit a nerve with me and this album already has the nostalgic feeling you get when you return to an amazing record after several years. Clearly Kurt was a hit at SXSWand you can hear why. Spend some time today getting to know Kurt Vile's sound and you wont regret it - start with 'Baby's Arms':

Kurt Vile - Baby's Arms by squidrobot

Kurt Vile - Jesus Fever by musicmule

I have mentioned them before but Kurt's band The War on Drugs released one my favorite tunes of last year and it's worth listening to again - The War On Drugs - Comin' Through.


Comin' Through - The War On Drugs by livkend

Wherever you are, enjoy the first sights and sounds of Spring!

Andy in London

2 Huge Album Releases Last Week That Deserve Your Attention

For some reason last week saw the arrival of 2 fantastic albums that will be played endlessly all year and come December I know I will be saying these are some of the real the highlights of the year! Have I peaked too early? - possibly, only time will tell.

After spending another chunk of March travelling to and from Boston I have had the time to really absorb The Vaccines debut album- What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?

We have seen much written, talked and shouted about London boys The Vaccines- and you have to say they fully deserve the rapid rise to success and the hype whirlwind that has followed them is just deserved...

This album is crammed full of post punk gems that are so infectious they will stick in your head all day and night. Wreckin Bar opens the album and sets the pace:

Wreckin' Bar (Ra Ra Ra) - The Vaccines by gregkent

I am seeing them twice this year and am genuinely excited to see this band live. NME said The Vaccines are the return of the great British guitar band and I have to agree. This album reminds me of when The Strokes exploded and then heralded in a new post punk scene - maybe electro is slowly curling up and crawling back into a hole somewhere?- 2011 will be huge for this band.

I have to say I haven't noticed any US marketing other than SXSW - but I have the feeling the imminent invasion of the USA by The Vaccines will come towards the end of 2011- keep your eyes peeled and be sure to catch them live!

Highlights from the album are current single If You Wanna & Blow It Up:

Blow It Up by The Vaccines

As well as the more delicate and passion filled - A Lack of Understanding:


-

I cant fault this band and their debut in my opinion is one of the best albums of the last 10 years, utterly brilliant from start to finish. Thank god for the The Vaccines. Believe the hype!

Ok - 2nd great album release in the last 2 weeks is The Naked And The Famous's debut album - Passive Me  - Aggressive You. Flying the flag for New Zealsnd - NATF are a big synth band who have managed to get great dream pop right and mixed it with some excellent guitar based melodies.

Passive Me - Aggressive You is an album that grows in its sound and grows on you as it wins you over. This band are producing noise filled, electronic,  sometimes experimental tunes that stay with you. Ok, to get you into them and to find out what they are about check out my highlights from yet another superb debut album :



School of Seven Bells had a fight with Passion Pit and then had an affair with MGMT and Foster The People at the same time, anyone?

I am enjoying this remix of their single Young Blood too:

The Naked And Famous - Young Blood (Dave Sitek Remix) by The Naked And Famous

Iam sure this is another band that will have more & more success this year.

So, there is loads to dive into here - get stuck in and enjoy. I am loving these new bands and their debut albums.

On a side note and a little nod to Boston over the St Patricks Day weekend how's about a bit of The Dropkick Murphy's - why not eh?

Dropkick Murphys - I'm Shipping Up To Boston by tadpoletunes


Andy in London :-)

Band Holding My Interest on a Sunday - The Features

The Features from Nashville:





They're catchy and percussive.  Apparently they've toured with the Kings of Leon but no one's ever heard of them.  I'm liking it.

Not a whole lot of words to say on a Sunday.  It's been raining for 24 hours straight, kind of getting old.  Bring back my sunshine!

-Laura in LA

LA Bands to check out at SXSW This Year

Oh Texas my Texas...my birthplace my home.  The place that houses the proud capital of the one and only Austin.  The magical city that for roughly 3 weeks a year is invaded by peeps from NY,  LA, and beyond....Lapping up all of the hospitality, BBQ and Tex-Mex, and the music/film/comedy they can stand.  Being a Texan and having been in Austin for South By as they call it now, it's interesting to see the small city come alive in this one special spring time event every year.  Now living in LA, I'm feeling a little disappointed that I can't just hop on over this year and check everything out like I used to.

So, instead of focusing on not being there, I wanted to focus on some of the cool LA bands that are out performing in the Lone Star State this week.

AM and Shawn Lee -- Dark into Light

AM & Shawn Lee - "Dark Into Light" by Ubiquity Records

I'm a sucker for a transatlantic collaboration, and this is the product of exactly that. AM in LA, and London composer Sean Lee. I'm interested to see what the response will be for this album.

The Belle Brigade -- Sweet Louise

Sweet Louise by The Belle Brigade


LA Bro-Sis duo, and just-so-happen-to be John Williams grandkiddos make pretty cool music as expected.  KCRW has been pushing them and I think they'll have a good showing in Austin.

Lord Huron --Stranger

I think maybe it's best to just let the music video serve as the enticement for this one. There is something magical in his music, and the word on the street is that this guy really knows how to fill up a space with sound in a live venue.


Lord Huron - "The Stranger" from Giant Eel Productions on Vimeo.

I'd also like to recommend this tune, which takes a while to warm up, but oh so worth it!

Lord Huron - Mighty by Half Pint


Eastern Conference Champions -- To the Wind



Now this isn't one of the newer tracks (their new album is due out in April and it's been four years) but I like the video and song, and figure it's enough to get you to explore this band further if you like what you see.

And finally, if you're going to be in Austin, check out Voxhaul Broadcast why don't ya?

I've been hearing about these guys bred in Orange County for quite some time now...gotta say I appreciate their rock guitar.





-Laura in LA

Puro Instinct -- Headbangers in Ecstasy

So another day, another trip to Amoeba Records.  Only this one was special because I was lucky enough to be accompanied by the London faction of AWT.  Either way, it was a quick jaunt in to through the new releases section, where my decisions tend to be bold, fast, and heavily influenced by cover art and the written descriptions that Amoeba supplies on most of their new release selections.

What caught my eye and peaked my interest via description was the new (and only) release by a girl duo called Puro Instinct.   The sisterly duo consists of Piper and Skylar Kaplan, aged 16 and 23....the older sister is loosely affiliated with freak pop scene inhabited by Ariel Pink and that ilk.  The description underneath the album promised Stevie Nicks inspired dream pop, and the album cover featured the two sisters dressed in pastel colored silky material in 80s style make-up with a soft focus sheen filtering the photo.  A smart person might have realized that perhaps these factors all added up to a bunch of hype, but not me, I fell for it, purchased the album and proceeded to be disappointed.

Side note, even the guy at the checkout endorsed this album, adding that his band had opened up for PI, and that Piper was a regular at Amoeba.  Although it was nice to be lauded for my purchase by the music store employee, I have to shake my head at his recommendation now after trying to listen up to this one.

Absent were the hints of Stevie Nicks, and present rather were heavily effected and un-inspired vocals.  There is nothing just outright horrible about the album as a whole, there just doesn't seem to be anything great about it either.  The two tracks on the album that had any sort of poppy effectiveness and hook for me were the track Stilyagi, and California Shakedown.  That being said, the standout tracks aren't really inspiring either, and remind me of something that might be playing at a trendy boutique where the staff is so hip they ignore the patrons.

Stilyagi by Puro Instinct by piperk

Does this sort of album have a place in history?  No.  Does this album aspire towards a certain aesthetic and movement that I think is viable?  Yes, but it falls pretty short.  I'm listening as I write this and hear the sounds of the lonely 80s sax lingering at the end of a track called Escape Forever, half-heartedly.  Even the sax grows tired of Puro Instinct...I want them all to be winners, but alas they cannot.

-Laura in LA

On a journey you can always rely on these tunes...Oh and an update on AWT

So after a brief excursion for the London based AWT faction to Cali last week and a slight departure from all things blog related I wanted to post some of the tunes that have kept me smiling whilst I have been travelling round the world and also share some snaps.

There is some exciting developments going on behind the scenes at After We Talked and we are very close to launching a brand new site with all new content and exciting features. Ok, ok how many times have you heard that about blogs or websites before?
...but this time - this is going to get real... AWT has been going only 1 month and we have already garnished a following and have many ideas to develop and share with you. So stay tuned for After We Talked to get bigger, stronger, faster & harder!

So southern California was the destination of my latest little trip and on the way I had many tunes to keep me company but there are 5 stand out favourites that are worth sharing with you. It has to be said and it is somewhat of a cliche, but music makes memories come alive. A tune or a song can enhance a memory and you can be transported back to a place or time in flash. That is part of the magic of absorbing music while you travel. This may come across as a fairly indulgent post but I hope it introduces you to some great new music.

There is no real correlation between any of the tracks - some are epic, some are beautiful, others just put a smile on my face.


So 1st up is Andrew Weatherall's remix of Fuck Buttons Sweet Love for Plant Earth - The Bristol based Aphex Twin influenced duo have a special sound and this tune is pure escapism.

Fuck Buttons * Sweet Love for Planet Earth (Andrew Weatherall Remix) by Cruyff

Next up The War on Drug's utterly fantastic single Comin' Through - for me this is a perfect alt rock single and there are almost nods to The Verve. This was one of my stand out tracks from last year. They are on tour with Destroyer and play LA's Troubadour on 22nd March - maybe you should go see them?

Comin' Through - The War On Drugs by livkend

There is no doubting that Animal Collective's My Girls sounds amazing when the sun is beating down on your face, just enjoy this one....

Animal Collective - My Girls by indiana129

Another perfect travelling tune is Wild Nothing's  - Summer Holiday from the album Gemini

Wild Nothing - Summer Holiday by pippsta

....last on this shortlist would be  Warpaint's Set Your Arms Down from this years absolutely stunning debut album.

'Set Your Arms Down', Warpaint by TwoThousand

Hope you enjoy as much as I do....

Andy (slightly jet-lagged) in London