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