Favorite Music Video: “Israeli Caves” – Maps & Atlases

If you missed this video, then you missed something thoroughly creative, entertaining, and adorable. The band has been hard at work stepping up its game in touring, producing new music, and making fun videos. After the artsy “Solid Ground” and cameo-filled “Living Decorations”, “Israeli Caves” took the cake with its fun storyline and adorable star.

Favorite Song: TIE – “Heavy Love” – Dreamers Of The Ghetto / “Companions” – The Dodos

There were two songs that had me completely rattled last year. The first “Heavy Love” was introduced to the world when Dreamers Of The Ghetto was selected for a special session with music incubator Shaking Through. It was one of many of the bands ‘big breaks’ in 2011, and was the perfect opportunity to steal the attentions of new fans and turn them on to this remarkable band. Recorded exclusively for the Shaking Through session in Philadelphia, the song was later released as a 7″ single along with debut track “Tether” by Indianapolis label Roaring Colonel Records. The haunting keyboard melody and steady groove of the drums that introduce the song set the mood for Luke Jones’ growling voice to come in (“I know your voice…I hear it from the depths of the void.”)

The next track “Companions” from The Dodos‘ latest album No Color hit me while I was on the road, traveling for a former job. I spent a lot of time driving through the rolling rural highways of Southern Indiana, and that song just fit the isolation of traveling alone through hillsides and farmland. It beautifully focuses on Meric Long’s soft, dreamy voice and articulate guitar playing. Also, the music video seems to match my theory that it is great driving music.

Favorite Concert: The Budos Band with Charles Bradley @ The Bluebird (Bloomington, IN)

My life was electrified on the evening of April 22, when The Screaming Eagle of Soul Charles Bradley made a stop in Bloomington while on tour with Daptone Records label mates The Budos Band. It was an experience to be experienced, and I’m glad that I wasn’t able to find video footage of the show, because it just would not do it justice. The Bluebird was packed to the max that night full of fans young and old who danced their hearts out and even cried, as the new legend took the stage (with The Budos Band backing him up). Mr. Bradley was in solid form that night, and as an opening act only sang a few songs but made them count. He was so genuine, so gracious, so real. I only wish the set had been longer. The Budos Band equally rocked the crowd for the rest of the night with musicianship that was out of this world. In fact, the crowd and band were so engaged in the music and dancing that virtually no one noticed that there was a raging tornado warning outside that night. At least, not until after the music finally stopped and we notice the huge puddles that had leaked all over the bar, stage, and even the crowd.

*Charles Bradley will be back in town for a headlining show on February 19 @ The Bluebird. Make sure you get your tickets early!

Favorite Musical Discovery: Kalispell

I’ve said nearly everything I can say about this Eau Claire band. Just click here and you can read it all. Shane Leonard is a talented songwriter and multi-instrumentalist and I cannot wait for the release of Kalispell’s debut album. I’m so glad that this music is now in my life, these are songs to live by.

Favorite Musical Sneak Peak: The Revival Hour

Leading into 2011, my brain was all about the music of DM Stith. The artist, musician, and former Bloomington resident had packed his bags and jumped onto Sufjan Steven’s The Age of Adz tour, and outside of a few YouTube videos of live performances of new tracks, the artist remained too busy with globetrotting to give hints of a new record. The silence was broken in October with his announcement of a new collaboration with musician John Mark Lapham called The Revival Hour. The duo was working on new recordings (mixed by Richard Swift) and released a 2-song single “Hold Back/Run Away” on 7″ vinyl and digital download. A debut album is expected later this year. I can’t wait.

Favorite TV Show: Pan Am (ABC)

While I spent a good portion of the fall living in high school nostalgia with Jenna Hamilton on MTV’s “Awkward.“, it was the ABC female-heavy drama “Pan Am” that stole my attentions (and Hulu bookmark) for the year. Often mistaken for “another Mad Men”, Pan Am is anything but. A period show based on the stories of flight attendants at the 60s era commercial airline Pan American World Airways, the show does feature throwback sets and fashions. However, what really appeals to me about this show is that it is powered by strong, educated, independent young women having adventures and making life-changing decisions in a profession where they are generally under-estimated as simply pretty faces. It’s about time we had more shows that encouraged young girls to follow their dreams, make their own choices, and see the world. My biggest downfall with the show however, is that while the female-dominated plot won my attention, the weak male leads of the show tend to make me want to scream.

Catch up with the first season on ABC.com or Hulu.

Favorite Movie: Lord of the Flies (1963)

I didn’t watch a lot of new films in the 2011, of the few I did see in theaters, I really enjoyed X-Men: First Class, but I’d hardly call it the film of the year, it just wouldn’t be fair. I did however, spend a lot of time combing through the video collection of my local public library (which I highly recommend to anyone, you’ll find some real classics, gems, and IT’S FREE). I dove into films that I missed over the years including Funny Girl, Reality Bites, and Cry, The Beloved Country, among many others, but the film that really stuck with me was the 1963 adaptation of literary classic Lord of the Flies. Filmed in black and white along the beaches of Puerto Rico with actual children, rather than actors, the film has a sense of curiosity, suspense, and honesty that stretches across every frame. The wildness of the children as the story progresses and they evolve from schoolboys to island savages is still frightening nearly fifty years later.

Favorite Blog: Food Blogs

As a blogger myself, I am often inspired by the writing of others, and while in the realm of music, I was glued to Musician Coaching, overall, I really got into food blogs this year. When you are cooking for one, meals can become very boring and cookbooks only stretch so far. Most food and recipe blogs are bursting with photos, interactive comments/suggestions, and creative writing. My favorites this year were nationally known Joy The Baker, and up-and-coming local foodie The Hearty Herbivore. I’m not even a vegetarian, but I’ve already cooked/made plans to cook at least three recipes from The Hearty Herbivore in the last month. And Joy The Baker, that girl has some serious sass and out-of-this-world creativity in the kitchen. Her writing is inspiring and her step-by-step photos will make a weekend-chef out of anyone. Both those sites are great for the beginning-intermediate cook, but if you are really in need of something truly basic, I recommend The Vegan Stoner.

1. Enemy/Lover - Dreamers Of The Ghetto [Temporary Residence Limited]

Already listed as one of my top albums of the year (#3), it’s clear that I was highly impressed by Enemy/Lover. Dreamers Of The Ghetto took this scene and the nation by storm with its debut album, not only showcasing the musical talents of the Jones family (plus drummer Marty Sprowles), but a unique and buzz-worthy blend of rock and electronic music. Compared to the likes of Bruce Springsteen, U2, Arcade Fire and more, Enemy/Lover leaves nothing behind but the desperate desire for more.

Recommended Tracks: ”Always”, “Night Hawks”, “Regulator”, “Dark Falcons”

2. New World Orphan - Millbranch String Theory [Roots Capacitor Records]

This local album surprised me the most last year. I have never really branched out into string bands or bluegrass music, but this collection of songs was unable to be ignored. To call Millbranch String Theory a bluegrass band is nearly taboo. The instrumental trio does indeed utilize the typical bluegrass string instruments: banjo, upright bass/cello, mandolin, and guitars), however, the talented musicians take the genre limitations and throw them to the wind. New World Orphan infuses the styles of bluegrass, jazz, latin, and even funk to spell out a sound that has no boundaries. It’s a masterpiece of an album that will leave you standing in awe and pressing the ‘repeat’ button.

Recommended Tracks: ”Ethos, Pathos, Logos”, “Ol’ Bill Monet”, “…Flux…”

3. Without Hesitation - Good Luck [No Idea Records]

Another album that made it onto my year-end list (#4), Good Luck’s Without Hesitation is a triumph among local records this year. After such a strong debut with 2007′s Into Lake Griffy, fans on a local and national scale were craving more of the catchy, hard-rocking, pop-punk blend that this trio brought to many stages and basements. The four-year wait was well-received with the release of Without Hesitation. The eleven tracks of this sophomore release are anything but a slump, showcasing a more focused band with a more developed and mature sound.

Album Review

Recommended Tracks: ”Contact”, “A Song to Comfort the Sick”, “Significant Day”

4. Sleeping Bag - Sleeping Bag [Joyful Noise Recordings]

Everything you need to know about my thoughts on this album and band can be found here.

Recommended Tracks: ”Rental”, “Slime”, “Beside”, “Acer”

5. Foot of Love - Fat Shadow [Houseplant Records]

Foot of Love came splashing into the local scene in the early Spring and was a breath of fresh air after a long, cold winter. Supergroup Fat Shadow consists of many local talents and familiar voices whom when put together become an unstoppable musical force. With a sound that is as much punk as 90s alternative, Foot of Love  features ten tracks of solid, hard-hitting rock, draped in the angelic vocals of Daun Fields.

Recommended Tracks: ”Waves”, “Feelers”,”New Armor”, “Water’s Edge”

6. Holiday Band - Memory Map [Joyful Noise Recordings]

Listening to Holiday Band is like putting a puzzle together. Taking a lot of pieces together to make a brilliant big picture is what happened when the supergroup of Memory Map formed and released its first album. A band full of recording engineers/musicians, this town wasn’t ready for the force which this band packed. The dynamic, heavy, mess of sound that this band creates (with three guitars, a drum set, and NO BASS) will make a fan out the most unsuspecting passerby. The album reads like one continuous song full of twists, turns, solid drumwork and spiraling guitars. If the music doesn’t send your head spinning, the poly-chromatic color scheme of the band definitely will.

Recommended Tracks: “Serpent Wings”, “Stowaway”, “Big City”

7. You’re A Liar - You’re A Liar [Self-Released]

This was one of the first albums to tip me off that 2011 was going to be an impressive year for local music. A band that had been struggling to find its hold in the local scene, You’re A Liar made a fierce comeback in late 2010-early 2011 with a new band member and a more full sound. You’re A Liar, released in January, was the band’s first album with a second guitarist (Gabriel Garber formerly of Impure Jazz), who seemed to fit perfectly into the experimental/hardcore style of the band. The sound was heavy and full of flavor, but also carefully crafted with a sense of musical flexibility that most instrumental bands lack. Where many instrumental bands fail to create an album that is consistently challenging and exciting over the course of a whole record, You’re A Liar prevails with music that is complex, dynamic, and refreshing to the ear.

Album Review

Recommended Tracks: ”Charlie Bugs”, “Chew-E”, “Spring Break”

8. Visits - Tammar [Suicide Squeeze Records]

An album years in the making, local band Tammar finally graced the world with its debut album Visits this year. The world was rocked with the band’s captivating sound, a unique blend of psych rock with bold guitar lines, articulate percussion, trance-setting keyboards, and soothing vocals. (Does ANYONE out there know what Dave Walter is singing?) It’s an album that you will put on repeat and find yourself grooving to for hours. And you will probably make up your own nonsensical lyrics.

Recommended Tracks: ”Yung Jun”, “The Last Line”, “Heavy Tonight”

9. Sweetie EP – The Hollows [Self-Released]

The aptly named Sweetie EP brought The Hollows back to our ears.The band’s first release since 2006′s Darlings of Naught and the untimely death of band member Evan Farrell, Sweetie brought back the band’s soft and pleasing neo-country/folk stylings  led by the warm vocals and beautiful songwriting of Kate Long. With such a strong return, we can only hope that the departure of drummer Pete Schreiner won’t stop this band from continuing to create its magic.

Recommended Tracks: “Terrifying Things”, “Trains”, “The Hum”

10. Labor of Love - Community Currency [Self-Released]

It’s truth that Bloomington is full of musicians, but what’s even better, is that it is full of musical families. When it comes to the Romy brothers (Matt and Nick), the combination of both their skills as musicians and vocalists is simply amazing. Their chemistry has come together in a number of musical projects over the years, but Community Currency, mostly the songwriting of Matt Romy, brought the brothers and their talented musical friends together for a collection of songs about life’s simple lessons. Mixing their multiple-genre influences, Labor of Love features every style from country to jazz to even punk. Also, the fierce fiddling of Susan Anderson is not to be taken lightly.

Recommended Tracks: ”One Of The Greatest Things”, “Life On Earth”, “All That Stuff”

*There are so many albums out there that didn’t make it into the “Top Ten”, I am just honored to live in this town among so many creative people! You all make people feel inspired everyday through your creativity, your presence, and your art so please keep making it and keep sharing it!

Click image for Daytrotter Session

It’s been years since I last saw Pattern Is Movement perform, but I have not forgotten how much fun and how interesting this band is to hear and see. Check them out on Daytrotter performing three tracks, “Jenny Ono”, “Light Of The World” and “Make It Right”.

*Then if you haven’t already, consider that $2/month Daytrotter membership and get unlimited access to all your favorite Daytrotter sessions! There are two previous Pattern Is Movement sessions that you won’t want to miss!

Please take some time out of your day to learn about the proposed Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and PROTECT IP Act (PIPA). If you use the internet to learn and share information, thoughts, media, etc. with others, this act directly affects you and the websites that you use to do so.

Do I support piracy? No. This is exactly why the music or video content you see on my blog is linked to or embedded from its original source and credited where possible. However, I also don’t believe that everyone should be punished for the mistakes of others. Our free and open internet has bridged cultural, societal, and physical gaps, allowed open and creative collaboration, and facilitated the sharing of information in ways that have re-defined our world. To cut that away with censorship would not only ruin the intended purpose of the internet, but also steals away the freedoms which this country has boasted upon for centuries. How’s THAT for piracy?

Read what these sources have to say:

Fight For the Future
WordPress.com (Offering censored blog posts, Jan. 18 in protest)
Google (Front Image is BLACKED OUT, Jan. 18 in protest)
Wikipedia (Homepage is BLACKED OUT, Jan. 18 in protest)
Craigslist

I write a blog using the FREE applications that WordPress provides
I use images, videos, and other media (giving credit where possible) to provide detail for the content of my blog
I use social networking websites to share thoughts, news, media, and information with friends
I utilize search engines, websites, blogs, etc. to find information, media, etc.

These acts affect me

These acts affect you

Please take some time to learn about it, and I hope you will contact your local legislator, and then ask a friend to do the same.

Dreamers of the Ghetto recently released a new video for “Connection“, the next single from their debut album Enemy/Lover (Temporary Residence Ltd.). I knew from talking with the band that this song is very special for them, especially between husband and wife Luke and Lauren Jones, and this video highlights that relationship in a beautiful way. Amid shadows and silhouettes, this video is overflowing with shots of Luke singing to and dancing with Lauren, shots Lauren singing and admirably gazing back at Luke in the chorus, and this enticing atmosphere of light among darkness, which is a great metaphor for what love can be in one’s life.

Photo by Greg Shappell Photography

Even more captivating is the sense of love among the brothers as the chorus features both Luke and Jonathan singing “When you’re gone I know you’re with me”, often among the band as a foursome, with only those two singing. It’s a powerful image and message, and although this video is not what I could have expected, it captures that message just right, both visually and lyrically. This band always has a way of portraying their message in a unique and artistic way, and this video is a perfect canvas for their spirit. The video was directed by local videographer/director and musician Eric Ayotte.

More on Dreamers of the Ghetto:
Website
Facebook
bandcamp
Temporary Residence Ltd.
Stream Enemy/Lover on Spotify

The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band took over the Bluebird Nightclub on December 31, 2011 and blasted off so many good vibes for the arrival of 2012. I’ve been fortunate enough to see this band in the past, and every setting has brought on a different, high-energy experience. For those who are Big Damn Band novices, when you attend your next show, expect to become a yelling, dancing fool, because there is no way to enjoy this band standing still. After my first rockin’ NYE Big Damn Band experience, I’ve decided to use my observations to put together a few rules of the road for anyone planning to see the band’s NEXT New Year’s Eve experience.

1. Expect No Introductions

As the Bluebird crowd anxiously awaited the tell-tale signs that The Reverend Peyton and his crew would soon grace the stage (flickering house lights, diminishing house music, anonymous bar employee announcing the band), instead, Peyton and Co. simply jumped on stage and started playing. No warming up the crowd, no introducing the purpose of the night, they just took the stage and took control. It was great, and set things off with a bang.

2. Prepare to Get Wet

For everyone who wants to be in the front row, don’t come dressed in your best. One playing of “Two Bottles Of Wine” ensures that someone will get on stage with some wine, shake it up, and spray it all over you…twice. Such was the case as Seattle accordion player and special guest Jason Webley took the stage to sing, yell, and douse the crowd with alcohol.

3. There’s never an inappropriate time for a solo break

I didn’t see it coming since the first two songs were so fast, I expected a little more time before Breezy Peyton jumped for front to solo with her washboard behind her head. In fact, I don’t think anything could have prepared me to expect that. But it happened, and it was great. Only three songs into the set and everyone ripped into solo mode, Breezy, the Rev and Cuz and it was electrifying.

4. Get Your Drinks Early

This band will literally play you right up to the last seconds of the New Year, so make sure you get your NYE libations ready at least 10 minutes before. This way you can have enough time to work through the thick crowd to get the bar, wait through the line to order your drink(s) (or avoid the line), and have enough time to get back to the stage and your friends to countdown the new year.

5. Participate

Dance, shout, sing, high-five strangers, even if all you can do is tap your toes and nod your head. Don’t be too cool for school, you will be the only one standing still in a room FULL of people having a great time.

6. BRING FRIENDS!

No one wants to be standing alone as the clock counts down, plus this band is so crowd-engaging there is nothing better than jumping, shouting, and singing along with a friend by your side. It makes for a great memory, and hopefully the start of a new tradition. If you are a Big Damn Band veteran, treat someone who isn’t with their first Big Damn Band experience.

7. Fire is a Prop

As the show was coming to its end (post encore), I noticed Breezy marinating the edge of her washboard with beer, and then there was fire. It was AMAZING, and everyone was drunk enough to run toward her, rather than away.

8. Have Fun

It’s as simple as that.