Category Archives: best of

15 Favorite Live Shows of 2015

Posted on by

2015 brought some fantastic performances from newly discovered artists and a few old favorites. I’m always on the hunt for new sounds and several artists on this list have exactly that! My favorite part of this past year is finally seeing larger acts that I’ve been missing for decades… The Rentals, Social Distortion, Belle and Sebastian, The Decemberists, and GusGus. 2016 is going to be an even bigger year and I can’t wait for new discoveries.

2015 Breakdown: 271+ live artists // Loudest month: March (61) // Most quiet month(s): Feb (4) & Dec (4)

wackdelly_auroraAurora (NO) @ Reykjavík Art Museum for Iceland Airwaves: The incredible voice radiating from this tiny 19-year old absolutely blew me away.

wackdelly_axelflovent.jpgAxel Flóvent (IS) @ Iceland Airwaves: It’s just a matter of time until Axel becomes huge. I know this to be true.

wackdelly_balthazarBalthazar (BE) @ Tractor Tavern: I’ve been following these Belgians since 2011 and finally saw them for the first time in 2012. They did a mini west coast US tour that included several performances at CMJ. There was barely anyone at this Monday night Tractor Tavern show and I have no idea why as overseas shows are sold out.

BrianaMarelaBriana Marela @ Neumos: Captivating! This chick radiates talent. (Photo source: 107.7 The End)

BRNSBRNS (BE) @ Iðnó for Iceland Airwaves: Equally vibrant beats and haunting ambience. (Photo source: BRNS fb)

DIIVDIIV @ Neumos: I could not miss this show and dragged my sleepy self out on a Monday night with pajamas under my raincoat. Nothing I love more than zoning out to a band that can perfect that shoegaze/dream pop in my ears. (Photo source: AMBY)

wackdelly_hikesHikes @ Spider House: Folk, nature-inspired math rock from a bunch of Austin youngins. Tryin to get them up to Seattle soon!

wackdelly_jeffthebrotherhoodJEFF The Brotherhood @ Crocodile: Rad. That is all.

wackdelly_joycut JoyCut (IT) @ Gaukurinn for Iceland Airwaves: I scouted out this band prior to SXSW and loved them so much I had partake again at Airwaves. Nice guys too.

StrandofOaks  Strand of Oaks @ Sasquatch: I’ve been following Timothy Showalter for years. After every one of his shows, I reach in my bag for a cigarette only to realize I don’t even smoke. Incredible live. (Photo source: Brittany Bollay // KEXP Blog)

TheBotsThe Bots @ Bumbershoot: These brothers stole the whole festival for me! (Photo source: The Bots)

wackdelly_therentalsThe Rentals @ Crocodile: Matt Sharp forever! Guy still has so much energy.

wackdelly_victimmentalityVictim Mentality @ SXSW: Listening to Victim Mentality, you will wonder if it’s for real. Yup, Korean glam metal at it’s finest! Don’t miss them at SXSW 2016!

WevalWeval (NL) @ Iceland Airwaves: Trip-hop greatness. (Photo source: Weval Fb)

wackdelly_yellerkinYellerkin @ SXSW: Eric and Wild Honey Pie always curate the best SXSW shows and Yellerkin was the cherry on top for me.

**Photos by Annie unless otherwise noted**
____________________________________________________

2015 list

AAN, Ab-Soul, Acapulco Lips, Acid Tongue, Action Bronson, Airplane + Spaceship, Alcest, Alki, Allelujah Choir, Amina, Arthur James, Asonat, Atmosphere, Audur, Aurora, Axel Flóvent, Balthazar, Battles, Beirut (2), Belle and Sebastian, Big Data, Big Phony, Big Scary, Big Wild, Black Pistol Fire, Black Whales, BØRNS (2), Boyfrndz, Brand New, Brenda Xu, Brian O’Brien, Briana Marela, BRNS (2), Calliope Musicals, Cardiknox, Cell7, Chimurenga Renaissance, Chris Staples, Classixx, Cloud Nothings (2), Colony House, Courtney Barnett, Crater, Cuff Lynx, Dad Rocks!, Daktyl, Dan Bejar, Dances!, Danielson & The Nine Fruit Tree, Dear Boy, Death Cab for Cutie, Devotchka, DIIV (2), Dotan, Dude York, East India Youth, Edmund Wayne, Eliot Sumner, Elle King, Emily Donohue, Emma Ruth Rundle, Eugene Munro, Ex-Cops, Ex-Cult, Fantastic Negrito, Father John Misty, Fauna Shade, Five Iron Frenzy, Flosstradamus, Flume, For A Minor Reflection, Foxing, French for Rabbits, Gabriel Wolfchild, Gardens & Villa, Gateway Drugs, Girl Pool, Grave Babies (2), Grayson Erhard, Great Caesar, Great Mountain Fire, Group of the Altos, Gruska Babuska, Gunnar Jonsson Collider, GusGus, Health, Heather Maloney, Helado Negro, Helka, Heo, Hey Marseilles, Hikes, HimeHime, Hooves and Beak, Hunter Hunted, Icky Blossoms, Iska Dhaaf, Jacco Gardner, Jack Garratt, Jared and The Mill, JEFF The Brotherhood, Jenny Lewis, Jesse Macht, Jose Gonzalez, JoyCut (2), Jungle, Junius Meyvant, Kate Tempest, Kiasmos, Kim & Ryan of Smokey Brights, Kite String Tangle, Kris Orlowski, La Luz, La Priest, Lady Lamb, Lana Del Rey, Las Rosas, Lighthouse and the Whaler, LITE, Lonesome Shack, Lucy Rose, Mammut, Manatee Commune (2), Mansionair, Metalachi, Mia Dyson, Michael Lind, Midday Veil, Milky Chance, Milkywhale, Milo Greene, Minus The Bear, Modest Mouse, Moon Hooch, Morning Bear (2), Mother Mother, Murder Vibes (2), MXPX, Nahko And Medicine for the People, Newaxeyes, No Joy, Of Monsters and Men (2), On An On, Orla Gartland, Ought, Phox, Pictureplane, Pink Street Boys, Plain White T’s, Positive Disturbance, Public Service Broadcasting, Punch Brothers, Purfume Genius, Radiation City, Ratatat, Real Estate, Rey Pila, Reykjavikurdaetur, Roger Sellers, Royal Blood, Runaway Symphony, Ryn Weaver, Said The Whale, Sam Slater, San Cisco, San Fermin, San Juan, Sassyblack, Sekouia, Shana Cleveland & The Sandcastles, Shannon & The Clams, Shovels and Rope, Sin Fang, Siomha Brock, Sisters, Skylar Spence, Sleep Over, Slow Bird, Small Pools, Smokey Brights, Snooze Infinity, SOAK, Social Distortion, Soft Sleep, Song Sparrow Research, Spencer Glenn, SSDD, Stafreann Hakon, Steve Taylor & The Perfect Foil, Strand of Oaks, Sufjan Stevens, Summer Heart, Swervedriver, Sylvan Esso, Talk in Tongues, Tallest Man on Earth, Teitur Magnusson, Temples, The Acorn, The Belle Game, The Bots, The Broods, The Cave Singers, The Decemberists, The DØ, The Ghosts, The Knocks, The Mighty Oaks, The Native Sibling, The Rentals, The Thoughts (3), The Velvet Teen, The White Buffalo, The World Is a Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid to Die, The Zoltars, Thee Oh Sees, Thunderpussy, Timbre Barons, Tinnarose, Toe, Tomo Nakayama (2), Tonik Ensemble, Tracksuit Wedding, TTNG, Turbo Fruits, Twin Forks, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Until the Ribbon Breaks, Verite, Victim Mentality, Viet Cong, Vox Mod, Waxahatchee, We Are The Willows, Weaves, Wesen, Weval, Whitney Flinn (2), Wild Child, Will Butler, WMD, Wolf Alice, Woodpigeon, Woods, Yellerkin, Yolawolf, Young Buffalo, Yumi Zouma, Þórir Georg, Þórunn Antonía og Bjarni, other unknown artists (6)

Previous years: 2014 / 2013 / 2012 / 2011 / 2010

Advertisement

Wackdelly’s 14 Favorite Live Shows of 2014

Posted on by

Another year, another reflection on the past year of exploring new bands and artists.

2014 Breakdown :: at least 232 live bands :: est annual cost of $936 :: March was the loudest month (48) :: December was the most quiet month (3)

Jungle @ Spotify House (Austin – SXSW) 3/11/14

DSC_0117

DSC_0098

Mutual Benefit @ Spotify House (Austin – SXSW) 3/12/14

IMG_3202

Team Me @ Cheers Shot Bar Rooftop (Austin – SXSW) 3/12/14

IMG_3232

Public Service Broadcasting @ Latitude 30 (Austin – SXSW) 3/13/14

Coldair @ Sunset Tavern – Seattle 4/1/14

DSC_0349

The Melodic @ Sunset Tavern – Seattle 4/14/14

DSC_0095

Washed Out @ Sasquatch – Quincy WA 5/24/14

The Notwist @ Neumos – Seattle 7/5/14

IMG_4298

Brothertiger @ Sunset Tavern – Seattle 7/17/14

IMG_4378

Manatee Commune @ Neumos (Seattle – CHBP) 7/27/14

IMG_4659

Valley Maker @ Neumos (Seattle – CHBP) 7/27/14

IMG_4575

Jacco Gardner @ Bumbershoot – Seattle 9/1/14

IMG_4903

Tomo Nakayama @ Hairstream – Seattle 11/4/14

IMG_6126

Nils Frahm @ Mississippi Studios – Portland 11/9/14

IMG_6239

___________________________________

2014 Bands

Air Traffic Controller, American Football, Bad Things, BADBADNOTSOGOOD, Barcelona, Bearcubbin’ (x2), Bellamaine, Beverly, Big Phony, Black Violin, Boyfrndz (x2), Brothertiger, Cabana, Capital Cities, Cataldo (x2), Chance the Rapper, Chet Faker, Chris Brokaw, Chris Staples, Christopher Paul Stelling, Chromeo, City and Colour, Classixx, Cleanup, Cloud Control, COHO, Cold Specks, Coldair, Craft Spells, Crystal Fighters, Cumulus, Cymbals, Dads, Damien Jurado, Dana Buoy, Dark Rooms, DEMS, Douglas Dare, Dresses, The Drums, Dub FX, Dude York, Each & All, Edmund Wayne, Emery, Emma Ruth Rundle, Falls, Fenster, First Aid Kit, Fly Moon Royalty (x2), Foster the People, Foy Vance, Gentlemen Hall, Gold & Youth, Golden Gardens, Goodbye Heart, Great Good Fine Ok, Haim, Hand of the Hills, Hermigervill, Hey Marseilles, Highdrops, Hip Hatchet, Holychild, How Sad, Hozier (x2), Hundred Waters, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Iska Dhaaf, Jacco Gardner, Jel, Jesse Morrow, Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas, Julianna Barwick, Julie Byrne, Jungle, Junius Meyvant, Kins, Kishi Bashi (x2), La Luz, Lemolo, Liiight, Lonesome Shack, M.I.A., Manatee Commune (x2), Marmalakes, Matt & Kim, mewithoutYou (x2), Mission of Burma, MØ, Mogwai, Mr Little Jeans, Mutual Benefit (x2), Mylets, Nada Surf (x2), Neon Trees, Neutral Milk Hotel, Night Beats, Nils Frahm (x2), Oberhofer, Odesza, Of the City, Owl Eyes, Panda Bear, Papa, Parquet Courts, Phosphorescent, Plume Giant, Polka, Poolside, Portugal. The Man, Public Service Broadcasting, Pure Bathing Culture, Queens of the Stone Age, RA Scion, RAC, Rainbow Wolves, Ravenna Woods, Real Estate, Rhett Miller, Robert DeLong, Rodriguez, Rose Windows, Rufus Du Sol, San Fermin (x2), Sandrider, Say Hi, Scarves, Seattle Rock Orchestra (String Quintet), Seekae, Shakey Graves (x2), Shannon Stephens, Sin Fang, Sir Sly, Sisters, Slow Bird, Slow Magic, Small Black (x2), Smokey Brights, SOHN (x2), SOL, Soley, Son Lux, Sondre Lerche, Sour Notes, Spoon, Spring Standards, St Paul De Vence, Star Slinger, Streets of Laredo, Sun Club, Syd Arthur, Sylvan Esso (x2), Tangerine, Tanlines, Team Me, Tei Shi, Telekinesis, The Both, The Cave Singers, The Chain Gang of 1974, The Classic Crime, The Colourist, The Comettes, The Dismemberment Plan, The Domestics, The Flavr Blue, The Griswolds, The Hoot Hoots, The Lonely Forest (x2), The Melodic, The Notwist, The Replacements, The Waylayers, The World is a Dark Place & I am No Longer Afraid to Die, The Wytches, Thee Silver Mt Zion Memorial Orchestra, Tiny Moving Parts, Tokimonsta, Tomo Nakayama (x3), Tomten, Torres, Touche Amore, Tourist, Tove Lo, TTNG, TV Girl, Twin Shadow, Tyler the Creator, USF, Valerie June, Valley Maker (x3), Violent Femmes, Walk The Moon, Washed Out, Watsky, Waxahatchee, We Are Scientists, Western Haunts, Wet (x2), White Lightning, Wild Ones (x2), Wrinkles, X Suns, xxyyxx, Yellow Ostrich, Zachary Meyers

_______________________________________

Previous years

2013 :: 2012 :: 2011 :: 2010

Wackdelly’s 13 Favorite Live Shows of 2013

Posted on by

Hymnalaya

While the posts in 2013 were far and few in-between, the music attendance didn’t miss a beat. It actually increased by a large chunk over 2012 (and I still know I am off by 10-ish bands somehow). It was a bizarre year with so many ups and downs, but I wouldn’t change a single thing. While being in a different mindset will change ones opinions of the music, I just look at it as being more open towards music you wouldn’t have listened to otherwise. Anyhoo, I added more “analytics” this year, as I am a spreadsheet junkie (if you see me at a music festival, you will understand). I tend to be a money-tracker of sorts so knowing what is spent on live music in 2013 was eye-opening and I have no idea why it’s never been tracked before. I saw a plethora of free shows this year due to generous connections and music writing friends with a +1, music start-ups, secret shows, beach shows, and rad anniversary shows on the streets of south Seattle. It’s been a crazy year and I love it all and the people involved. Thank you.

2013 Breakdown :: at least 267 live bands :: est total cost of $951 (avg $18.28/wk) :: 7 cities :: 6 music festivals :: March was loudest month (71) :: Dec was most quiet month (4)


Anamanaguchi @ Chop Suey – Seattle WA 6/6/13

This show blew away their SXSW performance with the blasting sound, bright background and those cubes! Seriously, the cubes made me feel like I was gonna 1-UP with every song. Rad all around.

::

Balmorhea @ Columbia City Theater – Seattle WA 8/9/13

This band from Austin Texas is one of my absolute top favorite bands to see live. The music truly puts me in another place. Here’s footage from a different show:

::

Black Violin @ Scoot Inn for SXSW – Austin TX  3/14/13

Listening to all of the SXSW bands is a tough job, but when a gem like Black Violin stands out, you fork out the $25 to see a single evening showcase. This show the only money I actually paid to see a band at SXSW (since partaking in the day showcases mostly). Totally worth it! They are also playing SXSW 2014 (YES!).

DSC_1016

::

Blind Pilot + Oregon Symphony @ Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall – Portland Oregon 4/27/13

3 Rounds and a Sound. With a Symphony. Enough Said.   Photo :: Daily Blender

blindpilot

::

Byrta @ Þjóðleikhúskjallarinn for Iceland Airwaves – Reykjavík Iceland 11/2/13

Byrta is incredibly unique with angelic robes and complete with backup singers. Definite stand-outs of the entire festival!

::

Dresses @ Tractor Tavern – Seattle WA 10/15/13

I fell in love with Dresses immediately. This adorable Portland duo has remained in heavy rotation ever since this show.

DSC_0094

::

For A Minor Reflection @ 12 Tónar – Reykjavík Iceland  10/30/13

The best live shows are in tiny music stores with capacities of 30. The sound in this video does not give these post-rockers justice.

::

Geographer @ Wild Buffalo – Bellingham WA 1/14/13

They made my top live band list of 2012 also. Yup, that good!

DSC_0752

DSC_0732

::

Grouplove @ The Crocodile – Seattle WA 9/9/13

Ah, one of my favorite music discoveries… Every live show is better than the last which is mind-blowing since the first Grouplove show I attended was stellar!

IMG_1209

::

Hermigervill + Vox Mod @ Neumo’s – Seattle WA 10/12/13

These two go together like peanut butter and jelly. Kudos KEXP for this fantastic Reykjavík/Seattle match-up!

DSC_0865

::

The High Highs @ Brew Exchange for SXSW – Austin TX 3/14/13

This band has been on my radar for quite some time. I was stoked to finally see them and then a month later back in Seattle.

DSC_0842

DSC_0748

::

Jagwar Ma @ Reykjavík Art Museum for Iceland Airwaves – Reykjavík Iceland  10/31/13

So, I’m really confused as to why this band is not HUGE! The live shows are fantastic with intense visuals and really great sound.

DSC_0141

::

Retro Stefson @ Harpa Norðurljós for Iceland Airwaves – Reykjavík Iceland  10/31/13

This was such a super sharp and energetic show! Retro Stefson was one of our most anticipated Reykjavík acts of the fest and totally delivered.

IMG_1875

::

all photos by Annie unless otherwise noted

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

2013 band list

A Trak, Aaron and the Sea, Aby Wolf, Air Review, Alex Bleeker and the Freaks, All My Friends, Allah-Las, ALT-J, Aluna George, Anamanaguchi (x2), And So I Watch You From Afar, Andel King, Apparat Organ Quartet, Árstíðir, Ásgeir, Astronautalis, Avians, Alight, Balmorha, Baptist Generals, Bastille, Baths, BattleMe (x2), Bear Mountain (x2), Bellstop, Benny Crespo’s Gang, Benoît Pioulard, Billy Woods, Black and White Years, Black Violin, Blackbird Blackbird, Bleached, Blind Pilot, Bloodgroup, Blue Boy, Borko, Braids, Brushy One, Built To Spill, Butch Walker, Byrta, Caged Animals, Cake, Carmen Villain, Cashmere Cat, Cayucas, Chad Valley, Chrome Sparks, Chvrches, Clipping., Cody ChestnuTT, Constant Lovers, Conveyor, Daniel Hart (x2), Darwin Deez, David Bazan, Death Cab for Cutie, Delorean, Dessa (x2), DIIV, Dillion Francis, Doe Paoro, Dolly Parton Tribute Bands, Doranna bjornsdotter/Trouble, Dream Tiger, Dresses, Dude York, Duologue, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Electric Children, Elín Ey, Empress Of, Erik Blood, Explosions in the Sky, Family of the Year, Father John Misty, Fly Moon Royalty, FM Belfast, Fol Chen, For A Minor Reflection, Four Color Zack, Fox, Frightened Rabbit, Gemini Club, Geographer (x3), Ghost Beach, Girls in Hawaii, Gold Fields, Grand Hallway, Grant Olsen (from Gold Leaves), Greg Dulli, Grimes (x2), Grouplove, Hausu, Hello Wheels, Hermigervill, Hey Marseilles (x2), Hibou, Hjaltalín, How To Dress Well, Humans, Hymnalaya, Icky Blossoms, Islands, J Thoven, Jagwar Ma, Jan Mayen, Japandroids, Kajak, Katie Kate, Kaylee Cole, Kid Smpl, King Tuff, Kisses, Kithkin, Kiven, Lay Low, Le1f, Leagues, Limousines, Lord Huron, Love and Fog, Low Roar, Lucy Rose (x2), Lusine, M-Band, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Majical Cloudz, Mammút, Man Without Country, Maserati, METZ, Michael Kiwanuka, Midlake, Mikey and Matty, Mitzi (x2), MØ (x2), Mudhoney, Múm DJ Set, Mumford & Sons, Mylets, Myrra Rós, Nacho Picasso, Natasha Kmeto, Nine Inch Nails, Nissim, Nolo, Not in the Face, Odesza, Ojba Rasta, On An On (x3), Onuinu, Oregon Symphony, Oyama, Papa, Pascal Pinon, Petit Noir, Phox (x2), Pinback, Polyphonic Spree, Preservation, Pure Bathing Culture, Ra Ra Riot (x2), Radiation City, Radical Face (x2), Red Fang, Reignwolf, Retro Stefson, Robert DeLong, Rökkurró, S (Jenn Ghetto) (x2), San Fermin, Saytan, Sea Wolf, Sean Nicholas Savage, Seattle Rock Orchestra (performing Beatles), Sera Cahoone, Seryn, Shabazz Palaces, Shovels & Rope, Shugo Tokumaru, Sign, Sigur Ros, Silent Diane, Sin Fang (x2), Ski Lodge, Skurken, Slow Magic, Smoke & Feathers, Sophia Duccini, Star & Micey, Stealing Sheep, STRFKR (x2), Suburban Living, Sun Glitters, Super Water Sympathy, Sykur, T Bird and the Brakes, Tall Ships, Tape, Telekinesis, The 1975, The Comettes, The Eastern Sea, The Eels, The Grey Area, The Grizzled Mighty (x2), The Horde and Harem, The High Highs (x2), The Lumineers, The Neighbourhood, The Pharmacy, The Postal Service, The Rubens, The Tallest Man on Earth, This Town Needs Guns (TTNG)(x2), Tomo Nakayama (from Grand Hallway), Tony Lewis Trio, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, Trails and Ways (x2), Trust the Lies, Úlfur Úlfur, Ultra Mega Technobandið Stefán, Útidúr, Vigri (x2), Villagers, Vök , Vox Mod (x3), Waxahachie, Why?, Wild Cub (x2), Wildcat! Wildcat!, X Suns, Y Niwl, Ylja, You Won’t, Young Dreams, Young Dreams, Youngblood Hawke

Best Live Shows of 2012

Posted on by

The music discoveries, live shows and music festivals of 2012 were absolutely incredible! I met so many friendly fellow music loving people at shows and festivals this year so it’s easy to say this was the best year yet for live music and making friends at the same time. I am at my most happiest, most at peace and feel most at home while being in the audience of a live show. It doesn’t matter if I’m laying low in the back with a beer and a friend, dancing in the middle or pushing my way up front eager to get some good photos.

In 2012, I saw more than 210 live bands (since I know for a fact that several were left off the list). Out of these, I chose the top 20 performances. I tried to cut it down to just 10 as in years past, but just couldn’t.

all photos by Wackdelly

20 :: Housse de Racket @ Coachella – Indio CA

This crazy-white-clothes-loving-jumping duo surprised me for I prefer their live performance to the album.

IMG_5908

19 :: Jake Shimabukuro @ Skinny’s Ballroom (SXSW) – Austin TX

I finally got to see Jake live!! I was one of the few that got into this official showcase with cash since all those stuffy badge holders got in first. pff

18 :: Alesso @ Coachella – Indio CA

The Sahara tent was one of my favorites. The DJs were great, my top fave being Alesso.

17 :: Of Monsters and Men @ Hotel Vegas (SXSW) – Austin TX

I had to pull myself out of bed early for this early day show since Of Monsters and Men played right at noon. This set was worth it and was my first time to see them. Just lovely!

DSC_0235DSC_0236

16 :: GIVERS @ Coachella – Indio CA

Probably the most fun band at Coachella! Up Up Up!

DSC03120

15 :: Bryan John Appleby @ Bumbershoot – Seattle WA

This dude has talent. No wonder the people from Head and the Heart love him so much.

14 :: Fly Moon Royalty @ Chop Suey – Seattle WA

Miss Adra Boo and DJ Action Jackson make up this rad Seattle duo. There is a tasty cover at the end of their sets that gets the crowd going. Yeah, you know what it is!

DSC_0010

13 :: Tallest Man on Earth @ The Moore Theater – Seattle WA

Kristian Matsson packs a strong voice that could fill up two Moore Theaters. I like how he was messing with the photographer up front. Hilarious!

12 :: Parlovr @ Spill Bar (SXSW) – Austin TX

I listened to all of the showcasing artists before the actual festival. Parlovr was one of my top must-see picks and their live show did not disappoint!

DSC_0767DSC_0758

11 :: First Aid Kit @ Coachella – Indio CA

Absolutely lovely. Period.

10 :: Tumbledown @ Manette Saloon – Bremerton WA

MxPx’s Mike Herrera has put together a fun alt-country band with members of the Rocky Point All Stars. I’ve seen them a few times in 2012 and they bring it every time.

DSC_0910

9 :: The Drums @ Flamingo Cantina (SXSW) – Austin TX

I saw The Drums three times in 2012, the first performance being my favorite. I may or may not have a crush on Jonathan Pierce. That arm sway thing gets me every time.

DSC_0186

8 :: Jeff Mangum @ Coachella – Indio CA

Jeff Mangum. At sunset. Heaven.

IMG_5831

7 :: mewithoutYou @ Nuemos – Seattle WA

This show was one of the most insanely brilliant sets I’ve seen in a long time. Also the first time for seeing them despite listening for years and years.

6 :: Geographer @ Chop Suey – Seattle WA

Such an incredible set, they were the opener for this one. Geographer is swinging through Seattle the second week of January and will be headlining. Yay!

5 :: Matt & Kim @ The Neptune – Seattle WA

I’ve been wanting to see Matt & Kim live for years and finally have! This duo is by far one of the most fun bands to photograph. They don’t stop moving. Ever. I was in complete awww when Kim was dancing on top of the crowd and couldn’t stop snapping.

DSC_0411

DSC_0390

4 :: Icky Blossoms @ Nuemos – Seattle WA

I just love going to shows where one of the openers blows me away more than the headliner. This was the case with Icky Blossoms opening for Tilly and the Wall. Derek Pressnall, a member of both bands, has put together a fantastic electropop band that creates a sexy, creepy and poppy sound. I haven’t been able to put this album away for months.

DSC_0488DSC_0469

3 :: Sufjan Stevens @ The Neptune – Seattle WA

It is no surprise that Sufjan has made my best of list again. His sound live is absolute perfection and the visuals and costume changes highlight that. I was in complete awe listening to To Be Alone With You. My year has been made. Thanks Sufy!

 DSC_0378 DSC_0431 DSC_0567

2 :: Balthazar @ TenOak (SXSW) – Austin TX

I did A LOT of my listening homework before SXSW and my top to-see pick was Balthazar. They were everything I’d hoped for and more. I’m hoping this amazing band from Belgium makes it back to the states and soon!

DSC_0825DSC_0824

1 :: Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs @ Barboza – Seattle WA

I attended this show and had no idea what I was about to experience. I was completely blown away! And I arrived to the show in a complete funk that night too but Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs pulled me out of it.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

2012 band list

…musicvideo?, Air Review, Alesso, Allen Stone Andrew Anderson, Andrew Bird, AraabMuzik, Arctic Monkeys, At The Drive-In, AVICII, Awolnation (x2), Balthazar, Barcelona, Beat Connection, Beats Antique, Beck, Beirut (x2), Ben Kweller, Blind Pilot, Bon Iver (x2), Breakbot, Bryan John Appleby, Buried Beds, Campfire Ok, Childish Gambino, City and Colour, Civil Twilight, Coeur De Pirate, Cold Specks, Com Truise, Cosmetics, Crafts Spells (x3), Damien Jurado, Dani Elliott, Datsik, David Reynolds, Destroyer, Dinosaur Wars, Dr Dre & Snoop Dogg, Eighteen Individual Eyes, Electric Guest, Explosions in the Sky (x3), Fanfarlo (x2), Feed Me, Feels Like Yesterday (x6), First Aid Kit, Fitz and the Tantrums, Fly Moon Royalty (x2), Flying Lotus, Freelance Whales, Geographer, Girl Talk, GIRLS, GIVERS, Glen Hansard, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Gold Leaves, Gotye, Gregg Graham, Grouplove, Half Moon Run, He’s My Brother She’s My Sister (x2), Head and the Heart, Heartless Bastards, Helio Sequence, Hello Seahorse!, Hey Marseilles, HoneyHoney, Hooray for Earth, Hospitality (x2), Housse de Racket, Icky Blossoms, Idiot Glee, Irukandji Physics of Fusion, Jake Shimabukuro, James Murphy, Jan van Lier, Jason Lytle, Jeff Mangum, Justin Timbreline, Kasabian, Kevin Devine, King Khan & the Shrines, Korallreven, Lana Del Rey, Lefthead (x2), Lemolo, Lights, Little People, Loch Lomond, Low, LP, M Ward (x2), Madeon, Madness, Manchester Orchestra, Matt & Kim, Metric, mewithoutYou, Miike Snow, Mt St Helens Vietnam Band, No Rey, Oberhofer (x2), Of Monsters and Men (x2), Old Mexico, Other Lives, Parlovr, Pretty Lights, Pulp, Radiohead, Real Estate, Reggie Watts, Rocky Point All Stars, Said The Whale, Santigold (x2), SBTRKT, Sea of Bees, Sea Star, SebastiAn, Sebastian Ingrosso, Sera Cahoone, Shakey Graves, Sharon Van Etten, Shoot the Hostage, Squeeze, St Vincent, Strand of Oaks, Strfkr (x2), Sufjan Stevens, Tallest Man on Earth, Tenacious D, Tennis (x2), The Barr Brothers, The Big Pink, The Black Angels (x2), The Black Keys, The Civil Wars, The Dear Hunter, The Drums (x3), The Growlers, The Head and the Heart, The Horde and the Harem, The Islands, The Jezabels, The Love Language, The New Law, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, The Paramedic, The Persevering Promise, The Promise Ring, The Roots, The Seedy Seeds, The Shins (x3), The Spring Standards, The Torn ACLs, The Vaselines, The Wedding Present, The Young Evils, TheeSatisfaction, This Will Destroy You, Thus: Owls, Tilly and the Wall, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, Trampled by Turtles, Tumbledown (x2), Ty Segall, Tycho, Ume, Why?, Wild Belle, Wild Flag, Wolfgang Gartner, WU LYF, Ximena Sarinara, Yann Tiersen, Yelawolf, Yellow Ostrich, Yuck, Yve Evans, Zammuto, Zedd

My Favorite Blogs

Posted on by

Blogs feel like a guilty pleasure to me, although in today’s world they are more like a staple. I do not read them everyday, but when I start reading my favorite blogs, I can not stop. Here are a few of my go-to blogs that I love to check out each week. Oddly, none are music related. What are your favorites?

Aubsent From Texas ::

Image

:: Aubrey is a friend from Texas who is now living in San Francisco. She is the most fashionable teacher I have ever known! I love her style and the fact that she can put together amazing outfits on a budget. I visit her site often for outfit inspiration and to find reasons to quit wearing jeans.

File Me Away ::

Image

:: Megan and I have lots in common from our rockin’ music taste, compulsive dunny collecting, capturing lots of photos of bands, and we went to the same High School. I adore every single blog photo and her vintage taste is absolutely divine. If you don’t believe me, then check out Megan’s Etsy page. This girl knows her stuff and the best places to find it!

Orange Juice Etc ::

Image

Image

:: Husband and wife blog run by Elias and Theresa contains some of the most incredible photos on the interwebs while using the largest array of cameras to get those photos. A single photo on their blog tells a whole story and then some. I’m not sure how they do, but I hope they never stop. This couple seems quiet and reflective so it’s nice that they let us peak into their peaceful, little world.

Flights of Whimsy ::

Image

:: Brandi is a design genious fixing up her first home (with help of hubby, Scott) and posting her amazing progress along the way. I attended her wedding and know her taste is amazing! Her style is a mix of vintage and classic with a heaping dose of DIY. All around lovely! Brandi’s enthusiasm makes my want to buy a house.

A Beautiful Mess ::

Image

:: Elsie Larson is the current internet darling. If you do not visit her lovely blog at least once a week, then you are truly missing out. Her shoes are absolutely adorable and the DIY craft projects are totally doable. A blog staple!

Sometimes Sweet ::

Image

:: My favorites parts of Danielle’s friendly blog are the Tattoo Tuesday series for some tattoo inspiration and the photos of her daily life. She’s a hot little momma with an adorable little boy and makes life look so vibrant! Danielle is also a contributing writer for Hello Giggles.

Best Live Shows of 2011

Posted on by

2011 was packed with some amazing shows and great discoveries and one of the best yet! I am looking forward to the music of 2012 and attending new locales. What were your favorite live shows of the year?

10 :: Deadmau5 @ Outside Lands Music Festival – San Francisco CA

9 :: Phosphorescent @ Tractor Tavern – Seattle WA

8 :: Explosions in the Sky @ The Crocodile – Seattle WA

7 :: Head and the Heart @ Capitol Hill Block Party – Seattle WA

6 :: Battles @ Crocodile – Seattle WA

5 :: Grouplove @ Prophet Bar – Dallas TX

4 :: Jason Lytle (of Grandaddy & Admiral Radley) w/ Midlake @ Good Records‘ Record Store Day party – Dallas TX

3 :: Baths @ Lovejoy’s (SXSW) – Austin TX :: video here

2 :: The Seedy Seeds @ High Dive – Seattle WA :: video here

1 :: Beirut @ Outside Lands Music Festival – San Francisco CA

best songs of 2011: part two

Posted on by

here is part two of my top songs of 2011. did you miss part one?

 

grouplove – itchin on a photograph 

2011 has been the ‘year of grouplove.’ as of tomorrow night, i will have seen this band five times live this year so chances are high they will appear on my top live shows list of 2011. they were my top choice to check out at sxsw and since march they have gained so much momentum and have recently played on the letterman show. it was difficult to choose a favorite grouplove song, for i also like tongue tied and lovely cup. funny thing…i’m in the video for lovely cup which was all filmed during sxsw.

<br><br>

high highs – open season

i am anxiously awaiting for more music from the high highs. currently they have a ‘4-track album’ but last time i checked that was called an ep. anyhoo, a close eye will be on the high highs for the next year.

<br><br>

the joy formidable – whirring

ritzy bryan’s voice is a combination of innocence and bad-assery…i love this song and am kicking myself for missing the joy formidable live.

<br><br>

oh land – son of a gun

nanna øland fabricius has an amazing voice and is absolutely gorgeous! oh land is basically a danish version of nelly furtado and kylie minogue combined. she has really good dance moves too for she was a former ballerina.

<br><br>

sin fang – because of the blood

sindri már sigfússon (of seabear) has been working on his solo project, sin fang, for several years now. the latest release, summer echoes, is absolutely beautiful and a bit more experimental than seabear’s folk sound. i love the simplicity and creativity of sindri’s videos. so lovely!

<br><br>

 

Best Songs of 2011: Part One

Posted on by

these lists are often difficult to compile, but this year it was quite easy to find the top songs. some of the artists chosen are old favorites while some bands are discoveries as recent as a month ago. i could probably list 20 or more, but more than ten seems a bit overkill. i love reading other music lists to check out stellar stuff that i might have missed in the last year. largehearted boy does a fantastic job at compiling some of the best end-of-year music lists on the web.

in alphabetical order, these are my choices for best singles of 2011. what are some of your favorites?

astronautalis – contrails (featuring tegan quin of tegan & sara)

astronautalis (aka andy bothwell) is a touring machine and has made an interesting progression with all of his album releases from his electro/rock/spoken word beginnings to his current alt hip-hop sound. i’ve been a fan for years since his days as a resident of north texas (he has since lived in seattle and now local to minneapolis). and can say his fourth full-length album, this is our science, is incredible from start to finish. check him out live if you have the chance. i took some friends to see him at sxsw and they were incredibly impressed.

<br><br>

bad lamps – never know the difference

this is a catchy song with an interesting video… so interesting that it was all over reddit so naturally the song got some notice. bad lamps are a dude duo with just four songs under their belt, aka the soultronic ep. hopefully they will release more in the near future.

<br><br>

beirut – santa fe

zach condon continues to pop out amazing albums one after the other. the most recent album, the rip tide, has the same balkan sound we all love about beirut while adding a bit more pop. i’ve been a fan of beirut since 2006’s gulag orkestar and finally got to see zach live for the first time a few months ago. i guess that is what happens when touring is mostly spent overseas and that hiatus when beirut’s future was in question. one of my favorite songs of all time will always be postcards from italy.

<br><br>

dom – living in america

i don’t know much about dom but i stumbled upon this song somewhere on the interwebs and i like them. a lot. dom reminds me a bit of css.

<br><br>

the drums – money

i dare you to listen to this track from the drums and tell me you don’t like it. the band’s second album, portamento, was just released a few months ago and already this song is in heavy rotation, especially on kexp. the album is fantastic!

<br><br>

check back tomorrow for part two!

also coming this month…best music festival, best live shows and best beers list!