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Light of the Stereo

Light of the Stereo

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Living Room Performance: Meiko - "Good Looking Loser"

Meiko - "Good Looking Loser"

Wilcox Sessions

October 17th 2012


Like a musical  Midas, singer/songwriter Meiko has had the amazing opportunity to have a lions share of her songs find their way into network TV shows. Her sweetly beautiful voice and efficiently simple instrumentation makes for acoustic pop gold the likes of Katie Herzig and Patty Griffin.
An LA transplant by way of Roberta Georgia and several points in-between, this new year should see the the follow up to 2012's The Bright Side and hopefully a wide ranging tour. With a hefty presence on YouTube there's no reason not to check out this lovely artist.

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

The 5 most anticipated albums of early 2014

With the new year upon us it only human nature to take some time and not only review the events of the year before but also look ahead to all the potential of the new year stretching out before us. With that in mind, we at BLS have compiles a list of the 5 most anticipated albums of the first part of 2014.
The Hard Lessons – Start What You Finished (Release Date: December 20th 2013)

I’ve been enamored with this trio from Detroit since catching one of their shows back in 2006, so you can imagine that I was excited to hear about the new material. Technically released in the waning hours of 2013, Start What You Finished is the first full-lengthen album since 2009’s Arms Forest. Sure to be filled with their signature bluesy rock the first reviews are all praise.

http://summercannibals.com/Summer Cannibals – Make You Better EP
 (Release Date: January 9th)

A Portland band that I discovered just this year, the Summer Cannibals are following up their awesome debut album, which dropped this past August, with a limited edition Cassette tape only EP. Thickly bold their moody rock ‘n’ roll is fresh and lusciously enjoyable. With this band, it was love at first note and I’m sure that I’ll be waiting anxiously, with cassette walkman in hand, the night of their release show at the Doug Fir.



Jon Butler Trio – Flesh & Blood
(Release Date: February 4th)

The Australian power outfit Jon Butler Trio combines reggae/rock-hybrid energy with a folk sensibility. The resulting music is dynamically powerful and always gets the body moving. Almost more exciting than new material is the promise of tour dates that Flesh & Blood is sure to guarantee. Butler, a multi-instrumentalist is awe inspiring live.



Lydia Loveless – Somewhere Else
(Release Date: February 18th)

Like a next-gen Reba, Lydia Loveless packs a powerful set of lungs in her pint size form. Her rocking country music has all the bar-fight ruckus, whiskey heartbreak and blue collar grit of a honky-tonk on a Friday night. If the preview track of "To Love Somebody", she shared via Spin.com, is any indication this alt-country album should be one hell raiser of a good record.    



Drive-By Truckers – English Oceans
(Release Date: March 4th)

The twelfth album from this hard rocking band from Atlanta Gorgia, English Oceans is the result of a mad 13 day recording session with long time producer David Barbe. The first album sans-Shonna Tucker, it will be interesting to see what trouble these boys can get themselves into. Having rekindled my love affair with this band following the release of  2012's Go-Go Boots I can't wait to hear this record and catch the band live. An added bonus is new album art form the awesome artist Wes Freed.

With these great albums to start off the new year, I have a feeling 2014 is going to be a great year for music.     

 

Monday, December 30, 2013

Cure for the Mondays: Kate Nash - "I Hate You This Christmas"

Kate Nash - " I Hate You This Christmas"

We're just trying to fit in a little more Christmas before the New Year.



The always amazing Kate Nash has brought her bold voice and keen sassiness to the Holidays with the release her "Have Faith with Kate Nash this Christmas" EP. Joining her in this endeavor is the West London female buzz-pop trio the Tuts. A great mix of beautifully rendered traditional songs with a few new originals to round off the record. This EP is a great acquisition to finish off this Christmas season and to enjoy for years to come.

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Living Room Performance: Mel Washington - "A Chorus of Hallelujahs

Mel Washington - "A Chorus of Hallelujahs"
November 17th, 2013
Cleavland, TN



This lovely mash up of Leonord Cohen's "Hallelujah" and the "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's Messiah makes for a breathtakingly beautiful song and a unique but fitting addition to Mel Washington's Christmas EP Celebration. Known for his bluesy soulfulness, Washington has created a wonderful holiday album with the help of Sarra Sedghi that blends finely rendered classics with uniquely altered versions of other well known songs including this one.
It might be too late for this year, but pick it up a copy to enjoy it for next Christmas. It quite easily could become a new holiday tradition.    

Saturday, December 28, 2013

From the Shelf: Ghost & Goblin - SUPERHORRORCASTLELAND (2013)





Ghost & Goblin
SUPERHORRORCASTLELAND
Self-released


One truly unique album, SUPERHORRORCASTLELAND has the feel of a jazzy synth nightmare. With a sound that falls somewhere between a Bowie concept album and a Rocky Horror Picture Show for a new generation. New York’s Ghost & Goblins latest record is a moody masterpiece.

Filled with boldly interesting songs, this album's tracks range from the weighty concussivness of the mostly instrumental freak-out of “Fleshcraft/The Transfiguration” to the loungey madman’s rant of "Rust Golem". Ripe with atmosphere these 11 songs are dark little gems perfect for a stormy night or a dreary afternoon.

Easily my favorite underdog album of the year, SUPERHORRORCASTLELAND is a 2013 album that shouldn’t be missed. So check them out and order it on some sweet colored vinyl. 

Friday, December 13, 2013

Living Room Performance: Joe Bonamassa w/ Beth Hart - "I'll Take Care of You"

Joe Bonamassa w/ Beth Hart - "I'll Take Care of You"

The Beacon Theater

November 5th, 2011



Known to surround herself with some of the best guitarists on earth Beth Hart has the sass to keep them on their toes. With the voice of an angry angel she can transition from dirty rock to graceful soul with out batting an eye. While Joe Bonamassa is some what of a guitar savant, and has been providing just the right six-string canvas for Hart to belt her songs. Their latest collaboration Seesaw, released this pass May, has earned them a Grammy Nomination and with any luck a little gold statue come January 26th.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Something fun for a great cause.

Dinner & A Movie Presents
A Christmas Story Screening and Silent Auction





















Sunday December 8th
McMenamins' Mission Theater

1624 NW Glisan St.
Doors: 1PM /Show: 2PM
Tickets $5


Are you looking for something to get you in the Holiday mood while helping others in need have a better Christmas, here's your chance. Dinner & A Movie, a local non-profit that mentors impoverished families, is hosting a fun holiday event for families. Kick off the holiday season by seeing this classic film and do a little
Christmas shopping at the SILENT AUCTION. All proceeds will be used to provide Christmas gifts, meals and activities for the impoverished families D& M works with.
So this Sunday afternoon come have a little fun and make a difference while doing it. I double dog dare you!