Music – Page 15

This song came out a while ago, but it’s just now that it’s beginning to get commercial radio play in the United States (or at least Southern California). It’s been used on TV, in at least one commercial, and it’s just such a good song.

I was driving around on Wednesday and heard this song on one of LA’s rock stations, KROQ. I have to say, hearing the song took me by surprise, and I was so thrilled to hear it. There are some songs that just transport you to another place. However shitty your day may be, this song will take you out of your funk. I had just finished work for the day and was winding down and hearing this song gave me energy and made me approach the rest of my day with such optimism. Just hearing one song. I can’t believe that music still has this effect on me, especially because I’ve heard this song a number of times.

But my first ever introduction to this song was through KCRW, one of LA’s NPR affiliates, and it was a remix done by Todd Rundgren. It was so great that I heard this remix first because the remix is so glam. I couldn’t believe that Todd Rundgren was doing remixes of current artists. I’ve posted the remix below, listen:

Sometimes there’s a band that you see live that are just incredible. Their music seems to have mainstream appeal, while still sounding great musically. You wonder why they haven’t garnered more attention, buzz, success… everything. Most of the time, they’ve paid their dues, and seem to be working their way up.

Here are a few bands, Los Angeles locals, that I believe are examples of this:

The Lonely Wild

The Lonely Wild clearly have a vision when it comes to their sound. The band name says it all, there’s a heavy indie rock influence (a certain loneliness), but their music also has a wild west type feel. The Lonely Wild put on such energetic live shows and anytime I get an opportunity to see them, I go. Every member of their band is on their game at live shows and they really make an effort to connect with their audience. Unfortunately, their studio work does not exude the same energy from their live shows. Their most recent album feels a bit over the top at times. But hopefully, in the near future, they will work with a skilled producer who will help them expand their sound.

Their next show in LA is on August 18 at Echo Park Rising and it’s free!

Voxhaul Broadcast

It’s very sad that Voxhaul Broadcast are no more. They were always on the cusp of becoming something bigger, but never quite made it through. With the release of their last album, they got some radio play on LA radio stations KROQ (the Locals Only show) and on KCRW. They had a Strokes-type feel, but they created such an unusual mixture of sounds with their music. They really created a soundscape that transported the listener to a different place. The first time I saw them was in a very small garage that was absolutely packed. The sound system was crap, but it was clear that the band was talented. I went on to see them many more times and they were one of the most solid rock bands I’ve ever seen.