Every Wednesday at 9:13 am, one of Pittsburgh’s finest music writers joins me (Cindy Howes) on the Morning Mix to play a couple favorite news songs and share some insight. Today we welcome Josh Walkos of the music blog Owl & Bear
In case you missed it here’s what he played with commentary by Josh (plus some bonus songs):
The Morning Benders – Excuses The Morning Benders have steadily been gaining buzz ever since the release of their second LP Big Echo. Their sound has been called baroque pop because of the use of strings and orchestral arrangements. The band met while going to school in Berkely California and recorded their first album Talking Through Tin Cans in 2008. The album was named iTunes best alt/indie album that year and landed on many prominent 2008 Editors Pick lists.Josh says: “With Big Echo, The Morning Benders teamed up with Chris Taylor from the band Grizzly Bear to create a gorgeous album that us sure to land on many top lists by the end of 2010. “Excuses” is the first single off of Big Echo and showcase the band at their best with tons of strings and sing along chorus’.”
Phantogram – “When I’m Small” Phantogram are from Saratoga Springs, NY and fancy themselves a “Street beat psych pop” duo. A description that makes sense once you’ve heard their songs. Their sound relies heavily hip hop leaning beats with spacey electonic sounds layered on top to create a sound all their own. Throw in Sarah Barthels angelic but ominious vocals are you have a winning recipe.Josh says: “”When I’m Small” is a song that immediately grabbed my attention and allowed me to give the rest of their debut album “Eyelid Movies” a chance. It has such a cool vibe and is unlike anything i’m hearing out there right now. If Portishead and Zero 7 had a love child it would be named Phantogram.”
The Love Language come to us from Chapel Hill N.C. and are project born out of lead singer Stuart McLamb’s heart break. The new album Libraries will be released on Merge Records July 13th and is full of upbeat, toe tapping goodness.Josh says: “The first single “Heart To Tell” is a great introduction to the Love Language and will have you humming the hook all day.”
Caribou – “Odessa”Caribou is a one man electronic/dance project that has been evolving for more than a decade. With his new album Swim he his sound has fully evolved into a perfect blend of electronic/ambient/dance music that is multi-layered and undeniably catchy.Josh says: “”Odessa” has been on repeat for more than two months now and I never seem to tire of it. There are just so many sounds to be discovered within the song.”
A friend recently point out comedian Morgan Murphy to me. She’s a writer on Jimmy Kimmel and has a very funny stand-up routine. Her humor is dry and her hair is awesome. I looked up her Wikipedia page (something I do when I start forming a new obsession about someone/thing) and it mentioned she appears in Aimee Mann’s “31 Today” video. I have not laughed this hard in a long time. Check it out:
Can you please stop what you’re doing and listen to Royal Wood? Fans of Rufus Wainwright, Ron Sexsmith & Andrew Bird please advise: Royal is right up your alley.
I’ve been waiting for Royal to release a follow up to his 2007 A Good Enough Day and it is finaaaaallllyyyy here! The Waiting (appropriate title, eh?), is the (Toronto!) Canadian singer’s third release and from the album. It will be available digitally on June 29th, this is the video of “On Top Of Your Love”:
Every Wednesday at 9:13 am, one of Pittsburgh’s finest music writers joins me (Cindy Howes) on the Morning Mix to play a couple favorite news songs and share some insight. Today we welcome Scott Tady of The Beaver County Times
In case you missed it here’s what he played with commentary by Scott (plus some bonus songs):
Black Keys, “Next Girl” – New album from the Akron, OH duo, Brothers has the band producing themselves with help from Danger Mouse on one track. Scott says: “You guys are spinning a different tune, I believe, but this is the gem of the album.”
Jason and the Scorchers, “Moonshine Guy” – Nashville Cowpunk band returns with new release after a 15 year absence. They also return with a new Swede drummer named Pontus Snibb.Scott says: “The most fun song of the year!”
Rising Regina, “Sheets” – A young bluegrassy band from Pittsburgh, PA. Scott says: “Another fun one. Bluesy sass from Pittsburgh’s Celtic-newgrass band. Why aren’t they on Lilith Fair? :-)”
Local Natives, “Wide Eyes” – Great new band coming out the Silver Lake scene in Los Angeles (Rilo Kiley, Elliott Smith, etc). This band’s sound is a great combination of Fleet Foxes and Vampire Weekend. Scott says: “Already penciled in for the year-end Top-10.”
VV Brown, “Leave!” – Released last year in her native U.K., this album didn’t arrive in the States until six weeks ago. Her influences are early-’60s girl groups, electronica and video game sound effects. Scott Says: “Gotta throw one curveball at you. This song, while bubblegummy, reminds me of something Duffy would sing if she let her hair down … or Amy Winehouse would sing if she sobered up.”
