American Crisis? Nope.

I love Nylon magazine. I've always loved Nylon, but for some reason, this issue (November 2010), really hit home for me. Maybe it's the fact that Nylon hit up my home? Of course, they did so just as I was getting bored. Leave it to them to show me all the wonders of the nation that I've simply looked over. This issue was the America Issue. Anyway, like a true groupie, I read and devoured the issue like it was the Bible, and then, oh yes I did, I: highlighted and folded! I re-read the mag for all the lovely bands I could find. Some of them I know, and have for a while, but some of them, I've just discovered, and have fallen in love with. If you haven't read this issue, or Nylon in general, do it! You'll never go back. Anyway, back to these new found bands...Let the "honeymoon stage" commence:

The Black Angels - a slowed down version of Thee Oh Sees (who were also featured in the issue!) the music they make is hypnotic and alluring.

Blind Pilot - oh God, don't even get me started on them. I'm in love. Part of me says that they're reminiscent of bands like Seabear, Death Cab for Cutie, Cheif and Fleet Foxes, but they have such a beautiful sound, that I forget what the hell I'm thinking about when I listen to them, and can't finish the connection...like now...

Pet Lions - this band reminds me of Neon Trees meets Japanese Motors meets Starfucker (that's quite possibly the most random mix of bands...). This is indie-pop, and with a techno flair, they show that indie music can be fun to listen to.

Elizabeth and the Catapult - never in my life have a been happier listening to a band. Elizabeth's peppy voice is addictive, I swear. At first listen, I was hating the happy, trippy, Dora the Explorer vibe of "Race You", then it caught on.

Turbo Fruits - raw, raw, raw, raw...Volcanoe. And I love it...Volcanoe.

Stone Darling- don't we all love girl power? When you can't take and more Florence and the Machine, and Beach House gets repetitive, check them out. This all-girl folky band is awesome.

There were a ton of other bands feature that I adored, but some of them I couldn't find proper videos to link, others I missed, and others, well, they just didn't make the cut. So check it out. Do YOU think I missed some essential bands from the issue? What do you think of this stuff?

Have a listen.

Happy Halloween!

Review: The Orchard/Ra Ra Riot

Ra Ra Riot is amazing, and will always be. I'm a tad late on this one, being that I'm the epitome of laziness. Anyway, I've heard a few complaints that the album is identical to their past ones. In response, I say: RRR's tracks may sound the same, but hey, isn't that the point of being in a band? Creating a sound. RRR certainly has done that. I'm so impressed with The Orchard. I was expecting a bit of a sophmore slump, but they proved me wrong. I do think that each song is slightly morbid in it's own way, which must be connected to the recent death of their drummer. But, no one can deny that the base in "Boy", and the harmony within Wes's own voice is incredible. And Too Dramatic...the first 5 seconds of that song puts me in a trance. But if you've already heard that:

Shadowcasting - Ra Ra Riot

Have a listen.