It's Disco, Baby!

First of all (on a completely unrelated music note), I just have to say how happy I am that it is finally over 70 degrees in the windy city. Gives me hope for sun dresses and drinks outside! :)

Anyhoo.......

The big news of this weekend comes in the form of a modern day disco-pop group called Sugar and Gold. Nick has managed to score a photo pass for their show at the Empty Bottle this Sunday, May 2nd and I'm tagging along for the ride. This band has undying energy (just check out any of their YouTube videos) and I'm looking forward to a rockin' dance party to round out my weekend.

Sunday, May 2nd @ 9:30pm
Sugar and Gold
The Seedy Seeds
Yoko Homo
Tickets: $8

Get out and enjoy this fantastic weather!!!

Do I Win?

This is a great little find that was discovered by Nick, but I think I've beat him to the punch by posting it first. :) We all love The xx, but this cover of their song, "VCR", by The Antlers is amazing.

Download it (for free!): The Antlers - "VCR" (The xx cover)

Is it Bedtime Yet?

This song immediately soothes me. It's beautiful...check it out!

Download it: City and Colour - "Against the Grain"

(Not) New Song - "Fluorescent Adolescent"

I put this song on and can't help but bounce around to its English pop rock beat. It's catchy and you've got to love the fact that the Arctic Monkeys don't take themselves too seriously. You may remember their first US hit, "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor", but since then they have adopted a lighter sound and it has been working for them...for about 7 years now. Check it out if you need a little pick me up!

Download it: Arctic Monkeys - "Fluorescent Adolescent"

Blast from the Past

Out of nowhere I just started humming Superdrag's "Sucked Out". Getting past the fact that I had no idea when I last heard that song, I looked up the video and couldn't believe my eyes when I read that the song was released in 1996. The 90's...wow! Seems so long ago, but if you grew up during that time I hope you can appreciate this post. Bringing an old one (but a good one) back!

Download it: Superdrag - "Sucked Out"

It's a Good Day

It's been 13 months and 100 posts! I've loved every minute of it and I can't wait to celebrate my next 100 posts...whenever they might occur. Thanks for sticking with me and hopefully I can grow this little project into something bigger and better. Wish me luck! :)

Boys & Girls in America

They don't stray from what originally drew me to their music...and that's exactly why I am still in love with The Hold Steady. Every year I anxiously wait for their Chicago show to be announced and I can buy my ticket knowing that I'll probably have one of the best nights of the summer. The promise of warm weather, cold beer, and a great crowd of twenty/thirty somethings shouting along to all of the lyrics is something that dreams are made of. This year will be no different and with the help of a few friendly websites (thanks Pitchfork & Stereogum!) I can get my early fix of The Hold Steady's newest album. Check it out for yourself!

Hurricane J

The Weekenders

It's Lolla Time!!!!

This morning I was greeted with the most delightful email. An email that I wait for all winter long and when it arrives I can't help but share it with anyone who is willing to listen. Yessssss....the Lollapalooza lineup was announced today! In my opinion, it just keeps getting better. Perry Farrel, you have truly outdone yourself this year!

Here are a few of the highlights...

Phoenix
Arcade Fire
The Black Keys
MGMT
Grizzly Bear
Frightened Rabbit
The Strokes
Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros
Company of Thieves
Cymbals Eat Guitars
Matt & Kim
The xx
The Walkmen
Spoon

*Headliners - Soundgarden / Green Day / Lady Gaga

Now we sit and wait for the 3 day schedule to be released. Let the nail biting begin.

Ears Still Ringing

I'm finally getting back into the swing of things!! After a delicious dinner at Miss Cara's apartment, my boy and I headed over to the Metro to check out the Miike Snow show. We were both anxious and excited for another high energy concert (much like our first experience at the Empty Bottle). Let me tell you...we were not let down! Not only was the music fantastic, but the overall show was much improved. Better light show, more new songs, and a much bigger crowd. Well done guys, well done.

P.S. Nick's iPhone saves the day again...great pic!

Workout Mix for K Lo

I received my first official request for a music mix and I have to admit I was pretty excited. My delightful mother (Hi Mom!) has decided to run a race in Indianapolis and has asked for a running mix that will keep her going. Let's see if this will do the trick...

1) "Imma Be" - Black Eyed Peas
2) "Helicopter" - Bloc Party
3) "Hummingbird" - Born Ruffians
4) "Walking on a Dream" - Empire of the Sun
5) "Sleepyhead" - Passion Pit
6) "Skeleton Boy" - Friendly Fires
7) "Sad Sad City" - Ghostland Observatory
8) "Brooklyn is Burning" - Head Automatica
9) "Bulletproof" - La Roux
10) "Second, Minute or Hour" - Jack Penate
11) "Just Dance" - Lady Gaga & Colby O' Donis
12) "Daylight" - Matt & Kim
13) "Black and Blue" - Miike Snow
14) "I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance with You" - Black Kids
15) "The Underdog" - Spoon
16) "Sweet Disposition" - The Temper Trap (Great cool down song!)

Good luck, Mom!!! :)

Waiting for June

The Born Ruffian's new album drops on June 1 and I've already pre-ordered my tickets for the Chicago show so there is nothing left to do but wait at this point....or so I thought!

Head over to www.bornruffians.com and click through to the new article that Spin released yesterday. The article contains an exclusive stream to "What to Say". It happens to be the first single off of the new release and it also happens to be a mighty good song. I'm brought back to everything that first made me fall in love with these boys...the catchy beat, the silly lyrics, etc. They're just newbies to the scene that are making a name for themselves in a really big way.

Check it out: Born Ruffians - "What to Say"

I Love Chuck

Yes, it's true that the show is pretty great (Chuck is so nerdy and adorable...how could you not like him?), but the music...well, it's fantastic! I knew that I would form a special friendship with this program when they were featuring music from Bon Iver & Frightened Rabbit in the very first season. It only got better from there...

Season 3 (a few highlights)

Episode 1 - Frightened Rabbit - "Backwards Walk"
Episode 4 - Sam Isaac - "Bears"
Episode 6 - Edward Sharpe - "40 Day Dream"
Episode 7 - Jack Penate - "Let's All Die"
Episode 10 - Frightened Rabbit - "Swim until You Can't See Land"
Episode 11 - Rogue Wave - "Permalight"
Episode 12 - The Temper Trap - "Down River"

Clear your Monday night schedule because you might just have a new favorite...besides HIMYM of course :)