Fitz and the Tantrums

Fitz and the Tantrums is another band I fell in love with during the SXSW musical festival. While listening to some soulful and blues sounding music in class today it made me think of Fitz and the Tantrums. They have a old school beat and high energy levels encapsulated in the 60s. Not to mention they put on one hell of a live show. Get excited because they are coming o ACL this year!!!

Check out my favorite songs of theirs. All the videos are live because they are seriously better live. 

1. "Winds of Change"

2. "Don't Gotta Work it out" 

3. "Tighter"

4. "Rich Girls"

5. "Picking up the Pieces" 

Footloose in Austin

On Saturday night a couple of friends and I went to see Footloose presented by Zilker Theater Productions. For those of you who aren't familiar with the Zilker Summer Musical tradition, this is the 53rd annual musical. Admission is free so it is the perfect broke college kid thing to do if you want to appreciate the arts in a different way than going to a concert.

I barely remember the movie since Footloose didn't come out in my time, but I still vaguely remember seeing the movie, but I do know the movie helped to boost Kevin Bacon's career. Plus, who doesn't know the catchy theme song to the movie.

The musical was awesome, I just wish there had been more complex dance routines. Since Zilker is an outdoor theater the seating was pretty uncomfortable because the only thing separating me and rocks was a thin blanket. But, the whole experience of being in an outdoor theater outweighs the discomfort.

For those of you who are big Footloose fans, what do you think about the new remake of Footloose that is yet to be released? I think it looks kinda lame and wont match the original... but that might just be me.

Cults- Best SXSW Find

I saw Cults during the SXSW Music Festival at the Cedar St. Courtyard on Saint Patty's Day. I had never heard of them before, but they were playing before Foster the People and Cedar St. had an open bar all day long so that's where my friends and I were going to be parked all day long to celebrate looking like fools in all green. 

I was right in the front row about a foot away from the lead singer and I couldn't help dancing to the songs, even though I had never heard them before. After the show my friends and I all went and looked them up and agreed that they were the best find at SXSW.

I cant wait to see them again at ACL this year. If you haven't seen them live or heard any of their music you should really check them out. Here is a pic of us at the the concert. The people behind don't seem as pumped as we are but whatevs.

In Memory of Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse was found dead in her London flat yesterday at the age of 27. It was no secret that Winehouse has struggled with alcohol and and drug abuse for some time now. It breaks my heart that such a talented individual's life can be destroyed by addiction.

Amy was not afraid to be different than the typical pop star and stood out due to her beehive hairdo, exaggerated black eyeliner, tattoos, and wild behavior. Blues, jazz and R&B sounds were all beautifully mixed into Amy's music. Her voice was so unique and powerful that her music will not be forgotten.

The public and music industry have already made many attempts to commemorate Amy. M.I.A. released a track last night named "27" that she dedicated to all her friends who died at age 27. I am listening to the song right now and I really enjoy it because it has a interesting sound and a beat that reminds me of something by Beats Antique, but with lyrics. 

Back to Black (2006) was Amy's second and most recent album. The songs on the album are dark, express deep sorrow, and are a painfully ironic and foreshadowing. I posted the "Back to Black" music video below.

Incubus Is Back

If Not Now, When? was released on July 12, almost five years after their last album, A Crow Left of the Murder. I have been listening to Incubus since middle school thanks to my older sister, who introduced me to the band. In high school I was able to really appreciate their lyrics and meanings behind the songs. I have always favored their slower songs like"Southern Girl" and "Here in my Room." 

If Not Now, When? is a much slower, and spacious album than any of their previous albums, which can be attributed to the band's growing maturity. I bought the deluxe album on iTunes this weekend and have not stopped listening. I think my roommates may be sick of me blasting the track Rebel Girls on repeat in my room, but I sure I'm not sick of it! Heads up, Rebel Girls is only available on the deluxe album, but the deluxe album is so worth the extra four dollars.

Here is the "Promises, Promises" music video off the new album. Check it out!

Musical DNA

Have you ever noticed that music that is new and different than what most people are accustomed to is generally disliked by the majority in its beginning phases? It makes me wonder how much our background influences our music preferences.

Someone born and raised in a small town in Texas would probably grow up listening to country music and in the later years of their life most likely become a country fan. But, if this same person where to have been born in New York City would they have developed this love for country music? Most likely not until they were old enough to be openminded towards new music.

If someone wants to be a true lover of music I strongly believe it requires an open mind, not just listening ears. I love all kinds of music and I am always looking for a new unique sound. Hopefully I will introduce all the followers of this blog to some new music they love. Whether the new music is from an older well known band or an indie band that I have seen at shows.