I just can’t keep up with writing about all the great bands that I have covered this year. Instead, I’m going to highlight some of my favorite shows which may have slipped through the cracks. This is going to be a ones to watch list of sorts. Some of the bands on my list have been around and some are fairly new. With ACL now past and Vegoose coming up, I wanted to slip this in in between. Without further adieu, my favorite established bands for this year based on recordings and/or live shows are as follows:
1.Silversun Pickups
2.Be Your Own Pet
3.Mutemath
4.Eisley
5.Richard Swift and the Sons of National Freedom
6.Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
7.The Appleseed Cast
8.Midlake
9.Morningwood
10.The Black Angels
11.The Lassie Foundation
12.The Subways
13.Jose Gonzalez
14.Rocco DeLucca
15.Tilly and the Wall
16.Kate Earl
And now for my predictions for the coming year:
I think Eisley’s new record is going to be a landmark record. They are just the first few weeks into the long delayed project with movie soundtrack wizard Richard Gibbs producing.
An unsigned Arizona band called Blackmarket adds a unique twist to a U2/Cure influenced sound. The band is going through the process of showcasing for a dozen or so labels and should be a big story next year. I like another Arizona band called Patchwork Medic. They are a more mainstream pop band with great vocal driven songs.
The Luv Me Nots are entertaining and talented as well. They are bringing back the surf guitar sounds via a B-52’s type show. Peachcake grabs the audience with the theatrics of the Flaming Lips crossed with the electronica dance rhythms of Fischerspooner.
Nico Vega’s lead vocalist Aja has powerful vocals and a stage presence to match. In recent weeks, I stumbled on a few artists on MoRisen Records on myspace. Three are on the fast tract to stardom via movie soundtracks and just for being great all around bands. The Sammies,The Talk, and Elivator Action are all on myspace so check them out if you can.
Saddle Creek artist, Now Its Overhead, seemed mediocre when I saw them on tour with Rilo Kiley two years ago. A few months ago, I saw them again with Tilly and the Wall where they were previewing new material. I was so impressed with the growth that I had to give them a special mention here. Their music is much more passionate and mainstream, but still retains enough indie quality to please those on both sides of the isle.
An heir apparent to freak folker Devendra Bandhart might be Death Vessel. With waist length hair, folksy songs, and very interesting voice, I look for him to be embraced by the same festival crowd. I am sure I have missed somebody, so when that becomes obvious I will give a shout. After all I am the old man, a little forgetful. There is so much talent out there.
This past year I did a piece on the Las Vegas music scene. It is still thriving, but without its premier all ages venue the Alley unfortunately.This is about to change as a marquee location has been found with major financial backing and all previous zoning problems solved. This new location will have the ability to showcase local talent on a national basis with details to be revealed soon.
In dramatic fashion, Red Light School District members have parted ways even as it was still entertaining interest from several major labels and had a rumored opening slot for the Killers mega tour. Lead singer and songwriter, Ian Shane Tyler, will have no problem keeping the momentum going as he is a legit superstar in the making. Check out his myspace songs for a preview of what may come. His band mates previously had a band called Junior Anti Sex League. Look for them to regroup and make waves. Until Vegoose….
