December 15, 2009 We are one busy S*Alt Squad...we're officially up and running on the Point's HD2 signal, so if you happen to have an HD radio, check out shorealternative.com on the FM dial at 94.3-2. Or however HD radio works.
Tonight, it's WonderBar Tuesday in Asbury Park...The Vandelles, FutureFuture, Bedroom Girls (The Delfields' side project), and Invincible Gods. Go, check em out, Tuesdays are a good time...
Tomorrow is the debut of DJ S*Alty...catch me spinnin tomorrow night at Myst on Brighton Ave. in Long Branch, starts at 9p...I'm either doin crossover Alt/pop or 90's guilty pleasure hits...not sure yet, but it will for sure be a good time, so come out!!
Thursday night will be stellar...Joe Michelini from RCE and Taylor from Skull Motion doin an acoustic set at Langosta Lounge in Asbury...starts at 9:30ish...come, grab some bangin food, enjoy the music. :o)
Friday is the Hawk's Acoustic Christmas festivities...Pat Dinizio of the Smithereens, Lou from Status Green, and the Riverwinds! Sweeeet.
Like I said, we're a busy crew...and lovin it!
Oh, and I'm working on an album review...checkin out Jon and Roy's "Another Noon"...review comin soon!
Til next time...
--LC
Yes, I'm alive.
November 23, 2009
I'm a bad blogger! Sorry, life gets in the way and S*Alt-y Talk has apparently fallen out of range...I will try to get back to posting on the regular!
First up, MAJOR props to the entire S*Alt squad, especially Tom and Pete...but thanks to everyone's work, shorealternative.com was named "Best Website to Support Live Music" at this year's Asbury Music Awards. Rock on.
The "S*Alt Presents..." shows have been phenomenal...as have the Thursday night gigs at Langosta Lounge in Asbury. If you haven't been to a show yet, I don't know what you're waiting for. It's an amazing time, great bands, lots of talented people in one room...and all for only 2 bucks? Trust, come out, you won't be disappointed. Tuesday nights: Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, Doors at 8 ($2, 21+). Thursday nights: Langosta Lounge in Asbury Park, Music starts at 9:30ish (No cover, all ages)...and Langosta's food is BANGIN...so you have no excuse.
I'm super excited for some of the local artists we've been showcasing on the Sunday Night S*Alt on the Point show...Cara Salimando and Laura Warshauer are two standouts for sure. Cara has an incredible voice, writes her own songs and music, has great keyboard skills, and is maybe the NICEST person I've ever met. She's so incredibly talented, and I can't wait for her to get the recognition she deserves.
Laura is also a very talented artist, also writes her own songs...she was out at one of our Wonder Bar shows, asked me if I would come to her car and listen to her song...I said sure, why not...(Yes, the thought --very paranoid thought-- that she was psychotic and MIGHT kidnap me did briefly cross my mind, but alas, no, she really just wanted to play me a song. lol...) The song is called "Alive" and is stunning. I told her flat out that I love it and that she sounds like a cross between Stevie Nicks and Katy Perry. Yes, seriously. The girl is good and has the potential to appeal to a lot of people.
There's lots of new artists on the horizon for the Sunday Night show, but if you know of any bands or artists that you think we should know about, I'm BEGGING you to get in touch with us...reach me at Laurie@943thepoint.com or hit up Race at shorealternative@gmail.com.
I'm hoping to get some airplay for Alex Brumel & Janel Elizabeth soon...I have known Alex for years, and he's super-talented...and Janel's voice is incredible as well. Their harmonies are beautiful and the music is solid. Definitely a pair to keep your eye on.
The whole point of S*Alty Talk here at shorealternative.com is to bridge the gap between mainstream music and the alternative world. I really do love Alanis Morrissette, Daughtry, Gavin DeGraw, and Kelly Clarkson...I also love River City Extension, Chemtrail, The Defog, and Kings of Leon...I fully understand how the two worlds could not be further apart, but at the same time are so thoroughly intertwined.
So as I learn about more and more alternative artists, I can pass along my thoughts to people who just want to hear music they'd like. There's a ton of alternative stuff that I just don't get, or am not into...and you know what? That's totally okay. So you tell me what you like, and I'll tell you some artists you might be into. And you do the same. You think I might dig it? Send it my way.
Art is music is love. -LC
I know, I'm a slacker...
November 3, 2009
Sorry, it's been a while since my last post...things have been so so busy, which is never a bad thing. This post is goin out to my Point people!
I want to take a second to profess my love for Sunday Night Shore Alternative on the Point...I knew from the beginning I wanted to be a part of it, because it's a great way to expose people to music they wouldn't hear anywhere else on the radio. It's perfect for alt-newbie's like me, who would love to hear some different music, and just don't know where to find it. So when I had to the chance to jump on board and co-host it with Race, I was super excited...
About 6 weeks ago, Race suggested a song called "Fireflies" by Owl City...I'd never heard of them, but Race knows his stuff when it comes to music (especially music that pop fans like me would like!) so I listened to it, and was a big fan. Well 6 weeks later, "Fireflies" is the #1 song on iTunes and has blown up so much that it's now in regular rotation on 94.3 the Point.
That's the beauty of Sunday Night S*Alt on the Point...it's music that you wouldn't know otherwise that you might really love! We play tracks from local bands and artists as well, and even some new or deeper tracks from artists you know like Coldplay, U2, and Kings of Leon.
So check it out, Sunday nights, 11-midnight on 94.3 the Point. We always post the playlist the day after, so if you heard something you liked, you can pick it up! And if you ever want to suggest a song for us, you can shoot me an email at laurie@943thepoint.com or to shorealternative@gmail.com! We really do love hearing from people about the show and what they want to hear!
Don't forget about tonight's show at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park...S*Alt presents Dad Fight, Last Days of Empire, and Easy Tiger...doors at 8, 21+, $2 cover, drinks, and food! Come out, say hi, hang with us, it's always a super fun night!
--LC
S*Alt Presents...4 kinds of musical splendor.
October 20, 2009
Race has been saying for weeks that tonight's S*Alt Presents show is gonna blow my mind.
Rubik is comin in from Finland, Bronze Episode from right here in Jersey, The Sydeways, and Brick & Mortar...
Brick & Mortar played a show for us a while back, I remember them being very electronic with sick sick drums...lookin forward to that.
We've been playin Bronze Episode's song 'Bodies' on Sunday Night S*Alt for a couple weeks, and I'm diggin that song, it's so trippy and awesome. They're local dudes too, and I can't wait to hear them play live.
Don't know anything about The Sydeways, but from what I hear they are stellar.
Rubik is comin in from Finland, which is RIDIC!! I don't really know what to compare their sound to, and I don't know yet if I love it. We're playin their song 'Goji Berries' on Sunday Night S*Alt on the Point...it has like, essence of Coldplay, Matt & Kim, Mika, and Silversun Pickups? I can't really put my finger on it, which means they have a sound all their own. I'm interested to see how they'll sound live.
Come and find out with me! Tonight, 8pm, Wonder Bar in Asbury Park...$2 doors, drinks, and food...good times, great music. See you there, fools.
Oh, and by the way, I'm still looking for playlists, mix CDs, and suggestions for music you think I'd be into...send em my way! Hit me up at Laurie@943thepoint.com. Word.
--LC
Tuesday night!
October 13, 2009
I'm absolutely exhausted for who knows what reason, so this entry's gonna be short but sweet.
I have "Machinehead" by Bush stuck in my head because they were playin it during my karate class last night, which is cool, cuz that song pumps me up, but it's just stuck in my brain now!
Anyways, Shore Alt presents many fine artists tonight...Gasoline Heart, Matt Cook, Kenny Junior, & The Defog. Kenny Junior couldn't make his performance last time, so I'm excited to finally see that...We feature The Defog on Sunday Night Shore Alt on the Point, so I at least know their sound. I loved them last time they performed, it was very electronic but full sounding...and I just love the lead singer's voice, so I'm really looking forward to it.
Do come out. 8pm. Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, $2 cover, cheap drinks, good folk, excellent sounds. 21+. Come out fools!
--LC
In case you missed it...
October 8, 2009
I really do love Tuesday nights with shorealternative.com…this past show was no exception. It started out sounding like Acoustic Night at the Apollo…which would have been fine, but I wasn’t quite in the mood for acoustic mellowness. But that’s okay.
First up was Old Bat. Which turned out to be just one guy with a guitar. His full name is apparently Old Dirty Bat. I get it. Ha. Anyway. This guy was not my cup of tea. It was upbeat which was nice, but at the same time a little too simple, relying heavily on overtly political lyrics: “prostitutes of the pump…” “the free markets must die…” Mmm, okay then. I am horrific and finding the hidden meanings within songs, I never ever get the meanings at first, but even I don’t want it dumbed down that much. And he kept his eyes closed the entire time he performed, as if he were feeling ‘the free markets must die’ with all his soul. Right.
Onward.
Up next was a special surprise performance by Jesse of Gimmie Drugs. Jesse’s got some heavy stuff goin on, so it was definitely an emotionally charged performance. It was slow, acoustic, dramatic, passionate, and wonderful. ‘Nuff said.
Brian Grainey was third…again very mellow and acoustic with a definite folksy feel. His voice sounded like a mix of Bob Dylan and Billy Corgan to me, but several people suggested he sounded like Big Bird…I won’t lie to you. I got the essence of the Bird.
My favorite of the night for sure was The Riverwinds. It was totally upbeat, electric, and the most attention catching act of the night. They have absolutely sick guitar skills and should really be on mainstream radio. They just have a great sound that more people should know about. Truly solid band, and I’m glad we feature them on Sunday Night S*Alt on the Point. Loved it…they are on my list for sure of bands/artists that more people should hear.
Speaking of Sunday Night S*Alt…check it out Sunday night 11-midnight on 94.3 the Point and streaming at 943thepoint.com. Race and I would love to hear what you think of the show!
--LC
Lady Gaga annoys me.
October 6, 2009
So I was talking to MM yesterday as Lady Gaga was playing on the Point. He said that he is starting to appreciate her more as an artist, especially since her appearance on Saturday Night Live. I saw the clips of her on the show…I didn’t think she was that funny. I do respect Lady Gaga for the fact that she has never claimed to make soulful, earth-shatteringly amazing songs. She fully admits that she makes shameless, plastic pop music. I thoroughly applaud her honesty. However, I cannot applaud the fact that her antics are overshadowing her music.
She rolled up to the VMAs with Kermit as her date. Why? (This is mostly a personal pet peeve. I hate when Kermit/Elmo are on TV talk/news shows and adults are talking to them. It’s a puppet. Quit acting like it’s a human. Put them on children’s shows where they belong.) ANYWAY. It seems as though she is more interested in getting attention than creating art. We get it; you like to wear leotards and pasties and put your hair in a bow and shock people. Madonna did all that 20 years ago. It’s not all that shocking anymore. Now put your hooters away and make some more techno anthems.
This is what I love so much about alternative artists. They are so obviously in it for the love of creating and performing art. It’s not for the fame or the money; it’s for the love of the music and the art. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE 90% of mainstream pop music. The thing that bothers me about Gaga is that I think she has a great voice, but her outfits and her odd behaviors distract from her talent. I know that most pop music is as much about the “show” as it is about the songs, but it just seems to be so overwhelmingly staged. I doubt that on lazy Saturday mornings she’s waking up, wrapping her hair into a bow and slappin’ on some pasties when she’s just chillin. Maybe that’s the whole point, though. She’ll never come out from behind the curtain…she’ll always keep up the act and stay in that character. I love theatrics and all, I just wish she’d be real. If that’s how I thought she really was, I think I’d be okay with her, but it just seems to be so obviously done for the attention (or the lack of medication).
Side note: I hate Tuesdays. However, I love me some Tuesday nights. S*Alt Presents Brian Grainey, The Riverwinds, and Old Bat tonight…We’ve been featuring The Riverwinds on Sunday Night Shore Alternative on the Point for the past few weeks, so I know I like them, and Brian Grainey I’ve seen before at a previous S*Alt show…so Old Bat is the only really new band tonight for me. I love hearing new music though, so I’m excited to see them.
Come on out…8 p.m. Wonder Bar, Asbury Park. $2 cover, cheap drinks and food, awesome peeps, excellent tunes, and a basically stellar evening. 21+. Dig it!
-LC
S*Alt Presents ...12?
I won't lie. By this point I've lost count. But in any case, "Shore Alternative Presents" hit up the Wonder Bar for another excellent batch of musical talent last night.
It kicked off with Birthwater, which I loved. They had a really great sound, awesome guitar, excellent vocals with some really nice harmonies, and on top of that they were a fun group that performed with a lot of energy and passion, which was cool. It's so important for a band to be as entertaining as they are musically gifted...so that was a really great way to kick to off the show.
Up next was Brittain Ashford...they had a really cool sound, very folksy, very different from the first act, for sure. More importantly, it was fronted by two girls, which I'm also so inspired by...rock on female musicians. And on top of that, one of them played the violin, the other, the lead singer, was rockin a frickin' DULCIMER. Ridiculous and fantastic. As for her voice, she sounded like Sarah McLachlan + Marketa Iglova (the chick from that Grammy song, "Falling Slowly".) My general feeling on them is that they were good, but I'd definitely have to be in a certain mood to listen to their music. Fortunately, I was in exactly that mood last night, so I was diggin it. It was soft and emotional and soulful in a folksy way...the drummer looked a little bored, but how excited can you really be when you're playing that kind of thing...
Last up was The Amboys. Phenomenal. It was loud and driving, with solid vocals. Excellent stage presents. Reminds me a bit of River City Extension (who are quickly becoming one of my favorite local bands!) but I would definitely like to see these guys again. Had a really great sound, solid beat, a little bit of a Celtic feel...yummy.
S*Alt presents is takin a little break next week, but returns on October 6th...If you haven't checked one out, I highly recommend it...don't be afraid...I never know what these bands are gonna sound like, but the show is always worth it. The crowd is great, the drinks are cheap...come out, you'll enjoy it!
Don't forget to check out the New Music Showcase at the Headliner in Neptune this Saturday at 4...Cara Salimando, Status Green, and Livan all performing live...special cooking segment from Mixx American Bistro in Manasquan, food courtesy of Langosta Lounge in Asbury...it's gonna be an incredible event, I can't wait!!
What makes a good song?
August 18, 2009
So I’ve always wanted to be a musician. I’ve written lyrics, I think I can sing (kind of, almost) but then I’ll look back at my lyrics and think wow, this could be terrible.
So what makes a good song? There are so many artists that have the most basic lyrics…then some that are the most complex and brilliant poetry you’ve ever heard…there’s music that has beautiful and haunting harmonies, and vocals that are weak at best. There’s heavy instrumentals, then there’s light, almost a cappella musical genius.
So what is it? What makes a great alternative song so much better than a pop song that gets played 400 times a day? I am starting to love so much alternative music, and aside from the obvious marketing gimmicks of pop music, what makes one so much more credible than the others?
If a pop artist has a legitimate talent that does not come from auto-tune or serious over-production, why are they still so looked down upon by supposed music lovers.
I really do love most kinds of music. I just have an appreciation for it all. Two of my favorite songs right now are Battlefield by Jordin Sparks and I Gotta Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas…but then a lot of so-called music lovers will shoot it down and say it’s just shit. And maybe it is, but why?
It’s still music, it’s catchy, it’s got a beat, it makes me want to sing to it, pumps me up and makes me want to dance…so what makes it shit?
The alt newbie in me is dying to figure it out. So leave some comments. Tell me what it is that makes a song great for you.
And maybe someday I’ll consider posting some of my lyrics for you to tear apart.
Oh, and it’s Tuesday. S*Alt Presents The Delfields, The Defog, and Fake Gimms tonight at 8pm. $2 cover, drinks, awesome crowd. It’s gonna be a great show, come check it out!
–LC
S*ALT 7!
August 12, 2009
So last night was…interesting.
First up was Sally Boyd…in a get-up straight out of your fave awkward family photo from 1982…but musically, it was pretty cool. He has a very acoustic, bluesy voice…very soft, mellow, folksy. He had very simple, direct lyrics, which is nice sometimes.
More importantly, he’s a local guy…and he performed a song by Alex Brumel, which is awesome because 1) I went to high school with Alex, and I think he’s incredibly talented…and 2) I’ve been thinking of getting Alex on a S*Alt event, and this further cemented that idea for me. (Check out myspace.com/alexandjanel, but more on that later…)
He sampled some guitar tracks, put his own spin on it, clearly doin his own thing…all in all, I dug it.
Up next was Grand Alto…they had a nice rock sound. It sounded a lot like Weezer mixed with Bob Dylan (Yeah, I said it.) They had some really nice harmonic moments with the vocals, a little hint of rockabilly sound at times, but solid guitar all around. They were definitely a fun band, had a good time with the crowd, never took themselves too seriously…I love that. They were my favorite of the night, for sure.
Last up was The Obvious. I’m gonna do my best to be fair and balanced with this review…but I have to say this was a bit of a trainwreck. They seemed to have so much potential, mostly because there were two girls in the group and they were rockin some guitars…rock girls always seems to have two options: they’re gonna be impressive or horrid. Unfortunately…this was the latter.
This band seemed like the most random assortment of people from the audience…and they sounded like they had met maybe a half hour before the show…and fueled by liquid confidence and self-delusion they believed they could get up on stage and magic would spew forth from the speakers. Not so much.
Now to be fair, this is a punk group…and punk is supposed to be a sort of beauty in it’s mess…but this didn’t even fit that. The lead singer just seemed screechy…and drunk. I was waiting for her to just tumble off the stage…it didn’t happen, but it was pretty close. It was almost as if she was trying to channel Tia Carrere’s Cassandra from Wayne’s World, mixed with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and the Ting Tings…and yet just missed the boat completely. It was just loud and bizarre…
I love some punk music…I remember when my brother first played me a Worthless (remember them??) CD, and I loved it. I can get into a lot of different types of music, but this just was not my flavor. I’ve said it many times before, I just hate screaming (from bands anyway…hey-o!).
However, in their defense, a LOT of people seemed to be LOVING it last night…so maybe it was the kind of music you can only appreciate it after chuggin a few…(I savored my adult bevs last night…apparently a light buzz does not equate adoration of The Obvious).
But I will give those ladies props for gettin up on stage and doin their own thing…I’m inspired by that level on bravery.
Next week’s show is going to be insanely good from what I’m told…do come out. Til next time…
–LC
S*ALT presents 6/7
August 11, 2009
So last week’s S*Alt Presents show was VERY heavy…I won’t lie, I didn’t even stay for the whole show because it just wasn’t my thing. First up was the Athletics…driving heavy guitar…very layered guitar sound with loud vocals, but I will say the vocals were soulful as well. They were a little too screamy for me, just not my flavor, but definitely talented musicians.Next up was A Balance Between…they were also a loud, driving, heavy guitar band, definitely a lot of screaming vocals…which I’ve said before, I love almost all music, I just don’t get the screaming thing…
I left before the third band took the stage, but from what I heard, it was very similar to the first two…
Tonight is the 7th “S*Alt Presents…” show. Set to perform is Grand Alto, The Obvious and Skinny Meatloaf. I am pretty sure Skinny Meatloaf is the greatest band name I’ve heard in a while, so I’m definitely looking forward to that one. The Powers-That-Be at ShoreAlt tell me that tonight’s show is gonna be really good, so I’m pretty excited for it.
You know the deal, Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, $2 cover, doors at 8, cheap drinks, awesome crowd, great vibe…you gotta check it out. We always have a great time…come out!!
As a side note…I got to see Jason Mraz at PNC last weekend…I went into it thinking it was going to be a generic cheesy pop show, but I have to say I was really impressed. Ka’naan opened, followed by G. Love and Special Sauce (always entertaining) then Jason Mraz took the stage. The whole show had a great vibe, it was very reggae, hip-hop-infused pop…but honestly, Jason Mraz has a legit musical talent. I honestly loved the show, and truly believe he loves his music. A lot of people write him off as being talentless because he makes pop music, but trust me, check out his latest album. It’s called We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. And I’m gonna say 80% of the tracks will never get radio time, but they should be heard. Don’t be a music snob — check em out. ;o)
–LC
It's been awhile
July 30, 2009
I never posted my review from the last S*Alt presents show…I’ll be honest that show wasn’t my favorite, but I still have my notes, so if you wanna know what I thought, well you’re just gonna have to ask!
Last week was a bye for S*Alt presents, but I went to see Paul McCartney at CitiField…which was mindblowing. I heard it was his worst show of the three, but even still I thought he was incredible…so I can just imagine what the other two were like. I’m really glad I went though, it was totally worth the price. The pyrotechnics on “Live and Let Die” were absolutely amazing…I felt like a little kid at Disney World…then to see Paul alone on stage with his guitar singing “Blackbird”? Unbelievable.
In any case, Tuesday night was the fifth S*Alt presents show at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park…This show kicked off with a band that is not quite like anything I’ve seen at one of these shows. They’re called All Night Dynamite, and I liked them, but keep in mind, I like a lot of pop-style music. They were Metro Station + Fall Out Boy + Brand New (if you think about the Your Favorite Weapon album). They had a solid beat, definitely danceable music…their second song was this crazy techno’d out cover of “Like a Prayer” which I have to say, I thought was awesome. They’re definitely a fun band, very pop emo rock…sort of unashamedly generic…I think I liked it because it seemed so out of place for Shore Alternative, but I really enjoyed them. They were rockin out and havin a good time on stage…and sometimes that’s just what I want.
Next up was Reni Lane. This girl was amazing, very talented, she’s got a LOT of energy, I’ll tell you that much. She sounds a lot like Michelle Branch/Vanessa Carlton mixed in with Shawn Colvin, and her band sounds a bit like The Fray. Put all that together, and I was really into the music. She definitely likes to work the crowd…and at one point she hopped up on two very unstable tables in the bar and I momentarily feared for her life…but she was definitely just havin a good time with everyone. She’s definitely trying to be an entertainer as well a musician, which can be good and bad, I suppose. At times, I just wanted her to play. I really enjoyed her music above all. She and her band have a great sound…and I know we have a little something planned with her in September so I’m looking forward to that!
Landlines closed out the show…they had a much harder sound, heavy guitar, loud drums (hot drummer…lol) and definitely softer vocals. I loved them. It was that intense, driving sort of rock music that I fall into. Definitely a fan.
This was definitely one of my favorite S*Alt shows so far…if you haven’t been out to one yet, you need to come to the next one. Every Tuesday at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, $2 cover, doors at 8…and it’s always a great crowd. I’ve gotten some of my friends into it, and everyone who’s come to it so far has loved it.
Til next time…
–LC
It's Tuesday. You know what's up.
July 14, 2009
Normally I hate Tuesdays. It’s my least favorite day of the week, with the exception of “Shore Alternative presents…” at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park. If you haven’t come yet, tonight is the night, because everyone in the S*Alt crew keeps tellin me how awesome tonight’s show is gonna be.
Tonight it’s The Poconos, Brian Graney, and Scott Liss. I never know what to expect from these artists (and after last week, I don’t know if I should expect them to be male or female) so I won’t even attempt to guess…I’m just gonna gear up for another good night.
Come on out. Everyone is incredible, the crowd is awesome…people from all walks of life, newbies like me included. It’s $2 at the door, cheap drinks, awesome music…doors at 8p…I promise it’s a good time. Come out and bring friends.
In any case, it’s a great way to scope out new music…and an awesome venue to see them if you do know them.
See you there.
–LC
3rd S*Alt Presents show...
July 9, 2009
Tuesday night was another edition of “Shore Alternative presents…” at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park. The musicians were definitely all talented, but maybe not exactly my cup of tea.
Kenny Junior was supposed to kick the night off, but he apparently injured his wrist and couldn’t play his guitar, so Joe from River City Extensions stepped up to help out. It was just him and an acoustic guitar. It was very mellow, folksy…sort of Bob Dylan-esque. He seemed like a cool guy that just really loves his music. He sang with a lot of passion, which is always cool to see.
Next up was Brook Pridemore…who I really thought was gonna be a chick. Not so much. But Brook was definitely entertaining…It was faster acoustic guitar…also Dylan-esque…if Dylan was on happy pills. Brook’s music was very catchy and bouncy, but what I loved about it is that he wasn’t taking himself or his music too seriously. He was funny and just having a great time doin his thing on stage. I got to talk to him after he performed and he was just a down to earth, cool guy. I dig that.
Montagna and the Mouths headlined…I didn’t catch a lot of their set to be honest, because Steve my new favorite artist friend let me help him do some painting so I zoned out for a while with a paintbrush…but ANYWAY…they were also acoustic, with some harmonica action…also mellow, but vibey. They had background vocals, so it was soulful but in a trippy kind of way.
In any case, these shows are a lot of fun, and if you haven’t been to one yet, come out. It’s a cheap night with awesome people and cool music. It’s a cool scene, all kinds of people there, but everyone’s amazing.
I promise you’ll like it.
–LC
Good Music for Dummies...
July 7, 2009
So MM, in his awesomeness (upon my request), made me a CD of alternative stuff…what he called “Good Music for Dummies.”
Here’s the tracklist:
1) M. Ward - Poison Cup
2) Manchester Orchestra - I’ve Got Friends
3) Metric - Blindness
4) Nada Surf - Beautiful Beat
5) The National - Apartment Story
6) Phoenix - Lasso
7) Placebo - Bright Lights
8 ) Say Hi to Your Mom - Let’s Talk About Spaceships
9) Shout Out Louds - You are Dreaming
10) Spoon - I Summon You
11) The Stills - Don’t Talk Down
12) Tokyo Police Club - Graves
13) Two Guns - One Direction
14) Vampire Weekend - Campus
15) We Are Scientists - After Hours
16) Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Runaway
So first of all, many thanks to Mike for putting this together for me…my two favorite songs were Bright Lights - Placebo and Graves - Tokyo Police Club…Also liked Phoenix, Shout Out Louds, Spoon, and We Are Scientists.
Definitely new stuff for me…I know I’ve heard Metric before, there is a song of theirs I heard and I know I liked it, I just can’t think of which one it is.
I definitely like the songs that are more guitar heavy as opposed to the mellow ones, though it definitely depends on my mood at the moment. I’m just in a heavy guitar phase at the moment. I’m feelin stuff I can rock out to, turn up loud, lose myself in…like Chemtrail last week. Wall of sound kinda stuff.
But I really loved this CD…so please, send more tracklists my way if you don’t want to make the CD for me. :o) Either way it’s def much appreciated. I feel like I’m being opened up to a whole new world of crap I never would know otherwise. And I’m tryin to get my friends into it too…a lot of them are really into it as well, which is cool.
There’s another “Shore Alternative Presents…” show tonight…Brook Pridemore, Kenny Junior, and Montagna & the Mouth to Mouth. I’ve only heard about Kenny Junior, who I’ve been told is like “hipster folk…just awesome.” These shows and artists have been amazing and mind blowing so I’m definitely looking forward to another round of greatness.
Definitely come out…it’s every Tuesday night at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park…$2 cover, cheap drinks, and amazing music. Can’t beat that…not to mention weird celeb sightings…last week Jim Cramer from CNBC’s “Mad Money” showed up and was bustin a psychedelic move on the dance floor. Definitely entertaining and awesome at the same time.
Come tonight…and get me your playlists!!
–LC
2nd S*Alt presents? Delicious.
July 1, 2009
Last night was the second “Shore Alt presents…” show at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park. Just like last week, I caught some awesome new music I’d never heard before.
Future Future kicked things off. These kids are amazing…They’re 17 and 14 but they play like they’re much older. I was really impressed, definitely passionate vocals, lots of energy, it was cool.
Brick and Mortar were up next…it was very electronic but cool. I described it as Brand New + Bob Marley + Amy Winehouse…when I said that last night, people looked at me like I was nuts. I can’t help it, that’s what I was getting. The vocals def sound like Brand New, who I love, so it was cool. The drums were insane too…totally makes me wanna take drum lessons. It was sick.
Chemtrail headlined…they blew me away. It was the kind of music I love most because you can totally get swept up in it. Multiple heavy guitar made for such an intensity that I was totally zoned out in it. Beautiful. It was loud, but not noisy loud…it was incredible loud. Moves your soul loud. They were all so in tune with each other, it was just awesome to watch. They had legit chemistry…and they definitely can count me in as a new fan.
What I love about these shows is that they are bands and songs I have never heard of, and yet when they perform I can still get so into it. Getting lost in a song is an experience like no other. It’s the best high I know.
Lookin forward to next week’s show. :o)
–LC
S*Alt on the Point!
June 29, 2009
So Sunday nights from 11-midnight Race and Justin Louis have an awesome show on 94.3 the Point…conveniently enough called Shore Alternative on the Point. They play a lot of cool S*Alt songs on the air, lots of relatively unknowns and local stuff too.
Definitely a good way for people like me to hear some new tunes, and hear stuff I already know I like on the air…and the guys really do a great job with the show, definitely something to check out.
I’m definitely looking forward to tomorrow night’s Shore Alternative show at the Wonder Bar in AP. Last week’s was really good, and Race tells me the bands this week are equally amazing. So I’m excited…can’t beat live music and cheap drinks. :o)
Considering last week I saw REO Speedwagon, Styx, and .38 Special at PNC, and Wednesday I’m seeing Def Leppard, Poison, and Cheap Trick (love love love them), I’m definitely getting my full range of music in.
Currently diggin Wrong - Depeche Mode…Steady As She Goes - The Raconteurs…Lazy Eye - Silversun Pickups…
Get me a playlist of your faves…I wanna hear new stuff!! :o)
