Top 5 Indie bands

If you haven’t read "High Fidelity" by Nick Hornby, at the very least please rent the movie (both available in the Pima County Public Library). As music fans I think you will find this an essential and brilliant drama/comedy of a man named Rob looking back at the five loves of his life and as they relate through personal songs. Rob compiles top five lists through the story and speaks directly to the us, the audience, to demonstrate a love of music as he soul searches through the women who meant so much to him.

In cheesy honor of this great story, I have created my own top five list, hopefully of bands you may never have heard of. I am diving heavily into my love of British glam rock here. 

Heroes for Just One Day

Fun fact I learned in library school: researchers at one large public library discovered that about most of the items people check out are ones that they found through browsing (as opposed to ones on a list, or ones they'd put on hold). The library is all about serendipity, like finding that hidden treasure on a shelf, or grabbing a choice item that's on display. This is just as true for music as it is for books. My favorite impulse checkout CD so far is War Child Presents: Heroes.

I want my MTV: 120 Minutes, Alternative Nation, Headbanger's Ball, YO MTV Raps and the lost art of music video.

In my childhood and teen years, I fondly remember MTV being a terrific network that was led by creative professionals that were all about premiering quality music and entertainment. Much of their programming was all about introducing new and innovative music to the audience. Come reflect with me for a moment and let's revisit wonderful shows like 120 Minutes, The Headbanger's Ball, Yo MTV Raps, Alternative Nation, Amp, Beavis And Butthead, and Liquid Television.

Kaskade - Fire & Ice

Calling electronic music "big" these days might be an understatement. Turn on the radio, and it seems that every new song has been infused with the big, dance-friendly beats of trance, house, and dubstep music. In a world where the DJ is king, it is not uncommon for the person responsible for the beat (Calvin Harris, Tiesto, David Guetta) to be listed before the famous singers lending their vocals to the track.

For those unfamiliar with the electronic music scene, a worthy place to start is the latest offering from ten year electronic veteran Kaskade. Titled Fire & Ice, this two disc collection showcases Kaskade's talents for stadium-sized dance hits and collaborations with the biggest names in the electronic scene. And since everyone's all sweaty already in the summer heat, there is no harm in having a dance party!

Rat Girl

I think that everyone who loves music, and everyone who doesn't, has a favorite artist.  One band, musician, or manufactured pop group that for reasons unknown speaks to their very soul.  That one, that singular, constant love in my life is Kristin Hersh. 

So here's my deal.  I grew up in the age of vinyl records, purchased many a cassette later, in say my junior high years, and then easily moved in to buying CDs while still maintaining my previous purchases.  Yes, I still own cassettes.  And I'm never selling/giving away/burning my vinyl.  It's all lovingly preserved.  It all used to be in alphabetical order by artist, then in order of release.  It's not anymore, with husband and children touching and disorganizing.  But it's all still there.  And there is one band and musician that holds a still organized space, in a shiny red CD organizer.  Throwing Muses and Kristin Hersh.

Godmother of Punk

Patti Smith  has been my favorite artist since I saw her unshaven armpits on the cover of Easter in 1978. While I admit the armpits were the initial draw, I quickly realized that Patti was something special. Growing up in rural Vermont, I knew nothing of CBGB and the growing punk scene, but Patti opened my eyes to a whole new world of poetry and a little angry rebellion. She seemed so strong and wise. I could listen to her for hours - and I did.

Amor y Maná

Maná has been around for a long time. And I've been a fan for as long as I can remember. But I've somehow strayed away from listening to their music on a regular basis. This realization came to me when I read they were coming back in concert to Tucson on September 20 at the TCC. It's been awhile and I'm really thinking I may go to see them and reacquaint myself.

For those who haven't heard of Maná here's a bit of a background. They're a rock group from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico and have been on the Rock en Español and Latino music scene for about three decades. They've won American Grammys, Latin Grammys, MTV awards, Billboards awards. You name it, they've won it, probably. They're veteran rockeros but their music always seems to be evolving, fusing with new music genres and new music trends not only in Latino music but also American genres as well.

They're great at using their music to raise awareness about social issues happening in the world, such as world hunger and many of their songs revolve around themes of love, hope, racism, oppression, etc. They created their own foundation, Selva Negra, in 1995 which works on supporting projects that protect the environment.

So what is their music like? Their music reminds me of The Police or Journey with a bit of reggae rock latin pop beats infused into it. It has a cool funky mix and on some tracks you can still hear a strong 80's rock vibe. But they also somehow are able to stay current and infuse current music genres into their sound. Interested in listening? Well you can head over to the library and pick up some of their music today! Hooray!

You can check out one of their newer albums Drama y luz or Arde el cielo, which is a live compilation album of some of their best hits if you'd like to hear a bit of their past music. Either way you can't lose! And if you really dig their sound after listening remember, they're coming in concert to Tucson in September. Maybe I'll see you there!

Happy listening.

Marissa

Endless Summers with the Beach Boys

It's nearly time for the Fourth of July, and what does that mean? Fireworks, hot dogs, surfing safari's, fun fun fun, and of course, Beach Boys. The group has been synonymous with summer and has been sending out good vibrations to music fans for 51 years. And in perfect timing, they have released a brand new album of all original music "That's Why God Made the Radio" which is available at your Pima County Public library. I have listened to it, and I LOVE IT! It's a time warp back in time. Even the cover is 60's style!

Late Intro and more World Music

Though this is my 3rd post for the music blog, I thought I should introduce myself somewhat formally.  I moved to Tucson in September, and I have attended many shows and music events in that time.  As my posts have suggested, I am a big fan of New Orleans music, African music, funk, horns, bluegrass, most anything that has a high index of danceability.  I also like some more straight forward rock-n-roll, going back to R&B, classic rock, and contemporary bands.  This week I am reviewing the Buena Vista Social Club DVD, and also reminding everyone how awesome the Freegal service is.