There have been a ton of quality indie releases lately. It’s inspiring to see so much excellent music out there. Here are five of my current favorites.
I love the retro sound and look of Hazel English‘s “That Thing” video. Her double EP is one of the best releases of this year.
Canadian band Alvvays put out their wonderful sophomore album, Antisocialites, last month. I listen to it almost every day. I love the album’s mix of chill and uptempo tracks. “Dreams Tonight” is a lovely, swirling ballad and one of the best songs they have released.
Grizzly Bear‘s “Mourning Sound” is one of the harder rocking indie tracks I’ve heard in a long time. Perfect fusion of pulsing intensity and weirdness.
The new track from past interview subjectsTennis is a chill, groovy tune. The band always impresses me with their consistency and song quality.
The chill, enchanting indie harp vibes of Mary Lattimore serve as the perfect way to ease into the morning. The harpist also played one of the best opening sets I’ve seen in 2017. Her trippy, dreamy song about the convenience store Wawa, “Wawa By the Ocean,” is a highlight of her Collected Pieces album.
BANKS at the Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland, 9/17/17
BANKS brought her soulful, futuristic indie vibes to the Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland. Her voice and dance moves were on-point all night. It was one of the best shows I’ve seen this year. Check out this lively performance of “Fuck With Myself.”
I recently saw the whitest thing I’ve ever seen at a show. A couple was doing acroyoga during Umphrey’s McGee‘s set at CrossroadsKC. This woman was upside down with her elbows balanced on this guy’s shins. If you listen to a jam band show upside down, it will realign your chakras. You will actually hear the transitions more clearly and your third eye will open. At first, I thought it was ridiculous, then I realized I was just jealous I didn’t have a yoga partner. No, I was slamming whiskey in the corner with some bearded dudes. I’m going to start a new business venture, www.hippieacroyogajambandmatch.com, to find my true love. Namaste!
DJ Shadow, the legendary California-based DJ and producer, recently smashed Kansas City with a two-hour set at the Madrid Theatre. The show was a career-spanning journey. The visuals were trippy and the mixing was top level. It was one of the best gigs of the year. Shadow is the best at what he does. Check out the glory of DJ Shadow in the mix in KC:
I recently hit Chicago to catch some quality music. Late on a Saturday night. I hit SmartBar for some footwork insanity from DJ Spinn, RP Boo and DJ Taye. They are members of the Teklife Records crew. Teklife is the seminal Chicago-based footwork record label.
Jimmy Buffett at Wrigley Field, 7/15/17
I had forgotten Jimmy Buffett was in town at Wrigley Field. As I was heading into Wrigleyville, thousands of Parrotheads were leaving. I exited the Red Line subway at Addison and the crush of Hawaiian shirt-wearing whack jobs going the other direction nearly flattened me. I was stepping over vomit and through the drunken masses. I waded against the current of humanity, but finally made it to SmartBar.
SmartBar, 7/15/17
I walk downstairs, the bartender says, “It’s only 11pm, we’re open till five. It goes late here.” I knew I was in for an epic evening. The beats were high-energy, the mixing was exceptional and the crowd was grooving. The skills of the DJs and the dancers were inspiring. I still can’t dance to footwork, but it was still one heck of a great night. I need to step my game up!
Los Angeles-based band MUNA recently hit the KC Live Block with a passionate set. Their album, About U, is one of my favorites of 2017. Check out this live performance of “Around U.”
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