By Staff
Once again the Radio Free Silver Lake staff brings you our highly subjective picks for the best of the year so far.
Kathryn Pinto, Editor in Chief
Albums
Brass Bed - The Secret Will Keep You
Brass Bed has a phenomenal live show, but I wasn’t prepared
for how much I would love their new album. The guitars are angular and
dissonant, they feed back and bleed out, but the melodies swing. The lyrics
wonder a moody what next? It’s no surprise that these are guys in their late
twenties a point where they have begun to set a course, but nothing has yet
gelled in its mold. This contrast of confidence with an undercurrent of uncertainty
results in a textured, thoughtful collection of tracks that rocks.
The Hectors - Her Dark Majesty
The common thread of this list is smart, moody guitar music
with some pretty melodies and a few pop hooks. The title track has a gorgeous
melody and resonates a deep sense of longing. There’s a 90’s northwest vibe
with shades of K Records that I find very appealing Her Dark Majesty is among other things an album that showcases front
woman Corrine Dinner’s voice, which is not often on given its due at live shows.
Kurt Vile - Waking on a Pretty Daze
Wakin on a Pretty Daze is
another languidly paced album from Kurt Vile with laid-back vocals that recede
to reveal exquisite guitar playing. Some of the tracks meander past the nine-minute
mark, but you don’t even notice except that you’ve finished your coffee. Play
it on vinyl for a perfect Sunday morning listen.
Vampire Weekend Modern Vampires of the City
Modern Vampires of the City, their third album, is Vampire Weekend in full bloom. The promise of
the earlier albums is proven here in excellent production and layered
construction of both music and lyrics that mortality and passing time. “Step”
samples Souls of Mischief’s “Step to My Girl” as well as Bread’s “Aubrey.” This
digging, editing and building lays to rest any questions of whether Vampire
Weekend are too clever for their own good.
The National - Trouble Will Find Me
When the story made the rounds that that The National were going to play the
same song over and for six hours straight at MOMA PS1, it sounded like a headline
from The Onion, because, hey isn’t that
what every National show is like? The National is the low voice, the sad
lyrics, and more of the same. I swear up and down that I’m not really a
National fan and then they put out a record and I play it nonstop. The writing,
the production are top notch. The album is so well made that it seduces you
into listening. “I Should Live in Salt” is great lead track and a pretty
excellent turn of phrase.
Honorable Mention:
RaRa Riot- Beta Love
The Lonely Wild – The Sun As It Comes
Angela Holtzen, Contributing Photographer
Albums
5. Portugal. The Man - Evil Friends 2013
Favorite tracks: "Plastic Soldiers" and "Purple Yellow Red and Blue." I have been a fan of this band from the start and they continue to make great music. I can dance, sing, and just get down! "I just wanna be evil."
4. Local Natives - Hummingbird 2013
Favorite tracks: "You and I" and "Breakers" I personally think this is their best album so far. This album has put them on the musical map. It's smooth melodies take me away with the music. I just love to chill to this album. "OOOoooooOOOOoooOOOooo"
3. The Flaming Lips - The Terror
This trippy music just makes me feel happy. I am a big fan of The Flaming Lips and they continue to make music out of the box that takes you to a psychedelic place without
the use of drugs. Favorite tracks: "Look...the Sun is Rising" and "You Lust"
2. Atoms for Peace - AMOK
I am a
little obsessed with this album, Thom York bringing his crazy musical
dubstep electronic pop to his drawn out slow, lazy, beautiful, high
voice with great lyrics that put you in the zone of fabulous. Favorite
tracks: "Default" and "Stuck Together in Pieces"
1. The National - Trouble Will Find Me
I
am a monster fan of The National. I love his voice. This album represents all I love about them. Great lyrics, beautiful voice, and a
sound you just can not stop listening to. Favorite tracks "I Should Live
in Salt" "Sea of Love," check out the video for "
Sea of Love,"
it's fabulous!
Best Live Shows
As a music photographer I
go to shows all the time, many of them are great,
so I am going to avoid mentioning the obvious ones like Bjork at The Hollywood Bowl .
5. Jubilee 2013
Some of my favorite locals all playing in one place, what's not to like.
NO, The Dead Ships, Fool's Gold, Hot MT. Just to name a few. Plus I had
a photo pass but was only covering a few bands, so most the time I just
danced in the photo pit.
4. Black Moth Super Rainbow at The Echo
I was taken
by some of my friends. I have been a long time fan since Robert of Kiev
introduced me to the band. Finally I witness the party live. I danced
so hard, the pit knew all the lyrics. It was an awesome connection and a
nice hearty sweat.
3. Father John Misty at The Glass House
I was one
of the three photographers at this sold out show. Josh Tillman stepped
out into the crowd and blocked all the other photographers from getting
great shots (I thank you for that Josh). Jeff killed it on the bass as
always, they all rocked out and flailed about. One of the best things I
love about this band is listening to the easy folk music on your vinyl
is a completely different experience from the sweaty rocking out live
experience. Plus Josh does a little stand up comedy in between, which
alone, is worth it. One of the best bands I have EVER seen live.
2. Chevy Metal at Cost Mesa 60 and Fabulous
I had a
photo pass and Dave Grohl Happened to show up and play with the band. I
photographed right up to his leg. I felt like I was photographing an
eighties Hair Band. They all rocked out so hard. Was a great opportunity
and experience.
1. Desert Daze in Mecca California presented by Moon
Block Party.
Every event I have ever shot for Moon Block Party has been a
complete epic experience. The bands are amazing, the crowd is friendly,
all the art and festival decorations make you feel like you are back in the
60's at a hippy psych fest. I was on staff so I could go where I
wanted. I danced and photographed in the pits. Visited with the bands in
the private pool and lake area. At the end of the day I crashed in
my tent right next to the location. Some of the bands I enjoyed were
Incan Abraham, Jeffertitti's Nile (one of my favorite bands--do see them
live), War Paint, Cosmonauts, Night Beats, Lumerians, Fool's Gold, The
Entrance Band, and Tinariwen.
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