In 2004, Los Lonely Boys broke through the mainstream faster than a vintage Rickey Henderson on roller skates in an ice storm with their inspiring song "Heaven." It's hard to believe the "Texican" rock trio dropped that super hit a decade ago. What's even harder to believe is that this band of brothers (Henry Garza, JoJo Garza, Ringo Garza, Jr.) haven't gone the way of Oasis (you try being in a band with a sibling 24/7). They're arguably closer than ever and making their richest music yet. Earlier this year, the band released Revelation on their own LonelyTone imprint, and it's just that - an album that finds them expanding on their roots by incorporating some pop and even reggae grooves. Prior to one of their shows at City Winery in New York City (they'll be on the road through the summer), the trio sat down for an A-Sides session filmed by ShootMePeter.com, played a track off their new LP and fielded my questions like the pros that they are. Watch. Listen. Love.
Fire & The Romance
Fire & The Romance founder Dion Roy seems to be all about epiphanies. According to the band bio, the track "Way Down Below" grew out of a melody that came too him in the middle of the night. But, let's backtrack for further proof. The band itself was created while he was on a solo tour in Europe and had a "vision" for a bigger scale band. Believe me now? I wish I had more epiphanies that meant something. Anyway, the culmination of Roy's thoughts, dreams, and realities is Fire & The Romance's Adaptations EP which is an alt-pop gem. At an A-Sides session filmed in NYC, Roy performed a pair of tracks (also filmed by shootmepeter) and sat down for a "Fire-"Sidechat. Enjoy.
For another exclusive live track from Fire & The Romance, click here!
A-Sides "Delve Into Twelve" Countdown
Each week A-Sides unleashes its Top 12 tracks of the week AKA the "Delve Into Twelve"based on the following contributing factors: songs I'm playing out that particular week NO MATTER WHEN THEY WERE RELEASED (think overlooked songs, unreleased tracks, and old favorites), songs various publicists are trying to get me to listen to that I did and dug a bunch, posts and trends I've noticed on my friends' Facebook walls, and - most importantly - the songs my two-year-old son gravitates toward by stomping his feet in approval. Yeah, you read that right. This weeks follows below (LW= last week's rank).
12. "A Holly Jolly Christmas" - Burl Ives (I told you my kid influences this list.)
11. "Fever" - The Black Keys
10. "Black Waves/Bad Vibrations" - Arcade Fire
9. "Top Notch" (LW-5) - Manchester Orchestra
8. "Got it Wrong" - The Wild Feathers
7. "Hemiplegia" (LW-8) - Haerts
6. "Peninsula" (LW-4) - Dinosaur Pile-Up (Watch the song performed live on A-Sides here.)
5. "I Wanna Get Better" (LW-6)- Bleachers
4. "Texas" - (LW-2) Magic Man
3. "Waves" (LW-3)- Sleeper Agent
2. "Lanterns" - Birds of Tokyo
1. "Blue Moon" (LW-1) - Beck
About A-Sides Music
Jon Chattman's "A-Sides Music" series was established in August 2011 and usually features artists (established or not) from all genres performing a track, and discussing what it means to them. This informal series focuses on the artist making art in a low-threatening, extremely informal (sometimes humorous) way. No bells, no whistles -- just the music performed in a random, low-key setting followed by an unrehearsed chat. In an industry where everything often gets overblown and over manufactured, I'm hoping this is refreshing. Artists have included: fun, Pharrell Williams, American Authors, Imagine Dragons Jake Miller, Gary Clark Jr., Sleigh Bells, Danger Mouse, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, San Fermin, and more!