Blondfire's new alt-rock single "Waves" sounds like something Olivia Newton John would be singing in the 1980s, and a song I'd be pumping through my Walkman back in the day at Jones Beach. It's that retro cool. Putting out dreamy, catchy alt-rock is something we've come to expect from the California band. Their previous single "Where the Kids Are" scored big in alt-rock, and propelled them to touring gigs opening for everyone from AWOLNation to Foals. Speaking of which, two weeks ago I caught up with the band's Erica Driscoll and Steve Stout right after they performed at Terminal 5 in New York City (opening for aforementioned Foals and Surfer Blood) and asked them about their upcoming full-length album, the current involvement of "Blondfirer" Bruce Driscoll (yes, it's Erica's bro), and Olivia Newton John of course. Watch. Listen. Love.
Official "Waves" Music Video
Even if you don't own any of his albums or never heard him on the radio, chances are you've heard at least one of Joshua Radin's songs. It's pretty unavoidable, and you should be thankful for that. The singer/songwriter's poignant tracks have been heard on a variety of TV shows and film - ranging from Grey's Anatomy to The Bachelor. In all, he's had over 75 placements over the years, which is pretty nuts when you consider he's been playing music for less than a decade (he used to be a screenwriter). Anyway, the Cleveland-born star who's sold 1.5 million singles has a new album, his fifth, called Wax Wings that recently dropped, and stopped by the Primary Wave Music's Listening Room to perform a few tracks off it, and talk about them. Below, watch him perform "When We're Together." Catch the interview and another exclusive performance on asidesmusic.com next week!
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 listened to and liked (phew), posts and trends I've noticed on my friends' Facebook walls, and - most importantly - the songs my 16-month-old son gravitates toward. Yeah, you read that right. This weeks follows below (LW= last week's rank):
12. "A Real Hero" - College
11. "Heartbeat" (LW 8)- The Kopecky Family Band (Watch A-Sides Performance Here)
10. "Lullaby" - The Dixie Chicks
9. "Run to the Water" - Live
8. "Magic Beanz" - Atoms for Peace
7. "Waves" (LW 7) - Blondfire
6. "Blue Orchid" - Rockabye Baby Rendition of The White Stripes
5. "Believer" (LW 6) - American Authors (Watch A-Sides Performance Here.)
4. "Trying to Be Cool" (LW 5) - Phoenix
3. "San Francisco"(LW-2) - The Mowgli's (Watch A-Sides Performance Here)
2. "Out of My League" (LW-1) - Fitz and the Tantrums
1. "Don't Swallow the Cap" - The National
About asidesmusic.com
Jon Chattman's "A-Sides Music" series 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. Support A-Sides' Kickstarter campaign here!