For those familiar with the southeastern festival landscape. Mountain Oasis Electronic Music Summit will take place the same weekend, October 25-27, and in the same city, Asheville, North Carolina as MoogFest has since 2010. It's important to note that MoogFest will still take place under different leadership and will restart April 25th through 27th in Asheville. Put on by AC Entertainment, the 'new' festival will bring best electronic music together with a wonderful city in the perfect time of year to enjoy it. Though there are plenty of places to camp out in Asheville, MOEMS is more of a hotel stay festival taking place in multiple venues throughout downtown.
Below is the initial lineup, highlighted by Nine Inch Nails, Bassnectar, and Pretty Lights. Also gracing the lineup is the recently reunited, Athens own Neitral Milk Hotel, How to Destroy Angels, Animal Collective, Robert DeLong, and Jessie Ware.
Tickets go on sale Thursday, May 2nd at Noon Eastern. Tickets start at $150 and will continue to go up in price as they sell through price levels.
Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival June 13-16 Great Stage Park ::: Manchester, TN
Namely the additions of The Mowgli's, ON AN ON, Wake Owl, Capital Cities and He's My Brother, She's My Sister are amazing additions toward the bottom of the lineup.
Also, this will mark the first year of an exclusive EDM tent. One of the three (This, That, or Other tent will now be an EDM tent.
Updated Bonnaroo Playlist
Party in the Park
May 19 Centennial Olympic Park ::: Atlanta, GA
Yeasayer is a great addition, on par with the level of act anticipated, but a better choice than I expected.
Cold War Kids w. Houses Wednesday 4/17/13 The Masquerade Atlanta, GA Still getting settled in at the Masquerade and encountering some old friends meant I miss most of opener, Houses, but what I heard was enjoyable. As Downtown Records lablemates of Cold War Kids it makes sense that they'd tour together, but their ambieonic sounds (which I'm a big fan of) felt a little too mellow before a band whose tempo is all over the place and you know will come out firing. I would defiantly recommend giving Houses (Spotify page)a listen though.
Having not looked at their setlists from the Dear Miss Lonely Hearts tour, I thought for sure they'd come come out blazing with 'Miracle Mile', their fast paced shake inducing first single. 'Loner Phase' is a great set-starter, but 'Miracle Mile' feels made for the leadoff spot. Having said all of that, the stead build from 'Loner Phase' to 'Mexican Dogs' to 'Miracle Mile' had Masquerade's Heaven soaring high. Once in the clouds the foursome from Silverlake, California came with the right hook of emotion belting 'I've Seen Enough'. As this was my third time seeing the band it's always interesting to see how they evolve and their stage presence changes. From the first time I saw them at Bonnaroo 2011 it was clear they band could grab and demand the crowds attention and that's only strengthened. The most interesting and attention grabbing part of their show is bassist Matt Maust whose stage movements are second to only Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I liken his dynamic stage maneuvers to a game of bassist tags as routinely through songs he'd lean on another member or just come by and touch them as long as he could. Maust also ventured into the crowd three times by my count, not an easy feat with an bass guitar. The group did one of the best jobs of mixing and matching from their music catalog while supporting a brand new album. The breakdown of four songs from their new Dear Miss Lonely Hearts, 3 from Mine is Yours, 5 from Loyalty to Loyalty, 5 from Robbers & Cowards, 'Audience' from their Behave Yourself EP and 'Minimum Day' a single released in support of their Minimum tour in early 2012. The group laid down some serious jamming following 'Fear & Trembling'. For fear of coming down from their musical high the crowd didn't break their eruption following their departure from the stage, begging for an encore. They were handsomely rewarded a passion laden trio.
For those who haven't heard TomorrowLand, the world's largest and greatest EDM festival, is expanding from it's current location in Belgium with its second home in Atlanta, GA! The festival site will be on the same property that hosted last year's Counterpoint Festival (rumored to be returning in the spring of 2014) and past Echo Projects. They've begun releasing artists already and will continue to do so here and there. Be sure to follow them on twitter & here and facebook. Artists released so far include; Dimitri Vegas, Like Mike, Alesso, Porter Robinson, Sebastian Ingrosso and Axwell both of which are members of Swedish House Mafia. Take the time to watch the videos below and be ready to be blown away!
To be eligible to buy tickets when they go on sale you MUST preregister here. Tickets to US residents go on sale Saturday, April 27th at 11:00AM and they will go FAST! You must also be 21 years old.
2012 After Festival Video
TomorrowLand introduces TomorrowWorld
DreamVille, US
Music Midtown
September 20-21
Piedmont Park ::: Atlanta, GA
Though nothing has been set about the 2013 edition of Music Midtown if the past is any indicator then we should be closing in on the initial lineup this week or next. Last year no real mention of the lineup was made until the day it was released, so it wouldn't surprise us if that was the case this year as well.
These are only guesses based on tour dates, previous scheduling, and fitting past Music Midtown lineups, but my guesses for acts would include Vampire Weekend, Mumford & Sons, The Killers, Foster the People, Big Boi, Imagine Dragons, Childish Gambino, and The Head and the Heart. Obviously they won't get all of the first four, but I could see two out of that four playing Piedmont with Mumford being the most unlikely. Hopefully we won't have to wait long to find out.
Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival
June 13-16
Great Stage Park ::: Manchester, TN
Tomorrow Bonnaroo will likely release their first additions to an already stellar lineup since releasing the comedy lineup a few weeks ago.
Bonnaroo Comedy Lineup ::: Daniel Tosh, Bob Saget, David Cross, Maria Bamford, Ed Helms’ Whisky Sour Radio Hour, Mike Birbiglia, Comedy Bang! Bang! with Scott Aukerman and Reggie Watts, Eric Andre, Nikki Glaser, Improvised Shakespeare Company, Chris Gethard, Michael Che, Kyle Dunnigan, James Adomian, Jared Logan, Jerrod Carmichael and Cristela Alonzo
Forecastle Festival
July 12-14
Waterfront Park ::: Louisville, KY
Forecastle Fest has announce their artists by dates below.
Hangout Festival
May 17-19
Gulf Shores, AL
Hangout has released their lineup here. We will be having our first lineup debate soon.
Recommended acts are highlighted Tuesday 04/16/13 Conan ::: Randy Houser Letterman ::: Steve Martin & Edid Brickell Kimmel ::: M83 Leno ::: Plain White T's Fallon ::: Phosphorescent Wednesday 04/17/13 Conan ::: Lisa LoebLetterman ::: Selena Gomez Kimmel ::: Depeche ModeLeno ::: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Fallon ::: Talib Kweli Palladia ::: 1am Unplugged (Young the Giant) ::: 2am Unpluggest (Mumford & Sons) ::: 2:30am Unplugged (The Civil Wars) ::: Glastonbury 2007 (Arcade Fire, Bjork, Artic Monkeys) Thursday 04/18/13 Conan ::: Mark Norman (Comedian) Letterman ::: Snoop Lion Kimmel ::: Olly Murs Leno ::: Billy Ray Cyrus Fallon ::: The National Friday 04/19/13 Letterman ::: NA Leno ::: Avril Lavigne Fallon ::: Iron &Wine Palladia ::: 11am World Stage (Kings of Leon) ::: 12pm Unplugged (Phoenix) ::: 1pm World Stage (Franz Ferdinand) Follow us after the break for the highlights of the best acts last week
Chappo w. Dynasty Electric Monday 4/15/13 Vinyl Atlanta, GA
Other than a few quick listens at the house before heading to Vinyl, I wasn't sure what to expect from opening act Dynasty Electric. The Brooklyn Duo is best described as an psychedelic new wave bass heavy creation made for dance. The group consists of Seth Misterka (guitar, synth, and sax) who started the band andJenny Electrik (vocals, theremin, and synth) whose manic vocals is a perfect blending of Stevie Nicks and Robyn with the stage presence of Aleix Krauss and Janis Joplin. Pounding out hits including 'Just Like That', 'Golden Arrow', 'Automatic Ecstatic', and 'Electric Love' their dolphin-sonar, fathomless beats, space sounds mixed with the insane lungs of Jenny created quite the show for the small crowd.
Also hailing from Brooklyn Chappo returned to Vinyl having played there last year, this time donning war paint. The band got it's name from the last name of frontman Alex Chappo, whose voice shows signs of early Ozzy mixed with the vocals that created The Wall and Dark Side of the Moon. Wielding a megaphone for added effects, the various echoed lyrics and diatribes had a distinct Pink Floyd feel as he graced the stage in a smoking jacket laced with a wolf's head. Opening with the emotion packed "Shots Fired" off their 2012 Moonwater release build excitement with the addition of confetti guns. Not holding back the foursome powered through their biggest hit, "Come Home" early and sounded great live. The concert continued mixing songs from their latest album Petite Plastique (Moonwater B-Sides), Plastique Universe II: Pisces Princess, and Moonwater. Perfectly placed midway through their show the band laid down a fabulous cover of Mickey Newbury's "Just Dropped In" of Big Lebowski fame. Maybe it was the repetitiveness that I've played Daft Punk's new single "Get Lucky", but the opening riffs of "Nomads" seemed eerily similar. Chappo closed out their set with the story of 'a love song being a shapeshifter' portrayed in "Bodies Coasting".
Chappo Setlist
1. Shots Fired
2. New Song
3. Come Home
4. 5-0
5. New Song
6. Seance
7. Just Dropped In -to see what condition my condition was in(Mickey Newbury cover)
On April 18th, the Georgia Theatre almost got burned down again. No, not by some electrical malfunction. This time, it was the awesome performance put on by Big Boi (aka Daddy Fat Saxxx aka One Half of THE Outkast) that almost lit up the place. Big Boi was born in West Savannah, Georiga, but the ATL is his home. This marked the second time that the B-I-G B-O-I has played the Theatre; the first was in the fall of 2011 about a month after they reopened the place. This time around, he was touring to promote his new record Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors. Having gone to both shows, I've got to say that this one was better.
For starters, Killer Mike (pictured right) opened for him. For those of you that don't know, Killer Mike has been big in the Atlanta rap scene for years and his opening set was awesome. He gave a nod to fellow Atlanta rapper Bone Crusher by playing the song "Never Scared" and rapping his own verse from the song. Killer Mike was discovered by OutKast, and has been featured on a bunch of their songs. He talked about how appreciative he is of the group and how thankful he is for Big Boi bringing him along on this tour. Now Killer was great, but Big Boi just about brought the house down.
Big Boi took the stage around 11:15 or so despite the listed start time of his set being 10:30. This is commonplace for, well, most live shows. He had a live band backing him (a drummer, a guitarist, and a DJ) and also a female singer that covered the parts on the new tracks off of Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors that were sung by Sarah Barthel of Phantogram. Speaking of those tracks, he opened with one of them called Objectum Sexuality, a song about "romantic desire for inanimate objects"...
Objectum Sexuality
Now, a lot of the time when an artist releases a new album, people worry that they will play too much of it at a show and forget the classics... not the case with Big Boi. He did a great job of mixing in the old and the new, including a very cool montage of older songs that featured ATLiens, B.O.B. (Bombs Over Baghdad), and So Fresh, So Clean. He also busted out Ms. Jackson, Elevators, and these tracks off his 2nd most recent album...
Shutterbug
General Patton
Now, I did mention that it was a mix of old and new, and another one of the new tracks sounded awesome live...
CPU
Another really cool moment from this show was a special guest appearance by Decatur, GA (my hometown) born rapper B.o.B. He did his song Nothin' On You and they also did some tracks that featured both of them including the track that this tour takes it's name from Shoes for Running.
Now, I mentioned Killer Mike earlier. Yes he did open for Big Boi, but his night was not done. He came back out and helped Big Boi out with another old OutKast track...
The Whole World
The energy throughout the building was phenominal for this show, and it looked like the place was about to bust out into a full on mosh pit when Kryptonite was played (every time the lyric "If you want me you can find me in the... A" was dropped, people timed their jumps to hit the ground on the "A"... it was pretty intense). The show ended with one of the new tracks, and of course it was another Atlanta anthem... (I apologize for the black spot in the middle of this next video, but there's a good story. Purple Ribbon rapper C-Bone threw his shirt into the crowd and I caught it while filming. He then asked for it back, so I threw it back. It only takes away from the video for a few seconds)...
In The A
I had an absolute blast at this show. So much so that I am seriously thinking about going to his Atlanta show in June (who am I kidding, I'll be there). I can only imagine the type of cameos he'll have at that one, and a rendition of In The A with T.I. or Ludacris or both would be incredible. We can only hope...
So my birthday was April 16th and it just so happened that Big Gigantic was in Atlanta for the Budweiser Made in Atlanta Party. Followers of this blog will remember the post I made for the last time that Big G were in town on February 1st, and this show was just as good if not better. First of all, Budweiser was giving away free beer and food. I was fully prepared to pay for any drinks I was going to consume, but it ended up not being necessary. This was a huge plus and I've gotta give the brewery from St. Louis credit for that.
In terms of the actual show, GRiZ was the opener, and he was decent. The problem with him is the problem I have with a lot of EDM acts in that it didn't seem like he was doing anything. He had a saxophone that he would play every so often, but it was mostly him just standing there and shouting into a microphone. I spent most of his set just waiting for Big G/going back to the endless free beer.
After GRiZ wrapped up his set, Big G was soon to follow and they were on fire. After a few of their mainstay songs, they played their new single, a remix of Jay-Z's classic Can I Get A...
They also played one of my favorite songs off of their most recent album (Nocturnal) called The Beginning of the End
The best part of this show though was at the end when they were coming back out for their encore, the entire crowd broke out in the Tomahawk Chop. It was awesome and they followed it by finishing their show with another song off of Nocturnal called Stronger, which they dedicated to the city of Boston in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombing...
Again, Big Gigantic killed it and they are definitely becoming a band that I will try and see every time they come around; definitely one of the best EDM acts out there right now.
Being the week between Coachella Weekend 1 and 2, it's no surprise that the California based late night talk shows have an amazing lineup of music. So make room on the DVR. Recommended acts are highlighted Monday 04/15/13 Letterman ::: Josh Ritter Kimmel ::: Yeah Yeah Yeahs Leno ::: Jose James Fallon ::: Justin Timberlake Tuesday 04/16/13 Conan ::: Of Monsters and Men Letterman ::: Richard Thompson Kimmel ::: New Order Leno ::: Ashley Monroe Fallon ::: Little Green Cars Palladia ::: 3pm World Stage (Big Day Out highlights) Wednesday 04/17/13 Conan ::: Fall Out Boy Letterman ::: Killer Mike and El-P Kimmel ::: M83 Leno ::: Django Django Fallon ::: Justin Timberlake Palladia ::: 2pm World Stage (Arcade Fire) ::: 3pm Live From Daryl's House (Minus the Bear) Thursday 04/18/13 Conan ::: Alt-J Letterman ::: Bill Carter and the Blame Kimmel ::: Phoenix Leno ::: Buddy Guy Fallon ::: Deerhunter Friday 04/19/13 Letterman ::: Ed Sheeran Leno ::: Imagine Dragons Fallon ::: Justin Timberlake
ON AN ON w. Savoir Adore Tuesday 4/09/13 Drunken Unicorn Atlanta, GA
Savoir Adore
Coming out in all white the Brooklyn duo, for touring purposes they're a five-piece band, had the look of a hip painting crew looking to make some money while home from college for the summer. Opening with 'Regalia' it's was easy to see why they classify themselves as "fantasy rock". With it's dream pop feel and building melody that peaks crowns into a group 'caw' it makes for a great set opener to get the crowd prepared for an all around entertaining show. From there they took us to likely their second biggest hit "Bodies" (the video which can be seen here, looks like it was shot by stringing together 100 vine videos). I'm a sucker for group sings sprinkled in songs and this made them 2 for 2 in that department. During the show Paul Hammer, vocal and guitar among other things, informed they crowd they had recently signed with Nettwerk Music Group leading to their latest release Our Nature being pulled and reworked. The album is available on their tour so be sure to pick it up if you catch them on the road. Otherwise it will be available June 4th for purchase so be on the look out.
The group had one of the best minimalistic light shows I have seen, consisting of multicolored lights circling under a white sheet laid atop a table hosting Paul and Deidre's key and synboards. With the additions of strobe lights and a fog machine it gave the Drunken Unicorn the smokey atmosphere we've grown to love, with out the cigarette layer (this was thankfully a smoke free show). Another well known song, 'Loveliest Creature' had many in attendance singing along as Deidre belted lulling words. Hands down my favorite song performed by Savoir Adore was 'Transylvania Candy Patrol' off their 2009 release In the Wooded Forest. One of their more melancholy tunes, 'TCP' has the feel of an Arcade Fire/Pixies collaboration, chronicling what appears to be a kidnapping. To finish up the band played two dance inducing songs, the first of which 'Dreamers' is the title track of the EP released last Tuesday with two remixes and 'Hold it Down'. To end the their set the group gave Prince's synthy hit 'I Would Die 4 U' every bit of energy they had left.
Savoir Adore Setlist
1. Regalia
2. Bodies
3. Sea of Gold
4. New Song
5. Loveliest Creature
6. Translyvania Candy Patrol
7. Dreamers
8. I Would Die for You (Prince cover)
ON AN ON
It was far from an easy transition for ON AN ON as what looked to only be 25 minute intermission lengthened to nearly an hour with what looked to be pedal board issues. With the amount of tweeking and tuning done to the pedal board during the show it was clear the additional time was well served as it appeared to be an integral part of their show.No harm, no foul on the wait these things are bound to happen packing, unloading, and setting up day in and day out on the road.
After apologizes were issued, the band took no time leading off with one of their well know songs 'The Hunter'.
Like their tour mates, OAO had a very simplistic setup that made an impact with two projectors on either corner of the stage shining illuminating visuals on the band and stage ground reminiscent of this scene from Jurassic Park where the lead raptor has genetic coding projected on him.
Two songs that I had listened to many times, but hadn't given their due 'Bad Mythology' and 'Cops' grabbed my attention and quickly jumped up the ranks of their songs. The heavier 'Bad Mythology' had a very How to Destroy Angels-lite feel to it. 'Cops' mixes sleepy lyrics and busy dream-like instrumentals perfectly. As frontman Nate Eiesland put it, "We've only have a 45-minute album, so we have to sprinkle in some covers". Mixing in covers of Hot Chip and Bjork fit very well with their sound. Sandwiched between the aforementioned covers was 'Panic' and their biggest hit 'Ghosts'. When I first heard 'Ghosts' last September I immediately fell in love and wanted more from the group created from the ashes of Scattered Trees. The song was actually one of the first featured on YouOughtToHearThis. All in all ON AN ON was well worth the delay and I would recommend you like their facebook page and follow them (as well as Savoir Adore) to stay up to date with their tour, news, and video releases.
YOTHT Album Rating System 90-100 Played on repeat through the month, will continue to get playtime through the year 80-89 Very good, gained air time throughout the month. 70-79 Solid album, few misses. More of a mood listen. 60-69 Quality songs at the top of the record, but larger disparity between the best and worst tracks 50-59 Serviceable cd with growing disparity from top to bottom 40-49 Let down from hype/previous albums 30-39 No more than one catchy song likely will not keep the album 20-29 Total miss in our eyes 1-19 Trying to prove how horrible an album can be
Albums are rated using this system, though it's typically more comparative of albums in the same light, mood, and genre. March 5, 2013:
The
Cave Singers ::: Naomi
Released 03/05/13
I've never been sure how to peg The Cave Singers, it's almost like every song is mimicking a different artist or sound. Naomi is their fourth overall release and their second since making the switch to Jagjaguwar Records. From the very My Morning Jacket sound in the intro track Canopy to the more John Denveresque 'Northern Lights' the album shows more depth for the four piece band made from the ruins ofPretty Girls Make Graves.The addition of Namoi to their discography mixed with positive reviews of their live performances, this is a big plus for The Cave Singers.
B Rating: 74
R Rating: 76
Overall: 75
Local Dates: April 12th at the Earl w. Bleeding Rainbow
Top Tracks: It's A Crime, Canopy, Week to Week
Chelsea
Light Moving ::: Chelsea Light Moving
Released 03/05/13
With the increase of super groups, Chelsea Light Moving is a super group on a smaller scale. Headlined by Thurston Moore, Sonic Youth singer, song writer, and guitarist, who routinely had solo albums during their 20 year run. Manning Womaning the violin and adding vocals it Samara Lubelski who has worked with Moore for some time while being a part of nearly five other bands over the years. John Moloney and Keith Wood round out the group. Their first release since forming in 2012, the self-titled record is exploding guitar riffs and whistful lyrics with hints of early 90s garage attitude.
B Rating: 72
R Rating: 78
Overall: 75
Local Dates: March 8 at the Earl w. Talk Normal
Top Tracks: Alighted, Groovy and Linda, Mohawk
How
to Destroy Angels ::: Welcome oblivion
Released 03/05/13
Speaking of super groups, the highly anticipated release from Nine Inch Nails leader Trent Reznor's new project How to Destroy Angels finally landed. Joining one of the busiest men in music is his wife Mariqueen Maandig who adds the perfect voice for electronic, purposeful beats laid on the record. Atticus Ross reconnects with Reznor, as if they ever left each others sides, having worked together for the Social Network Soundtrack together. For those who have listened to the soundtrack or just watched the film you can see that this is very much an extension of that work (one of my top 5 soundtracks of all time) more than leans toward NIN's way. Rob Scheridan is the final piece in the blueprint to destroy angels. Scheridan's work has mainly been in photography and graphic design as he also was part of the Social Network Soundtrack, creating the package and artwork. As Reznor and Ross talked about recently on a reddit AMA, it's difficult to work with other projects and groups because 40 percent want it to sound more like NIN, 40 percent think it's too close to the Nine Inch Nail's sound, which leaves the 20 percent that I am in that just listen and enjoy this wonderful album that can even get soft at times with tracks like 'Ice Age'.
B Rating: 83
R Rating: 85
Overall: 84
Local Dates: No southeast dates
Top Tracks: Ice Age, and the sky began to scream, The loop closes
Jimi
Hendrix ::: People, Hell and Angels
Released 03/05/13
Call it my unwillingness to bad mouth anything that comes from the most musically gifted musician of all time, the joy of my tympanic membrane with new Hendrix two scores after his untimely passing, or call it what it is...this is just a great album. The fact that twelve high-quality, in production and song value, are just being released makes my heart and ear happy. People, Hell, and Angels adds to an already B Rating: 90
R Rating: 92
Overall: 91
Top Tracks: Hear My Train A Comin', Izabella, Hey Gypsy Boy
The
Men ::: New Moon
Released 03/05/13
The 4th album released by Brooklyn punk rock band The Men, New Moon is a string of fast paced aggressive cords and drums with a beautiful blending of vocals and harmonic. B Rating: 70
R Rating: 75
Overall: 72.5
Local Dates: None
Top Tracks: Without a Face, High and Lonesome, Freaky
Rhye
::: Woman
Released 03/05/13
Woman was an album I wasn't sure what to expect from it. This made it even better when this album blew me away with it's trance-like waves of calming energy.
Rhye is a Los Angeles, California-based indie musical duo. Its members are the Canadian Mike Milosh and the Danish Robin Hannibal.
B Rating: 82
R Rating: 84
Overall: 83
Local Dates: No southeast dates
Top Tracks: The Fall, Last Dance
Son
Volt ::: Honky Tonk
Released 03/05/13
The album name doesn't pull punches, this is a very Honky Tonk type alternative country album. Typically not the biggest fan of the twangy alternative sound, but as far as they go Son Volt put together a good 11-track piece for long sunny day drives through the country and internal reflection. This is an example of album ratings being more aligned with their genre and similar sounds than the entire musical world. B Rating: 63
R Rating: 67
Overall: 65
Local Dates: April 12 at Terminal West
Top Tracks: Seawall, Brick Walls, Down the Highway
They
Might Be Giants ::: Nanobots
Released 03/05/13
The marathon 25-track Nanobots is the group's seventeenth release since getting their start in 1986. Their dabbles in children music shines through on this album, many of the songs seem like they could be blared through the mini-van surround system to the enjoyment of parents and kids alike.
B Rating: 70
R Rating: 62
Overall: 66
Local Dates: April 13 & 14 at Variety Playhouse
Top Tracks: Nanobots, The Darlings of Lumberland
Wampire ::: The Hearse
Released 03/05/13
After forming Wampire, Rocky Tinder and Eric Phipps steadily began to make a name for themselves in the same Portland, OR, scene that has produced labelmates STRFKR as well as Unknown Mortal Orchestra. The Hearse, a 7-inch, two song release is the precursor to the band's May 14th full length album Curiosity. Listening to this release and seeing them live, we wanted to share this to whet the appetite.
B Rating: 81
R Rating: 79
Overall: 80
Local Dates: Played 529 with UMO and Foxygen in February
Top Tracks: Hearse, Das Model
Youth
Lagoon ::: Wondrous Bughouse
Released 03/05/13
The sophomore album from 24-year old Trevor Powers. Powers describes the album as "becoming more fascinated with the human psyche and where the spiritual meets the physical world." During the time he wrote, Trevor became intrigued with the metaphysical universe and blending those ideas with pop music.
B Rating: 68
R Rating: 74
Overall: 71
Local Dates: May 1 at Terminal West
Top Tracks: Pelican Man, Third Dystopia, Attic Doctor
David
Bowie ::: The Next Day
Released 03/12/13
There's something reassuring about music and hearing new music behind David Bowie's voice. The Next Day is a return to 'power Bowie'. The album seems like a reflection on his career picking out pieces of all his previous sounds to meld them together into this release. B Rating: 76
R Rating: 72
Overall: 74
Local Dates: No southeast dates
Top Tracks: The Next Day, Dirty Boys, The Stars (Are Out Tonight)
Wild
Belle ::: Isles
Released 03/12/13
B Rating: 84
R Rating: 81
Overall: 82.5
Local Dates: Played Masquerade with Toro y Moi in February
Top Tracks: Shine, June, Another Girl
Justin Timberlake ::: 20/20
Released 03/15/13
An impressive return to music by JT, especially when you consider from start to finish the record was made in twenty days. B Rating: 78
R Rating: 81
Overall: 79.5
Local Dates: Joint arena tour with Jay-Z late summer, likely will announce Fall solo dates in the coming weeks
Top Tracks: Mirror, Pusher Love Girl
Black
Rebel Motorcycle Club ::: Specter at the Feast
Released 03/18/13
B Rating: 82
R Rating: 80
Overall: 81
Local Dates: April 30 at the Masquerade
Top Tracks: Rival, Teenage Disease, Fire Walker
The
Black Crowes ::: Wiser For the Time
Released 03/19/13
R Rating: 77
Local Dates: April 23 at the Tabernacle
Low ::: The Invisible Way
Released 03/19/13
One of the more highly anticipated albums of the first quarter of 2013 for me, it did not disappoint. The one negative I found was that it's a very melancholy and is a perfect winter or late fall listen, but now that the weather has turned it hasn't fit my mood very much. B Rating: 81
R Rating: 81
Overall: 81
Local Dates: No southeast tour dates
Top Tracks: Plastic Cup, Mother, Clarence White
Phosphorescent ::: Muchacho
Released 03/19/13
This YOTHT alum's release was even more anticipated than the previous. Matthew Houck got his start in Athens, Georgia before making the move up north to Brooklyn. The first single off the record, 'Song for Zula', is one of the prettiest songs I've heard lately. B Rating: 80
R Rating: 88
Overall: 84
Local Dates: No southeast tour dates
Top Tracks: Song for Zula, Ride On / Right On, Down to Go
The
Walking Dead ::: AMC Original Soundtrack, Vol. 1
Released 03/19/13
More than zombie noises and the theme song, this soundtrack features the grizzled voice of Jaime N Commons that to fit perfectly with the hopeful, helplessness of a Zombie Apocalypse. Also on the album are Icelandic folk group Of Monsters and Men with their first new music since their homerun album was released in 2012.
R Rating: 80
Top Tracks: Lead Me Home, Warm Shadow, Sinking Man
CHVRCHES ::: Recover (EP)
Released 03/26/13
Words can't express the head over heels love I have for CHVRCHES, they're a must listen. B Rating: 93
R Rating: 92
Overall: 92.5
Local Dates: No southeast tour dates
Top Tracks: Recover, Now is Not the Time
Depeche
Mode ::: Delta Machine
Released 03/26/13
B Rating: 76
R Rating: 79
Overall: 77.5
Local Dates: No US tour dates
Top Tracks: Heaven, Slow, Welcome to My World
The
Strokes ::: Comedown Machine
Released 03/26/13
B Rating: 78
R Rating: 75
Overall: 76.5
Local Dates: No tour dates
Top Tracks: Tap Out, Chances
Wavves ::: Afraid of Heights
Released 03/26/13
B Rating: 79
R Rating: 86
Overall: 82.5
Local Dates: April 15 at Drunken Unicorn
Top Tracks: Dog, Afraid of Heights, Everything is My Fault
Opening with the emotion packed "Shots Fired" off their 2012 Moonwater release build excitement with the addition of confetti guns. Not holding back the foursome powered through their biggest hit, "Come Home" early and sounded great live. The concert continued mixing songs from their latest album Petite Plastique (Moonwater B-Sides), Plastique Universe II: Pisces Princess, and Moonwater. Perfectly placed midway through their show the band laid down a fabulous cover of Mickey Newbury's "Just Dropped In" of Big Lebowski fame. Maybe it was the repetitiveness that I've played Daft Punk's new single "Get Lucky", but the opening riffs of "Nomads" seemed eerily similar. Chappo closed out their set with the story of 'a love song being a shapeshifter' portrayed in "Bodies Coasting".
Another really cool moment from this show was a special guest appearance by Decatur, GA (my hometown) born rapper B.o.B. He did his song Nothin' On You and they also did some tracks that featured both of them including the track that this tour takes it's name from Shoes for Running. 
Like their tour mates, OAO had a very simplistic setup that made an impact with two projectors on either corner of the stage shining illuminating visuals on the band and stage ground reminiscent of this scene from Jurassic Park where the lead raptor has genetic coding projected on him.
