Which Acts to Catch at SXSW

As of tomorrow, Austin, TX will be jam-packed with groundbreaking artists, media hucksters and music and film geeks all celebrating the annual media giant SXSW.  With thousands of musical acts to absorb, you may need to figure out how to manage your time wisely.  I've included three acts that you absolutely cannot miss.


1.  Best Coast

With a brand new single and album on the horizons (May 4th), Best Coast will be sure to capture the serenity and breathtaking vibe of California nights all the while performing in Austin's dry heat.





2.  The Zombies

Music enthusiasts of all ages would be doing themselves a great disservice by missing this once in a lifetime gig by the Zombies.  As the second British Invasion band to score a #1 hit in the U.S. (after the Beatles of course), The Zombies released a handful of hits before calling it quits.  Be sure to secure your stance in the audience as they perform your favorite hits: Time of the Season, This Will Be Our Year, Tell Her No, and She's Not There.





3.  Courtney Barnett

Barnett's long-anticipated debut album, "Sometimes I Sit And Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit" will be released March 23rd.  Critics and fans alike have esteemed this Aussie troubadour as a shrewd and poignant songwriter.  Ultimately, Barnett has responded to your nostalgic calling for Gen X deadpan.

Music Discovery Mondays

I didn't catch the Grammys this year.  In fact, I probably haven't watched the Grammys since 1998 when Paula Cole flashed us with her unshaved armpits.  It makes me sad when the Grammys instill nearly everything I despise when it comes to the music industry: lack of class and artistry.  To further my point, in what world is it acceptable for a singer to gracelessly interrupt an acceptance speech inferring that the winner isn't deserving of their craft?

Despite my hatred of the Grammys, I was elated when I heard that St. Vincent won for Best Alternative Album, as well as Beck's win for Album of the Year.  Below I have included some tracks from artists that deserve proper recognition either from the Grammys or elsewhere.

1.  British folkster Laura Marling already has three critically acclaimed albums under belt all at the tender age of 25.  Despite her youthful glow, her voice speaks as a woman with enough sage to command our attention and contemplation.




2.  Kitty, Daisy & Lewis is a sibling trio responsible for reviving the old timey genres of R&B, Rock n Roll, Western swing, and country....but with a modern edge.  In fact, The Clash's Mick Jones has stepped in as the band's first producer.  Listen to their latest track here:

 


3.  Fleet Foxes fans may be scratching their heads wondering when they can expect a new album from their favorite mountain men.  In the meantime, fans can revel in the fact that Foxes' drummer known publicly as Father John Misty has steadily maintained a solo career of his own with two hauntingly beautiful albums to show for it.

Top Albums and Singles of 2014

2014 has proven that the traditional music business model is officially doomed.  Taylor Swift is the only artist that has reached platinum this year.  What does the future hold for the other thousands of musicians barely surviving?

I appreciate the fact that we now live in a DIY age where nearly anyone can produce, release and distribute their albums independently.  The only problem is that there is almost too much talent lurking about, and not an easy solution to filter all of the noteworthy acts flying just below the radar. 

That is why I believe that it is crucial for all music enthusiasts to contribute their favorite musical discoveries via the Internet or through word of mouth.  I don’t believe every artist that has “made it” is necessarily talented.  Sometimes fame is coincidental or based purely on luck. This year, I want to give a shout-out to my favorite albums and singles that may or may not have had the exposure it rightly deserves. With that said, here are my favorite albums and singles of 2014:

Top Albums of 2014

1.  Morning Phase - Beck

2.  St. Vincent - St. Vincent

3.  Give the People What They Want - Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings

4.  My Favorite Faded Fantasy - Damien Rice

 5.  Phonovisions Symphonic Orchestra -Wax Tailor

 

  Top Singles of 2014

1.  Strange Weather - Anna Calvi and David Byrne

2. Almost Like The Blues - Leonard Cohen

3. It Will End in Tears - Phillip Selway

4. Algiers - Afghan Whigs

5. Duvan - Amason

6. Careful You - TV On The Radio

7. Stay Awhile - She and Him

8. Coconut Sofa - Jaded Incorporated

9. Do You - Spoon

10. Am I Safe - Ryan Adams

11. Late Bloomer - Jenny Lewis

12. Digital Witness - St. Vincent

13. Low Key - Tweedy

14. Lucky Guy - Sondre Lerche

15. The Bend - Real Estate

16. Alone In My Home - Jack White

17. Silver Lining - First Aid Kit

18. Brill Bruisers - New Pornographers

19. Everyday Robots - Damon Albarn

20. No Sir - The Both

21. Someone New - Hozier

22. Pools - Glass Animals

23. Rainy Day Woman - Kat Edmonson

24. It Takes a Lot to Know a Man - Damien Rice

25. Stranger To My Happiness - Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings

26. Going Out - Hospitality

27. Wave - Beck

28. Me at the Museum, You in the Wintergardens - Tiny Ruins

29. Wolf - Lily & Madeleine

30. 1999 - Hollie Cook

31. Artifact #1 - Conor Oberest

32. Avant Gardener - Courtney Barnett

33. You Will Return - Quantic ft. Alice Russell

34. If I'm Unworthy - Blake Mills

35. Passing Out the Pieces - Mac DeMarco

36. Ojai - Ray LaMontagne

37. How Can You Really? - Foxygen

38. Turnaround - Dru Chen

39. Ben's My Friend - Sun Kil Moon

40. Sometimes - Wax Tailor

What are some of your favorite picks from this year?