Alright, on to the music:
Still Flyin’ – The Hott Chord is Struck: We kick of with this what looks like a contender for year’s addictive guilty pleasure pop song. This one could do for clapping what Peter, Bjorn and John did for whistling.
Cymbals Eat Guitars – …And the Hazy Sea: Probably the best true rock song on here, these guys seem to have a knack for distinctive melodic guitar riffs. The name of the song fits the sound here, spot on.
The XX – VCR: One of the few bands I actually already like quite a bit. This group tends to get tossed in the annoyingly vague category of “dub-step,” mainly based on their South London roots, but this tune just feels more like a good Cure song. The XX debut album “xx’ previously ranked as the most downloaded album on EMusic (my go-to source for good indie picks), and still remains high on the list.
Floating Action – To Connect: Tough band to categorize from song to song, but this mellow singing definitely strikes a chord. Most of the articles I have seen, including this nice glossy (page 16), tend to split them somewhere between funky-old Motown and calypso, which seems like a terrific combo.
Late of the Pier – The Bears are Coming: Late of the Pier craft great headphone music with serious computer skills and bonky synthesizers. Good luck figuring out what to do with yourself while you listen. If Lost ever decides to use a soundtrack, this band gets my vote.
Bobby Long – Being a Mockingbird: From the singer-songwriter camp, HT fave Bobby Long should turn up ears at CMJ (as opposed to eyes from his usual tweener Twilight fans). Planning to catch him next Saturday at the Bitter End.
Budos Band – Chicago Falcon: – Daptone’s Staten Island stars bring their crime-fighting Afro-Soul sound across the river to shake up some of these head-nodding rooms.
School of Seven Bells – My Cabal: Another local, Brooklyn’s School of Seven Bells play awesome easy to fall asleep to spaced-out shoegaze.
Fanfarlo – I’m a Pilot: Pound for pound, former Pullin’ Tubes alum Fanfarlo gets my vote for the band to see at CMJ (so far). With their multi-instrumentalist approach and deft songsmanship, they seem to be the total package.
Zac Brown Band – Toes (Live at Bonnaroo): I think Zac Brown gets to come to CMJ just to taunt all the other hopeful rock stars with his top 40 album and massive fanbase. Teaming up with longtime jamband distributor Homegrown Music Network, Brown continues to sell heaps of albums and win fans with his easy-breezy country Jimmy Buffett sound.
Bonus Track: Fanfarlo – The Walls are Coming Down: This is what it might sound like if Andrew Bird was a band. Fanfarlo’s official showcase comes next Wednesday at the Bowery Ballroom. Tickets are still available as of now.
16 Responses
I really like Being a Mockingbird by Bobby Long, Thank you
Bobby Long is one of my absolute favorites as well and I’m excited to see him on your Mix Tape! “Being A Mockingbird” was the first Bobby song I ever heard and I adore it. He’s simply amazing and I cannot wait to see him again during the 2nd half of his tour!
The Land of Dreamers are excited to see you again, Bobby!!
So glad to see Bobby Long on this list! He is one of my favorite artists, and I’m so happy to see him begin to get the attention he deserves! I cannot wait to see him when he comes back to CA at the end of the month! 🙂
That is great that you have Bobby Long on your play list.
Being a Mockingbird is an amazing song, and you will definetly be surprised how excellent this young musician’s music is. You’ll have to give us a review of the show at Arlene’s to let us know your thoughts on his live performance.
There is definetly more to this artist than a twilight following, I can guaruntee you on that one.
Thanks for posting the playlist.
If you haven’t heard Bobby Long before, you are in for a great treat! He is so, so, so good and I can’t say that I have ever seen a tweener at one of his shows, or heard tweeners mention him. Everyone I know of and see at his shows are adults of all ages who know real music when they hear it. Glad to see him on your playlist!!
Check out L’asso all week for CMJ action. Special shows 23rd and 24th
I’m so happy to see Bobby Long on your list! I listen to his music everyday and look forward to the chance to see him live!
Diane Birch is there (also). Can i get my 50 cents now, lol?
It’s so great to see Bobby Long on this list. His music is inspirational and he puts on a great live show! I highly recommend that you check out his other songs and support this talented musician.
Great to see Bobby Long getting some attention that is NOT Twi-related !! I saw his first ever appearance in the States back in April and most recently saw his end of summer tour at the Bitter End. This young man has the chops and his stage presence and song delivery have developed so much in such a short time, that it was actually soul shaking to see him the last time. I think we are witnessing the beginning of a long and credible career as a singer/songwriter and great things are to come from him.