Meet me over at Tumblr

So after becoming quite the slacker over the past few months, I have decided to migrate Audio Pizza over to Tumblr. Why? My longtime dream of writing music reviews and sharing my favorite tunes has failed to pan out as a career because not enough of you have clicked on my ads. But in all seriousness, the realities of life have kept me from writing and posting as often as I like and I think it's time for me to take a different approach. For all of you who hung in there with me on here on Blogger, I sincerely hope that you will continue to swallow slices of Audio Pizza over at her new location on Tumblr. See you there!
Audio Pizza on Tumblr   

As in love with you as I am

A couple days ago, my friend Chas posted the new song Angels by The xx on Facebook and said "The best album of the year soon to be released."Although the full album doesn't come out until September, if this first single is any indicator, he might be right.
The xx – Angels 

Johnny Flynn - "The Wrote & The Writ"

Johnny Flynn - "The Wrote & The Writ"
Johnny Flynn – The Wrote & The Writ

The Magnetic Zeros are Here

In 2009, Alex Ebert, Jade Castrinos, and the rest of those crazy Magnetic Zeros hit it big with the songs "Home" and "Janglin'" on their debut album. We all loved the album and I personally wish I could take the song Home back to my 2008 wedding and use it as our first dance. But alas, these songs had a bit of a shelf life and if you were anything like me, their new album Here was long overdue. 


To me, Here sounds a bit like a combination of a rowdy church sermon, a backyard hootenanny, and a bunch of tipsy gypsies, which is exactly how Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros should sound. 


The other element of this album that greatly stands out to me is the fact that the voice of Jade Castrinos that we all met in Home is loud and prevalent throughout the disc. I may or or may not have a pretty serious (wife allowed) fan crush on Jade and her abilities. So I was psyched to hear so much more of her in the band's sophomore album. Thanks Alex for sharing the stage a bit better this time around. Tell me I'm wrong by the way...

Here's a few songs from Here. Enjoy!
Man On Fire 
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros – Man On Fire

These guys really make it through the late night circuit apparently. Here's That's What's Up on Jimmy Kimmel. 

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros – That's What's Up

And finally, I Don't Wanna Pray 

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros – I Don't Wanna Pray

And on one final note, Jade is hot. That is all. 

Nick Waterhouse, born six late decades too late

When I first saw a picture of Nick Waterhouse, not only did I think it was a photo from the middle part of the 20th century, but I also thought I was looking at the love child of Buddy Holly and Rivers Cuomo. When I started listening to Nick, I still wasn't convinced that he was a modern musician. Then when I saw his first video, I thought I was watching the new intro of Mad Men. Either way, I'm really liking the retro, garage sounds coming from this 25 year old from California. I think you will too. 


His first full album, Time's All Gone, was recently released and it's definitely worth a glimpse if you've ever tapped your foot to a mix of R&B and rock and roll (great guitar licks). Think a mix of Raphael Saadique, Aloe Blacc, Amy Winehouse, and The Black Keys.  


Nick Waterhouse – I Can Only Give You Everything

Nick Waterhouse – Some Place

Nick Waterhouse – Is That Clear

AV Undercover - Great bands covering questionable songs

Recently, my cousin (Yogi, CalDavis Aggie, future brewmaster) put me on to some really cool stuff The AV Club is doing. Basically, they start with 25 songs they think would make great covers, then they invite bands in to pla y them in a small circular room. Once the song has been played, it's crossed off the list. 


Here's an overview of how it works....

Introduction to A.V. Undercover


So...here's some of my favorite from the past three years, although this current year is in progress. Enjoy!

Trampled By Turtles covers Arcade Fire



Punch Brothers cover The Cars


Probably my favorite...

They Might Be Giants covers Chumbawamba



The Clientele covers M.I.A.


Oh man, Sam Beam (Iron & Wine) almost made me cry during a George Michel song. I just wish he would have learned the lyrics.

Iron And Wine covers George Michael

Dancing On My Own

The newest television obsession for my wife and I is HBO's new show Girls. Definitely worth checking out if you have the chance (I think you can watch the pilot on it's website). The final scene of the latest episode featured "Dancing On My Own" by Swedish pop star Robyn. 
I thought it would be a great song for those looking for a new song to blast and dance to in your underwear in the living room (which is what the final scene in Girls looked like). Enjoy!
Robyn – Dancing On My Own on Spotify  

Jan Pehchan Ho

Ever since this Heineken commercial came out, I've been trying to find the original version of the song. 

Tonight, success!! Here's the original from what looks to be an epic Bollywood film, Suspense Thriller Gumnaam.

Here's Mohammed Rafi with "Jan Pehchan Ho"

on Spotify Special EFX – Jaan Pehechaan Ho - Mohammed Rafi
But the video makes it all worth it:

Matt and Kim - Block After Block

Matt and Kim "Block After Block"
Matt & Kim – Block After Block

M. Ward, without Zooey (mostly)

For the most part, my knowledge of M. Ward is limited to his collaborations with Zooey Deschanel in She & Him, and with Jim James, Connor Oberst, and Mike Mogis in Monsters of Folk. Even though I've loved the work he did in these projects, I unfortunately never really took the time to get to know his musical individuality. His new album, A Wasteland Companion, came out recently and it's resulted in me diving deeper into his other solo albums.






Here's a the first single off the album, Primitive Girl , live on KCRW M. Ward – Primitive Girl

Clean Slate M. Ward – Clean Slate

I Get Ideas M. Ward – I Get Ideas

And for the She & him fans, don't fret. Zooey D. makes two appearances on this album. But it's a different role for her within the duo as she takes on the modest background vocals that Matt was accustomed to in their previous endeavors.
Here's Sweetheart M. Ward – Sweetheart (feat. Zooey Deschanel)

RIP Levon Helm

On my way home from work on Thursday, I found myself rocking out in the car to The Band's "Up On Cripple Creek." At the time, I didn't think much of hearing the song, until I got home and discovered why I was hearing the song. The voice and backbone of that song and the band (The Band) itself had passed just a few hours earlier.

Although I prefer Levon to his days with The Band, I have the utmost respect for the work the man did in recent years. In 2008, his album Dirt Farmer won the Grammy for Best Traditional Folk Album.       

In 2008 I head a live session of Levon and his friends at Levon's barn/studio on the World Cafe. The session is great (and posted below) and the whole scene seemed surreal.   
A live session from Levon's studio in Woodstock, NY in 2008


After hearing the above session and interview of Levon, I came to the realization that the music industry needs more Levon Helms. He was one of the great ones and we were lucky to have him. RIP Dirt Farmer.

I pulled into Nazareth, was feelin' about half past dead
I just need some place where I can lay my head
"Hey, mister, can you tell me where a man might find a bed?"He just grinned and shook my hand, "no" was all he said. 

Trampled By Turtles "Alone"

Here's the new video from Trampled By Turtles, Alone. Get your Duluth on! 
Trampled By Turtles – Alone

Go see the Lumineers

As we ascended the narrow canyon roads of the mighty Poudre River a couple weeks ago on our way up to see The Lumineers, our friend Micah made an optimistic prediction that this Lumineers show would be full of stomping, singing, happy people. He was spot on. By the end of the show, my feet were sore from stomping and I haven't smiled that much at a show since the last time I saw Josh Ritter. I know the quality is pretty poor, but hopefully my iPhone clip of Ho, Hey gives you a taste of what the show was like:     

But the highlight of the show came during the encore when the band pulled an piano out into the middle of the crowd and played 3 songs without audio equipment. It was just us and them, it felt like we were at a house party and our good friends pulled out their instruments to play us a couple of songs. It was one of the great moments in my concert-going life. 
The Lumineers are quickly blowing up and opportunities to see them at smaller, intiment venues is quickly dwindling. If you have a chance to see these guys soon, I would definitely take that opportunity.    
Tour Dates
Since my video is pretty bad, I decided to provide you with something a little better. Here's a live version of "Stubborn Love"  The Lumineers – Stubborn Love 

Happy Opening Day!

Today I thought I'd throw out (no pun intended) a couple songs to celebrate the start of the 2012 MLB season.  


Here's Macklemore with a tribute to the Seattle Mariners' 1995 run through the playoffs and late radio announcer Dave Nihaus. Despite the fact that I am not really a Mariners fan, something about this song brings a lot of joy to me. Maybe because it's not about the Yankees, Red Sox, or Cubs. I like this song so much that I'm going to go ahead and put in both the official video plus a live version from KEXP in Seattle.    
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – My Oh My on Spotify. 

1995 the division series, Edgars up to bat, bottom of the 11th inning got the whole town listening,swung on and belted the words that started, Joey Cora rounds third, here comes Griffey the throw to the plate’s not in time, my oh my the Mariners win it. Yes, fire works they lit up ceiling in the king dome. We had just made history.

There's no way I'm going to leave this post without a shout-out to my boys in purple, the Colorado Rockies. Here's Fort Collins hip-hop artist Black Prez remixing Wiz Khalifia,   Colorado stylie. Plus he gives a shout-out to both his and my alma mater. 

Vinyl Pizza - Jim Croce "I Got a Name"

When I first started the Audio Pizza Blog, I wanted to showcase good music from multiple genres and eras. Thus far, I've succeeded in the multiple genres aspect, but I have failed in the multiple eras. Recognizing the music that has come before. music that influences everything we hear today, is very important to me. My large vinyl collection and turntable will affirm this claim. So when I do showcase a song or artist from the past, I'll be titling it Vinyl Pizza (or sometimes maybe Cassette Pizza). 


Here's Jim Croce from 1973 with I Got a Name.
Jim Croce – I Got A Name     

In need of a First Aid Kit

I've been wanting to write a post about the band First Aid Kit for a while now and I figured now would be a good time as ever as I recover from my second collarbone surgery in as many months. Unfortunately, I have one arm in a sling and typing is a pain, so this is going to be short and sweet.

First Aid Kit is a cool, folky, sister duet hailing from Sweden. I was really impressed with this band, and then even more so when I discovered their ages; 23 and 19 respectively. The girls gained a little popularity in the U.S. after releasing this cover of Fleet Foxes' Tiger Mountain Peasant Song. 

I discovered them after hearing their Fever Ray cover of When I Grow Up.

First Aid Kit – When I Grow Up

But the Söderberg sisters are more than just covers, and their new album is quite enjoyable. Let's start with the title track, The Lion's Roar. 
First Aid Kit – The Lion's Roar

Next up, Emmylou.
First Aid Kit – Emmylou

I’ll be your Emmylou and I’ll be your June 

And you’ll be my Gram and my Johnny too. 
No, I’m not asking much of you 
Just sing little darling, sing with me.


Finally, King of the World, featuring Connor Oberst. Heck yes! 
First Aid Kit – King of the World

Calling, Calling, Calling Me Home

I know it's on the radio, and I know it's very "Florencey," but damn, I can't help but turn up and rock out to Lights by Ellie Goulding. 
Ellie Goulding – Lights on Spotify.  

St. Patrick's Day Mix

I thought I'd provide you with a few songs to accompany your Guinness and potatoes this afternoon. Enjoy! 










Damien Rice - The Blower's Daughter Damien Rice – The Blower's Daughter

The Chieftains (featuring The Decemberists) - When The Ship Comes In The Chieftains – When The Ship Comes In

The Waterboys - Fisherman's Blues The Waterboys – Fisherman's Blues
Technically they're Scottish, but they provided the soundtrack to a great Irish movie, Waking Ned Devine, so get off my back!!

Lisa Hannigan - Lille  Lisa Hannigan – Lille

The Swell Season The Swell Season – Low Rising

On the wilder side, for later in the evening...
My wife's pick Flogging Molly - Selfish Man Flogging Molly – Selfish Man

The Pogues - If I Should Fall From Grace With God The Pogues – If I Should Fall From Grace With God

Dropkick Murphys - I'm Shipping Up To Boston Dropkick Murphys – I'm Shipping Up To Boston

Sláinte!

I wish I was at SXSW

I wish I was at the South by Southwest Music and Arts Festival in Austin, TX this week (yeah, you heard me right, I said I wish I was in Texas this week). Here's a quick selection of music I wish I was seeing live at SXSW 2012. Oh, and despite the fact The Lumineers are there, I left them off this list. 

The Alabama Shakes - Hold On Alabama Shakes – Hold On

Pickwick - Blackout

Gary Clark Jr. - Bright Lights  Gary Clark Jr. – Bright Lights

For all the Donald Glover/Community Fans, Childish Gambino - Heartbeat Childish Gambino – Heartbeat

SBTRK - Never Never Sbtrkt – Never Never (feat. Sampha)

When You Were Mine

Here's a beautiful cover of Prince's When You Were Mine performed by duet John Heart Jackie. They're kind of like Portland's version of The Civil Wars.
Listen to it, download it for free, and spread the word on this band. They're doing some really cool stuff. 

Ho Hey!

I just bought my tickets for the April 6th Lumineers show at Mishawaka Amphitheater in Bellvue, CO and I'm super-psyched!! This will be my first time seeing this band but from what I've heard, I'm in for quite a treat. Here's the new official video for the song Ho Hey. The quality is much better than the live living room video I posted a few months ago. Also, their album drops April 3rd, get on it!

"I don't know where I belong, 

I don't know where I went wrong,

But I can write a song!"     

Audio Pizza Playlists Goes Live!

A couple of months ago, my amazing sister (who has been the biggest Audio Pizza advocate I could have ever asked for), started building a Spotify playlist of the songs featured on this blog. That playlist can by accessed by searching AudioPizza on Spotify and I will do my best to keep it updated. I've also create a Grooveshark playlist because it allowed me to create a widget to add to this blog. Sweet! Check it out over on the right------->. Also, here's a direct link to the Grooveshark Playlist. I wanted you to be able to just put on the music from Audio Pizza and let it roll. Enjoy!


And since I'm not really down to walk away from a blogpost without posting some sort of music, here's the new video from Of Monsters and Men, Little Talks. I posted a live version of this song a few weeks ago, but I thought I'd post the official video because it's absolutely visually stunning (and Icelandic creepy). 

Party Rock Charleston

I had to post this, just because I think it's hilarious and I am way impressed how easily the Shuffle converts over to the Charleston (all you need is a little Sepia).

The moment a lead singer realizes they've made it...

I was perusing reddit/r/music a couple days ago when I came across the title of:
0:16 the moment a lead singer realizes they've made it.
The video that resulted from my inquisitive click and the warm feeling it left in my heart and reminded me of how much and why I love live music. Pay close attention to Marcus Mumford right around the 16 second mark of this song. For my fellow Redditors out there, you know this resulted in an upvote. 

Audio Pizza Revamped

Over the past couple of weeks I've been contemplating a change to the Audio Pizza Blog. My reasoning behind this is based on the fact that nearly everyday I have a song, video, or artist I want to showcase on the blog. The problem lies in the fact that although I want to post these musical slices,  I don't always have the time or desire to complete write ups of these pieces. I felt kind of weird and a little lazy posting music without discussing it here on Blogger. So I looked at switching the blog over to Tumblr, a blogging platform that encourages, quicker, briefer blog posts. But, I have enjoyed my longer posts and I hope you've enjoyed reading them while listening to the music I picked. Therefore, I am going to remain on this site, but I am going to change up my posting habits a bit.
I'm still planning on writing my longer posts when time or content allows. But I also want to post items that I just merely want to share. Some of these posts may have a short write up, or may have no write up at all. 
With that being said, I'll leave you with a little Zooey Deschanel & M. Ward of She & Him, without saying really anything about it. Enjoy!  
She & Him – Thieves

This Heart Was Made For You - Valentine's Day Pizza

After finishing a lovely pasta and vino Valentine's evening dinner with my wonderful wife, I'm once again a temporary widower to science as my wife heads off to a BSL-3 lab to work on some deadly pathogen for a couple hours. While I wait for her return, I thought I'd post a small playlist love songs (and not so much love) playlist to take you through the evening.      

Josh Ritter - The Curse Josh Ritter – The Curse

Old 97's  - Question Old 97's – Question

Mason Jennings - Raindrops on the Kitchen Floor Mason Jennings – Raindrops on the Kitchen Floor

The Avett Brothers - The Ballad of Love and Hate The Avett Brothers – The Ballad Of Love And Hate

The Beatles - Here, There, and Everywhere

Band of Horses - No One's Gonna Love You Band of Horses – No One's Gonna Love You (possibly a break-up song, but we'll go with it).

The Mitguards – Ridin' With The One I Love

And a couple of Anti-Valentine's Day Songs for those who aren't as into the holiday as others are.

The Airborne Toxic Event - Sometime Around Midnight The Airborne Toxic Event – Sometime Around Midnight

Kathleen Edwards - House Full of Empty Rooms Kathleen Edwards – House Full Of Empty Rooms

Room 125 Productions

Room 125 Productions is the pseudonym of the film/media department of Lawrence High School in Lawrence, KS. Although Mr. Kuhr and students of Room 125 seem to do an immense amount of really cool film and music projects, I'm totally enthralled by their Classroom Sessions. Mr. Kuhr brings in independent musicians to be interviewed an filmed by the students of Room 125 Productions. The teacher and the music fan in me are both overwhelmed by the opportunity provided to both the students and to the artists themselves. Great work Mr Kuhr, keep it up! I'll be sure to post my student interviews and music footage once I get my own version of this going at my school. 


I've selected some of my favorite sessions below, but here's a link to the entire set of the Classroom Sessions.
The Head and The Heart - Rivers and Roads

Damien Jurado - Rachel & Cali

The Civil Wars - I've Got This Friend

Bryan John Appleby - The Words of the Revelator