» coldplay

Jun
28thLetting Civil Twilight’s “River” Run

Civil Twilight get compared to other bands quite often – notably Coldplay. It’s probably because they have four members like that Internationally-celebrated UK group, and because its front man is known to dabble in falsetto and 88 keys. The comparisons, however, should stop there but they probably won’t. As a matter of fact, during an “A-Sides” session with them earlier this month I’m pretty sure I just assumed they were from England. They’re not. The band – Steven and Andrew McKellar and Richard Wouters hail from Cape Town South Africa, and what Charlize Theron is to beauty, these guys are to music. Apologies for that analogy. I’m essentially saying Theron is beautiful and they make beautiful music, and – you know – they’re all from South Africa. Anyway, the band, who added a fourth member recently (Kevin Dailey), are currently on the road in support of “Holy Weather,” an album that features their signature epic sound and storytelling. The quartet stopped by the Music Conservatory of Westchester to film “A-Sides,” performed two tracks, and addressed comparisons to other bands and the fact their music is heard on many, many television shows from “House” to “Vampire Diaries.” Watch. Listen. Love. Catch them on tour with Mutemath this fall. “River” Live [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVbGOy2pBd4&w=560&h=315] “Highway of Fallen Kings” [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuGHs5bOqis&w=560&h=315] Interview [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SkkiyVkTtE&w=560&h=315] About A-Sides with Jon Chattman Jon Chattman’s music series features artists (established or not) from all genres performing a track, and discussing what it means to them. This informal series [...]
Dec
8thThe Kooks’ Show Us Their “Junk”

My wife isn’t exactly a fan of a lot of new music. She gets a little sick of hearing me talk up the latest, greatest artist I’m listening to, and tends to play the same songs in her car over and over again. Yet, something broke through to her usual playlist of Bob Marley, Coldplay and the Dixie Chicks last summer. The Kooks’ “Junk of the Heart” is a catchy throwback song about – I think anyway – a guy who wants to show the world to the girl he loves – assuming she’s as in to him as he is to her. The song, which I obviously like too, is sort of a departure for the UK rock stars who have sold over 2 million records worldwide. Their third album, also called “Junk of the Heart,” features far more soul and even channels Bowie at times but those killer good hooks are still there. Last month, I caught up with one-half of the band (frontman Luke Pritchard and guitarist Hugh Harris) just prior to their sold-out show at Webster Hall in New York City and asked them about the new sound, and specifically the title track which my wife fittingly overplays in her car now. The fun pair also performed a cool, infectious acoustic version of it. Before you watch the video – know this: The Kooks will perform on Jimmy Kimmel Live! with far superior video equipment on Dec. 12. They’re also winding down their fall tour on [...]