Tagged: Chicago

ho hey by the lumineers

The Lumineers. Haven’t heard of them? You will. Their self-entitled album was released last April, and if what I write doesn’t entice you to listen to it…do it anyways. I was lucky enough to discover them last November and have been avidly following them ever since. So imagine my joy when I heard they were going to be playing a free show in Chicago, just a few stops up the red line from me. Yeah, I was going to that show, even if I had to skip Italian class. (Don’t worry, I didn’t.)

When I arrived the show had already started, but you wouldn’t know it from the outside. The place wasn’t crowded at all, and when I arrived the security guard said it wouldn’t matter if I was VIP or not. That’s just how close we all were. It couldn’t have been more than a hundred people there. That small of crowd either makes or breaks a show. It definitely made this one. Everyone there loved the energy The Lumineers gave off. It was early afternoon in a small bar, but they still put in the same effort they had at their big show the night before.

They are true musicians. You can hear it in their album. They use a variety of instruments, sound great together, and love to involve the audience in their music making. And in concert, they were exactly that. Whether it was their cute love song – Ho Hey – or their funny, slightly “drunkard’s tale” – Classy Girls – we, the audience, were every bit a part of the music as the band themselves.

While some go to concerts to see entertainers, myself included, The Lumineers offer a nice reprieve. They are more about their heartfelt, relatable lyrics, varying their sound from slow, chill, dream-like, to upbeat, thigh slapping, folk, than they are about impressing you with their “mad” guitar skills or perfectly timed transitions. The band itself has such great dynamic that it feels as if you’re sitting in on a group of friends just playing music together than at an actual concert. A really talented group of friends that is.

So if you’re into that folky guitar, tambourine, cello mix, check ‘em out. Or if you’re looking for something that doesn’t sound like it’s been edited to the max, check ‘em out. And if you’re just looking for something new, CHECK ‘EM OUT!

– Noelle Smiley

Lo-fi Music Blog Podcast Episode 3: Icarus Himself Said The Nomadic Birdwatchers

In this episode, John from lofimusicblog.com brings you brand new cuts by independent musicians and songwriters from around the world. You’ll hear the latest single from a CMJ bound band (take note NYC listeners!) as well as a track by a fascinating musician from Bosnia. You’ll also enjoy a heavy dose of music from the Pacific Northwest by a Seattle-based duo and another hailing from Vancouver, Canada. So, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

LFMBP Episode 3 (10/18/11) Playlist:

1. Bright Futures by Birdwatchers (from album KISSING FRIENDS EP)

2. Lines by Said The Whale (from album NEW BRIGHTON EP)

3. Clouds Form by Cloud Mouth (from album SONGS OF THE SEWER)

4. On Your Side by Icarus Himself (from album CAREER CULTURE)

5. Vines by Nomadic Firs (from album NOMADIC FIRS)

6. This Little Boat, Yellow Moon by Ranvir Bassi (from album CUT LIP)

More information about all of these tracks and artists can be found at http://lofimusicblog.com

If you have any comments or questions, please contact us at lofimusicblog@gmail.com

Visit us at http://lofimusicblog.com

Landscapes by Marigolds

“Landscapes is a collection of ambient music composed by Christopher Stewart in February and March of 2011. It is the first volume in a series of miniature albums to be released in the coming months.

This music is intended to provide a space for deep contemplation. It is meant to be background noise just as much as it is meant to be listened to with much attention. It is music to meditate to, drive your car to, work to or love to. It is peaceful, quiet and scenic.”

Download the entire album here: http://marigolds.bandcamp.com/