The Bloodbuzzed Jukebox Week 177

More fire at the Blog! We are eager for the weekend and more than happy to kick it off with a new round of our TOP TEN Jukebox. One in which we celebrate the return of much beloved Eleanor Friedberger, the stunning tune of Night Flowers (early contender for song of the year?) while we keep following our 'path' of presenting you some discoveries such as Renata Zeiguer or The Moondoggies. As always, a lot to listen, enjoy and forget about Monday. Have a nice 'disconnection' and remember, all songs are available at our Soundcloud. (Join Us!)

Direct links to 2018 Jukebox playlists

Week 171  Week 172  Week 173  Week 174  Week 175 Week 176

Agenda of Concerts Winter-Spring 2016

Keeping with the Blog traditions, here it's our Agenda of Concerts for Winter and Spring seasons (check the list of Fall 2013 and Winter 2015) of 2016. Aside of the possible ones, there are some mandatory gigs, with bands that we have been waiting to see for a long time, like Tinderstick or Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott, indispensable yearly festivals like the Minifestival de Música Independent de Barcelona and special concerts like Robert Forster or the El Genio Equivocado Fest. Obviously, this isn't a closed agenda, and we hope to add more proposals soon. Have a look and see you there!

Music to look forward in 2016

Can't remember why, but didn't honored another blog tradition on 2015: our new year's music wishes. But this is not going to happen again! So here's our top ten summary of the releases/events we're looking forward the most in what regards to music. 

1. If this is a blog tradition, let's begin with "our" man & most beloved sure-fire: Jeremy Jensen, aka The Very Most, is returning big on this 2016 with 'Syntherely Yours', a collection of synthpop songs from the band, out thanks our dear friends at February Records. The LP features and awesome list of guests including Lisle Mitnik from Tiny Fireflies, Adriano from Postal Blue, Colin from The Smittens, Charles from Math and Physics Club, Thomas from Pale Spectres, Adam from Adam and Darcie, Laz from Bubblegum Lemonade/Strawberry Whiplash,... And there's more...

Most deserved tribute for Ms. Melberg

 2.... Because The Very Most is also taking part in 'Constant and True: A Tribute to the Songs of Rose Melberg', that February Records will release in late Spring. A compilation CD of indiepop artists paying tribute to one of the GREATEST: Rose Melberg and her essential bands (Tiger Trap, The Softies, Brave Irene, Go Sailor, Knife Pleats). Bands like Rocketship, The Smittens, Band a Part, LAKE, Seapony, Marc Elston, are already confirmed, so no wonder why we are already excited...

3. More sure-fires. Eleanor Friedberger returns to action with 'New View' on January 22nd, same day that marks the arrival of 'Adore Life', the sophomore album of Savages. And what can be said about our beloved Basia Bulat and The Divine Comedy returns? The Canadian angel has LP 'Good Advice' scheduled on February 12th, and the always necessary Neil Hannon is giving us some clues his new work will be ready by Spring/Summer. With these two coming up with new songs, the world will be a better place to live in... 

The great Jess Weiss on boards. Fear of Men take 2

4. Despite there's no exact day for the official releases revealed yet, these two might be the most anticipated and awaited new albums of 2016 for me. I'm referring to my dear Fear of Men, that have finished recording their sophomore album, the much awaited follow-up of the terrific 'Loom'. And another band we have a real soft spot for at the Blog, Paolo and Claire, a.k.a Young Romance, which after giving us stunning song after stunning song in several EPs and singles, now jump into the long format with their debut full album. So anxious to hear both... and please do not forget Barcelona on the forthcoming tours this time!

5. In what regards to national releases, 2016 should be the year where favourites of mine come back wth new music. Cosmen Adelaida, Doble Pletina and When Nalda Became Punk (triple YAY!) for sure, but fingers crossed during 2016 we'll see also the follow-up of 'Mundo Fatal' by my beloved Me and the Bees. Expecting new songs by Big Summer and Aries too. And would we have the second album of Boutade this year? Here's hoping for a confirmation... 

Paul & Jacqui, the mighty pop duo, finally in Catalonia!

6. There are three gigs that I'm really excited about. First, and just around the corner, Robert Forster at Apolo presenting his excellent 'Songs to Play'. And two "first times" that I'm so eager will finally take place. Tindersticks in April 14th at l'Auditori. And two days afterwards, Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott at Blues and Ritmes Festival in Badalona. Finally! Already nervous, can't hardly wait! 

7. More about live music. Another Primavera Sound Festival ahead. With not a single name announced yet. Expectations are huge as always, so it's time to post/especulate my wish list, right? Check it here. And if it's a disappointment, it might be time to consider moving to another Fest (Bilbao maybe?)

PJ Harvey, ready for shaking the world again

8. Even more & records expected. "Heavyweights" as PJ Harvey, with new record set to Spring that, judging by the info so far, it's going to be a mandatory one (again)... and The National, which are already recording but still without a defined release agenda (testing tunes on the road?) What about The Luxembourg Signal (confirmed by Beth Arzy on Twitter), Hospitality, Rose Elinor Dougall (please, please, please, been waiting for ages!), The Julie Ruin, Slowdive (if confirmed, that would be simply anthologic), Minor Victories (very curious), Peter Buck (what about that super-Earth's project with Corin Tucker? Too good to be true...?) Dum Dum Girls, or The Swapsies? 

9. And for sure infallible labels like Shelflife, Jigsaw Records, Slumberland, Matinée, Test Pattern, Fortuna Pop!, Dufflecoat, WWNBB, February Records, El Genio Equivocado, Discos de Kirlian, La Castanya, Kanine, Fishrider (and others coming from down under), Merge, Sub Pop, HHBTM, to just name a few, have prepared a wonderful year of music for us. 

10. And ending in a more personal note, there's a book on one of my all-time favourite bands, The Go-Betweens, coming very soon on Libros de Kirlian. I contribute on it (thanks for the opportunity Marcos Gendre) with the prologue, which might be one of the most heartfelt pieces I've ever written. I'm pretty sure it's going to be a very special read...

For sure, many more records, songs, gigs and amazing moments related with music are awaiting us. Come on 2016, we're listening you!

The Bloodbuzzed Jukebox Week 77

The stars have aligned this week as our TOP TEN Jukebox series looks like a full constellation of them. The Hermit Crabs (what a pleasure hearing Mel singing again)! Slowdive (what a live rendition of 'Avalyn')! My beloved Basia Bulat! My dear Eleanor Friedberger! Strawberry Whiplash! DIIV! Flowers! Most desired comebacks to start November in the best possible way! Of course, all these songs are also available at our Soundcloud, so please join us! 


Direct links to 2015 Jukebox playlists
Week 36  Week 37  Week 38   Week 39  Week 40 
Week 41  Week 42 Week 43  Week 44   Week 45
Week 46  Week 47   Week 48  Week 49   Week 50  
Week 51   Week 52  Week 53  Week 54    Week 55  
Week 56   Week 57   Week 58  Week 59   Week 60 
Week 61   Week 62   Week 63  Week 64  Week 65 
Week 66   Week 67   Week 68  Week 69   Week 70 
Week 71   Week 72   Week 73  Week 74   Week 75
Week 76

Best Concerts of the Year 2013

It's the time of the season for... LISTS! We begin our end-of-the-year best-of with our favourite concerts. A very special 2013 has been in this regard, not only because the fantastic amount of live music seen this year, but for the places where we have seen the bands. Anyway, a great top ten, hope you like it!

Josh Rouse in Barcelona
Photo: Bloodbuzzed

10. Josh Rouse (Music Hall, Barcelona, March 8th)
One of my first tasks at Indienauta, and a complete surprise. An artist I thought it was "gone" (for me) "reappeared" (for me) in full form, because his latest album bring us back the melodic talents of the Nebraska's singer-songwriter while his charms on stage remain intact. Welcome back Josh. 
9. Savages (Primavera Sound Festival, Barcelona, May 24th)
I told you. This is not your average band. Despite the troubles lead guitarist Gemma Thompson had with her guitar halfway to their gig, which unfortunately killed the momentum afterwards, Savages proved at Primavera the mind-blowing quartet they are, with singer Jehnny Beth confirming her staggering stage presence. More coming soon in 2014, can't wait.
8. Adam Green and Binki Shapiro (Primavera Sound Festival, Barcelona, May 26th)
Hipsters doesn't go to massified Festivals like Primavera Sound until "the big names" are playing, so one of the best things a person that loves music can do is go as early as possible to enjoy the first performances of the day, under the sun and without hordes of "posers". That way we were able to fall under the very particular spell of one of our favourite "weirdos": Adam Green in his new, vintage incarnation. Showing his awkward, goofy charisma (how you can't love his dumb, crazy dances), his chemistry with "partner on crime" Binki Shapiro and his undeniable talent for creating a perfect pop pill was wonderful. What a fun thing to do is seeing Mr. Green live.
7. Jane Joyd (Music Hall, Barcelona, April 20th)
Please listen to Jane Joyd. Please do yourself a favour and discover what an amazing artist she is, you'll thank me, granted. She's not just a pretty, gifted voice. She's a musician with a purpose, with an ambitious scope and determination to arrive there. Surrounded by a fantastic band (still got puzzled when I remember the masterful drummer), at Music Hall she swallowed us into her particular, extremely intense and rich world. Don't miss her.
6. Beach House (Sala Apolo, Barcelona, March 13th)
I don't think Beach House will ever play again in such an intimate venue in Spain. Victoria and Alex are "too big" (and too attractive for "posers") so enjoying them in place where you can hear all the subtleties and experiment all the feelings their songs can provoke to the listener is a gift. Their music was made to became the soundtrack of your life, and at Apolo there was plenty of moments to be remembered. Now I can say at least once I saw Beach House as their music deserves.  
5. The Very Most (The Crux, Idaho, August 31st)
I know my dear friend and TVM's mastermind Jeremy Jensen won't agree with me. And truth is that some sounding little issues and a short setlist made the gig imperfect. But you cannot imagine what it meant being there, in front of him and his band, in Idaho, after crossing three States and sharing a weekend with him and his lovely family. If you follow this blog (if not, welcome!) you already know how much I love the music of the The Very Most. But this was much more than a gig. It's a friendship.
4. Camera Obscura (Regency Ballroom, San Francisco, June 19th)

Ready for "Desire Lines" in SF
Photo: Bloodbuzzed

Not really adjusted to the American time-zone and I'm able to watch one of my favourite bands, at the front row, with an audience willing to enjoy their music (my two previous experiences with them were so-so). An exciting day through touring the swinging city of San Francisco ended in a marvelous way, with Tracyanne Campbell and Co. showing all their indiepop mastery. Finally I saw Camera Obscura the way I dreamt of. Now to make it even better I just need to hear them in Scotland and meet Tracyanne after the gig. Easy, right?
3. Local Natives (Primavera Sound, Barcelona, May 25th)
A big surprise this year (look for "Hummingbird" among the best records of 2013 on the forthcoming list), so it was a very attractive bet for me at Primavera Sound, high expectations indeed. But I wasn't expecting them to be that amazing live! What an extraordinary performance, passionate and contagious. What a way to certify here's a band to follow.
2. Eleanor Friedberger (La [2] de Apolo, Barcelona, October 5th)
Pretty similar to Local Natives. Liked her previous disk, but not to the extent of expecting such a wonder like "Personal Record". Few things as genuinely addictive as this album have come out this year. So seeing her was mandatory. The night started promisingly with an acoustic show for a dozen of lucky guests. Then I had the chance to chat briefly with Eleanor, and finally, like everyone at Apolo, I felt in love with this woman after a stunning show: sweet, energetic, dynamic, vibrant. 2013 has been her year.

1. The National (Hollywood Forever Cemetery, L.A., August 11th)

Soundcheck with The National, L.A.
Photo: Bloodbuzzed

MY band. In LA..Front row. No fights. No massification. No fakers. The National full of confidence, relaxed and amused, making a miracle: transforming a cemetery into a place for celebration. The celebration of a band that, since 2005, is (un)arguably being the best around. Sound was terrific, performances were intense and I believe the audience had the feeling we were very close to them. Then the encore arrived. "About Today" was breathtaking. And the singalong version of "Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks" completely teared me down. I stop here or I'll get emotional again. One of the best music experiences in my life.

Want to check last year's best concerts? Just click here
And 2011s? Then check here

Discoverer 79: new indie findings

Penultimate and very female-sounding new indie discoveries of the year (we have to prepare the best of the 2013 lists), hope you enjoy!

Cate Le Bon. Hailing from Penboyr, Wales, but based in L.A., Cate gained public attention while supporting Gruff Rhys (Super Furry Animals) on his 2007 solo UK tour. That same year, she self-released her first single "No One Can Drag Me Down"/"Disappear" and recorded the shelved album "Pet Deaths". In 2008 came "Edrych yn Llygaid Ceffyl Benthyg", an EP sung in Welsh, while collaborating on Neon Neon's album "Stainless Style". In 2009 her first proper LP "Me Oh My" came out on Rhys' Irony Bored label, followed with her sophomore release, "Cyrk" in 2012, and after singing with Manic Street Preachers on their latest "Rewind the Film", since November we can enjoy the hypnotic "Mug Museum". A peculiar folky voice, somber lyrics and a music style that summons Nico's mystery combined with Eleanor Friedberger's natural grace, Cate's tunes are an extremely charming pleasure.
Go Violets. Coming from Brisbane, Australia, this all-female quartet formed in 2011. After a digital release in March 2012, "^​-​.​-​^" EP, three tunes, "Teenager" in August 2012, "Josie" in May 2013 and "Wanted" in August 2013, anticipated her debut proper release, the EP "Heart Slice", available since October on Create Control. Six delicious tunes of immediate addiction, full of killer hooks and harmonic vocals, bringing us back to the magic music of Tiger Trap, Go Sailor, where garage meets the sweetest pop. You can't do much more than falling in love with the Go Violets...    
Lady Lamb the Beekeper. Behind this stage name hides musician 24-years-old Aly Spaltro, hailing from Brunswick, Maine, but now based in NY. She began her career in 2007 recording songs in a DVD rental store, using it as a studio after finishing her daily job duties, giving out free samples of them in handmade packages to the local Bullmoose Record Store. In 2008 multi-instrumentalist TJ Metcalfe joined her, releasing "Samples For Handsome Animals" and becoming one of most popular local acts. Reverted to a solo project again in 2010 she was named Folk Artist of the Year by the Boston Music Awards. Finally, on February 2013, she released her first studio album, "Ripely Pine". She's a storm, a singer-songwriter with an unbelievable intensity, an explosion of feelings that come in multiple forms, without missing her stark rawness. Like Torres (Spaltro has supported her live) here's a genuine talent.

Eleanor Friedberger, Singing Time in Barcelona!

Eleanor Friedberger (+ Bill Ryder-Jones and Big Summer). La [2] de Apolo, Barcelona, October 2nd

Acoustic lady. Photo: Bloodbuzzed

The night started (well, afternoon, still have to completely adjust back to our "unique" Spanish schedule) with a gentle and unexpected surprise: Eleanor doing an acoustic gig for barely a dozen of lucky guests at the Apolo Store (nice people working there by the way, thanks). It was a quick one, five tunes, and not impressive compared with the mind-blowing full-band concert that came later, but it showed the backbones of her solid tunes and how that peculiar warmth, intimacy of her music comes from. Plus it offered me the chance of taking a picture with her and chat briefly!

Big "tunes" Summer. Photo: Bloodbuzzed

Afterwards and inside the venue, Big Summer was the bill's first act. I already wrote about them but I'm glad to confirm what I said before: El Genio Equivocado have added an incredible "prospect" to their immaculate roster. On Wednesday, they put a short but intense set with an exciting new single (beloved label chiefs told me release is imminent) and the favourite "Morning Sun" as the pivotal points. I insist, keep their name on your agendas.

Bill Ryder-Jones. Photo: Bloodbuzzed

On the contrary, Bill Ryder-Jones was quite a disappointment. Formerly a member of The Coral, and billed as a "lush and atmospheric singer-songwriter" similar to Alex Turner solo, his set, probably too long (twelve tunes) suffered from a clear sense of repetition and, at least live (I love the studio version of "Wild Swans"), lacked the emotional impact or feeling of closeness the memorable "Submarine" OST has, making the folkie and narrative eloquence of Ryder-Jones a bit tiring to be honest.

Electric lady. Photo: Bloodbuzzed

And then, the time for Eleanor Friedberger finally arrived. And what a time! For the very first second, her performance was just unstoppable. Firepowered, addictive rockier versions of "I Don't Want to Bother You", "I Won't Fall Appart On You Tonight", "Heaven" and "Stare at the Sun" (what a delicious tune) to start the gig knocking out everyone on the audience without losing a tiny bit of the pop charms (and excellent lyrics) her tunes have. Probably the best sounding I have ever enjoyed at La [2] de Apolo, the night was fated for greatness.  

Friedberger & Brewis.
Photo: Bloodbuzzed

"My Own World", "Rooselvet Island", "I'll Never Be Happy Again", "Tomorrow Tomorrow"... every song was pumped out, propelled by a fantastic band where Field Music's David Brewis was outstanding, he completely blew my mind with his guitar performance all gig (have to find out who was the equally amazing drummer). And when the tune needed more intimacy, like the irresistible "Other Boys", the focus gently shifted on Eleanor's vocals, delivered with a disarming and punchy conviction all night. Friedberger wasn't very talkative with the audience, but it was obvious to see she was comfortable and pleased with her performance and the response of the (surprisingly quiet and eager to just enjoy the gig, please keep it this way folks, life will be much better) audience.

Eleanor. Photo: Bloodbuzzed

"Early Earthquake", personal favourite "When I Knew" and "She's a Mirror" put a momentary end to the concert before the encore, for which Eleanor reserved some of her most breathtaking compositions. "Echo or Encore" played by just her on guitar, was followed by another must of her short but excellent solo career to date, "Singing Time", to conclude with "My Mistakes", with Eleanor putting on her jacket and leaving the venue before the band kicked out the final solo in a shocking, even defying gesture, as she reached the exit crossing throught the audcience. One that serves to point out she's not your average singer-songwriter. At all. And, of course, I mean that in a good, very very good way. Extraordinary concert.

Triple Indie Session Tonight!

Great expectations tonight, with a promising triple live music session with Eleanor Friedberger, presenting her amazing "Personal Record" in Barcelona, in my opinion among the best albums of the year so far, plus Bill Ryder-Jones, and one of the most exciting recent signatures from our beloved El Genio Equivocado, Big Summer, at La [2] de Apolo. Of course, review coming very soon!

Introducing... the Bloodbuzzed's Fall 2013 Agenda!

Introducing the blog's music & related agenda! It's an ongoing calendar and easy to update, so proposals are welcomed!