I first heard about Sarah Jaffe from a Hype Machine blog whose name escapes me. There was a blurb and a download of her song Clementine. I fell in love with the song and immediately listened to it at least 20 times in a row. The CD “Suburban Nature” that Clementine is on was not going to be out for another month, a very long month.
One day, I got a surprise package in the mail from my friend George who lives in Denton, TX where Sarah Jaffe is based. It was an autographed copy of the CD. He got to see her live and I guess felt sorry for me because I just can’t go down the street and see her play. The CD in a word is amazing. I tried to listen to the CD as much as possible uninterrupted, but sometimes, that’s almost impossible. I listened to it a lot in the car going here and there and sporadically at home, but it wasn’t until a 2 week trip I had to take for work that I finally got to REALLY listen to it with noise canceling headphones securely in place on airplanes flying all over North America. The entire album is phenomenal. From the opening song “Before You Go” to the very last song, it is stellar. It’s really hard for me to believe that this is her first full length album. You must buy this album! For an idea of how great Sarah Jaffe is, check out the video for “Clementine” below.

ACL Stage Left – Sarah Jaffe – Clementine from klru tv on Vimeo.

I found out about Hunter Valentine a few weeks ago and since then, have been a little obsessed with their latest record “Lessons From The Late Night” which is due for worldwide release on May 11th.
I had the chance to talk to Kiyomi, the lead singer/guitarist and Adrienne, the bassist yesterday and asked them a bunch of questions and tried not to sound like a nervous fangirl. I love them and I love their music.

 

 Standard Podcast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Lately, people have been asking me what I’ve been listening to the most lately. I thought I would give you a visual of what I can’t stop listening to.

Florence + The Machine I love Florence Welch’s voice. I think her album “Lungs” is brilliant. Here is the video for one of my favorite songs by her, “Dog Days Are Over”

Hunter Valentine I get a lot of pitches from PR people about bands. I look at all of them. Sometimes, they are good and sometimes…not so much. However, I got a pitch about Hunter Valentine and immediately went crazy. I love them. Like a mix of Joan Jett and The Pretenders and a little Brody Dalle (distillers) thrown in.

Sonia LeighShe’s been a fixture in the Atlanta music scene for a while, but she’s about to blow up. Zac Brown signed her to his Southern Ground label and she’s been supporting the Zac Brown Band on tour all over the country and getting lots of praise for her performances and her music.

I Blame Coco Her dad is a legend, but I like her much better!

Ida Maria Words fail me. I love Ida Maria.

Pomplamoose and a brilliant cover of Single Ladies

I love Ingrid Michaelson. I can’t hide it.

I know that Rubyfruit Radio is all girls all the time which is what has kept me from playing this song. I’ve been listening to it a lot and thought I’d share. Val Emmich can be Rubyfruit’s token boy. And if he looks familiar, it’s because he’s been on Ugly Betty for a few episodes.

Part 2 of my birthday show.

The Gossip- Listen Up!
KaiserCartel- Okay
Mieka Pauley- Stronger
Terra Naomi- Up Here
Lesley Gore- Better Angels
Edie Carey- If I Start to Cry
Beth Thornley- Done
Quitzow- Sponsor (It Didn’t Mean A Thing)
CSS- Let’s Make Love and Listen to Death From Above
Camera Obscura- Lloyd, I’m Ready to Be Heartbroken
Adrienne Pierce- One Perfect Day
Jen Foster- Everybody’s Girl
Paramore- Pressure
Sleater-Kinney- Entertain
50footWave- Clara Bow

 

 Standard Podcast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

It’s my birthday so I’m playing some of my favorites.

Amy Ray- Put It Out For Good
Three5Human- Yesterday’s Girl
Jenny Owen Youngs- Fuck Was I
Mieka Pauley- Secret
Emily Zuzik- Breaking It Down
Katie Todd- Leave
CE Skidmore- Green Eyes
Rachael Cantu- Saturday
Melissa Ferrick- Closer
Deena Goodman- Hard To Get By
Rilo Kiley- The Execution of All Things
Nervous But Excited- Wishlist
Hey Gravity!- Risen
Cheryl Hill- I Hate Everything
8 Inch Betsy- Doomed
The Gossip- Standing In the Way of Control

 

 Standard Podcast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

It looks like I won’t be getting a new episode out until next week. So until then, I leave you with a couple of videos from my current favorite band KaiserCartel. They are to put it simply, brilliant.