Havent seen you in a while

Posted by Joymode

Tuesday, July 18 2006

Havent seen you all in some time. It's probably the heat that is now causing me to stay inside and actually write a blog. I'm so behind on my music blogs. Summertime keeps me busy with all my other endeavours. like plotting to take over central california with all these upcoming Popsmear events. But CD's are starting to pile up. Its time to share them with you. I figure now is as good a time as any to start pimping out some of the bands that I've booked. Hello Stranger is a band that has managed to snag the coveted "NEXT BIG THING" title from Spin Magazine. You know, I think I agree with them. I mean who doesnt like a hot chick singer (Juliette Commagere) who plays the Keytar wears knee high boots and feathers, and sometimes sings in spanish? The Press kit that I recieved with this cd says they sound like "The perfect accompaniment to an early John Hughes film" They've toured across the country 3 times (Once with the Kings of Leon), and Steve Jones from the Sex Pistols has been known to play them on his Indie 103.1 radio show "Jonsey's Jukebox". They've been playing Spaceland, down in Silverlake every wednesday for the last few months. A position once held by acts such as Rilo Kiley, The Moving Units and Giant Drag. Impressive. This is a band that will cause you to kick yourself if you dont manage to see them before they get huge. But enough about thier accomplishments. Lets get to the music... I freaking Love this CD! Its the perfect summertime album. Its light. but deep. The songs have a great feel. And they work together well alone or with each other as an album. The synth lines are well placed. Not overpowering at all, but when they come in, I tend to start bobbing my head a little bit harder. Everything has its place with this band. Usually I can say "This band sounds like this band. Or I am reminded of this band." With Hello Stranger... I cant really say that they remind me of anyone. I believe that this band is truly unique. but not in an annoying unlistenable pretentious way. It's refreshing. This album really makes me feel good. About myself and everything around me. But it's not cheesy. Its well written. clever lyrics about life, the universe... and everything. It's songwriting and pop/indie sensibility at its best. They will be playing Popsmear Live at Club Fred with Elephone on August 26th. They are on Aeronaut Records. And thier album hits the streets August 08. 2006, but you can order it now on thier website. there are also a few more tracks posted on thier myspace page. Hello Stranger - Take It To The Maxx