NightraiN's Summer Short List

Light For Fire - Yes indeed, they have been mentioned already; however, this album is certainly good enough for more than one mention here. If I may make one suggestion: shoot a proper video.


The Shuffle (Dance) - Say what you want about LMFAO, but they know how to rock a vampire dance party with a very fun and ridiculously over-simplistic runningman-esque dance move that can turn even a trip to Ralph's into a fun outing. So easy it is brilliant. Every music group should incorporate an updated dance move into their persona.


Breezy Summer Jammy Jams - I feel like there has been a fantastic showing for the beachy / bbq tunes this year. The Vaccines, Tennis, Foster The People and Cults all released tracks that sound better with the warm sun on the back and a cold beer in hand. Granted, they all have their own sounds and styles, but I can't help but think of riding a cuiser to the beach when any one of those albums are on.


Dolorean's The Unfazed - Not to be confused with Delorean, the Portland-based band is a verifiable go-to for early mornings, quiet evenings and tender moments. The lyrics are perfect for a heartfelt singalong and the music pulls you in close with its soft sway.


The First Six Months of 2011 - In addition to the bands already mentioned, there have been many other artists that I have really been impressed with in the first six months. Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes and The Decemberists are all names many people already know and have shown us impressive stuff thus far; however, bands like U.S. Royalty, Magic & Fur, Scotch Howard, The Cave Singers and The Rural Alberta Advantage have surprised me with amazing albums as well that need to be heard.

Awmercy's Summer Short List

Light for Fire
Even six months later, I still can't stop listening to their tales of love and drinking, and perhaps love of drinking.

Black Joe Lewis Mixtape
Oh shit. Just when you thought you couldn’t shake any lower, flip on “Mustang Ranch (featuring Project Pat and Juicy J)” and the party will really start getting sweaty.

U.S. Royalty @ Mississippi Studios
With giant bluesy riffs exploded over a pounding drums, it was a fantastic display of what rock 'n roll can be. A perfect example of how a great performance can improve upon and make you like an album even more.

The Complete Stax-Volt Soul Singles 1972-1975
I’ve owned volume 1 for probably 15 years, but just picked up volume 3 this spring. No idea why I waited so long. The 10 discs packed with soul and funk jams have sent me on a serious Southern soul bender. Recovery unlikely.

Rock n’ Roll Breakfast with Miles
Each morning Miles and I get up together at the crack of dawn. While I make coffee and he eats a Cheerios and a banana, we welcome the sun with a mix of garage thumpers and soul shakers. He starts bobbing and rocking as soon as the music starts and I crack up every time.

U.S. Royalty @ Mississippi Studios

Last night at the U.S. Royalty show, it quickly became clear that as good as their album, Mirrors, was, the band was even better live. Songs like the opening "Monte Carlo" (mp3) rocked harder and the overall set sounded more cohesive, with their varied influences blending together into some fantastic rock 'n roll. It's as if they took their album and just cranked the dials. The songs seemed to pop and sparkle. Heavy rockers like "Hollywood Hollows" and "The Desert Won't Save You" were particularly exciting, as the giant riffs exploded over a pounding back end. It was a pleasure to watch a true lead guitarist step into a blistering yet retained solo and see a singer own the stage, his soaring howl hitting the high notes like a young Roger Daltrey. To top it off, they nailed a cover of Stevie Nicks' "Wild Heart," providing proof that the Fleetwood Mac comparisons were justified.


Sofar DC: U.S. Royalty - Wild Heart from Nick Fitzhugh on Vimeo.

U.S. Royalty - Mirrors (2011)

Occasionally, the quality of an entire album can be overshadowed by a single, excellent track. “Equestrian” (mp3) is the kind of song that can have that dominating presence — it’s that good — however, the rest of the tracks off of Mirrors hold their own and make up one hell of a rocking album. At times, such as on the laid back, summary “Vacation, Vacation,” the D.C. based, indie folk rock outfit sounds like a harder rocking, less delicate Fleet Foxes, while tracks like “Monte Carlo” (mp3) infuses 70s classic rock harmonies and vibe that echos of Fleetwood Mac, minus the female vocals. It is also hard not to love the soft falsetto chorus on “Fool To Love (Like I Do)” and they way the plugged in "Hollywood Hollows" slinks and struts, its cheery chorus contrasting with the darker riffs. Good stuff.

Pick up this awesome album on January 25.

U.S. Royalty - "Equestrian"

I know we aren't done with 2010 yet — we are all still finishing up our top 10 lists for 2010 — but I from what I can tell, 2011 is going to be another great year for music. A few local Portland favorites, The Builders And The Butchers, Dolorean and Loch Lomond, are releasing albums early next year. While I am really excited about all three albums, I am also looking forward to all the potential new discoveries. One of which will likely be DC's U.S. Royalty, especially if the rest of the album lives up to the single "Equestrian" (mp3). They've been compared to Local Natives, The Black Keys, Fleet Foxes, Band of Horses, and early Kings of Leon, basically a list of some of my favorite bands. I definitely hear the Fleet Foxes influence on this song, which makes me curious to hear their other ones.