Five Reasons 2014 Could be a Good Year for Women in Music

The past couple weeks have been pretty busy. I'm happy to be posting the first of several articles I've been working on since after the holidays.

The week before last I got to talk to NPR's Ann Powers about what 2014 might look like for women in music. If you're curious about she said, then you'll want to check out the latest in my Five Reasons series for Consequence of Sound.


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Mikal Cronin Plays World Cafe

My favorite album this summer has been MCII by Mikal Cronin– I think I might have mentioned that a week or two ago when Cronin played Conan (say that five times fast) and I posted the video. If you still haven't run into Cronin's summery West Coast rock, his stop at NPR's World Cafe is yet another good introduction. Take a hint and stream it here. 

So You're Not at SXSW 2013

Hey, friend. So it's time once again for half the country to funnel into Austin, Texas for the annual South By Southwest Festival. There will be show-hopping, elbow-rubbing, and sadly you won't be there. And you won't be able forget about your misfortune because of your Twitter feed. My God. Your Twitter feed.

But never fear! You can still enjoy some of SXSW from the comfort of your laptop. When life gives you lemons, find a high speed Internet connection. Here are a few ways you can keep up with the music portion of the festival from wherever you are.


+ NPR is streaming both audio and video March 13 and 14 straight from Stubbs and Auditorium Shores. The lineup is as follows:

Wednesday, March 13:

7:45 p.m CT - Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

9:10 p.m CT - Waxahatchee

10 p.m. CT - Cafe Tacvba

10:40 p.m. CT - Youth Lagoon

11 p.m. CT - Yeah Yeah Yeahs

12 a.m. CT - Le1f

12:30 a.m. CT - Alt-J

Thursday, March 14:

5 p.m. CT - Jovanotti

6 p.m. CT - Bajofondo

7 p.m. CT - Molotov

8 p.m. CT - Cafe Tacvba

You can also check the NPR site for other streamed events, like Dave Grohl's keynote speech.

+ Both Paste Magazine and NPR are offering free samplers of SXSW music. Check out Paste's Stages on Sixth sampler from NoiseTrade, and NPR's Austin 100.

+ The festival itself is offering SXSWfm again this year, which is basically an online station where you can stream music from acts playing there this week. It's not live, but it's worth checking out. 

+ For any Nashvillians out there wondering why we can't have nice things, here's an in-depth article from the City Paper about Nashville's history with music festivals and if we might ever have one of our own. 

+ Wired's SXSW blog is a pretty cool mix of pictures, quotes and text posted in a Tumblr-esque fashion. So there's that.

+ Oh, and um... #SXSW

Tiny Desk Concert with Ben Gibbard

In case your pre-holiday work week is slowing down and you're watching dust dance in the tedium of the afternoon, here's a great NPR Tiny Desk Concert. It's Ben Gibbard and his Gibson performing three songs, one of which being Death Cab for Cutie's "St. Peter's Cathedral." We also get to hear about Gibbard's stint "working" in a lab.

NPR's Best Practices for Mixtapes

Allow me to direct your attention to some sage advice from the folks at NPR's All Song Considered. It's how to make a mixtape without looking like a creeper. Spolier: Never ever use "Every Breath You Take" by the Police. A move like that's almost restraining order worthy. Anyway, hop on over to NPR and read up on this great piece of mixtape philosophy. 

September Roundup

Music loves September, apparently. Here's a rundown of some of the stuff I probably should have been posting about this month.

+ The Avett Brothers album The Carpenter came out on the 11th. The best part of the album is how immediately familiar it is. I felt like it took two listens to learn all the songs. Was it safe? Ok, maybe a little bit. Would I counter that argument by saying,  "hello, guitar distortion and drums?" You bet.

+ Babel by Mumford and Sons hits shelves tomorrow. The band played Saturday Night Live this week. The sound was subpar as usual, but that's ok because seeing them dressed as a Beatles tribute band almost made up for it. #cheaplaughs

+ The Killers released Battle Born last week. If you're anything like me, you miss the days when The Killers were sleazy. Synth, eyeliner, tight white suits. Hell, at this point I'd settle for that Day and Age-era jacket with the feathery epaulets. (Maybe) Now frontman Brandon Flowers sings about good character. I guess one of us had to grow up.

+ All Songs Considered posted a fall music preview. The potential of new music is always exciting. It's been a while since I've found anything interesting.

+ If you're in Nashville, the Alabama Shakes are going to be at Live on the Green this Thursday, and that's excellent.

NPR Streams New Avett Brothers Album

Here's what you need to know today: NPR is streaming the new Avett Brothers album The Carpenter.

Here's some additional info: It's pretty good, especially "Pretty Girl from Michigan," "Geraldine," and "Paul Newman v. The Demons."

Muppets and Puppets

I couldn't have planned this post any better myself.

If you remember, a little while ago TMI brought you news of the Muppets tribute album, The Green Album. NPR's got it on First Listen this week, which is very exciting. The actual release date is Aug. 23.

Also in the felt and cloth world, the National's new video for "Exile Vilify" stars the most melancholic sock puppet you've ever seen. That's just a whole lot of emotion for something made of cotton. Check out the video above and the story behind it here.

Noah and the Whale Play NPR

It was happy news from my Google Reader this morning when I saw that the London-based indie band Noah and the Whale stopped by the NPR All Songs Considered office to play a Tiny Desk Concert. In reality, it was only a part of the group, frontman Charlie Fink and violinist Tom Hebden, but they played a great set anyway.

If you never picked up a copy of this past spring's Last Night on Earth, definitely do when you get a chance, and even more so than that, pick up First Days of Spring, which came out in 2009. Absolutely lovely, probably the prettiest break up album you'll ever hear. Not sure if there's something ironic about falling in love with a break up album, but you will. Embrace the irony.

Catch Beirut's 'Rip Tide' Streaming

I don't know what it's like where you are, but in Syracuse, NY it's rainy and gray. What better use of time could there be than taking Beirut's new album The Riptide for a test run? (And polishing up a final project for my grad program.... but that's my deal.)

NPR has The Riptide streaming as an Exclusive First Listen. So far so good. The title "Riptide" is probably a more forceful thought than anything on the album, which is mostly slower-paced and horn-ladden as usual. It's Beirut's third full-length album. For those of you keeping track at home, you might remember the name from 2009's Top Ten Discoveries list. The band's contribution to the Dessner brother-backed (from The National) charity album Dark was the Night, fit right in with the gypsy rock (or Balkan folk, if you prefer) kick I was apparently on at the time.

Anyway, check it out.

Distracted by Buddy Holly

Like a lot of people these days, from high schoolers to tv journalists to politicians and the odd 50-year-old in between, I use Twitter. In fact, one of my favorite hashtags is #distractedbyBuddyHolly because it applies more than you would think, and it's nothing if not accurate in describing what happens if I'm trying to say, do an interview, and "Rave On" is playing in the background of the coffee shop.

Anyway, today I bring you tidings that NPR is streaming the new Buddy Holly tribute album, Rave On Buddy Holly. It's 19 tracks featuring names like Paul McCartney, Florence and the Machine, Modest Mouse, Patti Smith and Lou Reed, to name a few.

I've yet to hear it through, but I figure it's worth mentioning, not so much because I was so madly in love with She & Him's cover of "Oh, Boy," but because I think it's more than worth noting that Buddy Holly is still relevant today, 50+ years after his death, and will remain so for generations to come.

Give it a listen, let us know what you think.

NPR, DCfC, Sasquatch and Other Strange Letters

In honor of the release of Death Cab for Cutie's Codes and Keys, out today, I thought I'd remind you that NPR is posting live recordings from the Sasquatch Music Festival like it's their job. (Wha?)

That said, here's Death Cab for Cutie, live in concert, courtesy of NPR. Enjoy.

Streaming: Joseph Arthur's The Graduation Ceremony

Crap. Can't find my keys.

I found Joseph Arthur a few years back, just after graduating from high school. He had a new record out called Let's Just Be and Paste Magazine included a cut from it on one of their sampler CDs. It was "Diamond Ring," one of the first posts I wrote for this blog. Apparently, at the time I didn't think it was anything spectacular. Oh well.

In any case, Arthur surfaced again a few months ago when I came across 2002's "Honey and the Moon." That, my friends, is a fine song, especially for the line "If you weren't real, I would make you up." Satisfying sap. It's just begging to be painted on a picture frame, which is a fitting intersection with two points in life these days. For one, it has come to my attention that NPR is streaming his newest album "The Graduation Ceremony," and it happens that I just graduated from college.

I know. Freaky.

Anyway, I got to listen to the album last night. I think I may need to spin it again, so judgment withheld for now, but it's nice to know Arthur turns up every time I graduate. We'll see what he cooks up next year when I finish my master's.

NPR Streams Live from SXSW

If you're not tuning into NPR All Song's Considered's live stream from South by Southwest, I really don't know what to say. They've got video this year. Do it.

For the love of whatever, click here.

Musically Inclined "Things," For Lack of a Better Word

Well folks, TMI's been laid up sick since Friday, and by TMI, I mean yours truly. In the spirit of not having the focus to write about one thing, here are a few items of interest that I thought were worth mentioning.

- Obligatory Beatles/iTunes post: We all knew it was going to happen at some point. There's just way too much money there. Though, before the news leaked or whatever last night, I was hoping the announcement had something to do with the fabled iTunes Cloud. Gizmodo did a funny post on the the matter.

- Avett Bros in unexpected places: There's a website called Design Sponge that I nothing short of adore, we'll say. While perusing my Google Reader this morning, I saw they posted about the Avett Brothers and upon scrolling realized they did an interview with Scott Avett about his artistic pursuits. Great stuff!

- Speaking of cool brothers: The Gregory Brothers turned up on the Today show recently. Points to the dweeb reporter for the stiffest, most out-of-touch explanation of Auto-Tune. Speaking of Auto-Tune, it couldn't even save the Today Show crew from the most painful a capella cover of "Dynomite."

- You Can't Tell Me Nothin': Apparently some guy put out a book with lyrics from rap songs, saying what fine poetry it is, without ever actually having listened to the songs. NPR sent him links to the songs on Youtube and had a conversation with him about his impressions and the relationship between the lyrics and beats/rhythms of rap. I just thought this was really interesting because for the most part, I always thought the rhythms were rap and hip-hop's saving grace. Then again, one of my mottos for a happy life is "quote Kanye whenever possible."

- Make it stop: Pop is so much better than it was in the 90s. Evidence: I can't get this song out of my head. I'm mildly ashamed, but mostly perplexed by why it works at all. Stupid Glee. I think I will be blogging about the value of a solid pop song very soon. Lady Gaga, Ke$ha, Katy Perry-- your credibility will suffer death by cotton candy.

NPR Streams New Album by The Bad Plus

I always wondered, The Bad Plus what?

The Musically Inclined doesn't cover much jazz, but I feel it's worth mentioning that NPR's All Songs Considered is streaming the new album Never Stop by The Bad Plus. The Bad Plus is great. I first stumbled on their jazz rendition of "Smells Like Teen Spirit." What's not to love? I greatly love a lot of different types of jazz from different periods, but The Bad Plus meets me in a good place in current time. If you've never heard them, definitely give this new album a listen, it's pretty good.

Gogol Bordello Hit Up NPR

Because I can't pass up typing "gypsy rock" when the chance presents itself. Check out this Tiny Desk Concert from NPR's All Songs Considered. Sadly the video is not embeddable, but you can always click the link! I bet it would be a blast to play with these guys.

The set list is below.

01. Immigraniada (We're Comin' Rougher)
02. My Compenjara
03. Alcohol
04. Pala Tute
05. Start Wearing Purple*

*Sidenote: Heard this song for the first time in high school on the soundtrack to Everything is Illuminated. High recommendations for the soundtrack, the movie, and book.

So, You're Not at Bonnaroo

First off, take a moment to note the fresh smell of the people sitting around you. Next, hop over to NPR's All Songs Considered blog. Starting this afternoon, they'll be streaming various shows, including The National's set tonight at 5:45 p.m. central. Check the link above for the skinny on which bands you can hear live-- or hear archived in case you can't get out of that hot date. (Yeah, we know how it is.)

If audio isn't your thing, Youtube is also streaming a ton of performances.

Here's what TMI's going to try and catch:

Michael Franti and Spearhead
The Avett Brothers
The National
Kings of Leon
Weezer

Here's what TMI's going to avoid like hell:

Dave Matthews Band

Hey, never said the lineup was strong. Anywho, enjoy your air-conditioned, well-hydrated, clean-smelling, hippie-free (not that we don't love hippies, it's the dancing that's the turn-off) Bonnaroo experience.

Peace.

New Music. Now.

Patience? Please. Here's a rundown of all sorts of albums you can hear before they actually hit stores.

High Violet : The National - The album leaked and the band decided the best route to take would be to stream it on The New York Times website starting Friday the 23rd. Unlike the leak, High Violet will be streamed in its full quality. The album comes out officially May 10th.

Forgiveness Rock Record : Broken Social Scene - NPR's All Songs Considered has got the Exclusive First Listen right now, running through May 4th when the album itself hits stores/drops/other cool phrasing to say "is released."

Heaven is Whenever : The Hold Steady - Can't say I'm not, hmmm.... how to put this, completely over The Hold Steady, but still it's probably worth mentioning. NPR also has the album streaming until its May 4th release date.

SXSW Sampler from NPR

It's definitely a big week for music, and The Musically Inclined..... is not in Austin right now (sorry), but that doesn't mean that there isn't a little SXSW goodness to be heard back here. Mainly I just wanted to draw to your attention the free NPR Music at SXSW sampler that's available on iTunes. The track listing is as follows:

01. Written in Reverse : Spoon
02. The High Road : Broken Bells
03. I Learned the Hard Way : Sharon Jones And The Dap-Kings
04. Canadian Girl : The Walkmen
05. Girl In Love : Smith Westerns
06. Airplanes : Local Natives
07. Everywhere I Go : G-Side
08. Cleo's Song : JBM
09. Achille's Heel: IV. Shur Landing : Brooklyn Rider
10. Hannah : Freelance Whales
11. Swim : Surfer Blood

The first two tracks alone make this worth the download. In somewhat related news, I have scattered thoughts on Broken Bells and will post soon. Anyway, the sampler is again, free, so I don't really know why you're still reading this. Have at it.