The New Year's Pre-Party Playlist

     2012 is right around the corner, and you might find yourself going out to a party to ring in the new year, or maybe you're the one throwing the soirée. Whether you're celebrating the close of 2011 at a large party, or you're just chilling with some close friends and family, you're gonna need some festive music to get you feeling awesome. Here's some gems that sparkle brighter than the glitter at a Ke$ha concert for while you're getting yourself looking sharp. 






























For instant party success, follow these simple instructions: 
1. Turn up your bass
2. Add this track 
3. Mingle and enjoy :) 

A Very Indie Christmas

While everyone else is listening to Justin Bieber Christmas covers, you can listen to indie ones, because mainstream Christmas music is so...mainstream. So toss your ironic scarf over your shoulder because you're indoors, stir your all-organic chai latte from the non-chain coffee shop down the street, and turn your speakers up, because it's about to get festive-- indie style.

This video of Ingrid Michaelson & Sara Bareilles is ridiculous. There is so much knit-hat-thick-glasses-musical-genius happening that I just can't handle it. 

These guys crack me up. No video for this, just audio, but it's enough, haha. 

Yes, this song is in here twice. This is my absolute favorite Christmas song, and the Darlene Love version is unbeatable. 

Happy holidays to you and yours from KSG! I'm going to attempt to study for finals now. Key word being "attempt."

Cheers! 

-- L.V. 

Do Some Good: The Born This Way Foundation

Mother Monster wants all of her Little Monsters to feel accepted and loved.
No, this isn't some convoluted cult. This is Lady Gaga, and she is launching a nonprofit foundation next year focusing on youth empowerment and "issues like self-confidence, well-being, anti-bullying, mentoring and career development" according to the Grammy award winning artist as quoted in The Huffington Post.
Also affiliated with the Born This Way Foundation --named for Gaga's hit song about self-acceptance-- is the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, The California Endowment and the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University.
Of the Foundation, Gaga says: "Together we hope to establish a standard of Bravery and Kindness, as well as a community worldwide that protects and nurtures others in the face of bullying and abandonment."
My paws are up, Lady Gaga, because this is music to my ears.

To join the movement online, go to http://www.bornthiswayfoundation.org/ .

2012 Adventure Preview: Mississippi

Hey there!

I'm leaving for Thanksgiving break tomorrow. It'll be nice to be home for a little while. What I'm really excited about though is my trip to Smithville, Mississippi that I'll be going on with other students from my college over Christmas break. Smithville is a disaster area-- torn up by a tornado-- and a group of us are going there with some fantastic "Aunts" and "Uncles" from Lend A Hand. I've never built a house, or fixed a roof, but I'm beyond stoked to meet new people, learn new things, and to journey out to Knoxville, Tupelo, and other places down South on my way to help those affected by the disaster.

As an aside, the American South is iconic as being the birthplace of rock-and-roll-- with headliners like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, music during this chapter in American history is unforgettable. Even modern music artists like Harrison Hudson take notes from 60's and 70's southern rock, so I'm interested to see this part of the country that has had such a profound effect on music history as we know it.

It'll be my first "Do Some Good" act for 2012! Woo!

What do you plan to do next year? Think it over with some solid southern-inspired tracks.













Stay tuned, and I'll keep you posted on Mississippi & other adventures!
Thanks for reading!
-- L.V.

American Thunder

Hey, so remember that position I got at school writing music reviews? ...You do?! Your memory is way better than mine!
Here's the article I wrote this past week on Harrison Hudson:

Just the title of Harrison Hudson’s third full-length album—“American Thunder”—makes me wish I were driving a muscle car with the windows down, drumming my fingers on the driver’s side door. The album’s sound embodies the spirit that was so much a part of ‘50’s and ‘60’s Americana: raw emotion and pure stream of consciousness. That unbridled sense of freedom, nostalgia, and soulful rock roll over the listener in this third-time’s-the-charm album with a perfect storm of melodies, and Hudson’s vocals are smooth like a soda fountain treat.

            From humble beginnings in Atlanta, GA, Harrison Hudson got his start as a songwriter backed by a band. In 2008, Harrison Hudson had become a full band—taking his name as their title— and making a new home in Nashville, TN. I caught up with Harrison Hudson in May of 2010 when they were touring with Manchester Orchestra at the Theater of the Living Arts in Philly.

Their song, “Indie Rock and Roll Queen” was an instant favorite of mine for its hard-hitting power chords and catchy lyrics. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to dance around playing air-guitar, singing into your hairbrush; not caring if your roommate judges you.

            Harrison Hudson captures the vintage, southern-rock feel and re-inspires it in a new generation of music enthusiasts—not re-manufactures the past. “American Thunder” tells the modern tale of “boy meets manic-pixie-dream-girl” (where are my Garden State fans at?) and “boy winds up heartbroken when she leaves him for another guy.” If you’re anything like me, though, the album closes after playing “Run My Way” about six times, and then mouthing the words to “Bookstore Girl” as you walk across campus to class. It turns it into a “choose your own adventure” story.

Harrison Hudson writes the anthems for the new age horizon chasers and radio blasters. Now if only gas still cost 24 cents a gallon…       

To listen to all tracks on Harrison Hudson's new album, check out their website. 

Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for more music posts, updates, and reviews!
-- L.V.

The Year We Got Christmas for Halloween

Usually, when I'm blogging it's pouring down rain, but today we are having a weather event: it is snowing in October. Now, depending on where you live, this may not be a big deal (here's looking at you, Nova Scotia!) but for the east coast of the U.S., this is pretty unusual.

Fittingly enough, She & Him released their much anticipated Christmas album, "A Very She & Him Christmas" this past Monday.



I dropped everything I was doing to download it, and I listened to it all day. In fact, I am listening to it now as this wonderful snowfall is occurring. Zooey & M. Ward, you make my life beautiful.











I could honestly just listen to this, watch the Polar Express, drink hot chocolate/ good coffee, and snuggle right now. My life would be complete.

Happy Early Holidays from KSG!
Stay warm!
--L.V.

Live from Philadelphia... An Horse

     Hey there fellow music lovers & concert attendees! It has been an obscenely long time since I've posted last, for which I do apologize.
     Last weekend I had the ultimate pleasure of seeing An Horse perform at the North Star bar in Philly. The duo always put on a great show. I even got to shake hands and introduce myself to Harrison Hudson, who you might recall from KC & DC's last tour with Manchester Orchestra  .
I think the crowning moment though was when I was at An Horse's merch table. Damon was running it, and I got a chance to talk to him, and tell him that I saw them perform at Lollapalooza over the summer, and  that I thought their show that night was fantastic. I tried really hard not to fangirl. I may or may not have succeeded. However, if Kate was out there, I probably would've fangirled, haha.
Check out some of the pictures from that night:

Outside the North Star

Damon Cox setting up for An Horse's set.

Kate Cooper tuning her guitar.

KC & DC

Kate Cooper

An Horse

There was a mustache painted on the wall just above one of the drum sets. I am definitely returning to the North Star to see another show.

Bye, Philly. I'll see you again soon!

Thanks for reading!
--L.V.