Monthly Mix: August 2013

Franz Ferdinand delivers Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action

     August seemed to continue the trend for the summer with good weather and hot tracks in the background. While the bees were buzzing around the hives, so were the mp3s this month as a few alt-rock giants emerged back to the forefront.
     United Kingdom alternative rock group Franz Ferdinand are making waves with their first release in four years Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action [August 27, via Domino]. Stacked with guitar-pop flavor, band leader Alex Kapranos says "For this one, we tried to act as if we didn't exist to the outside world and we could just make whatever we want and have our own world to live in and work in." The opening track "Right Action" jumps out of the gates with a flurry and gets boots stomping on the floor, reminiscent to the band's early days of writing fiery garage dance tracks. The album is a fun ride as the energy flows in and out. Their United States tour kicks off in October as they make a trip to Texas, including a spot at Austin City Limits.
     Hard to believe the summer is almost winding down. The August Playlist does its best to keep the heat index hot on the iPod while we soak up the last few days of sunshine and leisure.


August 2013 Playlist

1. Arctic Monkeys - Do I Wanna Know?

2. Kings Of Leon - Supersoaker

3. Franz Ferdinand - Right Action

4. Dr. Dog - The Truth

5. Max Frost - White Lies

6. Cage The Elephant - Come A Little Closer

7. Yuck - Rebirth

8. White Denim - Pretty Green

9. Pond - Giant Tortoise

10. HAIM - The Wire

11. St. Lucia - Elevate

12. Lorde - Royals

Check in every month for the latest in alternative music.

Visit iTunes if interested in purchasing any songs featured on Orbit Sound.

For more, follow Steve Ferris on Twitter: @SteveFerris7 

Mile of Music Rocks Downtown Appleton

     Over the weekend of August 8-11, Appleton was the destination for the inaugural Mile of Music Festival which featured 100+ musicians and bands playing in more than 40 different venues scattered across College Avenue. The mastermind of the festival was hometown singer/songwriter Cory Chisel whose vision was to bring original music to Appleton and give the community an event where people could have fun, listen to music, and party with friends. Mission accomplished, Cory.
    The Mile of Music Festival showcased musicians and bands of various genres, including Americana, indie rock, country, jazz, soul, folk, and more. Local band Greg Waters & The Broad Street Boogie kicked off the festivities Thursday evening in the newly renovated Houdini Plaza. The group played a bunch of fan-favorites out of their original catalog and helped set the pace for a stellar weekend.
     Chicago indie rockers California Wives had multiple sets over the course of the weekend, but really stole the show at Chadwick's Bar with a blistering set that included their hit song "Purple." As frontman Jayson Kramer belted out the lyrics "Will you break until you quit it?", the packed crowd most certainly did not want to quit dancing all night. Look for these guys as their fall tour schedule will be announced shortly, and we hope to have them back at next year's Mile of Music.
     In typical Orbit Sound fashion, we've produced a Mile of Music Playlist that features tunes from some of the great artists that graced the stage this weekend. The first year was a success and we are stoked for next year, as plans are already in the works for the second Mile. Enjoy!


Mile Of Music 2013 Playlist

1. The Blakes - Don't Bother Me

2. Phox - Slow Motion

3. California Wives - Purple

4. Bright Kind - Documentation

5. Dead Horses - Glitterbug

6. Cory Chisel and The Wandering Sons - Times Won't Change

7. The Candles - Blind Light

8. Orange Iguanas - Tell Me More (Demi Moore)

9. JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound - Rouse Yourself

10. The Traveling Suitcase - King Eliot

11. Those Darlins - Oh God

12. Norah Jones - Happy Pills

Check in every month for the latest in alternative music.

Visit iTunes if interested in purchasing any songs featured in Orbit Sound.

For more, follow Steve Ferris on Twitter: @SteveFerris7