Monthly Mix: December 2014

The Smashing Pumpkins visit a Monument To An Elegy


     The presents were plentiful this December and the music world also handed out a few gifts of its own just before the clock struck midnight.
     Chicago Illinois alt-rockers The Smashing Pumpkins have been riding high on the waves of their new album Monument To An Elegy [December 5, via BMG]. The nine tracks are laced with synths, hard hitting guitars, and feature Tommy Lee on the drums. Pumpkins' frontman Billy Corgan says he's surprised by the muddled reviews his new effort is getting, but understands the critics said the same thing about his earlier releases. On the cut "Drum + Fife", an acoustic guitar and a scintillating synth-line lead to the album's best work. The band will play big slots at the Lollapalooza 2015 South America festivals in support.
     As the year winds down, its nice to reflect on all the great memories, experiences, and awesome tunes of course! The December Playlist may be the last one of the year, but it is still jam-packed with enough fresh tracks to keep the elves busy for next year.


December 2014 Playlist

1.  Soft Pyramids  -  "Around This Town"

2.  Modest Mouse  -  "Lampshades On Fire"

3.  The Smashing Pumpkins  -  "Drum + Fife"

4.  Rise Against  -  "Tragedy + Time"

5.  Max Frost  -  "Let Me Down Easy"

6.  Joywave  -  "Somebody New"

7.  The Kickdrums  -  "Breathe Again"

8.  Crescendo  -  "Call Cards"

9.  alt-J  -  "Every Other Freckle"

10.  Misun  -  "Penny"

11.  The Airborne Toxic Event  -  "Wrong"

12.  Vance Joy  -  "Mess Is Mine"

IN THE BONUS:

Here are Orbit Sound's Favorite Songs of 2014.


Favorite Songs Of 2014

15.  Tove Lo  -  "Habits (Stay High)"

14.  The Black Keys  -  "Gotta Get Away"

13.  Big Data  -  "Dangerous" ft. Joywave

12.  The War On Drugs  -  "Red Eyes"

11.  Mike Doughty  -  "Light Will Keep Your Heart Beating In The Future"

10.  Bleachers  -  "I Wanna Get Better"

9.  Weezer  -  "Back To The Shack"

8.  Jack White  -  "Lazaretto"

7.  Foo Fighters  -  "Outside"

6.  Bear Hands  -  "Agora"

5.  Cloud Nothings  -  "I'm Not Part Of Me" 

4.  Spoon  -  "Inside Out"

3.  Foster The People  -  "Coming Of Age"

2.  moe.  -  "Same Old Story"

1.  Tokyo Police Club  -  "Argentina (Parts I, II, III)"

There you have it folks, 2014 is in the books. Have a fun and safe New Year's Eve!

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

For more, follow Steve Ferris on Twitter: @SteveFerris7

Best Albums Of 2014

Bear Hands made a Distraction in 2014

     As the year comes to an end, it's nice to look back at all the albums that made for another banner year in the music world. Here are Orbit Sound's favorite albums of 2014.


Best Albums Of 2014

40.  Warpaint  -  Warpaint

39.  Umphrey's McGee  -  Similar Skin

38.  FKA Twigs  -  LP1

37.  The Gaslight Anthem  -  Get Hurt

36.  Sun Kil Moon  -  Benji

35.  Lana Del Rey  -  Ultraviolence

34.  Real Estate  -  Atlas

33.  Shabazz Palaces  -  Lese Majesty

32.  Charli XCX  -  Sucker

31.  Rise Against  -  The Black Market

30.  The Pretty Reckless  -  Going To Hell

29.  The Smashing Pumpkins  -  Monument To An Elegy

28.  Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers -  Hypnotic Eye

27.  Flying Lotus  -  You're Dead!

26.  Royal Blood  -  Royal Blood

25.  Thom Yorke  -  Tomorrow's Modern Boxes

24.  Interpol  -  El Pintor

23.  Future Islands  -  Singles

22.  Death From Above 1979  -  The Physical World

21.  Swans  -  To Be Kind

20.  Tokyo Police Club  -  Forcefield

19.  Caribou  -  Our Love

18.  Run The Jewels  -  Run The Jewels 2

17.  Broken Bells  -  After The Disco

16.  Weezer  -  Everything Will Be Alright In The End

15.  Chromeo  -  White Women

14.  TV On The Radio  -  Seeds

13.  Beck  -  Morning Phase

12.  Cloud Nothings  -  Here And Nowhere Else

11.  alt-J  -  This Is All Yours

10.  Phish  -  Fuego

9.  St. Vincent  -  St. Vincent

8.  Foo Fighters  -  Sonic Highways

7.  The Black Keys  -  Fever

6.  moe.  -  No Guts, No Glory

5.  Spoon  -  They Want My Soul

4.  The War On Drugs  -  Lost In The Dream

3.  Jack White  -  Lazaretto

2.  Foster The People  -  Supermodel

1.  Bear Hands  -  Distraction

 

Check in every month for the latest in alternative music.

Stay tuned for the December Playlist!

For more, follow Steve Ferris on Twitter: @SteveFerris7

Monthly Mix: November 2014

TV On The Radio plants new Seeds

      November gave out lots to be thankful for including friends, family, and football. Not to mention a feast of new music.
     Brooklyn New York's indie rockers TV On The Radio are back with their latest album Seeds [November 18, via Harvest]. Heavy on synth and fuzzed out guitars, this record is smooth front to back. On the first single "Happy Idiot", frontman Tunde Adebimpe sings a tale of trying to stay sane while not trying to think about a love that got away. The band's tour kicks off in Miami then heads overseas with a big gig at Sonar Festival in Iceland.
     As the cold begins to settle in, it's good to know the iPod is heated up with fresh tunes. Thanksgiving is in the rear view mirror, now it's time to put the headphones on and string up the Christmas lights.


 November 2014 Playlist

1.  Cold War Kids  -  "All This Could Be Yours"

2.  Hospital  -  "Right On"

3.  TV On The Radio  -  "Happy Idiot"

4.  Bully  -  "Milkman"

5.  Foo Fighters  -  "In The Clear"

6.  Imagine Dragons  -  "I Bet My Life"

7.  George Ezra  -  "Budapest"

8.  Milky Chance  -  "Flashed Junk Mind"

9.  Robert DeLong  -  "Long Way Down"

10.  Yelawolf  -  "Till It's Gone"

11.  Brave Shores  -  "Never Come Down"

12.  Walk The Moon  -  "Shut Up And Dance"

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

Monthly Mix: October 2014

Foo Fighters cruise with Sonic Highways

     As the final leaves fall off the trees and Halloween comes to an end, another October is in the books. Just like the witch's brew, the pot of brand new music still burns strong.
     Seattle mega-rockers Foo Fighters are back in full effect with their new album Sonic Highways [November 10, via RCA].  The band recorded the eight songs in eight different cities, with a plethora of A-list guests contributing on the tracks. Frontman Dave Grohl describes it as being much bigger and including more jams, but still sounding like the Foo Fighters. A perfect example of this is the first single "Something From Nothing" which features sharp guitar riffs, vintage Grohl lyrics, and even a funk jam. The band's tour will hit Voodoo Festival and then off to Africa and South America.
     The October playlist is packed with new music and goes great with the last Kit-Kat bar.

October 2014 Playlist

1.  Striving Vines  -  "Sound Of Tomorrow"

2.  Minus The Bear  -  "Invented Memory"

3.  Foo Fighters  -  "Something From Nothing"

 

4.  Echosmith  -  "Cool Kids"

5.  Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness  -  "Cecilia And The Satellite"

6.  Smashing Pumpkins  -  "Being Beige"

7.  Glass Animals  -  "Gooey"

8.  Soundgarden  -  "Storm"

9.  moe.  -  "Same Old Story"

10.  LISBON  -  "Native"

11.  Peaking Lights  -  "Everyone And Us"

12.  Flo Rida  -  "GDFR"  ft. Sage the Gemini

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

Monthly Mix: September 2014

Prince creates Art Official Age

     The summer has officially ended with a bang. Festival season is behind us, and the long journey of autumn lies ahead. As the days get shorter, it's nice to have a re-stocked iPod to enjoy the crisp nights.
     Minnesota's iconic rock god Prince is making new music again, and it comes in the form of the fresh album Art Official Age [September 30, via Warner Bros Records].  The timeless axe-man delivers the goods with this latest effort, blending in soul, R&B, and funk. The bouncy track "FUNKNROLL" is a playful number and features the full-studio treatment. The album has a refreshing sound, certainly not of the stale variety. Currently there are no tour dates in support.
     This month's mix features a boat-load full of buzzworthy rock music, not to mention a couple names from years past. It goes great with some headphones and the colorful fall trails.


September 2014 Playlist

1.  The Vines  -  "Metal Zone"

2.  The Griswolds  -  "Right On Track"

3.  U2  -  "The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)"

4.  Julian Casablancas + The Voidz  -  "Where No Eagles Fly"

5.  Mike Doughty  -  "Light Will Keep Your Heart Beating In The Future"

6.  Fall Out Boy  -  "Centuries"

7.  Thom Yorke  -  "A Brain In A Bottle"

8.  The American Scene  -  "Royal Blue"

9.  Panama Wedding  -  "All Of The People"

10.  Go Wolf  -  "Talk To You"

11.  Knox Hamilton  -  "Work It Out"

12.  Prince  -  "FUNKNROLL"

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


    

Monthly Mix: August 2014

Spoon dishes out They Want My Soul

     The summer has been filled with good times and hot tracks and as it winds itself down, the tune remains the same. This month's playlist delivers another fresh serving of sounds to keep the late night party going.
     Hailing from Austin Texas, indie-rockers Spoon are getting rave reviews with their latest album in four years They Want My Soul [August 5th, via Loma Vista]. The record is a healthy mix of stomping guitar and dream pop. On the lucid track "Inside Out", frontman Britt Daniel proclaims "Time's gone inside out, time gets distorted with this intense gravity." That message sure rings true these days. The rest of the album is a smooth tranquil listen. Catch them on tour as they swing through the United States, Canada, and Europe throughout the fall.
     The August mix is stacked with a stash of new alt-rock. It sounds great in the iPod while blazing down the bike trail, or strolling down the beach.


August 2014 Playlist

1.  Hozier  -  "Take Me To Church"

2.  Panama  -  "Always"

3.  Priory  -    "Weekend"

4.  Meg Myers  -  "Desire"

5.  Miami Horror  -  "Wild Motion (Set It Free)"

6.  Spoon  -  "Inside Out"

7.  The Gaslight Anthem  -  "Stay Vicious"

8.  BANKS  -  "Beggin For Thread"

9.  Sir Sly  -  "You Haunt Me"

10.  Wampire  -  "Wizard Staff"

11.  Eliot Sumner  -  "Come Friday"

12.  Mansions On The Moon  -  "Don't Tell"

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

Monthly Mix: July 2014

Rise Against enters The Black Market

     As the dog days of summer settle in, it's good to know there's a fresh assortment of tunes to keep the pool parties going strong into the night.
     Chicago rockers Rise Against are soaring near the top of the charts with their latest record The Black Market [July 15, via Interscope]. Frontman Tim McIlrath says this album is more personal than the last few, and the lyrics certainly reflect the message. On the hard-hitting "I Don't Want To Be Here Anymore", McIlrath expresses the feeling of getting tired of a situation but not knowing where to go. The rest of the songs on the record are similar in fashion and feature lightning fast drumming and laser sharp punk-rock guitar riffs. Their tour swings through Canada and the United States with major gigs at Made In America Festival and Riot Fest.
     The heat of the summer is starting to kick in so it's a good thing to know our iPods are reloaded with cool beats. The July Playlist is filled with new music and does its best job to make the sunsets seem a little bit longer.


July 2014 Playlist

1.  Joywave  -  "Tongues"

2.  Semi Precious Weapons  -  "Aviation High"

3.  Rise Against  -  "I Don't Want To Be Here Anymore"

4.  alt-J  -  "Left Hand Free"

5.  Interpol  -  "All The Rage Back Home"

6.  Weezer  -  "Back To The Shack"

7.  Circa Waves  -  "Young Chasers"

8.  Grimes  -  "Go"  ft. Blood Diamonds

9.  Seether  -  "Words As Weapons"

10.  TV Girl  -  "Birds Don't Sing"

11.  Zella Day  -  "East Of Eden"

12.  Death From Above 1979  -  "Trainwreck 1979"

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

Monthly Mix: June 2014

Phish heats up with Fuego

     The summer is officially here and the pools are open and ready to be splashed upon. While most people were caught up in the World Cup, the music world was filling its own cup to the brim with a special blend of ice cold sounds.

     Vermont rockers Phish are feeling rejuvenated with the release of their brand new album Fuego [June 24, via JEMP]. This ten track journey is filled with prog rock, funk, pop, and even a few horns. For the tune "555", the band shows off its groovy slow-funk side and features the soft quirky vocal delivery of bassist Mike Gordon. The whole album flows together without any need to skip a song. Check Phish out on tour as they will be selling out big sheds around the country with a final 3-night stop at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Colorado.

     It's nice to be able to spend the afternoons in the park, at the pool, in the garden, or at the beach. The June Playlist has a variety of sizzling summer beats to help keep the temperatures rising. It fits nicely alongside a patio and a vodka lemonade.

 

 

June 2014 Playlist

 

1.  Jack White  -  "That Black Bat Licorice"

 

2.  Magic!  -  "Rude"

 

3.  Iggy Azalea  -  "Fancy" ft. Charli XCX

 

 

4.  The Kooks  -  "Bad Habit"

 

5.  Umphrey's McGee  -  "Cut The Cable"

 

6.  Phish  -  "555"

 

 

7.  Caribou  -  "Can't Do Without You"

 

8.  Lana Del Rey  -  "West Coast"

 

9.  Spoon  -  "Rent I Pay"

 

 

10.  Milky Chance  -  "Stolen Dance"

 

11.  Arkells  -  "Come To Light"

 

12.  Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers  -  "American Dream Plan B"

 

 

13.  Decorations  -  "Girls"

 

14.  Say Hi  -  "Hurt In The Morning"

 

15.  Porter Robinson  -  "Sad Machine"

 

 

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

 

Monthly Mix: May 2014

moe. goes all out with No Guts, No Glory

    
     May is often considered the unofficial start of the summer. The sunshine is finally out, birds are chirping, festivals are underway, and signs of new life keep us excited for what lies ahead. An added bonus to all this, is the garden-sized allotment of fresh tunes.
     New York jam-rockers moe. are making some headlines with their latest album No Guts, No Glory [May 27, via Sugar Hill]. The album, which according to guitarist Chuck Garvey started out as an acoustic record, turned out to be a hard-hitting rock album, even including a few jams. On the Garvey-penned opening track "Annihilation Blues", the band shows off it's alt-country thrasher muscles and kicks off the album with a bang. The rest of the record is a beautiful journey of guitar-rock mixed in with textured tones of xylophone.  moe.'s summer tour takes them through the U.S., Japan, and Germany, with big gigs at LOHI Music Festival, Fuji Rock, and Gathering of the Vibes.
     Along with all the great weather comes the ability to get outside and enjoy it, whether it be on the beach, on the boat, or on the golf course. The May mix features some phenomenal music and sounds great while bouncing along the vibrant nature trails.


May 2014 Playlist

1.  Dirty Heads  -  "My Sweet Summer"

2.  Tove Lo  -  "Habits (Stay High)"

3.  moe.  -  "Annihilation Blues"

4.  Hooray For Earth  -  "Keys"

5.  Phish  -  "Waiting All Night"

6.  J. Roddy Walston & The Business  -  "Take It As It Comes"

7.  Vacationer  -  "The Wild Life"

8.  The Pretty Reckless  -  "Heaven Knows"

9.  Last Lynx  -  "Curtains"

  
10.  The Pains of Being Pure at Heart  -  "Eurydice"

11.  Y. O. U  -  "Heavy Crown"

12.  Jamie xx  -  "Girl"

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   

Monthly Mix: April 2014

The Black Keys decide to Turn Blue

     April has always been a transition month. As mother nature begins the transition into spring, the music world transitions itself into party-mode and festival season. April showers bring May flowers, but they also bring a whole bucket full of fresh tunes.
     Ohio rockers The Black Keys are back and poised to regain the throne of rock and roll with their new album Turn Blue [May 13, via Nonesuch]. Band members Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney summoned the production mastermind Danger Mouse for this one. The result is a funky, sexy, guitar-laden, rock album. The title-track "Turn Blue" is a midtempo, psychedelic breeze of a song that is a change of pace from the band's earlier repertoire. An enormous US/Europe tour will kick off in May, with major stops at SNL, Hangout Music Festival, and Glastonbury.
     Although a rainy gloomy day can dampen the mood, it's good to know that a nice pair of headphones and an umbrella can help bring out the sunshine for a little bit. The April mix takes a journey through alternative rock, chillwave, and features some dynamite collaborations. It makes a good companion for stomping through the puddles and dancing in the rain.


April 2014 Playlist

1.  Bleachers  -  "I Wanna Get Better"

2.  Cage The Elephant  -  "Take It Or Leave It"

3.  The Black Keys  -  "Turn Blue"

4.  Capital Cities  -  "One Minute More"

5.  St. Vincent  -  "Digital Witness"

6.  Jack White  -  "Lazaretto"

7.  Lykke Li  -  "No Rest For The Wicked" ft. A$AP Rocky

8.  Royal Blood  -  "Little Monster"

9.  Chromeo  -  "Come Alive"  ft. Toro Y Moi

10.  Fight Like Apes  -  "Crouching Bees"

11.  Snowmine  -  "Columbus"

12.  Big Data  -  "Dangerous" ft. Joywave

13.  Wye Oak  -  "Glory"

14.  Little Dragon  -  "Paris"

15.  SomeKindaWonderful  -  "Reverse"

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 

Monthly Mix: March 2014

Foster The People date a Supermodel

   
      Although the calendar indicates it should be spring, it feels like the never-ending winter is still upon us.  The music world did its best job to provide some hot tracks to curb the frost. While the leprechauns were out searching for shamrocks, they also found a heap of brand new music.
     Los Angeles indie-pop outfit Foster The People are making some noise with their brand new release Supermodel [March 14, via Columbia]. Trying to follow up the success and energy of 2011's Torches, the band's latest effort does not disappoint. Flashes of MGMT, Radiohead, and Muse can be heard as influences throughout. On the trippy "Pseudologia Fantastica", frontman Mark Foster coos back and forth about an egomaniac over a loose synthy backdrop. A massive album-supporting tour will hit Europe and the United States, and features big gigs at Coachella, Sasquatch, Governors Ball, and Reading & Leeds.
     This month's mix is jam-packed with a pot of gold's worth of great new music. As we wait for the sun to come around, the March Playlist does its best to bring forth the warmth of the spring.


March 2014 Playlist

1.  Hollow & Akimbo  -  "The One Who Has To Carry You Home"

2.  Dan Croll  -  "From Nowhere"

3.  Foster The People  -  "Pseudologia Fantastica"

4.  We Are Scientists  -  "Dumb Luck"

5.  Manchester Orchestra  -  "Top Notch"

6.  Sleeper Agent  -  "Waves"

7.  Future Islands  -  "Seasons (Waiting On You)"

8.  moe.  -  "Blond Hair And Blue Eyes"

9.  Fuel  -  "Soul To Preach To"

10.  Kaiser Chiefs  -  "Coming Home"

11.  Taking Back Sunday  -  "Stood A Chance"

12.  The Orwells  -  "Who Needs You"

13.  tUnE-yArDs  -  "Water Fountain"

14.  Chevelle  -  "Take Out The Gunman"

15.  The Black Keys  -  "Fever"

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

Monthly Mix: February 2014

Bear Hands create a Distraction

     Love was in the air as February's cupid warriors shot arrows and mp3s all over the icy landscape. Valentine's Day may have come and gone, but the fresh music cuts still resonate strong.
     Brooklyn's indie-rock band Bear Hands have entered the college radio stratosphere on the heels of their new album Distraction [February 18, via Cantora]. Packed with post-punk flavor, frontman Dylan Rau explores a variety of lyrical themes over dance-club worthy rock beats. On the bouncy "Agora", Rau contemplates leaving the comforts of his house and venturing out into the world. The rest of the album is a delight of catchy indie hooks and sleek guitar riffs. The tour weaves through the United States with hot stops at SXSW, Coachella, and Big Guava Music Festival.
     The arctic chill was not enough to spoil the surplus of spanking new tracks coming in to the iPods. February's Playlist has enough alternative, garage, and indie rock to keep the temperatures up while enjoying the last chocolate in the box.

February 2014 Playlist

1.  Cloud Nothings  -  "I'm Not Part Of Me"

2.  The Hold Steady  -  "Spinners"

3.  Bear Hands  -  "Agora"

4.  Neon Trees  -  "Sleeping With A Friend"

5.  Blitzen Trapper  -  "Thirsty Man"

6.  311  -  "Five Of Everything"

7.  Bad Suns  -  "Cardiac Arrest"

8.  U2  -  "Invisible"

9.  Tokyo Police Club  -  "Argentina (Parts I, II, III)"

10.  Silversun Pickups  -  "Cannibal"

11.  Last Lynx  -  "Lacuna"

12.  Saint Pepsi  -  "Mr. Wonderful"

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