Hi! I'm Tricia Halloran, an incurable new music junkie and a music supervisor for Film & TV, currently "The X-Files", "Castle" and "Casual", previously "The Big C", "Fargo" and more. From 1992 to 2007, I hosted "Brave New World" on KCRW, a destination for many emerging artists during the decade when the artists, music, and scene known as 'indie rock' evolved from an underground movement into a popular genre.
On this blog, Bravenewworld.net, you can stay in touch with my recommended new music releases, look up music I've placed recently in TV shows, and see what other books, concerts, and places are capturing my attention.
Eighteen "Must Have" Albums Of 2011
I've reviewed, purged, organized, listened, re-listened, re-organized and here is my definitive list of the albums I think you should have heard, and truly should own, that were released in 2011. It was a good year for the veterans - I couldn't cut this list down to a neat top ten because so many of my long-time heroes released great albums this year: Centro-matic, John Doe, J Mascis, Mountain Goats, Thurston Moore, Wilco and the rock chick supergroup of Wild Flag. Then there was also wonderful releases from newer well-loved bands like Bon Iver, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Elbow, I'm From Barcelona, and The Submarines. Despite all that firepower, some newbies on only their first or second album made the list too and all the more impressive for standing out amongst the proven talent: Laura Marling, Memphis, Pete & The Pirates, James Vincent McMorrow. I hope you make some new discoveries here, have some Happy Holidays and a stellar New Year! (the following 18 albums are in ALPHABETICAL order by artist)
Acid House Kings - Music Sounds Better With You: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
The Antlers - Burst Apart: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
Bon Iver - Bon Iver: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
Centro-matic - Candidate Waltz: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Hysterical: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
John Doe - Keeper: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
Elbow - Build A Rocket Boys: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
I'm From Barcelona - Forever Today: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
Laura Marling - A Creature I Don't Know: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
J. Mascis - Several Shades Of Why: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
James Vincent McMorrow - Early In The Morning: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
Memphis - Here Comes A City: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
Thurston Moore - Demolished Thoughts: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
The Mountain Goats - All Eternals Deck: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
Pete And The Pirates - One Thousand Pictures: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
The Submarines - Love Notes / Letter Bombs: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
Wilco - The Whole Love: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
Wild Flag - Wild Flag: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
Castle is "Super Bon Bon" Tonight!
Judging from the twitter feed, Castle fans are loving the 1996 Soul Coughing flashback! Good excuse to get out this excellent album and return it to rotation. And while you're at it, Mike Doughty has a new album out so you can get on that as well.
Soul Coughing - "Super Bon Bon": Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Mike Doughty Site for new album
There were some other worthy records featured in tonight's episodes as well -- when Castle and the boys arrived in Atlantic City you heard just a little bit of Jesse Malin, an artist I've long admired. I highly recommend his album "Glitter In The Gutter" that I pulled that song off of. Especially if you like that East Coast rocker Springsteen/Jersey/Pete Yorn/Ryan Adams sound.
Jesse Malin - "In The Modern World": Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
Alexis' party mix featured a band from Cork, Ireland, named Fred in the first party scene. In the last party scene you heard the talented Lyrics Born featuring vocals by Sam Sparro. This remix of the song is available for free at SoundCloud, scoop it up! And don't neglect the excellent album that features the original as well.
Fred - "Trial By Fire": Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
Lyrics Born - "Coulda Woulda Shoulda (Party Ben Remix)": FREE DOWNLOAD :: Official Site Lyrics Born - As U Were album: Amazon :: iTunes
J. Mascis Rules Castle
I'm kinda proud of this one, music fans. It's the first TV show placement for this album that came out in March of this year. J. Mascis has been an integral part of my musical life since I was enlightened to the wonderful and mysterious world of indie rock via Dinosaur Jr's seminal 1987 album "Livin All Over Me", drenched in satisfying feedback and anchored by his distinctive emotional voice. Too sum it up, the guy invented indie rock with that album, basically. But like Neil Young, J. Mascis can be louder than anyone or softer and more heartbreaking than most--this solo album "Several Shades Of Why" is quiet and intimately powerful. It features the song "Too Deep" which was perfect for portraying the bittersweet feelings of Beckett, Castle, Alexis and Martha after they endure the bank hostage ordeal. Delve in, I think you'll like it.
J. Mascis "Too Deep": Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
Double Pick Of The Week: Thurston Moore, The Antlers
Two recommendations this week to make up for my six weeks off ... both of these came out earlier in the year but are capturing my heart right now. This is a close-up moment for Thurston, both in the nature of the unusally acoustic record and the recent (shocking) announcement that he and his Sonic Youth bandmate and wife of 27 years, Kim Gordon, are splitting up. Naturally I wondered if the album held any clues to the situation. You can decide for yourself, but I would say its pretty laid out there. It's a beautiful listen that shows rare bedfellows: heartbreak and grace.
Thurston Moore - Demolished Thoughts: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
The Antlers album "Burst Apart" is a balm for any bad feelings on any day. Mysterious, dreamy and gorgeous, its got incredible texture and songwriting that knocks me out. Unlike many albums, it actually starts off great and gets even better as it progresses. By the time it winds up with the absolutely stellar song "Put The Dog To Sleep", you know you're listening to a masterpiece. It's all there in the opening line of the song, directed at a partner: "Prove to me I'm not gonna die alone ..." What else do we ask of love, really?
The Antlers - Burst Apart: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
The Big C's "Last Day On Earth"
Oh, those Big C writers. They got us on that one, didn't they? Such a good fake-out. Somebody died in the previous episode, so we TOTALLY WERE NOT EXPECTING SOMEONE ELSE to die in the final episode. Granted, I first found out about this months ago when I first read the script but I'm glad you all can share my pain now. But onwards to happier topics: great music.
Retreating in time to the next-to-last episode (that first aired Sep 19, 2011), the song heard right after Lee dies is "Last Day On Earth" by Kate Miller-Heidke. I've been a fan ever since my friend Jeremy H. sent me her music back in 2008. Oh, how I pestered the editors about this song. "It could go in this episode ... maybe this one ... do you think you could find a place for it now?", etc etc. But it was just so appropriate for The Big C that I refused to give up. Finally Editor Dave granted my wish and of course it was PERFECT so I'm glad it never found a home sooner. Kate Miller-Heidke is a real talent, the album is chock-full of lovable songs, more Lily Allen than Katy Perry, in my opinion but you can hear for yourself:
Kate Miller-Heidke - Curiouser: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
And now back to the season finale, a brief appearance of Sissor Sisters "Any Which Way" to liven up the insurance office holiday party, and then Straight No Chaser "Auld Lang Syne" to accompany the stunning ending.
Scissor Sisters - Night Work: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
Straight No Chaser - Holiday Spirits: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
That's all for this season folks, I've enjoyed sharing music with you on The Big C and I look forward to Season Three just as much as you all!
Castle Links The Chain Gang Of 1974 and Jen Hirsh
Q: What artist named his band after Ryan Adam's birth year plus a Raveonettes song? A: The Chain Gang of 1974. If OMD is one of your guilty pleasures, like mine, you will be into this band. Despite the band name, the music is not at all 70s-influenced, and doesn't bring to mind jail or a chain gang. It's just good beat-driven fun with an 80's tip! The song "Devil Is A Lady" has a slight industrial feel to it and it was perfect for the nerdy clerks to be playing in the comic book store that Castle & Beckett visit in this episode.
The Chain Gang of 1974 - Wayward Fire: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
Q: What singer-songwriter appeared on American Idol in 2009 but is still thrilled to be playing the Hotel Cafe on any given night? A: Jen Hirsh. Maybe too much songwriter, not enough pop star to be an Idol? That's ok by me. Her sweet songs are perfect for the romantic in all of us, and perfect for the final Castle scene where Castle & Beckett find an unsettling similarity between two of their suspects and themselves.
Jen Hirsh - Myself In Two: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
Pick Of The Week: Wild Flag
If you know me at all, its no mystery what Pick Of The Week would be on September 13. I've worshipped at the altar of Sleater-Kinney since their inception. I hosted Helium in a KCRW live performance in 1995, and played The Minders debut in 1998. Combine key members of these bands into a super-group? Sign me up! It's like they made the Tricia Halloran Dream Team. It's a little bit punk, it's a little bit riot grrl, it's a little East Coast indie, its a lot awesome. Get on board.
Wild Flag - Wild Flag: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
Pajaro Sunrise is "Kinda Fantastic" in The Big C
I'm quite vexed with myself that I did not post this promptly but hopefully it will remind some Big C fans that they meant to track down that irresistible, delicious-sounding song at the end of the episode where Cathy decides that the whole family should go to Italy for Christmas. The song is "Kinda Fantastic". The band, Pajaro Sunrise, is not Italian, but they are from Spain and I just adore them. I can put their albums on anytime and feel instantly soothed. In fact, just looking at the artwork makes me happy! They're just that way and its a good thing to have in your pocket ... especially on Mondays ...
Pajaro Sunrise - Done/Undone: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
Pick Of The Week: Pete & The Pirates
Oh, what fun I had when I put this album on! It captured my heart immediately. It's got energy and intimacy and great songwriting, three things that don't often come in the same package. Do yourself a favor and don't pass on this one, its a keeper. They're from Reading, England (and yes, the lead singer really is named Pete) and they're on the festival circuit overseas right now. Let's all buy records, show lots of love and maybe they'll come and visit us here in the U.S! Tell a friend!
Pete And The Pirates - One Thousand Pictures: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
"Must Have Been Love" for Roxette & The Big C
It was a dream assignment when The Big C writers created an episode with a 1990 high school reunion in it - how fun to visit my favorite musical era and come up with a key hit song! And then more good news, the directors of this episode turned out to be Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck! I first became a fan of theirs when I saw Half Nelson, a film they wrote and directed. Then I caught their film Sugar when it showed at Sundance a couple years ago, and they spoke and took questions afterward. You might have also heard some buzz on their recent film It's Kind Of A Funny Story. They're hot and it's well-deserved! So I was extremely excited to work with them. They do everything as a team, including answer emails, it was so cute! We talked about tons of ideas for the highschool reunion dance scene, and Crowded House was very close to making the cut but in the end everybody liked Roxette the best.
Roxette - It Must Have Been Love: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
I love how the closing song works, it was a very serendiptious find as the lyrics reflect exactly what Cathy is going through when she finds Sean missing. Vib Gyor is a band from Leeds, England, they broke up after they released this album (sad!) but you can read about their new project on their official site, see below.
Vib Gyor - Take Cover: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
The Big C Reaches For "Heights Of Diamond"
I've already blogged about how much I love this solo album by Adam Haworth Stephens (of Two Gallants) so I'll just say it was a thrill to land "Heights Of Diamond", one of the best songs on the record, in a closing spot on a Big C episode! Read my earlier blog praising this album here.
The episode title is "A Little Death" and it first aired on Showtime on August 22, 2011.
Also in the same episode, local LA favorite Jeremy Little's song "This Time I'll Get It Right" plays during the first scene where Adam meets Poppy (played by indie goddess Parker Posey!)
Adam Haworth Stephens - Heights Of Diamond: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
Jeremy Little - This Time I'll Get It Right: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
Big C Fans: Just "Breathe Slow"
High expectations, family squabbles, kitchen disasters, odd friends, weird food, The Big C Thansgiving episode does bear a strong resemblance to my childhood Thanksgivings! But we didn't have such good music to wrap up Thanksgivings at my parent's house ... closing out his second Big C episode is Alex Cornish with a message that we all could make use of on holidays and on a daily basis! Alex's music was previously featured in last season's episode where Cathy is seen stashing away future gifts for her son Adam (Who didn't cry at that scene?) and can be found on The Big C soundtrack. The song "Breathe Slow", featured as Cathy's Thanksgiving comes to a somber end, is even more soulful and intimate than the song we featured last season. If you're not a fan yet you will be now!
Alex Cornish - Breathe Slow: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
If you're curious about the groovy tune that Andrea and Lee (as well as the turkey) danced to on Thanksgiving Day, that is a soul group from the unlikely site of Iowa City, known as (you do need to take a breath on this one!) The Diplomats Of Solid Sound featuring The Diplomettes.
The Diplomats Of Solid Sound featuring The Diplomettes - If You're Wrong (I Don't Want To Be Right): Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
Pick Of The Week: Holcombe Waller
You hear his voice and suddenly the last few singer-songwriter records you liked get a lot less memorable. He's got one of THOSE voices. The lyrics measure up to the voice and the production is understated but elegant. He runs his own indie micro-label out of Portland, I'm asking you, what is not to love about Holcombe Waller?
Holcombe Waller - Into the Dark Unknown: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
The Big C & Cathy are "Still Alright" via Adam Merrin of The 88
Ever since I first heard this song over three years ago I've felt that it should be heard closing out a TV show - well, sometimes it takes awhile to make it happen! It was worth the wait though, to hear "Still Alright" by Adam Merrin in this moving episode of The Big C, when Cathy happily discovers that her cancer treatment is working.
I first met Adam as a member of one of my favorite bands, The 88, and he remains an integral part of The 88 today, while also keeping his solo career active.
Adam Merrin - Still Alright: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
Pick Of The Week: Diamond Rings
This is bedroom pop at its finest - not in the sense of bedroom lo-fi, complete-with-tape-hiss production, but because the feelings expressed are so intimate and open-hearted that I can only picture these vocals being crafted in the privacy of a bedroom. If you like Her Space Holiday and/or Stephen Merritt, and perhaps have a secret yen for Pet Shop Boys, this is the new release for you.
Diamond Rings - Special Affections: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
PS I recommend starting with track 3, the first two tracks get better upon repeated listening, but if you are hearing this album for the first time then those tracks aren't the most accessible.
Pick Of The Week: Figurines
When I think of Denmark, I think of "Hamlet", one of my favorite Shakespeare plays. But now I have a new Danish icon that is equally brilliant, edgy, and thoughtful, with the added benefit of harmonies and cheery melodies, yay! Meet Figurines via this brand new video of three songs filmed live in their hometown of Copenhagen earlier this year, which makes its debut right here on bravenewworld.net!
Figurines lives set via Vimeo
Figurines live set via YouTube
and, they'll be on the East Coast (of the U.S.) touring in a couple of weeks, lucky East-Coasters!
Figurines - Figurines: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
The Big C Is OK With Lenka
Outwardly, she may appear to be just another wispy female vocalist. But with heroes such as The Beatles, The Kinks (her new album was recorded in the Kinks' studio in London), and Bjork (she worked with Bjork producer Guy Sigsworth on much of the album), plus a history with indie band The Decoder Ring it's obvious that she can't be categorized quite so easily. I've field-tested her music and its immediately loved by everyone from my best friend's toddler to my most cynical indie music snob friends, so I think she's onto something! Her song "Everything's Okay" closes out The Big C episode titled "Cats & Dogs" airdate (7/25/11), and can be found on The Big C Soundtrack, of course!
Lenka "Everything's Okay" - The Big C Soundtrack: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
Pick Of The Week: Tom Vek
I'm slightly obsessed with Tom Vek's music. Perhaps because he keeps such a low profile, in the U.S., anyway. Or maybe its because he spent 5 years (5 years! Is he independently wealthy?) making record #2. I pretty much figured he gave it up. But here it is, just as promising as the first album, all edgy and angsty and mysterious, not quite rock, not quite pop, not quite electro, dark and fun at the same time, how does he do that?
Tom Vek - Leisure Seizure: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
Picks Of The Week: Barbie Hatch & Chad Valley
On this long weekend, two short records are intriguing me. Simply put, I wish they were longer! It's not the type of music I normally gravitate to, which would be lo-fi and ultra-modern. They're both a little bit electro, a little bit 70's, maybe even a little bit disco. Barbie Hatch works with the Squeak E. Clean/N.A.S.A. tribe in Los Angeles, and she sings with an authenticity lacking in so much electro-pop these days, with simple passionate lyrics and a rich production style. Chad Valley (the vision of Hugo Manuel, not a guy named Chad) hails from Oxford, England and is part of a loose collective of artists known as Blessing Force. Hugo also has a band project called Jonquil. Both these EP's were a chill accompaniment to my July 4th holiday, so enough talking, go enjoy!
Barbie Hatch - Hypertrophic Heart: iTunes :: Official Site
Chad Valley - Equatorial Ultravox: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site