The Beekeeper

# YESSSSSSSSSSTH

ARCADE FIRE - Everything Now Indie Rock RIYL: Broken Social Scene, Frightened Rabbit, Neutral Milk Hotel, Interpol

“Every inch of sky's got a star Every inch of skin's got a scar I guess we've got everything now

Every inch of space in your head Is filled up with the things that you read I guess you've got everything now

Everything you've ever seen Fills the spaces up in your dreams You've got everything now

# WELCOME BACK

PARAMORE - Hard Times Electro Emo/Pop RIYL: Misterwives, No Doubt, Fall Out Boy, New Found Glory, The Sounds, Chvrches

“Walking around with my little rain cloud Hanging over my head and it ain’t coming down Where do I go? Gimme some sort of sign You hit me with lightning, maybe I’ll come alive

SPOON - Can I Sit Next To You Indie Rock RIYL: Ted Leo, Blonde Redhead, The Hold Steady

I used to listen to Spoon back in my college radio days. I lost touch with the band after Gimme Fiction and Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. I reconnected with their new album, Hot Thoughts, after learning that The New Pornographers would be opening for them during their tour this summer. I1 blindly bought their latest release and am happy to say that it’s really good

# HAPPY RELEASE DAY

THE SHINS - Name For You Indie Rock Associated With: Broken Bells RIYL: Death Cab For Cutie, The New Pornographers, Spoon, Built to Spill

Thirteen years ago, Zach Braff made a mixtape of songs from some of his favorite musicians and turned it into the Garden State soundtrack. Since Braff was (and still is) one of my favorite actors and Scrubs is one of my favorite shows, I just had to watch his debut film. What I remember most about the movie was its beautiful soundtrack. The character Sam insists to Braff’s character to listen to a song because it will “change your life.” At the risk of sounding super cliché, that song by The Shins changed my life in unimaginable ways. It was the first time I was hearing music that couldn’t be found on my city’s crappy radio stations, or on MTV or VH1. I had my first taste of “indie” music, a term that’s now terribly abused and used to describe anything that’s not Taylor Swift or One Direction. But there was a point in time where “indie” was used appropriately, and it could be used to describe the majority of songs on the Garden State soundtrack. I was finishing up my first year of college at the time and made a point to search for music similar sounding to The Shins. I found both MtvU and my college’s radio station and found an array of new music to obsess over, some of which I still am obsessed with today.

MEW - 85 Videos Danish Dream Pop RIYL: Mercury Rev, Ambulance LTD, Coldplay

“We talk so much And I feel like I know you You say what it costs And I play and define you Oh God Don’t care so much For a start leave it out Are we decided? Decided? Or leaving out too much?

We don’t have time, let it go These 85 videos With broken eyes Time flows and never flies We don’t have time, let it go These 85 videos It makes me sad Of no use

THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS – This is the World of the Theater Indie Rock / Power Pop Associated With: Neko Case, AC Newman, Kathryn Calder, Destroyer RIYL: Arcade Fire, Spoon, The Shins, Peter Bjorn and John

The New Pornographers have blessed us again with another track from their upcoming album Whiteout Conditions (out April 7). In contrast to the previously debuted track, which featured Carl Newman on lead vocals, this new track has Neko Case showing off her vocal talent. The band is nearing the end of their second decade together, and I attribute their guy/girl vocal change-up to be a large part of their sustainability in an era where bands pop up and then quickly disappear into the unknown. The members’ solo careers also contribute to their lengthy career in that they come back together to write, record, release, and tour when everyone is willing and ready. And in-between New Porno albums, we get solo gems to hold us over.

“Into a different kind of view Not meant for human eyes Everything's dark and fades away This moment just opened my eyes, now I say: I never knew anything felt like this It has just begun

Please be aware of the change in your mind Everyone's telling lies Somewhere between every now and then Harmoniously facing the truth of your past I know by now, every night has it's dawn Be aware and see I know by now, every night has it's dawn Be aware and see

# THEY’RE BAAAAAACK

COLD WAR KIDS - Love Is Mystical Indie Rock RIYL: Kings of Leon, Delta Spirit, The White Stripes, The Walkmen

I admit I always get a bit of anxiety when a band I really like releases a new album. I get nervous that it won’t live up to its predecessors. Cold War Kids have yet to let me down, and if Love Is Mystical is any indication of what’s in store, they’re going to have another hit album on their hands. The band reached their ten year mark of their debut album, the incredible Robbers & Cowards, and show no sign of slowing down. They still have their bluesy rock sound that has defined them but it doesn’t get repetitive or boring. They’ve built upon past releases and tweak their sound just enough to show growth but not enough that they alienate long-time fans. Kudos, Kids.

SPRINGTIME CARNIVORE - Midnight Room Indie Pop Associated With: The Hush Sound, Gold Motel, La Sera RIYL: Ingrid Michaelson, Elizabeth & the Catapult, Sara Bareilles, A Fine Frenzy

I think I tell this story every time I post a video of one of Greta Morgan’s projects, but I’m going to say it again. I discovered The Hush Sound when I saw them open up for The Dresden Dolls and Panic! at the Disco way back in 2006. I had just joined my college’s radio station and was still in the habit of listening to  the angsty music that had helped me through the drudges of high school. I didn’t really open myself up to anything new until the radio station came into my life my junior year of college. I joined with the intentions of making everyone listen to my personal playlists but thankfully opened up to the new music our station received. The Dresden Dolls had just released Yes, Virginia and I couldn’t wait to see them live when they stopped in Pittsburgh in support of the album. 

That’s when I heard them. This young, indie pop band singing upbeat, happy songs. And I fell in love. I credit them with pulling me out of my “music has to be depressing to be good” state of mind. They helped me expand my musical tastes and I’ll be forever grateful for that.

TENNIS - Modern Woman Indie Pop RIYL: Lucius, Parlour Tricks, Best Coast, Dum Dum Girls

I've always been slightly envious of husband-wife bands that are able to have both a successful marriage and music career. For instance, Mates of State. They've been one of my favorite bands for over 10 years now. Tennis is of the rare breed that has been able to make things work both romantically and musically. Their journey begins with an actual journey. After meeting in college in Denver, the pair decided to take a trip sailing along the Eastern Atlantic after graduation. Their first full-length, Cape Dory (released in 2011) drew from their experiences of their voyage at sea. In 2016, the pair decided to set sail again, this time choosing the Pacific seaboard as their destination. Their newest album, Yours Conditionally (to be released March 5, 2017) is another retrospective of their time at sea. I guess you'll just have to buy the album if you want to see how this trip compared to their initial one.

REGINA SPEKTOR - Black and White Piano Pop RIYL: Cat Power, Feist, Ingrid Michaelson, The Dresden Dolls, Kristeen Young, St. Vincent

New York City by way of Moscow singer/songwriter/pianist Regina Spektor received a lot of comparisons to Tori Amos at the beginning of her career. So much so that she actually said in an interview that she wanted people to stop putting their names side by side. For the lazy it was an easy comparison. They're both female! They both play piano! Surely they're the same! Musically, maybe. But lyrically? Definitely not. Since her debut in 2001, Spektor has escaped Amos's shadow and has made quite a name for herself and a large, loyal fan-base (although I'm sure there's some overlap with Amos's crowd). Spektor started out in NYC's anti-folk movement and shot up the popularity ladder, thanks to airplay of her early songs and videos on college radio stations and mtvU. Even at the end of my college radio tenure in 2007, she was still being blared over campus speakers. She has already released a number of songs and videos from her newest album, Remember Us To Life. Unlike her other releases, where she would pick from a large backlog of songs she has written, Spektor wrote all of this album's songs with the intention of putting them on RUTL. Credit the recent birth of her daughter for this method change.

ANDREW MCMAHON IN THE WILDERNESS - Dead Man’s Dollar Alternative Pop / Piano Pop Associated With: Jack’s Mannequin, Something Corporate RIYL: Foster the People, Ben Folds, Billy Joel, fun., The Postal Service

I’ve been following Andrew McMahon around for much of his career. From the tail-end of Something Corporate to the height of Jack’s Mannequin and throughout the rise of his solo/In the Wilderness outfit. I’ve probably said it before but I will reiterate – he’s one of the few musicians I’ve listened to for over a decade who just keeps getting better with time. Yes, I still love SoCo. But comparing hits like If U c Jordan to current radio hit Fire Escape, there is no arguing that McMahon has continued to step up his game lyrically with every release he puts his name on. His newest release, Zombies on Broadway, was released last week. But four singles had already been dropped and dissected and scrutinized by his obsessed fans. There was a little worry throughout the community about this album being more pop/less piano, but I feel like the consensus on the album overall is that Andy’s given us another hit record to rock out to.

The general concept of Zombies seems to be the balancing act between a famous, successful musician and the yearning to settle down and be a 9-5 husband and father. Dead Man’s Dollar is one of my favorite off of the album and it’s about McMahon wanting to be there for the little things while he’s out on the road.  He wants to stay home and build a life with his new, young family but he also has to provide for his family, and being a successful musician means that you make a living by putting long hours into the studio and playing your music in cities around the world. It’s this push and pull that repeats itself throughout the album.

“I know this isn't easy You got that baby sleeping all by yourself Feels like I'm always leaving I swear to God, one day I'll be there to help 'Til then, I've been killing myself to make the dead man's dollar Been killing myself to make the dead man's dollar Been killing myself, killing myself 'Cause I want to make a life, make a life for you.

# UNDER THE COVERS

RYAN ADAMS - Karma Police (Radiohead cover) Indie / Acoustic Rock RIYL: Conor Oberst, M. Ward, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Dawes

“I woke up this morning and I was jetlagged, and I had a full day of press. But I wanted to do a couple of covers. And I know plenty, but I wanted to do something new that I hadn’t done before….I don’t know if I’ve learned it in a great new and interesting way, but I also thought it’s fitting, because there’s a pretty awful person who just got elected in the United States. So I don’t know why, but that song popped into my head this morning.”

THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS – High Ticket Attractions Indie Rock / Power Pop Associated With: Neko Case, AC Newman, Kathryn Calder, Destroyer RIYL: Arcade Fire, Spoon, The Shins, Peter Bjorn and John

The New Pornographers are back! It excited me to no end to be able to say that. In-between 2014’s Brill Bruisers and the upcoming Whiteout Conditions, the individual members of the band have kept themselves busy, with five of them working on other projects. With a band whose members could all have a steady income with a solo career, it’s satisfying to know they continue to forge ahead as a group, creating some of the best indie rock music to be heard. Maybe I’m biased because I’ve been (musically) in love with Neko Case for ten years and counting. The way her voice melts with Carl Newman’s sets The New Pornographers apart from their indie/power pop counterparts. I’ve seen the band three times, and once without Case, and although still fantastic, there’s a piece of magic missing. But with the press and the touring over for her case/lang/viers project, hopefully all the New Porno shows in the future will feature a full cast.

“Didn’t know flying from falling Clueless the poor thing Sad to report Didn’t know losing from learning Wheels were turning You know the song

This thing could go two ways Won’t be another exit for days So pack a small suitcase Anything else can be easily replaced

You feel the suction, the call to action That will surround high ticket attractions You want to travel, want to unravel Take the experience to the next level

FATHER JOHN MISTY - Pure Comedy Indie Folk Associated With: Fleet Foxes RIYL: Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, Devendra Banhart, Blitzen Trapper, Iron & Wine

The post right before this one is the new protest song by Canadian powerhouse Arcade Fire. Next up is another protest song by Josh Tillman, AKA Father John Misty. President Trump hasn’t been in office even one week and we’re already being presented with protest music. 

ARCADE FIRE featuring MAVIS STAPLES - I Give You Power Anthemic Indie Rock RIYL: Broken Social Scene, Spoon, Bloc Party, Franz Ferdinand, Interpol

A day before the inauguration of Donald Trump, Arcade Fire released a new song with the help of soul legend Mavis Staples. AF has long been a political band, especially in singer/multi-instrumentalist Regine Chassagne’s homeland of Haiti, where her family was forced to escape due to civil and political upheaval. Now with Trump taking America’s highest office, the band is anything but alone when it comes to protesting the new president. The one good thing that will come out of this mess of a presidency will be the hordes of new music being created by the outraged. Punk rock is guaranteed to make a resurgence, helping to incite massive protesting like the women’s march that took place only one day after the inauguration. 

THE XX - On Hold Electro Pop RIYL: The Cure, Portishead, Hot Chip, Chairlift, FKA Twigs

I've only listened to The xx a tiny bit over the years, but they’ve recently put out a new album and everyone is going crazy for it. People on Twitter posting songs, venues and promotion companies repeating over and over when the band will be playing at their city, and multiple emails sitting in my mailbox with The xx in their headlines. I decided to give their new album a listen to even though I remember not really liking what I heard in the past. But I must say I’m really enjoying their newest album, I See You. Maybe I just never really actively listened to their songs. Maybe I got them accused with another band? Either way, it looks like I might be getting tickets to their Pittsburgh show.

On Hold came on first and as I listened to the lyrics, I was surprised at how much I was able to relate to them at this point in my life. A joke that was taken too seriously years ago ended a relationship that was just beginning to go in a different, amazing direction. It only lasted a few weeks. A few drinks and loose lips and my constant need to tell jokes and make people laugh was misconstrued and that was that. An abrupt end to something I didn't want i’ve to end. And I have no idea what happened after that split. It’s been years but recent events have me thinking about him again.