Pop Archives - KRVM.org

New music to soothe and inspire

November 1, 2021 by Cynthia Orlando

There’s so much new music meriting discovery right now it’s hard to keep track. And that’s no exaggeration.

To be sure, with winter just around the corner now is a good time to freshen up your music library.

Here are a few new releases from artists we’ve enjoyed this year.

Manchester Orchestra – “Telepath”

Manchester Orchestra’s “Telepath” is off the Indie folk-rockers “The Million Masks of God” album.

It’s a contemplative love song with a soft-rock vibe. Both introspective and uplifting, you’re sure to love it.

Have a listen:

The band is from Atlanta, GA, and has played many major festivals including Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza.

“Million Masks” was released in April. It debuted at number one on alternative and vinyl charts.

Arlo Parks – “Hurt”

British singer-songwriter Arlo Parks is an artist to watch.

“Hurt” comes from her “Collapsed in Sunbeams” album released early this year.

The rich, soothing track boasts a catchy melody with lovely layered vocals and spot-on percussion. Check it out:

“I wanted to write something that was hopeful and would make people feel less alone, and also feel joyful,” said Parks in an interview earlier this year. We think she’s succeeded.

Arlo Parks won Best New Artist at this year’s Brit Awards.

The War on Drugs – “I Don’t Live Here Anymore”

Don’t miss War on Drug’s stunning and guitar-embellished “I Don’t Live Here Anymore,” from their album by the same name.

This shimmering rock anthem is among the year’s best releases.

The driving, uplifting arrangement has several lyrical references to Bob Dylan. It also features backing vocals by New York band Lucius.

Have a listen:

The band’s fourth studio album, “A Deeper Understanding” (2017), received a Grammy for Best Rock Album.

The new album released just this month.

Brandi Carlile – “Right on Time”

By now it’s likely you’ve heard Brandi Carlile’s new hit single “Right on Time.”

After all, the Washington-based singer-songwriter just performed it on Saturday Night Live.

A powerful ballad about remorse and reconciliation, it features Carlile on piano and guitar. Her phenomenal vocals plus superb bandmates Tim and Phil Hanseroth (bass and guitar) round things out.

It’s a mighty track indeed!

Fans will recall that Carlile received Record of the Year for her song “The Joke,” in 2018.

“Right on Time” is the opening track of her new “In These Silent Days” release.

This, her seventh album, was created during last year’s lockdown. Recently recorded in Nashville, it debuted No. 1 on Billboard’s Americana/Folk Albums chart.

That’s a wrap!

Thanks for supporting listener-powered radio at KRVM!

This year’s music scene is hopping

June 1, 2021 by Cynthia Orlando

2021 has certainly been off to a good start.

The music scene is hopping. February’s Grammy award show was far more engaging than usual. And it was so much fun to see an actual live audience at Billboard’s televised awards show last week.

Best of all?

As COVID restrictions lift, artists are starting to announce summer and fall concert dates.

To help get you ready for new albums and the concert scene, here’s just a few new releases we’re loving.

Crowded House – “To The Island”

If you’re a Crowded House fan you already know the band is from Australia and has won several awards, including International Group of the Year at the BRIT Awards.

Their rollicking new “To the Island” comes from the band’s first new album in a decade. It’s on our playlist!

You’ll love their mellow, psychedelic pop-rock. Have a listen:

As you can see, the music video is equally engaging, depicting band members heading cross-country to a secret island.

Crowded House’s new “Dreamers Are Waiting” album is set to release June 4.

Modest Mouse – “We Are Between”

“We Are Between” comes from the band’s new “The Golden Casket,” expected June 25. Recorded in Portland and Los Angeles, it’s their first new album in six years.

This fun, polished track boasts the Seattle rock band’s signature colorful sound and vibe.

Modest Mouse is touring this summer and plays Lollapalooza in July.

Let’s dance!

Arlo Parks – “Hope”

Don’t miss “Hope,” by talented singer-songwriter Arlo Parks, based in London.

In a recent interview, Parks said the soothing song is about “knowing you’re not the only one on the planet feeling low.”

It’s a great jazzy pop arrangement with an uplifting chorus. Sample lyrics: “We all have scars / I know it’s hard / You’re not alone.”

“Hope” comes from Parks’ exceptional and intimate debut studio album, “Collapsed in Sunbeams.” Don’t miss it!

Ariel Posen – “Heart By Heart”

Also on our playlist these days is Ariel Posen’s new “Heart by Heart.” From Canada, Posen’s been nominated for “Breakout Artist of the Year.”

“Heart by Heart” is a fantastic roots rock arrangement about having someone to rely on. And it’s loaded with ace slide guitar! Check it out:

“Heart By Heart” comes from Posen’s new “Headway” release. He’s an artist to watch!

Lord Huron – “Mine Forever”

Creating the best alt-country of any band right now is Lord Huron via their just-released album “Long Lost.”

New single “Mine Forever” is a haunting and meticulously crafted track sure to be a summer favorite:

Lord Huron play Troutdale’s Edgefield in September.

See you there!

Mat Kearney – “Pontiac”

Singer-songwriter Mat Kearney (that’s just one “t” in Mat), hails from Eugene, but is now based in Nashville!

You’re sure to enjoy his nostalgic new single “Pontiac” from his upcoming “January Flower” release.

It’s rich, uplifting pop at its finest.

Take a listen:

In a recent interview with Substream magazine, Kearney was quoted as saying the new album is about “digging down and finding the innocence that comes with wanting to make music solely for the love and passion of doing it.”

We’ll toast to that, Mat!

That’s a wrap

Thanks for supporting listener-powered radio at KRVM!

Rebelution plays Eugene’s Cuthbert this month

June 3, 2019 by Cynthia Orlando

In need of some good vibes? You’re in luck.

As part of their “Good Vibes Summer Tour,” Reggae-rock band Rebelution plays Eugene’s Cuthbert Amphitheater this month.

With seven albums to their credit, the ever popular four-member band from Isla Vista, California, are adored by fans for their positive lyrics, smooth Jamaican sound and artful arrangements.

“Falling into Place” – their fifth release – was a beautifully produced Reggae-rock album that helped some fans recover from their 2016 election blues.

“Free Rein” – released last year – “really came from the heart,” according to Eric Rachmany, the band’s lead singer. Rebelution’s popularity is largely credited to Rachmany’s vocals and musical finesse. According to the band’s website, songs from “Falling into Place” were partly influenced by Rachmany’s “inspirational trip to Jamaica,” where he did some of the writing.

From that album, standout tracks included the colossal “Know It All” and the gently powerful “Breakdown.”

Here’s the band performing live at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles:

Know It All

More about Rebelution

The band’s “Courage to Grow” debut was named iTunes Editors Choice for Best Reggae album and is one of the most downloaded reggae albums on iTunes.

Rebelution received a Grammy nomination in the “Best Reggae Album” category for “Falling Into Place.” And they’ve headlined and sold out both Red Rocks and the Santa Barbara Bowl.

Their new “Free Rein ” album features Jamaican producers Phillip “Winta” James and Don Corleon, and first-rate tracks like roots-reggae “Celebrate.”

Celebrate

They’ll be performing at the Cuthbert on Friday, June 28th.

A band loved ’round-the-world, you won’t want to miss them!

Above: Rebelution playing the Cuthbert to an enthusiastic crowd in 2015.

Death Cab for Cutie to Perform at Hult

August 22, 2018 by Cynthia Orlando

Alternative rock band Death Cab for Cutie is coming to Eugene.

Touring to promote their just-released ninth studio album “Thank You for Today,” the Grammy award nominees are set to perform at Eugene’s Hult Center for the Performing Arts on Monday, September 24.

Their new album features new members Zac Rae (Fiona Apple) and Dave Depper (Ray Lamontagne); both have been touring with the band since 2015.

Their 2015 release “Kintsugi” debuted at #8 on Billboard. The album title was derived from a type of Japanese art, and the philosophy of treating breakage and repair as part of the object, rather than something to disguise.

Grammy nominations

Death Cab for Cutie’s albums “Plans” (2006), “Narrow Stairs” (2009) and “Codes and Keys” (2012) were all nominated for Best Alternative Music Grammies; their 2007 hit single “I Will Follow You into the Dark” was nominated for best pop performance.

The band’s new “Autumn Love” single is a winning mix of lead singer Ben Gibbard’s vocals, and lush, tastefully layered guitars you’re sure to love. Have a listen:

Autumn Love

The band’s second-highest charting U.S. single “Where Soul Meets Body” comes from their fifth album, “Plans.”

The band has been including it in recent setlists:

Where Soul Meets Body

Following their Eugene show the band performs in Portland, Berkeley, Phoenix and Dallas.

As of August 22, tickets are still available for the Eugene show.

Don’t miss it!

Elton John – A Wonderful Crazy Night

January 23, 2017 by Cynthia Orlando

Mega-superstar Elton John returned to Eugene’s Matthew Knight Arena in March 2017 for a stop during his Wonderful Crazy Night Tour.

The show was a night to remember…we know all who were there will never forget it.

Fun Elton Facts

Elton John’s received five Grammies and five Brit Awards – two for Outstanding Contribution to Music and a “Brits Icon” in 2013 for his “lasting impact on British culture.”

What else can you say about a rock icon who’s been around as long as Sir Elton?

Elton John playing piano, age 6.

* He began playing piano at age 3. Within a year, his mother heard him picking out notes to “Skater’s Waltz” by ear.

* He was a weekend pub pianist by age 15.

* First American concert? As featured in his new “Rocketman” film, that would be the Los Angeles Troubadour, 1970.

* The megastar has more than fifty Top 40 hits

* Elton John received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1975.

* He received knighthood from HM Queen Elizabeth II in 1998.

* He’s sold more than 250 million records worldwide including 31 platinum albums.

* Six of his albums made Rolling Stone’s “The 500 Greatest Albums of all Time” list.

More career mileposts

In 1970 the young rising star released “Tumbleweed Connection.” It reached number two in the UK and number five in the U.S.

“Honky Chateau” began a streak of seven consecutive U.S. number one albums. Similarly, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” (1973) topped charts on both sides of the Atlantic.

Elton John, 1973.

More highlights:

Elton John performed with Eminem at the 2001 Grammies.

He also performed with Lady Gaga at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards and with Ed Shearan at the 55th. The Rocketman even performed at Madison Square Garden for a record-breaking 60th time for his 60th birthday.

International hit songs he’s penned with Bernie Taupin and others includes “Your Song,” “Rocket Man,” “Daniel,” “Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word,” “Blue Eyes” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.”

Still a powerhouse

Although he says he wants to retire, for a musician at the ripe old age of nearly 70, the man is still a powerhouse.

His recent “Wonderful Crazy Night” shows he still has what it takes to engage the listener. It boasts 14 fresh, high-energy tracks, and reached number 6 and 8 in the UK and US, respectively.

Here’s “Looking Up” from the new album – we think you’ll love it.

Looking Up

Last year he performed an astonishing 131 concerts in 24 countries; he also made a guest appearance on the Red Hot Chili Peppers new album.

In 2017 the Pinball Wizard celebrates his 70th birthday – as well as the 50th anniversary of his amazing songwriting partnership with Bernie Taupin.

About the band

Elton John’s band members are: Davey Johnstone, guitars, mandolin, banjo, vocals; Matt Bissonette, bass guitar, vocals; Kim Bullard, keyboards; John Mahon, percussion, drums, vocals; and Nigel Olsson, drums and vocals.

Johnstone has played well over 2,000 concerts, and has been playing with Elton John since since “Madman Across the Water.” From Detroit, Bissonette is a published songwriter who used to perform regularly with the Disneyland Band in Anaheim; he’s been playing bass guitar since age 12.

Keyboardist Kim Bullard has toured with Crosby Stills and Nash and played with Nine Inch Nails; he’s been an active working musician in Los Angeles for more than 30 years.

John Mahon has been playing with Elton John since 1997 and played on a Grammy Award-winning album (“BB King & Friends”) with BB King; he was voted #3 Percussionist by Modern Drummer Magazine in 2010. Having played with Elton John for many years, drummer Olsson is considered a mainstay of Elton John’s touring and recording band; he has an extremely loyal following.

Another “Wonderful Crazy Night” album highlight has been the contemplative “The Open Chord” – we’re hoping to hear it in his setlist.

The Open Chord

Aside from his Eugene show, other 2017 tour whistle stops included Spokane, Bozeman, Missoula, Tucson, Las Vegas, Victoria B.C., Denmark, Germany, Luxembourg, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Ships Have Sailed releases an all-acoustic EP

August 17, 2016 by Cynthia Orlando

Alt-Indie pop band Ships Have Sailed performed at Sam Bond’s Brewing (540 E 8th Avenue location) recently.

The band’s music walks a middle ground between alternative rock and upbeat pop tracks like their hit single “Summertime.”

Currently touring to promote their new all-acoustic “Whispers” EP, the band – based in southern California – released full-length “Moodswings” in March of last year.

Summertime

Here’s what they had to say in a recent interview about their music and the tour.

KRVM: “How did the band get its start?”

SHS (Will Carpenter): “Dan and I were in a band together before. . . I had a bunch of songs that weren’t really a fit for the band we were in, but I didn’t really want to let them go or pitch them to another artist, so I just started producing them myself in my home studio.”

“Once I had a good handle on developing them I had Dan over for a beer and played him what I’d been working on, and he was like: “Cool man, what are we going to call it?”. “Most of those songs can be heard on our debut EP ‘Someday.'”

KRVM: “How is the new acoustic EP being received?

SHS: “Really well actually…for those readers who aren’t familiar, the ‘Whispers’ EP is a completely stripped down, acoustic vibe, which has three ‘re-imagined’ tracks from previous releases and two brand new songs. I feel like it was a bit risky to diverge from the sound people were getting to know us for, but ultimately it was a risk worth taking.”

Out of Time

KRVM: “Musical influences?”

SHS: “We range from classical music…to jazz, to classic rock (Hendrix, The Beatles, Pink Floyd), to 90s Grunge (Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots, Pearl Jam, etc.) to everything past, present and in between…it’s a really big range.” “Some of my top playlist favorites in the past year have been CHVRCHES, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, the new Mumford and Sons, and The National.”

Will Carpenter — lead singer for Ships Have Sailed

KRVM: “How did the tour come about?”

SHS: “Well, funny enough, we weren’t going to go out on the road this year. We had talked about really buckling down in the studio and making some new music, but then this small Pop festival called International Pop Overthrow approached us about doing a couple dates on the west coast, and here we are!”

KRVM: “Which songs are fan favorites?”

SHS: “I would say ‘If Only’ is the favorite, but ‘Drive’ and ‘Boomerang’ are close runners up. ‘Summertime’ is a great anthemic song for the season…off of ‘Whispers’ I think the most popular is ‘Home,’ followed by ‘Criminal’ and ‘Lucky.'”

Band members are Dan Hange, bass, backup vocals; Will Carpenter, guitar, lead vocals, and drummer Art Andranikyan.

The new EP is their third, and the band also has full-length “Moodswings,” an album laden with appealing pop-infused tracks music lovers may wish to explore.

You can find their music on iTunes and on their website.