Three-part harmonies are as refreshing as a lemonade stand in July. Kids still do that, right? Anyway, it's a rarity amongst bands (or done well anyway) and Fairground Saints just nail it and pretty much everything they sing and play with. The Los Angeles band's combined melodies and storybook lyrics make for a gloriously unique experience with infectious and genre-pigeonhole-free music. Just try to stick them into one genre and feel good about it. They turn pop on its head at a time it sorely needs it.
The trio of Mason Van Valin, Elijah Edwards, and Megan McAllister dropped their debut last year, and should have a much-deserved clear path towards busting out like Wentworth Miller did back in the day on that dreadful Prison Break series. Case in point: they're currently touring with Carly Rae Jepsen on her Gimme Love tour. Speaking of "gimmes," when I listen to new music, I want to be sucked in right away. I want to feel it, hear a story being told, and then tell everyone about it and feel better about myself. Valin (vocals/guitar), Edwards (vocals, guitar, mandolin, keys, Dobro, accordion), and McAllister (vocals, guitar, dulcimer) do just that. Enough gush. Let's get to it. Last month, the fun bunch (who says that?) performed two tracks for A-Sides and sat down with me for a chat. It was filmed at the Music Conservatory of Westchester in White Plains by alyebcarlevaro.com.
"Ain't Much for Lyin'"
To watch their A-Sides performance of "Turn This Car Around" and the chat with yours truly, click here.
Speaking of rising artists from L.A., The Heirs are taking off rather quickly. Currently touring with The Big Pink and some key shows booked at SXSW, the synth-pop-rockers are also breaking out. The band, which consists of brother/sister Brandon and Savannah Hudson, Alex Flagstad, Eian McNeely and Brennan Benko, recently dropped a four-track EP Ecliptic , and it's all kinds of awesome. Not coincidentally, the band worked with music masters Justin Stanley (Beck, The Vines, Sheryl Crow) and Bram Inscore (Beck, Icona Pop) on it. A full length is due sometime this year. Anyway, enough talk. Let's listen.
"Alright Goodnight"
To watch more with The Heirs including an interview with yours truly in a shirt that made his co-workers laugh, click here.
A-Sides' "Delve Into Twelve" Countdown
Each week A-Sides unleashes its top 12 tracks of the week AKA the "Delve Into Twelve" based on the following contributing factors: songs I'm playing out that particular week (no matter when they were released -- think overlooked songs, unreleased tracks and old favorites), songs various publicists are trying to get me to listen to that I did and dug a bunch, song posts and trends I've noticed on my friends' Facebook walls and, most importantly: what my toddler is currently enjoying thoroughly with an assist from my infant.
About A-Sides with Jon Chattman:
Jon Chattman's music/entertainment series typically features celebrities and artists (established or not) from all genres performing a track, and discussing what it means to them. This informal series focuses on the artist making art in a low-threatening, extremely informal (sometime humorous) way. No bells, no whistles -- just the music performed in a random, low-key setting followed by an unrehearsed chat. In an industry where everything often gets overblown and over manufactured, Jon strives for a refreshing change. Artists featured on the series include Imagine Dragons, Melissa Etheridge, Yoko Ono, Joe Perry, Alice Cooper, fun, Bleachers, Charli XCX, Marina and the Diamonds, and Bastille.