By Mukta Mohan, Staff Writer

The Black Lips are a garage band that produces flowery punk songs. They formed 10 years ago when they were just teenagers. As they were about to go on their first tour, their guitarist was killed by a drunk driver. The Black Lips decided to go on.
Now they’re known for their rowdy shows which can include fireworks, chickens, vomiting and more. In America, the most that can happen is they get kicked out of a venue. During their tour in India however, they got kicked out of the country. They really are bad kids. Here’s their wild story.

They’re playing at the Glasshouse in Pomona on Friday, January 22nd.

Listen to them here.

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By Brie Roche-Lilliot, Staff Writer

Two men, one actor, about 25 young kids, one musical group. Not your
average band, right? Meet Dead Man’s Bones, made up of Zach Shields and
acclaimed actor Ryan Gosling. Their one and only album was recorded
with the LA Silverlake Conservatory Children’s Choir, who even joined
them on their recent tour in late 2009. But their bizarreness doesn’t
end there. Along with impressive solos from some of the older members
of the choir, Dead Man’s Bones incorporates paper ripping for thunder, crying, and werewolf howling, among other things, into their songs. Some of their best tunes include “In the Room Where You Sleep”, “Paper Ships”, and “Pa Pa Power”. Their eerie sounds and Halloween-ish music reminisces childhood feelings from The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. Yet, it’s unique sound is appropriate any time of the year.

Listen to the song here.

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By Monica Nguyen, Staff Writer

The Kooks are an indie rock band formed in Brighton, England in 2004. They are widely known for their famous songs “Naive” and “She Moves in Her Own Way” and their music has similar sounds ranging from artists like Artic Monkeys, The Killers, and The Fratellis. It’s quite surprising that The Kooks did a cover for MGMT’s notorious song “Kids” because the two bands differ in tastes. They are both considered indie alternative, but MGMT can be a bit more on the pyschedlic side. Nevertheless, The Kook made a superb, acoustic version of “Kids”, so sit back and feel rejenivated through their mellow voices.

Listen to the song here.

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By Mukta Mohan, Staff Writer

“So when I’m with you, I have fun. Yeah when I’m with you, I have fun.”
Although she’s only 22 years old, Bethany Cosentino has already changed her musical style several times throughout the years. As a 16 year old, she recorded bittersweet anti-folk pop songs under the name Bethany Sharayah. A few years later, she was one half of the self described “Mary-Kate and Ashley of Drone” duo, Pocahaunted. After a bad year in college in New York, Bethany returned to California to start her lo-fi beach pop project, Best Coast, with her friend/former babysitter Bobb Bruno.

Best Coast tends to fall under the same shoegaze-but-not-quite category as other girl bands like the Vivian Girls, Dum Dum Girls, and Grass Widow, but Bethany’s confident vocals and harmonies make her stand out from the rest. Every song radiates summertime nostalgia, ocean water, wav(v)es, and dreams of love.

Catch Best Coast and the Vivian Girls at the Smell on February 6th.
Listen to the song here.

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Barely past the age of 20, and young singer-songwriter Johnny Flynn has the voice and sound of a musician twice his age. He and his band, the Sussex Wit, have been active for almost 4 years, playing a folk-rock sound with the help of banjo and violin among other instruments. Johnny’s mature and unique voice blend with the soft blues tones, with clever and optimistic lyrics to match.

Listen to the song here!

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I love it when bands don’t take themselves too seriously. And this is possibly the epitome of a tongue-in-cheek love song. Myspace Girl is the true story of how their former bass player found love in the drive through. It’s a carefree, guiltless, though slightly awkward, love song. Enjoy the prancing piano and the catchy guitar riffs!

Listen to the song here!

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This folk- bluegrass trio from North Carolina specializes in mellow tunes with rad banjo solos and perfectly fitting harmony. With a similar sound to Wilco, mixed with some Buddy Holly, they have a reputation for putting on energetic and passionate shows. DIfferent from some of they’re more cheerful tunes, “Die, die, die” tells of the hopelessness of a young girl. You’d never realize how sad it was though after being entranced by their soulful voices.

Listen to the song here!

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Good Old War of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is a folksy acoustic band that plays upbeat songs that can get stuck in your head all day. Whenever you’re blue, give them a listen and they’re quick, lively guitar and melodic voices will pick you up. In “Coney Island”, the three men croon about the feelings of home and wanting to be back when they’re on the road.
Listen to the song here!

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Being your Walls is a song off of Armor For Sleep’s first album, Dream to Make Believe. The song has a nice dreamy feel to it, so much, you could almost fall asleep. But don’t!

This song is vocal and guitar driven, though not hard rock. Take a listen! See if you like The Walls of sound Armor for Sleep makes!

Listen to the song here!

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Yeah. It’s that song from that iPod Nano commercial. It’s a nice quirky tune with fun vocals and whimsical lyrics. However, the instrumentation is my favorite part. Check it out guys!! And buy Apple.

Listen to the song here!

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