Elvis Costello Beyond Belief 1983 Rockpalast

it's important to look back to look ahead. there are people like Elvis Costello who paved the way for the snotty indie point of view, the punk pioneer who didn't give a damn what anyone said, and became one of the most influential rock stars, and an unlikely one at that. He was instrumental in creating the intelligent side of the rockstar personae. His songwriting was literate and poignant, but still had the hard edge of the angry young man british punk. it's hard to make any comparisons with him, because he broke the mold and did it all on his terms. Always fun, always inspirational.

LOU REED 'rock'n'roll' 1974

it might be a little crazy of me, but Lou, as whacked out as he is, gave a great performance here.

Brett Dennen (Sydney I'll Come Runnin') 2/17/2011 Hipcooks

i'm a fan. There are a lot of singer/songwriter types out there who annoy the hell out of me, but Brett Dennen makes me feel like there is something out there to believe in again. He reminds me of a more upbeat and fun Nick Drake, in the sense that he's doing this wholly for himself and that he's not in it for the fame and fortune, but he legitimately has something to say and says it well. dig it

The Wombats - Kill The Director

I love the Wombats. They have a really fun vibe, really good sing along pop. The infectious tunes and witty songwriting make for a great feel good band. I posted something about this type of brit-pop, and how there are so many bands with this sound out there right now, but all of them I really get into. I love all of their songs, and think that they are poised for greatness. "Let's dance to joy division" is genius, as well as this song, "Kill the Director". definitely worth a listen, and then a second listen, because they keep getting better every time I put them on.

Laura Marling - Rambling Man

Laura Marling is the real deal. At just 21 she's got the chops of a whole generation of folk singing women who paved the way for her to be where she is, and you can even hear the ghosts of Joni Mitchell in her heart felt lyrics. I think that she's going to be a big star... soon...

Los Campesinos

There is a recent trend, or perhaps not so recent, but I seem to be digging a certain kind of brit-pop, but really, I think that it's really the only brit-pop out there at the moment.  When it comes to other types of music, when everything sounds the same I get annoyed, and turned off, but of late I am really liking a couple of bands that if you aren't familiar with them you would think that they are the same band.  To name a few I would say Arctic Monkeys, The Wombats, The Kooks, A Band of Bees and the band I'm talking about tonight, Los Camesinos.  They have the whiney angry young man vibe and all seem to be reared by the early days of The Who, The Kinks and The Clash, but make it more contemporary pop and less blues based, but they all seem to have a great time making silly feel good music that's easy to dance to.  Ultimately they aren't anything special, but they are fun, and have really witty songwriting.  Once you start listening to them you can hear distinct differences, but any way you look at it, it's wicked pop stickiness.  But I do like Los Campesinos, and the fact that they are keen on the glockenspiel.  I don't think that there is enough glockenspiel in the world today.

Titus Andronicus perform A More Perfect Union