1. The Head and the Heart - The Head and the Heart
This is the perfect time to write this, because I just got done watching The Head and the Heart on Austin City Limits on PBS. When I think back on this last year, I have literally watched these guys go from teeny-tiny to, now, playing on a show that is taping bands like Arcade Fire, The Decemberists and Gomez. It all started by a chance concert venture in March at Opolis in Norman. I had only, barely, heard of The Head and the Heart and was completely converted by that first performance I saw. Little did I know, that I would see them three more times during the year. Twice in Telluride and once at ACL Music Festival. The crowds grew each time and the number of people who knew the words to their songs increased ten fold. The Seattle based indie folk/pop rockers owe their success this year to saying yes to every show. They even played a pizza party and high school in Lawrence, Kansas. They also owe their success to incredibly complex harmonies between the three vocalists; Josiah Johnson (guitar, percussion, vocals), Jonathon Russell (guitar, percussion, vocals), and Charity Rose Thielen (violin, vocals). The intricate, driving rhythms are supplied by the Kenny Hensley (piano), Tyler Williams (drums), and Chris Zasche (bass). This band has an undulating energy on stage and you can tell they love their songs, they have an electric chemistry and enjoy playing for others. Their album is absolutely perfect. If you haven't heard this band already, then now is the time to be enlightened.
Posts
Excellent choice for number 1. I was fully on board before the Opolis show and it's been great to see them grow over the past year. The ACLTV performance was great.
ReplyDelete