Portia Early, X96 weekend DJ and host of Live & Local (Sundays, 8-10 p.m.), wants to tell you about three more of her favorite Utah bands and songs:
To end the year, I have included one Christmas song, a skanky version of “Auld Lang Sine,” and a new band to ring in 2008:
Brady Gunnell of Calico, “The Christmas Song”
This Shins-esque holiday take-off only can be found on Slowtrain’s special five-track Christmas EP free with the purchase of the indie record shop’s local band compilation Around the Bend. Originally released last summer, the album’s holiday bonus has been added for a Ho-Ho-Ho limited time. Brady has three tracks on the comp, so you could call it A Very Brady Christmas. His songs have a mellow, synth-pop quality, with vocals projected into an echo-effect mic. “The Christmas Song” is a dreamy cover and a nice addition to your holiday record collection. For more Gunnell, check out his minimalist folk band Calico. MySpace.com/CalicoSounds
Last year, Quynn played an acoustic version of the traditional New Year’s tune with a violist on Live & Local. It was an amazing performance, sticking to Quynn’s ska roots, while creating a beautiful masterpiece with the addition of the viola. The recording is still in my hands, so listen for it on my show this weekend. His T-Ville ska band just put out a new album In Disguise. Check it out, ska aficionados! MySpace.com/TheGreenPeanuts
Books About UFOs, Form of Rocket, All About Rockets … did I miss the rocket memo this millennium? When Provo’s A Film in the Ballroom split last summer, bassist Joe Gibbs formed the shoegazing project All About Rockets. “Cities” is a whispy, instrumental tune similar to a DulceSky track (minus the Español). A lot of bands, especially this year, have taken a page from Radiohead and All About Rockets are no exception. They also have an affinity for ’80s pop, Ben Folds’ piano and The Hives frantic energy. It’s a fun, unique project, and guess what? A Film In The Ballroom just got back together! Geez, I wish some of my breakups only lasted three months. MySpace.com/AllAboutRockets
