By Lacey Jane Pappas

Gearing up for showers and flowers this month? Don’t forget to add live music to the mix. Here are my picks:

Are you a fan of Stars or Camera Obscura? Chances are you’ll also like the poppy sound of Illinois natives Headlights. They’ll be stopping by Kilby Court on Monday, April 13 to play from their latest album, “Some Racing, Some Stopping.” You’ll enjoy their light-hearted, happy sound—just in time for spring.

Listen here. Suggested track: “Cherry Tulips”

Speaking of lady songsters, Mirah (or Mirah Yom Tov Zeitlyn) will be playing Kilby Court on April 14. Catch an earful of beautiful tracks from this Washington gal, who’s playing in support of her album, “(A)spera.”

Listen here. Suggested track: “Cold Cold Water”

See alt crooners Clem Snide on April 13 at Urban Lounge. This east coast group brings a plethora of sounds from indie-rock to folk. My favorite Clem Snide songs are the simple, bare-boned tunes that leave lead singer Eef Barzelay’s vocals to shine. Their latest, “Hungry Bird,” is full of tracks just like this.

Listen here. Suggested track: “With All My Heart”

When you think of the 2001 film “Amelie,” I’m sure the big-eyed main character pops into your head as well as the stunning soundtrack (not to mention cinematography). With strings, piano and accordion, Yann Tiersen set the perfect tone to accompany Amelie’s fantastical world. If you’re a fan of instrumental, or tunes that will take you to Paris, this show isn’t to be missed. Catch the praised composer at Urban Lounge on April 25.

Listen here. Suggested track: “La Valse d’Amelie”

Also Pencil In:

Say Hi with Telekenesis / Tuesday, April 7 at Kilby Court, $10.75 / Tickets here

Lily Allen / Wednesday, April 8 at In the Venue, $29.50 / Tickets here

The Ting Tings with Hottub / Thursday, April 9 at Urban Lounge, $16.50 / Tickets here

The Hold Steady / Saturday, April 11 at Urban Lounge, $19 / Tickets here

Headlights / Monday, April 13 at Kilby Court, $10.75 / Tickets here

Clem Snide / Monday, April 13 at Urban Lounge, $12.75 / Tickets here

Mirah / Tuesday, April 14 at Kilby Court, $12.75 / Tickets here

The Thermals / Thursday, April 23 at Urban Lounge, $12.75 / Tickets here

Yann Tiersen with Asobi Seksu / Saturday, April 25 at Urban Lounge, $16.25 / Tickets here

Maria Taylor / Sunday, April 26 at Kilby Court, $10.75 / Tickets here

Star*ucker / Thursday, April 30 at Urban Lounge $10.75 / Tickets here

Thao & The Get Down Stay Down / Tuesday, May 5 at Kilby Court, $10.75 / Tickets here

And, mark your calendars:

Neko Case! / May 31 at Red Butte Garden / Details here

Camera Obscura! / June 2 at Urban Lounge / Details here

David Byrne! / June 21 at Red Butte Garden / Details here

Here’s what’s up for the remainder of May as far as live music is concerned. Don’t miss the head’s up on who else is coming this summer at the end of the post! (Hint: Miss Indie Rock herself!)

Tapes ‘N Tapes are up first. This group hailing from Minneapolis was put on the map with their 2006 release, “The Loon.” Now, they’ve followed up their freshman album with “Walk It Off.” Think a heavy mix of Pavement with subtle hints of The Shins, then add some rambunctious rhythms and rad lyrics and you’ll get Tapes ‘N Tapes. Hear it to believe it. You can tune in on Friday, May 16 at In the Venue.

Listen here. Suggested track: “Conquest”

Ready for some beats that will have you dancin’ in the streets? Listen in on MIA, or Maya Arulpragasam, along with everyone else. Your toes will be tappin’ in no time. This British-born Sri Lankan whips up rhythmic hip hop/electronic beats and impulsive drum beats. Check out the tune “Paper Planes,” for starters. Anyone else hear a Clash beat in this one? She plays The Depot on May 18.

Listen here. Suggested track: “What I Got”

And where do you begin with Death Cab for Cutie? This band, if not Ben Gibbard himself, holds a place near and dear to our indie-rockin’ hearts. With an impressive anthology and an ever-more radio-friendly sound, Death Cab’s “Narrow Stairs” is sure to solidify their potential as a band for the masses. Go buy your tickets to see them on May 26th with Tegan and Sara, no less, at Thanksgiving Point.

Listen here. Suggested track: “President of What”

Still lookin’ for more? Also pencil in:

• Destroyer on May 16
• Margo and The Nuclear So & Sos on May 17
• Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin on May 20
• Mason Jennings on May 21
• The Cure on May 23
• White Rabbits on May 30

And wait, there’s more to look forward to. Coming up:

• True Colors Tour with Cyndi Lauper on July 4
• And last but not least: Feist on July 17

Catch the rest, and some details, below. That’s all for now.

Happy May!

The army of bands visiting Utah this month should put a little spring in your step. There’s plenty to mention, so let’s get started:

RJD2 will be playing Monday, April 14 at the Urban Lounge. RJD2′s sound can classified as anything from electronic to hip hop—even hardcore rap. But what matters is that this one-man band, Ramble Jon Krohn (how’s that for a name?), creates a landscape of sound.

Listen here. Suggest track: “Beyond the Beyond”

Fan of (early) Beck or Of Montreal? Then tune into Portland Rockers Blitzen Trapper. They’ll be playing the Urban Lounge with Fleet Foxes and Calico on Tuesday, April 15. Continually experimenting with their sound, this band recently created even more innovative music on their latest release “Wild Mountain Nation.” It’s infused with rock, jazz and even a little blue grass.

Listen here. Suggested track: “Nation Live”

Visit the Islands, who will be rockin’ out at In the Venue on Tuesday, April 22. Islands have a playful sound that puts them in the same vein as the Unicorns. It’s no coincidence, since the drummer and singer from Unicorns helped form this new band. If you’re into lively beats and catchy lyrics, check ‘em out.

Listen here. Suggested track: “Rough Gem”

Or, if you wanna listen in on a band that rubs shoulders with big names like Bright Eyes, M. Ward and The Decemberists, try Norfolk & Western. Together, this group uses their musical smarts to create an atmospheric folk sound. Song names include “The Tired Woods” and “Watch the Days Slowly Fade.”

Listen here. Suggested track: “The Longest Stare”

Also pencil in:

• The-reason-you-went-Indie-years-ago songsters Jimmy Eat World on Monday, April 14
• Genre-bending talents Yeasayer on Monday, April 21
• Piano aficionado and crooner Ben Folds on Wednesday, April 23

Coming up:

• Mason Jennings on May 21; tickets here.
• Death Cab For Cutie on May 26; tickets here.
• MIA on May 18; tickets here.

Here’s the rest:

March is marching in with music goodness. There are simply too many bands to give all of them a mention, so I picked my favorites:

The dreamy duo of Alex Scally and Victoria Legrand make up the band Beach House. In support of their recent release called “Devotion,” the pair will be playing at Kilby Court on March 21. At this lo-fi Beach House, things are dreamy, mellow … even haunting.

Beach House: Listen here. Suggested track: Gila

As if Beach House wasn’t enough, opening for them is Papercuts, primarily the work Jason Rober Quever. His sound incorporates lively drum beats alongside playful bass and guitar chords, but it’s his voice that gives the music its calm, even pretty, sentiment.

Papercuts: Listen here. Suggested track: Poor and Free.

Chances are you’ve already heard beautiful melodies from Jose Gonzales, as his tunes have been featured on both TV shows and TV commercials. The Swedish songster’s latest album, “In Our Nature,” has generated a lot of buzz. And rightly so. He first came on to the scene with his 2005 sonnet “Heartbeats” and hasn’t looked back. Check out his guitar skills on March 22 at the U of U Ballroom.
Jose Gonzales: Listen here. Suggested track: Teardrop

And if this wasn’t enough to make you excited, a new favorite of mine, Headlights, will be visiting Kilby Court on March 28. This indie trio released their latest, “Some Racing, Some Stopping,” just last month. Their sound is filled with contagious rhythms and fanciful lyrics—the kind that keep the album on repeat.

Headlights: Listen here. Suggested track: Cherry Tulips

And yet, there’s still more. Lucky us. Be sure and check out these too:

• Theatrical songster and overall connoisseur Rufus Wainwright: Listen here.
• Quirky-lovable Say Hi To Your Mom: Listen here.
• Instrumental faves Explosion in the Sky: Listen here.
• NYC’s darlings Vampire Weekend: Listen here.

See? I wasn’t kidding around. That is a lot of fine music.

And, don’t forget, The Swell Season (aka that fine musical duo from “Once”) will be sharing their Oscar-worthy and Oscar-winning songs at The Depot on May 2. Be sure to buy your tickets fast. I have a feeling the show will sell out soon. Get them here.

It’s Lacey here. Hopefully you won’t need to add any spark to your Valentine’s Day, but just in case, give this mix a spin. It’s filled with love songs old and new, sure to ignite St. Valentine’s spirit. If nothing else, it’s an easy gift for your best pal … or significant other.

Listen on. Feel the romance. Share the love. Preview the mix here.

1. If You Rescue Me (Chanson des Chats): Gael Garcia Barnel
2. All I Want Is You: Barry Louis Polisar
3. 100,000 Fireflies: The Magnetic Fields
4. Parentheses: The Blow
5. Someday Some Morning Sometime: Billy Bragg & Wilco
6. God Only Knows: The Beach Boys
7. My Funny Valentine: Rufus Wainwright
8. A Place Aside: Beth Orton
9. Someday, Someway: Marshall Crenshaw
10. On Peak Hill: Stars
11. How Can I Tell You: Cat Stevens
12. Paris 2004: Peter Bjorn and John
13. Fly Me to the Moon: Frank Sinatra
14. Always Love: Nada Surf
15. If You Fall: Azure Ray
16. Girl From the North Country: Bob Dylan
17. Reason to Live: Mosquitos
18. When U Love Somebody: Fruit Bats
19. Grow Old With Me: John Lennon
20. Mrs. Darcy: Various Artists, Pride and Prejudice Soundtrack

{Doorprize!} What songs are sure to be on your Valentine’s mix? Let me know via comment, as I’ll be passing along two copies of this mix. We’ll choose the winners at random, and be sure to comment just once before 10 p.m. on Friday, February 8. Play on!

Sick of all this snow? Hopefully an evening with any of these hot numbers will warm you right up. There isn’t too much on the docket, but still plenty to sing about.

Showing up in SLC on February 17 are the Redwalls. If you like the Shout Out Louds, you’ll also want to shout out loud and clap along with this Illinois-based group. Formerly a cover band and known as the Pages, these young talents soon found their own sound. They mix it up with an array of musical instruments, and you never know which way they’re heading. Somehow, the sound always manages to come full circle.

Redwalls: Listen here. Suggested track: “Edge of the Night”

Perhaps you tuned into the season finale of “Six Feet Under.” If so, you also tuned in and likely fell for Sia and her song “Breathe Me.” This Aussie sings with such emotion that she almost makes you stop dead in your tracks. (No pun intended.) It takes careful listening to take it all in. If you can get past her vibrato, chances are you could have a new favorite, if passionate is the kind of artist you go for. Find out at the Avalon on February 23.

Sia: Listen here. Suggested track: “You Have Been Loved”

And if you still have no idea what to get your valentine, hold out until Thursday, February 28 and take your better half to the Joshua Radin/Ingrid Michaelson show at the Urban Lounge. After hearing sonnets from this duo, you’ll probably start slow dancing on the spot. Radin got a big boost from Zach Braff when one of his tunes was featured on an episode of “Scrubs.” He then released his 2006 album “We Were Here,” which showcases his dreamy and oh-so-romantic voice. With just one listen, you’ll be hooked.

Joshua Radin: Listen here. Suggested track: “What If You”

Who could forget Ingrid Michaelson’s Old Navy commercial? Her voice was definitely more memorable than the retailer’s holiday collection (though spring 2008 is looking pretty good). I bet she still has you cozying up to her “The Way I Am.” With a singalong voice reminiscent of Regina Spektor only a bit more delicate, her songs are both brilliant and catchy. If you’ve only previewed this gal via Old Navy or “Grey’s Anatomy” I daresay you’re missing out.

Ingrid Michaelson: Listen here. Suggested track: “Breakable”

Other bands that might be worth your tuning into include pop prince Mika this weekend, and college favorites Built to Spill on the 27th. Here’s what’s up for the rest of the month:

2007 was very good to us by way of music. Multiple musicians charmed me (and all of us) with their compelling melodies, unforgettable beats and fanciful lyrics. As you can see, there was a lot to choose from. Take it from my super-sized YHO’s Best of Oh Seven playlist, which you can preview below:

Like I said, it’s quite the list. But I daresay it’s worth a listen if you have yet to be captivated by any of these nice melodies. What were some of your favorite tracks/albums in 2007?

Here’s to hoping that 2008 is just as generous.

Are you resolving to become more of a music junkie this year? 2008 just might be your year to stay on top of that resolution, as many bands are coming through our part of the country.

First up is Alex Church’s Sea Wolf. This songster is oozing with creativity, and his inspiration and imagination stems from works by Jack London and John Steinbeck. (See “Winter Windows.”) Church released a five-song EP in May 2007 with a breathtaking array of strings as accompaniment. He’ll be in Salt Lake on Thursday, January 17 before rubbing elbows with other up-and-comers at the Sundance Film Festival.

Sea Wolf: Listen here. Suggested track: “The Garden that You Planted.”

And don’t forget to schedule in an evening with The Bravery. This band continues to tour in support of their latest release, “The Sun Became The Moon.” Since their self-titled debut album was released in 2005, The Bravery has converted many a fan with their use of punk-, dance-, and rock-infused tunes, though “The Sun” evidences a turn toward the band’s mellower side.

The Bravery: Listen here. Suggested track: “Bad Sun”

And finally, I couldn’t leave out Angela Correa who will be playing an early show at Area 51, of all places, on January 23. Correa recently appeared on the soundtrack for “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story,” performing a duet with John C. Reilly and she’s known for many a musical montage on “Grey’s Anatomy.” If you enjoy Rachel Yamagata or Gillian Wlech, you’ll probably appreciate Correa’s delicate voice and crescendo-ing melodies. I have a feeling she’s soon to become a household name—even if it’s an indie household.

Angela Correa: Listen here. Suggested track: “Racing Tides”

Or, if you’re in Park City for the Sundance Film Festival, don’t forget to check out the festival-playing bands which include Gold Streets, Ha Ha Tonka and Meridian West. They’ll be playing on Main Street during the festival as part of Music on Main. But keep those eyes (or ears) peeled, because, who knows? Maybe we’re in for a surprise Radiohead concert, as was the case a few years back.

Now, repeat after me: I resolve to see more live music, I resolve to see more life music….

Here’s the rest:

It’s the hap-happiest season of all, where music helps you feel all warm and fuzzy in anticipation of the holidays. Thus, I’ve got plenty of music ideas to help you create the perfect holiday soundtrack for you and yours.

1. I’ve come to love and rely on “Maybe This Christmas,” “Maybe This Christmas Tree,” and “Maybe This Christmas Too.” These albums bring together all your favorite indie and not-so-indie rockers. Some of my faves include Vanessa Carlton’s “Greensleeves,” The Raveonettes’ “The Christmas Song,” Deathcab’s “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),” and Damien Rice’s version of “Silent Night.” If you’re hankering for a different take on the classics, this set will fit the bill.

2. And of course the folks behind teen drama “The O.C” had to get their hands on a holiday soundtrack, so they released the cleverly-titled “Have a Very Merry Chrismukkah.” Contributors include Low, Ben Kweller, Eels and more. (Low’s “Just Like Christmas” is first on my list).

3. Or, if you have yet to feel any twinge of spirit, I’ve got just the solution for you: Sufjan Stevens’ “Songs for Christmas.” This five-disc songfest includes over forty(!) classic and homespun Sufjan-original tracks. He still relies on the banjo to spread his holiday cheer, and it works.

4. If these are all old news to you aficionados, try It’s Hard To Find A Friend’s newest holiday “Peace on Earth” soundtrack. Musicians from Great Lake Swimmers, Chris Walla, Via Audio and Rosie Thomas are some of the dozen artists on the playlist. It’s only $7 and all proceeds go to Toys for Tots. Order yours here.

‘Tis also the season to fall back on old classics (even Neil wanted in). From The Carpenters’ “Christmas Portrait,” The Jackson 5′s “Christmas Collection,” Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song,” or Neil Diamond’s “The Christmas Album,” you’ll be reminiscing about the past holidays nestled around the tree with hot chocolate in hand.

Or you can always let us do the work for you. Try Your Heart Out’s Merry! Merry! Soundtrack to ring in the holiday cheer. To preview the playlist via iTunes, click here.

1. Angels We Have Heard On High: Sufjan Stevens
2. Silent Night: Sarah McLachlan
3. Just Like Christmas: Low
4. River: Travis
5. The Christmas Song: The Raveonettes
6. White Christmas: Otis Redding
7. Christmas Time is Here: A Charlie Brown Christmas
8. Christmas: Leona Naess
9. A Change at Christmas Time (Say It Isn’t So): The Flaming Lips
10. Holy, Holy, Holy: Sufjan Stevens
11. Baby It’s Cold Outside: Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
12. Xmas Time Is Here Again: My Morning Jacket
13. I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day: Pedro The Lion
14. Christmastime in the Mountains: Palace Songs
15. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas: Aimee Man
16. O Come, O Come Emmanuel: Belle & Sebastian
17. Christmastime: Smashing Pumpkins
18. Oh Holy Night: Nat King Cole
19. Happy Xmas (War Is Over): John Lennon

Or, tune into this Pandora station that’ll play new-classic-indie-rock carols. What else are y’all listenin’ to?

Enjoy! ‘Tis the season, indeed.

Boy, do we have a treat for you this month. Forget the turkey; many fine bands are making it through Utah in the upcoming weeks. Plus, YHO’s first-ever live music giveaway!

Ben Lee plays this Friday at In The Venue. If you like Ben Folds, you’ll also dig this Australian Ben. His catchy pop songs are filled with fun beats and lyrics. Lee started making music in his teens. Five albums later, he continues to be a brilliant song crafter: enticing beats, catchy choruses, thoughtful lyrics. Case in point: Listen to “Catch my Disease” from “Awake is the New Sleep.”

Listen here. Suggested track: “Love Me Like the World”

Perhaps you’ve heard the Outback Steakhouse commercial with a jingle that goes something like “Let’s go Outback, tonight. Life will still be here tomorrow.” You might have found yourself tapping your toe, as you were hearing a catchy melody from Of Montreal. This band is known to layer quirky, psychedelic beats with peculiar lyrics. (In the “real” song, the lyrics go, “Let’s pretend we don’t exist. Let’s pretend we’re in Antarctica.”) I picked up “The Sundandic Twins” a couple years ago, and it took a few listens to get used to the high-pitched voice of the singer. But the bouncy beats keep me coming back for more. Listen up on November 16 at In the Venue.

Listen here. Suggested track: “Heimdalsgate Like a Promethean Curse”

And last, but certainly not least, you’ve got David Bazan: the solo artist from Pedro the Lion. The often-ironic songster has proven to be a worthy solo artist who can hold up to his earlier work. Bazan’s music carries some religious undertones (he is the son of a pastor), thus, many have dubbed his a “Christian band.” One of my favorite albums, possibly ever, is Pedro the Lion’s “It’s Hard to Find a Friend.” Give it a listen if you haven’t already, or see him live December 4 at In The Venue. There are lots of Bazan-isms left to uncover.

Listen here. Suggested track: “Selling Advertising”

More shows to pencil in your calendar:

• Kid Theodore with Saturday Looks Good To Me: Wednesday, November 14
• Tori Amos: Thursday, November 29
• Iron and Wine: Friday, December 7

{Doorprize!} Oh, this is a good one. 24Tix happens to be my fave place to scout-out who’s coming through. The 24Tix crew contacted YHO and wants to give a pair of free tickets (up to $50 in value) to any concert they are promoting in the coming YEAR to just one lucky listener … err, reader. All you have to do is leave one comment on this post by 10 p.m. on Monday, November 12 for your chance to win.

Though not all shows in the below guide are available through 24Tix, you can get started on your shopping by clicking through the links in the below guide. Also, be sure to check out the 24Tix Experience Blog and its first-ever Community for a Cause benefit concert.

To get started on your 24Tix shopping, click on the pink links in the below guide. Also, be sure to check out the 24Tix Experience Blog and its first-ever Community for a Cause benefit concert.

I did a double-take when I first spotted this pairing: Rachel Yamagata joins Mandy Moore (yes, the “Candy” singer turned uber-popular-chick-flick actress) in Salt Lake on October 6. Yamagata is due for a new album, though her 2004 release, “Happenstance,” is still current. Yamagata sports a powerful voice and tells beautiful lost-love stories. When she opens for now-folk singer Mandy Moore, it could be the makings of a great girl’s night.

Listen here. Suggested track: “I’ll Find a Way”

Another great opening act takes place when Bishop Allen ushers in John Vanderslice on October 13 at Kilby Court. Bishop Allen became popular by way of blogging word-of-mouth. They released 53 songs without signing to a label.

Luckily, they made it on NPR’s airwaves and they soon became an up-and-comer favorite. Bishop Allen employs a staggering variety of instruments—from strings to piano—that make their tunes easy to get lost in. Slow vocals provide a nice balance to the mini-orchestra of music.

Listen here. Suggested track: “Flight 180″

San Diego favorites Pinback return to Salt Lake on October 20 to play in support of their recent release, “Autumn of the Seraphs.” What makes Pinback cool is their uncanny ability to rely on vocals and inventive rhythms: Frontmen Armistead Burwell Smith and Rob Crow create a contest of sounds as one croons the lyrics while the other chimes in as an echo, or uses his voice as a supplemental instrument.

For Pinback 101, start with their early self-titled album from 1999. (Tip: Pinkback’s music makes a perfect soundtrack for almost any cardio workout, as a bonus.)

Listen here. Suggested track: “Loro”

Other promising show on the docket include Interpol with the Shout Out Louds, Morrissey and Architecture in Helsinki.

Or listen in at any of these:

With September come cooler temperatures, but the music scene in Salt Lake starts heating up with a fantastic lineup of live music. So even if you missed Rilo Kiley (and Modest Mouse) last night, you can still get your music fill … though you might want to check RK’s new album here. Suggested track: “Silver Lining.”

One of my favorites, The New Pornographers, will be visiting Sept. 25 at the Depot. Their very recent release called “Challengers” is already one of the year’s best. Lead singer AC Newman with deliriously beautiful Neko Case on backup head up the catchy, perfectly pop-balanced band. Listen in. These tunes are some you shouldn’t go without.

Listen here. Suggested track: “Myriad Harbor”

Guess who else? Arcade Fire with none other than LCD Soundsystem at the Thanksgiving Point Ampitheatre on Sept. 26. Arcade Fire have surely become the music critics’ darlings with their second release, “Neon Bible.” This rock quintet experiments in indie, punk—even classically-infused tunes—all with passionate lyrics. The show on Sept. 26 might prove an excellent introduction for those not already acquainted.

Listen here. Suggested track: “Windowsill”

Or, if you’d rather hear bare-bones acoustic music, Damien Jurado is your man. He’ll be playing with Okkervil River Sept. 12 at Kilby Court. Damien weaves lovely stories, some of them tragic, into his charming melodies. He’s the type of artist that seems to have lived many different lives given the tales he reveals in his albums.

Listen here. Suggested track: “Dentox, TX”

As if we weren’t spoiled enough, others visiting include:

• Josh Rouse: Listen here. Suggested track: Sweetie
• Camper van Beethoven: Listen here. Suggested track: All Her Favorite Fruit
• The Smashing Pumpkins: Listen here.
• The White Stripes: Listen here. Suggested track: You Don’t Know What Love Is.

Yay for September! Get the rest of the scoop here:

August, already? It came too fast, but you’ll gladly welcome the last month of summer once you hear who’s visiting.

Three sisters, one brother and one best friend make the band, Eisley. Hailing from Texas, these guys have been playing since 2000—even touring with Coldplay in support of “Room Noises” in 2005. If you’re fond of Stars, Tegan and Sara, or Rilo Kiley, you’ll fall for the light and graceful voices of the DuPree sisters. Eisley will play in Salt Lake tomorrow, touting their new full-length album, “Combination,” due in stores August 14.

Listen here. Suggested track: “Telescope Eyes.”

Here’s a blast from the past. Remember this?: “If you’re down with P, well then your friends with me.” The Rentals‘ “Friends of P” hit the airwaves in 1995 and it unexpectedly became a hit. Now they’re back and playing in the Venue on August 8. Hoping they’ll play “The Love I’m Searching For” and “These Days.” But they’ve also released some new catchy songs.

Listen here. Suggested track: “Last Romantic Day.”

A rare combination of Spanish flair, country, jazz—even surf music—makes up the sound of Calexico. Their catchy rhythms are unpredictable and unforgettable. Calexico recently joined with Iron and Wine to release an EP filled with beautiful melodies and story-telling lyrics. I caught up with Calexico when they opened for Wilco a few years ago, and they had me toe-tappin’. The best part? You can tap along for free when they illuminate the Twilight Concert Series on August 23.

Listen here. Suggested track: “Roca.”

And finally, if you’re aching for more summer days (and they are numbered), this FineTune mix will help. It’s filled with tunes reminiscent of perfect summer days, never-ending sunsets and long, warm nights—dabbled with a handful of songs from bands making Salt Lake cameos this month. Check it out here.

Listen up and enjoy!

Here’s what else is on for the month, starting tonight with Peter Bjorn and John:

It’s Lacey again. If you’re not up for buying tickets to any of this month’s shows, you can always opt for this playlist I mixed together—ideal for summer cardio sessions. Maybe it’ll be the ticket to push you through the next mile. (It is 20-songs long). I’ve personally tried and tested it, and given it my own stamp of approval.

1. The Sporting Life: The Decemberists
2. Dashboard: Modest Mouse
3. Crystal Clear: The Fiery Furnaces
4. Cheated Hearts: Yeah Yeah Yeahs
5. Combat Baby: Metric
6. Young Folks: Peter Bjorn and John
7. Sea Lion Woman: Feist
8. Ageless Beauty: Stars
9. Brand New Colony: The Postal Service
10. When U Love Somebody: Fruit Bats
11. Come on Closer: Jem
12. We’re From Barcelona: I’m From Barcelona
13. Feel Good Inc. (Album Crossfade): Gorillaz
14. Bowl of Oranges: Bright Eyes
15. All the Way to China: James Figurine
16. A Sweet Summer’s Night on Hammer Hill: Jens Lekman
17. Common People: Pulp
18. The Way We Get By: Spoon
19. Seville: Pinback
20. Crazy: Gnarls Barkley

Get a taste for the tunes and preview the mix right here.

This comes straight from my music library, but I’d love to know what works for you. Is there a song that really motivates you? Share your thoughts in the comments, so we can create a killer Get-Movin’ playlist; maybe we’ll even be able to compile Volume II. Think of the miles we’ll get through….

Lacey, here. Welcome to July’s Music Guide. This month has plenty of options for live music. I’m particularly excited to see Yo La Tengo and the Fiery Furnaces at the Gallivan Center on the 19th. Also exciting, aside from the Twilight lineup? A few bands/acts that I’m willing to pay for:

Formed in Idaho, long-time indie rockers Built to Spill will be playing at the Depot on the 21st. The group’s most recent release, “You in Reverse,” has been praised as one of the band’s finest records in their fourteen-year history. With melodies that take listeners in all directions, Built to Spill has an unusual sound; they follow a writing style that leaves listeners waiting for witty lyrics amidst passionate jam sessions. Listen here. Suggested track: “Car.”

If venue is an important variable, you can’t go wrong with summertime shows at Red Butte Gardens. If Ryan Adams is the one taking the mic, it doesn’t get much better. He’s one of those singers that can pretty much do it all. He’s produced records for such big acts as Willie Nelson and Beth Orton, and he just released his ninth full-length album, “Easy Tiger.” The catchy and beautiful melodies are reminiscent of his 2001 album, “Gold.” The Cardinals provide twangy back up. Listen here. Suggested track: “Two.”

More bands worth paying to see?

• Boat: Listen here.
• Cary Brothers (made popular by “Garden State”): Listen here.
• Cowboy Junkies: Listen here.

Here’s what else is on the plate for this month:

If there’s one thing Utah has up on other states, it’s gotta be the summer nights. Salt Lake’s are the kind young, rebellious and tight-jeaned Danny Zuko must have been crooning about (with his pointer finger to heaven and hip jutting out, might we add.) Cool, purple-y evenings marked with canyon breezes and pink sunsets behind mountainous skylines put even “The Greatest Snow on Earth” to shame, no problem.

This year, dusk gets even better, if you can imagine it, thanks to the lineup for the Twilight Concert Series. Not the usual folk, jazz and bluegrass gig that it usually is, Salt Lake’s Twilight got a healthy dose of hip and Thursday nights starting July 5th will also be filled with pop, indie rock, garage punk, ’60s surf—maybe even a little electronica.

Tell organizers you’re grateful for the cool/good-band efforts by making a cameo. Might we recommend Yo La Tengo and The Fiery Furnaces on July 19, as well as Calexico and the French Kicks on August 23. You can see the entire lineup here. And did we mention that the shows are 100 percent free?

Between sets, you can also browse the Twilight Market which features jewelry vendors and massages, as well as food bites like pizza, barbecue sandwiches and rice bowls.

{Make your true love vow:}

Twilight Concert Series
The Gallivan Center
239 S. Main St.
Thursdays, July 5-23, 7 p.m.

Welcome, summer! Only a handful of bands visit Utah this month. Boo. The good news? The rest of summer will be packing a live music punch.

In the meantime, here’s what’s up for June:

See true legends at the True Colors Tour this Saturday at the Usana Ampitheatre. Thee Cyndi Lauper and thee Deborah Harry (who doesn’t love Blondie?) will be performing alongside Erasure, Margaret Cho (I’m assuming it’ll be a stand-up act for her), Dresden Dolls and Gossip. Visiting 15 cities in support of the Human Rights Campaign, the True Colors Tour could be your opportunity to get out and enjoy the weather, plus five hours of nonstop music. Weather permitting.

Of, if you like something a little more intimate—and you’re a fan of the Red House Painters or Cowboy Junkies—it’s likely you’ll love the slow-paced, luring sound of Great Lake Swimmers. Having almost an antique sound, if there is such a thing, lead singer Tony Dekker carries the songs with his nonchalant voice and lyrics. The band recently released their third album, “Ongiara,” which features songs called “Your Rocky Spine” and “Backstage with the Modern Dancers.” Listen here. Suggested track: “Moving Pictures Silent Films.”

Folk-rock queen Lucinda Williams makes an appearance at Kingsbury Hall on June 22 in support of her recent release, “West.” To listen to what sounds like good road-trippin’ music, sample here. Suggested track: “Are You Alright?”

There are also those bands that decided to skip over Utah, for whatever reason, but whom I wish would visit. For example, do you get worried that you’ll lose that feeling that accompanies you upon first listening to a favorite song which then leads to a song hangover?

That’s exactly how I felt about Keren Ann’s recent self-titled release. I really enjoyed her previous album, “Nolita,” which included a mellow mix of French and English lyrics. But she outdid herself with her latest. I can’t say enough about this album. Don’t take my word for it. Go ahead and listen for yourself here. Suggested track: “Lay Your Head Down” and “Liberty.”

Other recommended recent releases:

• Wilco’s Sky Blue Sky: Stream the entire album from their website. Suggested track: “You are My Face”
• Au Revoir Simone: Suggested track: “Sad Song”
• Spiderman 3 Soundtrack: (Get a taste for the many different indie-ish bands out there.) Suggested track: “Red River” by The Walkmen.
• Lavender Diamond: (Girly, toe-tappin’ pop.) Suggested track: “Open Your Heart”
• Montag: (For something entirely different.) Suggested track: “Best Boy Electric.”

Enjoy!

Still bummed about the demise of Napster? We, for one (or two), never got over it. But researching bands as of late in an effort to stay (or get) cool has taught us that there are still loads of tunes to be had for free, so we thought we’d share.

Lots of blogs, band websites and label sites offer a free download or two in anticipation of new album: a sort of record preview. As far as blogs go, check out It’s Hard to Find a Friend, Gorilla vs. Bear and, of course, Stereogum (though here, you have to catch them before they’re taken down).

MP3s often hide out at the end of a post. For example, right now, you can download songs from the White Stripes, Feist, M. Ward and Wolf Parade on It’s Hard to Find a Friend, though you’ll have to skim various posts to scout them out. Another good option is Pitchfork; many of the listings on their Top 100 Tracks of 2006 are available for download. Sweet.

Also try sites for the record labels to your favorite bands: At Subpop, click on “media” and scroll down to “new audio” for a link list of free songs to download. You can also browse the artist pages for more downloads. Similarly, at Barsuk Records, you can click on “media” and then “free MP3s” in the top left corner.

To actually download, here’s what you do:

• Hover your cursor above the mp3 link, and right click (or hit “ctrl” and click on a Mac).
• Select “Save target as” or “Save link as” and save it in your music folder (usually an iTunes music folder).
• Once saved (remember its location), add it to your iTunes library by opening iTunes, clicking on “file,” then “add file to library.”
• Select the track you just saved and click “open.”
• For quick verification, check your “recently added” songs to make sure the song has been added.

And … that’s how you get a nice, free mix of cool new music to kick off the weekend. Woo-hoo! (And special thanks to our resident music expert for the tips).

Sad that you weren’t in Indio, California last week? Bands and songsters like the Jesus and Mary Chain, Tilly and the Wall, Bjork, Andrew Bird, Regina Spektor plus many more “I’d-pay-anything-to-see-that-band” types played the Coachella Festival last weekend.

Dont worry Your Heart Outs! Many fun—even BIG—names are visiting our happy state this month to play for you.

If you’re in the mood for wishful, heart-wrenching, dreamy music, turn to Irish crooner Damien Rice. A blend of strings, piano and breathtaking vocals give him his wistful sound. Although performing at the McKay Events Center, I have a feeling Rice will still create an intimate atmosphere. One drawback: the stunning back-up vocals by Lisa Hannigan will be missing as she no longer sings with Rice. But, afterall, it’s Damien whose vocals leave you longing for more. Listen here. Suggested track: “The Animals Were Gone.”

Who’s the legendary artist behind titles like “America Is Not the World,” “Don’t Make Fun of Daddy’s Voice,” “Glamorous Glue,” and “You’re the One For Me Fatty?” It’s the Smiths’ former front man, Morrissey, of course. He’ll be playing at the E Center on Tuesday, May 8. Who wouldn’t want to see “one of the most influential figures in alternative rock” play live? It’s a no-brainer. Tickets are still available. Listen here. Suggested track: “In the Future When…”

Country/folk group Nickel Creek will play at Abravanel Hall on Saturday, May 12. Besides the symphony, seeing a band play this venue will be well-worth the ticket price. Plus, Nickel Creek is so easy to fall for. Their sound is made up of a variety of “honky tonk” instruments including the fiddle, mandolin, banjo and bouzouki (similar to a mandolin, not a rocket launcher), but most of their songs are slow and reflective. Country/folk queen Alison Krauss even helped produce their first album. Listen here. Suggested track: A cover of Britney Spears’ “Toxic.”

Also playing with Nickel Creek? Producer extraordinaire Jon Brion. Brion has created soundtracks for great films like I Heart Huckabees, Magnolia, Punch-Drunk Love and (my personal favorite), Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. He has also produced albums for Fiona Apple, Aimee Main—even Kanye West. This guy knows his music.

Other bands worthy of a live viewing: DJ Shadow, The Fratellis (who you might have heard on a recent iTunes commercial, lucky ducks), Cursive, Hot Hot Heat, The Shaky Hands, Animal Collective, Minus the Bear and the Killers.

Lots to see and hear in May. But, you can take full advantage of your Tivo and capture live performances by Tori Amos (tonight!), Wilco (May 15) and Rufus Wainwright (May 17) on David Letterman. And don’t miss Feist next Tuesday on Jay Leno. More info here.

Who needs Coachella when you can have all of this? At least thats what we can keep telling ourselves.

April showers bring … live music, of course. More bands venture to Utah to play for your eager ears. Here are some highlights:

Hailing from Seattle, Panda & Angel is a newly-formed group that plays at Urban Lounge on April Fool’s Day. If you like Low or even breathy Cat Power, you’ll enjoy Panda’s jumping, lingering sound. Also electrifying and slow, the mix should make for an exciting live show.

Bringing much experience and musical proficiency, John Vanderslice will play at Kilby Court on Monday, April 9. As a recent convert to his catchy and addicting tunes, I’ve noticed his interesting subject matter to include bunnies, Dance Dance Revolution—even shooting bluebirds. Given the use of electronic mixes that support most of his songs, the show could also be a technological learning experience.

Aqueduct might sound familiar if you ever witnessed the Light Parade at Disneyland with its buzzing electronic music—a sound singer David Terry has seemed to embrace. I first heard the one-man band (think Bert from “Mary Poppins”) play on Conan O’Brien and thought the singer didn’t have an ounce of training as far as his vocals were concerned. Turns out it was that very lack of training that made his music interesting. Terry seems to rely on jumpy beats and humorous lyrics to carry his voice, and it works; his music is fun. I’m sure that after leaving his show on Tuesday, April 24 at the Urban Lounge, you’ll think he’s got one of the best—or at least most interesting—voices on the indie scene today.

More not-to-miss shows include, in support of their recent album releases, Maria Taylor and Bright Eyes. Also visiting: Kristy Kruger, Mos Def (only $5 for U of U students!), Elf Power, and Ted Leo and the Pharmacists.

Still not sure if any of these artists are worth venturing out for? Listen to my Finetune mix which combines songs from most of the bands passing through (mixed with a few other goodies I’ve recently discovered).

Or if you’d rather stay in and have the TV do the work for you, make sure to catch Kings of Leon and Bloc Party on David Letterman this week, or performances from Death Cab for Cutie and My Morning Jacket on Conan O’Brien. (Next week Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and Albert Hammond Jr. also stop by Conan’s set.) For other upcoming TV appearances, be sure to bookmark Interbridge.

Remember to click on each band name in the table below to hear more music; there’s enough for everyone to find something new to enjoy. Promise.

Watch for an extended music guide later this week.