Album stream: Blue Sunshine by U.S. Royalty

Today is an exciting day: I got to listen to my first anticipated album of the new year! I’ve been a fan of U.S. Royalty ever since I saw them open for Third Eye Blind a few years ago. Their debut album Mirrors never fails to make it feel like summer for me, no matter what the weather is actually like outside. It's just one of those records I never get sick of.

So naturally, when the band announced that they’re streaming their upcoming release, Blue Sunshine, a week early, I rushed to check it out. I’m only two listens in, but I’m really enjoying it so far. It’s still got those warm vibes, which is exactly what I need to get me through this dreary January weather.

I was seriously impressed by the band when I saw them live a few years ago, so I can’t wait for tour dates to support this.

 Like what you hear? Get more info on U.S. Royalty and then pre-order Blue Sunshine.

The sounds of summer

Every spring, I compile a giant playlist of music for the sunny days ahead. The songs put me in a good mood all summer, and when the weather turns cold, I have a souvenir of the good times I had (and okay, songs to weep to when I'm wrapped up in eight blankets and desperately wishing January would be over already).

Here are some of my favorites from this summer's playlist, in a handy 8tracks mix for you to enjoy.

Soundtrack to Summer 2012 from xanne on 8tracks.

Track list:

1. "Anna Sun" - Walk The Moon

2. "Numb Bears" - Of Monsters and Men

3. "Equestrian" - U.S. Royalty

4. "Werewolf" - Fiona Apple

5. "Runaway Train" - Brandon Boyd

6. "Gonzo" - The All-American Rejects

7. "Red Hands and White Knuckles" - The Bravery

8. "Hey Joe" - Jimi Hendrix

9. "Stubborn Love" - The Lumineers

10. "Paralyzed" - Rooney

11. "Bliss" - Blaqk Audio

12. "Oh, Love!" - William Beckett

13. "MoneyGrabber" - Fitz and the Tantrums

14. "Breath Of Life" - Florence and the Machine

15. "Hacienda Motel" - Pickwick

16. "Motorcycle Drive By" - Third Eye Blind

17. "Mind Eraser" - The Black Keys

Favorite Albums of 2011

In no particular order.

2011 was truly a great year for my music collection. A bunch of my favorite bands released new material, and almost all of it actually lived up to my ridiculously high expectations. I also fell in love with some new acts that I stumbled across. Last year, I couldn't even come up with a top ten list; this year, I can't keep it to ten, so I had to expand to twelve. Here they are, along with links to any reviews I wrote earlier.

Incubus - If Not Now, When?: If I had to choose a favorite album of the year, it would probably be this one. So many critics and fans disliked this album, leaving me to wonder if the rest of the world is crazy. This album is just gorgeous. It reawakened my obsession with Incubus and I ended up spending a combined total of approximately four months listening only to their music.
The Airborne Toxic Event - All At Once: I was originally disappointed in this album, but turns out I just needed some time to let it grow on me. TATE has to be one of the most hard-working bands I listen to, and also one of the most fun to see live.
Hard-Fi - Killer Sounds: I dare you to resist busting a move while listening to this.
Florence and the Machine - Ceremonials: I do still find a few songs to be a little boring, but when these songs are good, they are great. Florence Welch is a goddess.
Midnight Youth - World Comes Calling: My only complaint about this album is that it is too short. These songs are so epic and catchy that I simply am not satisfied with only ten.
City and Colour - Little Hell: City and Colour always puts out staggeringly beautiful music, and this latest effort is no exception.
The Black Keys - El Camino: This band blew up for a reason. The album just came out so I'm still getting acquainted with it, but I knew on the first spin that this one would be constantly on repeat.
Jack's Mannequin - People and Things: This album makes me both desperately sad and insanely happy. Damn you Andrew McMahon for manipulating my emotions.
Movits! - Ut Ur Min Skalle (Out Of My Head): If you're looking for a Swedish hip-hop swing jazz band that will make you dance like you're in an old school iPod commercial, Movits! is the band for you.
Foo Fighters - Wasting Light: You know, I never really listened to the Foo Fighters before this year, despite my great admiration for Dave Grohl. So I can't claim to be a loyal fan, but I do love this album.

U.S. Royalty - Mirrors: This was my soundtrack to summer this year.
The Chevin - Champion EP: This band, formerly known as Your Vegas, did not make it easy to get this EP. Thankfully, it was worth the wait.

It's been real, 2011.

Well played, U.S. Royalty

Something miraculous happened this weekend - I saw Third Eye Blind play, and their opening band did not make me want to rip my ears off. In fact, I genuinely enjoyed this band, U.S. Royalty, so much that I even purchased their latest album, Mirrors. This never happens.

A quick side note for anyone who does not understand how big of a deal this is: I have seen Third Eye Blind 19 times (yes, really) and I can only think of two other times that I liked the opener. I'm not going to name names, because I have no desire to rip poor unknown bands to shreds on the Internet. But let's just say, a beat down in a mosh pit would be preferable to listening to most of the bands I've heard play beforehand.

Anyway, back to the point. U.S. Royalty. After a little research, I see this band has been compared to everyone from Fleetwood Mac to Fleet Foxes, and many of the influences are easy to pinpoint. The songs are a combination of catchy melodies and nostalgic guitar solos mixed with plenty of swagger. Lead singer John Thornley's powerful vocals transfixed me right away, and damn, he can really hold a note (and then follow it up with a crazy blood-curdling scream).

The video for "Equestrian." Plus, the Internet has been freaking out over how stylish these dudes are, so you can check that out too.

This was the kind of opening band that grabs everyone's attention, pulling people away from the bar and into the crowd. Generally, the audience tolerates the opener while counting down the minutes until the main event comes out. But not at this show. U.S. Royalty received a well-deserved roar of cheers and whistles at the end of their set. This never happens. Not at a 3eb show, anyway.

I can already tell Mirrors will be the soundtrack to my summer. My favorite track so far is "Equestrian," although I'm falling in love with more and more of the tracks as I get acquainted with the album.

myspace.com/usroyalty