NEWS, NOTES & SPINS – MARCH 1, 2014

SpokesBuzz Fort Collins logoThe Colorado Sound is supported by SpokesBUZZ, a  Colorado 501C3 with a mission to AMPLIFY THE COLORADO MUSIC SCENE, DEVELOP OUR PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS, PROMOTE COLORADO AS A PROGRESSIVE CULTURAL DESTINATION, and GROW LOCAL ECONOMIES.  Please visit the website for information on bands that SpokesBUZZ supports, as well as shows and more.  www.spokesbuzz.org.

THE COLORADO SOUND PRESENTS  

The Colorado Sound is also supported by the Mishawaka Amphitheatre … where on April 3 The Colorado Sound presents the Garrett Sayers Trio.  Tickets at www.themishawaka.com  

NEWS & NOTES

chris at ob hmls sunday june 16 2013MARCH 3 UPDATE – Today is the 4th year anniversary of this blog site.  Wordpress was nice enough to send me that notice – or I would have spaced it out.

When you scroll down to the TOP 40 for the month you will notice one very significant “improvement.”  After a few years of procrastination I went ahead and provided links to the artists’ online site.  Please visit those artists you are unfamiliar with.

I’m pretty pleased to announce new records for page views and page views per day for the month of February .. the old record was set in 2012.  Stream-starts at The Colorado Sound Live365 have been okay, and all things considered I think for the first year it’s been pretty good.  Folks are hitting the station page in numbers that match up well with the visits here, but stream-starts still proves to be a low percentage.

I think maybe some folks are looking at the top five most recently played, to see if they know it, and then moving on pretty quickly .. that’s just a guess though.  When folks do start a stream they listen an average of 20 minutes – so about five songs on average.

THE CONDITIONAL TOP 3 –  The stations I track airplay at are among the state’s top non-commercial public/community and/or college stations.  I only track one commercial station, Radio 94.9 Colorado (NoCo).  It is not easy to track commercial radio spins.  Commercial radio plays music from here in Colorado.  Stations like KBCO, KBPI, KTCL, and others over the years have been incredibly supportive of Colorado music.   That’s what fuels two of the CONDITIONAL TOP 3.  The third link is a 1/5 member Colorado Connection (CC).

The Fray and OneRepublic are two bands that non-comm radio largely ignores.  Every once in a while I’ll see an isolated jock play a track from either/or, but it’s never enough to really make it to the top of the charts as measured here.  Commercial radio/media however blasts both bands all over the airwaves and Internet.  Based on the commercial media exposure alone, both of the new/recent albums from these bands are #1 and #2 among Colorado releases in the state.  That’s not to say that Big Head Todd doesn’t receive their share of commercial radio airplay – but it’s much more limited than what the Fray or OneRepublic receive.

The #3 Conditional TOP 3 pick is Hard Working Americans, which features keyboardist Chad Steahly, also one of the founding members of Great American Taxi.  While I was pulling spins from around the state, I was blown away at the love this band is getting right now.   Truth is, among the non-comms there were enough plays to make it #1 (disallowing the Fray and OneRepublic).

FEATURED VIDEOS FEB 2014

The six song video playlist for February (in no particular order) includes Red Devil Magic, H*Wood, Katie Herzig, Safe Boating is No Accident, In the Whale, and Devan Blake Jones … this is one of those month’s where I got my closet dance freak happening. (no kids, you do not want to see that) 😉

TOP 40 SPINS FEBRUARY 2014

294 titles tracked
167 (57%) titles were reported as played at least once.
(CC) = Colorado Connection
(D) = album/ep debut on chart
(R) = reenter
[date] = Date added to reporting list

(4) 1. Big Head Todd & the Monsters Black Beehive (Shout! Factory) Rock/AAA [Jan 25, 2014]
(21) 2. Pretty LightsA Color Map of the Sun (8 Minutes 20 Seconds) Urban Contemporary/EDM [July 2, 2013]
(3) 3. Gregory Alan IsakovThe Weatherman (Suitcase Town Music) Folk [June 22, 2013]
(1) 4. Elephant Revival These Changing Skies (Its Evolving Records) Folk [Aug 1, 2013]
(2) 5. Mollie O’Brien & Rich MooreLove Runner (Remington Road Records) Americana [Dec 21, 2013]
(14) 6. DeVotchKaLive with the Colorado Symphony (Cicero Recordings) Indie/New Alternative [Nov 1, 2012]
(12) 7. The Railsplitters The Railsplitters (self) Americana/bluegrass [Oct 1, 2013]
(5) 8. Honey Don’tHeart Like A Wheel (self) Americana/alt-country [Nov 1, 2013]
(R) 9. Paper BirdRooms (self) Indie/New Alternative [Feb 16, 2013]
(19) 10. The MotetThe Motet (self) Urban Contemporary/funk [Jan 4, 2014]
(6) 11. TennisSmall Sound (Communion Records) Indie/New Alternative [Nov 1, 2013]
(24) 12. Mike Clark & the Sugar Sounds Round and Round (Blank Tape) Indie/New Alternative [Jan 19, 2013]
(7) 13. Mosey West Bermuda (self) Rock/AAA [Nov 2, 2013]
(D) 14. Dianne ReevesBeautiful Life (Concord) Urban Contemporary/soul/jazz [Feb 11, 2014]
(23) 15. Finnders & YoungbergI Don’t Want Love You Won’t Give Until I Cry (Swingfingers Records)
Americana/bluegrass [Aug 1, 2013]
(32) 16. Halden Wofford & the Hi*BeamsRocky Mountain Honky Tonk (self) Americana/alt-country-rock [July 7, 2013]
(35) 17. Land LinesLand Lines (self) Indie/New Alternative [Nov 24, 2012]
(16) 18. Monocle BandMonocle Band (self) Folk/folk-rock [Sept 1, 2013]
(9) 19. Changing Colors Joan & the King (Blank Tape) Folk [April 27, 2013]
(26) 20. 3 TwinsDe Nada (Sleeping Elephant Music) Americana [June 20, 2013]
(R) 21. The ReMindersBorn Champions (self) Urban Contemporary/hip-hop [Nov 1, 2012]
(29) 22. Matt Skinner BandNative Stranger (Tapedero Productions) Americana/country [Nov 9, 2013]
(8) 23. Rob Drabkin Little Steps EP (self) Rock/AAA [Aug 1, 2013]
(R) 24. P-NuckleThe System (self) Urban Contemporary [Jan 31, 2013]
(R) 25. Cassie Taylor Out of My Mind (Yellow Dog) Blues [May 18, 2013]
(R) 25. ChurchillThe War Within EP (A&M/Octone) Rock/AAA [April 27, 2013]
(31) 25. Megan Burtt & FriendsIn Good Company: Vol I (N/A) Pop/adult [Nov 1, 2013]
(R) 26. Josh DillardThe Bright Light of Shipwreck (self) Folk [June 1, 2013]
(27) 27. Head for the HillsBlue Ruin (self) Americana/bluegrass [June 1, 2013]
(15) 28. Austin Young & No DifferenceBlue As Can Be (Vizztone) Blues [Mar 23, 2013]
(D) 29. Dave and The Gin Mill GypsiesDave and The Gin Mill Gypsies (Dazzle Recordings) Jazz/Americana [Jan 20, 2014]
(35) 30. Arthur Lee LandCracked Open (self) Rock/AAA [Nov 1, 2012]
(31) 30. Grant SabinAnthromusicology (Blank Tape) Rock/blues [Jan 10, 2013]
(13) 31. Joe JohnsonNew West Sound (Blank Tape) Americana/country-folk [Aug 1, 2013]
(28) 31. Otis Taylor My World Is Gone (Telarc) Blues [Jan 20, 2013]
(20) 32. The Patti FiascoSmall Town Lights (self) Rock [July 23, 2013]
(11) 32. VariousSpokesBUZZ Vol. IV Band Together (SpokesBUZZ) Rock [Dec 14, 2013]
(R) 33. Kristina MurrayUnravelin’ (self) Americana/country [Nov 2, 2013]
(R) 34. Blue Canyon BoysNext Go Round (self) Americana/bluegrass [Jan 16, 2013]
(25) 35. Mama Lenny & the Remedy Time (You’re Doing Fine) (self) Blues/rythm & blues [Dec 7, 2013]

DROPPED OUT OF TOP 40 IN FEB

(17) Nathaniel Rateliff – Falling Faster Than You Can Run
(18) Drag The River – Drag the River
(19) The Wild After – Lesson Learned EP
(20) Soul School – Chapter One
(22) Trout Steak Revival – Flight
(30) Jeff Brinkman Band – Strange
(33) Katey Laurel – Periscope
(34) Chimney Choir – (compass)
(35) Katie Glassman & Snapshot – Dream A Little Dream

ADDED TO AIRPLAY TRACKING IN FEB

a. Tom Collins – Negative Nancy [single]
Adam Bodine Trio – Plays Nirvana
Bad Brad & the Fat Cats – Take A Walk With Me
Cowboy Dave – Driven Men
Dave Perron – Foot to the Pedal
Dianne Reeves – Beautiful Life
Eurforquestra – Fire
Glitta Kings – Girls in High Heels Shouldn’t Dance On Glass Tables
Isa and JoeAlan – Lifelines
John Harlan Hutchison – Postcards From the State of Mind
Katie Herzig – Walk Through Walls [single]
Kinetix – One Life
My Body Sings Electric – Pt I The Night Ends
Reed Philip Weimer – Resultant Motion
Ryan D White – Something Brillian Is About To Happen [EP]
Safe Boating is No Accident – Bonus Features
The Fray – Helios
You, Me and Apollo – I Don’t Want to Be Loved [single]
Young Ancients – Y/A

STATION BY STATION

Elephant Revival_these changing skiesKAFM (Grand Junction) [21]
1. Elephant Revival – These Changing Skies
2. Various – SpokesBUZZ Vol. IV Band Together
3. Honey Don’t – Heart Like A Wheel
4. Monocle Band – Monocle Band
5. The Railsplitters – The Railsplitters

BHTM Black BeehiveKDNK (Carbondale) [24]
1. Big Head Todd & the Monsters – Black Beehive
2. Blue Canyon Boys – Next Go Round
2. DeVotchKa – Live with the Colorado Symphony
2. Elephant Revival – These Changing Skies
2. Honey Don’t – Heart Like A Wheel

Rossonian, You Are Your Own DentistKDUR (Durango) [15]
1. Rossonian – You Are Your Own Dentist
2. Pretty Lights – A Color Map of the Sun
2, Yonder Mountain String Band – EP13
3. Mosey West – Bermuda
4. Casey James Prestwood & the Burning Angels – Honky Tonk Bastard World

Halden_rocky-mountain-honky-tonkKGNU (Boulder) [20]
1. Halden Wofford & the Hi*Beams – Rocky Mountain Honky Tonk
1. Mollie O’Brien & Rich Moore – Love Runner
2. The Railsplitters – The Railsplitters
3. Honey Don’t – Heart Like A Wheel
4. Blue Grama – Dust Bowl Blues

pretty lights_color map of the sunKRCC (Colorado Springs) [15]
1. Pretty Lights – A Color Map of the Sun
2. Mike Clark & the Sugar Sounds – Round and Round
3. Austin Young & No Difference – Blue As Can Be
3. Paper Bird – Rooms
4. Changing Colors – Joan & the King

dave and the gin mill gypsiesKRFC (Fort Collins) [>100]
1. Dave and The Gin Mill Gypsies – Dave and The Gin Mill Gypsies
2. Various – SpokesBUZZ Vol. IV Band Together
3. Bad Brad & the Fat Cats – Eyes on the Prize
4. Big Head Todd & the Monsters – Black Beehive
5. Mama Lenny & the Remedy – Time (You’re Doing Fine)

BHTM Black BeehiveKSUT (Ignacio) [10]
1. Big Head Todd & the Monsters – Black Beehive
2. Mollie O’Brien & Rich Moore – Love Runner
2. The Motet – The Motet
3. Yonder Mountain String Band – EP13
4. Jeff Scroggins & Colorado – Western Branches

BHTM Black BeehiveKUNC (Greeley) [13]
1. Big Head Todd & the Monsters – Black Beehive
2. Mollie O’Brien & Rich Moore – Love Runner
3. Gregory Alan Isakov – The Weatherman
4. 3 Twins – De Nada
4. Land Lines – Land Lines

devotchka_live with CO symOPENAIR 1340 (Denver) [51]
1. DeVotchKa – Live with the Colorado Symphony
2. Candy Claws – Ceres & Calypso In The Deep Time
2. Land Lines – Land Lines
3. a. Tom Collins – Stick & Poke
3. Eye and the Arrow – If By Fire

dianne reeves_beautiful lifeThe Colorado Sound [41]
1. Dianne Reeves – Beautiful Life
1. Matt Skinner Band – Native Stranger
2. Big Head Todd & the Monsters – Black Beehive
3. Bad Brad & the Fat Cats – Take A Walk With Me
3. Mollie O’Brien & Rich Moore – Love Runner

GENRE/PROGRAM FORMAT

Mollie O'Brien and Rich Moore - Love RunnerAmericana / Alt-country / Bluegrass
1. Mollie O’Brien & Rich Moore – Love Runner
2. The Railsplitters – The Railsplitters
3. Honey Don’t – Heart Like A Wheel
4. Finnders & Youngberg – I Don’t Want Love You Won’t Give Until I Cry
5. Halden Wofford & the Hi*Beams – Rocky Mountain Honky Tonk

cassie taylor, out of my mindBlues / Rhythm & Blues
1. Cassie Taylor – Out of My Mind
2. Austin Young & No Difference – Blue As Can Be
3. Otis Taylor – My World Is Gone
4. Mama Lenny & the Remedy – Time (You’re Doing Fine)
5. Bad Brad & the Fat Cats – Take A Walk With Me

Gregory Alan Isakov_the weathermanFolk / folk-rock / singer-songwriter
1. Gregory Alan Isakov – The Weatherman
2. Elephant Revival – These Changing Skies
3. Monocle Band – Monocle Band
4. Changing Colors – Joan & the King
5. Josh Dillard – The Bright Light of Shipwreck

devotchka_live with CO symIndie / New Alternative
1. DeVotchKa – Live with the Colorado Symphony
2. Paper Bird – Rooms
3. Tennis – Small Sound
4. Mike Clark & the Sugar Sounds – Round and Round
5. Land Lines – Land Lines

dave and the gin mill gypsiesJazz / Instrumental
1. Dave and The Gin Mill Gypsies – Dave and The Gin Mill Gypsies
2. gogoLab – Border Patrol
3. Adam Bodine Trio – Plays Nirvana
4. Josh Quinlan Quartet – Open Space
4. Maxwell Hughes – Only in Dreams

Megan Burtt_In Good CompanyPop / Adult Contemporary / Crossover
1. Megan Burtt & Friends – In Good Company: Vol I: The Colorado Sessions
2. The Fray – Helios
3. Jane Thatcher Band – Hunter’s Lonlieness Fool [EP]
3. Katie Herzig – Walk Through Walls [single]
3. OneRepublic – Native

BHTM Black BeehiveRock / AAA / ALT
1. Big Head Todd & the Monsters – Black Beehive
2. Mosey West – Bermuda
3. Rob Drabkin – Little Steps EP
4. Churchill – The War Within EP
5. Arthur Lee Land – Cracked Open

pretty lights_color map of the sunUrban Contemporary / EDM / Hip Hop / Soul
1. Pretty Lights – A Color Map of the Sun
2. The Motet – The Motet
3. Dianne Reeves – Beautiful Life
4. The ReMinders – Born Champions
5. P-Nuckle – The System

News, Notes & Spins – FEB 1 2014

boninwf back stage nite 1 2012WOW … it’s Feb 5 and I am easily ten days behind schedule on everything.  That’s not good when you’re self employed LOL.  Hi guys … so, January was an explosive month – what with the weather, a family (I would say reunion, but we’ve never had a full family get-together before) Super Bowl party complete with new smart-tv … and grand-kids and grampa (new spelling courtesy of grand-kids) coming down with the “flu” (whatever that means today).  It was a pretty solid month musically speaking, as evidenced by the chart action below.   I don’t have much else to share really – I am accepting underwriting/advertising support, so if you or your business is statewide and would like to get some exposure around the state, hit me up.  Equally if you’re in an act that would like your record serviced to media and talent buyers around the state. That’s it … next month there should be plenty more news from around the state .. til then… welcome to the show 🙂

Video Picks of the Month  

TOP 40 SPINS – January 2014

1. Elephant RevivalThese Changing Skies (Its Evolving Records) Folk [August 1, 2013]
2. Mollie O’Brien & Rich MooreLove Runner (Remington Road Records) Americana [December 21, 2013]
3. Gregory Alan IsakovThe Weatherman (Suitcase Town Music) Folk [June 22, 2013]
4. Big Head Todd & the Monsters Black Beehive (Shout! Factory) Rock [January 25, 2014]
5. Honey Don’tHeart Like A Wheel (self) Americana [November 1, 2013]
6. TennisSmall Sound (Communion Records) Indie/New Alternative pop [November 1, 2013]
7. Mosey WestBermuda (self) Rock [November 2, 2013]
8. Rob Drabkin Little Steps EP (self) AAA [August 1, 2013]
9. Changing ColorsJoan & the King (Blank Tape) Folk [April 27, 2013]
10. Josh DillardThe Bright Light of Shipwreck (self) Folk [June 1, 2013]
11. VariousSpokesBUZZ Compilation IV (SpokesBUZZ) Rock/various [December 14, 2013]
12. The RailsplittersThe Railsplitters (self) Americana [October 1, 2013]
13. Joe JohnsonNew West Sound (Blank Tape) Americana/country-folk [August 1, 2013]
14. DeVotchKaLive with the Colorado Symphony (Cicero Recordings) Indie/New Alternative [November 1, 2012]
15. Austin Young & No DifferenceBlue As Can Be (Vizztone) Blues [March 23, 2013]
16. Monocle BandMonocle Band (self) Folk/folk-rock [September 1, 2013]
17. Nathaniel RateliffFalling Faster Than You Can Run (Mod y Vi Records) Folk [September 1, 2013]
18. Drag The RiverDrag the River (Xtra Mile Records) Rock [October 1, 2013]
19. MotetThe Motet (self) Urban Contemporary/funk [January 4, 2014]
19. The Wild AfterLesson Learned EP (self) Rock [January 4, 2014]
20. Soul SchoolChapter One (self) Urban Contemporary/soul [November 30, 2013]
20. The Patti FiascoSmall Town Lights (self) Rock [July 23, 2013]
21. Pretty LightsA Color Map of the World (8 Minutes 20 Seconds) Urban Contemporary/EDM [July 2, 2013]
22. Trout Steak RevivalFlight (self) Bluegrass [November 22, 2012]
23. Finnders & YoungbergI Don’t Want Love You Won’t Give Until I Cry (Swingfingers Records) Bluegrass [August 1, 2013]
24. Mike Clark & the Sugar SoundsRound and Round (Blank Tape) Indie/New Alternative [January 19, 2013]
25. Mama Lenny & the RemedyTime (You’re Doing Fine) (self) Blues/rhythm and blues [December 7, 2013]
26. 3 TwinsDe Nada (Sleeping Elephant Music) Americana/N’Orleans funk [June 20, 2013]
27. Head for the HillsBlue Ruin (self) Bluegrass [June 1, 2013]
28. Otis TaylorMy World Is Gone (Telarc) Blues [January 20, 2013]
29. Matt Skinner BandNative Stranger (Tapedero Productions) Americana/country [November 9, 2013]
30. Jeff Brinkman BandStrange (self) Rock/AAA [December 1, 2012]
31. Grant SabinAnthromusicology (Blank Tape) Rock/blues-rock [January 10, 2013]
31. Megan Burtt & Friends In Good Company: Vol I: The Colorado Sessions (N/A) POP/various [November 1, 2013]
32. Halden Wofford & the Hi*BeamsRocky Mountain Honky Tonk (self) Americana/alt-country-rock [July 7, 2013]
33. Katey LaurelPeriscope (self) POP/adult contemporary [August 1, 2013]
34. Chimney Choir(compass) (self) Folk/indie [June 1, 2013]
35. Arthur Lee LandCracked Open (self) Rock/AAA [November 1, 2012]
35. Katie Glassman & SnapshotDream A Little Dream (self) Americana/western swing [November 30, 2013]
35. Land Lines Land Lines (self) Indie/New Alternative [November 24, 2012]

ADDED DEC ’13/JAN ’14

Aspen Hourglass – S/T [EP]
Bad Brad & the Fat Cats – Take A Walk With Me
Big Head Todd & the Monsters – Black Beehive
Brad Fitch – Columbine Blue
David Wiatrolik – Dave and The Gin Mill Gipsies
Fierce Bad Rabbit – Do You Want Me Now? [single]
Five Iron Frenzy – Engine of a Million Plots
Jane Thatcher Band – Hunter’s Lonlieness Fool [EP]
John Runnels – Echoes
Katie Glassman & Snapshot – Dream A Little Dream
Knocean – S/T
Lissa Hanner – My Colorado
Madam Sin – Madam Sin
Mama Lenny & the Remedy – Time (You’re Doing Fine)
Medic – Wake Me Up [single]
Mollie O’Brien & Rich Moore – Love Runner
The Motet – The Motet
The Samples – America
Shatterproof – Discord Harmony
Soul School – Chapter One
Sound|Studies – Smoke and Mirrors [single]
Swim Through Frequencies – Rhythm of Complacency
Various – SpokesBUZZ Compilation IV
Vinnie Maniscalco – TaKillYa [single]
Walker Shellist – Readyset
The Wild After – Lesson Learned EP

STATION BY STATION

Honey Don't - Heart Like A WheelKAFM (Grand Junction) [21]
1. Honey Don’t – Heart Like a Wheel
2. Elephant Revival – These Changing Skies
3. Dan Treanor’s Afrosippi Band f/Erica Brown – Tangled Road Again
4. Monocle Band – Monocle Band
5. Kristina Murray – Unravelin’

pretty lights_color map of the sunKBUT (Crested Butte) [14]
1. Pretty Lights – A Color Map of the World
2. Head for the Hills – Blue Ruin
2. The Railsplitters – The Railsplitters
3. Chimney Choir – (compass)
3. Elephant Revival – These Changing Skies

BHTM Black BeehiveKDNK (Carbondale) [27]
1. Big Head Todd & the Monsters – Black Beehive
1. DeVotchKa – Live with the Colorado Symphony
1. Honey Don’t – Heart Like A Wheel
1. Pretty Lights – A Color Map of the World
2. Aakash Mittal Quartet – Ocean

RailsplittersKDUR (Durango) [n/a]
1. The Railsplitters – S/T
2. Thee Dang Dangs – For the People
3. Mosy West – Bermuda
4. The Hollyfelds – Title Stealers
5. Confluence – I Haven’t Really Been Living

Mollie O'Brien and Rich Moore - Love RunnerKGNU (Boulder) [22]
1. Mollie O’Brien & Rich Moore – Love Runner
2. Elephant Revival – These Changing Skies
3. 3 Twins – De Nada
4. Blue Canyon Boys – Next Go Round
5. Finnders & Youngberg – I Don’t Want Love You Won’t Give Until I Cry

Elephant Revival_these changing skiesKRCC (Colorado Springs) [14]
1. Elephant Revival – These Changing Skies
2. Austin Young & No Difference – Blue As Can Be
2. Changing Colors – Joan & the King
2. Joe Johnson – New West Sound
2. Josh Dillard – The Bright Light of Shipwreck

Mollie O'Brien and Rich Moore - Love RunnerKRFC (Fort Collins) [>100]
1. Mollie O’Brien and Rich Moore – Love Runner
2. Mama Lenny and the Remedy – Time (You’re Doing Fine)
2. Various artists – Spokesbuzz Volume 4
3. Megan Burtt & Friends – In Good Company
4. Big Head Todd & The Monsters – Black Beehive

finders and youngberg_I don't wantKRZA (Alamosa) [10]
1. Finnders & Youngberg – I Don’t Want Love You Won’t Give Until I Cry
1. The Railsplitters – The Railsplitters
2. Cassie Taylor – Out of My Mind
2. Dr. Izzy Band – Blind and Blues Bound
2. Gabrielle Louise – The Bird in My Chest

BHTM Black BeehiveKSUT (Ignacio) [10]
1. Big Head Todd & the Monsters – Black Beehive
1. Mollie O’Brien & Rich Moore – Love Runner
2. Elephant Revival – These Changing Skies
2. Lawn Chair Kings – Zombies Wake!
2. Yonder Mountain String Band – EP13

Gregory Alan Isakov_the weathermanKUNC (Greeley) [12]
1. Gregory Alan Isakov – The Weatherman
1. Mollie O’Brien & Rich Moore – Love Runner
2. Big Head Todd & the Monsters – Black Beehive
3. Rob Drabkin – Little Steps EP
4. Elephant Revival – These Changing Skies

Honey Don't - Heart Like A WheelKVNF (Paonia) [15]
1. Honey Don’t – Heart Like A Wheel
2. Big Head Todd & the Monsters – Black Beehive
3. Mollie O’Brien & Rich Moore – Love Runner
4. Paper Bird – Rooms
4. Rob Drabkin – Little Steps EP

Nathaniel Rateliff - Falling Faster Than You Can RunOPEN AIR 1340 (Denver) [14]
1. Nathaniel Ratefliff – Falling Faster Than You Can Run
2. Gregory Alan Isakov – The Weatherman
3. Chimney Choir – (compass)
3. Elephant Revival – These Changing Skies
4. DeVotchKa – Live with the Colorado Symphony

MotetThe Colorado Sound [42]
1. Motet – The Motet
1. The Wild After – Lesson Learned EP
2. Mollie O’Brien & Rich Moore – Love Runner
3. Drag The River – Drag the River
3. Mosey West – Bermuda

GENRE/PROGRAM FORMAT

Mollie O'Brien and Rich Moore - Love RunnerAmericana / Alt-country / Bluegrass
1. Mollie O’Brien & Rich Moore – Love Runner
2. Honey Don’t – Heart Like A Wheel
3. The Railsplitters – The Railsplitters
4. Joe Johnson – New West Sound
5. Trout Steak Revival – Flight

austin youngBlues / Rhythm & Blues
1. Austin Young & No Difference – Blue As Can Be
2. Mama Lenny & the Remedy – Time (You’re Doing Fine)
3. Otis Taylor – My World Is Gone
4. Walker Shellist – Readyset
5. Dan Treanor’s Afrosippi Band f/Erica Brown – Tangled Road Again

Elephant Revival_these changing skiesFolk / folk-rock / singer-songwriter
1. Elephant Revival – These Changing Skies
2. Gregory Alan Isakov – The Weatherman
3. Changing Colors – Joan & the King
3. Josh Dillard – The Bright Light of Shipwreck
4. Monocle Band – Monocle Band

Tennis_Small SoundIndie / New Alternative
1. Tennis – Small Sound
2. DeVotchKa – Live with the Colorado Symphony
3. Mike Clark & the Sugar Sounds – Round and Round
4. Land Lines – Land Lines
5. Paper Bird – Rooms

Maxwell HughesJazz / Instrumental
1. Maxwell Hughes – Only in Dreams
2. Jon Wirtz – Tourist
3. David Wiatrolik – Dave and The Gin Mill Gipsies
4. Josh Quinlan Quartet – Open Space
5. Square Peg – Searching

Megan Burtt_In Good CompanyPop / Adult Contemporary / Crossover
1. Megan Burtt & Friends – In Good Company: Vol I: The Colorado Sessions
2. Katey Laurel – Periscope
3. Andy Hackbarth – Treadmill Horses EP
4. Justin Roth – Rise [single]
5. Katie Herzig – Secret Road As Heard On TV, Volume 1 [comp]

BHTM Black BeehiveRock / AAA / ALT / AOR
1. Big Head Todd & the Monsters – Black Beehive
2. Mosey West – Bermuda
3. Rob Drabkin – Little Steps EP
4. Various – SpokesBUZZ Compilation IV
5. Drag The River – Drag the River

MotetUrban Contemporary / EDM / Hip Hop / Soul
1. Motet – The Motet
2. Soul School – Chapter One
3. Pretty Lights – A Color Map of the World
4. Bop Skizzum – Say Something [single]
5. Whiskey Blanket – From the Dead of Dark

COLORADO BEST OF 2013

Goat_Logo_color_on_white17,000.  That was my goal.  For the year.  For unique page views for all of 2013.  I would have been pleased with that kind of growth over last year’s views.  A reasonable 10% increase.  Doable.  32,700+?  With over 16,000 coming in December alone?  I’ve never seen 16,000 views in a year, let alone a month before.  All I can say is “wow; just wow.”

The Colorado Sound Live365 launched on April 1, and has been a bit a challenge to grow.  December has been the best month, no doubt due to the tremendous number of visits to the website.  In December the station averaged just at 22 streams a day at about a 30 minute average TSL (time spent listening).

Thanks to all who contributed towards the $1200 goal to keep things moving forward thru the end of the current license period on March 31.  That really means a lot, so thank you for that.  We’re still a little short of making the full goal.  Please share the link to the station with your friends.  I’d like to keep this growing into 2014.  Numbers matter.

Since I began this annual rite about five years ago now, I’ve included a “critics’ list” each year – a call out to friends in the business and some select fans and musicians who know what’s up in Colorado.  This year I did things just a little differently.  Instead of a “critics’ list” this year I launched several FAN FAVORITE POLLS.  The overall TOP 20 FAN FAVORITE ALBUM/EPS are below.  Follow the links for the category breakouts.

Best Video 2013
Best Female Vocal Performance (SONG) 2013
Americana / Alt-country / Bluegrass 
Blues / Rhythm & Blues 
Folk / folk-rock / singer-songwriter
Indie / New Alternative 
Jazz / Instrumental 
Pop / Adult Contemporary / Crossover 
Rock / AAA / ALT / AOR
Urban Contemporary / EDM / Hip Hop / Reggae / Soul 

There are lots of ways to measure the success of a record – sales, airplay, fan favorite, critics’ favorites, etc.  But, generally speaking, it is sales, “radio” airplay, placements (tv shows, commercials, movie soundtracks) and YouTube views that are the visible markers of success.  Sprinkle on some major awards for extra credit.  So, aside from the FAN FAVORITE POLLS and  TOP 40 SPINS this is how things looked to me this year.  

OVERALL TOP 5 2013 

OneRepublic, Native#1 – OneRepublic – “Native.”  Unlike last year’s big breakout hit by the Lumineers, you will not find OneRepublic represented in the TOP 40 below.  The album was not popular with non-comm station djs.  This was a commercial hit.  And a big one at that.

The current single from the album, “Counting Stars,” is one of the band’s most successful, ever.  It is their first top five hit since “Apologize” in 2006, landing at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It has also been a big hit overseas, landing at the top of airplay charts in the UK, Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland and New Zealand.  Look at the popularity bar based on sales at iTunes – it SMOKED “Apologize” and everything they’ve done since.  The video has had 107,592,715 views and counting.  

pretty lights_color map of the sun#2 – Pretty Lights – A Color Map of the World #6 in radio spins in Colorado, #1 COLORADO FAN FAVORITE  Urban Contemporary/EDM/Hip Hop/Soulit peaked nationally at #24 The Billboard 200, #14 Digital Albums, #2 Electronic Albums, #4 Independent Albums + a Grammy Award nomination for Best Dance/Electronica Album … that’s enough to earn most records “Record of the Year.”  One of the most popular urban contemporary records of the year at radio around the state – with significant airplay stats at KBUT, KRCC, and Radio 94.9 Colorado.  YouTube views = 822,352.  

Elephant Revival_these changing skies#3 – Elephant Revival – “These Changing Skies.”  #3 in airplay statewide for the year, it broke the TOP 20 of the national Americana Music Association airplay charts.  NPR Music/Folk Alley selected it as part of “The Top 10 Folk And Americana Albums Of 2013,” and it was one of NPR Music‘s “10 Artists You Should Have Known In 2013.”  It was consistently one of the most played records at our reporting stations statewide, making #1 at several stations statewide throughout the year.

Gregory Alan Isakov_the weatherman#4 – Gregory Alan Isakov  “The Weatherman.”  It managed to crack the top spot on the iTunes singer/songwriter charts, as well as #5 on the Billboard folk charts.  In Colorado it was the undisputed leader in spins per month statewide, landing at #1 for the year, despite it not hitting radio until June. 

otis taylor_my world is gone#5Otis Taylor  “My World is Gone.”  Hitting #4 for the year at Colorado radio, it should come as no surprise that Otis is once again at the top of the page for one of his albums.  The man just cannot stop winning accolades and awards, nominated this year for Blues Foundation Music Awards 2013 Best Contemporary Blues Artist.

FAN FAVORITE ALBUM/EP

Fans definitely came out in support of their favorites.  Fans voted for 142 album/ep titles, and set all time page view records in the process.

1. Kramies – The Wooden Heart (rock) 2. Michael Kirkpatrick – Key to My Cage (folk)
3. Joshua Trinidad – Maritime (jazz)
4. The Patti Fiasco – Small Town Lights (rock)
5. Fierce Bad Rabbit – Maestro and the Elephant (rock)
6. Danny Shafer – Wherever You Are (folk)
7. Manuel Lopez Trio – Searching Out (jazz)
8. Cary Morin – Streamline (blues)
9. Wire Faces – King Cataract (rock)
10. Post Paradise – Digging Secrets (rock)
11. Joe Johnson – New West Sound (country-folk)
12. Elephant Revival – These Changing Skies (folk-rock)
13. The Changing Colors – Joan & the King (indie-folk)
14. Blue Canyon Boys – Next Go Round (bluegrass)
15. Mike Clark & the Sugar Sounds – Round and Round (rock/indie)
16. Instant Empire – Keep UP! (rock/indie)
17. Bad Brad & the Fat Cats – Eyes on the Prize (blues)
18. Gregory Alan Isakov – The Weatherman (folk)
19. Covenhoven – Covenhoven (rock/indie)
20. Aakash Mittal Quartet w/Ron Miles – Ocean (jazz)

TOP 40 COLORADO AIRPLAY 2013

Here are the TOP 40 most played Colorado records in the past year at our incredible network of stations that have been dedicated to airing Colorado music —
KAFM (Grand Junction)
KBUT (Crested Butte)
KDNK (Carbondale)
KDUR (Durango)
KGNU (Boulder)
KOTO (Telluride)
KRCC (Colorado Springs)
KRFC (Fort Collins)
KRZA (Alamosa)
KSUT (Ignacio)
KUNC (Greeley)
KUVO (Denver)
KVNF (Paonia)
OPEN AIR 1340 (Denver)
Radio 94.9 Colorado (Loveland/Fort Collins).

253 titles were tracked as played Jan 1 – Nov 31 2013.  Only those records that were released between Nov 1 2012 and Oct 31 2013 were considered for the final year end charts.

[ ___ ] = release date
** = serviced to radio/press by Rocky Mountain Music Network

1. Gregory Alan IsakovThe Weatherman (Suitcase Town Music) Folk [June 24, 2013]
2. DeVotchKaLive with the Colorado Symphony (Cicero Recordings) Indie/New Alternative [November 13, 2012]
3. Elephant RevivalThese Changing Skies (Its Evolving Records) Folk [August 1, 2013]
4. Otis TaylorMy World Is Gone (Telarc) Blues [January 20, 2013]
5. Fierce Bad RabbitMaestro and the Elephant (self) Rock [January 1, 2013]
6. Pretty LightsA Color Map of the World (8 Minutes 20 Seconds) Urban Contemporary/EDM [July 1, 2013]
7. Jeff Brinkman BandStrange (self) Rock [December 2, 2012] **
8. Cassie TaylorOut of My Mind (Yellow Dog) Blues [May 7, 2013]
9. Paper BirdRooms (self) Indie/New Alternative [March 1, 2013]
10. Mike Clark & the Sugar SoundsRound and Round (Blank Tape) Indie/New Alternative [February 20, 2013]
11. Halden Wofford & the Hi*BeamsRocky Mountain Honky Tonk (self) Americana [July 1, 2013]
12. Thom ChaconThom Chacon (Pie Records) Americana [March 6, 2013]
13. Blue Canyon BoysNext Go Round (self) Bluegrass [February 1, 2013]
14. Grant SabinAnthromusicology (Blank Tape) Rock [January 10, 2013]
15. WhiteWater RambleRoots & Groove (self) Rocky-grass [March 29, 2013] **
16. Bad Brad & the Fat CatsEyes on the Prize (self) Blues [March 1, 2013] **
17. Beautiful Loser SocietyThe Desperate Promenade (self) Americana [December 10, 2013]
18. Head for the HillsBlue Ruin (self) Bluegrass [July 1, 2013]
19. The Patti FiascoSmall Town Lights (self) Rock [August 9, 2013] **
20. a. Tom CollinsStick & Poke (Greater Than Collective) Indie/New Alternative [June 20, 2013]
21. Jon Wirtz Tourist (self) Jazz/Instrumental [April 16, 2013]
22. Jeff Scroggins & ColoradoWestern Branches (self) Bluegrass [June 1, 2013]
23. The CongressThe Loft Tapes EP (self) Rock [March 16, 2013]
24. Rob DrabkinLittle Steps EP (self) Pop/rock [September 1, 2013]
25. Andy HackbarthTreadmill Horses EP (January Records) Pop/rock [May 5, 2013] **
26. ChurchillThe War Within EP (A&M/Octone) Rock [April 23, 2013]
27. Land Lines Land Lines (self) Indie/New Alternative [November 24, 2012]
28. A Boy and His KiteA Boy and His Kite (self) Indie/New Alternative [November 20, 2012]
29. 3 TwinsDe Nada (Sleeping Elephant Music) Americana [July 9, 2013] **
30. Josh DillardThe Bright Light of Shipwreck (self) Folk/rock [June 1, 2013]
31. You, Me and ApolloS/T EP (self) Indie/New Alternative [January 22, 2013]
32. Austin Young & No DifferenceBlue As Can Be (Vizztone) Blues [March 1, 2013]
33. Wire FacesKing Cataract (Hot Congress Records) Rock [February 7, 2013]
34. Brad GoodeChicago Red (Origin Records) Jazz/Instrumental [February 13, 2013]
35. Trout Steak RevivalFlight (self) Bluegrass [November 22, 2012]
36. Finnders & Youngberg I Don’t Want Love You Won’t Give Until I Cry EP (Swingfingers Records) Bluegrass [August 1, 2013]
37. Wendy Woo Band Live (Woo Music) Pop/rock [June 1, 2013] **
38. The Changing ColorsJoan & the King (Blank Tape) Folk [May 20, 2013]
39. Manuel Lopez TrioSearching Out (Dazzle Recordings) Jazz/Instrumental [November 10, 2012]
40. The GrometBarren (self) Rock [November 14, 2012]

STATION BY STATION 

Airplay tablulated from Jan 1 2013 – Nov 31 2013 for titles released Nov 1 2012 – Oct 31 2013

Bobby Walker - Feelin GoodKAFM (GRAND JUNCTION)
1. Bobby Walker – Feelin’ Good
2. Cassie Taylor – Out of My Mind
3. Beautiful Loser Society – The Desperate Promenade
4. Elephant Revival – These Changing Skies
5. Otis Taylor – My World Is Gone

WWRKBUT (CRESTED BUTTE)
1. WhiteWater Ramble – Roots & Groove
2. Blue Canyon Boys – Next Go Round
3. Elephant Revival – These Changing Skies
4. Trout Streak Revival – Flight
5. Bad Brad & the Fat Cats – Eyes on the Prize

devotchka_live with CO symKDNK (CARBONDALE)
1. DeVotchKa – Live w/ the Colorado Symphony
2. Gregory Alan Isakov – The Weatherman
3. Otis Taylor – My World Is Gone
4. Paper Bird – Rooms
5. Halden Wofford & the Hi* Beams – Rocky Mountain Honky Tonk

Farmington HillKDUR (DURANGO)
1. Farmington Hill – Bridge to Nowhere
2. Beautiful Loser Society – The Desperate Promenade
3. Thom Chacon – Thom Chacon
4. Fierce Bad Rabbit – Maestro & the Elephant
5. Wire Faces – King Cataract

paper bird_roomsKGNU (BOULDER)
1. Paper Bird – Rooms
2. Blue Canyon Boys – Next Go Round
3. Halden Wofford & the Hi*Beams – Rocky Mountain Honky Tonk
4. Head for the Hills – Blue Ruin
5. DeVotchKa – Live w/ the Colorado Symphony

Mike Clark_Round and RoundKRCC (COLORADO SPRINGS)
1. Mike Clark & the Sugar Sounds – Round and Round
2. DeVotchKa – Live w/ the Colorado Symphony
2. Grant Sabin – Anthromusicology
3. Pretty Lights – A Color Map of the World
4. Austin Young & No Difference – Blue As Can Be

fierce bad rabbit_the maestroKRFC (FORT COLLINS)
1. Fierce Bad Rabbit – Maestro & the Elephant
2. Paper Bird – Rooms
3. Cassie Taylor – Out Of My Mind
4. Michael Kirkpatrick – Key To My Cage
5. Otis Taylor – My World Is Gone

bad brad and the fat cats _ eyes on the prizeKRZA (ALAMOSA)
1. Bad Brad & the Fat Cats – Eyes on the Prize
2. Gabrielle Louise – The Bird in My Chest
3. Trout Steak Revival – Flight
3. WhiteWater Ramble – Roots & Groove
4. Jeff Scroggins & Colorado – Western Branches

Gregory Alan Isakov_the weathermanKUNC (GREELEY)
1. Gregory Alan Isakov – The Weatherman
2. Otis Taylor – My World Is Gone
3. DeVotchKa – Live w/ the Colorado Symphony
4. Jeff Brinkman – Strange
5. Elephant Revival – These Changing Skies

brad goode chicago redKUVO (DENVER)
1. Brad Goode – Chicago Red
2. Polarity – King of Hearts
3. Jon Wirtz – Tourist
4. Tom Gershwin – Sweet Pastimes
5. Lynn Baker – LectroCoustic

otis taylor_my world is goneKVNF (PAONIA)
1. Otis Taylor – My World Is Gone
2. Halden Wofford & the Hi*Beams – Rocky Mountain Honky Tonk
2. Paper Bird – Rooms
3. Finnders & Youngberg – I Don’t Want Love You Won’t Give Until I Cry
4. Elephant Revival – These Changing Skies

Gregory Alan Isakov_the weathermanOPEN AIR 1340 (DENVER)
1. Gregory Alan Isakov – The Weatherman
2. DeVotchKa – Live with the Colorado Symphony
3. Paper Bird – Rooms
4. a. Tom Collins – Stick & Poke
5. Land Lines – Land Lines

fierce bad rabbit_the maestroTHE COLORAO SOUND
1. Fierce Bad Rabbit – Maestro and the Elephant
2. Thom Chacon – Thom Chacon
3. Cassie Taylor – Out of My Mind
4. Beki Hemingway – I Have Big Plans For The World
5. Churchill – The War Within

GENRE/PROGRAM FORMAT

Halden_rocky-mountain-honky-tonkAmericana / Alt-country / Bluegrass
1. Halden Wofford & the Hi*Beams – Rocky Mountain Honky Tonk
2. Thom Chacon – Thom Chacon
3. Blue Canyon Boys – Next Go Round
4. WhiteWater Ramble – Roots & Groove
5. Beautiful Loser Society – The Desperate Promenade

otis taylor_my world is goneBlues / Rhythm & Blues
1. Otis Taylor – My World Is Gone
2. Cassie Taylor – Out of My Mind
3. Bad Brad & the Fat Cats – Eyes on the Prize
4. Austin Young & No Difference – Blue As Can Be
5. Dan Treanor’s Afrosippi Band f/Erica Brown – Tangled Road

Gregory Alan Isakov_the weathermanFolk / folk-rock / singer-songwriter
1. Gregory Alan Isakov – The Weatherman
2. Elephant Revival – These Changing Skies
3. Josh Dillard – The Bright Light of Shipwreck
4. Changing Colors – Joan & the King
5. Kristi Stice – Under the Willow

devotchka_live with CO symIndie / New Alternative
1. DeVotchKa – Live with the Colorado Symphony
2. Paper Bird – Rooms
3. Mike Clark & the Sugar Sounds – Round and Round
4. a. Tom Collins – Stick & Poke
5. Land Lines – Land Lines

jon wirtz touristJazz / Instrumental
1. Jon Wirtz – Tourist
2. Brad Goode – Chicago Red
3. Manuel Lopez Trio – Searching Out
4. gogoLab – Border Patrol
5. Tom Gershwin – Sweet Pastimes

rob drabkin_little stepsPop / Adult Contemporary / Crossover
1. Rob Drabkin – Little Steps EP
2. Andy Hackbarth – Treadmill Horses EP
3. Wendy Woo Band – Live
4. Lisa Bell – The Italian Project
5. OneRepublic – Native

fierce bad rabbit_the maestroRock / AAA / ALT / AOR
1. Fierce Bad Rabbit – Maestro and the Elephant
2. Jeff Brinkman Band – Strange
3. Grant Sabin – Anthromusicology
4. The Patti Fiasco – Small Town Lights
5. The Congress – The Loft Tapes EP

pretty lights_color map of the sunUrban Contemporary / EDM / Hip Hop / Soul
1. Pretty Lights – A Color Map of the World
2. The ReMinders – Born Champions
3. P-Nuckle – The System
4. Selina Albright – Brighter
5. Wheelchair Sports Camp – Blank Space EP