Devendra Banhart "Mala" - 2013 LP

I know a good painting when I see one.  My stomach burns and the back of my throat sizzles.  I get jealous.  Standing in the center of Larry Bell's studio, I'm dizzy.  Green steam must be spewing from my ears.  Paintings, sculpture, collage, and prints, that would rival any artist who has ever lived.  It's mind blowing how strong the work is.....I try to talk as little as possible but it's inevitable....I start to ask for advice for my next show.  I've been holding out for the right gallery or museum....just the right fit.  He listens to my young artist troubles and in the most flip way he snaps "fuck it man, show everywhere".  He's right.  He's a master at what he does and he's right.  Devendra Banhart  is an artist of Bell's magnitude.  He will finish with great symphonies, scores, albums, and one hell of a discography.  There is no genre for Banhart.  Only the art. "Mala" is a great edition to his legacy:

LISTEN HERE:

Devendra Banhart "Never Seen Such Good Things" mp3

Devendra Banhart "Won't You Come Over" mp3

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Guards "In Guards We Trust" - 2013 LP

One of the best things about being a young artist in LA is having access to some of your idols.  I've been to the studios of a majority of my influences.  I've sipped drinks with 'em.....talk shop....swap stories....hell, sometimes even clients and collectors.  In my most recent visit to Peter Lodato's studio he showed me a new work.  I wiiiiiiiiiiish he would have let me photographed the painting.....words cannot describe.  The painting was a black and white blurred edge painting.....Minimalist and chop full of years of technique, trials, and...well...battle.  The painting was a "painterly painting".....A painter's painting.  A struggle and fight left on the canvas.  It was awesome.  Listening to Guards reminds me of the painting.  Guards are an "indie's band, indie band"....They sound "indie"....Matter 'o fact this little gem is sure to be atop many best of lists for 2013 and verrrrrrry stoked to see/hear what they do next:

LISTEN HERE:

Guards "I Know It's You" mp3

Guards "Silver Lining" mp3

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Insound