photo by Sasha Eisenman
Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part of our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Each and every Friday, we deliver songs by local artists. Today’s selection, featured on the Midday Show with Cheryl Waters, is “Everybody” by Painted Hills from their 2010 self-titled album on Bird Song/Parasol.
Painted Hills (f/k/a Bolero) is the solo project of Josh Schwartz, who you may know from his previous work in bands like Beachwood Sparks, Northern Lights, and The Tyde, all of which share that same 60′s psychedelic feel of this most recent project. The music draws inspiration from exploration in sun-drenched places like Laurel or Topanga Canyon, old hippy enclaves perfectly suited for the neo/paisley sound of Pained Hills. You can almost picture yourself at Spahn Ranch watching Charles and “the family” singing along to a song like “Everybody.” Not only does their new album refresh that sound from the 70′s, but it does a good job of pushing the music forward too. Fans of Jefferson Airplane and Dream Syndicate may have found their new home.
You can listen to more songs from the band on their MySpace page page. The band has no announced upcoming shows, but their press release promises West Coast tour dates in the Spring. For now, chill out to this acoustic performance of The Beachwood Sparks playing “Canyon Ride” in the grass:
