Alternative/Rock
Stereo Six: Livingmore Run Down Six Records that Contributed to Their Infectious Alt-Pop Sound
Whether those around you want to admit it or not, your life is all about you. It’s up to you to follow your own path and do what’s best for yourself. It’s a sentiment that is made loud and clear on alternative rockers Livingmore’s brand new album, Take Me, which was just released on Nomad Eel Records. With their sophomore full-length, the band decided to make it their most personal batch of songs that promote uniqueness and individuality, which has already been made abundantly clear with the recent singles “Sharp” and “Got Me Feelin’ Like.”
Defined by its glossy guitars and anthemic-sounding songs, it’s a record that will get you in an excitable mood. Take Me was recorded at Livingmore’s own studio, with the goal to make an upbeat record, with the powerful voiced, and charismatic frontwoman Alex Moore setting the tone. Joined by guitarist and singer Spencer Livingston, drummer Mike Schadel, and bassist Rodrigo Moreno, they have recorded an album that promises to be your go-to summer listening.
With Livingmore on a rapid rise lately, it felt like a great time to connect with them about just how they have come up with such an infectious sound. In our latest Stereo Six, all four members of the band run down for us six of their most influential records.
1. Modest Mouse – The Moon and Antarctica (2000, Epic Records)
“I discovered this album when I was about 16 years old and I had never heard anything like it. From the moment it starts, you are taken on a weird little journey. Sonically it feels very organic but there are all kinds of electronic studio elements that are very experimental. Isaac Brock’s lyrics are totally weird and dark with a snarky sense of humor. I really connected with that as a teenager and definitely still do.” -Spencer Livingston
2. George Harrison – All Things Must Pass (1970, Apple)
“George was always my favourite Beatle. I didn’t really get into any of The Beatles’ solo albums until my mid-20s though and this one is just a masterpiece. In my opinion, it’s as good as any Beatles album. I discovered it during a point when there were a lot of changes happening in my life and it was there to comfort me and it still always makes me feel good anytime I put it on. It is definitely my favorite driving album of all time. I make sure to bring it on every road trip.” -Spencer Livingston
3. The Sounds – Living In America (2002, New Line)
“I remember being in high school and this guy I was friends with would wear a very distinctive red t-shirt with the outlines of four individual faces that read ‘The Sounds’ which made me check out their music and I fell in love right away! It’s the perfect mix of dance rock/power pop punk with tons of attitude. Their lyrical content makes you feel strong when singing along to it! I then saw them play live and was inspired by the charisma, performance and vocals of lead singer Maja Ivarsson. She embodies what rock n’ roll is all about. There is not a dull song on this album and I always carry The Sounds with me as a band to look up to.” -Alex Moore
4. Beck – Midnite Vultures (1999, DGC)
“This album is so much fun. This is Beck not taking himself too seriously but still staying so cool in his delivery. This album pulls you into a colorful world filled with dancing and humour. I love the creative production on this album as well. For me, Beck has always freed me up as a lyricist and makes me not forget to have fun twisting my words around for my own inside joke enjoyment from time to time. He knows when to be serious and when to poetically throw a middle finger to conventional story telling. I had this album’s energy in mind for a couple of tunes on Take Me.” -Alex Moore
5. Jellyfish – Spilt Milk (1993, Charisma Records)
“As a listener, this album hits all the marks in my book. The songs are constructed in a way to be enjoyable to listen to. They were trying to write hooks and catchy melodies. Unapologetically so. The way this album was recorded also stood out to me. I knew it sounded good even before I took up recording on my own. And it’s a lead singing drummer. So yeah, it’s awesome.” -Mike Schadel
6. The Misfits – Static Age (1996, Caroline)
“Having first picked up the bass at the whims of my high school friends’ desire to form a punk rock band, this is the album that I learned to play bass on and subsequently remains my favorite and most personally inspirational punk album. What I love about The Misfits’ music is that it essentially breaks down to playing ‘50s pop songs in a much more rambunctious interpretation. I grew up on ‘50s doo wop, which was my mother’s favourite, and developed a soft spot for the eras ‘magic melodies.’ I feel that this album pays great tribute to that ideal, particularly in the song structures and vocalist Glenn Danzig’s performance.” -Rodrigo Moreno
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