Cobalt Cranes hang their hats in the subtropical-Mediterranean climate of Los Angeles. The garage duo makes dream-gaze rock that’s misted over by foggy psychedelic grit. Kate Betuel and Tim Foley have just released their latest LP, Head In The Clouds (Anticc), and also hooked MAGNET up with a 10-track mix tape. Check it out below.
“Head In The Clouds” (download):
Black Sabbath “Paranoid”
Tim: Classic song. Tony Iommi’s guitar playing was one of my first influences. The song is so heavy but still melodic.
Kate: Geezer Butler’s melodic-yet-driving bass line was a huge early influence for me. Video
Woven Bones “Some Call It A Grave”
Kate: Woven Bones has this magical ability to make a retro distorted guitar sound modern. It’s a perfect song to listen to while rolling down your car window and lighting a cigarette.
Tim: This song sounds like you are in a big hall in Texas watching the band play. Video
Gram Parsons “Sin City” (Live ’73)
Tim: This song makes me sad and happy at the same time. It’s a perfect song for living in L.A. “It seems like this whole town’s insane.”
Kate: This has the most beautiful, heart-melting vocal harmonies. I could listen to it over and over. Video
X “Your Phone’s Off The Hook But You’re Not”
Kate: I absolutely idolize Exene. She writes the most poetic lyrics.
Tim: Great punk song with a lot of melody. It also has some rock ‘n’ roll guitar playing, which rules. Video
The Jesus Lizard “Then Comes Dudley “
Kate: Easy listening; your mother’s favorite record.
Tim: Sounds like a demented creature that swallowed Led Zeppelin and the Pixies. Video
Black Ryder “Burn And Fade”
Tim: Very dreamy song. Makes me think of driving north on the Pacific Coast Highway in the winter.
Kate: Soundtrack to a perfect dream. Video
Yuck “Get Away”
Kate: It’s like this record time traveled from the ’90s, but it only brought the good parts.
Tim: This song could be in the movie Slacker. The guitar reminds me of Dinosaur Jr. Video
A Place To Bury Strangers “Lost Feeling”
Tim: This band was a big influence on our new record. They have really cool, interesting guitar-distortion sounds. It’s really atmospheric.
Kate: For the amount of delay they use, they always manage to keep a solid groove and a heart to the song. Video
Veronica Falls “Found Love In A Graveyard”
Kate: To me, Veronica Falls is a perfect example of less-is-more. This chorus gets stuck in my head for days.
Tim: Cool, jangly guitar and a great chorus. We randomly saw this band at Amoeba Records in Hollywood, and they were awesome. Video
Led Zeppelin “Tangerine”
Tim: This was one of the first bands that I can remember listening to. It makes me think of good times and the past.
Kate: “Tangerine” is the best example of what Led Zeppelin can do. I love how warm and rhythmic Jimmy Page’s guitars are, which totally fits the lyrics. It’s a perfect song. Video
