I already did a post about K.C. Accidental, but with Arts & Crafts re-releasing the albums, I figured I would post a song from the same EP/part I referenced before.
mp3: Silverfish Eyelashes
A song with a lot of build-up, and it's rather long. It's definitely worth it though. There's a reason these two essentially spawned an entire generation of relationships and music that is Broken Social Scene, Arts & Crafts, and all the various bands and histories of each of its members and collaborators.
Enjoy, and try to see them live if you get the chance. An amazing show. Buy their album and a t-shirt!
September 7, 2010
Three new releases
Etiketter:
2010 albums,
athens,
bergen,
electronica,
indie pop,
norwegian,
r and b,
synthpop,
US,
vizitrone
mp3: The New Wine - Delete, Rewind
Norwegian synthpoppers The New Wine (I previously covered them here and here) finally came out with new material in Norway yesterday, the single-track digital release 'Delete, Rewind'. The band will be touring Norway in October and Europe in November. It is unfortunately still unknown when they will start releasing material outside Norway, and also when their fabled debut album - which they reported recording in studio back in May - will finally be out. Good to hear something new from them though, and it makes me hungry for more!
mp3: Röyksopp - The Alcoholic
I posted the first small tastes of Röyksopp's fourth album, Senior a month ago, and now the release date is just around the corner: September 13th is the day the acclaimed Norwegian electronica duo's new all-instrumental concept album is officially released. I've had the chance to listen through Senior in its entirety, and I must say it's definitely darker and less accessible than last year's radio-friendly Junior (the best way to experience the new album, the two musicians suggest, is 'in a dark room with an opium pipe in your hand'), but ultimately much better. Check out my favorite track, 'The Alcoholic'.
mp3: of Montreal - Enemy Gene
Another much-anticipated album that comes out next week is False Priest, the tenth studio album by Athens, GA based indiepop eccentrics of Montreal (out September 14th). Two months ago, I wrote about my anticipations for the album after having heard the first leaked track, 'Coquet Coquette'. Back then, I was puzzled by how the album was supposedly going to be very r&b and funk influenced, while 'Coquet Coquette' really sounded like one of their more straightforward indie rock tracks. Now, after having given False Priest ten listens, the answer is clear: 'Coquet Coquette' is really just an exception, and not representative of the album's style at all. In of Montreal's manic-depressive catalogue, False Priest is the manic answer to the depressive Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer: a hyperactively manic, upbeat, funky and flamboyant affair with an ever present pumping bass and high falsetto throughout its 53 minute playtime. Beyoncé's younger sister Solange Knowles as well as close of Montreal friend Janelle Monáe make wonderful vocal contributions to the album and not only make the whole 'indie pop turned r&b' concept work, but actually seem quite sincere too. Check out the track 'Enemy Gene' featuring Monáe, or read my blog entry about her previous collaboration with of Montreal.
mp3: Young the Giant - My Body
My body tells me no / but I won't quit / I want more!
I'm hooked to this track - so energetic, raw and catchy. Young The Giant are a quintet from Newport Beach, and even though their self-titled debut record isn't out until October 26th, they've already grown a considerable fan base through their very solid live performances (check out the video below to get a taste!) and an EP. The sweet guitar riff, the rough, organic sound, their tireless youthful energy and the hedonistic lyrics on this track remind me of the young Strokes of the Is This It era. I'm looking forward to hear more from these guys next month!
My body tells me no / but I won't quit / I want more!
I'm hooked to this track - so energetic, raw and catchy. Young The Giant are a quintet from Newport Beach, and even though their self-titled debut record isn't out until October 26th, they've already grown a considerable fan base through their very solid live performances (check out the video below to get a taste!) and an EP. The sweet guitar riff, the rough, organic sound, their tireless youthful energy and the hedonistic lyrics on this track remind me of the young Strokes of the Is This It era. I'm looking forward to hear more from these guys next month!
Recently Freecreditreport.com decided to hire an actual band to promote their site after the previous set of commercials did so well. If you are unaware what I'm talking about, then you are surely missing out. The catchy upbeat little ditties in every song actually were entertaining and the goofy face of the band were hard to resist.
The Victorious Secrets!
"They are not too bad actually."
"Hey... they're okay."
" They remind me somewhat of a grungier Sloan. Shocked that this isn't horrible! I'm sure I'll be sick to death of it though. "
"...interesting chord progressions, and lead vocals that don't infuriate me."
"If I have to put up with it, this is perfectly acceptable."
" Something about their songs remind me of the Von Bondies. I kinda don't hate it. "
" It's not horrible... "
(This one is my personal favorite. My first car looked just like that, but was red)
Anyway, it turns out these guys weren't a real band and just actors paid to sing the song. While an effective jingle, the freecreditreport.com marketing team decided to take it up a notch and do a band search for the new face of freecreditreport.com. The search took a few months and got plenty commercial coverage (including MTV!), but finally we have a winner.
They are the ... Victorious Secrets! (irony)
What does everyone think? Did they deserve to win? The other 3 runner ups will be posted at the bottom of the post if you didn't get to catch them.
For more information on The Victorious Secrets check out their myspace or their official band website. Their pop rock sound is actually pretty infectious.
(exert from their myspace)
Here's what other anonymous people are saying aboutThe Victorious Secrets!
"They are not too bad actually."
"Hey... they're okay."
" They remind me somewhat of a grungier Sloan. Shocked that this isn't horrible! I'm sure I'll be sick to death of it though. "
"...interesting chord progressions, and lead vocals that don't infuriate me."
"If I have to put up with it, this is perfectly acceptable."
" Something about their songs remind me of the Von Bondies. I kinda don't hate it. "
" It's not horrible... "
THE OTHER BANDS WHO FAILED
New Weezer Single & Album
Etiketter:
Bumbershoot,
Hurley,
Levi Canfield,
Lost,
Memories,
Say It Aint So,
Seattle,
Weezer
"Dude, you got some ... Arnzt on you"
For anyone living under a rock or for anyone who just gave up on the band, Weezer is releasing their latest album on September 14. Back with a tongue in cheek album cover and title, Hurley**, is set to be more "raw rock and roll" then previous albums and the current single shows this to be true. "Memories" is a step up from the latest batch of Weezer turdlets i.e. Raditude, but will the new album show promise to go back to the days of the famed Blue Album or even Pinkerton? Not quite, but for now we just got to give Weezer time.
"Memories" along with the other 9 tracks on Hurley are the first releases from Weezer on their new label Epitaph. Maybe after the big label move Weezer will start to make more and more sonic changes to a less "pop/rock/radio friendly snooze fest" and more to some of "Say It Aint So".
In the meantime, this song will be rocking most alternative/college radio station playlists for a long while and Weezer will be headlining the ever famous Seattle Bumbershoot festival this sunday along with Rise Against and Hole.
Weezer: Memories
**An album named after the famous character played by Jorge Garcia on the television show Lost. To be honest I was hoping for a Lost concept record, or maybe some answers to Season six but you cant win em all.
August 31, 2010
Your hometown in the new Arcade Fire video
Etiketter:
2010 albums,
canadian,
indie rock,
video,
vizitrone
I love Arcade Fire's new album, The Suburbs. I'm personally enjoying it much more than Neon Bible - the nostalgic stories of childhood in the suburbs in their newest effort appeal much more to me, and feel so much more personal and sincere, than Neon Bible's ambitious and grandiose attacks on church, state and society. The band further explores the theme of childhood memories in their amazing new interactive music video 'We Used to Wait', which lets you enter the town you grew up in for some very sweet personalized video collages!
mp3: Arcade Fire - We Used To Wait
mp3: Arcade Fire - We Used To Wait
August 6, 2010
Röyksopp Adventures in Barbieland
Etiketter:
2010 albums,
electronica,
norwegian,
video,
vizitrone
Norwegian electronica duo Röyksopp are releasing their fourth studio album, Senior, on September 13. The album is entirely instrumental, a drastic turn from last year's poppy, vocal-driven Junior. Today, they finally gave their fans a taste of several of the album's tracks, in the form of the extremely weird, quirky and hilarious short film "Röyksopp Adventures in Barbieland". The ten-minute video clip features Barbie dolls, clips of new songs, and the two musicians themselves dressed to look like, er, 'senior citizens'.
video: Röyksopp Adventures in Barbieland
The new album sounds promising, it seems like Röyksopp are going back to their roots: The 2001 chillout masterpiece Melody AM with its many atmospheric, haunting, instrumental tracks.
mp3: Röyksopp - In Space (From Melody AM, 2001)
video: Röyksopp Adventures in Barbieland
The new album sounds promising, it seems like Röyksopp are going back to their roots: The 2001 chillout masterpiece Melody AM with its many atmospheric, haunting, instrumental tracks.
mp3: Röyksopp - In Space (From Melody AM, 2001)
July 27, 2010
Danky Dank Dank Dank Dank
Etiketter:
Adam Lambert,
Electro Pop,
Lady Gaga,
Levi Canfield,
Lisa Dank,
Seattle,
Weed
No...
Interested?
Juliana Popelka or better known as...
Lisa Dank is a DIY Pop Star who invented herself in the Seattle scene. Love her or hate her, she has the same immediate polarizing effect as Lady Gaga. And that's not only where she stops though, she has the same aesthetic choices in flamboyant clothing and over the top presence.
Not only is she a strong force visually and on stage, but her catchy beats and diva pop star singing are nothing short of intoxicating too. She definitely is not going to be winning American Idol, but her imperfections are easily dismissible for the entire package being presented.
Crazy stage theatrics, commanding stage presence, and in your face pop aren't anything new to music. The only thing is nobody is doing it at such a level that she is now. Sure people can purchase 30$ tickets for a Adam Lambert show, but how many artists do you know can command a stage with the same strength and get everyone moving in a bar suite for 100?
In summary this self proclaimed princess makes indelible pop music with big beats, dance club hooks, absurd lyrics, and the "dont give a fuck" attitude that it takes to keep things interesting.
mp3: Lisa Dank - "On The Radio"
On the Radio by Lisa Dank
July 25, 2010
Dogs! Dogs! Dogs!
Etiketter:
Cat Stevens,
Dogs,
Levi Canfield,
Pop Rock,
The Suicide Machines,
You Scream I Scream
While randomly stumbling across Ondemand videos, I saw the band name "You Scream, I Scream" and had to click for a listen. What I found was nothing like I expected. In fact of being some awful crunkcore band, its in fact a rather delightful pop/rock romp about dogs.
The band is fairly unknown, I mean the only Internet sources they have are their own myspace page. How they got on my Ondemand music selection is beyond me, either way I just prefer to see this as destiny to show this adorable song and music video with everyone else.
So without further adieu here is You Scream, I Scream: "Dog"
Hopefully after watching that your all amped up about dogs and are running to your local pet pound to pick up one....
Here's a few other songs to add to that Dog playlist...
The Suicide Machines: "Sometimes I Don't Mind"
July 17, 2010
New Cut Copy material
Etiketter:
2011 albums,
australian,
electropop,
remix,
synthpop,
vizitrone
mp3: Cut Copy - Where I'm Going
mp3: Cut Copy - Lights & Music (Moullinex remix)
Melbourne-based Cut Copy have given us the first taste of their upcoming third album, in the form of the free track "Where I'm Going". It's a tough task to make a follow-up to the hugely popular 2008 album In Ghost Colours - an insanely catchy synthpop album filled to the brim with danceable hit material. Judging by this first track, they're approaching the task by just doing something rather different: the follow-up seems to be 60s and psychedelica inspired, which is a major turn away from the New Order / 90s dance influences of the In Ghost Colours. That's judging by one new track, though - it will be interesting to see how this turns out!
Download the new track above, along with what I personally consider to the hands down best remix of any of the first album's tracks.
Cut Copy's new album is due out early 2011.
mp3: of Montreal - Coquet Coquette
False Priest, of Montreal's first album in two years, is scheduled for a September 14 release. Being a big fan of the band, and honestly believing that every new album they make always turns out to be better than everything they've done before, my expectations are sky-high. The news I've heard of False Priest so far, and the hints from frontman Kevin Barnes as to what it will sound like, have been rather contradictory and puzzling. On the one hand, the album will supposedly be even more funk and r&b influenced than the funky previous two albums, on the other hand it's supposedly marking a return to 'real' instruments and a more analog rock and roll sound like on the earlier of Montreal releases - away from the drum machines, sequencers, loops and synths from the latest three.
On top of these two confusing bits of news, there's the intriguing fact than Jon Brion is producing the album. The combination of Jon Brion and of Montreal worked fantastically on 2009's excellent Jon Brion Remix EP, so I'm excited about the prospect of Brion putting his magic touch on every single one of False Priest's songs. of Montreal have finally presented a first taste of the album to the world: the track 'Coquet Coquette' was released as a free digital single on June 25th, and yesterday another track, called 'Hydra Fancies', appeared on the internet through the blog Some Kind of Awesome. Both songs certainly sounds different than the of Montreal I'm used to - more polished production than ever before, and a mix of instruments that differs heavily from both the lo-fi rock of the earlier albums and the electronic style of the latest ones. Most of all, though, it just sounds like the band has grown up, and in a very positive way. I can't wait to hear the rest of this one!
MGMT and Gorillaz both released new videos today.
mp3: MGMT - It's Working
Definitely no new 'Kids' (which truly is one of the most memorable music videos I've ever seen), but it suits the song - one of my favorites off the new album - quite well.
mp3: Gorillaz - On Melancholy Hill
Cute as always! Nice mixture of CGI characters and traditional 2D cartoon characters, too.
mp3: MGMT - It's Working
Definitely no new 'Kids' (which truly is one of the most memorable music videos I've ever seen), but it suits the song - one of my favorites off the new album - quite well.
mp3: Gorillaz - On Melancholy Hill
Cute as always! Nice mixture of CGI characters and traditional 2D cartoon characters, too.
May 27, 2010
Party like it's 2007: Arcade Fire, Panda Bear and Klaxons are back
Etiketter:
2010 albums,
electronica,
indie rock,
UK,
US,
vizitrone
In my opinion, three of 2007's very best and most memorable albums were Arcade Fire's Neon Bible, Panda Bear's Person Pitch and Klaxons Myths of the near Future. All three generated absolutely massive hype, and harvested top scores from record reviewers and/or prizes. Since then, however, it's been been quiet around these three artists. (Well, in Panda Bear's case it's just been the 'Panda Bear project' that's been quiet, as his band Animal Collective have almost constantly been in the spotlight, and enjoyed endless amounts of attention)
Now, the follow-up albums are finally on their way! I got my hands on leaked tracks by all three artists this week, and they're all very promising sounding. I think it's going to be a great autumn for alternative music!
//// New Arcade Fire: The Suburbs and Month of May
mp3: Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
mp3: Arcade Fire - Month of May
While Funeral balanced between the down-to-earth and the loud and pompous, Neon Bible mostly stayed within the latter style, filled to the brim with dramatic church organs and anthemic choruses. If these first two tracks are anything to go by, The Suburbs takes a step down again: 'The Suburbs' is slow, unpretentious and beautiful, while 'Month of May' in my opinion sounds like the most straight-forward rock and roll track Arcade Fire have ever recorded - in a good way!
The Suburbs is out August 2 in Europe and August 3 in the US.
//// New Klaxons: Flashover
Klaxons - Flashover (alternate link)
This sounds like the darker moments of Myths of the Near Future, and I love it. Nothing very unusual or surprising here, but it doesn't sound old either. What is really unusual and rare, is that the four young sophisticated Brits didn't name the song something that's a literary reference! Announcing their return as "here comes the flashover" is pretty badass/cute, though. Good to have you back, guys!
Surfing the void will be out sometimes this fall.
//// New Panda Bear: Tomboy
mp3: Panda Bear - Tomboy
Person Pitch was a dreamy sounding piece of sample patchwork, and it sounds like Panda Bear is continuing the same trend in this year's release. He's been playing a couple of solo shows the last month, presenting a lot of new material. Unfortunaly there are no studio versions available yet, but I'm sure they'll start surfacing soon, with the album only four months away from release. For now, enjoy this live version of the album's title track!
Tomboy is out September 2010.
Now, the follow-up albums are finally on their way! I got my hands on leaked tracks by all three artists this week, and they're all very promising sounding. I think it's going to be a great autumn for alternative music!
//// New Arcade Fire: The Suburbs and Month of May
mp3: Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
mp3: Arcade Fire - Month of May
While Funeral balanced between the down-to-earth and the loud and pompous, Neon Bible mostly stayed within the latter style, filled to the brim with dramatic church organs and anthemic choruses. If these first two tracks are anything to go by, The Suburbs takes a step down again: 'The Suburbs' is slow, unpretentious and beautiful, while 'Month of May' in my opinion sounds like the most straight-forward rock and roll track Arcade Fire have ever recorded - in a good way!
The Suburbs is out August 2 in Europe and August 3 in the US.
//// New Klaxons: Flashover
Klaxons - Flashover (alternate link)
This sounds like the darker moments of Myths of the Near Future, and I love it. Nothing very unusual or surprising here, but it doesn't sound old either. What is really unusual and rare, is that the four young sophisticated Brits didn't name the song something that's a literary reference! Announcing their return as "here comes the flashover" is pretty badass/cute, though. Good to have you back, guys!
Surfing the void will be out sometimes this fall.
//// New Panda Bear: Tomboy
mp3: Panda Bear - Tomboy
Person Pitch was a dreamy sounding piece of sample patchwork, and it sounds like Panda Bear is continuing the same trend in this year's release. He's been playing a couple of solo shows the last month, presenting a lot of new material. Unfortunaly there are no studio versions available yet, but I'm sure they'll start surfacing soon, with the album only four months away from release. For now, enjoy this live version of the album's title track!
Tomboy is out September 2010.
May 21, 2010
Janelle Monáe feat. of Montreal - Make The Bus
Etiketter:
2010 albums,
indie pop,
soul,
US,
vizitrone
mp3: Janelle Monáe feat. of Montreal - Make The Bus
On Tuesday, Georgia-based soul/indie-pop singer Janelle Monáe released her debut album The ArchAndroid, and the same day she performed the album's first single, Tightrope, on Letterman. The single is a collaboration with fellow Georgia musician Big Boi (of OutKast fame), and is some of the most fresh and funky sounding stuff I've heard since Hey Ya hit the world almost a decade ago.
Her artsy and eccentric persona really shone on her first television performance ever. My favorite song of hers right now, however, is definitely Make The Bus – another collaboration with a fellow Georgia star: of Montreal's equally eccentric and artsy Kevin Barnes. It's arguably more of an of Montreal song than a Janelle Monáe song, but as a big fan of Barnes, I just love what he does in this song.
In Barnes' earlier albums, he made quirky, modest and introverted lo-fi music heavily inspired by the Beatles and 60s psychedelia, but in 2007's Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer? he introduced his new alter ego 'Georgie Fruit' on the latter half of the album, and while in this character, he explores a loud, extroverted, funky, shrieking falsetto side of himself that showcases his more recent and different influences, such as Prince. On 2008's Skeletal Lamping, the Fruit character dominated most of the album, but he still never let that side of him completely loose - until he collaborated with Monáe. This is going to be one of my favorite tracks for this summer, for sure!
For an example of one of the songs on Skeletal Lamping that sounds close to this, check out Id Engager and its lovely video.
On Tuesday, Georgia-based soul/indie-pop singer Janelle Monáe released her debut album The ArchAndroid, and the same day she performed the album's first single, Tightrope, on Letterman. The single is a collaboration with fellow Georgia musician Big Boi (of OutKast fame), and is some of the most fresh and funky sounding stuff I've heard since Hey Ya hit the world almost a decade ago.
Her artsy and eccentric persona really shone on her first television performance ever. My favorite song of hers right now, however, is definitely Make The Bus – another collaboration with a fellow Georgia star: of Montreal's equally eccentric and artsy Kevin Barnes. It's arguably more of an of Montreal song than a Janelle Monáe song, but as a big fan of Barnes, I just love what he does in this song.
In Barnes' earlier albums, he made quirky, modest and introverted lo-fi music heavily inspired by the Beatles and 60s psychedelia, but in 2007's Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer? he introduced his new alter ego 'Georgie Fruit' on the latter half of the album, and while in this character, he explores a loud, extroverted, funky, shrieking falsetto side of himself that showcases his more recent and different influences, such as Prince. On 2008's Skeletal Lamping, the Fruit character dominated most of the album, but he still never let that side of him completely loose - until he collaborated with Monáe. This is going to be one of my favorite tracks for this summer, for sure!
For an example of one of the songs on Skeletal Lamping that sounds close to this, check out Id Engager and its lovely video.
May 20, 2010
En vill hest (Prince Thomas remix)
Etiketter:
2010 albums,
bergen,
electronica,
norwegian,
remix,
vizitrone
mp3: Casiokids - En Vill Hest (Prince Thomas Remix)
Two months ago I wrote about Norwegian electropoppers Casiokids, who since have released their sophomore album Topp Stemning På Lokal Bar. These days I'm hooked to fellow Norwegian Prince Thomas' remix of one track off the album, En Vill Hest. So atmospheric and lush, and I love the way he uses the acoustic guitar samples. Try it for yourself, and have a great and sunny May week!
Two months ago I wrote about Norwegian electropoppers Casiokids, who since have released their sophomore album Topp Stemning På Lokal Bar. These days I'm hooked to fellow Norwegian Prince Thomas' remix of one track off the album, En Vill Hest. So atmospheric and lush, and I love the way he uses the acoustic guitar samples. Try it for yourself, and have a great and sunny May week!
Yesterday, I was riding the tram through the city, and when it passed a small sushi place I noticed that all of its three costumers had big beards.
It looked like they were a band or something. A 'beardy men indie-folk' band.
... like Bon Iver
... or Fleet Foxes
What happened to beardy men indie-folk? Neither Bon Iver nor Fleet Foxes have released any new LPs in two years now. I can't believe it's already been two years. Apparently Fleet Foxes are working on a new album that's going to be released in the fall, though! I'm pretty excited about it, after their very strong debut effort. To be fair, Bon Iver at least did an EP a year ago. Hope they start work on a new LP soon! I wonder how long Fleet Foxes' and Bon Ivers' beards have grown by now.
(their beards pretty small at the start of their tours in 2008, but quite long and manly looking by the end of 2008).
It looked like they were a band or something. A 'beardy men indie-folk' band.
... like Bon Iver
... or Fleet Foxes
What happened to beardy men indie-folk? Neither Bon Iver nor Fleet Foxes have released any new LPs in two years now. I can't believe it's already been two years. Apparently Fleet Foxes are working on a new album that's going to be released in the fall, though! I'm pretty excited about it, after their very strong debut effort. To be fair, Bon Iver at least did an EP a year ago. Hope they start work on a new LP soon! I wonder how long Fleet Foxes' and Bon Ivers' beards have grown by now.
(their beards pretty small at the start of their tours in 2008, but quite long and manly looking by the end of 2008).
Speaking of taking the cheerful and bright 'Beach' by Mew and turning it into something sinister and dark, that is exactly what Danish electronic artist Trentemøller has done in his great remix of the song. I've been addicted to this song for about a week now:
mp3: Mew - Beach (Trentemøller Remix)
I haven't been this hooked to a remix of a song with the word 'beach' in its name since my favorite DJs, Brazilian The Twelves, remixed 'Beaches and Friends' (possibly their catchiest and most danceable remix to date):
mp3: Database vs. French Horn Rebellion - Beaches and Friends (The Twelves Remix)
Enjoy, and I hope you'll have the chance to take a trip down to the beach this week and soak up some nice May sun. Where I live, it suddenly snowed today - for the first time in weeks - so my chances are looking pretty bad.
mp3: Mew - Beach (Trentemøller Remix)
I haven't been this hooked to a remix of a song with the word 'beach' in its name since my favorite DJs, Brazilian The Twelves, remixed 'Beaches and Friends' (possibly their catchiest and most danceable remix to date):
mp3: Database vs. French Horn Rebellion - Beaches and Friends (The Twelves Remix)
Enjoy, and I hope you'll have the chance to take a trip down to the beach this week and soak up some nice May sun. Where I live, it suddenly snowed today - for the first time in weeks - so my chances are looking pretty bad.
- mp3: Animal Collective - Leaf House. From Sung Tongs, 2004
- mp3: Dirty Projectors - Gimme Gimme Gimme. From Rise Above, 2007
- mp3: Yeasayer - Ambling Alp. From Odd Blood, 2010
- mp3: MGMT - Congratulations. From Congratulations, 2010
What do all the above songs have in common?
They were all made in Brooklyn! Although it is New York's most populous borough, it still amazes me how much good alternative music has been made within the confined space of these 70 square miles in recent years. I remember there was a lot of buzz about Brooklyn's alternative music scene around 07/08, and in the past two years several of the bands from that period have reached out to bigger and bigger masses, achieving world stardom - like the above four bands.
Animal Collective have since moved away from Brooklyn, though, appearently being tired of the whole place and its people - which they made a point of in their song 'For Reverend Green' (my favorite Animal Collective song, off 2007's Strawberry Jam), where they depicted Brooklyners as 'wasted' and 'depressed'. MGMT have stayed in Brooklyn, but recently announced that "If the fabled Brooklyn music scene does exist, we're definitely not part of it".
The Hundred In The Hands
But there are still numerous interesting new bands emerging from Brooklyn's vibrant music scene today. My most recent discovery is The Hundred In The Hands. This indie pop boy-girl duo lists accessible pop music such as the Kinks, Beatles and Michael Jackson as their main inspiration, something that was evident on the first few songs they recorded. On their debut EP This Desert, however - which is out on May 18 - they showcase a more "ethereal, gauzy side" of their tastes (to quote the band).
To me, the darker soundscape, vocal style and drum machines are slightly reminiscent of the best moments of Ladytron. Ghosts (my favorite track off the EP), with its downtempo, dark but soothing sound, should also be perfect for anyone who loved the XX's debut album and is looking for something new in the same mood. The rest of the EP wanders between different styles, but always combining guitar and coldish electronic sounds in a way that brings artists like New Order, The Cure and (the already mentioned) Ladytron to mind. Check them out for yourself, and I hope you'll enjoy them as much as I do!
mp3: The Hundred In The Hands - Ghosts
April 27, 2010
New video: Mew - Beach
Etiketter:
alternative,
danish,
dream pop,
scandinavian,
video,
vizitrone
Mew's official music video for the track 'Beach', off their 2009 album No More Stories Are Told Today I'm Sorry They Washed Away No More Stories The World Is Grey I'm Tired Let's Wash Away, is finally out!
mp3: Mew - Beach(alternate download link)
The members of Danish dream pop / alternative rock band Mew first met each other in the early nineties, when the four founding members worked together on a 7th grade art project. Their project consisted of an art film combining self-composed music with self-recorded video, and was a strong hint of what to come - lead singer Jonas Bjerre still loves to combine video and music in interesting and artistic ways, something Mew fans all over the world know to appreciate.
In all their live shows, bizarre and fascinating backdrop videos always run behind the band for the entirety of the show. These are actually all made by Bjerre personally, who in the meantime between directing his 7th grade art video and breaking through internationally with Mew in 2003 actually for a period also worked professionally with post-production and special effects. For an example of Bjerre's work, check out the absolutely stunning backdrop video for 'Comforting Sounds' (if you're impatient, 4:20 is when the magic begins).
Although Bjerre doesn't produce the official music videos for the band himself, the world is always in for a treat when a new Mew music video is released nonetheless. Due to the band's love for interesting and experimental imagery, they always work with really interesting young up-and-coming directors. 'Beach' was directed by 29 year old Danish director Lasse Martinussen, who also did their last video (Repeaterbeater), and it's truly bizarre and unique - in that special Mew way.
While Beach arguably is the most straigthforward, sweet and bright song on the album, almost naive-sounding compared to other tracks such as the dark New Terrain or the complex and labyrinthian Introducing Palace Players (my absolute favorite track of 2009!), the video is far from naive and sweet. The cheerful song, compared with dark, perplexing and unnerving images, makes for a fantastic music video that makes me once again reconfirm my deep love for these Danish pop geniuses. Enjoy!
mp3: Mew - Beach(alternate download link)
The members of Danish dream pop / alternative rock band Mew first met each other in the early nineties, when the four founding members worked together on a 7th grade art project. Their project consisted of an art film combining self-composed music with self-recorded video, and was a strong hint of what to come - lead singer Jonas Bjerre still loves to combine video and music in interesting and artistic ways, something Mew fans all over the world know to appreciate.
In all their live shows, bizarre and fascinating backdrop videos always run behind the band for the entirety of the show. These are actually all made by Bjerre personally, who in the meantime between directing his 7th grade art video and breaking through internationally with Mew in 2003 actually for a period also worked professionally with post-production and special effects. For an example of Bjerre's work, check out the absolutely stunning backdrop video for 'Comforting Sounds' (if you're impatient, 4:20 is when the magic begins).
Although Bjerre doesn't produce the official music videos for the band himself, the world is always in for a treat when a new Mew music video is released nonetheless. Due to the band's love for interesting and experimental imagery, they always work with really interesting young up-and-coming directors. 'Beach' was directed by 29 year old Danish director Lasse Martinussen, who also did their last video (Repeaterbeater), and it's truly bizarre and unique - in that special Mew way.
While Beach arguably is the most straigthforward, sweet and bright song on the album, almost naive-sounding compared to other tracks such as the dark New Terrain or the complex and labyrinthian Introducing Palace Players (my absolute favorite track of 2009!), the video is far from naive and sweet. The cheerful song, compared with dark, perplexing and unnerving images, makes for a fantastic music video that makes me once again reconfirm my deep love for these Danish pop geniuses. Enjoy!
The music video for LCD Soundsystem's new song Drunk Girls has been unleashed upon the internet, and it's one of the sickest music videos I have ever seen. Co-directed by Spike Jonze and James Murphy himself, it features some disturbing and extremely abusive panda bear like characters and lots of ... sick mayhem. You have to watch this one to understand.
mp3: LCD Soundsystem - Drunk Girls
LCD Soundsystem's This Is Happening is out on May 18 in the US and the day before in Europe. You can listen to the whole album for free here. I've given it a few listens and it seems great!
mp3: LCD Soundsystem - Drunk Girls
LCD Soundsystem's This Is Happening is out on May 18 in the US and the day before in Europe. You can listen to the whole album for free here. I've given it a few listens and it seems great!
Here are some unusual cover versions of two songs I love. These two videos are both really impressive and touching - Young@Heart and PS22 are such awesome choirs!
Young@Heart - Schizophrenia
cover version of Sonic Youth - Schizophrenia
Amazing old people.
PS22 Chorus - Zebra
cover version of Beach House - Zebra
Amazing young people.
Young@Heart - Schizophrenia
cover version of Sonic Youth - Schizophrenia
Amazing old people.
PS22 Chorus - Zebra
cover version of Beach House - Zebra
Amazing young people.
- mp3: Eels - I Write the B-Sides
- mp3: Eels - Hidden Track
- mp3: Eels - Jehova's Witness
- mp3: Eels - Rotten World Blues
Keeping it simple - here's Eels' Rotten World Blues EP (2002). Eels hardly need any introduction, but if you'd still like one, here's my introduction that I wrote for Esoteric Mumblings earlier.
The four songs on this EP are from the Souljacker sessions, which was the most hard-rocking period in Eels' career so far. While Eels frontman Mr. E these days most often writes out of moods such as loneliness, nostalgia and grief, accompanied by the piano and acoustic guitars (though sometimes in combination with electric), the tracks on this EP are written more out of annoyance, anger or a desire to just 'rock out' with electric guitars, like E probably would put it himself.
Jehova's witness, leave me alone!!
Jehova's witness, I'm not at home!
So cheap and juicy!
Regina Spektor plays "That Time" at Bonnarroo, and the thousands of people in the crowd are pretty quiet- making her minimalist guitar sound that much better. Her voice is like chocolate. You take a bite at first, and it starts to melt on your tongue, and you feel hints of bitterness but an absolute rush of sweetness overlaying it all.
Download the song!
Rilo Kiley- The Frug
Pretty similar to Regina's song. She's just being cute and describing how impossible she is.
Download the song!
The Cardigans- Rise & Shine
Perfect music for the weather we've been having. Simple as that.
For everyone who enjoyed non serviam's newest entry, here's an mp3 download of the song:
mp3: Hathbanger - Party and Bullshit In the U.S.A. (Miley vs. B.I.G.)
Oh, and here's one more hiphop mashup - I've really been into this one lately:
mp3: Emancipator - Shook (Sigur Rós vs. Mobb Deep)
Also, people have requested us to re-post the song Bridge by the New Wine. No problem, dear readers!
mp3: The New Wine - Bridge
I hope you're all enjoying your Easter holidays - or whatever else you're currently doing.
----
EDIT:
Download your hearts out. Hopefully those work?
-girl scout
----
EDIT 2:
I re-uploaded once more and changed the original links!
mp3: Hathbanger - Party and Bullshit In the U.S.A. (Miley vs. B.I.G.)
Oh, and here's one more hiphop mashup - I've really been into this one lately:
mp3: Emancipator - Shook (Sigur Rós vs. Mobb Deep)
Also, people have requested us to re-post the song Bridge by the New Wine. No problem, dear readers!
mp3: The New Wine - Bridge
I hope you're all enjoying your Easter holidays - or whatever else you're currently doing.
----
EDIT:
Download your hearts out. Hopefully those work?
-girl scout
----
EDIT 2:
I re-uploaded once more and changed the original links!
- Gorillaz - Some Kind of Nature (feat. Lou Reed)
- The Velvet Underground - I'm Waiting for the Man
- The Velvet Underground - Heroin
- The Velvet Underground - Here She Comes Now
- Lou Reed - Vicious
- Lou Reed - Street Hassle
Like practically every other person on the planet, I like Gorillaz' new album Plastic Beach. There are a lot of great tracks, but the one that stands out the most to me definitely is Some Kind of Nature featuring Lou Reed. I'm a huge Velvet Underground and Lou Reed fan, and had high expectations to the track ever since I first saw it on early Plastic Beach tracklists. Hearing one of my musical heroes rap for what must be the first time in his long career was simply awesome, and the track is overall really catchy and sweet.
My addiction to Some Kind of Nature has brought me back into one of my Velvet Underground / Lou Reed periods, and I'm constantly listening to them again. Here are some of my favorite Reed tracks of all time:
From The Velvet Underground & Nico (1967)The Velvet Underground - I'm Waiting for the Man
The Velvet Underground - Heroin
In my two favorite tracks on the album, Reed does exactly what made the whole album famous - he very frankly, explicitly and nonchalantly explores themes that until them had been almost non-existant in 'pop' music, such as drug abuse.
From White Light / White Heat (1968)The Velvet Underground - Here She Comes Now
Here She Comes now, from the Velvet Undergound's second album, is one of my favorite slower and 'nicer' tracks by the band. The beautiful little tune is drastically different from the heavier Waiting for the Man and Heroin, but showcases the same amazing songwriting talent.
From Transformer (1972)Lou Reed - Vicious
After the Velvet Underground disbanded in the early seventies, Reed made the solo album Transformer, where he explored more accessible pop and glam sides of himself. The album is the most famous for the major hit "Perfect Day", but my personal favorite is the powerful and feisty "Vicious". So full of attitude, and apparently inspired by Andy Warhol, who once told Lou Reed that he 'should make a song about someone vicious'.
From Street Hassle (1978)Lou Reed - Street Hassle
The title track of Reed's 1978 solo album Street Hassle is a wonderful example of his lyrical talents - essentially an epic 11-minute long poem reading of rough New York underworld social realism poetry set to guitars. The long song is split into three parts - "Waltzing Matilda," "Street Hassle," and "Slipaway", and features Bruce Springsteen on vocals for a short while on the final third part. Amazing and powerful track.
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