I’m taking a long weekend for SXSW and while I’d love to say I will be posting rabidly, this is my vacation so I’m going to simply enjoy what there is to see & hear. Then, when it is all over on Sunday, I’ll jump in and start providing you more detailed thoughts and reviews.
In the mean time, I will be posting a few quick pics (like the one above of Philly’s Drink Up Buttercup) over on TWIAPC’s tumblr page. And, as always, you can follow my momentary musings on Twitter.
This bitty gem was dropped in my box this week and I knew immediately I needed to share it. I am a convert to the feel good makings of Edward Sharpe and The Magnificent Zeros and Anjos, of the prolific RAC , manages to give it a fabulous low key build. Totally complimenting the original’s western vibe this version is ripe for the soundtrack pickins.
Home (Edward Sharpe & The Magnificent Zeros) – RAC remix
The always dependable Hood Internet has been rocking my socks this weekend with their hip-pop mash up delicacies. Mostly cause they just dropped a mash up that also serves as a look back over the past 10 years all packaged up in 6ish minutes. It’s as filling as mash-ups get without being overwhelming. Listen love and be sure to catch one of their set at SXSW iffn you’re headed down that way. Oh, and they’re trying to make a music video and raising funds the internets way so if you have some rebate dollars you want to donate go here> Donate
The Hood Internet – Decalogue (The Hood Internet vs The 2000s)
Yoshimi Battles The Purple Robots (Cam’ron vs The Flaming Lips) – Hood Internet
The Crookes are strumming some undeniably luscious summer melodies. Clearly influenced by the more intelligent brit pop forerunners their lyrics are apathetically witty and their guitars plucked with just the right amount of bounce. Its the kind of music you should add to your chores mix because pretty much anything will be made at least 73% more delightful if they are providing your soundtrack. Their EP Bloodshot Days will be out on April 5th and they’re making the SXSW rounds as well.
Image courtesy of Per ForsbergThe Swedish duo Sweet Serenades, have their fingers on the pulse of an irresistible pairing of the simple harmonies & guitars from the 80′s with the ethereal quirk of nordic indie pop. Their song Die Young has already earned a spot on Grey’s Anatomy and the rest of their tunes are worthy of similar placements. They prove themselves capable of including some playful synths but don’t stray from the simplicity of their bass and guitar lines. This isn’t revolutionary music making but it does contribute to the essential canon of happy making music. Their album Balcony Cigarettes is shooting for a US release later this year. Until then you’ll have to make due with the track they’ve so politely allowed me to share.
photo courtesy of Matthew JohnsonThe Middle East create delicate music that launches your wonder into the dreamiest of orbits. Their track “Fool’s Gold” wraps gauzy lyrical layers so subtly around themselves you almost forget where it begins. The harmonies created by the male female voice meander deliberately around the minimal instrumentals carefully avoiding stepping on each other’s toes. A lot of thought has gone into these arrangements and I can only imagine watching them perform live is a similarly breathtaking. They are going to be on the road with Mumford & Sons this spring [May 16th at the TLA in Philly] which will make for one astounding line up.
A Winter Of Mixed Drinks the third LP from Scotland’s Frightened Rabbit has finally hit US shelves. It easily qualified for my most anticipated album of 2010 and I am delighted to report the Selkirk fellas have changed the formula just enough to suggest curiosity while maintaining the qualities that make them distinct and addictive.
Wisely deciding to push his lyrical dexterity beyond the realm of “break up” songs Scott focused more on the emotions involved with vulnerability and strength involved in being alone. The result being an album that leans more toward resurrection than heart ache. Scott’s yelpy croon is as fine as ever and he still turns a phrase the likes of which you’d be likely to hear from any sage barstool philosopher; at times jovial and playful at others reflective and raw. On “The Loneliness & The Scream” he puts words to those moments when you anxiously need someone, anyone to acknowledge your existence then brings in a rondo of howling backup vocals to drive home the urgency of those moments. It is just one of many powerfully orchestrated moments on the album.
While Scott’s range of perspective has evolved so to has the rest of the group’s instrumental adeptness. Grant’s percussion is still the core of the group’s energy. Pushing and pulsing through tracks like the album opener “Things” with the verve you heard on the last two albums. However, this time through when the arrangement dictates more restraint his drumming holds more confidence and intention. The arrangements as a whole suggest the increase in touring has made them more ambitious. Considering they were a pretty ambitious group to start with, the new extremes make for a satiating and rich listening experience. The intense build at the start of “Skip The Youth” which then trips into the pared down plodding bass/piano lead only to build again slowly with layered dreamy guitars and fuzzy drums exemplifies the success of their evolution. The entire album is a testimony to a group’s ability to take chances, explore and yet remain true to their essential sound.
The fellas are set for some SXSW shenanigans then to Europe then finally back to the US to tour properly in support of A Winter Of Mixed Drinks (Philly date April 30th at The Church). As great as they may be on record nothing, NOTHING compares to their live show. So, buy the album, buy your ticket and join the ranks of dedicated Frabbiteers.
Cobra Den Invitational: Wakey!Wakey! – Ambling Alp (Yeasayer) from Goddamn Cobras Collective on Vimeo.
Goddamn Cobras Collective asked Wakey!Wakey! to be part of their Cobra Den Invitationals web video series. They assembled a crew of wikedly talented string players and well, some other folks, in a Brooklyn loft and let loose on Yeasayer’s Ambling Alp. In true Wakey!Wakey! fashion the song takes on the feel good vibe of a warmly orchestrated pop reconsideration. Watch, swoon and repeat.
Last week I had the honor of getting a little air time on Hype Machine radio. Give it a listen if that’s your sort of jam.
Just (Radiohead) - Nickel Creek
See what I did there? Radio head. Trick tricky eh?
She & Him, the power duo of Zooey Deschenel & M Ward, are all set to release a new album, Volume Two this spring. As a precursor they have let loose this charming video for “In The Sun” the first single off of said album.
She & Him – In The Sun from Merge Records on Vimeo.
The Oscars are one of my favorite awards shows to watch. Normally I have a slew of people over, make copious amounts of finger food and run little trivia prize sessions. I would also have seen a fair number of the movies. However, due to a poorly timed bit of flu this weekend and a failure to see 80% of the movies nominated I find myself terribly unprepared. To rectify this I thought I’d assemble a mix of covers that are somehow associated with the 10 Best Movie nominees.
Bear with me this may get a little abstract but therein lies the fun.
Ok, I thought I would start with the most obtuse selection. Nothing in my covers collection really jumped out at me so I had to get creative and, to really cover my ass I chose two. The first, Poker Face is going for the literary connection a good poker face is very serious – or so I’ve been told- and the second, My Home Town was selected because the movie was shot in my hometown-ish. So there ya go.
Poker Face (Lady Gaga) – Ben’s Brother
My Home Town – Kallet,Epstein And Cicone
If you’ve had the chance to see this incredible movie you will know why this song is pretty much the perfect fit. Tarantino is a genius and his most recent work is no exception. It may be a little gory for the faint of heart but worth it even if you’re eyes are glued shut and you’re just listening to the dialogue.
Psycho Killer (Talking Heads) – Cage The Elephant
I’m incredibly bummed that I haven’t yet seen this movie but figured from what I know of its plot this was an appropriate choice.
Against All Odds (Phil Colins) - Postal Service
Despite its realistic -and to many seemingly depressing – beginning this movie launched me into a delightful world of fantasy. Quite possibly the most quoted movie of this bunch in my house this year I really thought it was exceptional if you were able to look beyond the sad part and recognize the whole. The Avett Brothers take on the traditional hymn I’ll Fly Away is one any a cover lover should have in their collection.
I’ll Fly Away – The Avett Brothers
This enthralling movie wins my vote for picture of the year. It manages to capture the very literal day-to-day realities of the soldiers in Iraq and does so without injecting a political skew. It’s great don’t skip it.
Mad World (Tears For Fears) – Gary Jules
Pretty much anything Nick Hornby puts his touch on gets my immediate attention. So I can say, without even having seen the movie, that I had to go with a classic done with style. Peter, Bjorn & John’s rendition of Me & Julio is as enjoyable as I can imagine I would find the movie.
Me & Julio Down By The School Yard (Paul Simon) – Peter, Bjorn and John
Yep, once again I lean to the literal. I haven’t seen this one nor do I see myself rushing out anytime soon to rent it. Thankfully I had this number in my archives to correspond to this one.
The District Sleeps Alone (Postal Service) - Jonna Lee
This is another one I’m kicking myself for not having seen by now. I always knew Sandra had the potential to really hit her mark. I’d say she’s already done it numerous times but never in a film the Academy is going to recognize. Owen Pallet gave his treatment to this Celine classic and it’s just about perfect for the storyline as well as Sandra’s quirkiness.
The Power Of Love (Celine Dion) – Owen Pallet
This movie was another understate gem. The story line wasn’t anything complex nor were the characters yet the cast and crew wove them together so deliberately that the whole came together wonderfully.
In An Airplane Over The Sea(Neutral Milk Hotel) – The Chairs
Probably the lowest on my list of “to sees” so I’m going with what everyone else has said about and choosing this classic.
I have really mixed feelings about Taylor Swift. From the start I just didn’t like her sound but as she has continued to put music out and after a few folks whose tastes I respect have made a good argument in her favor I’m slowly finding the elements I like. Mash-ups like these make that process a little more fun. The track is off of Motoboater’s freshly released EP P/U Yr Heart. He mixes America’s sweetheart with France’s grittier pop star Uffie to the best of all possible ends.
You Belong To Me (T Swift v. Uffie) – Motorboater
TWIAPC regular, the wonderful Mr. Wilkis, takes on Philly’s RJD2 in his most recent release. The Shining Path (Alan Wilkis Remix) strips away the perky bits from the original track in favor of some 80′s-ish ditty synths. The reconfiguration pushes guest voice Phonte Coleman (Little Brother/ Foreign Exchange) front in center. Wilkis is right to recognize that, in this case a little less is a lot more.
The Shining Path (Alan Wilkis Remix) – RJD2
Finally, this stop motion video for Nobody Beats The Drum’s tasty electro snacklette. For those of us who were raised in wooden block (versus video game) households the video, created by Rogier van der Zwaag the groups visual artist, represents a perfect marriage of electro beats and simple blocks. I’m not going to lie, none of my block sessions were this cool nor was the soundtrack. Enjoy the video and the track from the Dutch electro team.
Their guitar bits are simple, their progressions clean and vocals infused with a pop howliness perfect for spring making The Honey Pies a band you should promptly be adding to your warm weather playlist. The Aussie outfit takes a surfy retro sound and fancies it up with unexpected moments of dreaminess, sweet wooy lyrics and even the suggestion of a lil’ psych influence. Oh Hi We Didn’t See You There. We’re… represents the group’s attempt to get something recorded and out to the non-locals which gives the EP a bit of a slap dash feeling. I think it does of good job of establishing their talents but I look forward to a full album and the chance to really gage their full chops. It is a great start though and just the kind of music to throw on as the weather warms.
Slow Club makes me very very happy. Yeah, they’re twee but, there is absolutely nothing wrong with two people writing witty lyrics then pairing them with intelligent up tempo instrumentals to incite immediate heart swelling joy. In fact it is a venture I think more should undertake although I doubt they’ll be able to achieve it so fully as Slow Club. On their 2009 album Yeah So Rebecca and Charles’ vocals at times double up to create a dynamic but disparate chorus while at others they have a fantastic teeter-totter playfulness that creates a distinct lilt. Their subject matter is true anti-folk fodder but they use that standard to build a truly unique and boisterous sound. They’re bopping through Cali and Arizona en route to SXSW so if you are in the vicinity be sure to catch the live version.
This Minneapolis group is rocking. They rock in a bar band kinda way with a appropriate reverence to Minnesota’s alternative rock lineage and a bit of alt country thrown in. Lead singer Johnny Park takes you through their tunes with a sober honesty that comes from a guy who has lived a hell of a whole lot at a relatively young age. Park and his musical partner Daniel DeMuth met in rehab and upon their release they put their focus on music rather than reverting to their less legit past times. Two years in and they have established themselves a consistent and quality sound. If you’re missing the steady sound of early 90′s indie rock then give these fellas your ears. They’ll take good care of ya.
