Its that time of year again, when musicians either try their hand at covering the winter classics or go even further and attempt to pen the next holiday standard. In the spirit of sharing a little cheer I thought I’d amass some of my new favs for you.
Auld Lang Syne – Sam Billen
In The Bleak Midwinter – Andrew Oconner
A Day In The Life Of A Christmas Tree - Dinosaur Feathers
Blue Christmas - Sharon Van Etten
The Holiday’s Are Here (We’re Still At War) – Brett Dennen
And finally a beautiful new video from the ever charming William Fizsimmons
Stay tuned in the weeks leading up to the release as there will be a few more Dinosaur Feather features right here on TWIAPC.
There are two basic motivating forces: fear and love. When we are afraid, we pull back from life. When we are in love, we open to all that life has to offer with passion, excitement, and acceptance. We need to learn to love ourselves first, in all our glory and our imperfections. If we cannot love ourselves, we cannot fully open to our ability to love others or our potential to create. Evolution and all hopes for a better world rest in the fearlessness and open-hearted vision of people who embrace life.
- John Lennon
Today marks the 29th anniversary of John Lennon’s death. It is a day that I have marked with some recognition for most of my life. Usually involving a lengthy conversation with my mother recalling where she was when she found out (in the car with my sister) and what he meant to her and her generation. As a child of an entirely different culture filled with louder and relentless opinions, promotions, and declarations I sometimes forget that before Lennon it was rare for an entertainer to use their fame and platform to take a large scale political stance. And it can safely be said that no one’s influence rivaled that of the former Beatle.
Lennon used his skill for crafting memorable phrases to transpose messages for the larger social consciousness giving a poignant and unrelenting voice to a massive movement calling for peace. Political peace, social peace, inner peace. It is a timeless cause and his words remain just as relevant now as they did when they were first spoken. Simply reading his words and recalling his actions will remind you of his impact on music, politics and culture. In his wake there have been and will continue to be artists who choose to use their voice to further noble causes but John truly was a pioneer.
I’d like to think my own actions and words pay tribute to his dedication to a greater cultural awareness and in writing this, using my own little platform you may also carry on the spirit of peace and love that was the very heart of John Lennon’s work.
You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us. And the world will live as one.
Imagine – Eva Cassidy
Happy Christmas (War Is Over) – Polyphonic Spree
There have been some rather interesting videos in my in-box lately that I feel compelled to share with you if for no other reason than to loosen a smile or giggle from your lips.
First off, Edward Sharpe and The Magnificent Zeros (whom I adore and recently sold out the church) have created a 12 part music video series called SALVO! There is a rather epic sounding story line and from the looks of the production in the first two bits the full offering will play like a short film. It even has a stellar cast for a side project. David Straitharn and Dermot Mulroney both star in the second segment seen below. To get the full effect you should really start at the beginning.
Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros “KISSES OVER BABYLON” from Edward Sharpe on Vimeo.
This next video is fom Chris Garneau for his lovely little ditty Fireflies. Its based on Legend Of Zelda. Need I say more? Yes, actually… He is going to be in Philly on Friday at the Church for his only US performance amidst his busy European/Asia tour extravaganza.
Next up WHY? has released a twofer, one video for the first two track from Eskimo Snow These Hands & January Twenty Something. The visuals for each songs is succinct and fit neatly together yet still definitely make your head wander.
WHY? – These Hands / January Twenty Something from anticon. on Vimeo.
We Are The Willows
It takes a man dedicated to his art to cast aside social norms, embrace this childlike voice and see what it can do. Peter Miller is such a man. First begun as a side project (Miller is the front man of Red Fox Grey Fox it now holds its own very distinct place in the musical goings on. Miller captured sounds from all over the Twin Cities; the whoosh of the light rail, birds chirping, etc. Matched with his tender and reflective lyrics to create an album that is really a aural tour through his world. Miller’s voice is unique (just listen to it and you’ll know what I mean) and throughout A Collection Of Sounds And Something Like The Plague it makes pleas, confessions and wails that highlight its intricate potential. I really cannot wait to see We Are The Willows live now that I have had the album on reply pretty consistently for the last two weeks. I sense there are even greater depths to them live.
A Funeral Dressed As A Birthday
Motorbikes
This group is tight and delightful and fun and needs to start putting out more material stat. Fronted by a chap named Paul (who’s from Arkansas btw) Motorbikes isn’t working to push new sonic horizons rather to create delectably smart tunes. Each a nice little package that sits well in your ear but also offers space for your mind to wander. They have one album to get you started but I’d like to politely request another soon.
Two Tempos
Sunset
I had the real pleasure to catch the fellas of Sunset a few weeks back at the Weather Vane Music fundraiser. While there was already an undeniable good vibe humming through Johnny Brenda’s that night these guys brought their own up tempo good times. There are a whole mess of bands bringing back the classic 70′s rock sound with varying degrees of success. When it comes to their chilled out instrumental riffs Sunset places themselves near the front of the retro pack. They carve out some distinction with well written and more modernly indie lyrics and vocal performance. Playing with echoey effects at times and dabbling in breathy ethereal delivery at others. I think we shall be hearing a lot more for this Austin band in the tens.
Green Truck
Some of my absolute favorite Philly acts are gathering tonight at The Khyber for what promises to be a block rocking good time (not to mention a quick hop for First Friday activities in Olde City). Be there, get silly and GET SLIMED.
Chang Chang
Kinda like watching a kid masturbate with his own tears in front of his mom. Some rapping may ensue but more than likely ending in a pissy stage. Every wonder who buys those expired stacker2’s from the dollar shore. Sold out.
Ruinit
Grind with your goth girlfriend while contemplating how you will kill your parents in their sleep. Dance your shit off, blogs can’t see you!
Man Like Machine
Never will you ever see more panties and bras be thrown on stage by girls who had no clue they just threw their panties and bras on stage. More rock band then you’re rock band. Don’t tell your parents you snuck out of being grounded.
Menya
Ever step inside of a bubble gum bubble then hot box it. Seeing them will be well worth your allowance. Cuter than puppies dressed as cats.
Deadly Technologies
These dudes do things behind robots that they can’t show on tv. Dance, laugh, write your pen pal in japan. Pay attention….they will be your ruler soon!!!
*Note I didn’t write these descriptions, that would be Jon Rehr, but hes pretty much spot on with every darn word.
I think its fair to say covers are the aural equivalent of comfort food; and, because it is tradition to kick off the holiday season with some indulgent noshing I wanted to share some musical nibblings with you. No worries about rocking the elastic waistband while enjoying these snacks. Simply pair with a nice white wine or IPA and no reheating instructions necessary as there will be no leftovers.
You’ve Got The Love (Florence and The Machine)- The XX
The Wolves Act I and II (Bon Iver)- Ellie Goulding
My Girls (Animal Collective)- Dappled Cities
I Do Not Hook Up (Kelly Clarkson)- The Gaslight Anthem
Psycho Killer (Talking Heads)- Cage The Elephant
Oh and thanks for tuning into The World In A Paper Cup. I’m endlessly thankful for your readership and support.
TWIAPC:In your solo work it is just you and the myriad instrumental lines you’ve created. How does performing to support this album differ from your other group effort?
TWIAPC: You clearly have a knack and a comfort level with a wide variety of instruments. Are there any in particular that feel more natural or, conversely, more unusual?
TWIAPC: There is a rather ruminative tone threaded throughout Year In The Kingdom. Was there any one thing or event tumbling around your mind while writing or, do the songs reflect singular moments or ideas?
TWIAPC: Both your solo work and that you do with Fleet Foxes falls safely in the chamberish folk portion of the genre spectrum. Are there any other “sounds” you’ve been curious to dabble in?