Well 2011 is certainly off to a rocky start. First, there was the major shift in responsibility at work that left me stressed and scrambling for free time to do TWIAPC updates not to mention time to see friend and family. Then this weekend I received some totally surreal news that will completely rearrange my life in the next few weeks and months. In the short time I’ve had since getting this news I’ve begun prioritizing things and realized I won’t have time to keep posting right now. Which really breaks my heart because this here little blog is something I really do enjoy; but, I’m going to need to spend my time and energy getting work, family and health sorted for a while. I am happy to say though this will only be temporary because on the flip side of all the chaos I’ll be laid up for a while with nothing else to do but listen to tons of music and pound out posts.
So, please hang tight and I’ll be back before you know it.
x
em
It’s been a while since a rap album really grabbed my attention and Beans’ new album End It All not only grabbed me it never let me go. Each track has a new angle on inventive and awesome beat making. A member of the iconic Anti-Pop Consortium it’s not terribly surprising that he brings this degree of intelligence to this album. He pushes himself to explore new sounds both in transforming his usual delivery – weightier drawn out phrasing – as well as partnering with some other creative musical minds like TOBACCO, Four Tet and Son Lux. End It All proves Beans dexterity as a rapper and as a man willing to consider new angles.
[MP3] Mellow You Out
Moon Women are yet another Philly group quickly grabbing the attention of a wider audience. A group that started rather informally when the opportunity to play a irresistible gig arose the three figured they give it a go. Turns out they sounded really good. Now, with the polish of some practicing and gigging, the praise is coming in waves. Moon Women push the echo effects to a point only the experienced can reach without crumbing apart. It’s charged and gritty and is only going to get better. Get in early .
[MP3] Listen Closely
Philly was the second stop of The Dismemberment Plan’s much anticipated reunion tour last Thursday and no amount of snow, ice, stress or unfinished work could have kept me from going. I’m not cool enough to say that I have been a D Plan fan since their beginnings (or even during the ten years they were together) but sometime over the last few years they popped up on my radar and it was love at first listen. So, when they announced that they would do a brief tour to support the rerelease of their legendary album Emergency & I on vinyl tickets were immediately acquired. That was some four months ago and when Thursday night came I could hardly contain my excitement.
The 2011 Shaking Through season has begun with the first selection from session 1 curator Elise O from Pixlehorse. She’s coming out strong with Italian group A Classic Education, a six piece long over due for wider adoraiton. During their Philly session at Miner Street – one crammed in to a whirlwind CMJ/NY recording trip last fall- they chose to lay down their song “Night Owl.” It should surprise no one that the track sounds fantastic and puts A Classic Education’s fabulous indie pop sensibilities on grand display.
They recently released a Hey There Stranger an EP of similarly smart tracks which is definitely worth your time but if that doesn’t totally scratch that itch then check out the many videos on the Shaking Through website capturing the entire process of creating and refining “Night Owl.” They’ll be back in the US this spring with a stop at SXSW so keep your eyes out for their names appearing on your local venue calendars.
[MP3] Gone To Sea
I’ve long thought there wasn’t enough support for the hip hop scene in Philly. There aren’t enough places hosting shows and not enough support for the hip hop acts developing under the surface of Philly’s music scene. Finally someone has made it their goal to change that with Boombox Collective. A monthly showcase of local hip hop talent upstairs at the World Cafe. Starting tomorrow local acts will get a chance to show their stuff and build the community that has produced some fabulous acts (ahem, the Roots) over the years.
Go check it out. It’s free - all ages – from 9pm to midnight. If you can’t make it tomorrow March 16th and April 13th are the dates of the next two.
Ok, so right before I sat down to start writing I managed to really burn the beejayzus outta two of my fingers which really makes typing painful and cumbersome. So, I’m gong the short but sweet on these three. All of them deserve much lengthier write ups but I’m leaving it up to you on this one.
There is something really delightful about this track. In fact the entirety of Ben Wilkins’ music is rich with good energy. Oh Canadians.
[MP3] Through To You
A reminder of how calming simplicity is and the cathartic power of a good cry.
Pandit – Pack Your Bags from Tyler T Williams on Vimeo.
Visually stunning, musically
[MP3] Artichokes
Strange name, yes but it makes a lot more sense once you start listening to this band of German teens. Whether you’re Mr Green or not you too will find yourself dancing. While the production on the first few tracks they’re sharing with the public leaves a lot of room for improvement the music lying underneath it suggests that in the right hands this band will be a force to reckon with. Ambition percussion and intelligent guitar and bass riffs place this fresh band ahead of some bands that have been at this for years. With a bit more finessing and some touring I have no doubt the future for Mr. Green Is Dancing is a bright one.
[MP3] What A Pity
Philly’s Work Drugs have but gone from still water to rapid boil in only a few months with their smooth sailing pop. Their chiller than chill beats have a nice pacifying effect allowing your mind to drift off into the dreamy other-worlds their floating vocals imbue. Put on a little Work Drugs when you need to escape and in no time you’ll find yourself yacht rocking along with them. As they continue to gather steam I am sure I’ll be getting news of an LP or EP soon. As soon as I do I’ll let you know. For now enjoy…
[MP3] Dog Daze
Yellow Ostrich is a pair of intensely focused musicians hailing from Wisconsin who in the last year have released 2 LP’s, a 7 inch and 3 EPs. There is a playfulness about their music making that I really appreciate; rich percussion share the rhythm with lush vocal loops and manipulations. “Whale,” the lead single off of The Mistress has a fantastic push and pull between the spare drum beat and vocals building to a calamitous burst of sound. The Mistress is up on YO’s bandcamp page now – for the price of your choosing- and will go wide on February 15th. Get in on these guys you’re ears will be made very happy.
[MP3] Whale
You may recall me mentioning The Honey Pies here before after I caught ear of some of their early tracks. Well, they’re finally ready to share their awesome new album Think Of England and I have a few copies to give away. They’ve cleaned up just enough of the rough edges and left the right bits ragged to maintain “their” sound. It is definitely a progression of the material on last spring’s EP Oh Hi We Didn’t See You There We’re… The Honey Pies. An exciting new act and you can have the full album for your home enjoyment. All you have to do is drop me an email … emma <at> theworldinapapercup <dot> com with “I Want Some Honey Pies” in the subject line.
[MP3] Get It Right
I am still sorting through the inbox- actually almost done and there are some fun bits I’ll be sharing over the next few days- but this one from the Buffetlibre DJs popped out at me. They’re starting off 2011 with a compilation of 13 remixes; a collection of “best of” oldies and soon to be “best of” newbies. Hitting a variety of source material from The Antlers to Dragonette the comp reminds you what really good remixes sound like. It’s a great palate cleanser as we head into a new year. One hopefully filled with awesome new music. For now enjoy The Remixes
[MP3] The Full Thing
I could’ve pulled together a “best of” list to add to the scads of other blogs who contribute to the annual tradition but after spending hours pouring through some really well put together lists and, of course, reading the “best of” guest posts right here on TWIAPC I figured I’d take another approach to bring you back around to some of the high points of 2010. So, I give you the first annual TWIAPC awards.
Dance-Around-Like-A-Crazy-Person Album Of The Year:
Florence & The Machine – Lungs
I cannot tell you how many horrible days or blue moods were chased away by coming home and putting this album on full blast and dancing around my apartment. Like Ida Maria’s fabulous release last year I have no doubt this album will remain in pretty constant rotation for years to come.
Biggest Sound From Tiniest Source:
Zola Jesus
I had the pleasure to see Miss. Jesus open for The XX this fall and wholly cow was I blown away by the vocal power exuded from her wee self. I have a much richer appreciation of her talent having seen and heard what I did that night. I cannot wait to hear what she has coming in 2011.
[MP3]Sea Talk
Album That Really Takes On New Life On Vinyl
Menomena – Mines
Probably my most favorite album of 2010 blossomed into an entirely new experience the day I brought home the vinyl and slipped it on to the turn table. Everything becomes brighter on wax. The percussion and harmonic tones in particular become incredibly full and nuanced. Even if you’re not “big into vinyl”- as I hear so many people say- you should treat yourself to this one. It’s delicious.
Best Concept Album About The Civil War (sort of)
Titus Andronicus – The Monitor
This is one smart and well produced album. Admittedly it took me a few listens to really catch everything but once the pieces came together I found myself coming back to Monitor again and again. New Jersey sure knows how to create some great musicians.
Way Coolest Usage Of Vinyl
Octopus Project – Hexadecagon
This album not only comes with a make your own zoetrope but the D side is ten bonus tracks in interlocking roulette grooves. Meaning, you never know what track you’re going to get when you drop the needle. So effing cool.
Band I Have Major Expectations For in 2011
River City Extension
You know what I said about New Jersey’s ability to incubate fantastic music? These guys are case-and-point. The lyrics and arrangements are well rooted in classic Jersey sound with the personalities and musical talent to bring the sound unique life. They made some rumblings this year but I expect big things from them next year.
Live Set That Made Me Wish I Were More Flexible
Poison Control Center
From the somersaults to the splits -all done while continuing to play- watching PCC live made me feel totally inadequate on the flexibility tip. It was also, I should note, a terribly entertaining show as well.
Album That Is The Sonic Equivalent Of A Comfortable Sweater
Frightened Rabbit – Winter Of Mixed Drinks
Perhaps it is because Scott Hutchison’s voice brings a great deal of comfort to me or because the tone of this album was so relatable -as Frightened rabbit albums tend to be- but I find Winter Of Mixed Drinks very comforting. Tuck into it, if you haven’t already that is.
[MP3] Swim Until You Can’t See Land
Band You Should Really Be Addicted To By Now
Lookbook
Seriously, I don’t know what you’re waiting for. Go. Listen. Love.
[MP3] Yesterday’s Company
Further Proof More Soul Music Is What The World Needs
Aloe Blacc
I’ve been craving a solid return to a pop soul sound for ages and while I’ve savored the likes of Adele, Raphael Saadiq and Chrisette Michelle Blass hits the core of what I’ve been looking for.
Best Video Of The Year
Janelle Monae – Cold War
So simple yet so beautifully emotional. In a year of some awesome videos this one just stuck in my mind.
Series I had The Most Fun Writing
Summer Mix Series
I’ll have some more series coming in 2011 but I really had a lot of fun recalling the music that soundtracked summers past.
Reader Results:
Most Popular Tracks:
Bonfires – Rosie & Me
Under Control – Good Shoes
70 Million – Hold Your Horses
Airplanes – Local Natives
Heart It Races (architecture In Helsinki Cover) – Dr Dog
All Up In The Air – My Gold Mask
Most Popular Remixes:
I Am Not A Robot (Clock Opera Remix) – Marina & The Diamonds
Let’s Go Surfing (Ravonettes Remix) – The Drums
Lovegame (The Insomniacts Remix) – Lady Gaga
Home (Part Supplies Remix) – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
OK folks that’s about all from 2010. Let’s go get 2011 a hopping…