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…
A good live show can lift you out of a funk, make you look around and realize there is no where else on earth you’d rather be, make the hairs on your arms stand on end, remind you that there is still magic in the music being made today. These are the eight shows from 2010 that achieved all the above and then some.
Octopus Project @ SXSW + KFN
[MP3] Wet Gold (Daytrotter Session)
[MP3] Cousins (Vampire Weekend cover) – Mumford & Sons
[MP3] When My Time Comes (Daytrotter)
Beach House @ The Sanctuary of The First Unitarian Church
[MP3] Norway
Menomena & Suckers @ The Sanctuary of The First Unitarian Church
[MP3] It Gets Your Body Movin
[MP3] Wet & Rusting
Futureheads @ The Basement of The First Unitarain Church
[MP3] Struck Dumb
[MP3] Candy Sin (Live SXSW 2010)
Roots & John Legend @ NonComm
Chris is another Philly writer whose listening habits are a total breath of fresh air for me. He points me towards a ton of new music through his twitter feed. I was super anxious to see what his look back would consist of and he’s delivered in ace form; haikus and a playlist to boot!
Heartbreak and hopes. What else is there? My 15 favorite songs of 2010, with haiku descriptions.Top 15 Songs You Might Have Missed in 2010
1. The Radio Dept. – Heaven’s On Fire
Thurston Moore intro
Swedes are always pop masters
Dance in your bedroom
2. Daedelus & Teebs– You’ve Heard
Would Barry White call
This hip-hop disco trip
J Dilla-esque?
3. Crystal Stilts – Shake the Shackles
Romance about gloom
That cylindrical bassline
Gets me all the same
4. Love is All – Bigger Bolder
Scream out your lovin’
Don’t care if it’s out of key
Power to destroy
5. DOM – Burn Bridges
Wallflower writes song
Leaving party with hopes dashed
“Make oneself an isle”
6. John K – These Dreams Are Never Coming True
Bedroom written jam
In the confines of West Phil.
Write more, Mr. K
7. Beach Fossils – Calyer
Double vocals stretch
Bassline pulses at the heart
Guitar noodle bliss
8. Teebs – Anchor Steam
Piano hits deep groove
Heavy in atmosphere
Arrested ears smile
9. Twin Sister – Daniel (Live at WNYU)
So many textures
live on a radio show
Help those hips shimmy
10. Thick Shakes – (Baby) You’re A Starfish
Boston upstarts wax
on Asteroidian crush
East Coast surf pop, brah
11. Reading Rainbow – Underground
Loud, fast, cut the fat
Philly duo own this sound
I learned all the words
12. UV Race – Gore Orphanage
Proof a good accent
All that’s needed for lyrics
Check out those horns too
13. Pangaea – Neurons
Dubstep for headphones
Crisp clacks, sound shoot off distant
London tradition
14. La Sera – Never Come Around
Noise pop does dream pop
Katy’s voice sounds huge, it’s bliss
Viv Girls need not rush
15. Sambassadeur – Sandy Dunes
Twee not shy to sheen
Trying to fight the heartbreak
Adequate beauty
And because he is so awesome Chris put together this mixtape so you can hear all 15 of these tracks.
I can say with 100% confidence that if it weren’t for Guha I wouldn’t have the same appreciation for and curiosity about indie music of all varieties. He was the booker for The Cave, the student run pub on my college campus, and in my four years there was instrumental in bringing some exceptional musicians to my attention. Even though the college years are long gone Guha still sends me new artists he has discovered and carries on the conversation about music past, present and future. If there is anyone I’d love to have as a regular contributor to TWIAPC ia would be this man. Alas, he is off doing super honorable environmental research which makes him a very very busy fella. However, he did take some time to pull together these awesome lists looking back on the music that grabbed his attention in 2010.
21 Worded Songs
Antony and the Johnsons, “Thank You For Your Love“
Arcade Fire, “Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)”
Black Keys, “Everlasting Light“
Das Racist, “Who’s That? Brooown!“
Roky Erickson with Okkervil River, “Goodbye Sweet Dreams“
Frightened Rabbit, “Living In Colour“
Gorillaz, “On Melancholy Hill“
Grinderman, “Palaces Of Montezuma“
Konono No. 1, “Konono Wa Wa Wa“
LCD Soundsystem, “All I Want” (Live)
Janelle Monae featuring Big Boi, “Tightrope“
The New Pornographers, “Crash Years“
The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart, “Say No To Love“
Retribution Gospel Choir, “Hide It Away“
Superchunk, “Digging For Something“
11 Wordless Albums
The Bad Plus, Never Stop
Brooklyn Rider, Dominant Curve
The Nels Cline Singers, Initiate
Emerson String Quartet, Old World – New World
Hilary Hahn; Vasily Petrenko Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Higdon/Tchaikovsky: Violin Concertos
Vijay Iyer, Solo
Rudresh Mahanthappa & Steve Lehman, Dual Identity
Rudresh Mahanthappa and Bunky Green, Apex
Brad Mehldau, Highway Rider
Jason Moran, Ten
Steve Reich (eighth blackbird/Bang On A Can), Double Sextet/2×5
1 Greatest Musical Moment EVER
No Age/Sonic Youth/Pavement at the Hollywood Bowl
Next up in the Best of 2010 guest posts is Will Hines, one of my favorite people with whom to banter about music. Will lives in London so he has a perspective on the music scene that is very different from my own so I’m always interested to find out what he’s listening to. That is, when he isn’t plotting his next major move. His best of 2010 contribution is a great albums list and awesomely shameless best tracks list. It certainly made me rethink a few of the bands I had breezed over.
Best Albums Of 2010
10. Mount Kimbie – Crooks And Lovers
9. Foals – Total Life Forever
8. Two Door Cinema Club – Tourist History
7. Trent Reznor And Atticus Ross – The Social Network OST
6. Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
5. Arcade Fire – The Suburbs
4. Caribou – Swim
3. These New Puritans – Hidden
2. Big Boi – Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son Of Chico Dusty
1. Janelle Monae - The ArchAndroid
Best Tracks of 2010
10. Mark Ronson & The Business INTL – Bang Bang Bang
9. Erykah Badu – Window Seat
8. Teeth – See Spaces
7. Gold Panda
6. Willow Smith – Whip My Hair
5. Patrick Wolf – Time Of My Life
4. Duck Sauce – Barbra Streisand
3. Gorillaz – Rhinestone Eyes
2. Cee-Lo Green – Fuck You
1. Kanye West – Runaway
