I’m away in Vermont for the weekend enjoying a little down time cooking, listening to music (of course), reading and snowshoeing. But I’ll be back next week with the regularly scheduled programming. I hope you are having a spectacular long weekend.
So many bits of news have crossed my path in the last few days regarding items, people and projects I feel need a little of your attention.
To bring season 2 to a close the folks behind LMM relaunched their website. Now, to keep yourself busy while they take a hiatus from bringing you some very fresh material, you can easily sort through the archives and sample tracks from the various monthly themes. This is a project dedicated to reconsidering the many facets of music from album art to instruments. Well worth the price of subscription for season 3 which will kick off May 1.
Yessssss Mr Wilkis is back in action; working his magic to reimagine the Yeasayer’s Ambling Alp. He gives it a fresh spit’n polish choosing to slough off the excess and crack open the essential beats. It is, as always, a spectacularly well done remix.
Ambling Alp (Alan Wilkis remix)
Team Teamwork
Mash ups are a total guilty pleasure. The pleasure I take from effortlessly identifying samples that have been chopped up and reconfigured is fairly well know among my friends. Which is why this edition of Team Teamwork’s Vinyl Fantasy landed in my in box multiple times in the last week or so. Overflowing with dope-tastic tracks it was just the fix I didn’t know I was jonesin for. While there has been a spot of controversy around this little project I still thought it worth sharing with you all. So click the link
White Panda
This Cali-cago duo have been incredibly busy smashing all sorts of business together crafting some fairly delicious mash ups. Recently they completed their Versus Mixtape; 33 tracks of assorted musical rearrangements, all of them fantastic. This mixtape will be my gym soundtrack as I try to snap myself out of the standard midwinter sloth status. They have even tackled that ridiculous Owl City song and manage to make it rather enjoyable, a sign of a true skill.
Fireflies Going Down
Paste has gathered MP3′s from a whole slew of fantastic artists to entice you to donate to those in need in Haiti. You shouldn’t be waiting for more reason than simply to help others after this tragedy but this is an excellent opportunity to give and hear some new tunes. Money raised will go directly to Doctors Without Borders, Red Cross, and Wyclef Jean’s Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund.
Go here to donate and find out more.
Haven’t posted a remix rehash in a while but I figured it was the best way to ease us all back into the work week after the long holiday weekend. This one has a lot of layers suit your needs, from chair dance party to “one hour to go” amp up, doownload and get back to work!
Skinny Friedman, one half of local dj duo Philadelphyinze, gives a subtle tweak to this XX track. Its smooth with just a skotch more bump to amp the sex appeal. Wonderfully complementary to the original track.
Stars (Skinny Friedman Edit)
E-Six (The Crossfader King) has some skills that unfailingly leave me with remixes that are smile inducing and perfect for ripping me from the clutches of a bad mood. This is my new favorite iPod head bopper. I threw in the equally fantastic (but def. more serious) Won’t Go Quietly mix for good measure.
My Boy Lollypop (E-Six Remix)
Won’t Go Quietly (E-Six Dub remix)
Tom Ato’s work came to me via Music Ninja’s year end smorgasbord. He slaps a synth rich disco feel onto the Band Of Horses tune. Pushing the measured plodding of the base track to much more danceable levels Ato gives new life to the indie dirge.
The Funeral (Band Of Tomatoes Remix)
Dirty Disco has the music for you to crank when making a getaway. This spin has thread hollowness that definitely reminds me of the potential to feel alone on the dance floor. Yet the rest of his machinations swell up to suck you into the comfort of the trance-ish beat.
Loud & Clear (The Dirty Disco Remix)
Database , a Brazilian tag team, take this Savoir Adore track and add just enough digital pep to make it even more addictive. Their additions create a new propulsion the pops and whirs in time to the vocals.
is a Swedish dj who, in a rather bold move, has chosen to tackle Marvin Gaye’ s Ain’t No Mountain High Enough. While the original is far too deep in my heart to lose preferred status this is an interesting new approach to the R&B classic. Lets call it a thinking piece.
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough (Mikey Mic Remix)
This Philly act first appeared on my radar early this year and after hearing a few of their tracks I caught a show of theirs at The Fire. I was immediately sucked into their riotous set and in the subsequent shows I’ve seen their presentation has just gotten tighter. Busting through their songs with a degree of measured chaos that serves up a whole new level of awesome from what you hear in their recorded material. Playing an assortment of unique “instruments”- garbage cans and toy dump trucks- they often bring the fun straight out into the audience to create a truly memorable experience. James, Farzad, Mike and Ben take great pleasure in getting crazy and drawing their audience right in to the mix. This shared dedication to their stage antics is what makes DUB an act that stands out amongst the masses.
When you’re done being mesmerized by their live show and you go back to really listen to them in the privacy of your own home your ear relishes greatly in the grand psych rock elements; jangly percussion, abstract lyrics and echoey vocals. Their Gods & Gentlemen and Lovers Play Dead have been on pretty much every mix tape I’ve made for people this year. Now that they have their album Born And Thrown On A Hook we head into 2010 knowing there will be much more to love – not to mention lots o’ touring- from the guys of Drink Up Buttercup. I’m terribly excited to watch them smash and crash their way through the next year.
Their set was nothing short of epic. Seb is probably one of the tautest drummers out there and paired with Ben’s grand musical vision the rush of energy that escapes them on stage is palpable, and noisy. The two are capable of producing a shocking amount of musical noise. And by that I mean they don’t forgo musicality in the name of getting loud. They manage to do both…impeccably. I was fortunate to see them at Monolith as well and they were no less amazing. To really tie up their package they have put out a totally addictive album. Gold and Warm needs to be snatched up for a movie soundtrack or simply added to your own.They’re going to be on the road in February with The Subjects. Don’t miss them.
My relationship with Dinosaur Feathers is completely categorizable and best summed up with a simple tip of the hat to kismet. I first heard them last spring and wrote them to ask for more info about their addictive indie pop ways. After a few emails lead singer Greg Sullo politely pointed out that we had actually gone to college together. I blushed and a fantastic friendship was (re?)created.
Their music makes it conveniently easy to be a supportive friend as it is delicious and always evolving. Over this year I’ve had a front row seat to watch them push, pull, poke and prod their skills and potential to create a rich and distinct sound. How close you ask? Well, a great deal of their forthcoming album Fantasy Memorial was recorded in my apartment after their original location fell through. It was an awesome opportunity to see the amount of work and time that goes into recording an album. I have a much improved sense of the process that a song goes through from creation to the completed album that reaches my in box. Not to mention, a whole lot more respect for those albums that are done well.
The finished copy of Fantasy Memorial that made its way into my hands is nothing short of magical; and, yes, there is a degree of admitted bias that may nullify my opinion in your mind but I ask you to give it a listen- once it is released that is- and try hard not to find yourself hitting repeat.
Ida was touring through the US at a rabid pace and I was able to catch her in NY at the Bell House. She didn’t fail to meet my expectations of a balls out, crazy awesome show. She’s got herself a mean set of pipes and a superb backing band to play off of. As I stood there watching her I realized she is exactly the kind of rock star I would want to be. Brash, honest and talented.
Ida ended up cutting her touring short after once the frantic schedule caught up with her. But I have no doubt she’ll be back with something delectable to offer in 2010.
Frightened Rabbit’s show last January was perfection. The night was unbelievably chilly, the crowd small and the band was at their finest. I’m not shy about my adoration of Frightened Rabbit; their lyrics are sincere and witty, their musical ability is pure and their stage presence is uncomplicated and humble. I had seen them before and I’ve seen them since and I can say that there was a degree of straight enjoyment on the stage that night that I have rarely seen.
The set covered material from Sings The Greys as well as Midnight Organ Fight. They got raucous at times, Grant wailing away on his drums and Scott revving up the room just as much. The absolute pinnacle of the show was the encore when Scott came out and did a stunningly beautiful acoustic version of Poke. Simple and clean his voice rolled smoothly through this spare rendition. It took my breath away.
Frightened Rabbit has never failed to please in their live show but this was truly one of their best outings. They will, no doubt, be making rounds to support their new album (due at the front of 2010) so be sure to get out and see them.
Yarn @ Tin Angel
Yarn is one of those bands that fires on all cylinders at every turn. Their recorded material is stellar but their live show, man, their live show is something to behold.
Lies I’ve Told
Weathervane Music
Weathervane Music is the kind of project that gives me hope about the future of the music industry. It is a Philly based effort dedicated to building a community of music makers to support each other as well as the greater indie music scene. Each year there a few more established music heads curate a season. Each chooses a couple of acts who are then given time in the awesome Miner Street Studios. What goes on there is recorded both video and audio to share on line with other burgeoning acts wanting to see how a proper studio recording is done. This year saw the likes of BC Camplight & Danielson coming through the door and next year’s line up is equally exciting, Sharon Van Etten just spent some time in the studio recently.
The Weathervane fundraiser this fall was another night of truly likeminded music fans coming together to support a refreshing approach to fostering the future of the indie music recording. It is difficult to convey the quality of skill and passion behind this project and I am honored to be able to watch it grow the its inevitable greatness.
Free Energy Music Video
Last spring I got invited to a little get together by a college friend. A couple of the guys from Hockey Night (a great Minneapolis act that had begun at our school) were in a new band called Free Energy and a few other Carls were going to be recording them for their first music video. I went I saw a whole bunch of great and familiar faces and crammed myself into one of the hottest Northern Liberties basements for a fun set delivered amongst clouds of silver white balloons. It was a beautiful night all around that also included a fantastic bike ride and my friend’s rando kitten stalking.
I made the decision a little more than a year ago to go ahead and share my personal soundtrack with anyone who was interested. In this last year The World In A Paper Cup has really become so much more than blog to me. It has given me license to truly indulge my curiosity and love for all things music. It has brought people and opportunities into my life that I consider myself incredibly lucky have/still experience(d). It has taught me a whole lot about what it means to be “involved” in music – creating, editing, selling, promoting, sharing, etc. It has made me that much more excited to see what else is yet to come.
These aren’t end of the year revelations, I’m pretty grateful every day (now, if someone wants to pay me for writing then I’d be on clound 9); but, I have done some year end reflecting and I have decided to take a more personal approach, something a little more unusual. Instead of amassing a list of the tracks, albums, artists etc. I thought were “best” — there are fine ranks already out there btw– I’ve collected my favorite musical moments, memories, discoveries and happenings from the past year. No need to write it up any more lets get this ball a rollin…
Learning Music Series
This project came to my attention via one of my most trustworthy west coast music advisers; and, I consider it one of the jewels amongst a lot of rough product being released into the music industry ether. It is a music and art project released once a month each with a different theme or story in mind. While the nature of each theme (story, tribute, etc) are various and unique the passion contributed to each compilation and its artwork is undeniable. It is rare to find such dedication to ones craft on such a consistent and enriching level. If you haven’t already checked it own do so….now.
Famous
Mono at Wordless Music Series
There is much I could say about the day I saw Mono that made it remarkable beyond the scope of a typical show which is saying a lot because this concert was breathtaking. It was part of the Wordless Music Series an organization dedicated to the similarities and parallels between the classical music tradition and contemporary indie music. They have worked with a wide variety of acts from the likes of Explosions In The Sky to Why? and I was lucky to catch Mono’s show at the Society For Ethical Culture celebrating their 10th Anniversary.
While I wasn’t familiar with the band going in you’d have to be numb to the world to not feel the intensity of emotion and fan awe in the air while they played backed by a full orchestra. It is truly spectacular to witness both a group of musicians at their finest, as well as, their fans realizing their ultimate audience experience. The chemistry it put into the air was palpable making it one of the most memorable shows I have ever seen. 
Kung Fu Necktie Opens
Philly has a whole mess of quality venues; World Cafe Live, Johnny Brenda’s, The Church (to name a few). But when Kung Fu Necktie opened it became clear this was just the spot Fishtown needed. With it’s cozy booths, crazy bear lights, perpetually running obscure movies and ginormous Tupac painting it has become one of my favorite places to catch a show and a beer.
Tucked away beneath the train they have gen-u-wine A+ bartenders who are always good for a chat and have carved out a reputation for hosting some of the real fresh talent passing through our fair city. The Love Language and Animal Collective’s post show spin session are both two acts that pop out of the many KFN shows I have caught this year. If you’re in Philly, either living or visiting be sure to get yourself up to KFN. They already have some quality acts on the docket for 2010.
[Fantastic illustration by Michele Melcher www.michelemelcher.com]
Mark Mallman’s Show at The M Room
Seeing a Mark Mallman show is a true dose of home. I have many fond college memories of seeing him do his unique version of controlled on stage spazz out. When I saw he was coming through Philly there wasn’t anything that was going to keep me from his set at The M Room. Apparently the live show brilliance of Mark Mallman hasn’t reached the idle masses in Philly because the show’s attendance was embarrassing. But, to be perfectly honest, I didn’t mind a bit because I ended up getting the kind of show you couldn’t produce if you tried.
Mallman put his all out there; mounting his keyboard like it was a mountain top, singing his heart out, sharing some witty stage monologues and playing the song I requested during our preshow chat. He is keyed into the level of theatricality and skill needed to make a live show more than just a dude on stage singing his music. Mallman does it for his audience (regardless of the size) and because he clearly loves putting on a show. I’m beyond excited to see what else he has on tap for 2010.
Knockout On 22nd St
J Tillman In The Chapel Of First Unitarian
I feel incredibly appreciative for the number of live shows I get to see. From the newer acts just buzzing with excitement to the old hats who know how to put on a show I am continually reminded what incredible music is out there for the having. However, every once in a while there is a show that stands as a reminder of potential a live show has to take that music to a whole new level. J Tillman’s show a few weeks ago in the side chapel of First Unitarian Church was just such a show.
The intimate show in the surrounds of the gothic church’s tiny side chapel was hauntingly beautiful. Tillman’s “solo” album was given pausing depth with the presence of his backing band. The songs off of Year In The Kingdom acquired much more character when delivered straight from the man’s lips. Filling the room kept otherwise silent by an audience held captive by what it was hearing. It was a great way to wind down my 2009 concerts.
Stay tuned in the weeks leading up to the release as there will be a few more Dinosaur Feather features right here on TWIAPC.
