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.
The new OK Go video for their single This Too Shall Pass is, not surprisingly, extravatacular. The kings of the treadmills sure have a knack for quirky visuals that require a lot of planning. I’d like to think if I were given a warehouse full of odds and ends, a little time and some funding this is the kind of antics I would come up with.
It is usually about this time of year I need guitar playing that carries some heft, lyrics that are revelatory and visceral, bass lines that offer more than a steady beat; basically I need good soul nourishing rock and roll to shake off the cold and fortify me until spring finally sets in. I found everything I needed and then some last week at the Dawes + Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons show.
Cory Chisel isn’t challenging any well established classic rock traditions with his music. He isn’t simply mimicking them either. What Cory Chisel and his Wandering Sons is doing is refining the nuances and incidentals often found in the songs from rock’s halcyon days. The skill used to create these beautiful arrangements is taut. Pulling some influence from southern rock, as well as, a bit of bluegrass the Wandering Sons do a great job grounding Chisel’s rock solid vocals.
I would say Chisel’s lyrical deftness is finest when strutted live. The raspy strain countered so delicately by the wonderful Adriel Harris who remains just shy of the lead as though nipping at the heels of his words to keep him going. During their duet on Tennessee Chisel professes his longing for a place and with Harris’ sweet thread weaving through his lyrics it came off almost as a longing for a lover.
At times, during Born Again in particular, there is a vibe of catharsis about Chisel’s songs. As though by getting this out of his system he is putting aside some baggage and working towards something greater. The set offered up way more than I was expecting and I certainly could’ve listened a lot longer. I suspect there will be future spins through Philly for this group and most likely in the headline role.
Dawes’ album “North Hills” has been in consistent rotation these last few weeks. Like a good cup of cocoa their music is familiar and comforting this time of year (well, any time of year really). So, needless to say, I was almost yearning for this show. While they took a song and a half to really find their comfort on stage once they hit their stride they busted out the kind of set that completely restored my energy and enthusiasm for live shows.
This quartet from LA reaches back to the essence of early 70′s folk rock when rich harmonies told simple stories over complex instrumentals. Throughout the entire set the group never once faltered in their connectivity. While the majority of the elaborate riffs were carried by lead Taylor Goldsmith and bassist Wylie Gelber – who’ve been playing together since the band’s previous iteration Simon Dawes- each member contributed to an impressive whole. Taylor’s younger brother Griffin’s percussive touch suggested the modest jangle of classic rock and brought an energy only matched by the intensity of Taylor’s vocals.
The really mesmerizing element of the show was the Gelber’s work on the bass. Rarely do you see someone so entirely in their own world yet still tethered acutely to the rest of the band. Never showy, his bass lines had intention and character that went way beyond the usual plodding note picking. There was a soulfulness that belies what you hear on the album, perhaps emphasized by not only hearing but seeing him play.
Taylor’s vocals also gained an edge that isn’t as apparent on the record. Depending on the emotion the song dictated his voice would reach a raw pitch or strick a genuine twang never loosing its musicality. The volley between each of the band’s members was so organic and smooth the whole set ran like buttah. They tied it up with When My Time Comes and feeding off their energy the packed house was happy to oblige their requests to sing along.
This show was a awesome reminder that while albums can be great absolutely nothing replaces a phenomenal live show. See them.
Tennessee – Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons (Daytrotter Session)
When My Time Comes- Dawes (Daytrotter Session)
Finally, after two whole days of taking the old site apart, creating a new look and pulling everything together I present to you the new and improved World In A Paper Cup. It isn’t entirely finished [you'll notice the alignment of some of the pictures are a little wonky] but most of that business is on the back end. I’m pretty excited I’ve managed to make the move to my own server and really look forward to bringing you even more extravatacular music news and reviews.
While I have your attention I might as well remind you to reset your reader to the new address. You can do that here. I need to also say that none of this would’ve been possible without the patient and dedicated help of Ryan Hansen. So, with that said and this finally up and running I’m going to enjoy the last few hours of my weekend not looking at a computer screen and listening to some music, of course.
Stay tuned; more new content tomorrow.
You’ve read my praises and know very well the soft spot I have for Dinosaur Feathers. If you’re smart you’ve preordered their album Fantasy Memorial. Now, I’m happy to report, you will get your chance to catch them live. They are performing next Saturday [March 6th] at Philly’s newest DIY venue The OX Warehouse with Lonnie Walker, Grandchildren, Ape School & The Armchairs. They’ll be back around on the tail end of their tour but, as I like to say, see them early and see them often.
Neon Indian
Last weekend brought two hot acts to the stage for Philly dance party institution Making Time. After missing Neon Indian’s set at the Barbary a few months ago there was no way I was going to miss them again. Alan Palomo brought his full crew with him and let loose their space pop synth navigated jams. Neon Indian’s album Psychic Chasm is the ideal fodder for your home dance party needs but when they bring it to the stage they push and pull at their tracks in just the right ways to create a unique experience that truly rowdies up the crowd. They kept it short, hitting all the popular points like Deadbeat Summer, but promised to come back again soon since they’re making the obligatory indie band move to Brooklyn. Judging from their presence on the Late Night TV circuit I’d venture a guess that the next time they come through town it’ll be at a larger venue. Glad I saw them when I did.
Memory Tapes
Memory Tapes quickly made their way to the stage after Neon Indian and soon held the attention of all in the room. I was expecting a simple replay of what you get from their recorded stuff – this wouldn’t have been bad at all since Making Time is, at its core, a dance party and Memory Tapes have mastered a real nice funky smooth dance vibe – but I was elated to find a far more dynamic set. New Jersey native Davey Hawk, while backed by a good bit of electronic instrumental support, also had a tight live drum accompanying his guitar lead. The nuance of Memory Tapes’ arrangements really popped in the live delivery. They satisfied the movers in the crowd by remaining incredibly danceable while those there to watch got plenty to enjoy. It was a very satiating performance and perfect for the Making Time standard.
Neon Indian – Deadbeat Summer (Daytrotter Session)
Memory Tapes – Bicycle
One of my fav Philly acts has created a really awesome video for their single So Bloody So Tight. They’re currently on the road for a bit of epic touring so do your best to check them out, that is if they don’t disappear into the surroundings.
Rosie & Me
I received a delightful email from Rosie & Me last week with their new EP Bird & The Whale enclosed. As I expected the 5 tracks contained therein were fantastic. Their playfulness is intact as are the simple twee leaning lyrics. Here’s a taste but I strongly recommend you go get the rest and stock up on their older stuff too.
Following on the tails of Sharon Van Etten’s session Weathervane, in partnership with WXPN, announced the second artist to be included in the Shaking Through series. Sonoi ,a rock trio from Chicago, was selected by Daniel Smith (Danielson) who is curating the first season. You can check out their studio session as well as their single (below).
Shaking Through: Sonoi from Weathervane Music on Vimeo.
Finally, the second issue of Vinyl & Vodka has been released. Continuing with the quality content and also with the accompanying Vodcast. This time dedicating their work to Alexander McQueen, the fashion designer who took his life earlier this month. It is a great read so give it a perusal.
There is a level of cheekiness and experimentation found on each track of The Zookeepers new album Good Looking Out. There is a lot of sound piled into this record but the New England quartet holds off on mashing everything together and making it real loud like a lot of bands do these days. Instead, they nibble at synth pop, silly punkishness and really simple piano driven indie sounds. Gula Gula comes off all chill but they play around with it just enough to tease your ear. Lady Gaga is an ADD romp through sampling and hooks that plays a bit like a nervous breakdown, but in a good way. How do they pull all of this off without coming off as aimless goofs? They know music. They are comfortable enough to play around and adventure without getting lost. There is room to tighten up their sonic mission but as a way to get themselves out there Good Looking Out gives you a good sense of their skills.
Lady Gaga
It is with great embarrassment and even greater pleasure that I am just now posting anything on Pearl & The Beard. They’ve been making their way into my playlists for a while now and are just about to release God Bless Your Weary Soul, Amanda Richardson so I simply must bring you into the loop. The group has truly grown into a lush and nuanced indie folk group and this album shows the refinement and craftsmanship that has become the hallmark of a Family Records production. P&TB incorporates some traditional folk components like accordion, accapella chorus and simple string accompaniments with excellent results. When wrapped in their strong lyrical delivery each song achieves soul warming status even in the sadder songs. Pearl & The Beard has already come quite a way as artists and if God Bless Your Weary Soul, Amanda Richardson is any indicator the group’s evolution holds a lot of promise.
Oh, Death!