euphonie: a music, etc blog

Profile: Alexa Wilding

2009-09-25T02:01:00.005-04:00

Alexa Wilding is a Brooklyn-based brunette, prone to writing ethereal pieces that sound and feel like a dream with her sweet as honey voice and gorgeously ghostly lyrics. The talented chanteuse earned her street credit by playing with former Sonic Youth drummer, Bob Bert, in Int’l Shades from 2006 to 2008.

Since then, Alexa has been working on her own EP, written solely by her, which features Tim Foljahn, who has collaborated with talents such as Cat Power, Thurston Moore, and the late Townes Van Zandt. Foljahn has also fronted Two Dollar Guitar with Sonic Youth’s Steve Shelley. Furthermore intriguing, the debut EP was mixed by Fred Smith of the legendary band, Television.

In a world full of songstresses, Alexa’s superb musicianship has set her apart, earning her attention from publications such as Nylon Magazine, New York Post’s Page Six, Scallywag & Vagabond, and JOY Quarterly. With a well-crafted and devastatingly beautiful EP forthcoming, Alexa Wilding continues to amaze us with her style, grace, and music so enchanting that we lose ourselves in it if we aren’t careful.

Assessment! Regina Spektor's "Far"

2009-06-29T15:48:00.007-04:00

(Sire Records)

June 22, 2009

In the past, Regina Spektor has displayed a knack for crafting off-kilter tunes that are melodic and intricate. This latest album is no different. The first tracks, "The Calculation" and "Eet," are excellent examples of Spektor's ability to travel up and down vocal scales with mastery. "Blue Lips" starts off with just Spektor's voice, but as the song continues piano and other instruments join in. "Laughing With" seems like a play on Joan Osborne's "One of Us."

Like with every Spektor record, some songs do not work as well as others. "Dance Anthem of the 80s" contains a overpowering piano melody and her voice is definitely on display for all to listen to. The breakdown appears to be heavily influenced by the music of Spektor's Russian roots. Its unique but doesn't present itself as an everlasting track. "Machine," a rough-and-tough song about, I think, post-apocalyptic life and living with full reliance on technology, exists somewhere off the scale of normalcy but could be a grower in some cases.

"One More Time With Feeling" is one of the more standout tracks of the album. It sounds joyful but is actually a depressing and easily relatable tale of "playing parts" and going through the motions. "Genius Next Door" is a definite example of her background in classical music while "Folding Chair" operates as an alluring ode to companionship.

Overall this album operates in line with her other releases. It is as accessible as 2006's "Begin to Hope" and contains quite a few glorious pop songs along with some stranger tracks that convey Spektor's off-beat and charming personality. Her voice is as potent as ever. This album is an essential for those who are already a fan of her work as well as those who crave unique piano melodies coupled with even more unique lyrical composition.

Mp3s: "One More Time with Feeling" and "Folding Chair"
For more information about Regina Spektor, check out her myspace and official website.

Top 5: Soundtrack for a Vampire Obsessed Nation

2009-06-29T00:42:00.009-04:00

It seems inappropriate to talk about anything non-Michael Jackson related these days, but I have watched enough tribute specials, heard enough "Billie Jean" on the radio, and even laughed at enough dead MJ jokes ("His heart just couldn't beat it anymore...") to know that there is no such thing as "too soon".

Instead, I'd like to write about a trend that has been and continues to sweep the nation. Vampires. They've always been present in common folklore, but suddenly they've taken over the books we read, the movies we watch, and even HBO. Not only are these blood-lusting creatures, inexplicably sexy, but they've got indie cred too. Although the Twilight soundtrack surprised me with moments of goodness, Radiohead's "15 Step" in particular, I can't help but think that a few of these tracks may have also benefitted. Here are my favorite vampire songs for your listening pleasure, in between episodes of True Blood and Twilight novels, of course.

Margot & the Nuclear So and So's, "Vampires in Blue Dresses" mp3

It was with the help of this Indiana band that vampires found their way into chamber pop. With lyrics such as, "Your mother is a vampire/ She sucked your old man's life away/ Turn everything off/ Just cover your neck/ Cause life is full of your regrets/ And I should be one," and a drumbeat outro resembling an execution, this song is utterly appropriate.

Chad VanGaalen, "Red Hot Drops" mp3

If you have ever listened to a Chad VanGaalen song, or better yet, watched one of his animations (recommended) you know that just about everything he creates is eerie in the most terrific of ways. Check out his new album, Soft Airplane, and give this creepy ditty a listen. It reads like an vampiric meditational chant, calmly urging, "Sharpened teeth that dive deep into veins/ Slowly draining with no pain, sinking and drinking in a thick way." It's no wonder he creates everything in a hermit-like style, barely emerging from the privacy of his Calgary basement.

Arctic Monkeys, "Perhaps Vampires Is A Bit Strong But..." mp3

Who could forget the English breakout band from Myspace? The term "vampire" is used as an insult in this song, and it sure sounds like one through Alex Turner's churlish Yorkshire accent as he snarls, "Cause all you people are vampires/ And all your stories are stale/ And though you pretend to stand by us/ I know you're certain we'll fail."

Sufjan Stevens, "You Are The Blood" mp3

Although not quite about vampires, this song still fits the mold with the unearthly quality it possesses. Stevens turned this Castanets song into an odd anthem weaving in and out of genre's all in the name of good will. The cover was released on Dark Was the Night, the compilation release for the Red Hot Organization, a charity dedicated towards HIV and AIDS awareness and research.

Radiohead, "We Suck Young Blood (Your Time Is Up)" mp3

Radiohead are the champions when it comes to producing hauntingly beautiful music. Thom Yorke poses questions in his trademark falsetto, crooning, "Are you sweet?/ Are you fresh?/ Are you strung up by the wrists?/ We want the young blood." Whether it's young blood or true blood, these days, it seems like everybody wants it.

Concert Review: Band of Horses @ Carnegie Hall, June 11th, 2009

2009-06-12T10:43:00.009-04:00

How did we get to Carnegie Hall on Thursday evening? Well, it was a combination of "practice....practice...practice" ....and the D-train. Ha. All stupid (awesome) puns aside, last night Jenna and I traveled uptown for a performance by Band of Horses at a little place known as Carnegie Hall. As we took our seats in the obstructed view sections on the third "dress circle" tier, it was obvious we were in for quite a treat.

The opening act, Arbouretum [myspace], was reminiscent of Simon and Garfunkel in their softer moments. This band, hailing from Baltimore Maryland, was a great match for BOH. Their mountain-ish and melodic sound, along with the deep and throaty voice of lead singer David Heumann delighted the crowd for a tight set. Once they were done, though, the whole hall was ready for BOH to take the stage.

Band of Horses took the stage around 9:15 and positioned themselves on metal chairs, which were on top of oriental rugs. It was so appropriate. They opened up with "Part One" and "Marry Song." The tempo of "Weed Party" was quickened while "Wicked Gil" was slowed down considerably. "The Funeral" turned into an extended jam session. They conquered Gram Parsons' "A Song For You" and played two new songs, one by Tyler Ramsey and another that referenced "compliments down there."

The band left the stage, momentarily, and then came back for an encore of "Ode to LRC" and "Detlef Schrempf." For their closing tune, "The General Specific," the mood of the show swiftly shifted from mellow to cheery. As Ben Bridwell grabbed a tambourine, people throughout the venue began to rise from their seats. There were even two people in our section who shook their hips and clapped their hands throughout the upbeat song. The most awkward thing was a business-man, dressed in a baggy white button down and dress pants, who busted a move as his arms flailed around in a crazy fashion. You could tell this man really enjoyed dancing like the whitest man alive.

Overall the show was a chilled-out, sit-back epic masterpiece. Everyone seemed to embrace the sit-back-and-enjoy tone of the concert, except for the few random bros who decided it was appropriate to yell out "Free Bird" and attempt to get others to stand up when most people wanted to retreat to their velveteen cushioned seats. Even though BOH's said this was the first time they had ever embarked on this type of show, the band seemed to be in their element: playing acoustic gems on carpets to a mostly mellowed-out and attentive audience.

Check out Brooklyn Vegan for a complete(ish) set list and some pictures.

Top 3: Tuesday Trio Giveaway

2009-06-09T16:25:00.010-04:00

We haven't posted in a while, this was such a whirlwind week, and it's been raining all day. Here are three songs I've been holding onto for quite some time now. They are hot in my hands and I don't want to carry them anymore so I'm giving them to you.

Clues, "Perfect Fit" mp3

The morbid yet lovely band, The Unicorns, captured my high school heart, so it should come as no surprise that Clues, featuring Alden Penner (previous member of The Unicorns) as well as Brendan Reed (ex-member of Arcade Fire), has also piqued my interest. The song starts with a spooky tune that sounds as if it could be the soundtrack for a haunted house at an amusement park and then picks up to form a whimsical anthem of sorts.

Suckers, "It Gets Your Body Moving" mp3

This song lumbers on dependably in a grandiose display of percussion and synth. It's sing-a-long style may evoke an image of a roaring campfire from a summer long ago, embers sputtering and bits of ash popping into the air. Feel free to hold hands and sway to this communal beauty.

Stars of Track & Field, "With You" mp3

This three-piece Portland band took its name from a Belle and Sebastian song. The track is wistful and dreamy with an added digital chill of synth. Get lost in the melancholy void of their shoegazer sound. It is still raining after all.

Take It From Me: John Lennon: The New York City Years

2009-06-02T12:02:00.005-04:00

John Lennon once said, "I have a love of this country. Two thousand years ago, we would have all wanted to live in Rome... and now this (NYC) is Rome. This is where the action is." The current action is located at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Annex on 76 Mercer Street nestled in between art galleries and upscale boutiques. Aside from the usual treasures, including but not limited to a bedazzled jumpsuit that once belonged to Elvis, a letter that Paul Simon wrote to Art Garfunkel while he was at summer camp, and an assortment of old and decrepit looking furniture from CBGB's, is an exhibit put together in part by Yoko Ono titled John Lennon: The New York City Years.

New York City was the setting for many of Lennon's political stunts and solo musical endeavors which is evident throughout the exhibit which includes memorandum from his struggles against deportation (such as his green card and letters of support from celebrities and NYC locals), album covers, articles of clothing such as the famous New York City t-shirt (pictured above), and an art book by Ono which ended up being Lennon's inspiration for the song, "Imagine". Are you familiar with that tune?

Also on display are three guitars of Lennon's and the piano that used to be in his bedroom in the Dakota. In addition, four films are projected onto the walls in opposite corners of the room showing assorted music videos, talk show clips of interviews, evidence of their political activism such as their bed-ins and appearances at protests, and clips from their art films. There is also a small white phone with vague instructions to pick it up if it rings. You may find Yoko Ono on the other end of the line.

The oddest and most moving object at the exhibit was a nondescript sealed bag containing the clothing Lennon was wearing when he was shot. Ono wrote an accompanying statement about how the man who once had everything was returned to her in a simple paper bag and in keeping with her fashion, left markers for people to sign their names to a protest to prevent gun violence which will eventually be sent to President Obama.

All I am saying, is give this exhibit a chance... and peace. Give peace a chance too.

New York City mp3

Twitter-Mania, Euphonie Style

2009-06-01T12:34:00.009-04:00

Twitter is sweeping the nation! Some love it. Some hate it. Some just don't get it. But the truth is every one seems to be talking about it. Me myself, I am an avid twitter follower and updater. I love the constant connection with friends and famous "friends" and the fact that you can be tuned in to their musings at all times. I find enjoyment in each tweet, no matter how random. Actually, the more random the better! Here is a list of some of my favorite "famous" twitters for your consideration. Enjoy!

Rob Thomas (@ThisIsRobThomas) has been filling up my twitter page these days. Through his random musings, I feel as if I am intimately acquainted with the Matchbox 20 front-man. From the political (commenting on the Sonia Sotomeyor justice nomination) to the mundane (spending time with his wife, Mari) to the "rock star" (getting interviewed and photographed by Rolling Stone), Thomas covers the spectrum. Even if you don't like Matchbox 20, you have to appreciate his ability to stay personable to all 48,000 of his followers.

Michael Ian Black (@michaelianblack) is one of my favorite parts of the "I Love The..." series. In his twitter, he tweets about his family, mostly. But each entry is funnier than the last one. HIs self deprecation-filled brand of humor is what makes him so enjoyable, as well as such movies as "Wet Hot American Summer" and involvement with "The State." For example, who can't not laugh at this sample tweet: "Khakis are to cool pants what math students are to cool people." It is a daily dose of the M.I.B. we have all come to love.

Jon Cheese (@JonCheese) is an unknown name to most, but to me he is the most beloved member of Limbeck. Most of his recent tweets have been regarding several nights out on the town that ended up with hangovers and complaining. One night he updated 4 times in a 20 minute period, all with the same message: something along the lines of "i'm a drunk idiot." Who can't relate to that? In addition to booze-fueled entries, he also talks about missing the road, riding the greyhound bus with all "the crazies" and his addiction to "I'm On A Boat." Don't you just want to be his real-life friend? Because I most definitely do!

John Mayer (@JohnCMayer) is a constant updater. If you think he is a pretentious and overindulged asshole, like some people do, do not subscribe to his twitter. His twitter is really just another manifestation of how into himself he is (by my count, it is in a good way of course). He talks about the Titanic, song-writing, current events and family (several entries include the @carlmayer tag). He is incredibly random. There is almost no filter. It is great - just great fun.

Ezra Koening (@arzE), from Vampire Weekend, runs a twitter that is sparse but has the potential for daily witticisms. Like this May 29th tweet: "faux-accent Friday! today I'm from New Hampshire." He is as New York-centric as any Ivy League New Yorker, as displayed in this May 21st entry: "At my cousin dan's graduation from St. Jude's. Can't stand the UES. so much pretension and backstabbing." Funny. Keep it coming, Ezra.

Other Notable Twitters:
Colin Meloy, of The Decemberists: @ColinMeloy
John Roderick, of The Long Winters: @JohnRoderick
Jim Gaffigan: @JimGaffigan
Ingrid Michaelson: @IngridMusic
Justin Timberlake: @JTimberlake
Matt Pond PA: @mattpondpa
Dr. Tobias Funke: @DrTobiasFunke

On a related note, I was extremely disappointed by the twitter of Real Housewife of NYC Bethenny Frankel (@Bethenny). I expected it to be filled with musings in line with the persona she presented through the two seasons of RHWONYC. But instead, she just updates you on the going-ons in her life, from to her book signings to upcoming magazine interviews. Booooring Bethenny, real boring.

Also check out the twitters of your favorite fantastic bloggers Allie (@allie_roth) & Jenna (@mostunsavory). Follow us! And we'll follow you.

[Overdue] Discovery: EDITORS

2009-05-20T16:28:00.005-04:00

I always assumed that Editors were just a poor man's Interpol (in the same way I strongly believe that Muse is just a poor man's Radiohead and thus refuse to listen to anything by Muse). Because of this egregious assumption, I disregarded any and all Editors' tracks I briefly came into contact with. However, I have come to seriously regret my ignorance. In the past two days, I heard "Smokers Outside the Hospital Door" on KEXP twice. It was a sign. It was a sign that I must give Editors a chance. And I did.

And what I discovered was that they are a carbon copy of Interpol, except in a good way. They do the morbid and moody tones, except with a bit more English flair. The voice of Editors lead-singer Tom Smith could be mistaken for that of Paul Banks (lead singer of Interpol), except who doesn’t love a singer who embraces the fact he can express emotion through monotone vocals. Still, that is no reason to disregard their music all together. They are a tight band that rocks out through each song.

As a band, Editors have been around since 2002 and hail from Stafford, England. They have released two albums, “The Back Room” in 2005 and “An End Has A Start” in 2007. The title track off the latter album does not miss a beat and is reminiscent of Interpol’s “Slow Hands.” Currently, the band is working on a third album, which promises to be influenced by “scores composed by the man behind The Terminator soundtracks, Brad Fiedel, as well as the expected Depeche Mode, Talking Heads-type art rock,” according to this article from the UK's XFM.

The similarities can basically be attributed to the way both bands present their lyrics in a monotone yet emotional way. The guitars riffs are as important as the lyrics. This band has style. This band has grace. This band is one of my new favorites.

For more information check out their...

And here are some MP3s for your listening pleasure...

"Munich" from "The Back Room"
"An End Has a Start" from "An End Has a Start"

New Album News: Radiohead

2009-05-19T11:23:00.007-04:00

Let the frenzy begin. The news has broken and Radiohead fans everywhere are rejoicing. In an interview with 6 Music, bassist, Colin Greenwood let it slip that a new album is in the works. The group put in some studio time last week with Nigel Godrich, who has produced every Radiohead album since OK Computer in '97, and has since been referred to as the sixth member of the band. "Nigel [has the] ability to make [everything] sound vaguely plausible," Greenwood said. "He can take anything, whether it is an old hi-fi unit or four or five people in a band, and he'll try and make it work one way or another. I totally love and respect him for that." While talking about the "noisy and chaotic" new album, Greenwood stated, "It’s at the stage where we’ve got the big Lego box out and we’ve tipped it out on the floor and we’re just looking at all the bits and thinking what’s next?" One thing's for sure. We can't wait to find out.

Music For Your Mama

2009-05-08T11:21:00.009-04:00

With Mother's Day upon us, I figured a mother-centric post was in order. Here are some songs for mothers, songs about mothers, and even some songs with the word "mother" in them. I am trying very hard to resist the urge to add Flight of the Conchords, "Mutha'uckas" to this list right now. Somehow, I don't think Mother would approve...

1. The Beatles, "Julia"
This 1968 release off the White Album was written by John Lennon for his mother, Julia Lennon, as well as his future wife, Yoko Ono. He is the only Beatle to appear on the recording and it marks the first song he wrote for his mother, who was killed in a car accident in 1958. The first two lines, "Half of what I say is meaningless/ But I say it just to reach you, Julia," were adapted from the poem "Sand and Foam," by, poet Kahlil Gibran. "Ocean child" refers to the English translation for Yoko's name and all in all, it truly is "a song of love".

2. Elliott Smith, "Wouldn't Mama Be Proud"
This soulful track off of Figure 8 tells the tale of a successful rockstar debating whether or not his mother would be proud of him. Lines like, "there's a silver lining in the corporate cloud," allude to the fact that he has sold out and is ill at ease about the decision he's made. The track is likely referring to Smith's contract with DreamWorks Records in 1997.

3. Bon Iver, "Flume"
The meaning of this eerily beautiful song is somewhat ambiguous. Many interpretations have been offered for the opening track off of Justin Vernon's self released 2007 album, For Emma, Forever Ago. Vernon once described his lyrics as "sounds that eventually turned into words". With lines such as, " I am my mother's only one/ It's enough/ I wear my garment so it shows/ Now you know," Vernon confesses to a kind of vulnerability which is present throughout the album as a whole. Lyrics appearing later in the song, "I am my mother on the wall, with us all," seem to reference a photograph or family portrait.

4. Scissor Sisters, "Take Your Mama"
Introduce your mama to some disco glam pop and "take your mama out all night/ Yeah, we'll show her what it's all about/ We'll get her jacked up on some cheap champagne/ We'll let the good times all roll out/ And if the music ain't good, well it's just too bad." Thanks to the Scissor Sisters though, the music is good and it will have you dancing in no time. Give this electric track from their self titled debut album a listen!

5. The Shirelles, "Mama Said"
This 1961 single off the album The Shirelles Sing to Trumpets and Strings, reached #4 on the Billboard Top 100 list. It is a jewel of a song from the New Jersey girl group. Revel in this glorious golden oldies piece of pop music and always listen to what Mama says! I know I do.

Happy Mother's Day from Euphonie!

Also recommended:
The Rolling Stones, "Mother's Little Helper
Jeff Buckley, "So Real"
The Smiths, "I Know It's Over"
Kate Bush, "Breathing"
Devendra Banhart, "Hey Mama Wolf"

*Special thanks to Mama Caseley (Curtis), Mama Roth, and Mama Kamens

Take It From Me: How to Brave a Concert Alone

2009-05-05T11:23:00.005-04:00

If you are a frequent concert goer, there will inevitably come a time when you will find yourself in attendance alone. It is a troublesome position to be in at such a social event. The band hasn't started to play yet and you are surrounded by groups of people chatting and dancing, or worse, you're crammed next to that couple sucking face in the middle of Webster Hall. It must be that starry backdrop they've got there that is just so romantic that they couldn't possibly resist. In the meantime, you crane your neck anxiously scanning the room thinking, "Where the f*ck are my friends!?". Here are your options. Take it from me.

Alcohol is your friend. Okay, Tequila did turn on you last Cinco de Mayo but you've gotten past that messy betrayal. So order a PBR and hope that it's not too absurdly overpriced and let it work its magic. The drink is your new focal point and you can let it wash over that sadness and despair at the pit of your stomach. It may even loosen you up enough to make a few new friends, but lets not get ahead of ourselves here.
Rock out to the awful openers. One time at Terminal 5, whilst waiting for Ratatat to begin their set or for my very late friends to arrive, I allowed to myself to focus my energies on a rather disappointing band called Panther. It was only slightly less painful than being bored and alone, but at least I had something to report to my friends when they finally showed.
Cellphone/Blackberry/iPhone. Not only does texting (or bbming) on your phone prove to the other non-lonely people around you that you do, in fact, have friends, but it also offers to entertain you while you wait. So, play a rousing game of BrickBreaker, send whiny texts to your friends, and maybe update your Twitter while you're at it.
Embrace your inner loner. Sometimes music is best enjoyed privately anyway. Keep in mind that many reporters attend shows alone all the time. They always manage to look cool jotting pretentious thoughts in their little notebooks so feel free to channel them. Most importantly, remember that you will probably never see most of these concert goers ever again, unless of course they show up on this site, so relax and enjoy yourself.

Discover! Discovery

2009-05-05T11:05:00.003-04:00

This just in: Wes Miles, the frontman of Ra Ra Riot and Rostam Batmanglij, keyboardist of Vampire Weekend, have combined forces for an awesome side project. It is like Ra Ra Weekend or Vampire Riot, as Jenna put it. There is not much of a description for the new band but a collaboration between these two musicians from two great bands is definitely a notable one.

The two songs posted on their Myspace, "Orange Shirt" and "Osaka Loop Line," are just a taste of what it is to come from Discovery. The tracks are infused with electronica. Wes's signature vocal style stands out. The lyrics are generational and self-aware, like "Every text that I get from you is so so serious" from "Orange Shirt." Overall, the charm of both bands are ever present throughout the songs. The album will be out in the early summer, according to a post on their Myspace page.

Check out a short article from Paste about Discovery and one from Fader. and
Also, mp3s of "Orange Shirt" and "Osaka Loop Line."

Assessment! Tinted Windows

2009-04-27T11:30:00.001-04:00

I'll admit it: one of the first albums I ever bought was Hanson's "Middle of Nowhere" and I definitely swooned over the Hanson bros hardcore. I'll also say that I am not a fan of Smashing Pumpkins nor have I ever really listened to Cheap Trick (besides "I Want You to Want Me"). Fountains of Wayne's "Prom Theme" definitely made me shed a single tear while their video for "Stacy's Mom" caused me to erupt in laughter.

So when I heard about the new mega-group, Tinted Windows, bringing together the middle-Hanson brother, Taylor, with former Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha, Fountains of Wayne's Adam Schlesinger and Cheap Trick's Bun E. Carlos, my initial response was "Whaaaat?" followed by "Ummm."

But I decided to give it a chance because, ever since I was dragged by my sophomore year roommate Amanda to see them in 2008 at The Calvin Theater in Northampton, I believe the Hanson brothers are actually legitimate musicians with way more to offer than just their 1997 debut album. "Middle of Nowhere," and wildly popular single, "Mmmbop."

I found myself bobbing my head and tapping my foot during several of the songs. With the tight vocals, T. Hanson shows his skills. The other musicians blend together and really make it happen. The first track, "Kind of Girl," is reminiscent of a Fountains of Wayne song with all of the 'oh oh's" and "woah woah"s. The second track is much of the same. "Messing With My Head" has an abundance of joyous "c'mon, c'mon"s between a simple verse: "Well you've been messing with my head/ for oh so long now."

The song titles are obvious. There are some ballads in there. It is full of strong pop-sensibilities, especially the third track, "Dead Serious," which has sincere harmonies. "Nothing to Me" is just what one would assume a song with that title would be about: someone who means nothing to whoever wrote the song.

"Cha Cha" is one of the lamer songs, but it still has that catchy and carefree vibe, even though it seems to be about someone who needs someone, explained through the lyric "I just want you to hear me./ I just want you to heal me./ You're my cha cha."

In the end, people need to put aside their assumptions when it comes to any project associated with any one of the Hanson brothers and let themselves enjoy this rocking album. It is laced with some musical skill and catchy melodies. It would definitely translate well into a live setting, a live, fun-loving, carefree setting.

Word of the Week: Myriad

2009-04-21T11:40:00.003-04:00

For this week's installment of "Word of the Week" I am going to explore one of my favorite words, "myriad." This word originally came into my repertoire of words when I was listening to Interpol's "Antics." Interpol is known for a unique brand of morbid but intelligently worded songs. Their lyrics are laden with five-dollar words. For example "stealth," "salacious," and "cadaverous" appear in "C'mere," "Length of Love" and "A Time To Be Small," respectively.

MYRIAD

myr·i·ad

Pronunciation: \ˈmir-ē-əd\
Function: noun
Etymology: Greek myriad-, myrias, from myrioi countless, ten thousand
Date: 1555

1 : ten thousand
2 : a great number myriad of ideas>

Function: adjective
Date: 1765

1: imnumbable myriad problems> ; also : both numerous and diverse <myriad topics>
2: having innumerable aspects or elements myriad activity of the new land — Meridel Le Sueur>

(definition courtesy of Merriam-Webster)

Synonyms: countless, endless, heaping, immeasurable, incalculable, multitudinous, no end of, numberless, oodles, slew, uncounted

Antonyms: limited, measurable

Used in a sentence: When Catherine entered Marcus's apartment, she noticed a myriad of records stacked in milk crates lining the walls.

Used in a song: "But I am married to your charms and grace./ I go crazy like the good old days./ You make me want to pick up a guitar/ and celebrate the myriad ways that I love you." Interpol "Slow Hands" mp3

Appreciation! Covers We Covet, Volume 1

2009-04-14T14:40:00.004-04:00

The art of the cover song is a delicate subject. Many people believe it is impossible to achieve a perfect rendition of a song already recorded by another artist. Others believe that a band's ability (and chutzpah) to play a classic song is the true test of their strength as a group.

I have a love/hate relationship with cover songs. In many cases, I believe the cover song is one of the best parts of a band's live set (ie. The Decemberists/Death Cab for Cutie/Stars performing Fleetwood Mac's "You Can Go Your Own Way" to close the Central Park Summerstage show in 2005). In some other cases, I find the cover song an overdone and unnecessary practice (especially if it is cliche ::cough cough Every Indie Act Covering "Womanizer").

In order to make a cover song work, as far as I am concerned, the artist has to inject their own style into the song instead of just playing the song exactly as it originally appeared. The artist has to believe in the original as well as taking steps towards exercising some artistic license.

Here is a list of some notable cover songs (with corresponding mp3s)...

Matt Pond PA covering Neutral Milk Hotel's "In The Aeroplane Over the Sea" mp3

Recently I have realized that Neutral Milk Hotel's songs are very often covered by my favorite artists. (Jesse Lacey of Brand New, for one, has been known to cover "Two Headed Boy" in his solo show set list). The song, "Aeroplane," is one of my favorite songs off the album by the same name. This cover is a beautiful acoustic piece sort of close to the original version. From listening to so much Matt Pond PA recently, it is a fair assumption that MPPA is heavily influenced by Neutral Milk. But injecting violins into the melody, he adds a sense of softness and romanticism to the song. It is what MPPA does best.

Bats for Lashes covering Kings of Leon's"Use Somebody" mp3

Recently posted on Stereogum, this cover features many of the things that I love about cover songs. First off, it is a female vocalist singing a song originally recorded (and performed) by a male-fronted band. Secondly, the tempo is slowed down slightly. Thirdly, one or more instruments are added (an organ and a tambourine). Although I don't listen to much Bat for Lashes (and am a casual KOL fan), this cover is a great example of a cover where the song is softened up successfully.

Stars covering The Smiths' "This Charming Man" mp3

What? A Smiths cover? Someone attempted to cover the Smiths! That is preposterous! No. I am just kidding (even though many think - Morrissey included - The Smiths are one of those untouchable bands). Stars fuses the melody with electronica sounds. The whispering vocals of Torqui Campbell accompanied with the ever-so-charming (haha) Amy Milan is a new spin on Morrissey's signature style found in this song. Yes, it is possible to appropriately cover The Smiths. Stars have done it. Death Cab for Cutie too (in a version of the same song - download here).

Peter Gabriel and Hot Chip covering Vampire Weekend's "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa" mp3

When I originally heard that this cover existed, I thought it would be one of those cover songs that came off silly. I mean, a 59-year-old famous English musician who is name-dropped in an indie song covering said indie song as a duet with an electronica-dance-pop band? However it is one of the greatest things I've heard in a while. He covers the song with a bit of humor and even inserts, "But this feels so unnatural to sing your own name" at the part where one would expect to hear "But this feels so unnatural, Peter Gabriel too."

She and Him covering The Beatles' "I Should Have Known Better" mp3

When a female vocalist covers a song written from the point of view of a man, it is expected that any "her" pronouns will be turned into "him." In this case, "girl" is replaced with "guy." This version has a country twang and slow finger-picking tone, unlike the original (which is only slightly twangy due to the harmonicas). The tone is casual yet dreamy. In addition, it is one of the few times on "Volume One" where M. Ward actually takes a verse (in this case, the chorus). There is even a bit where Zooey lets out a giggle. Too cute Zooey, too cute.

Coming soon: Top 10 Bruce Springsteen cover songs...

Word of the Week: dapper

2009-04-13T15:19:00.013-04:00

A few weeks ago, I befriended an awesome Norwegian girl named Celine, while we were being photographed for a top-secret project. It will surely reshape the hair salon industry as we know it, but I can’t tell you anything about it because I signed one of those non-disclosure agreements. Too bad! Since our fated meeting, Celine has been nice enough to visit me in TriBeCa during my lunch break and of course, I dragged Allie along with me! Over smoothies, salads, and sandwiches, an idea was born. Word of the week! Celine’s English is exceptional and she has an adorable accent to boot, but Allie and I decided to teach her a few of our favorite words to spice it up a bit.

We were brainstorming about what new words we could pepper into Celine’s already impeccable vocabulary. I looked down at my new Gunmetal tweed kicks, an incredible thrift store find, and it dawned on me. The word of the week is “dapper”.

Dapper
dap・per
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English dapyr, from Middle Dutch dapper quick, strong; akin to Old High German tapfar heavy, Old Church Slavic debelu thick
Date: 15th century

1a : neat and trim in appearance
2 : alert and lively in movement and manners

Related forms:
dap・per・ly, adverb
dap・per・ness, noun

Synonyms:
dashing, spruce, modish, jaunty, natty.

Used in a sentence: Ezra Koenig was looking very dapper in a button down shirt and an argyle sweater vest.

Used in a song: “I'm no high society man/ No suit and tie, no Dapper Dan” – from the song Caveman, by Cursive mp3

Dapper website: Check out my pal, Lily's Etsy, Supper Club. With neckties like these, you'll be looking dapper in no time.

Examples of some of our favorite dapper fellows:

*Special thanks to Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary, Dictonary.com, Theimproper.com, and Caymansgirl.blogspot.com for the images and definitions used in this post.

Five Fantastic Songs for Fun-Filled Friday

2009-04-10T12:20:00.002-04:00

So why is this week different from all other weeks? Well, yes, it is Passover (and during this week we only eat unleavened bread, etc). But that was not what I was referring to. The true difference between this week and others is that this week my music listening has been dominated by a small pool of artists, some new and some older. As a result, I am going to list my favorite tracks this week. Enjoy!

1. Matt Pond PA "Halloween" mp3
Okay. I might be kind of late on the MPPA train (woo woo). I've listened to "Halloween" over 14 times in the past week. This song is the opener of "Several Arrows Later" and in many ways it is the perfect starting point for a spectacular album. From the beginning, something about this song screams uncertainity and anxiety. The piano along with Matt Pond's voice lends itself to a romantic yet realistic mood, with dimmed lights and whispering closely. The chorus is one of the strongest parts of the song: "Pardon the intrusion/ Could we leave before it gets bad?" It is personal yet general and perfect. It is the perfect starting point for anyone who wants to get into Matt Pond PA.

2. Death Cab for Cutie "A Diamond and A Tether" mp3
One thing that DCFC does so well is write introspective tunes. This one, from their new release, "The Open Door EP," is one of the best I've heard in a while. As Gibbard sings,"I make the same mistakes at each familiar turn," the listener believes him. He goes on to spin the tale of someone with serious commitment issues who is perfectly satisfied with being alone. At the same time, he is not alone but always gazing around to see what else is out there. He makes "empty promises" and "countless bluffs." This song, lyrically and musically, seems like a throwback to old-school Death Cab and I like it.

3. Conor Oberst & the Mystic Valley Band "Slowly (Oh So Slowly)" mp3
It is no secret that I love just about everything Conor Oberst does. With the latest album"Outer South" (which will be released on May 5, 2009), is a collective effort by the Mystic Valley Band. The opening guitar riffs "Slowly" feature a big band sound similar to the one found on "Four Winds" (from 2007's "Cassadaga" record). This opening track starts off with an incredibly profound yet simple lyric: "Potential, well you're a loaded line." The song has a lot of the same themes from "Cassadaga" but goes steps further to claim the necessity of a vacation from life.

4. The Gaslight Anthem "The Navesink Banks" mp3
On April 24th, I went to see Gaslight at Webster Hall. I had only seen Brian Fallon solo at the Court Tavern in New Jersey and really did not know what to expect. What I came to notice was that the concert was much like the pop-punk shows of yesteryear. There were kids moshing, fist pumping and the like. I hadn't been to a show like that in years. It sure was something.

Anyways, in the days leading up to the show, I reviewed their discography and found myself instantly drawn to "The Navesink Banks." This acoustic gem, off of "Sink or Swim," is one of those songs that derive directly from a singular situation or experience: growing up in New Jersey. (Navesink is an actual location in Jersey). This retrospective song talks about childhood and teenage mistakes that were made. For example, contained in the lyrics are three lines that talk about "sins" in judgement made during the younger years. Although, as always, Fallon has a positive outlook and has learned from those situations to a full extent.

5. Bishop Allen "The Chinatown Bus" mp3
For me, Bishop Allen is a newish discovery, even though I heard them on KEXP in 2007. Bishop Allen, from Brooklyn, is one of those bands with great lyrical and musical talent. And I love bands that refernece the place that they are from (like the Hold Steady does in all of their songs). From 2007's "This Broken String," this song is fully laden with New York references. It takes about going up the I-95 on the Chinatown bus after New Years Day. It takes of taxi cabs and being a passenger, watching the world go by. The quiet vocals and guitars along with the trumpets and tambourines create a dreamy and calm mood.

On a related note, they will be playing at the Northside Festival in Brooklyn, with The Dodos, Vivian Girls, John Vanderslice, and more (which takes place June 11-14).

Appreciation: Malcolm McDowell: A Musical Journey

2009-04-08T20:03:00.015-04:00

If you have been paying close attention, you may have realized by now that Laurie is a tad bit obsessed with Bob Dylan, Allie has a thing for Ryan Adams, and I have an affinity for Lou Reed (yeah, Adventureland!). However, there is someone else nearer and dearer to my heart. He was the star of a little known film called “A Clockwork Orange.” Yes, I confess, I hold a candle in my heart for Malcolm McDowell. I haven’t forgotten that this is primarily a music blog though, so here’s what I’m going to do about it: I’m going to take you on a musical journey through his acting career and it is going to be epic.

On June 13, 1943 McDowell was born in Horsforth, Leeds to Charles and Edna Taylor. He was sent to the Cannock House School at age 11 to be disciplined and it was there that he was encouraged to act. He had the opportunity to portray many Shakespearian roles which bolstered up his confidence. It also didn't hurt that he was the team captain of the Rugby team. After graduating, he went on to study acting at the London Academy of Music and Art, yet he claims it was his work as a traveling coffee salesman that provided the best training. McDowell learned to mold himself into a different person depending on whom he was selling to and it did the trick. Soon enough he was making 25 quid a week.

McDowell was introduced to Mrs. Harold Ackley through a girlfriend of his who was taking elocution lessons with her. He was quite taken by the ex-silent film star, and promptly began working with her to rid himself of his Yorkshire accent. The lessons paid off and soon he was performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company at the Aldwych Theatre. McDowell became fed up with the hierarchy there, remarking that he felt as if he was only there to move furniture and had yet to meet the director, Peter Hall. At the end of the season, McDowell told Hall that he was leaving to become a movie star. His statement was met with laughter.

From there he landed a few bit parts in televisions series, which turned into a few bit parts in movies. His first big break came in the form of a 1968 film called, “If….”, which he landed after a particularly physical audition. Him and co-star, Christine Noonan began wrestling with each other onstage and it was then and there that he won the role of Mick Travis, the revolutionary stuck under the totalitarian rule of an all boys English public school. Lindsay Anderson, who became a long time mentor to McDowell and supposedly developed a bit of a crush on him too, directed the satire. The film received an X-Rating and exposed traditions of English public schools in the 1960’s such as “fagging” and “caning”. It was shot in color and black and white completely at random depending on the budget and what kind of film Anderson felt like using that day.

In the film, Mick Travis and his two non-conformist friends spend their down time sneaking liquor, throwing darts at pop culture icons, and listening to the “Sanctus” from the Missa Luba, a Latin Mass in an African style, sung by a choir of Congolese children. The songs were written and composed by Baluba of the Kasai and Katanga, with Father Haazen, according to Wikipedia, and the selection used in “If….” made it onto the UK singles chart in the 1960’s.

Fun Musical Fact: The Clash refer to the recording of the Missa Luba in the lyrics of their song 'Car Jamming' on the 1982 album Combat Rock.

Stanley Kubrick watched “If….” and said he would not direct “A Clockwork Orange,” unless he had Malcolm McDowell as his lead. Kubrick presented him with the book by Anthony Burgess, which McDowell read three times before declaring it, “a modern classic” to Kubrick’s delight. Terrified about taking on the difficult role of Alex DeLarge, McDowell turned to Anderson for help.

He also developed a friendship with Kubrick, after many games of ping pong and chess. The famous rape scene took almost a week to film and over 30 canes were destroyed in the process. Kubrick encouraged McDowell to come up with a few ideas of his own and he allegedly sang, “Singin’ In the Rain” because it was the only song he knew all the words to. Kubrick was so enchanted with the outcome that he immediately bought the rights to the ditty that day.

Also worth noting, is Alex DeLarge’s obsession with Beethoven, or Ludwig Van as he often refers to him. He indulges in the pleasures of his favorite music by this German composer and pianist combined with images of ultra violence. After undergoing the Ludovico Technique, a form of aversion therapy, he can no longer listen to the music (specifically Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony) without being overcome by bouts of intense nausea. Beethoven’s Ninth was composed during Beethoven's late period and was the last symphony he completed. It was finished in 1824 and is upheld as a masterpiece and a symbol of Romantic music.

Wendy Carlos was responsible for the rest of the film’s soundtrack. She was born Walter Carlos but underwent sex reassignment surgery in 1972. Carlos attended Brown University and got her masters degree in music at Columbia University where she met Robert Moog and became one of the first to try out his Moog synthesizer. With this new instrument, she went on to compose ambient music made up of blended and synthesized sounds with only a trace of melody. In 1971, Carlos composed the soundtrack for “A Clockwork Orange,” and went on to work with Kubrick a second time on “The Shining.”

Fun Musical Fact: The Colorado quartet, DeVotchKa, got their name from Anthony Burgess’s Nadsat word for “young girl”.

Immediately after ACO, McDowell returned to Anderson to film part two of the Mick Travis trilogy, “O’ Lucky Man” which was a symbolic representation of the struggles of life in capitalist society. The film was developed from a script by McDowell based on his previous experiences as a coffee salesman. Anderson worked Alan Price into the movie, the keyboardist from the British group, The Animals, after failing to make a documentary about his band because of the cost of licensing all the songs they covered while on tour. Price left The Animals in 1965 and agreed to compose the score, which took on a Greek Chorus type of role in the film. McDowell believed it to be Price’s greatest work.

After a slew of box office flops, McDowell married Margot Bennett Dullea and moved to the U.S. to escape the failing British film industry. It was at this time that he starred in the notorious film, “Caligula”. Bob Guiccione of Penthouse Magazine financed the film based on the work of Gore Vidal (who later asked to have his name removed from the project), and provided them with a flock of Penthouse pets as well. The young Italian director, Tinto Brass, agreed to direct the controversial film, which featured big talents such as Peter O’Toole, Sir John Gielgud, and

Helen Mirren. Yes, “the queen” does some surprisingly naughty things. This film is certainly not for the faint of heart. Guiccione filmed scenes with the pets at night and later edited them into the movie, replacing scenes that had been

shot by Brass. While the film managed to portray the depravity of Rome under Caligula’s rule to a certain extent, it was overshadowed by the gratuitous sex scenes, which left the critics disgusted.

The soundtrack of the scandalous film however, was actually somewhat respectable. A

majority of the music was written by Paul Clemente, better known as Bruno Nicolai, the Italian composer and orchestra director. Bruno attended the Santa Cecilia Conservatory in Rome where he became friends with Academy Award winning-composer, Ennio Morricone. The two went on to collaborate on many fine projects together. Also wedged into the impressive soundtrack was the work of the Russian composer, Sergei Prokofiev. By age seven, Prokofiev had already written his first piano composition and was an avid chess player as well. I was still learning how to tie my shoes. First you fashion them into bunny ears and then you… well, never mind. At age nine he composed his first opera. Now he's just making me look bad. One of the pieces that was used in the film was from, “The Love for Three Oranges,” a Prokofiev creation from 1919, based on the play, “L'Amore delle tre melarance” by Carlo Gozzi which was based on Giambattista Basile's fairy tale "The Love for Three Oranges". (Kind of like how “He’s Just Not That Into You,” was a movie based on a book that was based on an episode of the television show, “Sex and the City,” which was also based on a book. Oh what tangled webs we weave.) The opera is in the form of Commedia dell’Arte and is one of Prokofiev’s most popular pieces.

Fun Musical Fact: The electropop musician, Little Boots, got her stage name from emperor Caligula, who was nicknamed Little Boots because he wore a soldiers uniform like his father, Germanicus’ at the wee age of two when he attended the campaigns in northern Germania with him.

McDowell made his American film debut with, “Time After Time,” in 1979 and fell in love with co-star Mary Steenburgen. Together they had two children; Lily Amanda McDowell and Charles Malcolm McDowell. Shortly after, McDowell returned to theatre and received rave reviews. The 1980’s were cruel to McDowell who developed a devastating cocaine habit, aged poorly, and could no longer get the leading man roles he once received. To spare me the pain, let’s gloss over this dark and cruel period of time.

McDowell managed to kick his cocaine addiction after turning to the Betty Ford Center for help, and remarried to artist, Kelly Kuhr in 1991, with whom he had three more children; Beckett Taylor McDowell, Finnian Anderson McDowell, and Seamus Hudson McDowell. He later appeared in the 1994 Sci-fi film, Star Trek Generations. Dennis McCarthy was in charge of the music and used a series of blended electronic sound effects, and William Shatner was in it. Enough said!

More recently, I have spotted McDowell in popular television series such as “Heroes” and “Entourage”. In "Heroes," he portrayed Daniel Linderman, a notorious mobster with the superhuman ability to heal any living thing. In the hit show, "Entourage," he played the distinguished Terrance McQuewick; former boss of super-agent Ari Gold and his stiffest competition. The Entourage soundtrack ranges from hip-hop to indie (okay, mostly hip-hop) featuring rappers like Saigon, who had a small part on the show, and bands like TV on the Radio, whose most recent album, Dear Science, was proclaimed the best album of 2008 by Spin, MTV, Rolling Stone, and readers polls orchestrated by the Gods over at Pitchfork.

Although McDowell is now 65, it is comforting to know that he's still playing those high status villain types that made his career flourish 40 years ago. Yesterday, I was flipping through a magazine when I came across a list of the Top Twenty Scariest Villains. Sandwiched between Darth Vader and Michael Myers (did I mention McDowell was in Rob Zombie's 2007 release as Dr. Sam Loomis?) was his portrayal of Alex DeLarge. The following page displayed McDowell fully equipped with the customary "Clockwork Orange" bowler hat and cane. The eighties may

have turned his tresses white, but there is still a twinkle in his blue eyes and a knowing smile hidden in the corners of his signature Alex DeLarge sneer.

For further information on the illustrious Malcolm McDowell, you may visit his Wikipedia page here or browse this extensive website created by a fellow fan.

A Clockwork Orange

The Thieving Magpie (Abridged) by Wendy Carlos mp3

Ninth Symphony, Second Movement, Beethoven (Abridged) by Wendy Carlos mp3

Caligula

Wood Sequence by Paul Clemente, becomes Prokofiev's, "The Love for Three Oranges" at the end mp3

List: 5 Winter to Spring Trade-ins

2009-04-02T16:50:00.000-04:00

Spring has arrived! (At least for now). It is time to put away the wool sweaters and take some light blazers out of storage. It is time to trade the fuzzy ugg boots for converse sneakers and ballet flats. It is time to bust out the sunglasses and the straw bags and, in due time, the bathing suits and flip flops.

In addition the many wardrobe changes associated with the beginning of over-50 degree weather, I find that when the first spurt of spring arrives so begins a shift away on my recently-played list. I exchange my Ray Lamontagne and Fleet Foxes records for something more whimsical and light, like a Camera Obscura or a Noah and the Whale.

So in honor of that, I have complied a list of some spring "trade-ins" - meaning replacements for those bands that really only fit into the cold blustery days. Bust out your sunglasses, it is going to get bright in here...

From Fleet Foxes to Noah and the Whale

Fleet Foxes is one of my favorite "mountain-y" bands, as I have stated before. The fact that their sound emits certain 'snow covered mountain' imagery is unmistakable. So when the sun is out and the snow has melted, trade in your Fleet Foxes for your Noah and the Whale. NATW is pure joy and features ukulele, piano and clapping. Like Fleet Foxes, NATW has choruses and verses of enchanting harmonies. "Five Years Time" even has whistling! Delightful!

Noah and the Whale "Five Years Time"

From Joshua Radin to Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers

Both of these male singer-songwriters have a certain amount of mainstream charm but have been largely unable to cash in. Radin, on one hand, is the perfect fall/winter artist. He even has a song named "Winter." His vocals are quiet, yet powerful. Kellogg is a lighter version. Even though he is from Massachusetts, there is a certain degree of Southern twang in his voice. He is a great lyricist who departs wisdom on his listeners. He captures how it feels to be young and innocent in songs like "Summer" and "Blue Jean." "Milwaukee" (from 2007's "Glassjaw Boxer") is all about growing up and dealing with the changes of life. Throughout the song he repeats "I guess I learned that too" as a response to all of the experiences that occurred in his young years.

Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers "Milwaukee"

From Interpol to Spoon

One of the major characteristics of "spring" bands for me is the use of lighter instruments, like ukuleles, tambourines and percussion shakers. In creating their own signature style, Spoon utilizes these tools. 2007's "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga" is an excellent example. It includes Britt Daniel's charming vocal style and melodies. "Don't You Evah" and "Rhthm and Soul" both feature light drums and could be inserted into any road trip mix cd.

Spoon "Don't You Evah"

From The Frames to The Long Winters
Glen Hasnard, front man of The Frames, has a strong presence and a stronger sense of how to construct interesting lyrics. John Roderick, the front man of The Long Winters, also shares this talent. The Frames are much heavier than The Long Winters and that is why TLW are one of my favorite spring band replacements. The acoustic nature of many of their songs lend themselves to a feeling of airy goodness. One song, "Hindsight," wonders what happens when the snow melts: will things be the same? Of course, TLW use some electric guitars ("Rich Wife," "New Girl," and others) but Roderick's vocals, harmonies and acoustic sounds are the most noticeable. Overall, when listening to this band, you will imagine open fields and crave the sunshine.

The Long Winters "Clouds"

From Ryan Adams to Limbeck

Limbeck is one of these bands that I believe more people should know about. Hailing from Orange County, California, they are an alt-country rock band whose influences include The Beach Boys, The Replacements and Old 97s (according to their wikipedia page). The great part about Limbeck is the way they play - with pure enjoyment. Their songs are geographically aware and touch upon experiences that are incredibly universal - like hanging out with friends, trying to decide what to do ("Everyone's in the Parking Lot"), feeling frustrated ("Trouble") and being home ("Let Me Come Home"). Their use of tambourines and hand claps is unmistakably interesting. "Honk and Wave," one of their best tracks, is kind of about a road trip and kind of about a broken heart. The version on "Hey, Everything's Fine" (an acoustic/live recording of the songs found on 2003's "Hi, Everything's Great) features banter and hand claps. It is as if the band is reliving the experience via a sing-along with all of their fans and friends.

Limbeck "Honk and Wave"

Where to start with...Bright Eyes

2009-03-28T13:00:00.016-04:00

Recently, I've come to realize that there are many bands that I would like to get into but feel as if I cannot. The main reason for my general avoidance of some groups stems from being overwhelmed by their expansive discographies. There is just too much and I never know where to begin. Do I start at the logical place: the beginning? Or do I go straight to their most recent release? Is there an album somewhere in the middle that best represents their talent? It can just be so confusing!

For example, I've always been interested in listening to Peter Bjorn and John and Pavement but was quite intimidated by the amount of albums they have released. With a little bit of guidance, though, such bands may be conquerable.

And that is where our new feature comes in. Called "Where to Start With...," it will focus on bands with huge discographies - whether it be because of numerous years of existence or just an overly-ambitious nature (::cough cough Ryan Adams::). We will break down their best releases and explain which ones make the most sense to "start with." So get ready to take a deep breath and get ready to learn from "the experts," (at least we think we are).

First up....Bright Eyes (aka. Conor Oberst)

When Conor Oberst started recording under the pseudonym "Bright Eyes" in 1995, his voice and guitars were far too raw for most listeners to enjoy. However in his early stuff you could still see a glimmer in his unsurpassed talent, especially if all that emotion was harnessed. The song writing skills were there. The guitar skills were there. As time went on he cultivated his ideas and skills and has become one of the best songsmiths of this generation.

To embark on an appreciation of Bright Eyes, I suggest not starting with his first release. Instead, begin your Bright Eyes journey with "I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning." This 2005 release is the most accessible of the Bright Eyes albums. It is a folk masterpiece with widespread appeal. In the opening track, "At the Bottom of Everything," Oberst tells a story about passengers on a plane that is plummeting into the ocean and then counts into a tune about American materialism and society (with guest vocals by Jim Jones of My Morning Jacket). Three tracks feature Emmylou Harris's delightful voice: "We are Nowhere and It's Now," "Another Traveling Song" and "Poison Oak.") "First Day of My Life" is an acoustic gem with a simple, heart felt video (note: it actually made a single tear trickle down my cheek). "Lua," a song about an evening full of drunken flailing, is another track that highlights how quiet yet poignant Bright Eyes can be.

"We Are Nowhere and It's Now" mp3

Second go to "Cassadaga." It is a fine example of Oberst's shift towards a more twangy style of rock. The single "Four Winds" feels like an old time country song with an intensely political stance on the current condition of world and the differences people claim ("The Bible's blind/ The Torah's deaf./ The Qu'ran is mute./ If you burned them all together/ you'd get close to the truth"). Songs 6, 7, 8 and 9 ("Soul Singer in a Session Band," "Classic Cars," "Middleman," and "Cleanse Song") are truly the standout tracks. They highlight Oberst's songwriting, singing and guitar skills in an entirely different way than on previous albums. It is more of a big band style, with harmonic vocals and strong backup guitars.

"Soul Singer in a Session Band" mp3

If you are still curious about what pre-refined Bright Eyes sounds like then try "Lifted or the Story is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground." Okay, this is the first Bright Eyes album I ever heard. At first, I did not enjoy it because it was just too raw for my underdeveloped ears. But lyrically, this is an excellent album. Each track tells a different story but contains themes of not quite being good enough. "Lover I Don't Have to Love" is classic Bright Eyes as it features a story about being in a drunken blur, struggling to find some person-to-person comfort for an evening. "Bowl of Oranges" is charming and hopeful. "Waste of Paint" is more of a pessimistic view on the world. The last track, "Lets Not Shit Ourselves (To Love and Be Loved)" is a 10 minute masterpiece featuring a variety of themes that characterize the human experience: ambition, disappointment, mistakes . Most notably, it contains hint of Oberst's shift towards political activism ("Well, ABC, NBC, CBS: Bullshit./ They give us fact of fiction?/ I guess its even split...As we take eye for an eye until no one can see,/ we must stumble blindly forward repeating history.").

"Waste of Paint" mp3

Also, if you find yourself drawn to the raw end of the spectrum (like "Poison Oak" or "From A Balance Beam") you might want to check out "Fevers and Mirrors," especially "The Calender Hung Itself," "When the Curious Girl Realizes She is Under Glass," and "Haligh, Haligh, A Lie, Haligh." It has some great songs but, in retrospect, not entirely important to understanding the music that Oberst is currently releasing because it sounds nothing like this.

"The Calender Hung Itself..." mp3

As a bonus if you enjoy music with a bit of electronica, be sure to check out 2005's "Digital Ash in a Digital Urn." It features a totally different sound and feel as other Bright Eyes records but it has some incredibly poignant songs about alcoholism ("Hit the Switch") and sex/love ("Take it Easy - Love Nothing"). Also "Gold Mind Gutted" and "Easy Lucky Free" are both stand out songs even though this album is an overall grower.

"Easy Lucky Free" mp3

Note: Oberst has dropped the "Bright Eyes" name recently and started releasing music and touring with the Mystic Valley Band. Check out the self-titled "Conor Oberst," especially the songs "Get Well Cards," "Cape Canaveral" and "Danny Callahan." This album is further example of what happens over time with Oberst; the songwriting is still as strong as it always has been but the vocals and guitars are even more developed than they were in the past. He is set to release another album with the Mystic Valley Band, called "Outer South," sometime this year. On his website, you can stream one of the songs from that album, "Slowly (Oh So Slowly)."

Eureka! Drug Rug

2009-03-27T11:51:00.004-04:00

Drug Rug was formed by a darling duo of musicians who merged artistically and romantically to bring us some truly charming acid-folk. Although, Sarah Cronin and Tommy Allen shy away from the cute-couple image, it is apparent in the music, interlaced between their harmonizing voices and hazy guitar riffs. In fact, the Cambridge, Massachusetts youngsters began playing together on their very first date as they sat in Tommy’s bed drinking whiskey. Young love! They have since added more band members and producers, Carter Tanton and Julian Cassanetti have helped to put a bit more rock into the equation. Let’s hope they’ve since found a new rehearsal space!

Things took a turn for Drug Rug when they where signed by Apollo Sunshine’s Jeremy Black to his Black and Greene label after catching their show. They have since played at The Bowery Ballroom during the CMJ Festival of 2007 and after their self-titled debut was released, they spent the month entertaining the young crowds holding court at Mercury Lounge. They recently returned to open for Dr. Dog.

The fuzzed out opener, “For The Rest of Your Life,” eases along like an old collectors car with enough pep to keep on going. “Winter Time” keeps it simple, and cheerfully chirps to a tune that is somewhat reminiscent of the childhood favorite, “Down By the Bay”. Raffi anyone? “Lie Lie Lie” offers an extra helping of folk served up with some scratchy and screechy vocals courtesy of Cronin, and “Walden” picks up the pace on the comparatively lo-fi album. Drug Rug is definitely a band to keep your eyes on.

Walden mp3
The Sound Alone mp3

For more information, check out Drug Rug's myspace page.

From Stage to Screen: Best and Worst Rock Star Cameo’s

2009-03-25T00:11:00.008-04:00

THE WORST

1. David Bowie

He's afraid of Americans. I'm afraid of him. David Bowie is at his creepy best in Jim Henson’s Labyrinth playing the evil 80’s glam Goblin King. Bowie co-stars with scary Muppets, singing songs (like “Magic Dance”) while trying out some lanky dance moves and trying to seduce a 16 year-old Jennifer Connelly. I know its only Muppets and the Thin White Duke, but to this day I still can’t watch that movie.

2. Ringo Starr

As the pocket-sized conductor/song-smith on Shining Time Station, Ringo Starr took over the role from the equally as improbable casting choice, foul-mouthed comedian George Carlin. Maybe it was his drowsy Liverpoolean accent but Starr always seemed kind of stoned, and either way, for the man with the All Star Band it seemed like a sideways career move.

3. Keith Richards

It was either the ultimate pirate joke or the most redundant move ever. Over the past several years Keith Richards has started to look more and more like a swashbuckler. Due to drug use, non-stop partying for the last 49 years and the passing of time, Richard’s once sweet, boyish face has become grizzled and his hair a rat’s nest, unkempt with hanging bits and pieces. So does Richard’s cameo as Jack Sparrow’s (played by Johnny Depp) father in Pirates of Caribbean: At World’s End, mean the joke’s on us now?

4. Bob Dylan

With a hard to follow plot, some revolution is taking place in some totalitarian run government somewhere in the Southwest; Masked and Anonymous stars Bob Dylan as a washed up rock idol that comes out of exile to headline a benefit concert. Confused yet? Dylan doesn’t act, so much as look pensive and occasionally say things in his weathered voice, but he does perform some amazing new versions of songs like “Cold Irons Bound.” The perfect name for the film, Masked and Anonymous is just as mysterious as Dylan himself.

THE BEST

1. Pearl Jam
Cameron Crowe’s 1992 film, Singles, is as much about dating as it is Seattle’s grunge rock scene, and as itss crowning jewel, features cameos by Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam. Not only does Pearl Jam perform in the film but they act, playing Matt Dillon’s band Citizen Dick, with drummer Eddie Vedder.

2. Iggy Pop
With jet black hair and even darker eyeliner, Iggy Pop is the greasiest of the greasers. As Uncle Ricketts in John Water’s wonderfully quirky and cult-status-worthy Cry Baby, Pop’s lip curling acting style manages to convey his own unique lust for life.

3. Placebo

Velvet Goldmine, the glittering film that pays tribute to 70’s glam rock, features a small musical and acting cameo by Placebo as The Flaming Creatures, a Roxy Music/Brian Eno-like band. Preferring impressions to ideas and dressed in leather underwear and sparkle eye shadow, lead singer Brian Molko performs an awesome cover of T. Rex’s 20th Century Boy.

4. Elvis Costello

About a group of people on the way to a New Year’s Eve soiree “trying to find love, happiness and cigarettes (IMDB),” 200 Cigarettes captures the journey to the most epic (and first) party of the year. And how better to start off 1981, but with a cameo by famous party guest Elvis Costello!?

5. Bob Dylan

With a hard to follow plot, some revolution in taking place is some totalitarian run government somewhere in the Southwest; Masked and Anonymous stars Bob Dylan as a washed up rock idol that comes out of exile to headline a benefit concert. Confused yet? Dylan doesn’t act, so much as look pensive and occasionally say thing in his weathered voice, but he does perform some amazing new versions of songs like “Cold Irons Bound.” The perfect name for the film, Masked and Anonymous is just as mysterious as Dylan himself. (Come on, it's Bob freakin' Dylan!)

Live! The Ting Tings @ Terminal 5

2009-03-24T20:56:00.002-04:00

Who says white people don’t like to dance? Last Monday night (March 16th, 2009) the floor of Terminal 5 was alive with a sea of bodies grooving to the pop sounds of the Ting Tings. In neon green sunglasses, Jules De Martino and Katie White dawning sparkling sky blue eye shadow and patterned art deco leggings, cat walked around the stage like models, playing a 45 minute set that could easily have doubled as a photo shoot. White’s perfected the rocker chick image, strumming her guitar and holding her microphone above her head striking a Statue of Liberty pose, beckoning the poor, the tired, and the hip.

But the Ting Tings were not all image. Playing the entire contents of the first—and only—album, their dance beats were infectious, a mix of Franz Ferdinand’s charging guitars and 80’s new wave electro-pop. White’s high pitched girly squeal combined with simple, lighting guitar riffs and a driving momentum had the crowd jumping. But nothing had the floor shaking more than the band’s singles, the second song of the night “Great DJ” and “Shut Up And Let Me Go,” which ended the first set. With easily repeatable choruses the crowd sung took up the nonsensical call, “And the girls ah ah ah . . . and the boys ah ah ah . . . and the strings e e e . . . and the drums (x4).”

At the end of the first set, the Ting Tings played an extended version of the album’s title track “We Started Nothing,” which featured a short musical reference to Talking Heads “Psycho Killer,” and four rainbow wigged hipsters to fill in as a brass section. The all female rainbow coalition of sound heralded out their parts in sharp blasts, or when not blowing revelry, promptly returned their hands to their hips, posing like an action league ready to fight crime.

The Ting Tings then returned to the stage for a brief two-song encore, closing with, “That’s Not My Name.” The band and crowd alike tired themselves out endlessly repeating , “That’s not my name,” the oddly feminist empowered chorus, and leaving behind no confusion as to what NOT to call the Barbie Doll-esque lead singer.
*****
Opening for the Ting Tings was female rap group Hottub, who played dress-up, jumping around in a sequined pink party dress, hot pink leopard leggings and tribal eye makeup. But don’t be mistaken, these girls were anything but delicate. Like something out of the Riot Grrrl movement the three female MC’s paraded across the stage grabbing their crotches while shouting out songs like “M.A.N.B.I.T.C.H.” and raunchy, confessional lyrics, “I lost my cherry when I was 16.”

However shocking the lyrics, the raps were only mediocre and the beats loud and indistinguishable. Though the music wasn’t something to put on your IPod queue, their stage antics were radical. It was like performance art meets Gymboree, with the girls tackling each other on stage, falling down in heaps and then performing prone, air humping on the floor. Ambr33zy flashed her breasts and Loli Pop her jungle cat underwear, while both spit out mouthfuls of water at each other. In an effort to be closer to the crowd Co-Co Machete stood on an unstable crowd barrier maintaining her balance by alternately holding on to a concertgoers hand and leaning on a bouncer’s head, before jumping over it to dance with the crowd. Hottub’s performance got a mixed reaction (their sound itself just wasn’t that good) but hey kids, if the water’s too hot, get out the tub.

** If forgot my camera so for more pics of the show see PrefixMag.

5 Short Assessments for Your Tuesday Troubles!

2009-03-24T13:17:00.004-04:00

Hello Music Fans! For this week's entry I have decided to present a few brief reviews of albums I've gotten my hands on recently. Some have not come out yet and some are just new to me. In addition, there is an MP3 with each album so you can get a wee little taste of what to expect.

Camera Obscura "My Maudlin Career" (April 13, 2009 on 4AD)

"Swans" mp3

Kudos to Camera Obscura for putting out another incredibly whimsical album. Each song is full of uncertainty and love. Tracyanne Campbell does an excellent job of inserting a degree of vocal innocence into each song. "Swans" has an extremely familiar melody ("Mr. Clean...Mr. Clean"?) and made my head bop back and forth on the subway. "James" seems like a direct letter to the one who she "thought [she] knew well" but instead "broke" her. The violins soar and the drums hum along with the melodies. It is lovely and makes the listener feel like spring is on the horizon.

Cursive "Mama, I'm Swollen" (2009 on Saddle Creek)

"From the Hips" mp3

I started to listen to this album at about 8:20 AM. Big mistake. I am not saying it is not a good album but what I mean is that it is way too loud for a morning commute. Tim Kasher's vocals are as raw as ever. The melodies rise and fall in a sort-of Pixies fashion. The same battle topics present in Cursive's previous albums are still apparent: doubt, growing old and a dash of political awareness. "From the Hips" is the battle between being at one's best and at one's worst (a normative battle in the land of Cursive) while "Caveman" is all about the battle between moving on up in the world and staying put. As a whole, the album is a typical Cursive record and a good one at that.

The Decemberists "Hazards of Love" (March 24, 2009 on Capitol)

"The Rake's Song" mp3

G-d Dammit, Decemberists, what are you doing with yourselves? In this release, the band tries to pick up where they left off with "The Crane Wife" (an album I am not too fond of besides a few high points-"Sons and Daughters," "O! Valencia" and "Summersong"). Instead of constructing an album with catchy melodies, like seen in the "Always a Bridesmaid" singles series, they shoot for the stars and fall short. All of these "preludes" and "interludes" read more like an ornate rock opera than a solid rock record. "The Rake Song" (the song released as a free download) is the only tune that does not falter off. But background melodies and "Alright"s are just too much. The next track "Annan Water" has really lovely guitars.

I am sorry Colin Meloy, I love your music (and your accent that I can never really place). But stop trying so hard. It would be much better if you would put out shorter records with a solid group of witty songs. Instead of a 17 song album half good songs and half filler tracks. Make an album like "Her Majesty" or "Picaresque" again. I know you can do it. Thank you.

Note 3/30/09: I listened to this album several more times recently and the truth is that I really like it. It is an album of mostly high points and only a few low points. I am not going to edit the content of my original review, I just wanted to make a note of my change of heart. So to the readers: Check out this album, give it more than one listen. Don't be so quick to judge, like I was.

Jessica Lea Mayfield "With Blasphemy So Heartfelt" (2008 on Polymer)

"We've Never Lied" mp3

I have heard so much about this 20-year old singer-songwriter from Ohio on KEXP and WRSI (93.9 The River). But I always dismissed her because, of course, I rarely like female vocalists. But the other day I gave in and realized that Mayfield has something different to offer. Her songs are, as one reading the album title would imagine, incredibly heartfelt. Even the G-ds at Pitchfork liked this album - giving it a 8.2/10. It starts off soft with "Kiss Me Again." Her voice has a raw drawl, especially in "I Can't Lie to You, Love" and "The One That I Love Best." "We've Never Lied" is a tune about trying to correct and deal with a relationship that has gone sour. "You've Won Me Over" is a strong acoustic song outlining being around that person who knows all the right thing to say. But you are never sure if they are sincere or just has a tendency to " kiss all the girlies [he] know[s]." Each song on this album is perfectly suited for a different type of mix cd (ie. unrequited love, new love, friendship, broken relationships, etc).

M. Ward "Hold Time" (February 17, 2009 on Merge/4AD)

"Stars of Leo" mp3

M. Ward strikes again with another heartfelt record and a great follow up to 2006's "Post War." His voice is raspy. His guitars are strum-tastic. The harmonies are reminiscent of camp-fire bliss. The single, "Never Had Nobody Like You" features Zooey Deschanel in all of her troubadour glory. In "Rave On," a Buddy Holly cover, Ward, as expected, injects his own special charm into the words and melody. "Stars of Leo" is another gem that discusses "pick me ups" and "bring me downs" in this crazy world. "Fisher of Men" is just the type of mountain-living song we would expect from M. Ward.

Keep the hits on coming, M. Ward. We love it.

A Synth Masterpiece: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart

2009-03-17T11:28:00.002-04:00

The Pains of Being Pure At Heart is an example of a band with a very intriguing name, so intriguing that I decided to check out their self-titled album on a whim. Without any preconceived notions to what the band sounded like, who their influences were, or where they were from, I waited 15 minutes for the album to download to my hard drive and then spent the rest of day listening to all 10 songs on this lovely album.

The Pains are a New York-band with a sort of low-fi, 80s rock sound. The name of the band came from an unpublished children's' story written by a friend of front-man Kip Berman (according to their wikipedia page). They have been hailed by Stereogum as a band to watch. They have become a staple of KEXP and are currently playing at South by Southwest. By utilizing both female and male vocals and a variety of instruments - including synthesizer keyboards, the band is reminiscent of such groups as New Order and My Bloody Valentine, but with a bit more modernity.

They released their debut album in 2009 to Slumberland Records. It has been hailed by critics, including Pitchfork. "Come Saturday," the second track on their self-titled debut album, reminded me of 80s Brit Rock, like The Smiths without Morrissey's stand-out vocals. Other songs, like "Young Adult Fiction," have a happy-go-lucky synth-infused melody. "A Teenager in Love" is their most dance-tastic track. Its clap-along drum beat is easily recognizable over the boy/girl vocal styling. "Gentle Sons," the closing track, has a generous guitar solo and leaves a sense of desire in the ear of the listener.

When I told Jenna I was going to blog about this band, she said, "That band sounds emo! Is it?" That is a fair question. I respond, "No. Not really. Although the name does suggest a certain degree of 'emo-ness'." But the fact that their influences are placed largely in the 1980s make them a desirable band for anyone who appreciates a low-fi synth masterpiece, which is what I believe this album, and this band, evokes.

Check out the glory of The Pains of Being Pure At Heart for yourself with these mp3s...

Young Adult Friction

A Teenager in Love

Gentle Sons

Assessment: Dan Auerbach's Solo Album, Keep It Hid

2009-03-16T13:31:00.005-04:00

Dan Auerbach has been quite busy since his latest album with The Black Keys, Attack & Release, dropped on April 1. On February 10, Keep It Hid snuck onto the scene leering and quickly marked its territory as a solo project that does not disappoint. The retro treasure was recorded at Auerbach’s home studio in Akron, Ohio. Laden with blues folk, the album opens with the acoustic, “Trouble Weighs A Ton”, before launching into the grittier sounds of psychedelic rock.

By the time “The Prowl” starts playing, you will probably have a bottle of whiskey in your hands and a swagger in your step. Auerbach menacingly croons, “I see you walkin’ after dark/ Trading looks with other men/ But I’m the only one you need/ And I know just where you’ve been” and you can practically picture him making eyes at you from across a smoky dive bar too late at night.

One of my favorites is the paranoid track, “When I Left The Room”. In a haunting whir of soulful psychedelia, Auerbach artfully laments a love affair gone rotten. He unapologetically moans, “But now her eyes foretell/ Only impending doom/ And I just wanna know/ What she said when I left the room.”

Although still a tad melancholy, “Goin’ Home” is more uplifting than its previous contenders. It rounds out the album with a comforting and familiar twang. Auerbach seems to have found a morsel of peace as he openly admits, “I want the sun to hit my face/ Through oak trees in the open lot/ Forget about the things you want/ Be thankful for what all you got.”

The Prowl mp3
When I Left The Room mp3
Mean Monsoon mp3

For more information check out Dan Auerbach's myspace page.

Video Killed The Radio Star: 6 Awesome Music Videos To Kick Start Your Weekend

2009-03-13T15:32:00.011-04:00

When was the last time MTV played two music videos consecutively? When was the last time you saw a music video?
Since The Buggles first appeared on MTV the possibilities for music videos has grown, just look at Michael Jackson’s epic short feature and now soon-to-be Broadway musical, “Thriller” video. They come in many shapes and sizes, whether it’s exclusive backstage footage, band’s flexing their acting skills and playing dress up or an artful animation sequence. So here’s some vid picks, some old, some new, some borrowed (kinda, thanks for your suggestions girls, even if they didn’t make the cut) and some blue (or rather from the band that brought you the Blue album), for your viewing pleasure:

Fleet Foxes- White Winter Hymnal

The idea for this video is super cool, comparing the cycle of life to the round structure of the song, and besides, who doesn’t love claymation?!

A-Ha- Take On Me

One of my favorite videos ever, these pretty boys from Norway leap off the page.

Radiohead- Just

I LOVE this video! Conceptually brilliant, the unknown, possibly existential crisis combined with Radiohead’s abrasive jam is the work of genius.

The Strokes- Reptilia

If you don’t like The Strokes you may not like the video, but clean partial shots of a shoe, an eye, or a frenzied hand strumming guitar strings make for a visually aesthetic experience.
Favorite moment: As Julian sings: “Now every time that I look at myself,” curly headed Hammond Jr. slowly turns to face the camera, his eyes glancing upwards.

Weezer- Keep Fishin’

Known for their videos, the geeky 90’s rockers team up with the Muppets for a most sensational, inspiration, celebrational, Muppetational performance!

Loney Dear- Saturday Waits

In the style of photographer William Wegman, dogs dressed as human’s act out a tragic story of a relationship gone bad.

Appreciation! F**k My Life.com

2009-03-13T15:15:00.006-04:00

Okay. Okay. I know I am a little behind sometimes when it comes to exciting new websites. But I find myself newly obsessed with F**k My Life or FML.

FML is a website where people submit short sentences complaining about real life events that warranted a "wtf!" or "are you serious?" response. Categories range from love to money to sex to work to miscellaneous. Each page is chock full of entries that will make you laugh hysterically out loud. Who doesn't love to chuckle at another person's bad luck and affliction ? I know I do.

Here are some examples of entries on FML:

"Today my boss fired me via text. I don't have a text messaging plan. I paid $0.25 to get fired. FML." link
"Today I tried to prove to my dad that he snores by secretly putting a tape recorder under his bed. I soon found out that my parents had sex that night. Apparently my mom likes to talk dirty. FML."link
"Today my brother's new girlfriend, who is blind, asked to feel my face so she could tell what i look like. She said i was 'unique.' I got called ugly by a blind chick. FML." link

So go to the website. Maybe waste some time at work. It will definitely be worth it. Just make sure not to laugh too loud because your co-workers will stare and you will be forced to answer with a resounding "FML!"

Appreciation! La Blogothèque

2009-03-13T13:53:00.014-04:00

La Blogothèque

In a hallway, in front of elaborate iron-worked windows and two green trash bins, Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon leads his band in an acapella version of “For Emma,” off his debut album "For Emma, Forever Ago," clapping rhythm like a human metronome. Vernon tries and fails to open the door for building residents, vocalist/pianist Sean Carey then buzzes them in, bassist Mike Noyce smirks at Vernon’s ineptitude, Carey stoops to pet a friendly dog that runs over; throughout all of which the band never pauses in their acapella serenade. The long hallway, lit by a soft pink glow that seems to radiate off every surface, fills with beautiful three-part harmony. As the song winds down the camera pans to the other end of the entrance-way where a crowd has gathered to listen, and the same dog jumps playfully, looking to be pet.

No. 93 in an ongoing series of Les Concerts A Emporter or 'Take Away Shows,' this Bon Iver performance is one of my favorites. Produced by La Blogothèque, brainchild of Chryde and French indie filmmaker Vincent Moon, the artistically filmed live performances take music out of the concert halls and into the streets, literally. Bands play acoustic and/or acapella sets walking down the street, in parks, bars, apartments and even elevators!

The groups, with guitars strapped to their backs, portable percussion (maraca’s, a single drum) and vertically carried keyboards travel through quaint city backdrops and everyday soundscapes (birds, rushing traffic, surprised screaming fans a la The Kooks video) like bands of roving troubadours. In an I’m From Barcelona video, lead singer Emanuel Lundgren leads an unprompted ever-growing pedestrian chorus that follows behind him, like a pied piper of indie rock.

On Parisian boulevards lined with trees and in the interiors of architecturally aesthetic buildings an honest, clean sound is captured in continuous, single-takes, through a lens that makes the images appear to have been sepia-toned and then filled in with water colors. The minimalistic performances paired with facial close-ups, lends an authentic experience to online viewers, granting intimate access to your favorite bands. The only audience is the omniscient camera, or occasionally impromptu crowds of curious locals drawn in (as are we), by the music.

Started in Paris in April 2006, the project has now spread globally and involves other directors in addition to Moon, who shoot bands in locations around the world such as Jerusalem, Montreal and Austin, TX. Lykke Li, The National, Cold War Kids, Fleet Foxes, Bloc Party, Beirut, Margot and The Nuclear So & So’s, The Shins, Andrew Bird and many others have performed for the web outfit. For a full listing of bands and videos go here.

“Our goal is to try and capture instants, film the music just like it happens, without preparation, without tricks. Spontaneity is the key word.”

Other Favorite Performances (in no particular order):

Bon Iver- For Emma

Arcade Fire- Neon Bible

Squeezed into an elevator, the 8-piece outfit still manages to churn out a heartfelt rendition of “Neon Bible,” off their album of the same title. The jigsaw puzzle of guitars, violins, brass instruments and bodies are fitted together in a claustrophobically tight space, making for an intimate performance venue. Band members bang on the ceiling and rip magazines, while bowing violins swell in a tide of emotion, producing a sound that the small space cannot contain. Or if that doesn’t do it for you, the sheer fact that the whole band with instruments fit in that elevator is a feat in itself!

Vampire Weekend- The Kids Don’t Stand A Chance/Oxford Comma

The camera encircles the foursome in a gated courtyard/parking lot as they play acoustic guitars, a keyboard laid down on the concrete, and use dumpsters as a drum set. Surrounded on two-sides by the windows of high-walled apartment buildings, Ezra Koenig’s squeaky voice echoes and amplifies around the courtyard. Something about the open space and stripped down rendition of “The Kids Don’t Stand A Chance” with big drum sounds and a simple guitar riff just works. Then almost like an afterthought the video cuts to the band walking single file down the street playing a minimalistic guitars/vocals/maracas version of “Oxford Comma.” The band’s sparse song stylings echo Moon’s single takes and shaky panning shots, the marriage of which is a match made in heaven . . . or maybe Cape Cod by way of Paris.

Fleet Foxes- Sun Giant/Blue Ridge Mountains

You don’t need to do much to make Fleet Foxes look and sound good. With their beautiful, ethereal harmonies and signature Pacific Northwestern flannel outfitting, the group was one of the best to break out 2008. What makes this video great is that Moon in fact doesn’t do much, using subtle filming techniques such as an enhanced dark/light color contrast, and strategically picked locations to compliment the band’s sound and image. A slowed, acapella version of the “Sun Giant” on a park lawn brings to the foreground the naturalistic imagery abundant in the lyrics, and the epic “Blue Ridge Mountains” is performed in a deserted, high-ceilinged area of the Grand Palais, an old palace that fills and echoes with their brazen saccharine voices.

Rant: Down with the Encore

2009-03-10T13:33:00.005-04:00

If you ask me, the encore is a tired and outdated process. The band has left the stage, the lights are darkened, and yet, the audience continues to shout and clap like those wind-up toy monkeys with brass cymbals. “Encore, encore,” the French word for “again,” can frequently be heard and you already know that the band is gonna come charging back onstage and play that hit song of theirs that they not so inconspicuously omitted from the set list. When a concert is over, I am ready to leave. If it’s a weekday, I am ready to hop on the subway and go home, and if it’s a weekend, I’m ready to head to the nearest bar. Besides, if a band is good enough, I’d like to think that the audience members will be satisfied, encore or no encore.

So, you can imagine my delight while at a Bon Iver concert at Town Hall a few months ago, when Justin Vernon announced that there would not be an encore. One fan was outraged and unleashed some gobbledygook about the failing economy and wanting to get his money’s worth. Yet, Bon Iver played practically every song, not only from For Emma, Forever Ago, but also from their new EP, Blood Bank. We were even treated to a cover of Sarah Siskind’s tragically beautiful, “Lovin’s For Fools”. I felt that my money was well spent and left feeling pleased with the show.

Other artists agree with me on this matter. The Strokes generally skip out on encores and Ben Folds once poked fun at the useless ritual as well, saying something along the lines of, “I’m coming back, but you should try to act surprised.” Spare our voice boxes the screaming and shouting and take it from Elvis. Leave the building.

Have You Heard? Julian Casablancas Featured on Lonely Island Comedy Album

2009-03-05T22:17:00.006-05:00

While The Strokes are on hiatus (and currently recording their new album!), all five shaggy mop-tops; Albert Hammond Jr., Nick Valensi, Nikolai Fraiture, Fabrizio Moretti, and Julian Casablancas, have been pursuing various musical side projects.

Hammond Jr. released his second album Como Te Llama?, Fraiture his first solo album The Time of Assassins under the name Nickel Eye, Moretti teamed up with Binki Shapiro and Los Hermanos singer/guitarist Rodrigo Amarante to form Little Joy and release a self-titled album, while Casablancas collaborated with Santogold and Pharrell Williams on “My Drive Thru” for a Converse ad campaign. Sadly no tunes from Valensi, who has spent his time off getting hitched and livin’ it large as a new dad.

And now the newest musical foray to come out of that unruly pit of New York garage rockers is somewhat unexpected. Casablancas rich syrupy vocals can be found on Incredibad, the debut album from The Lonely Island. The comedy trio made up by SNL cast member Andy Samberg and his two childhood friends, Akiva Schaffter and Jorma Taccone, just released their first album full of tracks such as “Dick In A Box” and “Jizz In My Pants,” that you’ll recognize if you’re a fan of SNL’s Digital Shorts. Casablancas guest stars on “Boombox,” Samberg’s Flo-Rida-like slow jam about the powerful effects a boom box can have on a bunch of white people. In his liquid-gravel voice Casablancas intones the songs evolving hook, “Everything got out of control. The music was so entrancing. Everyone got out on the floor. It was a bunch of all white people dancin’.”

The song is pretty funny and for some reason Samberg has an obsession with people eating boiled goose, but it’s worth listening to for Casablancas deep, mournful crooning. Especially stick it out to the very end, where he wails an ominous warning like a true 80’s power balladeer, “A boom box is not a toyyy!”

So break yourself off some boiled goose and listen to this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJaBR1G8ouM

(Plus) Coming Soon To A Blog Near You: Take It Or Leave It: A Comprehensive Guide to The Strokes Side Projects

Assessment! Lily Allen

2009-03-05T18:43:00.017-05:00

God likes folksy Southern rock.
At least that is, according to Lily Allen.

On her second, more introspective album, It’s Not Me It’s You, Allen moves beyond conversations in the pub, to ruminate on more serious issues such as prescription drug abuse, family relationships, and metaphysical musings about God. “Him” asks some not-so-big-picture questions like, “Come election time who do you think He would he vote for?” and “Do you think He’s any good at remembering names?” and even definitively announces, “His favorite band is Creedence Clearwater Revival.” (God Are You There? It’s Me Proud Mary.)

Don’t let the subject matter fool you though; Allen’s private life in song is largely set to a dance soundtrack that puts the boogie first and pain second. Just as on her first album Alright, Still, Allen’s upbeat sound and sweet voice coat a bitter commentary, “So your daughters depressed, we’ll get her straight on the Prozac, but little do you know she already takes crack.” The world through Lily Allen’s big brown eyes is sometimes pessimistic, but listening to her school girl voice, you can’t help skipping through the tarnished landscape with a smile.

The album’s standout track is her first single “The Fear” with a disco dance beat and colorful electronic groove that recalls sounds of Joy Division. The song is a sharp, acerbic commentary on the celebrity and fame obsessed culture that has used her as tabloid fodder, from the opening line, “I want to be rich and I want lots of money,” to a later observation, “Life’s about film stars and less about mothers/ It’s all about fast cars and cussing each other/But it doesn’t matter because I’m packing plastic/And that’s what makes my life so fucking fantastic.”

And like in the video for this single, on her sophomore effort, Allen releases her personal burdens like a bundle of brightly colored balloons. She exposes her relationships, beliefs and sexual desires as unabashedly as she once exposed her now famous third nipple.

In “Back To The Start” video game-esque noises offer repentance for past mistakes and a plea to start fresh with her older sister, and “He Wasn’t There,” the album’s closing swinging jazz ditty, details her troubled past with her father.

Even more confessional is “Not Fair,” a twangy country two-stepper in which Allen repeatedly laments, “You never make me scream,” to a man who apparently never heard the wisdom Alec Baldwin had to offer in the film Outside of Providence, “Making sex is like a Chinese dinner: It ain't over 'til you both get your cookies.”
And speaking of Chinese food, this album marks a distinct change in attitude, as on tracks like “Chinese,” Allen has calmed down her party-girl life style to spend a night in watching TV and eating take-out.

In this same Adele, Sara Bareilles female singer/songwriter style, “Who’d Have Known,” is about a friendship that unexpectedly turns into something more, as she shyly sings with a giggle in her voice, “And today you accidentally, called me baby.”Allen not only broadens her lyrics, but her music style, moving beyond a pop/reggae hook to electro-synth pop, piano rock, and Slavic accordion beats (“Never Gonna Happen”).

It’s Not Me, It’s You sounds like one of the boldest break-up lines I’ve ever heard, and in the way the album does chronicle a break-up. Not only of Allen with her former live-in boyfriend Ed Simons of the Chemical Brothers (“I Could Say”- I’m only assuming), but with the pigeon-holing media and her cynical attitude. The album presents a more mature Allen, who’s self-assured, but not completely lacking the signature feisty, fuck you approach (literally naming one Carpenter’s inspired, 70’s pop sounding song “Fuck You”) that made us all love her so much in the first place. Truer to the name than Madonna, Lily Allen’s album is full of Confessions on [the] Dance Floor.

And a personal note to my fellow lady bloggers: Goonies Never Say Die!

Appreciation! Painfully Hip

2009-03-03T14:33:00.006-05:00

Thrifting is not for everyone. Some people get skeeved out sorting through racks upon racks of fashion rejects, sweatshirts that were given out for free at bar mitzvahs, and clothes that were donated because their original owners are now dead. I am not one of those people, and neither is Amber Mortensen, the creator of PainfullyHip.com.

Amber started the site to ward off boredom while working for a sound studio for film and television in Vancouver, BC. She picked up and moved to Sacramento where she freelanced for News & Review, owned her own graphic design business, and occasionally hit the catwalk, modeling for local fashion shows. Now Amber can be found anywhere and everywhere. She has been traveling to her heart’s content, stopping every now and then to sing and strum her ukulele or rummage through the racks in the most fantastic of vintage stores.

Since then, fellow posters, such as Diana and Eve, have joined Amber and together they have helped Painfully Hip live up to its namesake. The site features topics such as thrift star of the day, which allows readers to send in photos of their own adorable outfits, as well as posts about new trends they are loving, and tips from the experts about how to make the most of your thrifting experience. There is even an interview with the always gorgeous Watson Twins who happen to be avid thrifters as well. Who knew?

For those of you who have felt the thrill of finding a designer bag with a $6 price tag attached to it, this site is for you. And it’s for you, holding up that blazer you found in the little boy’s section, thinking, “I can do something with this.” And it’s most definitely for you, wearing your parent’s old clothes from the 60’s and striking a painfully hip pose.

Beauty is pain, so read up.

*Special thanks to Amy Newhall for our thrifting adventures in Westcott and for showing me this site.

Appreciation! KEXP, the radio station to end all radio stations

2009-03-03T11:30:00.017-05:00

One of the main ways I get through the work day is by listening to some sweet tunes. More often than not, my soundtrack for the day is a live online stream of KEXP. KEXP is a Seattle-based listener supported radio station that plays alternative, independent and eclectic music, like Harvey Danger, Kings of Leon, The Long Winters, Interpol, The Hold Steady, My Morning Jacket and TV on the Radio.

KEXP began in 1972, broadcasting from the University of Washington campus. Since then it has grown from a 10-watt to a 720-watt award-winning radio station with fans and supporters all over the world.

John Richards (aka. John in the Morning) and Cheryl (the afternoon show DJ) not only present an amazing playlist but provide the listener with an adequate amount of on-air banter. Sometimes sharing a bit too much information, the DJs seem to truly care about the music and the artists they play all day long.

Their website is truly expansive and features a live playlist, a blog (with live show reviews and band profiles), a donations page, concert calendar and information about its djs (even pictures of John Richard's son, Arlie). In addition to regular programming, there are frequent on-air Live at KEXP performances, countdown lists (like the Top 90.3 albums of 2008 and Top 903 albums of all time).

Although they focus on a lot of Northwestern bands, like Point Juncture, WA and Elks, KEXP also has a connection to New York. John in the Morning can be heard on 91.5 Radio NY from 9-12 a.m. Recently a program called To The Five Boroughs was launched. Also hosted by John Richards, it is broadcast from Radio NY's Brooklyn studio and features music from local New York bands old and new.

The beauty of KEXP is its interactivity. If you request a song, chances are they will play it (or at least respond to your inquiry). Also (and probably most importantly), KEXP serves as one of my main resources of finding new and interesting music, usually via the KEXP "Song of the Day" podcast. This free podcast features a song each day, selected by the DJs and staff that they deem as a standout. Some of the bands featured on the podcast have been Neko Case, Nada Surf, Miles Anthony Benjamin Robinson, The Gaslight Anthem and Ra Ra Riot.

Now here is a list of 15 bands I have recently discovered by listening to KEXP (with links to their respective myspace pages):

Airborne Toxic Event link
A.C. Newman link
The Bird and the Bee link
The Boy Least Likely To link
Deer Tick link
Elvis Perkins link
The Felice Brothers link
J. Tillman link
MGMT link
Noah and the Whale link
Parts and Labor link
Plants and Animals link
The Rosebuds link
School of Seven Bells link
Vetiver link

This week they are doing one of their tri-annual membership drive. I donated $15. I will be getting a membership card and a free bumper sticker. How much will you donate today?

Top 5: Songs for a Snow Day

2009-03-02T10:45:00.012-05:00

The snow is a beautiful thing, especially when it lets you stay home from work and/or school. It is like a mini-vacation from life where you can sleep late and stay in PJs all day long. Even though it only lasts a day, it is a wonderful time to take a moment away from the daily grind and lay back. Here is a list of 5 songs perfectly suited for that type of wintery day:

1. The Arcade Fire "Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)" mp3

"And if the snow buries my neighborhood/ and if my parents are crying/ then I'll dig a tunnel from my window to yours."

Arcade Fire are originally from Montreal and have some pretty wintery songs. Win Bulter's roaring vocals along with the violins set up this song that conveys that "snowed in feeling" of childhood (or adult-hood). It is that feeling where all you want to do is meet up with friends at a local hill and sled down over and over again. With wind in your hair and frost on your face, it is a time to make everlasting memories.

2. Interpol "Obstacle 2" mp3

"I'm gonna hold your face and toast the snow that fell/ because friends don't waste wine when there's words to sell."

Typically Interpol is one of those "rainy" bands and not in the "snowy" bands category. But this song reminds me of that type of snow that happens in college: classes are canceled and friends gather to take advantage of the mid-week snow day by, often, enjoying a few cocktails. Paul Banks seems to be no stranger to those wine-filled days. And his voice is a perfect match for the mood of the song which is mysterious and devoid of all responsibility.

3. Honorary Titled "Snow Day" mp3

"Please let the snow swallow the streets whole./ Keep the bus from coming./ Let us stay home/ so we can avoid the daily drudgery."

The night before the possible snow day is often the hardest. In sleep, you hope that the snow will be enough to cancel whatever plans you have for the next day. Hopefully you will be able to stay in bed all day and drink hot chocolate as you watch the snow slowly falling outside your window. This song holds on to that hopeful feeling.

4. Stars "Heart" mp3

"You disembark the latest flight from paradise./ You almost turn your ankle in the snow./ You fall back into where you started/ make up words to song you used to know."

Stars is another Canadian band that has so many songs about love and winter, but this is one of the strongest. The dual vocals are just like two hopeful lovers meeting on a snowy evening, engaging in conversation that in the past never seemed to match up. But suddenly they get it and realize they really are "still in love" with each other. All it took was one snow-flaky evening.

5. Jimmy Eat World "Crush" mp3

"Faintest snow keep falling, falling/ Yeah/ Hands around your waist./ Nameless, standing cold, standing cold...My lungs are so numb from holding back."

Jimmy Eat World really knows how to write and execute songs that hold on to a specific feeling. It was never done better than on 1999's album "Clarity." This song has always been one of my favorites. It outlines the evening where the slow snow is the main characteristic of an evening. It always makes things more magical. As the cold air seeps into the lungs, words are harder to come back and every sentence must be chosen carefully as not to waste one breath on pointless words.

Thursday Top 3: "Grower" Bands

2009-02-26T13:23:00.006-05:00

I am a big believer in "growers," those bands that take more than one listen to truly appreciate. To call a band a 'grower' is not a negative thing. Instead it simply means that the first impression of a band may not be the most accurate one.

It is like that person who, at first, you don't like. You think they are weird. You don't get their sense of humor or their pop culture references. You keep hanging out with them, however, because you see a little bit of good in their character. Maybe they have good taste in beer or an interesting fashion sense. Then something strange happens. After a few hanging-out sessions, you start to laugh at their jokes. You start to recognize their references and even add on a few of your owns. Suddenly they are your new B.F.F.F.

By the same token, growers are bands that at the first listen do not soothe the sense, but with a few more spins make perfect sense...

1. The Hold Steady
To me, The Hold Steady is the ultimate example of a grower band. The first time I listened this Minneapolis band, I was not a fan. I could not get past Craig Finn's voice or how he sing-talks. The guitars were too loud and raw. I did not get why everyone loved this band so much.

But now, I get it. The beauty of The Hold Steady can really be found in their lyrics. The songs are simply stories about friends, bar nights, parties, adventures and bar nights. The stories told in "Party Pit," "Massive Nights" and "Chillout Tent" are more of a shared-history than a rock song. It is to the extent that their friends seem familiar - like your friends. Not all of THS's songs are loud. The quieter and more vulnerable ballads, like "Citrus" and "Lord, I'm Discouraged," are prime examples of the ever reaching talent that this band possesses. It only takes a few tries to recognize it.

How Resurrection Really Feels (from "Separation Sunday") mp3
Citrus (from "Boys and Girls in America") mp3

2. Pavement

For some reason, I always ignored Pavement as one of those bands on my "very influential yet not my taste" list. I had heard a few songs in the past but it never stuck. Then, while creating this list, I decided to give them another try (at the suggestion of Kevin, from the-Audiobahn). As I downloaded "Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain" and "Slanted and Enchanted," I did not know what to expect. I had listened to a lot of Stephen Malkmus solo stuff in the past and liked it but was not thrilled by his voice or off-kilter lyrics. But what the hell. Second time is the charm, right?

After only a few listens of each of those pivotal Pavement albums, I immediately found myself bobbing my head along with the 90s sensibilities of many of their songs, like "Cut Your Hair" and "Filmore Jive" (from "Crooked Rain"). Many of the songs on "Slanted and Enchanted" are reminiscent of Weezer's "Pinkerton."

So my advice if you have disregarded Pavement in the past: give it another chance. This is a prime example of when a really influential band is actually good and not just incredibly overrated.

Gold Soundz (from "Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain") mp3
Zurich is Stained (from "Slanted and Enchanted") mp3

3. Bon Iver
I love mountainy musicians, like Fleet Foxes and Ray LaMontagne. I usually develop an admiration instantly because, I think, part of me wishes I lived surrounded by sky-lines made of mountains instead of those made of sky scrapers. The instant love I expected to have with Bon Iver did not happen at first sound. It was something about the raw nature of his voice that made me wonder, "Could anyone's voice actually sound like that naturally?" I liked the guitars though so I kept listening to "For Emma, Forever Ago." After 12+ listens, I grasped the true talent of Justin Vernon. His voice is definitely an acquired taste. But I believe his unique voice and gorgeous lyrics have secured him a place in the Mount Rushmore of mountainy musicians (if there was one).

For Emma (from "For Emma, Forever Ago") mp3
Blood Bank (from "Blood Bank EP") mp3

Honorable Mentions: Neko Case, Martin Sexton, Regina Spektor, Vampire Weekend

Eureka! Passion Pit

2009-02-25T17:05:00.002-05:00

So what if Passion Pit is also the name of an old hardcore porno? The actual story behind the birth of this band is surprisingly… endearing. Michael Angelakos was a student at Emerson College who wanted to surprise his girlfriend with something nice for Valentines Day. Being that he was a day or two late, he ended up going all out and giving her an EP, now entitled Chunk of Change. I’ve gotta say, it makes those chocolates I received seem kind of bland, and by bland, I mean really thoughtful. Thanks!

After adding four more members to the mix, namely, Ian Hultquist, Ayad Al Adhamy, Jeff Apruzzese and Nate Donmoyer, the group was all the rage at the CMJ festival last October. Some of the tracks are a bit lacking. “Better Things” is hardly impressive but catchy dance tracks like, “I’ve Got Your Number” saves the day with some always infectious synthetic hand clapping and Angelakos’ lilting falsetto.

"Sleepyhead" is by far the standout track in my opinion. Backed by a strong beat, this song practically explodes with Alvin and the Chipmunk-esque vocal loops and shimmering synthtasticness. I just made up two words to describe it. That’s how crazy it is. The song was immediately a blog hit. We didn’t report on it in the midst of its success because we didn’t have a blog back then. Sorry about that. Consider this a belated Valentines Day present?

*Bonus points to them for touring with Ra Ra Riot!

Sleepyhead mp3
I've Got Your Number mp3

For more information check out Passion Pit's myspace page.

Wheel of Fortune, A Case of the Sniffles, and The Top 10 Movie Soundtracks for a Sick Day

2009-02-20T15:11:00.026-05:00

Ever since Bob Barker left The Price is Right, it hasn't been the same. I'm just not able to get that same home-from-school-sick rush I used to get. So having been sick for the past week, in lieu of one high, I traded in for another- an endless marathon of old movies ranging everything from cheesy 80's romance to classic patriarchal Disney films. Nothing clears up a cough like cartoon plates and napkins singing "Be Our Guest!" So to pay tribute to my week long self-imposed exile, I've compiled my list of the Top 10 Best Movie Soundtracks (ever? or possibly within the last 50 years). There may be a lot of oversight in this list, but the incensed reader can either attribute that to my slow recovery or the obvious fact that subjectivity is in the eye of the beholder.

Let me just finally preface this with what I believe makes a good soundtrack. A worthy film score must capture some feeling encapsulated by the film, some intangible theme that is emanated but not given overt voice. A soundtrack can bring you back to a film long after it has ended; to help you relive that experience through the music. Furthermore, a truly great soundtrack will go even further, to not only capture the mood of the film, but of the times themselves. And lastly, there just need to be some kick ass tunes.

10. Juno- Honest to blog, the soundtrack for this cute flick about teen pregnancy is itself seriously pregnant . . . with some awesome tunes. Featuring songs by The Velvet Underground, The Kinks, and cute musical shorts by former Moldy Peaches member, Kimya Dawson.

9. I Am Sam Soundtrack -Sean Penn may not have won an Academy Award for his portrayal of a mentally retarded man fighting for custody of his daughter, but there is no question that this soundtrack is pure gold. A compilation of 17 Beatles covers by well respected artists of today, such as Ben Folds, Nick Cave, Rufus Wainwright, and Eddie Vedder.

8. Singles -Cameron Crowe's film about love in the 90's not only paid tribute to the Seattle dating scene, but to the grunge sound coming out of there as well. The soundtrack has all the greats with Alice in Chains, Soundgarden and Pearl Jam, or should I say Citizen Dick. Eddie and the boys are not only on the soundtrack but stand-in for Matt Dillon's band in the film.

7. Once: The Motion Picture - The acoustic rock songs by duo Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova are the heart and soul of this movie and won them a very deserved Academy Award.

6. Velvet Goldmine - This post-modern glam rock pic, based roughly on 70's glam gods David Bowie, Lou Reed, Brian Ferry and Brian Eno will have you reaching for the eyeliner and pair of platform space boots.

5. The Graduate - Ku Ku Kachoo Mrs. Robinson! This classic soundtrack with pivotal songs by Simon and Garfunkel leaves you wanting for anything but the sound of silence.

4. The Big Chill - Produced by Motown Records, the soundtrack features some of the best of 60's do-wop and soul. From Smokey Robinson's soft sounds to Rudy Clark's Good Lovin', its sure to have you twisting and shouting in your seat.

3. Garden State - The perfect songs to accompany a film about post-college apathy. Zach Braff, the film's star and director, picks soothing acoustic tunes that will be played in college dorm rooms for years to come.

2. A Hard Day's Night- The Beatles first film was a precursor to the modern music video, and features the Fab Four getting up to crazy hjinks with a terrific soundtrack to match, from the famous title track "Hard Day's Night" to "If I Fell," possibly their most beautiful song ever, and one of my personal favorites.

1. William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet - Baz Luhrmann's modern re-imagining of Shakespeare's classic love story was updated with a 90's soundtrack featuring artists like Radiohead, Everclear, and one hit wonder The Cardigans ("Lovefool"). It'll have you shouting up at balcony windows, "Wherefore is this soundtrack so freakin' good?!"

Those Albums that Didn't Make The Cut:

Dazed and Confused- Various Artists
About A Boy- Badly Drawn Boy
The Who's Tommy- The Who

And For Your Consideration:

ALL soundtracks for movies written/directed by:
Wes Anderson, Quinton Tarintino, AND Cameron Crowe

Eureka! Human Highway

2009-02-20T13:30:00.008-05:00

Nick Thorburn and Jim Guthrie have teamed up again, this time bringing us the gentle and dreamy creation known as Human Highway. The two are well accustomed to working together, seeing as Guthrie was formerly a guitarist in Thorburn’s band, Islands.

The album, Moody Motorcycle, is a direct result of one week spent on Guthrie’s couch in his Toronto home and it has a sleepy, lullaby-like quality to match. Comprised of folksy low-key melodies, and channeling a little Simon & Garfunkel here and some Everly Brothers there, these songs make for perfect beach music, preferably when the sun is beginning to set and the crowd has left.

Throughout the album, Thorburn and Guthrie’s voices weave in and out of thick blanketing harmonies. The title track has a darker sound to it but retains a hopeful quality with lyrics, “Remain in the lane I travel in/ I won't spin out of control again/ The city shrinks, carefully shedding skin”.

“My Beach” came to be at the Hotel Congress in Tucson, Arizona, when the two were touring with Islands and began to play in front of a recorder. The result is a song of peaceful and endless dedication. Anxious to please, they sing, " I built you a castle/ But the tide took it away/ And now you think I'm an asshole/ So I try to make it okay."

The album finishes off with a less urgent cover of Billy Taylor’s, “Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free,” and appropriately so. It ties up all the loose ends of the album with the simple desire to “say all the things I should say” and signs off with the optimistic sound of birds chirping and a motorcycle driving off into the distance.

Moody Motorcycle mp3

My Beach mp3

Pretty Hair mp3

For more information check out Human Highway's myspace page.

Eureka! Johnny Flynn and the Sussex Wit

2009-02-19T14:45:00.008-05:00

I love Noah and the Whale as much as the next music-fan, but the truth is that every time cannot be the appropriate time to listen to a band soaked in ukulele, guitars, and sunshine. That is where Johnny Flynn and the Sussex Wit come in. Also from the UK, the Sussex Wit are a band with a similar sound as Noah and the Whale but are much less sugar-coated. Sussex Wit has those analogous standout vocals, the story-telling-through-song formula, and the folk guitars that Noah and the Whale love so much. Instead of ukulele, though, Sussex Wit uses the banjo and the violin to create their signature sound.

Many of the songs on "A Larum," the Sussex Wit's 2008 album, has a tempo close to that of Noah and the Whale's "Peaceful, The Way Lay Me Down." The opening track of "A Larum," called "A Box," is an excellent set-up for the rest of this 14-song delight. Violins chime in right off the bat. The chorus is incredibly catchy and paints the picture of someone who has nothing but is content with everything.

Many of the Sussex Wit's song are semi off-kilter. This is where personality is able to shine through. "Leftovers" is a fast tempo song that seems to be about dumpster diving. "Wayne Rooney" seems like an ode to the English soccer star but has nothing to do with the sport (according to the Wit's Lost Highway profile page). "Tickle Me Pink" is a catchy song made up of rhymes and a solid sing-along hook: "Pray for the people inside your head/ for they won't be there when you're dead."

Other songs are more straight forward, like "Hong Kong Cemetery." It starts off with some brass instrument (either a trumpet or a trombone - I can't exactly tell) and goes slowly into a description of just what one would expect: a Hong Kong Cemetery. Throughout the song, Flynn boasts "I'm alright" over and over again as if he is convincing himself that he is soundly dealing with the passing of a loved one (his grandfather) and the place where he was buried.

Front-man Johnny Flynn's background in Shakespeare, acting and poetry fuses into the sound of the band. It is intelligent yet quirky. It is intricate yet accessible. "A Larum" is a strong set of songs laced with typical UK-charm that is characteristic to so many bands hailing from that region of the world. Johnny Flynn and the Sussex Wit is a true find and hopefully they will make it across the pond sometime soon.

The Box mp3
Hong Kong Cemetery mp3
Wayne Rooney (Black Cab Session) mp3

For more information check out the band's official website or myspace page.

Top 5: Music Icons That We Love/Hate

2009-02-18T17:48:00.008-05:00

1. Sting
Moms love Sting. If I could poll all the mothers of the world, I would prove it. My own mom loves Sting. She loves him so much that she spent $26 to purchase his book, “Broken Music”. I decided to borrow it, because I like Sting (although I’m not a Mom). I like his music (The Police and his solo stuff), I like his style (Sting loves yoga, chess, and is a vegetarian), and so far, I like his book too. Allie, on the other hand, has no love for Sting. Shocked as I was, it got me thinking of our personal agendas with music icons. Allie, for instance, thinks Sting is creepy. Part of it is probably the whole tantric sex thing. Personally, I don’t mind Sting's affinity for tantric sex. Neither do most Moms. They think Sting is hot.

2. Bono
Most dads love Bono, although arguably not as much as moms love Sting. This is mostly because they think he looks cool with his perpetual sunglasses and he still rocks out even though he’s almost 50. They secretly want to be him. I hope I don’t get crucified here, but I don’t really like Bono. I think those sunglasses make him seem arrogant (Yes, you too, Kanye), even if he says it’s because his eyes are very sensitive to light. I’m sorry, but I’m not buying it. Although Bono is well known for his humanitarian work, it doesn’t come without controversy. His 2006 Vertigo Tour proved to be the second-most profitable tour of all time, grossing $389 million in ticket receipts alone. He promoted his ONE campaign, but according to Billboard, the revenue went to companies in Ireland with the intention of minimizing taxes. Questionable. Focus on the music.

3. Bob Dylan
Although Laurie has probably killed most of these heretics already, there are still some people out there who don’t fully appreciate Bob Dylan. Some accept that his songs are sheer brilliance, but do not believe that his voice lives up to them. Others put certain songs on such a pedestal that other creations of his could never live up to them and most of them shouldn’t. On top of this, he has aggravated countless interviewers and has had more split personalities than Sally Fields in “Sybil”. In a sense, Robert Zimmerman has deceived us all. Details! I still think he’s a musical genius.

4. Lou Reed
Much of the same can be said about Lou Reed, a principal member of one of the most influential bands of his time, The Velvet Underground. I love Lou Reed more than most. My dad even told him this when he met him at a concert, but I will try to keep an open mind. Lou is mean. You will know this is you’ve read any interview he’s ever done. I blame it on all the drugs. He also doesn’t have the most beautiful and melodious of voices. Okay, it’s downright gritty, but it matches the tonality of the music. You can’t have pretty harmonies when your subject matter is heroin. You just can’t.

5. Oasis
They claim to be bigger than the Beatles, and in terms of sales, they actually are, ever since “Morning Glory” beat out “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”. Yet, we also must take their shenanigans into account. Drug abuse and constant fighting in the public eye? Guilty as charged. The dueling Gallagher brothers are both amusing and annoying. The question is, which are they more of?

New Bands: From Discovery to the Facebook Page

2009-02-17T16:29:00.009-05:00

“Favorite Music” lists appear everywhere. They are found on facebook pages and blogspot profiles. They are created with friends in every day conversations and alone, while procrastinating the work-day. There is one thing I have learned recently. If you seek out new music on a regular basis like I do, your favorite music lists becomes dynamic and forever changing. If I edited my FB page every time I found a new band, “Allie added (so and so) to her favorite music” would appear on the news feed every day. So instead I have developed some criteria for adding a new band to favorite music list. And it goes something like this…

I must listen to more than one album by the band.

For example, I recently downloaded The Rosebuds “Like Life.” I listened to it several times and enjoyed it thoroughly each time. However, enjoying this one album would not give it a place in my “Favorite Music.” Instead, a second step had to be taken. I swiftly downloaded every other Rosebuds’ album I could find. This included everything from 2003’s “The Rosebuds’ Make Out” to 2007’s “Night of the Fluries” and everything in between.

I must have the ability to list or cite favorite songs by the artist.

Although there are exceptions, this song should not be “the single.” In the case of The Rosebuds, I would say that I like the song “Nice Fox” but my favorite song on the album is “In the Backyard.” Also, I love “Back to Boston” from “Make Out.” They have a lot of good songs.

I must learn where the band is from and a few fun facts.

This of course means doing some research. I spend some time on their website and click around their wikipedia page. For example, from looking at their wikipedia page I learned that The Rosebuds are a band from North Carolina who have been around since 2001.

I must read one or more reviews, interviews or profiles about the band.

This is how you learn the more intimate details about the band. These details can easily be inserted if a conversation about said band happens to arise. Also, it is important to take note of band photos so I can have a visual while I am listening to the band’s tunes.

Lastly, I must edit the existing list of favorite musical artists to make room for the new band.

There is nothing more annoying than someone who lists 465465784 bands on their “favorite music.” There is no way that they can like all of those bands equally. So before I add the new band (ie. The Rosebuds), I delete some of the bands I have ignored recently (ie. Fleet Foxes).

BONUS: Some Rosebuds mp3s to enjoy...
Back to Boston, From "Make Out"
Warm Where You Lay, From "Bird Make Good Neighbors"
In the Backyard, From "Like Life"

Friday Top 5: Sneaker Songs To Step To

2009-02-13T11:25:00.000-05:00

Just a few days ago, I was listening to Matt and Kim’s new album, Grand. The Brooklyn duo’s tunes have the ability to make you feel like you’ve ingested too much fun dip and it’s inevitable that you will tap your feet in time to the music. As soon as “Daylight,” began to play, I turned to Allie and said, “This song really makes me wanna dance… but with sneakers on." Allie promptly agreed with me on this notion. Certain bands just call for a dance party in sneakers. And don’t try to wear some other kind of footwear because it simply won’t do.

Matt and Kim, Daylight mp3

Another song that this applies to is MGMT’s “Kids”. Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden formed the band previously known as The Management while they were both students at Wesleyan in a somewhat accidental manner. What started out as a joke soon became success. “Kids (Afterschool Dance Megamix)” climbed the charts at a rapid rate and music lovers everywhere grabbed their sneakers and danced to its synthy beat.

MGMT, Kids mp3

The Ting Tings are responsible for the next electro-pop goodie, “That’s Not My Name”. It doesn’t seem possible to listen to this song without moving although I’d triple dog dare you to try. Jules De Martino and Katie White of Manchester make up the group and topped the UK charts with this delightful song. You may keep the same dance moves, but in this case, substitute the word “trainers” for “sneakers”.

The Ting Tings, That's Not My Name mp3

Black Kids first single, “I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance with You” is another song that practically begs for sneakers. Perhaps it’s the count off (One! Two! Three! Four!), or the amusing lyrics (He's got two left feet and he bites my moves) that calls to our youth and makes it so appealing. Or maybe it’s just a catchy song…

Black Kids I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance with You mp3

Lastly, almost all Electronica music beckons for you to grab your sneakers and dance. Metallic Chuck Taylors are your best bet, but any color or brand will do. If you need a starting point, kick it off with some Daft Punk. Just thinking about Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter in their robot suits should be enough to get you going. Dance off!

Daft Punk, Harder, Better, Faster Stronger (in light of the Grammys) mp3

Thursday Top 5: Booze-Filled Tunes for V-Day

2009-02-12T15:40:00.003-05:00

So, with Valentines' Day coming up this weekend, I wanted to do a list of songs related to this day that, I believe, was created by greeting card and florist companies to make loads and loads (and loads) of money on one day. But instead, I decided to do a list of songs, in no particular order, that are drenched in booze, feelings and all that good stuff. Enjoy!

1. The Good Life, I Am Island mp3

“Because the night’s tragic rambling/ is the next day’s apology. / So if you can just sit tight until the sun hits the blinds / we can settle everything.”

No one knows how to describe the sullen mood of boozing quite like Tim Kasher and The Good Life. His howling voice accurately conveys the feeling associated with those booze-fueled evenings that end with regret of what was said. The drunkard in this song is unsure of everything. He hopes to soothe the uncertainty with a drink or two but finds it just makes things worse. In just under 2 minutes and thirty seconds, the mood goes from trying to work things out to realizing that he is just a “selfish” and a “dysfunctional fuck up” who quits, baby.

2. The Hold Steady, You Gotta Dance (With Who You Came To the Dance With) (live) mp3

“I was out of my head so it was out of my hands/ White wine and some tall boy cans./ They powered up and they proceeded to jam man.”

The Hold Steady have so many songs about drinking. But this is by far my favorite one. To me, it is almost educational. Let me explain that: In the Live at the Fingerprints 2006 performance, Craig Finn bantered about how this song title isn’t about dancing, per-say. It is a simply piece of advice that you have to stick to one type of alcohol per night otherwise you will regret it in the morning. Everyone has made that mistake and, without fail, has woken up with a nasty headache, stomachache, and sometimes, heartache. Listen to The Hold Steady on this one; they know what they are talking (singing) about.

3. Bright Eyes, Well Whiskey mp3

“Now I let my troubles solve themselves./ I used to get involved, but I’m just no help./ But tonight let’s pretend that we’re just like we were./ Let me stay until the morning, I will sleep on the floor.”

Omaha, Nebraska-native Bright Eyes has a history of writing great songs about alcohol (“Hit the Switch,” “Lua,” etc). This one has a special charm to it. Whiskey is a drink associated with, often, the most unattended of folks. The smell that flows from the glass can be alienating at best. And the taste is as overwhelming as the odor.

The whole song is basically a testimonial to what happens when whiskey is the drink choice. Whether it be from the every-day well or the special occasion “top shelf,” the mood is one where postulating about the past and future is the norm. Control is exalted to the glass and nostalgia takes over. Whatever the outcome of the night is, a swift washing of clothing will be performed in order to get the stink of the night off the rags. Whiskey never fails to leave a stench on all it touches.

4. Deer Tick, Art isn’t Real (City of Sin) mp3

“I am just going through the motions./ I need an old fashioned potion./ There has gotta be some old recipe / ‘cuz I gotta get drunk/ I gotta forget about some things.”

Hailing from Providence, Rhode Island, this band released their first studio album “War Elephant” in 2007. Their folksy sound is paired with the raspy voice of lead-singer John McCauley. In this song, which is the second song on the album, he describes an obsession with thinking. He is hopeful for things to get better, but for the time being, he feels that they might not. He is regretful for wasteful actions. He dwells on bad memories. He wants to go back the simpler times but cannot. It is a familiar feeling that, to be sure, has been experienced by most 20-somethings trying to find their place in the world after four years of blissful college life.

5. Regina Spektor, Bartender mp3

“I’ve been too candid./ Now I’m barely standing./ Just call me a taxi and prepare for landing.”

Now it should be stated that the extent to which I like female vocalists is pretty limited at best. But I love Regina Spektor. There is something so raw about her persona that I feel the emotional severity in each note she sings. And with this song, I can relate to every single word she utters as she slams on the piano. Even the smallest details of this song, like the way she repeats ‘bartender’ over and over again emphasizing each syllable, is a perfect portray of the way one feels after clasping to the bar stool all night. Things get fuzzy after a point and last call is coming. It's time to put down the glass and get on home. Things will never feel quite the same until next time of course.

Eureka! Blind Pilot

2009-02-11T16:51:00.000-05:00

It was a melancholy day in the office. I was bored as usual which means I was probably spamming people on Myspace. The gloomy darkened sky outside matched my ashen heart and a singular tear may or may not have slid down my face and landed on my fancy high tech Wacom mouse pad. All of a sudden, the clouds parted and the sunlight dried my tear as something wonderful began to play from the office iDock. Upon further investigation, I found out that the glorious sound was actually a band called Blind Pilot.

What started out as a two-person project founded by Portland, Oregon natives, Ryan Dobrowski and Israel Nebeker, has now become a nine-piece group. Despite the amount of band members, the music is surprisingly low-fi and peaceful. My personal favorites from their album 3 Rounds and a Sound, are “Oviedo” and “One Red Thread,” but Starbucks seemed to enjoy “The Story I Heard,” and put it on a compilation CD to prove it! Blind Pilot is about as soothing to the ear as Cherry Pepto Bismol is for a stomachache. Trust me.

Blind Pilot- One Red Thread

Blind Pilot's Myspace

Welcome one and all.

2009-02-11T15:31:00.005-05:00

Hello Fans,

Welcome to the Euphonie, a music blog created by three lovely ladies with a total admiration of all things indie rock 'n roll. The sky is the proverbial limit. This blog might just include something that will tickle your fancy in a harmonic way, of course. Like...

"Eureka" posts aka. introductions about new bands we have recently become obsessed with
random themed top [insert number] lists
musings about pop-culture and life in general
selections from "overheard on the office iDock"
the occasional post outlining the reasons why we disagree with the gods at Pitchfork

And of course, there will be random bad (awesome) puns on occasion.

So take off your coat, hat, mittens or other outwear. Make yourself at home on our fancy old couch. Maybe grab a cold PBR. Why not stay a while and leave a comment or two? We will make it worth your while. Promise.

Yours Truly,
Allie, Jenna & Laurie