One of my all time favorites, Black Moth Super Rainbow, has a new single out on the Mexican Summer label. The A-side off the single asks: "Don't You Want to be in a Cult?" Pretty standard fare as far as BMSR are concerned with wacked out vocals and a beat that's always a hair off. It's the harpsichord and super clean digital strings in this one that set it apart from their older stuff. At this point I'm amazed that a band can have so many variations on what is essentially one theme and still keep it interesting. BMSR could keep making songs like this for the next five years and I think I would gobble 'em up as fast as they could dish them out.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
yeah, if I get to drink kool-aid and listen to this all day
So Many Kinds of Evil!
That's what I thought when I listened to Mastodon's new single, Divinations... And I was going to post a link to that song... But then I remembered that we don't really post metal on this blog. So instead, I've this song called "Courage" by The Whitest Boy Alive, one of the many projects that Norwegian disco/lite rock superstar Erlend Oye finds himself in these days. This one is just real good, it starts off as though it might want to be a Kings of Convenience track with the choppy rhodes and guitar but around 1:20 a super staccato synth melody comes and everything makes sense as Erlend begs that you show some "courage, courage, courage..." New The Whitest Boy Alive album, titled Rules, drops March '09.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Show Review: Breakfast Mountain, Atole, Truckasaurus
As embarrassing as it was to get lost in a part of town you are familiar with, I also paid the price and missed most of Breakfast Mountain’s set, but that’s okay, because Zack Osterlund, the mastermind of a set that one member of Truckasaurus dubbed “filthy,” is (full disclosure) an old friend from High School and I’m sure he understood. I have a feeling though that if his last song was any indication of the rest of his set that it was indeed “filthy”–he had the whole crowd yelling, “Fuck tha police, fuck tha police, fuck!”
This was the first time I got to see Atole play live with Marius Libman a.k.a. Copy, a.k.a. DJ Copy, trudging along on bass. The addition of Marius gives Atole’s somewhat wobbly live sound a more solid foundation so that the drums can really lock in. Two things struck me that hadn’t before: their songs began to take on a soundtrack element to them as I imagined high-speed car chase scenes and shady drug deals a la Superfly. The second thing was that with the bass they now sound like a relevant version of the Chemical Brothers–breathing much needed life into a genre many now consider to be in its last throws, much in the same way lead singer Manny juices up the crowd by showcasing his signature dance moves as he slides through the audience.
Who knew that when you combine a truck and a dinosaur you get an electronic act from Seattle? It’s hard to know where to begin when all I can think about is how rad and/or gnarly their name is. What was happening visually seems like a good place because perhaps more so than any other genre, electronic music often relies on visual elements in live settings to keep the audience engaged. Enter found footage splicing/mixing bonanza featuring all of the following: the famed match between Hulk Hogan and Ultimate Warrior, American flags flying through space, skiing, explosions, helicopters, 80’s computers, motorcycles, some questionable dancing, Jean Claude Van Damme, trucks drag racing, and the obligatory guy humping hay and a dude who poured beer on his head and vomited on himself.
As far as the sonic elements were concerned their set was perhaps one of the most legitimate electronic music live shows I’ve seen. No laptops, just synths, sequencers, drum machines–they sport a Roland 303 and 808 live, and a few Gameboys (if handheld gaming devices aren’t legit I don’t know what is) plugged in and making bleeps and bloops. It felt like I was living in a nine year-old’s dream world. The similarities to Aphex Twin and other staples of electronic music’s past were there but Truckasaurus is definitely more accessible and more importantly, fun. Their energy spilled out into the audience, who, for the most part, danced it up or at the very least, nodded along, raising their beers and cheering when Truckasaurus ended their songs with the sounds of explosives.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Merriweather Post Pavilion (Tues. Jan. 20th)
As if Animal Collective wasn’t already one of the most talked about bands existing in the realm of “indie-whatdoyacallthis?-rock,” they had to go and make what is likely to be one of the best albums of the year. This should not only prove to a big year for them (they are touring Europe for three months straight starting in January) but considering how amazing I found (am still finding) this album, I think it’s going to be a big year for everyone who hears this.
The opener “In the Flowers” comes in like a spaceship taking off. These bizarre parallels or quasi-contradictions characterize the entire album, which seems to leave only to come back louder and more bass heavy than before and with more vocals layered as well. The lack of any sort of discernable guitars on the first track also sets the rules for the rest of the album which relies oh-so-heavily on sampling, synths, drum machines and layering, layering, layering and more layering.
The layering of vocals on the third track “Also Frightened,” is especially effective in creating a sort of paranoid happy feeling as multiple voices ask repeatedly “Are you also frightened?” and minimal percussion skitters about here and there between bass beats. Considering all the electronic elements that make up this album, it sounds remarkably organic¬–as though the lab this was produced in had been entirely overgrown by vines and foliage, the result of some sort of natural catastrophe.
The icing on the cake has to be the lyrics, which often address charming existential dilemma’s such as “am I really all the things that are outside of me?” Out of context this may seem like puzzlements reminding us of “how am I not myself?” but when lines such as that are in their element it is hard to deny them.
In the wake of the Panda Bear’s immensely successful album Person Pitch, Merriweather Post Pavilion is a testament to Noah Lennox’s (as well as other vocalist Dave Portner’s and producer Ben Allen’s) ingenuity, both creatively and technically in terms of the wizardry that goes into making songs like these. Occasionally while listening to this album I asked myself questions like, “where am I?” (oh right! I’m driving, whoops...), “Is this the future of music?” (surely it must be, it sounds like the music I imagine space makes!), “ How did they do THAT?!... Is that even possible?” “Why do I feel like I am underwater and in space and in a rainforest all at the same time!?”
I think the answer to all of these questions is positively “yes!,” especially in the instances where that answer doesn’t even make sense.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Aaaaaaand were back!
EDIT Jan 18th: Kyle is alive and well! He just finished his comprehensive English exams and is going to be posting soon and perhaps working on some layout stuff. Stay tuned!
Expect posts, postings, posts about posts, post posts etc. Tell your friends and your friends mom's, ya' heard?
p.s. I don't know where Kyle is or what he is doing, hopefully he is happy and well and all of that.
Monday, July 07, 2008
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
2007-2008 Visualized
i was poking around last.fm and found a compelling add-on available for download. after a short install and configuration, this beauty popped up. i was reminded of andrew kuo's work in that it is as much aesthetically pleasing as it is nerdy. click here for the application (in zip file). unfortunately, if you're a mac kind of person, it ain't gonna work. i propose this, however, if anyone reading this has a last.fm profile and a mac as well, i will make one for you (you only need to enter a username). i'm going to assume the number of people that applies to is less than 5. keep it hood.
-awed eo sir fass
Monday, June 09, 2008
Band: Passion Pit
I tried to blog about the new Sigur Ros album this morning, but patently incapable of figuring out simple html code, I was overcome with an insurmountable mountain of fail. That's okay, we blog about Sigur Ros a lot. You know the drill, cop that leak.
Let me tell you about this other band named Passion Pit. I got the inside scoop from our new reporter in the field (Chicago, to be specific). Apparently, this band is the hottest act in Boston right now, opening for the likes of Girl Talk and Death Cab for Cutie. They make soulful lo-fi electro-jams, and I for one, am digging it. Recent college graduates, these guys seem to have a lot of upside, with substantially less hype than some other bands. so, give them a listen and feel it like this guy feels doug martsch.
Saturday, June 07, 2008
bum flame monster
remember menomena? torn jeans, plaid shirts, early 90's? well, everybody's favorite heavy metal supergroup made a muxtape of b-sides and rarities. take a look.
oh, and on a semi-related note, the ongoing r. kelly trial sounds bananas.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
much ado about everything
people ask me all the time, "how much do you think the average baby panda weighs?" having no idea how to respond, i blurt out something regarding a hot new band i like or cautionary tale about poisonous berries. considering it's usually the former, i figured i'd relate the same information without the rigmarole of waiting for someone to ask me to estimate the measurement of the gravitational force acting on a baby mammal. as my one-time roommate from minnesota might snarkily assert, "it's basic zoology." indeed, my ice-fishing friend, indeed it is.
recently, there have been a number of records that made me go, "oh, i wish i had a blog to write many great things about this record!". moments later, i realize i do, indeed, have a blog for that specific purpose and promptly drop whatever i'm doing to buy myself a celebratory confectionery treat.
Broken Social Scene Presents: Brendan Canning
classic BSS.
Chris and Mollie - The Palm Tree
thanks grace
David Ramos - This Up Here
a little bit folky, a little bit hip hop. a big sound with a dash of cuteness.
The Dodos - Visiter
from what i've heard, they put on a great live show. i can see why -- fun, fierce songs.
First Aid Kit - Plaits
uncluttered arrangements laced with top shelf vocals. each song seems to unfold into a beautiful, sprawling gem. riyl múm (and i know you do)
Frightened Rabbit - The Midnight Organ Fight
get really excited, then prepare to be broken down by scott hutchinson's sad scottish warble. great album.
Islands - Arm's Way
i like islands a lot. just try not to imagine yourself riding a jetski through flaming hoops and lassoing evil laser sharks while listening to "the arm"
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
New Sigur Ros Album Art! ... WTF!
The album titled, Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust, meaning, wait... I don't know what that means, maybe it has something to do with this awesome cover. Your guess is as good as mine. Maybe it's Icelandic for, "lets take off all our clothes and run through a field?" I hope so. Album is coming out June 23rdish?
Sunday, June 01, 2008
We Own the Sky
For people that know me well it is no secret that the only band I really listen to is m83. I got to see them live at the Doug Fir for the first time about a week ago. The show pretty much blew me away. They played a mix of songs from all of their albums except digital waves (which is an excellent ambient record, mostly because it doesn't have drums). The song I listen to most off of the new album, Saturdays=Youth is called "We Own the Sky." They started playing it while I was in a bathroom stall pouring a beer from my backpack into a Heineken that my friend from one of the opening acts got me. Anyways, it wouldn't all fit into the bottle and the head was going everywhere. My only option left was to just chug my beer in the bathroom stall and run back out there. Pretty Awesome.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Bon Iver Illustrated
I have this friend, her name is Ariel Kitch. We went to school together and also worked at the radio station. She's basically great. Case in point: she is now an intern at NPR's "All Things Considered" and recently created a series of drawings based on her experience attending a Bon Iver/Black Mountain show in Washington DC.
Click to see slideshow
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Okay guys, let me just start by saying Kyle is in Italy doing really cool Italian things like dancing to Italian disco and eating Italian ice cream and pizza and wine and stuff. I'm in my room most of the day reading books that have nothing to do with music and thinking about what I want to do with the rest of my life. Anyways, what I am trying to say is... I will try to post soon and keep it up.
stay classy
+ love,
Dylan
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
No Kids - For Halloween
Whether they acknowledge it or not, every blogger is perpetually in search for... dare I say it? "The Next Big Thing." Opinions of what exactly this means will of course vary from listener to listener but they are united in that common goal. Is Vampire Weekend worth the hype? Ehh. But as soon as you listen to these guys that question won't even matter. You'll be so happy and thrilled that you heard this stuff that sleeping and working will appear to be annoying pauses during which you can't listen to No Kids. I don't think I need to say more at this point, so here's some essentials: The full-length, Come into my House, comes out on Tomlab on February 19. Spring is around the corner... and this is the first single off of their album:
02 For halloween.mp3
Saturday, January 26, 2008
We Brave Bee Stings and All
Her name is Thao Nguyen and she was raised in Falls Church, Virginia. Today, she can be found in Washington DC making beautiful music with her band The Get Down Stay Down. And she's coming to Portland on March 7th with Xiu Xiu. That should about do it. Click below to become a fan.
Daytrotter Session
More songs and tour dates
Wanna drum like Kickball?
(This isn't the band Kickball... but this dude is pretty awesome.)
Well now you can! Lisa, or "Drummer" as she is often called, is curating a website called www.video-drumming.com. She is going to post a new video each day and it will have original content on it as well. This will include lessons that she has filmed with her friends and cool stuff like that so now you too can drum like a pro!
Kickball!
Pimp, Money, Guns, Clothes, Drugs, Hustlers, Tits, Hoes
Surkin is a French (possibly German?) dude on the institubes label along with some other fine dance acts including Para One (that awesome remix on MSTRKRFT's Work On You 12"). I was fishing around on the internet and stumbled upon this. The posted song "Ghetto Obsession" is the result of putting Biggie Smalls and an NES together in a fusion machine. The image of Mario and Biggie kicking it drinking some tall boys and giving eachother daps is pretty amazing. Surkin is touring all over Europe right now, so if you are in Berlin... woohoo. He's also getting an early start on festival season by doing the Good Vibrations thing. Also, Surkin will be playing as part of the rather lackluster Coachella lineup this year.
The Eternal Children
I like Devendra, Cocorosie, Antony, and the rest quite a lot, but I had never heard of this documentary "The Eternal Children" (2006) which details the so-called freak folk movement. So you can imagine my glee when i found out such a thing existed. Moreover, the entire thing is available online, albeit split up into 6 parts.
Part One:
click below for the rest
Thursday, January 24, 2008
The Helio Sequence - Keep Your Eyes Ahead
i would normally post the cover art, but i think this picture is pretty unbeatable.
The Helio Sequence have always been a good band; well-received critically, top of the ranks in terms of Portland* (*Beaverton) bands. I've never really given them much thought or time though. Helio Sequence, here is your fair shake. Their new album "Keep Your Eyes Ahead", coming out January 29th on Sub Pop, is rather good. It sounds tighter, more focused, and, well, better than their last few releases. "Love and Distance" is quality, make no mistake, but I can only handle so much of that distinctive, cosmic-synth business. Sometimes, you just have to pick up a guitar and start singing like Hamilton Leithauser (best goddamn name in rock and roll) and Bob Dylan. Reverb is used copiously and effectively, and as such they sound vaguely similar to their equine label-mates. While that bubbling synth isn't gone, it has been faded into the background and a more diverse sound has emerged. Standout tracks include the opener "Lately" and the banger "Hallelujah", but most of the songs are good, which is generally indicative of a decent record. The last song, aptly titled "No Regrets", is a foot stomping last-call, which sounds like one's last breaths expelled into a harmonica, the sporadic wheezing accompanied by your best friends' drunken sing-along; all this seemingly guiding you safely to bed, or the grave.
oh, and shit, you can play that whole bad boy over at their myspace:
MYSPACE
Buy from Sub Pop
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