September 2008
20 posts
August 2008
31 posts
“Each and Everyone” by Everything But The Girl
EBTG started off as a smooth jazz group on their first album. Tracy Thorn’s low voice has an honesty to it that brings to mind Morrissey. Composer and multi-instrumentalist Ben Watt was able to transition the duo from large ensemble jazz to soulfull electronic/groove (think Sade). This later sound is what put them on the map internationally. Good music if you have a modern house with white carpeting and huge bay windows that overlook the coast.
This video displays the raw talent of EBTG:
Like Estate, Air France has some smooth jams. Yes, the band Air is from France. Yes, they also play smooth jams. No, Air France is not from France. They are from Sweden. Air France is also the name of an airline.
On Fire by The William Blakes
This band is weird pop, see for yourself. The instrumental parts are well layered and quite diverse. They’re from Copenhagen. I find the lyrical themes most compelling, especially the way they are phrased within the song:
“People tell us that we’re not the same. And that we’ll never meet again. But if we never ever meet again, won’t you tell me just your name. Just your name.”
I keep coming back to get more from The William Blakes. The more I listen, the more I like it.
The above posted song (“On Fire”) reminds me of Architecture in Helsinki.
Also, their new album is named after the lead singer of The Flaming Lips.
A Nerd is someone who is passionate about learning/being smart/academia.
A Geek is someone who is passionate about some particular area or subject, often an obscure or difficult one.
A Dork is someone who has difficulty with common social expectations/interactions.
I took a test and the results are in:
57% Nerd, 26% Geek, 9% Dork
Nothing left to ponder.
Let Her Know (Nobot Remix) by Estate
This remix adds a soft-Daft Punk vibe to the original version. I can’t get enough of these guys. They’re from Minneapolis. Truly beautiful.
Van She = The Australian Phoenix?
Changes by Van She
When Phoenix dropped the album It’s Never Been Like That a few years ago, it only took one listen to dub it classic. I can picture myself spinning it from front to back while playing the future equivalent of Cranium with my family ten years from now.
I get a similar revelation from Van She’s album, V. Like their Aussie colleagues Cut Copy, Van She keep it danceable with keys and synths. My only criticism is that the gloss is sometimes too thick, like on the chorus of this song for example.
As expected. Click through to the break down on the genres.
Random Firl by Late of the Pier
A good indie single. I don’t know if they’re marketing it as such, but the length (mere 2:14) and instant catchiness make it easy to recognize and groove to. Vocals sound like Kevin Barnes meets Julian Casablancas. It’s hard to write a unique melody to a simple and tried progression.
One of These Days by Camper Van Beethoven.
Saw these guys open for Built to Spill a few years ago at 9:30 Club in DC. This song really speaks to me on a mood level. I like the violin, guitar riff and pace. They were breaking the scene in the eighties….. “college rock”.
If I could have one in front of my office building, it would be Olde Times Square. Chelsea’s cool, but can’t fit more than a bike or two. Hipster one is very Austin.
I can’t Go For That (No Can Do) (Hall & Oates Cover) by The Paper Scissors
Aussie band covers one of the smoothest songs ever.
Jim James of My Morning Jacket played this Gil Scott Heron cover of “When You Are Who You Are” at the Newport Folk Festival. Pretty cool, although the original boasts some tasty sax lines and snazzy drumming.
New song from David Byrne (Talking Heads) and Brian Eno called “Strange Overtones”. The instrument/beat is really pleasent and the melody is classic gold.
CSS (Brazil) dropped their new album this summer and it’s no sophomore slump. The song “Move” reminds me of Men At Work for some reason. This is a Cut Copy remix of the song, which is appropriate since they’re Aussies too.
